Image from Pixabay Reading is not just a leisurely activity; it also has profound effects on both the mind and body. Delving into a novel can trigger a cascade of reactions within the brain, influencing neural pathways and promoting cognitive development. Beyond the realm of intellect, reading also evokes emotional responses, fostering empathy and enhancing emotional intelligence. In this article, we explore the intricate relationship between reading and the human body, uncovering the fascinating ways in which engaging with a novel can impact our well-being. Brain Activity and Neural Connections When you dive into a novel, your brain lights up like a Christmas tree on December 1st. Multiple regions in your brain get in on the action, firing up to process the words, feelings, and images you're soaking in. It's like a disco party in your noggin, keeping those neural connections firing and wired for more excitement. Activation of Multiple Brain Regions Reading a novel doesn't just tickle one part of your brain; it's a full-on brain bonanza. Areas responsible for language, visualization, and even empathy get a workout, making sure you're fully immersed in the story. So go ahead and thank your brain for throwing a wild party every time you crack open a book. Strengthening of Neural Pathways Just like doing squats strengthens your legs, reading a novel strengthens your brain. The more you read, the more you're laying down some serious neural pathways. It's like building a superhighway in your brain that makes it easier and faster to process information. Who knew reading could be so empowering? Emotional Responses and Empathy Reading isn't just a mental exercise; it's an emotional rollercoaster that can expand your heart and mind. By connecting with characters and their struggles, you're not just escaping reality—you're building empathy muscles that can make you a more compassionate human. Empathy Development through Character Engagement When you root for Harry Potter to defeat Voldemort or cry when Hazel Grace faces her fate in "The Fault in Our Stars," you're not just an observer; you're walking in their fictional shoes. This emotional immersion helps you understand different perspectives, making you more empathetic in real life. So keep on crying those book tears; it's making you a better person. Impact on Emotional Intelligence Reading novels isn't just a hobby; it's a crash course in emotional intelligence. By navigating complex character arcs and motivations, you're honing your ability to understand and manage emotions. So, the next time someone asks why you're buried in a book, just tell them you're working on your EQ—it's the smart thing to do. Cognitive Benefits and Mental Stimulation Reading isn't just about escaping reality; it's a mental gym session that can pump up your brainpower and keep your cognitive wheels spinning. From boosting your memory to sharpening your critical thinking skills, novels are like brain vitamins in the form of thrilling stories. Enhanced Critical Thinking Skills Forget brain teasers; novels are the ultimate workout for your critical thinking muscles. As you unravel mysteries, analyze character motives, and predict plot twists, you're giving your brain a serious challenge. So, next time someone underestimates your reading addiction, just remind them that you're a critical thinking ninja in the making. Improved Memory Retention Reading a novel isn't just a one-time experience; it's a memory boot camp for your brain. From remembering intricate plots to recalling character details, your brain is getting a workout in retention and recall. So, keep flipping those pages; your memory will thank you later. Stress Reduction and Relaxation When life gets chaotic, there's nothing like curling up with a good book to escape the madness. Reading isn't just a form of self-care; it's a stress-busting oasis that can transport you to a calmer, more peaceful state of mind. So, grab a book, kick back, and let the worries of the day melt away into the pages. The Role of Reading in Stress Management In a world full of noise and distractions, reading offers a refuge of peace and quiet. Whether you're exploring distant galaxies or diving into a cozy mystery, immersing yourself in a novel can lower your heart rate and ease tension. So, next time life throws a curveball, reach for a book—it's the ultimate stress antidote. Promotion of Relaxation Response Reading isn't just a leisure activity; it's a secret weapon for triggering your relaxation response. As you get lost in a story, your breathing slows, your muscles unwind, and your mind drifts to a tranquil place. It's like a mini-vacation for your brain, giving you a much-needed break from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. So, sit back, relax, and let the power of reading whisk you away to a calmer state of being. Physical Effects on the Body Reduced Heart Rate and Pressure When you dive into a good book, your body can experience a calming effect. Research shows that reading can lead to a reduction in heart rate and blood pressure, akin to the feeling of relaxation during meditation. So, next time you're feeling stressed, maybe reach for a book instead of that stress ball. Improved Sleep Quality Ever find yourself struggling to fall asleep? Reading a few chapters before bed might just be the solution. Engaging with a novel can help ease your mind, allowing you to unwind and drift off into dreamland more easily. Just be cautious not to get too caught up in the story, or that "just one more chapter" mentality might keep you up all night. Long-Term Impact on Health Prevention of Cognitive Decline Reading isn't just a mental exercise; it's a boon for your brain health as well. Studies suggest that regularly engaging in activities like reading can help stave off cognitive decline as you age. So, the next time someone tells you to put down that book and socialize, just let them know you're maintaining your brain health. Benefits for Overall Well-Being Reading isn't just a hobby; it's a form of self-care too. The mental stimulation and escapism provided by a good book can work wonders for your overall well-being. So, the next time someone scoffs at your growing book collection, remind them that it's all in the name of self-care. Connection Between Reading and Well-Being There's a reason why bookworms often exude a sense of calm and contentment. Reading has been linked to improved emotional intelligence, empathy, and even better relationships with others. So, the next time you immerse yourself in a novel, know that you're not just escaping reality – you're also nurturing your well-being in the process. In conclusion, the act of reading a novel is not merely a form of entertainment, but a powerful tool for nurturing both mental and physical health. From stimulating brain activity to reducing stress levels and enhancing overall well-being, the benefits of immersing oneself in a good book are truly far-reaching. So, the next time you pick up a novel, remember that you are not just turning pages—you are also enriching your mind and body in ways that can positively shape your life. I'd appreciate hearing your comments. Please leave them in the Comment Box at the bottom of the page. Dale Thele Bestselling Fiction Author Stories with an LGBTQ+ Twist corrupting readers since 2008 Don't miss another blog post! Get new blog post notifications and new book/story releases sent directly to your email. Click here to subscribe .

This is the first refillable fountain pen that set me on the road to collecting and using fountain pens: The Fountain Pen Revolution (F.P.R.) Indus Clear Demo with gold-tone accents. This is not an expensive pen; it's made in India exclusively for F.P.R., an Indian fountain pen distributor in Arkansas, USA. The Indus is a clear demonstrator made entirely of transparent plastic except for the gold-toned metal clip, ring, and stainless steel Extra Fine nib. It's a piston-filler that is filled with ink by twisting a knob on the end of the pen which draws the ink into the ink reservoir. The Indus is lightweight and comfortable in the hand. I keep my Indus inked with Waterman Serenity Blue fountain pen ink, and it's always within easy reach on my desk. The clear Indus Demonstrator is just a fun pen for a basic no-frills pen. I enjoy watching the ink slosh inside; being transparent, I can observe its internal working parts. I would like to hear your thoughts. Leave a comment in the Comment Box at the bottom of the page. Dale Thele Bestselling Fiction Author Stories with an LGBTQ+ Twist corrupting readers since 2008 Don't miss another blog post! Get new blog post notifications and new book/story releases sent directly to you by email. Click here to subscribe .

Yes, I'm a fountain pen addict. It all started in April 2015 when I purchased my first fountain pen. I fell in love with the little boogers and began collecting and using fountain pens, both vintage & contemporary. My collection exceeds 200 vintage and modern fountain pens, a few dip pens, and an assortment of vintage and contemporary ink pen paraphernalia. My ink collection consists of mostly traditional inks (Parker, Waterman, Chesterfield, Sheaffer, and Levenger) as these inks are compatible with vintage pens. I avoid "boutique" inks as they can damage the earlier manufactured fountain pens. I do have one black De Atramentis document ink (waterproof and archive ink) and a bottle of Noodler's Black (also waterproof), both are used only in contemporary fountain pens. There are two types of Fountain Pen collectors: (1) the collector, who collects but does not use the pens. This individual acquires and trades mostly unused fountain pens and has little or no interest in using the pen. (2) the other collector is the individual who acquires and uses his/her fountain pens. I am a collector/user, and I enjoy writing with different fountain pen models/makes. I would like to hear your thoughts. Leave a comment in the Comment Box at the bottom of the page. Dale Thele Bestselling Fiction Author Stories with an LGBTQ+ Twist corrupting readers since 2008 Don't miss another blog post! Get new blog post notifications and new book/story releases sent directly to you by email. Click here to subscribe .

My very first fountain pen: the Pilot Varsity disposable fountain pen captures the fun of writing with a fountain pen in a modern plastic body style. Its medium stainless steel nib and Advanced Liquid Ink Feed System provide a smooth writing experience, and the black ink supply is visible through a window on the side. The Varsity is an excellent no-maintenance everyday fountain pen; toss the pen in the trash when the ink runs out. However, fountain pen enthusiasts have devised a way to refill the pen if one is so inclined. An extremely inexpensive fountain pen that writes like a pen priced many times the $2.95 price tag. I would like to hear your thoughts. Leave a comment in the Comment Box at the bottom of the page. Dale Thele Bestselling Fiction Author Stories with an LGBTQ+ Twist corrupting readers since 2008 Don't miss another blog post! Get new blog post notifications and new book/story releases sent directly to you by email. Click here to subscribe .

Here is another of my go-to pens, the Hero 616 in black plastic and chrome metal is a Chinese-manufactured fountain pen that pays homage to the great Parker 51 model fountain pen. The pen is well copied in detail even down to the Parker arrow clip and the steel "jewel" crowned cap. The thin metal cap is etched with separated groupings of 7 pinstripes and has the Chinese characters for "Hero" and the model number "616". Once the slip cap is removed, the clutch ring at the join of the barrel and hood is displayed. However, unlike the all-metal ring of the original 51, the Hero ring serves as a small ink-view window, enabling one to see if there's ink left in the reservoir (a feature that would have been convenient on the Parker 51). Unscrewing the barrel reveals the pump-style filler similar to the aerometric filler of the original Parker 51 for use with bottled ink. The pen holds a surprising amount of ink and is a smooth writer for such an inexpensive pen. It's lighter than my Parker 51, yet both pens are comfortable writers. I regularly have the Hero 616 filled with Sheaffer Purple fountain pen ink for general writing. I would like to hear your thoughts. Leave a comment in the Comment Box at the bottom of the page. Dale Thele Bestselling Fiction Author Stories with an LGBTQ+ Twist corrupting readers since 2008 Don't miss another blog post! Get new blog post notifications and new book/story releases sent directly to you by email. Click here to subscribe .

Waterman " Carene " fountain pen is an elegant and classy pen making me feel as if I'm composing an epic tome. The  Carene  is a deep black luminescent lacquer finish barrel with electroplated palladium trim with a shape inspired by the streamlined symmetry of the world's finest yachts. The French translation of “ carène ” is “hull”. This quality fountain pen features a highly lacquered barrel and extremely smooth in-laid rhodium-plated 18k solid gold extra fine nib. Heavyweight (brass base), yet ergonomically balanced for writing comfort. The pen can be fitted with a Waterman cartridge or a Waterman converter for use with bottled ink. The timeless design of the Waterman " Carene " fountain pen is made in France. Note: I'm currently hand-writing the first draft of Clipped Wings with my Carene , filled with Waterman Mysterious Blue bottled fountain pen ink on 8.5 x 11.75 canary yellow legal pads. I would like to hear your thoughts. Leave a comment in the Comment Box at the bottom of the page. Dale Thele Bestselling Fiction Author Stories with an LGBTQ+ Twist corrupting readers since 2008 Don't miss another blog post! Get new blog post notifications and new book/story releases sent directly to you by email. Click here to subscribe .

Entire First Draft of CLIPPED WINGS Who handwrites anymore? That's so old school. Well, just call me old fashion. Back in December, I completed the rough draft of CLIPPED WINGS , entirely handwritten in cursive with a fountain pen in a total of eight college-ruled composition books. Why would I put myself through such cruel torture? Well, I love writing with fountain pens, there's nothing that can compare with the feel and sensation of watching liquid ink form words on a piece of paper. In 2012 I ran across a YouTube video made by Brian Goulet about how to use fountain pens. Until that point in my boring life, I'd not paid any mind to fountain pens, after all, I grew up in the Bic pen generation. I was so captivated by his videos I watched everything Brian posted online. I searched out other fountain pen vids. It was as if I'd been put in a trance, I couldn't get enough information about fountain pens. In 2013, I entered an online contest and won a genuine fountain pen as my prize. I excitedly filled that sucker with ink from a small glass bottle. As soon as the nib connected with the paper, I was hooked. I had fallen head over heels into the allusive fountain pen rabbit hole. Since that fateful day, I seek out any opportunity to write with pen and ink. Sometimes when I can't find something useful to write I simply scribble one phrase over and over on any paper I have handy. “The quick brown fox jumps over the lazy dog” . Call me crazy and order a tailor to fit me for a straight jacket. I am a fountain pen addict, and I publicly admit it. There, I said it. With my love of fountain pens, it was just a natural desire to handwrite the first draft of my inaugural novel in 2017. Sure I'd written and published a couple of short stories and three novellas in 2010, but they were composed entirely on a laptop. That was years before I became mesmerized by the fantastical world of fountain pens. I began my new adventure into handwriting a fictional novel rough draft. Not just any novel, but an epic-length Southern literary novel. To prepare for the journey, I inked up anywhere from 6 – 8 fountain pens with different brands and colors of fountain pen ink. I also acquired a bunch of cheap college-ruled composition books for fifty cents each – I'm kind of a cheapskate. From Amazon, I purchased a SMUDGEGUARD spandex glove. It's a two-finger glove that fits on the pinky and ring fingers and prevents the transfer of body oil onto the paper as you write. Fountain pens can be persnickety boogers when they come into contact with body oil, it may skip or not lay a proper amount of ink on paper. Smudgeguard also protects the hand from getting all inky by accidentally dragging it across wet ink. Of course, for the fountain pen enthusiast, it's considered a badge of courage to brandish inky hands and fingers, it just comes with the territory. To prepare for my new task I needed some writing background music, something that would tug at my emotions. I returned to YouTube again where I found and downloaded a large collection of emotional piano and violin music tracks. I don't think I broke any laws in doing so -- if I did -- oopsie. So, I began handwriting the rough draft in cursive, you know what that is? It's that curlicue style of handwriting that just about anyone born after 1970 can't read. It's a private hieroglyphic type of writing that the Baby Boomer generation and generations before used to compose secret messages to one another. One of the rough draft notebooks I found that handwriting was much more convenient than lugging a bulky laptop around everywhere. I could take my composition book and a couple of fountain pens along wherever I went. I wrote in coffee shops, on public transit, and waiting in lobbies between appointments, and I could even write when I was in the toilet if I wanted. The downside, fountain pens do not hold an indefinite amount of ink. It was not uncommon to be writing happily along and run out of ink in mid-sentence when I'd simply grab a replacement inked pen. I'd go through from 6 -8 inked pens each week. Every Sunday I'd clean and refill the next week's supply of pens. So, that's a quick overview of how the rough draft of CLIPPED WINGS was written – by hand, in cursive, with fountain pens, in college-ruled composition books. Could I get much more old-school than that? A sampling of pens and inks I used to write the rough draft: Sheaffer 1960's vintage “School Pen” …............Pelikan 4001 Dunkelgrun Ink Fountain Pen Revolution “Himalaya” …............ Chesterfield Amethyst Platinum “Plaisir” …...................................................... Sheaffer Peacock Blue Levenger “True Writer” ….......................................... Waterman Mysterious Blue Lamy “Safari” …............................................................. Diamine Eclipse Sailor “1911” …............................................................... Levenger Cocoa Esterbrook “J-Series” (vintage) …..........................Monteverde Moonstone Parker “Sonnet” (60's vintage) …...........................Cross Violet (limited edition) Waterman “Carene” …...............................................Waterman Serenity Blue Pilot “Metropolitan” …..................................................Parker Blue/Black Happy Writing! My desk I would like to hear your thoughts. Leave a comment in the Comment Box at the bottom of the page. Dale Thele Bestselling Fiction Author Stories with an LGBTQ+ Twist corrupting readers since 2008 Don't miss another blog post! Get new blog post notifications and new book/story releases sent directly to you by email. Click here to subscribe .

Photo by A Dude Abikes Had an amazing afternoon with A Dude Abikes . A budding new author to watch for. Take a look at his blog and make sure you LIKE his posts and don't forget to Follow A Dude Abikes . He's an awesome dude. Dale Thele Bestselling Fiction Author Stories with an LGBTQ+ Twist corrupting readers since 2008 Don't miss another blog post! Get new blog post notifications and new book/story releases sent directly to you by email. Click here to subscribe .

Photo by Pixabay There’s an old saying “write what you know” a popular expression among writers. So what happens when you write a story of “what you know” but you don’t have all the factors to conclude the story? Over four decades ago, when I was a high school student, there were some unconventional incidents that took place in my teens. Years later, I considered writing an autobiography that would have revealed a real and intimate part of my life, but I was missing a key component, the “why did those events take place?” Without answers to that question, an autobiographical account was out of the question. Who’d want to read a book with no conclusion? Those events were real, and they changed not only my life but the lives of others. Yet I didn’t have the details to wrap up the story all tidy and neat. On a personal note, I had struggled with the “why?” for years. I had kept that part of my life private because I worried to tell my story due to possible retaliation. For years, I wanted to put those memories behind me. I craved and needed closure. Finally, the solution came to me. Couldn’t I write the “what I know” part and fill in the unknown “why” with fictional content? I wrote the rough draft and everything fell into place. The completed draft was a blend of fact and fiction. It answered every one of the unknown factors which eluded me for years. I had a complete story. And most of all, I found the closure I so desperately desired. The result was a coming-of-age story composed in the grey expanse between established facts and pure made-up fiction. No loose ends, no unanswered questions, and a story wrapped up with a big shiny bow. I entitled it CLIPPED WINGS . I completed the epic-length rough draft in four months. Handwritten with fountain pens and liquid bottled ink in eight cheap college-ruled composition notebooks. An additional three months to transpose the manuscript into digital format along with considerable first-round editing. There are several further rounds of self-editing to do. Then, I will release the manuscript to hungry beta readers. At which time, they will rip and shred my manuscript apart with their scathing remarks. From the beta readers' comments, I’ll have a plethora of editing options before me. However, I will have the last word as I wrap up the final edit before the manuscript goes to a third-party editor to polish the final manuscript for publishing. CLIPPED WINGS may be a Southern coming-of-age novel to its readers, but for me, I found closure to a dark part of my earlier life. The question remains, is the book fact or fiction? You and I know the actual answer, the story takes shape in that grey expanse that exists between fact and fiction yet is inspired by actual events. I would like to hear your thoughts. Leave a comment in the Comment Box at the bottom of the page. Dale Thele Bestselling Fiction Author Stories with an LGBTQ+ Twist corrupting readers since 2008 Don't miss another blog post! Get new blog post notifications and new book/story releases sent directly to you by email. Click here to subscribe .

No. This is not just any ol’ rag. It’s a fountain pen enthusiast’s ink rag. This swatch of cotton fabric represents the colors of bottled inks I’ve used over the past four years. Each time a fountain pen is re-inked, the pen and or the nib are wiped of excessive ink. Over time, the ink rag has grown into a story of inks used by this fountain pen enthusiast. This particular rag represents ink blots from various inks like the highly sought-after vintage Script Peacock Blue, traditional inks, limited edition inks, and contemporary boutique inks. Eventually, this rag will be mounted in a glass frame and hung on the wall as a trophy. Until that time, this rag will continue to amass a record of bottled inks which grace my fountain pens. Each blot represents countless hours of fascination observing the flow of ink from a fountain pen nib onto paper. There’s a sense of tranquility and nostalgia as the wrist and fingers guide the nib across the paper, leaving a trail of liquid ink in its wake. Countless grocery lists, notes, and articles written with the many inks have tinted this fabric swatch. This rag chronicles my pilgrimage through the use of fountain pens. Call me old-fashioned, call me a nerd, a weirdo, it doesn’t alter my love of fountain pens and inks. Maybe you call it an “obsession”, I prefer the word: fascination. Until one experiences the sensation of a superbly balanced fountain pen becoming one with the hand; effortlessly guiding a smooth nib across the paper, leaving behind a trail of pigmented liquid in its path; then, you too will realize the allure of the wonderfully fabulous fountain pen. I would like to hear your thoughts. Leave a comment in the Comment Box at the bottom of the page. Dale Thele Bestselling Fiction Author Stories with an LGBTQ+ Twist corrupting readers since 2008 Don't miss another blog post! Get new blog post notifications and new book/story releases sent directly to you by email. Click here to subscribe .

There’s way too much information to cram into one post, so here’s a quick overview of the history of GAY PRIDE and where it all began. Pride Commemorates the Stonewall Riots The history of the gay rights movement in this country is usually dated to 1969 when the patrons of a New York City bar fought back against a discriminatory police raid. At the time, homosexuality — or “sodomy,” as it was referred to in the legal books — was still a crime. Men could be arrested for wearing drag, and women faced the same punishment if they were found wearing less than three pieces of “feminine clothing.” The harassment continued for years, infuriating the gay community. On June 28, 1969, the police arrived at the Stonewall Inn, a gay bar in Greenwich Village. However, the 200 patrons inside didn’t just sit down and wait to be arrested — they resisted, then rioted, sending the police a loud and clear message about their frustration with the status quo for LGBT individuals. If you ever wondered why Pride month takes place in June, now you know that it’s not just because of the generally pleasant weather. It’s historically relevant, too! “Gay Pride” Was Coined in 1970 Gay communities around the country immediately latched on to the Stonewall riots as an event that brought attention to their cause. Just a year later, in 1970, a committee was formed to commemorate the riots. The problem? The committee didn’t have a name for the series of events it wanted to hold in honor of LGBTQ rights. It tossed around the slogan “gay power” for a bit, but when committee member L. Craig Schoonmaker suggested “gay pride,” everyone else agreed on the phrase right away. Rainbow Flag & Creator Gilbert Baker Origin of the Gay Pride “Rainbow” Flag The first Rainbow Flag was designed in 1978 by Gilbert Baker, a San Francisco artist, who created the flag in response to a local activist’s call for the need for a community symbol. (This was before the pink triangle was popularly used as a symbol of pride.) Using the five-striped “Flag of the Race” as his inspiration, Baker designed a flag with eight stripes. Baker dyed and sewed the material for the first flag himself — in the true spirit of Betsy Ross. The design may have been influenced by flags with multicolored stripes used by various left-wing causes and organizations in the San Francisco area in the 1960s. The Rainbow Flag originally had eight stripes (from top to bottom): hot pink for sex, red for life, orange for healing, yellow for the sun, green for serenity with nature, turquoise for art, indigo for harmony, and violet for spirit. Handmade versions of this flag were flown in the 1978 Gay Freedom Day Parade. Use of the rainbow flag by the gay community began in 1978 when it first appeared in the San Francisco Gay and Lesbian Freedom Day Parade. Borrowing symbolism from the hippie movement and black civil rights groups, San Francisco artist Gilbert Baker designed the rainbow flag in response to a need for a symbol that could be used year after year. Baker and thirty volunteers hand-stitched and hand-dyed two huge prototype flags for the parade. The flags had eight stripes, each color representing a component of the community. After the November 1978 assassination of San Francisco Mayor George Moscone and openly gay Supervisor Harvey Milk and the subsequent lenient sentence given to their killer, former Supervisor Dan White, the Rainbow Flag began to be used in San Francisco as a general symbol of the gay community. San Francisco-based Paramount Flag Co. began selling seven-striped (top to bottom: red, orange, yellow, green, blue, indigo, and violet) flags from its Polk Street retail store, which was located in a largely gay neighborhood. These flags were a surplus stock that had originally been made for the International Order of Rainbow for Girls, a Masonic organization for young women. When Baker approached Paramount to make flags for the 1979 Gay Freedom Day Parade, Paramount informed Baker that fabric for hot pink was not available for mass production, and Baker dropped the hot pink stripe. Harvey Milk and Cleve Jones After Harvey Milk Supervisor Harvey Milk’s untimely death struck a major blow to the momentum of the Gay Rights Movement. However, a young man by the name of Cleve Jones, who had worked tirelessly on Milk’s campaign for Supervisor, stepped up to fight for Milk’s dream. Jones went on to establish several Gay organizations and was instrumental in keeping Milk’s dream alive still today. Greater detail of the Stonewall riots, Harvey Milk, Cleve Jones, Gilbert Baker, and schedules of PRIDE events around the world, can be found online. Please, take some time to research and read more about PRIDE. Let us celebrate DIVERSITY and PRIDE. Suggested Movies: Stonewall Digital Before & After Stonewall: 25th Anniversary Edition American Experience: Stonewall Uprising Milk (Harvey Milk Story) I would like to hear your thoughts. Leave a comment in the Comment Box at the bottom of the page. Dale Thele Bestselling Fiction Author Stories with an LGBTQ+ Twist corrupting readers since 2008 Don't miss another blog post! Get new blog post notifications and new book/story releases sent directly to you by email. Click here to subscribe .

Pamela and I initially met online through LinkedIn, from there we connected on Facebook and then moved onto communication through email. In this crazy world of social media and online networks, occasionally a real one-on-one friendship evolves. I was fortunate to have discovered a genuine friend in Pamela, a colleague to share ideas, inspiration, and encouragement. The following is a text from a recent interview I conducted with her. Pamela Lee Interview with Pamela Lee Dale : How and when did you get into writing? Pamela : Writing came to me at age 7—my pencil poised above my ‘fancy paper.’ In the middle of a patch of Mayflowers, I had tramped down into a perfect circle. My own first created writing sanctuary. How blissful to be close to the earth, with the sound of bees buzzing around me, and the sun shining on my skin. I could almost TOUCH the air, nibble on it. The scents, sounds. That was the day my senses were truly awakened. The day I became AWARE… and was reborn. As I write now, the image of blonde little tomboy [me] appears and I remember being so proud and careful each time I took a sheet of that floral-scented paper from the box of stationery my Gramma gave me for Christmas. Each sheet I carefully titled with my word of the day—starting with the very first one. SPECTACULAR! I loved using exclamation marks. From there I added goals, wishes, and observations. I was intense and passionate about life, even at 7. We MUST have passion in our hearts to be writers, oui? For, what more lonely existence is there than that of a writer when we drift into that place? After all, with no passion—how can we writers persistently and consistently go on..and on.. and on. Life ensued from there. Writing is a thing I did here and there through school, through several careers where I did ad copy, business plans, and letters to editors. Etcetera. I began WRITING, seriously, on October 1, 2006 — 50 years later. There is a long and involved story about why THAT date but suffice to say it involved invasive breast cancer, a follow-up heart attack to put a period on the end of that sentence, mother murder, a need to honour that mother—and a sense of my own mortality. Dale : Which genre(s) do you prefer to write, and why? Pamela : You could have knocked me over with a feather when I discovered I had poems within me—in 2012. Again, over the age of 60. Much to my astonishment, I have won awards with  my poems . Go figure! I always assumed poetry was beyond my education and ability (I have grade 10) and was only for egg-heads. The smart people. Little did I know until these alien things (poems) started rushing out of me that you can say SO much in 600 words! Taught me yet another life lesson. NEVER assume. F.Y.I, dear reader, poetry is the polar OPPOSITE to my writing style where I use many words and love to spin imagery with my prose… as you may have picked up here… lolol Bored yet? I wonder if I should add that I am currently working on a lit erotica novel and yes, I do love writing in that genre. It’s all about commercial when it comes to writing about that subject. Wouldn’t we all love to make a living with our writing? Dale : Who is your favorite character from your own writing, and why? Pamela : Louise Kovats. Beloved Sister and best friend of protagonist Annie. An intensely complicated and endearing character in my Holy Snappin’ series , introduced in Book 1, Call Me J . Louise appears firstly as a simple, sweet incredibly humble, and giving female child whose only wish in life is to be a good mother and wife. Her wishes are realized as she builds a home and a family of four beautiful children, circa mid-century set in South Western Ontario, Canada. Her world falls apart when she suffers postpartum depression with child #3 and then unravels completely with postpartum psychosis with child number 4. It was a huge challenge to define the level of care for severely compromised mentally ill patients in that era—or lack thereof, and their families. The paragraphs involving this character are graphic and upsetting with such images as the description of her obsession with cutting off her own lips with scissors. But, sadly, many parts of Louse are irrefutably relatable for those who do not have someone in their family dealing with this debilitating malady. Louise’s struggles were hard to write for this book is grounded on a true story close to my heart. Louise will eventually commit suicide in Book 3 of the series after YEARS of a truly handicapped lifestyle, losing her family and suffering greatly with this debilitating disease. Dale : What do you hope to get across in your writing? Pamela : That no one is immune to horrific pain—that everyone has a story that no screenplay could outdo-—that we are never alone–and that we must NEVER give up. My family saga Call me J and the ensuing books in the series is a story of faith, love, unrelenting hurt, AND joy. And that there IS a ‘’6 degree of separation.” Dale : Are there any genres you would never consider writing, and why? Pamela : Sci-fi/fantasy The genre does not move or engage me—So, even if someone said to me “Here’s a cool million. Create a sci-fi novel”—I’d have to rip up the cheque (not that anyone pays with cheques anymore—lol) Also—horror—I find it difficult to read some of Stephen King’s stuff. SOME I can do, but others? NOT! Even at close to 70, my mind is still too fertile and susceptible to seeing what he is writing. Freaks me the heck out! Example- The Mist . But loved the Green Mile . Dale : What is your favorite book you have read, and why? Pamela : When asked this question I made myself zone out, avoid overthinking and just let the answers come. Oh and here’s something interesting. Once I had gathered my notes, I noticed that all of these books have a movie adaptation. How fascinating! Historical Fiction- #1- Hawaii— James Michener. Why? Like my aha moment at age 7, reading this novel was a life-changing experience. 12-year-old tackles her first big fat read. And falls in LOVE with reading. Every Michener novel hence evoked the same emotions. #2- Clan of the Cave Bear— Jean Auel. Who WASN’T fascinated with Ayla and her story? Crime/Fiction- #1-True Crime— In Cold Blood— Truman Capote. Edgar Award winner but failed to haul in the Pulitzer. I would SAY, considering it wasn’t exactly fiction! I read a piece somewhere that Harper Lee, a buddy of Capote’s, helped him collect 6000 pages of data on the crime. The Why? Riveting. Sickening. Massively gobsmacking at how base humans can be against their species. I couldn’t put it down. #2- The Lovely Bones —Alice Sebold. The most memorable first lines, ever!!! “My name was Salmon, like the fish; first name Susie. I was fourteen when I was murdered on December 6, 1973.” I wanted to ROOT for her sooo bad—like we do for the heroine…but how could I? Breathtaking. Drama/Romance #1- The Notebook —Nicholas Sparks. Oh, come ON… Of COURSE, this had to top my list. I (and every heterosexual woman) wants to be Allie. I want my man to be Noah. #2- Where The Heart Is —Billie Letts. Oprah’s Book Club choice. Fabulous movie adaptation to a NEVER GIVE UP novel. Autobiography— Why Not? —Shania Twain. I felt like her SISTER! Great job done by Shania and her (assumed) ghostwriter!! Non-fiction. On Writing —Stephen King. FINALLY, short and sweet and oh so authentically real. I did not feel alone in this crazy thing we do once I read On Writing . From the very first bite into this book, I was transported. I found myself nodding and nodding again. It was like I myself was sharing all the nuances of the art. Sooo much like my experience. Yours’ too, I’m sure. Nooo, I am, not holding myself up beside the writer, Stephen King—but instead beside the man who understands and lies it all out on the table. Just because books— To Kill A Mockingbird , and Gone With The Wind . Dale : Which authors have inspired you, and why? Pamela : I cannot deny it. I am in awe of the prolific writer. Like—how do they DO that? The research. The art of chaining it all together without losing theme or character progression, storylines and depth—page one to the last word. Book after book after book. It still stops me up when I browse through my local library and see an entire row of novels—from the same author. I am particularly keen on series with the same characters—Example: The J.D. Robb In Death Series . Ohhh, Eve, Darling. There are too many to list. Dale : What genres do you most enjoy reading? Pamela : Family sagas. Historical fiction. Murder mystery. Dale : Many writers/artists/content creators adopt habits in dress, writing paraphernalia, and location. Tell us about your typical day. Pamela : When I accidentally fell into writing at 58 years old, I quickly realized I had to look at it like a business. Writing, untrained writing with trial and error strategies and an end goal, must be taken seriously. If I was going to look at this new discovery as a career, then I must attack it as I had done in my past careers. I write from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. I dress comfortably, often in loose PJs. a baseball cap. I do not answer the phone but have a local favorite classic rock radio station playing softly in the background. I like to sit where I can look outside toward nature. I make NO other plans for the day. It is my J.O.B. for the day. Dale : Any final words? Pamela : Yes. Before I became a writer, I had NO idea how it would take over my life when I wrote. I had no idea how my work would, on occasion, be regarded as frivolous and selfish. And that loved ones would be jealous of the time I took to pursue this thing that had taken over me over the four-odd years it took me to write my debut novel and two additional books in the series. As writers, poets, and content creators, all too often, we have to FIGHT to be recognized that we DO have a job in our writing. See. You are not alone. Our chances of being successful and recognized are about the same as winning the lottery. It is all about timing, luck, patience, tenacity, and faith. With a big ole jigger of self-love to bring us through day after day. NEVER, ever give in. Or give up. If you believe you will fail in completing your work, living that dream, you will fail. If you believe you will succeed in finishing that work, you will. Pamela Lee is a mother, grandmother, teacher, entrepreneur, Internet TV personality, survivor, friend, poet, author, and writer. To learn more about Pamela visit her author website . Purchase Pamela’s books at these fine  retailers . Contact Pamela through her contact page . I would like to hear your thoughts. Leave a comment in the Comment Box at the bottom of the page. Dale Thele Bestselling Fiction Author Stories with an LGBTQ+ Twist corrupting readers since 2008 Don't miss another blog post! Get new blog post notifications and new book/story releases sent directly to you by email. Click here to subscribe .