Help create Roshambo hand symbols for NZ fae characters

Posted on July 15, 2013 by Ann Videan

Image courtesy of Kittikun Atsawintarangkul at FreeDigitalPhotos.net

OK, friends, I could use your help again with content for my Song of the Ocarina novel. My heroine Lark has two bodyguards, Leif and Sonny, who Roshambo to decide who must carry Lark’s shopping packages. They each smack their palm twice and, on the third beat, open into a representative hand symbol. What symbols/hand gestures would these Noble Fae use?

In the U.S. we use these:

Rock (breaks scissors) with fist
Paper (covers rock) with flat palm
Scissors (cuts paper) with middle and index fingers extended like a peace sign

Consider:

My characters reside within the country of Zealynd (on a different plane, but the same geographical location as New Zealand in the human realm).
The fae are attuned to nature, magic, and animals.
They are influenced by the Maori culture.

So, maybe my fae could use fern leaves, daggers and stones? Or something more creative? What can you suggest?

In the comments below, suggest a set of symbols and hand gestures for my fae to use for this game in the realm of Delfaerune. If I use your suggestion, I’ll include your name in the Acknowledgements page of my published novel. 🙂

New music to enlighten and inspire

Posted on July 15, 2013 by Ann Videan

I’m so thrilled for my dear friend Andrea Beaulieu, who just released this heartfelt song, “One Heart, One Mind” with Richard Palalay. Andrea wrote the lyrics and sings the lovely melody within the arrangement composed by Richard.

Honestly, this beautiful song will lighten your day. You can get it from Andrea, Amazon, or through the iTunes store.

Word-of-mouth photos: Communing with springtime in Phoenix

Posted on April 23, 2013 by Ann Videan

A word-of-mouth marketing example from the lens of Ann Narcisian Videan
to inspire your business tribe/village.

…………………………………

He spent a moment sizing me up, then returned to a more important task. ©2013 ANVidean

The Desert Botanical Garden and Phoenix Zoo rank high among my favorite Phoenix-area walking sites, especially in the springtime. I picked out a few charming camera captures to share with you.

Go find some for yourself… and feel free to share in the comments below.

Write on!
Ann Narcisian Videan
Write • Edit • Self-publish • Word of mouth

Roadrunner. If he catches you, you're through! ©2013 ANVidean

Entrance to the DBG with glass sculptures by Chiluly. ©2013 ANVidean

The Phoenix version of snow... cotton from the Cottonwood trees. ©2013 ANVidean

Beautiful songbirds grace the DBG. ©2013 ANVidean

The wildflower trail at the DBG…perhaps my favorite destination in spring. @2103 ANVidean

Lazy lizard wonders what I’m doing on his path. @2103 ANVidean

Not winning any races today, tortoise. @2103 ANVidean

Call for songs to add to a character’s iPod in young-adult fiction series

Posted on March 11, 2013 by Ann Videan

My talented young friend John Taylor created this lovely illustration, showing the fae side of my heroine Lark Tūrehu. You can see more of his work at https://www.facebook.com/jktaylor.art.

One of my favorite things about writing the Delfaerune Rhapsody Trilogy is involving you in its creation. I’m asking readers’ input on certain scenes in the books. If you respond to one of my requests and I end up using it, I’ll credit your contribution in my “Acknowledgements” when the book is published. Those not used, I’ll add to the contributors page here on my blog.

Here are two areas for which I already need input:

1. A song to add to the heroine Lark’s iPod. I need a song of hope, but with a beat my character can walk to in a not-too-hurried rhythm. Give me a suggestion to fit into this excerpt:

“The entrance to the main path rewarded visitors to the garden with a stunning overview of the grounds. The mirror-like pond at the focal point, today reflected the fluffy clouds and blue sky. Several pebbly paths leading off into various sections of the garden broke between the flowerbeds and willow trees hugging the edge of the water.
“Nobody wandered the garden in plain sight, so Lark took a moment to plug in to her iPod. “SONG NAME” by SO-AND-SO spoke to her hopeful mood this morning. She allowed the music to set her rhythm, and walked around the pond and up a couple of the paths, expecting to run into B’rook at any turn.”

Thanks to those who already suggested songs on my Facebook post. If you want to add something new, please comment and makes sure to provide:

Full song name
Who performed/composed it
Description or even a few adjectives about the song, describing why it will work in this scene
Your name, or how you’d like to be identified in the blog or book
Your geographic location

(Just so you know, I may use your contact info provided via the comment to communicate with you about the book, but will not publicize it, or use it for any other reason.)

2. A recipe for my vegetarian fae to enjoy during a banquet. Please post your recipe comment to this request in my existing blog entry on this topic.

I will ask for your additional suggestions when needed as I’m writing, so stay tuned.

– Ann

Write on!
Ann Narcisian Videan
Write • Edit • Self-publish • Word-of-mouth

Reader contributions to the DelFaerune Rhapsody young-adult fiction series

Posted on March 11, 2013 by Ann Videan

You all make me happier than anything, even more than my tea addiction. (Photo by my tea-sharing friend Andrea Beaulieu.)

You all make me happy… happier even than my tea habit! (Photo by my tea-sharing friend Andrea Beaulieu.)

Huge thanks to my creative, supportive potential readers who contributed the following ideas to include in my DelFaerune Rhapsody novel series (in-progress). I could not do this without you!

– Ann

Critique partners

Dotti Enderle
Lisa Hood
Sheila Larkin
Angela Myron
Paul Narcisian
Karen Nunes
Sonya Weiss

Beta readers

Chelle Davis
Jennifer Hartz
Sara Rebennack

Maori and New Zealand words, pronunciation, and culture

Daphne McKenzie, my new Maori friend in Australia
Maori Dictionary
Maori Language Pronunciation

World-building consultant

Cutter Videan
• Various Delfaerune, Fae, and plot ideas discussed over numerous Pei Wei lunches

Vegetarian recipes for the Noble Fae banquet scene

Joanne De Biasi
• Stuffed squash blossoms

Syd Hoffman
• Quinoa salad with organic peas and corn
• Spinach salad with onion, strawberries and balsamic vinegar

Barbra Kebba Buckley
• Rice-stuffed grape leaves
• Nutmeat paté en croute
• Corn squash with piñon-nut stuffing

Songs for the heroine Lark’s iPod

Barbra Simon Anderson
• “Mummers Dance” by Loreena McKennitt

Deb Bader
• “I’m on my Way” by The Proclaimers
• “Get on Your Feet” by Gloria Estefan
• “Jessica” by the Allman Brothers

Veronica Barrera
• “Song of the Lonely Mountain” by Neil Finn (The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey)

David Campbell
• “Happily Ever After,” or “All About Us” by He is We

Eduardo Cervino
• “Rumba Azul” by Armando Oréfiche–The Lecuona Boys

Joanne De Biasi
• “Love on Top” by Beyonce

Karen Mueller Bryson
• “Walking on Sunshine” by Katrina and the Waves

Cynde Cerf-Dehmer
• “Sunsets” by Powderfinger

Sandy Anders Crockett
“Protectors of the Earth” by Two Steps from Hell

Mark R.Hunsaker
“Jump in the Line” by Harry Belafonte’s (from his 1961 album “Jump Up Calypso”

Kathy Jones Miranda
“Your Heart is Black as Night” by Melody Gardot

Paul Narcisian
• “Runnin’ With the Devil” by Van Halen

Salih Rashid
• “Song for Mia” by Lizz Wright (folksy, sad)

Cassandra Reeves
• “Here Comes the Sun” by the Beatles

Marsha Sandoval
• “Here Comes the Sun” by the Beatles

Marcus Silving
• “Beautiful” by Christina Aguilera

Kris Tualla
• “Unchained Melody” by the Righteous Brothers

Codi Videan
• “Wake Me Up” by Avicii

Robert Videan
• “Somewhere Over the Rainbow/What a Wonderful World” by Izzie

Fae version of roshambo (rock, paper, scissors)

Cherie Scott
fist with thumb up = tree houses creature
two fingers curved = ‘bunny ears’ creature eats leaf
thumb and forefinger in oval (kinda like holding a guitar pick) = leaf tops tree

__________________________

Write on!
Ann Narcisian Videan
Write • Edit • Self-publish • Word-of-mouth

“Fearless” friendship and forgiveness — borrow it this weekend

Posted on March 6, 2013 by Ann Videan

Read Rita's novel on Kindle. It's free March 8–12 in honor of International Women's Day on Friday.

Rita’s touching novel is free to borrow on Kindle March 8–12 in honor of International Women’s Day.

I recently had the pleasure of editing a debut novel by Rita Costick, Ph.D. Her thought-provoking book, Fearless: On the Wings of Forgiveness, makes a perfect read for anyone who believes in the power of friendship to see you through life’s challenges.

The book premise involves a heartwarming glimpse into the lives of five former female roommates who reunite for a long weekend at a beachside California vacation cottage and, while reconnecting after many years, demonstrate the healing power of friendship and the unquestioned stamina of forgiveness.

In celebration of International Women’s Day, Rita is making available the Kindle version of Fearless for free this weekend — March 8, 9, 10, 11, and 12 — at Fearless Kindle Edition. A print version is also available for purchase through Amazon Books at Fearless Paperback Edition.

I’ve enjoyed the privilege of editing a good number of novels in a variety of genres in recent years, and I can say without hesitation Rita’s novel is the most real, touching, and hopeful story I’ve edited. But don’t just take my word for it. Check out what readers posted on Amazon:

“[This book] reminded me that I need to take time to reflect, renew and rejoice in the wonderful friendships with extraordinary women who have helped me grow emotionally and spiritually.” —SGY

“In telling this story, the author reminded me how precious true friends‘ viewpoints can be in our lives, and the value of keeping these friendships intact, or re-establishing them if they have fallen by the wayside. Book clubs should consider Fearless because of the multitude of discussion possibilities.” —CLR

“It is a captivating story of how facing the truth and forgiving the past can set us free to have and be the life we desire and deserve.”—SL

“As a psychologist, I can say that Costick has a keen understanding of how a therapist’s life is enacted simultaneously on two very different intimate stages: the consulting room and private life. Even more to the point, Costick has a fine grasp of the complexity of crafting a life on one’s own terms.”—GG

See? A book you don’t want to miss.

Write on!
Ann Narcisian Videan
Write • Edit • Self-publish • Word-of-mouth

P.S. Jot a reminder on your calendar right now to borrow Fearless: On the Wings of Forgiveness this weekend.

P.S.S. Please share your gratitude for/experience with a specific friendship, a powerful forgiveness, or a moment of fearlessness in the comments below.

Coffee CommuniTea: Vinyl Rush Cafe – Downtown Mesa, AZ

Posted on March 1, 2013 by Ann Videan

Today’s Cup o’ Tea
Organic Bean Café
[formerly Vinyl Rush Café]
Downtown Mesa, AZ

Park right on the street in front and enter here... ©2013 ANVidean

Perks (what I really like!)

...walk down the courtyard alley...©2013 ANVidean

Courtyard seating. A cute, narrow courtyard between the rows of small businesses in the building.

Intimate setting. “Side A:” the coffee bar where you order your goodies, and “Side B:” a room across the courtyard where you can sit, chat and listen to music away from the sounds of blenders and counter chatter.

Album clocks. The owners decorated with lots of charming music paraphernalia, including a large collection of vinyl record album covers—33s and 45s—which they’ve turned into clocks.
…purchase delectables on Side “A” and enjoy them here in the comfort of “Side B.”
©2013 ANVidean

Share a cuppa (the stories about the owner, building, history, name)
Missy, one of the owners, is both a coffee and music lover. She and her coffee partner bring you 38 years in the restaurant, hotel, and retail industry. At Vinyl Rush, they roast their own coffee beans, favoring full-bodied, medium-dark to dark roast styles. Just be ready for it!

What’s Brewing (coffee, tea, food)

Fresh roasted coffee
Espresso drinks
Smoothies
Hot teas (a nice selection)
Pastries and bagels

The Grind (what I would change)
Not a thing. Just be prepared to enjoy your goodies in a close, intimate setting.

Percolation Factor (the activity/environment/energy/service)
If you want your own album clock, they’ll make one for you. Each is custom designed with the time movement and hands placed creatively to compliment the cover image. http://vinylrushcafe.com/clocks/

The Grounds (location)
Downtown Mesa, AZ
40 N. Macdonald Street
Mesa, AZ 85201
480.615.4333

Tea Times (hours)
Monday – Friday 6:30 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Saturday 8 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Yelp rating:
4 stars (62 reviews)

Who recognizes the symbol under their “Vinyl Rush Cafe” signs?

……………………

I love connecting people and ideas, so I’ve been creating small villages my entire life. Really, what better places can writers and musicians find to create “village” than independent coffee/tea shops? I wrote most of my Rhythms & Muse novel and Delfaerune Rhapsody series-in-progress in coffee/tea venues, so it seemed natural to create this blog. Whether you came here to find a new favorite hangout, or suggest a spot not yet not posted, may you find Coffee CommuniTea exactly to your taste!

Pink hair + grandpa + gratitude = ???

Posted on February 23, 2013 by Ann Videan

Not really John Styn's hair, but still outrageous, yes? :) ©2007 ANVidean

Sure go ahead. Take pink hair and an outrageous personality. Mix it with a minister grandpa who lives in intense gratitude. What do you get?

One of the most inspiring TEDx talks ever. (And, I love TED talks.) John Styn recorded this 17-minute talk about his grandfather Rev. Caleb Elroy Shikles, and the beauty of gratitude and giving.

My favorite part is astrologer, writer, poet, singer, and songwriter Rob Brezsny’s concept of Pronoia, “the belief that the universe is conspiring in your favor.” I say, let’s live it, friends. You in?

Thanks to my friend Andrea Beaulieu for sharing this uplifting video.

P.S. Share a link to your favorite TED talk in our comments below.

CBTL answers tea questions

Posted on January 30, 2013 by Ann Videan

A graphic I created to enter a CBTL gift card contest. Yep, those are my family's hands. @2010 ANVidean

A graphic I created to enter a CBTL gift card contest a couple of years ago. Yep, those are my family’s hands. @2010 ANVidean

My favorite tea organization, Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf, held a live tea chat with their international tea expert David DeCandia today (Jan. 30, 2013). The convo took place in honor of National Hot Tea Month. [Who knew that was going on?]

Even though you didn’t catch it live, the questions and answers are still worth checking out.

#5 Writing tip: Writing is not a solitary sport

Posted on January 12, 2013 by Ann Videan

Picture a writer.

Do you imagine a frazzle-haired, pajama-clad recluse sitting at odd hours and brooding over a computer screen, fiendishly snacking or imbibing caffeine? Perhaps she paces the floor, or maybe bangs her forehead on the desk, until inspiration hits. She might spend long hours taking guidance from characters who “tell her what to write.” She may even pour through defunct manuals explaining all the nitpicky grammatical rules no one pays attention to any more in this day of abbreviating and texting?

Yeah, that’s how the movies depict us. But, in real life, writing isn’t effective in solitary. Great writers get out and explore life, listen to conversations, try out experiences, and share their craft.

Sure we sit in the quiet when we’re actually putting words together, but most of the writing takes place mentally and experientially before we sit down at our computer or notebook. At least it should.

It doesn’t matter if you’re writing fiction, nonfiction, or business memos…input from external sources encouraging emotional phrasing and storytelling gets your words read. Here are some ideas:

• Sit in a coffee shop to listen to conversations and watch mannerisms.

• Try doing something new, perhaps even something your book character or employees do, and note your emotional and mental reactions to include in your writing.

• Join a writing association. It can help you, even if you’re not writing books.

Independent Book Publishers Association (IBPA)
Romance Writers of America (RWA)
Scottsdale Society for Women Writers (SSWW)

• Meet with a critique partner or group.

• Form your own writing group like my Alliance for Literary Writers, Authors and Yabbering Scribes (ALWAYS) tribe.

What do you do to garner input and experiences for your writing?

Ann Narcisian Videan: Book Shepherd/Editor/Author

A cyber village connecting writers, music lovers and creative folk.

Category Archives: Village: You+Me+Us