Artie, the Time Traveling Chimp, was walking with an obvious limp. I asked, “What’s the matter?”, as he collapsed on a chair, with a clatter. “I crashed my machine. You know the one I mean. I was traveling through space, at an incredible pace. Time didn’t exist, and was not even missed. When, quick as […]
via Artie, The Time Traveling Chimp – Poem by Chris Graham… — Chris The Story Reading Ape’s Blog
Source: Definitely a wood for the trees moment?
Copyright (C) 2015 S.L. Jones
Chris The Story Reading Ape…Whaaaat?
When I first encountered Chris Graham, the man behind “The Story Reading Ape” I inquired as to what in the world was a story reading ape and how did he come up with that name? He politely referred me to his about tsra page to explain the circumstances of his unique designation in the Blogosphere. After all, everyone has to develop their own brand…right?
On one of my next encounters with Chris, he introduced me to his favorite “characters” who back up his really mean emails reminding authors to send him their stories so that he can feature them on his blog. At this point, I really became curious as to what this cyber person was all about! As you can imagine, I in fact raised an eyebrow when he sent me this!!
As I continued to read on, I learned that Chris Graham (no -e- after Graham) is a multifaceted individual, the likes of which I have never before encountered in the real world! His character boasts a reputation throughout the blogging realm of a dedication to the author and their success in the world of publishing! There is no fee, just the satisfaction that he gets from helping fellow author/bloggers/people just… because!
Chris also featured me, Patrick Jones, author of “The Wolf’s Moon” just a few weeks ago. I am now on the “infamous” Hall of Fame as well. This I am truly proud to be a part of. It was one of the most difficult “interviews” that I ever had because the assignment was to write about myself in the first person. I really had to look introspectively in order to decide what to write about! I finally decided to write about the book signing from my point of view as the author. It was a day I will never forget and will live on forever! I hope that you enjoy the story!
Please make sure to add Chris The Story Reading Ape in your author platform to promote yourself! You will find his #Author Submission Guidelines at the top of his blog. Good luck!!
We have a room on the south side of the house we call, “The Sun Room”.
During the day, there is plenty of sunlight filtering through the four picture windows, I do most of my writing in this place.
The thing I most like about writing here is that during those short periods that I go blank, there is a creek that runs the length of my property.
In the morning the sun lends her light, ever so softly at first, waking the birds.
I watch the red flashes of cardinals flying from their nests looking to feed. The bluejays are not far behind.
The warming rays motivate the squirrels from high in the trees to the ground searching for food.
Soon woodland creatures are all moving looking for that tasty morsel.
One day as I sat at the keyboard working on a short story (which is taking on the life of it’s own that I cannot control) there was unusual movement along the creek.
A closer look revealed a beautiful fawn grazing. I watched it for some time until I noticed movement just to the right.
It was another fawn. They were twins. The two romped and played as they ate the early acorns and fresh blades of tender grass.
Quietly, I called for my wife Sandy (who is the photographer) to bring her camera.
She was stunned and happily excited to see the two small deer walking around without any worry.
Sandy started clicking the camera making it work overtime.
Then, at the same time, we both saw a doe standing close by eating fallen crab apples.
I thought the fawns felt safe in the knowledge we would never allow harm to befall them. That was not the case. It was because their Mama held a watchful eye over them.
The animals allowed us to watch and marvel at their beauty for what seemed to be a very long time.
Soon, though, they all moved down to the creek for a cool drink of water before moving on, disappearing from sight.
Since then, only once more have they graced my view only not for as long but the memory of that morning will linger on.
Writing still stalls from time to time but who cares?
I have the creek.
Copyright (C) 2015 Patrick Jones
Storytelling is an art form. I found a video from Sarah-Jane Murray this morning on Twitter and knew I had to share it! Sarah-Jane Murray is a dynamic lady who holds a PhD from Princeton University in the Department of Romance Languages and Literature. Click on the link on her name above for the full details of her career and links to her sites! The content and the way she presents the art of storytelling is captivating! I found myself listening to every word as she demonstrated the techniques on TedX. Excellent job Sarah!
Here is another video I found as well.
The Linden Chronicles 