Continuing the Story...

“Hey, Jade. What’s going on?”

Jade stammered, not sure of how to explain her situation. “Um…Phillip…I’m…well, you see…”

“Jade, spit it out. What’s the problem?”

“I’m in the hospital. They want to send me to the psychiatric ward.”

Silence.

“Jade, I don’t know what to say.”

“Say you’ll get me out of here!”

“Okay, give me the facts. And be honest.”

Jade told him the entire story without embellishing on it. After she was done, she heard a large sigh from Phillip and knew she wasn’t going to hear what she’d hope for.

“You have to spend the seventy-four hours there. What you do and what they see from you will determine the outcome and their recommendations.”

“I see. So that’s it. I have to stay here.”

“Yes.”

* * * *

I'm excited about the progress I'm making on this story. I'm planning on giving small snippets every time I post so you can see what's going on.

"All we have to decide is what to do with the time that is given us." J.R.R. Tolkien

Excerpt From My New Novel

I wanted to share a small except from the new novel I'm working on. I haven't decided on a title yet, but "A Walk Through Hell and Back" has been my working title. Perhaps I'll change it a few times as this progresses. I'm sure you know what I mean. Your comments are appreciated


                                                                     * * * *



The nurse slipped through the sliding glass door and Jade heard the click of a lock as the door shut. I’m locked in here? What’s going on? Outside the door she could see a security guard hanging around, leaning against the desk at the nurse’s station. Jade eyes searched the room for her clothes, but didn’t see them. She wanted to get up and leave! But all she had on was a short, cotton gown that was open in the back. Her bra and panties were gone also. She wouldn’t get very far like this, even if she could get the door unlocked and avoid the waiting security guard.

The sliding glass door opened again. A tall man wearing blue scrubs and a while coat entered and stepped up to the computer attached to the wall in the room.

“I’m Doctor Gaele, one of the emergency room doctors. Let’s see…you arrived about two hours ago and it looks like you overdosed on insulin. Is that correct?”


Jade nodded, keeping silent. Her stomach knotted up as her hands clenched together.

WRITING 101

I came across a paper I'd written out from a class I took on writing. The idea of the paper is to get you thinking before you actually start writing your story. I find that this type of guide helps get the creative juices going so you can make notes about each of your characters and then start writing. I hope this helps you like it does me.

Writing 101

1. Have a game plan: How many chapters?
2. Use action instead of introspection to move story along.
3. What are four or five moments that will occur in the plot?
4. Can you think of at least two complications for each of these?
5. Will complications push characters in ways to make them uncomfortable?
6. What additional settings will these complications demand?
7. Which character will be the protagonist?
8. Which character will be most affected by the inciting event?
9. Does this character have at least two major problems or anxieties in his life?
10. Which offers the most for conflict and drama?
11. How does this problem affect other characters? How will they react?
12. Focus on the senses: images, sounds, smells, tastes and feelings.
13. Identify story’s central idea.
14. Solidify our character’s (protagonist) conflict with the plot.
15. Decide the book’s focus (romance, mystery, historical, etc.).
16. Ask: Why is this character behaving this way? Why would he be bitter (angry, sad, longing to go back, etc.) about his past?
17. What if he makes a radically different decision at a crucial point in the plot?
18. Start with these details: create characters, their lives and history, their likes and dislikes, family and friends. What do they look like?
19. After this, begin your outline.

Ideas and Writing

Since I lost my file on the book I had started, I’ve decided not to try and re-write the story. Maybe it was fate (if you believe in that sort of thing), but I’ve decided to go back to what I know. After all, isn’t that the best writing?

I’m starting notes about my story and maybe a crude outline this afternoon and will be working on that for the next period of time. I’ll continue to keep you up to date on my progress. But for now, I have only got a germ of an idea and have to sort it out in my head. Hence the notes and an outline.

I’m excited about getting into a story after my hiatus from writing. I think I’ve grown and am ready to write a solid work from my own experiences. I wish each of you well as you work on your own activities, writing, music, art and each of what are your talents.

Until next time, keep using your talent. It gives you purpose, productivity and a sense of self-worth.

Happy Mother's Day!

Mothers come in many shapes and forms. There is the traditional mother and there are step-mothers, mothers with adopted children, mothers with animals that are like children (I personally know one) and many other ways to be a mother.
To all these people, or mothers, I wish you a happy mother's day!

File Corrutped!

I'm very upset today because my entire manuscript (not complete - 46,000 words) was on a thumb drive and when I went to retrieve it, the message was "File corrupted - unable to open."
Needless to say, I was beet red and ready to delete my computer! I've tried many different ways to recover this file, however, it seems it's a lost effort.

So much for back-up!

I don't relish the thought of starting over, but the one good thing is it'll be a complete re-write. Maybe the second time will be better than the first...who knows? I feel honored to be in the company of people like Hemmingway and others who have lost manuscripts. But it's a crummy club to belong to.

Time to stop and whining get busy! Either I start again on this or I start a completely new story. We shall see!

Thanks for listening to my rant!







The Extraordianry Butterfly

 

Butterflies go through a “complete metamorphosis.” There are four stages to adulthood and depending on the type of butterfly, it may take anywhere from one month to a whole year.

 Stage One: A butterfly starts very small as an egg. It incubates and gets ready to hatch into a caterpillar.

 Stage Two: The caterpillar only stays at this stage for a short time and all they do is eat. Instantly, while they eat, they start to grow and expand.

 Stage Three: This is the coolest stage of a butterfly’s life. As soon as the caterpillar is done growing, they form themselves into a chrysalis. From the outside, the caterpillar looks as if it’s only resting, but inside it is rapidly changing. The old body parts are undergoing a remarkable transformation known as “metamorphosis.” After this is finished, it’s now ready for the final stage of the butterfly.

 Stage Four: When the caterpillar is completely changed, an adult butterfly will emerge. At first, both wings are soft and folded against its body and the butterfly is, as yet, unable to fly. After resting, it will pump blood into its wings in order to get them stronger and able to flap. The butterfly will usually master flying in about three to four hours and then off they go to give the world around them beauty and elegance.

 This cycle is much like the stages of growth in my life after my crisis and when I found hope through Compass House. I started out very small like the egg. My thoughts were “incubating” or changing as I started to grow.

Soon, I was like the caterpillar, where all I could do was eat (or seek and gain knowledge and understanding). This growth caused the most amazing change. This was an inward change, not seen by others. I was experiencing that “metamorphosis” where my entire thought process was rejuvenated. I became an individual who was looking forward to life. It’s really the best change because I was getting ready to become a butterfly. A shimmering example of my growth from beginning to now. Emerging from my cocoon and flapping my wings, I’m getting ready to explore my world while I allow those around me to see a new, positive and confident me. This is truly a “complete metamorphosis.”

(Compass House is a member of Clubhouse International, a place where those with a mental health diagnosis can go to experience hope, acceptance, non-judgment, empowerment, diversity and friendship. Compass House can help a person find dignity and growth at any level of their potential. It also helps fight the stigma that surrounds a mental health diagnosis. People from all walks of life have experienced symptoms of crisis, but because of this stigma, it prevents them from seeking the help they need. These people suffer greatly without some kind of uplifting assistance. This what Compass House is there for.)

New Beginnings

My blog has been silent for quite some time now. I have spent this time learning about myself and how I can write about these experiences. So far, the story is germinating in my mind and I believe it will begin to reveal itself to me in the next few months.


So many times, as authors of science fiction and fantasy, we shy away from writing autobiographical stories. Unless, of course, they are included in our main genre. I hope to break away from my usual writing and find a new voice that will embody the essence of what I have experienced.


So, to all those who are still listening to this blog, I wish you well.


Working Title:   A Long Walk Through Hell


Mental illness is a topic that, unless you're writing non-fiction, has been portrayed as some crazy person attacking people and trying to kill them or some such ideas. The idea that a toned down version where people are portrayed in a more sensible vein sounds boring. But anytime anyone experiences the pangs of acute anxiety, the highs and lows of bipolar disorder, the personality break of schizophrenia or the desperation of terrible depression there is a big yawn and the reader waits for the big scene where there is a desperate break from reality so there can be an adequate resolution.


I say there is a balance that can be reached where the story doesn't have to be outrageously overwritten or mind-numbing boredom on the other side. What I'd like to write about is a journey from crisis to self-realization from our protagonist. Of course there will be at least one antagonist and a few non-believers to the character.


Like I said at the beginning of the post, the story is still germinating. But I think I'm ready to at least start sketching it out.

Blind For A Season

A new story is in the making. It's about a doctor who is blinded while operating on a nefarious character. Was it really an accident? Or planned by an assasin aimed at revenge. But who was the real target?


Dr Shayne Stromberg deals with the realities of being a patient and being blind. How will he succeed with his new friend Mack, a seeing eye dog. Together they solve the mystery of what is happening to the OR staff, who one by one meet tragic circumstances. And, what happened to his operating partner, Gerry? An outspoken doctor determined to see Shayne recover.


I started the new story before I found out about the difficulty with my eyes. This makes the story much more intimate to me. I still have a long way to go to finish it, but will keep you posted.

Conflict and Suspense In Literature

Creating conflict and suspense in your stories can be hard work. One author stated: "It takes 10% talent and 90% hard work to create conflict and suspense...". If that is the case, then we'd better role up our sleeves and get to work.


It begins with grammar. How we use our words. When writing a scene needing a fast pace, the sentences need to be short and clipped. If you write in lazy sentences that are long and flowing, the reader will relax and not feel the tension. For example:


He walked into the dark room and saw blood pooled on the floor.


-or-


The room was dark. He edged forward. Blood glistened in a pool in front of him.


Which do you prefer? One is plain and straightforward and rather bland. The other gives more tension and the character edges into the room.


It takes more effort and hard work to create tension. What I do is first write what I want to portray and then take it apart to re-create the best scene possible. How do you create tension and suspense? Please share your thoughts with us.

A Tech-Whiz Day

Being a writer, I do a lot of reading in my spare time. Because of this, I decided to do myself a favor and invest in a Kindle Fire to do my reading on. I've been able to carry a whole library around with me as I go about my day. Not only will I have my entertainment with me, but I have reference books and the internet where wireless is available.


But when I'm at home, I like to wrap my hands around the pages of a real book where I can dog-ear the pages or flip back and forth or even ( heaven forbid) underline passages. You can't do this  with an electronic device.


Which do you prefer? Book or electronic device? Are you a tech whiz or do you love the rough feel of paper pages?


I tried to put a picture here, but it was rejected! So much for MY technological ideas!

Sale at Smashwords!

ATTENTION:


Book lovers of all kinds! Smashwords is having a site wide sale during the month of July. You can get books for 50% or 25% or even FREE!


Included in this sale:


Call of the Dragon, Book 1, The Dragons of Mar Coupon: MZ57W Price: FREE


The Puzzle Box, Book 2, The Dragons of Mar Coupon: DC39V Price: FREE


Dragon's Fury, Book 3, The Dragon's of Mar Coupon: DT87N Price: $1.00


Galaxy Nomads, Chronicles of the MacKenzie Clan Coupon: SM46M Price: $1.00


To find these books at Smashwords, click on the title and it will take you straight to its page. To see other titles, click HERE.


Happy reading!

IWSG and Happy New Year!

 January 6th is a special Insecure Writer's Support Group with not only the celebration of the new year, but the announcement of the winners of the IWSG Anthology Contest. You can go to the home page HERE to find the winners. Congratulations to all!

The co-hosts for January are:
L.G. Keltner  http://lgkeltner.blogspot.com/
Denise Covey  http://dencovey.blogspot.com/
Sheri Larsen  http://www.salarsenbooks.com/
J.Q. Rose  http://www.jqrose.com/
Chemist Ken  http://hogwartssabbatical.blogspot.com/
Michelle Wallace http://www.writer-in-transit.co.za/

I want to wish a Happy New Year to all my readers, especially those that are here after my hiatus. I had difficulty doing any posting and finally discovered my computer was to blame. But I was given a new computer for Christmas (and my birthday) and here I am, ready to go.


I've discovered that after two months of not writing I'm pushing a boulder up a hill to get started again. One part of me wants to lay around and watch TV instead of work like I used to. But I am encouraged by my sister, Retta Stephenson, who entered an incredibly challenging feat where she is painting a painting each day for the thirty days of January. It puts me to shame. I've turned off the TV and started working on my story, Gemini, Chronicles of the MacKenzie Clan, Book 2. This WIP was stalled but now that I have my new computer I'm starting it up from where I left off - chapter 13. Thank you, Retta!

IWSG - Mundane Thoughts

This is the Insecure Writer's Support Group which meets the first Monday of each month and hosted by Alex J.  Cavanaugh. To visit other members at the website, click HERE.

The co-hosts for November are:

Tyrean Martinson  http://tyreanswritingspot.blogspot.com/

Karen Walker  http://karenfollowingthewhispers.blogspot.com/

Denise Covey  http://dencovey.blogspot.com/  

Stephen Tremp   http://authorstephentremp.blogspot.com/

I've been working at a slow pace this month, unable to get my mind in gear. My latest story, Gemini, The MacKenzie Chronicles, Book 2 is at a standstill. Have you ever written yourself into a corner? Well, my corner has three sides, each with its own idea about the ending. I'm going back through the story to re-evaluate the story line and to re-create the plot line. Another few weeks of work, I suppose.

When I was on Twitter yesterday I saw a great tweet that said: Make yourself work. Write while you have the time or even if you don't. It encouraged me to keep working even when I'm discouraged or depressed.

"Read, read, read. Read everything- trash, classics, good and bad, and see how they do it. Just like a carpenter who works as an apprentice and studies the master. Read! You'll absorb it. Then write. If it's good, you'll find out. If it's not, throw it out of the window."
~~William Faulkner~~ 

IWSG- Interview With Retta Stephenson

This is the Insecure Writer's Support Group post with our host Alex J. Cavanaugh. Unfortunately, I'm not able to display our badge. There seems to be a foul up with my computer.


Our co-hosts for this month are:

TB Markinson https://tbmarkinson.wordpress.com/  

Tamara Narayan  http://www.tamaranarayan.com/   

Eva E. Solar   http://lilicasplace.com/  

Shannon Lawrence   http://thewarriormuse.blogspot.com/  

Stephanie Faris  http://stephie5741.blogspot.com/ 

I'd like to introduce an amazing artist who has shown me how important art is to the writing world. Retta Stephenson not only has done some of my book covers, she's also established her own site HERE. Here is me interview with her.

Questions For Retta

 

1. Where did you grow up and how did this influence your art?
    
   I’m a Southern California girl, now transplanted to Oregon! When I was growing up, my family moved every year or two from the time I can remember and I know that had a huge impact on me.
    
   By the time I started to make new friends at the new place, we’d up and move again. I only really had one best friend in grade school; ditto for jr and senior high school. So I spent a lot of time in my room, drawing and painting.
    
   Maybe it was a blessing in disguise, allowing me quiet time needed to go inward and “see” things to draw. Back then, in the Dark Ages, we didn’t have tv’s and computers in our rooms. ;-)
    

1. What brought you into the world of cover design?
    
   I was dragged kicking and screaming…. no no,  just kidding. Actually, My-Sister-the-Writer finished a book, and needed a cover! Oh, her name is… Karen Elizabeth Brown. Her book (still available HERE) is called Medieval Muse.
    
   I had a blast researching the different elements of the design for the cover art. Her writing is so descriptive, that I was able to “see” just the kind of cover I wanted to make. The challenge with art is to be able to translate the inner vision outward! But it was a lot of fun to do.
    

1. Do you have a certain time of day you like to work? And do you like music, TV or silence while you work?
    
   I work when it’s quiet! When the pup and kitties and The Husband won’t bug me. I totally can’t “go elsewhere” in my imagination with others around and interrupting me, jerking me back to reality. So yes, I tend to end up painting in the middle of the night too often.
    
   If I am in the creating phase, it’s instrumental music ONLY. No words. Something about mixing left and right brain hemisperes, I’m told. Later on, I can listen to my favorite music or even a tv show that I can listen to more than watch. Though I must say, many times it all disappears and I’m not even hearing it anymore, cuz I’m “inside” the image I’m working on. Then I look up and realize 2 hours just went by!
    

1. Pen and ink? Acrylic or oil? Are your book covers done by hand or digitally?
    
   Usually they start with many hand draw thumbnail sketches in pencil or black ink on scratch paper, done after reading the material from the author. They are rough, and I’m usually the only one that sees anything in them but chicken scratches.
    
   I’ll settle on one, try out a few color schemes, then run it by the author for approval. If it’s a go, then it’s my usual process: pencil, acrylics, scan it into computer, finish in Photoshop, in that order. I check with the author for any final adjustments, and voila! ha ha, makes it sound so easy.
    

1. How much time do you spend on a book cover?
    
   Depends. I’m not a fast painter to start with, but sometimes it goes smoothly and I “see” it right from the start. So maybe a week.
    
   Other times… like pulling teeth. Yet invariably, towards the end when I’m convinced I’m a total fraud and how dare I think I could ever do this…. it comes together and I end up being surprised and loving it!
    
    

How do you create your basic idea for a book cover? 

1. Basic rule of thumb: if I can’t “see” it first, I can’t paint it.
    
   So first thing is to get alone and quiet and get lost in the story. Or if I don’t have a finished story, read what the author gave me. Sometimes I ask specific questions once I get the seed of an idea, and the answers from the author can flesh it out.
    
   But let me warn you… it’s chancy putting in too much time before the story is finished. These authors have fertile imaginations, and have been known to change their minds! Then it’s EEK time, and I scramble to change my cover concept. Note to self: be patient, let the author finish first! ;-)
    
    
   7.  Are certain colors more important than others in creating a book cover?
    
    
   Color psychology, meaning of colors, science of color… oh my, there are SO many books on that topic! I’ve studied color for so long that it’s sort of intuitive for me now.
    
   But I will say, there are plenty of statistics that claim  warm colors combined with sparks of complementary color make a book cover that tends to attract people. So they say!
    
   While not discounting the experts, personally, I’d rather match the cover art to the needs of The Story. If The Story needs green, then let’s make it an exciting green!
    
   8.  When you read a synopsis, or part of a book, do you draw pictures while you’re reading (like an author takes notes)?
    
   Not usually pictures, since that takes too long and take me out of the story. But I do jot down notes, even if a word or two, to remind me of the image I saw in my minds eye. Since I don’t know yet which idea I’ll use, I save them all until the  concept is finalized.
    
    
   9.  Besides book covers, what other wonderful projects do you have in the works? Would you care to share a few with us?
    
   Right now I’m in the creation stage of a new series. Still making notes, drawing thumbnails to try out compositions, and bought some still life props.
    
   Let’s just say it involves flowers, a brass candle holder, an hourglass, many little animal figurines, and a human skull. No, nothing dark and foreboding. Rather, a time honored tradition in the art world: Vanitas still lifes. Mine will be full of color and hope and light. My candle will still be lit, my flowers alive, and my colors bright!
    
   10.  Some artists have favorite subjects to work with. Do you have any favorite subjects you like to paint?
    
   That changes often, I think. The one constant, though, is color and meaning. It has to mean something to me. To be worth exchanging my time, my LIFE, doing it. It can be serious, or light and fun. But ultimately, I would hope it adds something to someone elses life, too.
    
   It would be like writing a book that no one read, if no one saw the finished art. We create, and send it out into the world to be a blessing to others. And that’s my passion and my purpose.
    
    

Dragon Knight Chronicles Book Spotlight: Introducing Louise Findlay

Author Name

Louise Findlay

Author Bio.

Louise Findlay writes fantasy (generally short stories) and inspirational poetry. She enjoys reading and writing about mythological creatures such as angels and demons but has a soft spot for vampires. Louise is currently in the midst of writing a vampire novella about two vampire clans whose deputy’s clash in a big way, entitled A Spy in the Sagax Vampires. She generally writes ebooks but she’s apart of a few anthologies which are in print and plans to release a print version of a collection of poetry at Christmas time this year.

Author’s Website URL/Blog

louisefindlaybooks.com

Author’s Social Media & Additional Links

Smashwords: http://smashwords.com/profile/view/angel7090695001 Lulu: http://lulu.com/spotlight/angel7090695001 Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Louise-Findlay-Books/430927340306453 Twitter: http://twitter.com/authorlouise

List your previously published works

Vicious Vines This is the last straw. Humans have trampled over nature for the last time. Watch the plants fight back in the form of a human at one with nature. Will nature succeed in eradicating the humans or will an unexpected foe turn up in an effort to survive? https://writingroom101.wordpress.com/guest-post-by-louise-findlay The Rogue’s Odyssey Heroes with an edge are always fascinating and when the metier is poetic, the romance tends to rise exponentially because, after all, everyone loves a rascal who’s only a heartbeat away from being on the wrong side of the tracks, but who somehow always battles on to win the day, whether that’s fleeing from dastardly henchmen, or fighting a terrifying dragon. https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/514720 The Magic Christmas Dragon & Other Poetry Tales There was a dragon that hated Christmas because Santa never gave him any presents. Every year he tries to ruin it for everyone in Wintaru. Read the tales about fairies, elves and goblins who try and thwart this dastardly dragon. eBook: https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/499435 Print: http://www.lulu.com/shop/louise-findlay/the-magic-christmas-dragon-other-poetry-tales/paperback/product-22112635.html The Author’s Nightmare Story: Regina’s Curse (A Once Upon A Time Fanfiction Piece) Operation Mongoose 4x21 4x22 AU. For Regina the cruellest thing was to have had hope in the past and then have it ripped away from you. Regina's worst nightmare is her Mother and the Author has enacted her worst possible nightmare. Can Regina protect Henry from the Queen of Hearts? Does Emma have magic in this alternate Enchanted Forest? Who will become the new Dark One? https://www.fanfiction.net/s/11376045

Excerpt

Challenging a Demon—Idiot Number 73,854

By: Louise Findlay

Eventually the prattling mortal came.

"I am Liamus Titus, scourge of Valeria and the Dark Lands. I am sworn to defeat you, you foul beast," spat Liamus.

This would make idiot number 73,854. This was getting old, fast. I might have to go look for a real challenge someday.

I stepped forward menacingly. "Fool! For sixteen thousand years I have slain mortal men. I have annihilated empires, burned continents, and plucked the mightiest of kings from their thrones! If I could be killed, it would have been done already."

"With the might of the holy sword, Briusburn, I will defeat you," the idiot yelled, brandishing his sword.

What is it with heroes and their idiotic war cries? Insignificant mortal.

"Really. Just keep telling yourself that," I replied.

"Perhaps you did not hear me, demon scum," Liamus sneered, dragging the sword behind him. The blade flashed and sparkled in his heavy grip. With every step forward, the young man's eyes grew darker. "I hold Briusburn!"

I took my sword out of its scabbard and parried his first attack.

God he was so slow. Mortals always were compared to the speed I possessed. I parried all of his strikes with ease and looked on absent-mindedly as he tried to come up with creative ways to attack me.

"Seriously. Did you fail Sword Fighting 101?” I asked with disdain.

"Fiend! I happened to get an A+ from Voriay Du Lac's School of the Sword," he replied.

"Voriay, how is he? I spared his life once. Now he was a warrior! Name calling's not going to do much to me you know," I said smoothly.  I was a demon; I'd been called every name under the sun.

"Voriay is dead. I killed him," he told me.

The Dragon Tempest offers a collection of short stories in a variety of fantasy genres, including dark, light, adventure, and epic. Creatures from all worlds abound: dragons, angels, centaurs, witches, gods and goddesses, and those lurking below the water’s surface. Whether you’re moved by tales of battle and bloodshed, suspense, humor, or enlightenment, The Dragon Tempest will leave you craving more from each author. Such a diversity of great fantasy tales to enjoy will leave no room for disappointment. 

Judges:

Allison D. Reid

KJ Hawkins

D.B. Mauldin

Joshua Robertson

1^st Place Winners

Christine King

Katie Roxberry

Winter Bayne

Jane Dougherty

Wilson F. Engel, III

2^nd Place Winners

Christine Haggerty

Randall Lemon

Deborah Jean Anderson

J. Abram Barneck

Louise Findlay

3^rd Place Winners

Samuel Milner

Karen Brown

Ebook Buy Links:

Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Dragon-Tempest-Fantasy-Adventure-Anthology-ebook/dp/B0105JE02O/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1436399998&sr=1-1&keywords=the+dragon+tempest+tales+of+fantasy+%26+adventure

Smashwords: https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/552304

Itunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/dragon-tempest-tales-fantasy/id1009713116?mt=11

Barnes & Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-dragon-tempest-dragon-knight-chronicles/1122188936?ean=2940151986038

Paperback Buy Link:

Createspace: https://www.createspace.com/5586901