It’s an awkward, sort of sad moment. You pick up the sequel of a series you’ve always loved, thrilled to be resuming your journey with an old friend. Wow, you’re so excited to read the next chapter in the characters' lives, to catch up and see what they've been up to while you've been apart.... Continue Reading →
“Listen to them, the children of the night. What music they make!” -Bram Stoker, Dracula Who's your favorite literary vampire of them all? I asked myself that question this weekend as I finished reading The Vampyre by John William Polidori, featuring the diabolical Lord Ruthven (spoiler, he's definitely not my favorite vampire). It's a popular... Continue Reading →
What types of books do you like to read on the weekends? Do the seasons, the weather or the day influence what type of book you pick up? I've been really enjoying the fall this year. We don't have much of a fall, not compared to other areas with more distinct seasons. But the weather... Continue Reading →
She’s not dead. But she’s not alive. She exists somewhere in the realm of the once was. A beautiful hat, tilted over her eye. A dress, swirling with colors—the color of flowers, of the sky, of the ocean, and of a busy marketplace. Of life. She’s sophisticated, she’s out and about. She’s full of life.... Continue Reading →
This past Saturday, on 20 June here in the United States, we took time to recognize the wonderful fathers and father figures who are important in our lives by celebrating Father's Day. I too participated in this special day of commemoration and actually had my cards and gifts ready to go early (I still can't... Continue Reading →
Is it the smile—smug and a little condescending? The tilt of her head, lifted slightly as she looks down both literally and figuratively on those around her? Maybe it’s the jewels, or the opulent fabric of her gown. Or maybe, even more likely, it is the mirror in her hand, a mirror that is likely... Continue Reading →
Where are you? Can I join you? I think I'd like to know, even just for a moment, what it's like to be behind your eyes. Sometimes I know I would jump at the chance, and other times, I'm not so sure. If I traveled there with you, what would I be like when I... Continue Reading →
The universally feared and loathed King of Writer's Block...this gentleman and I, we know each other quite well. I've been to see him many times these last few years (unwillingly, of course). I've spent countless hours in his presence, staring at him through the blinking cursor on the screen. I don't know what he looks... Continue Reading →
I can see it so clearly. Seventh grade, an early afternoon right after lunch. Tired and ready to go home, 30 students had taken their seats in the last class of the day. And sitting towards the back of the classroom in a wooden desk, was a 12 year old me. I was excited for... Continue Reading →
"I wanted to slay a dragon, to walk the tallest tightrope, to face danger with unflappable confidence and competence. I wanted to do all of these things, but only managed to do one. I got up, and I tried." We met in the darkness, the glow of the moon the only light in the forest... Continue Reading →
Winter Betancourt 