Finding the Silver Lining

I think lately I've been trying to see the silver lining in everything, or at least hanging onto that belief that even if I can't see one now, that one exists. Our lives are a series of trial and errors, but I like to think that ultimately we are working towards inner growth. So every dark night leads us to a bright morning. In light of the recent hurricane that hit the east coast, it can be difficult to know what good such devastation can bring. How can we justify so much damage and find comfort in the face of tragedy? Are moments like these a testament of our true will and bravery? I feel very grateful that none of my friends and family were severely effected by the storm, and maybe that in itself is the silver lining, finding gratitude for what I do have again. It's strange waking up and seeing everyone continue about their day, trying to sit at work and start my Monday morning like so many others. It feels almost like I'm ignoring Mother Nature's blatant message, to enjoy life and respect it. To recognize the gift that it is and to appreciate every moment. It's easy to get caught up in the day to day, in our mind chatter and our incessant worries, however trivial they may be.
It's almost as if nature is trying to snap us out of it and force us to take a look at the bigger picture. I recently read this poem that I found to be very enlightening, someone had shared it in a forum and I felt the need to do the same:

Rumi ~ The Guest House

This being human is a guest house
Every morning a new arrival.
A joy, a depression, a meanness,
some momentary awareness comes
as an unexpected visitor.
Welcome and entertain them all!
Even if they are a crowd of sorrows,
who violently sweep your house
empty of its furniture,
still treat each guest honorably.
He may be clearing you out for some
new delight.
The dark thought, the shame, the malice,
meet them at the door laughing
and invite them in.
Be grateful for whatever comes,
because each has been sent
as a guide from beyond.

(In a lot of ways I feel this poem shares Oriana's message: Her greatest weakness, set her free.)

Today's silver lining for me happens to be another great review! It's amazing how just one kind word or gesture can really make your day, and for me that was Denna's review of Oriana's Eyes on her book blog:Chronicles of a Lonely Bookee. In other news, I'm giving away three copies of Oriana's Eyes on Goodreads! Check out my new funky widget on the right side of my blog!

Know Thyself

I have to be honest, when it comes to trying to market a book, I really struggle to figure out where to begin. I don't have an agent taking the reins of my marketing plan and telling me where to go and what to do. It's really just my own dream, one that at most times seems to be far off in a distant future that I can only grasp at.
Recently, I've been trying to put all my energies into sharing as many copies as I can. I really appreciate all the reviewers who have taken interest in Oriana's story, and I hope they believe in it as much as I do. Everyone is entitled to their own opinion of course.
The hardest part is trying to juggle my full time job with my full time dream! But, I think I'm managing alright so far. (Although maybe that's just a result of having a naive, optimistic mind.)
While most publishing companies are probably gunning for the over a million sales, I get excited when one more person adds Oriana's Eyes on Goodreads. I know, pathetic, but every little bit counts when you're an indie author. I got a really generous email from a reviewer recently who said they thought my website was beautiful, which means a lot to me when I've spent hours working on it. (No web designer to pass that torch to, just lil' ol' me.) Especially when I was up past midnight trying to figure out why the heck I couldn't access my ftp site. (Resolved now.) I was trying to add the new review to the home page. Finally I figured out I was being a doofus and realized how to put it up.
For all you fellow indie authors out there, I hope you all keep seeking your dream! I titled this blog, Know Thyself, because I wanted to be real about what I'm trying to do and accept that at this point, I'm doing the best I can and that's okay. Even if you're taking baby steps towards your dream, your still trying and sometimes that's all you can do. It's a lot better than giving up.

Time for Giving

I can't believe how long it's been since I posted here. I should really be ashamed. Despite the lack of blog posts, I have been very hard at work spreading word of Oriana's Eyes, and "dun dun dun" completing the second book!
Just the other night I could not go to sleep because I couldn't stop thinking about everything happening in the second book. I do have a title, finally, but I can't reveal it just yet. I feel like it's the right fit, but I can't be sure just yet. Too early in the game. A lot of questions about the University, how the half-bloods became tyrants and all the mystery surrounding Odon will be revealed, but that's all I'll say for now.
Anyway, I hoped you've checked out some of the Missing Letters of the University or Dorian's Last Say, because that's really my favorite thing to add to this blog and I'm thinking that there will be more of those. If you like them??
In other news, stay tuned for a number of reviews and giveaways going on! Many thanks to Becky's Barmy Book Blog for her review of Oriana's Eyes. I think everyday I've sent out another couple of copies to reviewers and I can't thank them enough for their willingness to give Oriana's Eyes a chance. Until then I'm going to keep writing, and maybe even a sneak preview on the blog? What do you think? It's going to be difficult to keep everything to myself for much longer.
One last thought, if you have any fan art, I'd love to share it on my blog and website. Feel free to email me at celeste@celestesimone.com.