Category Archives: motivation
A Blessing that is Often Overlooked – Books
Envisioning a better future, reliving a glorious past, encouraging us to dream big, or bring happiness – these are all reasons to find importance in reading books. They allow you to escape into a world you may never know and can even help lower stress levels. Reading draws us into a whole range of human emotions that provide wisdom and value and give us a positive distraction that potentially brings so much good into our lives.
Reading books improves confidence and self-esteem, which provides a platform to pursue goals and make decisions in life. Improving our education in almost any area can only enrich our lives beyond measure. There are so many positives about books that it’s hard to imagine a world without them.
“Reading forces you to be quiet in a world that no longer makes place for that.” – John Green
“There is no friend as loyal as a book” – Ernest Hemingway
“I am a part of everything I have read.” – Theodore Roosevelt
“We read to know we’re not alone.” – William Nicholson
“The more you read, the more you know. The more things that you learn, the more places you will go” – Dr. Seuss
“A reader lives a thousand lives before he dies. The man who never reads lives only one.” – George R. R. Martin
“Books aren’t made of pages and words. They are made of hopes, dreams, and possibilities.” – Unknown
“Reading is like breathing in, and writing is like breathing out.” Pam Allyn
“Books are a uniquely portable magic.” – Stephen King
“Let us remember: one book, one pen, one child, and one teacher can change the world.” – Malala Yousafzei
“I feel the need of reading. It is a loss to a man not to have grown up among books.” – Abraham Lincoln
“Books make great gifts because they have whole worlds inside of them.” – Neil Gaiman
“Books shouldn’t be daunting, they should be funny, exciting, and wonderful; and learning to be a reader gives us a terrific advantage.” – Roald Dahl
“Books break the shackles of time, proof that humans can work magic.” – Carl Sagan
Happy reading!
Solitaire
Overcoming Stumbling Blocks for Aspiring Authors
The decision to write a novel is not as easy as it sounds and may have taken you a long time to realize creating a story was something to consider. According to me, and many, many other sources, it is normal to have doubts about whether we’re capable of performing at such a daunting level. As it turns out, we are our worst enemies, and if not kept in check, will also become the single judge and jury toward our path to success or failure. The most common stumbling blocks to our writing have been listed below, along with potential methods or solutions to bypass their fatalistic results.
Fear of ridicule from the people around you – 
When writing my first novel, it was difficult for me to tell anyone about the project, mainly because of an innate fear the book would never get finished. I anticipated the potential ridicule due to my failure if the project faltered before completion. Several drafts later and nine months of sweat…I finished. There was considerably less ridicule from acquaintances, so the takeaway here is you need to finish the book no matter how long it takes. The quicker you develop thick skin the better and remember, even the greats of literature had to start somewhere, and you may be the next great author. Bear in mind, not even the greats of literature will receive five-star reviews from everyone.
Motivational Issues –
The previous issues have a habit of seeping into our own values of procrastination and one thing leads to another until the project is placed onto a back burner with mild promises to pick it up again later. Some days simply don’t feel inspired and if you have too many in a row, it’s easier to put the project off than to continue. Creating a schedule, one that can be adhered to daily, is prime so be careful and don’t make it so rigid that it begins to feel like punishment. Life can and will get in the way of even the most well thought out plans, so during these times, we must learn to be flexible. During these times I either re-read the entire manuscript to rekindle fresh new ideas or go back over my outline to get myself back on track. It does not matter if you type the next section, the point is not to allow yourself to lose the inspiration.
Lack of confidence in your project –
This last stumbling block is another three-fold issue because sensing a lack of confidence in your project is, more than likely, a combination of the fear of ridicule, a lack of motivation, and not enough prep work as you geared up to start writing. The less you can visualize the nuts and bolts of your story, the more likely you are to lose interest in writing and then the lack of confidence creeps in around the edges. If you begin your project with abbreviated notes/outline, then it will be reflected in the lack of background for the remainder of the book. Good solid prep work with everything laid out like a road map will be a constant source of inspiration and depth to the story. The result of this is a sense of completeness that translates to confidence in what needs to be written next and gives you the feeling that the project can and will be finished. Lastly, see if you can pre-visualize between chapters or scenes and it will tell you what’s missing. Fill those gaps and watch the story come alive.
(If you are a new author or writer and need some helpful hints on writing a book and more, I have something that may benefit your efforts. Check it out HERE.)
Solitaire
New Review for 2024 – The Atrium
Thank you Emilee for the review of my latest book – The Atrium
“The Atrium” by Solitaire Parke is a thought-provoking exploration of the human condition, masterfully crafted within the confines of a mysterious and symbolic atrium. The narrative unfolds after a harrowing car crash, trapping the protagonist in a space adorned with framed pictures that serve as gateways to pivotal moments in his life. What follows is a poignant journey of self-reflection, forcing the protagonist to confront the traumas and decisions that have shaped his existence.
Parke skillfully weaves a tale that delves into the complexity of human nature, presenting the protagonist with the challenge of reliving past events. This unique narrative device creates a rich tapestry of emotions, as the character grapples with the consequences of his actions and the motivations that drove them. The atrium becomes a crucible for self-discovery, compelling the protagonist to scrutinize his own morality and motives.
The novel navigates through a series of life-altering decisions, prompting a profound examination of compassion, purpose, and the interconnectedness of our actions. Parke invites readers to contemplate the capacity for change within ourselves and the transformative power of empathy.
The struggle between life and death decisions adds a layer of suspense, creating an engaging and immersive experience for readers. As the protagonist faces the prospect of determining his fate, the narrative unfolds with a delicate balance between introspection and external consequences.
In “The Atrium,” Solitaire Parke crafts a narrative that transcends the boundaries of time and space, offering readers a profound meditation on the human experience. The novel prompts reflection on the choices we make, the impact on those around us, and the potential for redemption and growth. “The Atrium” is more than a story; it is a compelling exploration of the human psyche, urging readers to consider the transformative power of self-awareness and the enduring possibility of a life filled with compassion and purpose.
For this book and others listed in my book section, check my website –
Happy New Year 2024!
Solitaire
Life & Death – Pivotal Moments
Writing a book is hard work and writing on a regular basis is occasionally a struggle. It may not happen with every book you write, but depending on the subject matter, your story can get somewhat complicated and leave you in a quandary as to where to proceed next – and did I mention the unending distractions that intrude on your concentration whenever you sit down at the keyboard? Well, life happens, and you just have to find a work-around. Sometimes your best ideas come when you’re not in front of the computer. Talk to a friend or go outside and take a walk. A change of scenery might be what puts an end to the brain fog or confusion or sparks that next idea.
I’m in the process of writing a book called “The Atrium” which I am striving to finish in the next few months. It hasn’t been a straightforward narrative and somewhat complicated, as it deals with the struggle between life and death. It is a candid exploration of how one man deals with not knowing if he will live or die and how he reacts to past events. If he dies, can he make peace with his life? Will he have a future, and if he does, how will it change his life going forward?
The subject of this book is not a simple one, but it will hopefully make you stop and reevaluate your life, if only to perceive a new understanding of experiences and people. The connections made and compassion that we show can bring about a new clarity to our lives and those around us that can make a difference. Writing this book has been an eye-opener for me and it is my wish that it will do the same for those who read it.
Solitaire
Never give up – Never surrender!
It’s a line spoken by actor, Tim Allen, from a movie – “Galaxy Quest.” It’s one of the funniest sci-fi spoofs ever made. It’s just one of those feel-good movies that you watch again and again, and it has a great message. It’s so easy to get lost amidst the responsibilities and difficulties of life. We struggle to find the time to write or create, and sometimes it can be all too confusing and disheartening to keep up the drive. Many of us are working day jobs and trying to fit in our writing or whatever our passion is, around everything else. What we need is creative clarity about what we’re creating and why we’re doing it in the first place. Go back to the ”well” so to speak, and dig deep for your source of inspiration. Do you have a great story that needs to be expressed, whether it’s as an author or in a painting? Someone out there needs to hear or see what you have to say and it will profoundly connect with them in a meaningful way, and that is important. It means continuing to be an artist even when there are setbacks, and a lack of validation. That clarity will help you to prioritize amidst your busy life, and your amazing creation will materialize and give the world something to think about besides its everyday routine. To be elevated above the mundane into a place that is intriguing, magical, whimsical or exquisite is what teaches us how to thrive and experience truly being alive!
Never give up – Never Surrender!
Solitaire
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Solitaire Parke - Sci-Fi/Fantasy Books 