Lies in a Season of Tribulation by Launa McNeilly

YET UNWRITTEN

Tue, 27 Sep 2011 18:00:00 +0000

It has been a day of contemplation for me. There is a book I have a need to write but will not for the time being. Maybe never. I have someone that I care about that needs to pass on before I could ever put into words what I have a need to say. This blog is about need more than want. If I was smart I would never write it down for all to read but I usually don't take the smart path. I would imagine most of you have figured that out by now.

I have a book inside me that will hurt to write but at the same time soothe my soul. No, I have not commited a crime so let's get that out of the way before the mind wanders in that direction. It is not a book of confessions, though it would be good for my soul too but bore the life out of anyone that read it. This book would go back to my beginnings and I think say lots about who I am. That too, may bore many readers but yet I would hope help those that see themselves in the words that I would write. I'm sure you have gathered that I did not grow up in Disneyland.

Today I have looked back at my life and wondered about the different paths I could have chosen and didn't. Would I be different from the person I am today or would I have ended up where I currently am, anyway? If the father that sired me made a different choice, what would I be like today? "Ooooh," you say, "she's illegitimate." I was when I was born but that's such an unkind label. I am quite legitimate and have never felt less. But yes, one half of my gene pool bolted when it became known that I existed in the womb. I sometimes wonder what those genes might have contributed to who I am. If he had done what was right by my mother, I don't think she would be like she is today. I feel quite sure about that. So, there we are. If I am sure she would be different, then of course, I would be different too. That is only one factor in my life, though a big one, that I have been thinking about. I suppose my mind goes to the past more these days because my mother lives with me. I see her and feel pity for her. I have lived my life hoping to be the exact opposite of her but am I or have circumstances just been kinder to me?

I wonder where my love of writing comes from. Certainly not my mother, or does it? I don't know enough about my father so maybe it comes from him. It all comes back to the effect each of us have on each other. Our choices, our loves, our friendships, our passions, are all a part of something bigger than just ourselves. It is history that reveals why we choose the paths that we do in life. I can't say for sure I would be different if my father had stuck around, but somehow I think I would be, because my mother's life would have been so different.

Before I leave you, let me say that I am not a bad person and I'm not unhappy with who I am. I adore my husband, my kids, and grandkids. I have a full life with lots of wonderful friends and family. I have authored three published books which is my passion. I have traveled to many foreign countries and seen many of our US states. This is not about what I might have missed out on in life, it goes deeper than that. It is about who I see when I look into the mirror and trying to figure out what I want to be when I grow up. I know I am meant to accomplish something that I have not done yet and I need to know what that is. For me lately, it's like trying to pull a name that's on the tip of your tongue, you know it but can't quite spit it out. That's what this is all about and I think I may find that purpose if I write the book. Sounds stupid but it is what it is.

If any of you want to hear more of this type blog, please let me know with a comment. Tell me you want to hear more or tell me to get a life! Thanks for reading.

Launa

The Evil Within is Published

Mon, 15 Aug 2011 02:45:00 +0000

Hello Members,

I'm finally reporting that the sequel is published. It has been a long process for this book. It took me longer to write, longer to get edited, and longer to upload all the components of it. I hope when it finally gets posted for sale that you will read the samples for it. Amazon should have it up for sale tomorrow and Smashwords has it up now for sale. Already sold one. If you haven't read the first in the trilogy, I suggest that you do so. It has the basics of the story from the beginning of the children's lives. I think it's good and I hope you will too.

I found it extremely hard to write about evil. It should have been so easy but I struggled. I think part of it was the fact that one of the children is evil. No one likes to think of any child as being evil so trying to bring this boy to life was a challenge. I hope you will think that I was successful in my endeavor.

I'm exhausted but pleased with my weekend of publishing. The paper book will be out in a few weeks. Please check for it on Amazon and other online bookstores. Thank you for reading my little blurb. I'm excited that this one is available. I look forward to the reviews and do hope that if you read it that you will leave me a review. Going to bed now and dreaming of the next book. Love you all, Launa

SUNSHINE!!

Tue, 07 Jun 2011 04:58:00 +0000

Hi All,

After a month of fog and rain we finally have sunshine and it's glorious! I find that my energy level soars when sunshine flows through the windows. Warmth is coming slowly but the sun is helping with that.

My father in law was given a surprise 90th birthday party by his kids and their spouses. He was overwhelmed at the guests that showed up. He had a marvelous time and still can't believe we pulled one over on him. Gotta love it cause that doesn't happen too often.

I'm still waiting on my sequel. My editor is very busy right now so I'm being patient. I am so anxious to get it published for my readers that keep asking where it is. I promise you all, very soon it will be available.

Mom is doing pretty well. She seems to be moving about more often with her walker. She is still needing me for a bit too much but we are working on that.

My husband and I are planning on planting a vegetable garden. We'll start small and see how we do. There is nothing like home grown veggies.

I've started the third and final book for the Cami Trilogy. I haven't gotten far into it yet. I'm taking some time to enjoy the sun. I do have another book that was written and almost finished before I started Touches from the Beyond. I think I may concentrate on finishing that one before I get too engrossed in the third book. I'm hoping "The Evil Within" keeps my readers satisfied for a bit.

I'm up late and need to call it a day, or night, maybe morning. Anyway, I'm tired and need some sleep. I will leave you all with thoughts of that very famous song from Annie, "The sun will come out, tomorrow" at least we keep our fingers crossed that it will. Hugs for you all. Night.

The Sequel is DONE!

Fri, 25 Mar 2011 19:07:00 +0000

Hi All,

Spring hasn't quite sprung here yet but it's so close we can almost taste it! Just when we think we're over winter, it snows again. I could get quite depressed over this but I have instead finished my sequel to Touches From The Beyond and feeling quite chipper!! My editor has it to fix any typos and then I'm ready for market! I did the cover myself. It's not too bad. In fact, I like it. I plan to change Touches book cover to the ebook cover I designed. No one likes the graphic rendering and I must say I agree with them. Anyway, for those who are waiting for the next book in the Cami Trilogy, book two is just about out. I'm giving myself a couple months before I start book three and the final in the trilogy. I'm hoping I have worked out a schedual of writing that will work for me so it won't take me so long to write and finish it. I'm keeping my fingers crossed.

I see that quite a few more members have joined. Welcome all! I would love to hear from you. Please feel free to post anytime.

My mother is doing much better but still has it in her mind that she can't do what she obviously can do. I'm trying to urge her on to more self sufficiency but she's reluctant. Who wouldn't like to lie in bed, watch tv, and get waited on hand and foot? Well, that nonsense needs to come to an end very soon. I'm working on it for her sake, as well as, my own.

I feel so horrible for all the places that seem to be erupting all over the world. Makes me wonder if some of what I have written about doesn't have some truth to it. 2012 is next year. Scary stuff if you let it be. Right now, I pray for all of those caught in the natural disasters and the man made ones. What will be, will be. I believe in the higher power that knows exactly what he's doing. God Bless us all!

I hope you'll keep your eyes out for my new book. It's available on most of the online book stores or at least will be when published. Thanks for reading, Members!!

Waiting for Spring

Thu, 10 Feb 2011 15:39:00 +0000

This is the kind of winter we used to get when I was a child. I'm talking fifty something years ago! I live in Maine as you know and we are generally used to snow and such but, wow, this is what I call an old fashioned winter.

Hi everyone, I haven't posted in a while so I thought I would bring you up to date on whats been happening in my little world.

My mother is doing much better but still very frail. She is still living with me as she isn't able to get around on her own as yet. Life has settled in for the both of us. Tough sledding in the beginning but has smoothed out nicely.

I haven't had too many chances to sit quietly and write but I am finally on the last chapter of my sequel to Touches From The Beyond. It has been a hard book for me to write but it has come along nicely. My characters have taken over and have told me what to write. I like where they have taken this book. My last chapter has been in my mind for months and I think it will be the easiest to write. That is, of course, if my characters haven't charted something totally different. I never know when I begin to write what will eventually happen and to whom. Some times I have to slow them down because something has to be left for the final book three. They're amazing and I love them all!

I am very pleased at all the new members of my site. I will try to get back here as often as I can to make it as interesting as I can. Lots of members have their own goods to sell and though it doesn't have much to do with writing, in this economy, have at it. We all do what we can to put the bread on the table and the roof over our heads.:)

Balancing My Roles

Sun, 14 Nov 2010 15:54:00 +0000

Hi All,

I just got back from a cruise that my daughter took me on. We sailed out of New York City to the Bahamas and back. It was a delightful break from what seems to be a growing list of responsibilites that I find myself with.

I have taken full control of my aging mother who prefers to live in her own home. This has been a full time job in itself. I am not complaining as I want my mother comfortable and this is the best way for her. I guess I am still trying to figure out how to keep all facets of my life working well. This is not as easy as I hoped it would be.

The sequel to my book Touches is taking more time to finish than I had first intended. I am getting asked often as to when it will come out and though it is almost finished, I am still not done and won't be by my original date expected. Please forgive me if you are one that is waiting. I will finish and release it as soon as possible.

I have a commitment to a local jeweler to put in some time in his store. I have jewelry from my own store that is now closed that he will be selling in his. I have to find time to buff the jewelry to get it ready for selling. He is willing to teach me skills that I don't presently have and am anxious to learn. This is exciting for me but I'm worried about the time that I will have to persue this fully.

I am sure I will get into some kind of schedualing that will afford me to do all of this. I also know that others have managed and so will I. I still have a husband and sixteen year old daughter to care for, though, I think they are doing more caring for me, than me, them. I have a great family and love them very much.

It is the holiday season and much needs to be done for that. Wow, lots to do and with lots of prayer, it will all work out well. Thanks for reading my latest update. Now, I'm off to slay the dragons! Happy Holidays to you all!

Heading into Fall

Mon, 13 Sep 2010 23:09:00 +0000

Hi All,

What a glorious summer we have had in Maine! Weather is turning and soon, so will the leaves. It has been a busy summer with lots of wonderful goings on and a few not so wonderful times. My Mom has been in and out of the hospital several times this warm season. She is doing fine, I am happy to report, but I worry just the same.

My son has come home on leave from the Navy a couple days ago. So glad to have him home. I am doing a lot of cooking since he has missed it. Nothing makes a mother's heart flutter with satisfaction more, than, "I have missed your cooking, Mom." Of course, I must cram into one week, all of his favorite meals and desserts. That little statement makes me "Super Mom" in the kitchen this week!

My sequel to "Touches" is coming along nicely. I have managed to squeeze in some days and nights of writing. I have placed the deadline on myself and will meet it. It may be late fall but I will get it done and published in time. The story is there to be written but my time has been so limited. I will persevere.

My daughter has written a YA novel and I am so proud of her! Her sales are doing well. She is about to publish her second book soon. The need to write has been passed along in the genes. So glad she got some of my good ones. I don't have that many. She makes me smile and so do the grandsons that she gave me.

I'm trying to promote my books where ever I can but as I have said before, I'm not really good at it. If any of my readers have read my books, please leave me a review on Amazon.com, Barnes and Noble.com, or where ever you bought it. I am now on Amazon UK as well. It all helps so much. Thanks for reading this and thank you for visiting my web pages.

Sales Are Slow

Tue, 27 Apr 2010 04:52:00 +0000

Touches, From The Beyond is getting off to a slow start. My first book, Lies, In a Season of Tribulation is doing okay. I guess it does take some time for a book to start catching on.

I'm thinking of my third book which is still not completed. I haven't formulated in my head how I want it to end yet. I know the ending, just not quite sure how I want to get there. It frustrates me a bit and I think that is one reason I haven't worked on it like I should.

I'm ready to start my next one. I need something light this time but with depth. I'm thinking of a few things that are starting to come together. I'll let you all know when the brainstorm hits and I have written something.

Life would be nice if I had someone that could promote my books that are out. It takes so much time to do that. I would rather write stories then feel like I'm pimping my books. I am not a very good salesperson. In fact, I stink at it. I'm one of those people that just likes to browse before I buy and get annoyed with sales people coming up and asking if they can help me. There are usually plenty of those but when you do need some help, where are they? Know what I mean?

Summer is inching ever so closer. Spring in Maine has been beautiful and started much earlier than usual. I am so ready for warm summer days and nights. I'm wondering how it will effect my writing. I do more writing in the cold days of winter than in the glorious days of summer. I guess I had better get crackin if I want to finish my third. If I can manage that then I'll give myself the summer to enjoy. If I don't, well, there are always the rainy days. Of course, predictions are, we will have a hot and dry summer this year. It's still got to rain sometime. I'm procrastinating and if I don't get this third book out, I'll be guilt ridden every gorgeous day that I sit out and do nothing. Those lazy, hazy, days of summer, you know. I'm thinking the lazy part has already gotten here.

I've got to shake that feeling right out of my head! Oh the lyrics keep popping onto the page. Got to go before I break out into song. That is not something you need to be exposed to.

Touches, From The Beyond

Wed, 31 Mar 2010 16:57:00 +0000

My new book is just about out. It is available on smashwords in ebook but I need to get the proof of the hardcopy to see if all is good. Then it will be released in paperback to all the major online stores and hopefully some small bookstores!

A young mother, Darci, loses her life in an accident and finds herself in the realm between Heaven and Earth. She learns her purpose is to protect her baby daughter, Cami, from the evil out to destroy her.

Every generation has two born at the same moment, one for the good of mankind and the other to spread evil. It begins, again.

I hope you will read and enjoy this book. It is my first paranormal novel but certainly not my last. I enjoyed writing this as I believe there are Angels in our midst. I imagined what it would be like for a family to have such a special child and this book is that ima gination in words.

See me at Diesel eBook Store

Looking Forward to Spring

Mon, 08 Mar 2010 20:16:00 +0000

The weather in this Northeastern little town has been wonderful. Warmer days, and above freezing nights are welcome. The economy is still in the dumps but my spirits are rising with the temps!!

I'm still trying to wrap up my third novel but I'm over 425 pages and the story continues. I keep finding more and more to add to the story. I'm enjoying writing it, so, I guess the story will go until it concludes.

My second book, now that's a quandry. I'm just not sure how I want to proceed with it. Do I publish it myself or get old trying to find an agent that will find a publisher that will put it in print? I'm not liking the latter. Funds for my writing is limited. I am talking with the graphic artist who did my first bookcover for, Lies, which was incredible. I love that cover!! Hopefully we can get that going soon. Do I do a paperback or a hardcover? Maybe, I don't do either, but to start, just get it into ebook format. That I can do for free. At this point, free is good.

I'm looking forward to beginning book number four. I have it in my head and have started to write notes. I don't organize my books with the outlines that many do. I still do take notes of plots and thoughts so that when I begin the new book, they will arouse the memory of what it will consist of. I am a write and let the story unfold as I type. It is easier for me to do it that way and more enjoyable. My stories often surprise me with the twists and turns they take so I never get bored trying to conform to the outline. I often get as surprised as the reader of the finished book when I am writing it. Bonus!

Winter has been short in months this year but too long in hybernating form. I'm ready to get out and walk, commune with nature( as long as it's not a bear), and refresh my soul with lots of sun and warmth. It's always good for the constructive energy it provides my story telling mind. I am ready for Spring in Maine! Heaven, if we don't have a mud season and even that is looking pretty positive.

If there are any readers of this blog that have any advice for me, please leave me a comment. I will respond. Thanks for reading.