My Writing Continues???

So I've been trying to come up with what I can do in order to prepare myself for possibly needed to go back to work at some point. I've discussed this with my husband, of course, and he likes the idea of expanding my writing and photography...doing freelance work while I continue to work on my novel. I can submit shorter pieces for publication and continue to grow my portfolio. And, most importantly, I don't have to be in an office. I can work from the comfort of home so I have my physical needs met. Having a chronic pain condition makes thinking of getting up each morning and trying to make it into an office by 8:00 am a complete and total nightmare of epic proportions. Just the stress alone of whether I could make it there...and stay there for the entire day. I don't think I'd be able to physically do that right now. My condition appears to be getting worse, not a good sign. And not exactly something that will get you a job, or let you keep one if by some miracle you are hired by someone.

My college education is in visual communications and graphic design, photography, and writing. I can take courses and research how to do freelance editing as well; I could make this work. But first, I need to start getting myself published again. My previous published articles were all in journalistic style. Very fact based, analytical. The kind of writing I'd like to do is quite different. I've been a practicing Wiccan since I was fifteen years old...so for twenty years. There's a Wiccan/Pagan magazine and ezine that takes submissions for publication. So I say...why not? I can write about my faith, what I do, challenges I have had, or what ever special topics they are looking for.

There should be other publications that take freelance contributions, I just need to find the ones I like and start submitting. The same with my photography. My husband reminded me about all the photo contests that happen all the time; just need to start submitting. I can even sell my photos on a website, blown up poster size. It may not bring in a lot of money, but it'll bring in something eventually and I'd be able to contribute again, find something I can actually do with my pain condition.

That's really one of the worst parts of all of this, besides the actual pain that is: the lose of everything you were able to do before. I had a career, a dance troupe, physical activities that I loved to do...that life has died. I'm still mourning that life, I just don't want to let go of it yet. I can't bring myself to say that I'm going to have this disease for the rest of my life and say goodbye forever to all that I was. I liked who I was, the dancing, the career, my yoga, pilates, zumba...I felt good. I looked good. I can't say goodbye to that, I want it back to much. I'm still fighting, which doctors say I need to stop doing. No fighting, but continue to educate myself on treatments and research, and accept that for this moment, I have pain. This is extremely difficult, especially when you try to say it, but your insides twist into a knot because deep down you don't feel the truth in that statement. I still feel that acceptance means giving up. Maybe my doctors need to come up with a new word that isn't so negative to me.

But, regardless of my issues with acceptance of my current condition, I'm going to try to write and submit for publication again. Wish me luck!

A Cast-Off Coven - Witchy Mystery Gone Bad

When I saw this little book sitting on the book shelf I thought "oh, a cute witchy mystery, this should be a good read", but I'm not so sure now. I confess, I've only read the first 4 chapters, but there have been a number of sections in the book thus far that, to me at least, seem to cross a line that should never be crossed by anyone who writes about modern day Witches.
The author, Juliet Blackwell (pseudonym for Julie Goodson-Lawes) is an anthropologist, artist, renovator and best-selling author. I haven't read her other mystery books, but they involve art and renovation which are talents she possesses herself. She is not, a Witch and her writing reflects that fact. Now, I'll read the rest of the book and hope that she redeems herself, but I'm skeptical. In her authors notes at the end of the book she states that the spells in the book were collected from practicing Witches, but the author appears to only be interested in the spells and mystical, and not the life of a Witch.
Modern day Witches have fought long and hard to rid the general public of the false ideas of what a Witch is, from how dangerous we supposedly are, to whether we force our wills and desires on unsuspecting victims. Let me be very clear, Witches are NOT dangerous because they are Witches, and we NEVER force our wills on anyone or thing. Harm none is our law.
On page 42 the author writes that her main character is creating a mythical being (house elf) for another Witch, which will probably be sold off to the highest bidder. The main character doesn't agree with it, but is doing it anyway because she "owes" the other Witch. Are you kidding me? No self-respecting Witch would sell off a being from this dimension or another to anyone for any reason. That's slavery, and the last time I checked, slavery was abolished...correct? To imply that a modern day Witch would do this is reprehensible.

On page 43 her heroine and the male Witch she is creating the house elf for are discussing how she should cast a love spell on her current beau because "natural love" is just going to be too difficult for her. What!? I didn't realize that there was anything other than "natural" love. And to cast a love spell on a specific individual to compel them is one of the worst offenses. Any Witch worth his or her alter would show you the door if you suggested compelling another being to do what you want (after giving you a firm lecture on why you NEVER do that).
Then we move on to page 53 where the author writes of a discussion that makes the main character angry, and how she has to reign in her anger before she ends up hurting someone. Excuse me? Is she implying that if a Witch gets angry we are more likely to cause physical harm on another?
And the kicker that really got my panties in a bunch is on page 36 where the author describes the traits of a Witch. We can blush, so that myth has been proven false, but we can't cry, and we apparently float on water. Now doesn't that just take us back to the good old Inquisition and Witch Trials!
Witches have fought to dispel these false character descriptions for years. We mourn the deaths of those falsely accused and executed for Witchcraft by those who knew absolutely nothing of what a Witch truly was and is. Writers have a responsibility to do the research regarding their characters and insure that there is a certain level of accuracy and respect given to their characters and to the audience who will read your books. I feel this is missing.
Our law is to harm none. We do not create beings to see them sold off, we do not condone compulsion of others for any reason, we do not harm anyone or thing with our magic, ever! And most importantly, if you are going to write about modern day Witches, there is an appropriateness that must be adhered to. To imply that any of the supposed character traits that were used to imprison, torture, and execute innocent people under the name of Witchcraft is true, is to disrespect every Witch who has ever lived.
A note to all authors, write what you know. Do the research, and be respectful of those you write about.