More than 20 years ago, my wife and I traveled to New Orleans to celebrate our Wedding Anniversary. Located on Bourbon Street is a small shop called [Madame Marie Laveau's House of Voodoo]. Marie Laveau is famous throughout Louisiana. During our first visit to The House of Voodoo, we decided to have our palms read. … Continue reading Past, Present, Future
Tag: Words are powerful
I'm posting a short conversation between my roommate and me this morning. I was in the kitchen when he came out of his room and said, "damn, I hate waking up!" I responded, "I wouldn't say that too often." Words are powerful. We should always be careful about what we may speak into existence. Happy … Continue reading My Thoughts This Morning [Words Are Powerful]
I'll begin by saying there are over 3.5 million people living within The Denver Metro Area. That's the area made up of 7 counties, including Denver, Aurora, and Boulder. Furthermore, the city of Denver covers 155 square miles, and the Denver Area covers thousands of square miles. Back in 2018, someone loaned me $20. Due … Continue reading My Thoughts This Morning [Words Are Powerful]
After nearly one year of investing every minute possible into my book(s), I've nearly finished with the first draft. As of this morning, my word count total is 123,000. By the time I finish he final chapter, Books 1 & 2 will total approximately 150,000 words. What a life-changing journey it's been. Joseph ShanklinFebruary 24, … Continue reading Novel Update [123k Words]
She didn't need to look over her shoulder to know he hadn't come home last night, and her feelings on the matter were well beyond disconcerting. Maybe it was better this way, being alone in the house. After all, she rarely screamed at herself. Reaching her hand towards the wall, she touched the coffee stains, … Continue reading Novel Excerpts 2nd Draft [Chapter /Beautiful In Every Way]
Earlier this morning I woke up thinking about a friend of mine. We've been friends for a very long time. I can count the days I've seen him completely sober on one hand [maybe two]. My buddy is on probation for drugs. Being on probation for drugs, he's required to submit a Urine Sample 3-4 … Continue reading My Thoughts This Morning [secret lives]
Another highly productive weekend. My last word count [80k]. The journey continues as I prepare to write the last two chapters [13 & 14]. Estimated word count upon completion before being handed over to a Professional Editor [100k]. I'm feeling good about Book #1 of the series coming in at 100k words, and still have … Continue reading Another highly productive weekend. My last word count [80k].
I've decided to post a 10k word version of this chapter. This a 2nd draft. Not to make excuses in advance, but far from a professional edit/proof read copy. One character, one chapter, from a 15 chapter book with a dozen characters. Not a short read! December 2011 The first thought Shelby had when she … Continue reading Beautiful In Every Way [Full Chapter 10k Word Version]
Once again, Shelby isn't deceased. First, I'd like to say Thank You for those readers who've taken the time to read any or all of this chapter. Being well over 10K words, it's a fairly long read when compiled. Being the 2nd draft of the chapter, it's grown some since the first time I posted … Continue reading Afterward / Beautiful In Every Way
Beautiful In Every Way Shelby breathed deeply, exhaled, and let it all go; sending everything that she had left in hopes of an answer. She was beyond exhaustion, her rage and adrenaline beginning to fade. Her stomach knotted, and she began to cough and spit. It was no use, too exhausted to stop the inevitable, … Continue reading Beautiful In Every Way [Part 22 of 22]
