Radically Altering a Story

So I had just sent my Exile Calling Journal to my friend/editor/big bro Les to look over and give input when a thought came to mind about making changes to part 2 of my short story Onondaga County's Own Peculiar Salamander's Tales. Okay, so it wasn't right when I sent it to him, but it was within 24 hours of sending it to him. Anyways, this is not about the time frame, but rather, the radical nature of the alteration...this is like teaching students that the world is flat and then waking up one morning and feeding them crap, like the world is round...or is it the other way around??? Oh, well, you figure it out.
I am about to do a total makeover to how I came to know about, and meet, the salamander. I think the new story will showcase more of the loneliness, friendship, and mystery that I want to project through the series.
I know you are anticipating the Journal (no more calling it a newsletter...there is no news in it), and so am I. Please, stay tuned for any new developments...Peace unto all of you, and me, too, of course.

Exile Calling Issue 2

As the days amble closer to the release of the second issue of Exile Calling, I can't help but look back at the beginning and see how far we've all come. Exactly twenty three days ago, the first issue was released to some rave reviews about the talent (thank you...please, you can sit down and stop clapping now...thank you, thank you) and the idea itself. Those days have gone by fast, rushed on by the prospect of seeing the second issue, which is now a few days away. What I remember the most about those days is the rain, the constant rain, and the clouds blanketing the skies, not in a dark, threatening way, but in a gloomy haze that induces one's eyes to long for the restful reprieve of a warm bed. Now we wait for a little while longer.
 As much as I'm afflicted with loneliness up here, I do appreciate the nature...this is one of the most beautiful places I've been.

Exile Calling Video

I feel an urge to create an Exile Calling video to Lucky Dube's Born to Suffer. Very few artists have impacted me as Lucky has, as his music has been prominent in my plays.
This guy was on par with Bob Marley and other great lyricists and performers advocating for social justice and freedom. RIP, brother.

Beautiful Autumn

Upstate New York is a a beautiful sight at this time of the year with the leaves morphing into a variety of colors before detaching and descending into their final dance in the wind. Soon, winter will come, the skeletons unwilling to divulge their once great beauty to a harsh conqueror whose own beauty can be attested to many. I have missed the great Northern winters and the fun that comes with them. I look forward to what this winter will bring in blessings, inspiration, and a second chance with my mom.
So much to do, so much to accomplish, so little yogurt to eat.

Fantasy and Horror Stories

What's the fascination with fantasy and horror stories? I agree that I enjoyed The Hobbit and a few stories here and there (excluding bedtime stories, of course), but I was not drawn to those particular genres to consider myself a fan. It seems a lot of writers are pumping out these kinds of stories, is it because of the success of Harry Potter and the Lord of the Rings franchises?
Well, I guess to each their own. I'm looking to write a few article proposals to different area magazines. We'll see how that goes.

Staying Alive!!!

It has been quite some time since I last posted something, but I've been busy working on the plays and some poems. I discovered the correct genre of poetry I love most is "epic." Sometimes, I feel as if the English language is still foreign to me because certain words, simple words, just elude my mind.
I have decided, egged on by certain folks, to look at the article about my mom, touch it up, and submit it somewhere. So far, it has received some good reviews, with some suggestions, when I posted it on a Facebook writer's group discussion board. We'll see how that goes.
Anyhows, work is complete on the second issue of Exile Calling, a few subscriptions have already come in (thank you, folks, now I can eat a hearty meal for at least one more day), and I am looking forward to writing some more.

First Subscriptions

Wow, as a writer, it's a great feeling to see the first few subscriptions for my newsletter (journal) come in. I am already looking to see how other displaced and dispossessed exiles like me can contribute their material to diversify the contents. I expected subscriptions to come in, but I didn't think it would be this soon. I thank you all for your support, and I assure you of greater things in the future, such as reinventing the Toyota brand to use cowpower instead of horsepower. I'm looking forward to reaching even more people...Thank you all.

Blog Followers

If you are a blog follower and have not received your free issue of EXILE CALLING, please send me your email (even if I have it) and I'll make sure you get it ASAP.

The Newsletter is out, folks

The first issue of EXILE CALLING has been sent out, folks, and I hope it's enjoyed as much as I did when I was putting it together. Some of you may be familiar to some of the works in there, as I used to post them on here, although, if your memory serves you right, you will notice the edited parts.
I'm having a blast right now, and I am already working on the second issue and that's a coming out well...I have to hold myself because I could release a few quality issues for the next few days...no kidding.
Well, hope you enjoy and please let me know by email, comments on here, or on facebook what you think.
Thank you,
Eddie

View of Life

I'm a firm believer in a subjective view of life. We view life as it pertains to us; to our feelings, needs, agitations, stimuli, etc. When we first moved here (Upstate New York), I was excited...then borderline depressed...then hopeful...but now, I'm not sure of how I feel about this place.
I like the quietness and the different life around me as a stimuli for writing. I must admit, I've done more writing in this past month than I've probably done the past ten years. At the same time, I miss the highlights of city life and my friends down in Atlanta. I miss the kids I used to teach, I miss hanging on weekends and watching football or having drinks.
Although, I can not say I regret making the move - I'm more than happy I did - I, sometimes, wonder what would have happened had I stayed in Atlanta. I'm always fascinated by why things occur the way they do.
I believe in fate...things happen the way they are meant to happen, and it's up to us to recognize the lessons in those occurrences...which is why I know I was meant to be here in this particular time. This view helps me go through life without many regrets or guilt baggage. It also affects how I write.
On a different note, I had some grilled chicken yesterday.

Grand Announcement!!! EXILE CALLING

Yesterday I posted that I will no longer be putting my work on this blog or on Facebook because of several reasons. However, I know some of you enjoy reading (as evident in your comments) so I have devised a means to continue supplying you with random acts of genius on my part (note: although it may be true, I am not implying that I am a genius...just that my acts are genius).
I settled on the name, EXILE CALLING, because, as you know, my work is influenced by my exile, and this is my voice calling out. A new issue will be delivered every first Monday of the month and will include segments on the short story, poetry, factoid about me, play excerpt, lyrics (not in the first issue), and book review.
I will be showcasing work that has not been submitted to other publications. The first issue will be sent out this following Monday (10/05/2009). It's really well-laid out, folks, I'm proud of it, myself.
So, send me your email, or subscribe ($15 for 12 issues) at the top right of the page, and every month you will be guaranteed a great work of art that will keep you salivating for the next issue.

Posting of New Work

Thanks to all that have been following my work and commenting, whether on the blog or Facebook, I really appreciate your input and knowing that someone is enjoying reading something I created. I am sad to announce that I will not be posting new work on here, I will still be talking about what I'm working on and my experiences, but the actual work (which was mainly rough draft) will not appear on here anymore.
There will be a way to keep reading, though, I am still working on it and I will be sure to let you folks know soon.
On a different note, my motivation has returned and I'm working on a few additional pieces. My main work, the Sankara play is coming along well, I look to be done with it in the next few weeks. I have to work on Sankara's personality, to make him really shine through the lines. But I, myself, can't wait for the work to be done...I'm amazed, and it's my own work...in an egotistical way.