Finally, my short story is available through Kindle for those who use e-book reader. I hope you all enjoy the story. 
Prayers for Oklahoma
Please let’s keep everyone from Oklahoma in our prayers. The devastation is inconceivable. ;(
Source: Google Images
An Inspirational Quote to Start the Week
Source: Google Images
My Initials are in a Movie
This may probably be silly to some, but I find it pretty cool that my initials MCB – which stand for Mayra Colon-Bitsko – are in the movie called ATM.
Oh, and the movie happened to be real good.
Update on My Short Story: The Past Beckons
Recently, I’ve been asked if my short story is available through Barnes and Noble. The answer is yes. It’s available online only and in paperback form. The Kindle version will be available soon.
Thanks to the people who sent me messages inquiring!
Book Reviewing Can Be Intense
I find book reviewing extremely fun, but it is also be very intense. Many of the aspiring authors have gripping stories, and many do not. I have
come across a couple of stories that are in desperate need of help. I hate having to say that because I still have a thing or two to learn about writing. Nevertheless, with these stories, there are some things that are visibly wrong. There’s no way around it.
I find it hard having to be critical on other people’s work because they are trying so hard. But as book reviewers, we cannot sugarcoat our opinions. In turn, being honest is what makes the book reviewing process intense. We all have strong opinions about the material that it is almost a debate. At the same time, we are offending the writer. I try not to offend because it’s not right – at least in my eyes. I’m truthful with my input, but I am sensitive to the author’s feelings. On the other hand, some reviewers could care less. They are harsh. Yikes! I cringe. But, I guess that is the nature of the beast.
This whole book reviewing thing is new to me, but I am enjoying every minute of it. I just hope the aspiring author’s do not get discouraged with our (brutal) feedback.
Fearing New Challenges
When we are confronted with new challenges, we have two choices: 1) run away from the challenges for fear of failure. 2) Tackle the challenges head on. If you choose #1, you are only allowing fear to get in the way of what in fact could be a fantastic opportunity. If something goes sour during the process and all fails, at least you tried, right?
When I was younger, I feared challenges and new opportunities. I wanted them so badly, but when the time came to step up to the plate, I was a nervous wreck. I allowed fear to take control of me. I would never follow through; I would never finish what I started. I feared that I wasn’t good enough. After a while, my behavior irritated me that I decided to make a change.I began accepting the challenges even though I still had the fear within me. Of course I had my share failures – still do. But at the end of the day, I welcomed the challenges and gave to the fullest of my potential.
Just recently, I accepted a couple of writing projects that scares me a little. Not because I cannot perform the tasks, but because I am afraid of not living up to certain expectations. However, I am still going for it. Why not? What do I have to lose? I plan on giving it all I have. If it works, fantastic. If it doesn’t, at least I tried.
Fear isn’t a comfortable feeling – it paralyzes us from moving forward. We lose opportunities because of it. How many of you have lost opportunities because fear has gotten in the way? How many of you regret missing out on those opportunities?
Novel #2 – Taking My Time
The days I took off from work were put to good use. I needed some time to reorganize certain aspects of my life – writing especially. There is SO much I want to accomplish, but not enough time or resources. Meanwhile, I had to accept the reality that I am in fact biting off more than I can chew. If you read this post Am I Biting Off More Than I Can Chew? you’ll understand what I am referring to.
Well, as I sat in silence on my deck one sunny afternoon, I created a list of things I WANT to do and a list of things I NEED to do. I admit this list has helped me significantly in the short period of time.
On the want list, I wrote down novel #2 and a deadline – an unrealistic deadline. I desperately want to start and finish novel #2, but there is no way I can reach that goal without producing a rushed and messed up novel. That’s not the answer. I asked myself, “What’s the rush?” I had no answer. There is no rush. Therefore, I am taking my time.
My greatest desire is to create a novel worthy enough for a literary agent. A Second Chance was not given a chance by any literary agent; therefore, I want to dig in further and figure out exactly what they are looking for. I want to strike gold with an agent willing to represent me. Sadly, I do not have the time to attend as many writing conferences as I wish I could. And it’s not because I lack motivation. However, reading blogs from aspiring authors, published authors and literary agents, I am sure I will get a sense of what it is agents are looking for. I do not want to self-publish this time around. I will in the future for short stories, not for novels. I want to take a different approach with this book, especially since this book is close to home. My first one was, too. Nevertheless, there is something special about this book that I want to make it flourish and not sit on a shelf collecting dust.
I learnt that taking more than you can handle can go two ways: it can work just fine or be a total failure. Therefore, before I went down the failure path, I pulled the reins in on me. Without organization, not much will get done.
A Poem From My Teenage Years
Below is the link to a poem I posted on Hubpages. It was written when I was 17 years of age. I thought it would be cool to share.
Amazing Supporters
When you hear the word supporters, people automatically assume supporters are the people who purchase an author’s work. No, actually there are a different type of supporters.
In my case, the supporters I am referring to are the group of people who read not only my books or other writings, but my journey – a journey that isn’t an easy one. I choose to document my journey as a self-publisher and freelance writer for inspiration. It’s a way of giving something to others who are trying to develop their dreams into something real. There may be times when they are about to give up, but I want them to keep on holding on.
Today, I received a simple yet beautiful message on Facebook from an extraordinary illustrator. She said I am her inspiration. I had no idea she saw me in that light, but I am beyond delighted. I’m grateful that I have that impact on people.
