My article called “How to help a child cope with the death of a parent” was published this morning. This is a sensitive subject to many – it is to me.
Of course if you have a moment, please read the article. Feel free to comment there or on here, vote and share. I would love to read your feedback. I appreciate the support! 
The poem is short, but concise. I had to write it based on a personal experience.
As I’ve been diligently working on articles and some other writing projects – I will reveal real soon – I discovered my passion for short stories. I was revising a short story I plan on sending to a magazine when another short story idea popped in my head. I immeditaley jotted down the ideas before they vanished from my mind.
Later that evening, I revisited my notes. I was pleased with the material I had produced. It reminded me of when I wrote The Past Beckons. I had so much fun writing the short story. I had fun writing my novel A Second Chance, but it was intense; I will not lie.
Even though writing is not simple, I tend to find writing short stories easier for me. I don’t feel rushed trying to get to the point as I do when writing a novel. I guess I am not patient. I am not saying writing a short story doesn’t take time because it does. I guess what I am trying to convey is the main idea of the story comes sooner rather than later. I don’t feel as if I am dragging the story. I hope I make sense.
I thought about this long and hard and I made a decision. I will continue to pursue short stories, publish them in magazines and on my blog. When I feel the time is right, I will commence on my next novel. Until then, it’s all about short stories and articles. Unless of course a literary agent wants to take me under their wings. At that point, I will have a change of heart.
Finally, my short story is available through Kindle for those who use e-book reader. I hope you all enjoy the story.
Please let’s keep everyone from Oklahoma in our prayers. The devastation is inconceivable. ;(
Source: Google Images
Source: Google Images
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.
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!
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.
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?
