IMAGINE THIS October 2013 Edition A magazine for those who love to read
Explore the artist within
In This Month’s Issue: Inspiring Pieces The realities of writing books and what you can do about it
More on Books
Book Comparison History is made Books of interest
Features
Space How to create your own reading space
Letter from the editor October is here and since it is my birthday month, I wanted to really let my true artist self come to life. I always enjoy creating the front cover page for Imagine This. This inspired cover is based around the artist who creates another world through writing to bring you something you have never experienced before. The bold and wild coloured background excites me as all artists no matter what their type of creativity, feels freedom through their art. This is shared with all those who want to go on an incredible journey. I also had the pleasure of comparing two very world-wide famous books, Twilight and Fifty Shades of Grey. Plus I had the delight to share with you some interesting works from other authors who would love for you to read their books (oh and mine too!). You will find a link of where to purchase under each book. Plus I love the healthy, body and mind section for how to conquer dark moods. Also be sure to like fan pages and share with your friends the link to read Imagine This. It’s FREE! Please note, writers have submitted content from all around the world, so I have left spelling of their language as is, even if in another country, the word is spelt differently. Be sure to spread the word of this free online magazine and tell me what your favourite piece is at imaginethismagazine@gmail.com. Yours sincerely,
Melanie Toye Editor of Imagine This Click here to become a fan on Facebook Interact on our blog at: http://imaginethismagazine.wordpress.com/ Disclaimer Not all opinions in this publication are necessarily those of the publishers. No responsibility is taken by Imagine This Publications for any errors, misleading information or the validity of any third party content. This articles, information and anecdotes are not necessarily the original work of the editor or writers. Content thereof published by Imagine This remain the property of Imagine This and cannot be reproduced under any circumstances without prior consent. All published information, to the best of Imagine This knowledge is correct at time of publishing. Copyright All content submitted by a third party is copyright to the author.
The realities of writing books and what you can do about it Melanie Toye is excited to soon release her next eBook on the thought processes behind writing eBooks to freelance writing and how to make it worth your time and bank balance. Follow Melanie’s blog here: http://melanietoye.wordpress.com/ Be kept up to date on other works Melanie is working on: https://www.facebook.com/pages/MToye/146863872056871 See what eBooks Melanie currently has published here: http://www.amazon.com/MelanieToye/e/B008XT5V5Y/ref=ntt_athr_dp_pel_1 Written by Melanie Toye I have read many columns this month from writers who are seen to be best sellers in Amazon, recognizable as a public figure and their column is about how much money they do not make. This is why I want to stress for writers out there to be as varied as possible. Offer your writing services in a variety of ways. Write books, be a freelance writer, do mentoring, speeches, anything and everything involved in writing that will earn you a living. If this is what you want. One author was seen complaining because they only made $2,000 a month from book royalties. Not enough to live on, but a great deal amount when some best sellers on a well-known online book retailer site, only receive $12,000 a year in royalties. Talk to other authors and they will tell you, they are lucky to receive one book sale a month. I talk to people who are not in the writing industry and when I say, I have published my own books, they ask, “Are you a millionaire?” I laugh and I see that little glimpse of thought, where they think, maybe she is? I am not here to complain about the low income of cash. I am here to look at it as another avenue. So many writers want to work solely in writing and be their own boss. There is a way. Write books. Do freelance writing (seek out paid work). Find other ways to use your book to build other paid promotion activities such as tours, guest speaker, seminars. There are many ways and all of it can be involved around writing. You do not have to give up doing what you love because you are not getting paid enough. Broaden your thinking of how much you receive from one style of writing, learn how to write other styles, become a varied writer. Look at famous actor Anne Hathaway, she had a diverse acting career. If Anne Hathaway continued down the Princess Diaries path and only accepted family based films, her career would not be as big and thrilling as it is. From lead roles in Get Smart, The Devil Wears Prada, Bride Wars, Catwoman in the Dark Knight Rises and more, proves becoming a diverse artist will have you soar to higher heights. If you want to make a living from writing, try writing more of different types of writing and really break through the market.
Entice Me by Melanie Toye A touch of Spain Miranda and Grant were enjoying the all night partying with the locals. Grant took Miranda’s hand and led her outside. “I thought we might need some fresh air.” Miranda smiled at Grant as they walked hand in hand along the street together. They found a nearby garden and sat down on the soft grass and cuddled. Miranda looked up at Grant with her soft innocent brown eyes, as he stroked her hair. “Grant, can we live here for ever?” she asked. He kissed her tenderly on her lips. As the morning sun rose into the sky the shops were opening and people were beginning to appear. Grant stood up and put out his hand to Miranda, she placed her hand in his and he pulled her up. They headed to a nearby café for breakfast; the aroma of bacon and eggs was enough to make her stomach grumble. They both ordered and sat near a window to watch the world pass them by. “Maybe we could visit France next, before we head back to Australia?” Grant asked in his most charmed manor. “I would love you to see my country and especially meet my family.” Miranda felt like she was riding a cloud to heaven. “I would love that too.” Grant smiled his broad smile in delight. Read your free sample here: http://www.amazon.com/Entice-Me-ebook/dp/B008VBTWZO/ Entice Me is also available at Barnes and Noble, Smashwords and a variety of other online retailers.
Have a hammock, indoors or out. And let your book choose the destination of where you are.
A beautiful cushion is best and can be used for sitting on top of, admiring from afar or even cuddling tight during those tense or romantic reading scenes.
Only ever surround yourself with items you love and cherish in your special reading space. Lighting is important. The right type of lighting sets the mood and the pace.
Make sure your space includes the fresh breeze.
Design your special space with everything that is you. A bit of flair, style and creativity can be easily achieved by using your imagination to attain a great result.
And for the ultimate light and entertaining read, be sure to get your copy of Entice Me.
Read a free sample here: http://www.amazon.com/Entice-Me-Melanie-Toye-ebook/dp/B008VBTWZO
Imagine This Space Two hippos gossiping deep in the waters. One hippo’s little ears stick up and races over to the two hippos. “How dare you say that?” she roars. “What exactly are referring to?” “You said that my breath smells.” The other silent hippo, furrows deep in the water. “Well if that was the case, then maybe you should take note and not open your mouth so wide. It is rude.” The hippo with bad breath washes her mouth in the water. Then opens her mouth wide. “What is it now?” “Still smelly?” she asks.
Book Comparison
Vs
Melanie Toye compares Twilight and Fifty Shades of Grey, here are her findings: The paradox between Fifty Shades of Grey and Twilight is interesting. The innocence of the seduction between Edward and Bella is purely that, innocent. Fifty Shades of Great not as so. However the contrast between the two styles of writing is very similar. Stephenie Meyer originally thought Twilight would be classified as a romance novel, not fantasy. Fifty Shades of Grey is also romance yet with the 18+ sexual scenes, it is erotica. Both stories are written in the first person of the woman. So the women can practically drool over the male characters. (I am not complaining). The interesting references that make these stories similar are as follows. (Please note there are more similarities, further on in the series, however I do not want to give away everything. If you are reading them, maybe you can find them). Both women have this thing about not eating or remembering to eat when they are around the man. This to no end frustrated me, because I love my food. Nothing could stop me from eating. Except then I remembered when I first my now husband, I too was shy to eat in front of him. Perhaps this is a similar trait to the characters, one of which changes as their relationship builds or in Bella’s case, hunger is eliminated as her thirst takes over (Relating to Breaking Dawn). Both men want to bite the main characters. Seriously? Obviously one will have dying consequences if he does, but hey. Being an Australian, living in the heat most of the time, I find it odd that both girls prefer to dress so plain all the time, mainly in jeans and a shirt. I guess for me, I prefer to wear dresses. It is cooler in the
Australian heat, not to mention more feminine. But hey, that is just me. This could be a way to show the characters are not fazed by material glamour which brings me to my next similarity… Both women have fallen for men who are insanely rich and yet do not want to spend their money. Honey, if the man wants you and to share his life with you, get used to living the wealthy lifestyle. Says the woman who day dreams about her one day huge mansion on the foreshore… who doesn’t love to be spoilt? Both male leads excel at playing the piano and listening to soft music. I am all for dating a musician, but do they really need to be so similar? What if Christian played the drums at 3am in the morning? I think that would make an interesting part of the story, don’t you? I can see the dialogue now, “Hey, what is all this racket?” “Do not yell at me or I will be mad and you know what happens when you disobey me…” Now this all may seem that I do not like the fact that they are so similar. The truth is, I enjoyed both novel series. The writing style for both put me in a trance and had me reading page after page after page. All writers want this for their books. And readers love to escape to a story that enchants them in. I congratulate you Stephenie Meyer and E L James for creating International Best Sellers that really put reading books back on the cool list to do in life. Have you read both series, do you find the similarities to be frustrating or worth the read? Tell us now, on http://imaginethismagazine.wordpress.com/ or email: imaginethismagazine@gmail.com.
This Month’s Book Review By Melanie Toye
Dead if I do By Tate Hallaway. Book Synopsis: Witch Garnet Lacey is ready to walk down the aisle with the super sexy vampire Sebastian. Besides the fact that he has no pulse, things couldn't be more perfect. Until plans for the wedding start falling apart, and Sebastian's zombie-slash-vampire-slash witch ex-lover decides that both of them should be six feet under. It's just a matter of time before Garnet--who's already sharing her body with a shorttempered goddess--morphs into Bridezilla.
My review: I was browsing the book section when I read the above book synopsis and I thought, why not give this book a go. For one, I do like a good romance story with vampires. And I have not read one since the Twilight Series. I was also was intrigued by the title, ‘Dead if I do’ which made me wonder if Garnet would turn into a vampire once married. The book was a good read, very interesting characters involved including Garnet herself who seems to have her own power. Yet with all the dark elements, the story is written in a light way to keep you wanting more. And with any budding romance, everything that you would never want to happen, does. It just questions, how strong is Garnet’s and Sebastians’s love for each other and temperament for the situations that keep bopping up. You can read a free sample here: http://www.amazon.com/Dead-If-Do-Garnet-Lacey/dp/0425227537/
Healthy Body and Mind How to deal with dark emotions
Mental Health Issues are on the rise and knowing how to deal with dark emotions that seem to come out of no place all of sudden can be difficult. A part of our beings (as crazy as it sounds) wants to feel sad. Another part wants us to seek attention from others by telling them how emotional we are. And a third part is willing ourselves to delve deeper into the darkness, not knowing when we will rise up for air. Here are some suggestions on how you can pull yourself out, not matter how far you are in: 1. Speak to a professional, there are many FREE services available, all you have to do is google support services, crisis hotline etc to find the number for where you live. 2. Call a friend. Don’t tell them that you are feeling down. Just ask them, how they are doing. You might surprise yourself by producing a smile. 3. Play some music. Fun music. Upbeat. If you feel like it, dance. Sing. Close your eyes and feel the energy of the beat pulse through your veins. Music is a healer, inside and out. 4. Paint or draw. Doing something arty (even if you aren’t good) helps your hands do something. Finger painting has the same feeling as magic pulsating through your hands. Do not worry about what the image will look like, just let the feeling of touch captivate you. 5. Write. This is not just for those who love to write. Writing is for everyone. And sometimes the hardest emotions you are feeling need to be written down. You will feel lighter and you can even tear up the piece of paper when you finish. Which shows you are stronger than this and ready to move on. 6. Do something you have never done before. Now is the time to pull out some of your cash that you have saved for a rainy day and do something you have never done before. You don’t even need money, you could simply go somewhere for a bush walk you have never walked or go swimming in a fresh water rock pool. There are so many things you can try. By doing something new and different that your being craves, you will be ready to conquer anything! There are many ways you can get out of your gloomy state. We all have them. It is how you pull yourself out that makes you stronger.
Books you may find of interest: Looking for more books? Look no further than below. Imagine This readers are lucky to receive a sneak inside peak into an array of genres of books. Read each one and see which will appear on your bookshelf (electronic or not) next. A book of mystery Memories of the Abyss A mystery with a very unusual setting. Violet is trapped in the prison of her own mind. Her body is dwelling in the insane asylum, but when her friend Walter is killed, she must make a decision to avenge his death, or stay safely locked in her own broken soul. He'd drawn her out of her shell, and she finds she still has honor left‌ But will anyone believe the crazy woman? Looking for a psychological exploration of what abuse does to a mind, and how a victim finally wakes up and looks for freedom? Then this is the mystery story for you, a chiaroscuro of horrors of the past and hope for a future. Available here: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00E6H093Q/ref
A book of fantasy Before True Lights: The Awakening
There is so much rich detail and fantastic storyline. The crimson sky bled out across the horizon. The land that was once fruitful and stunning began to wither in an abyss of darkness. That very same darkness that was born on that grave day would spread like a rabid plague across the great land. Light, peace, hope‌ all such beliefs would begin to slip away from the commoners. Even the bravest men and women would succumb to such a dire state of mind. Fear can be more deadly than that, itself, which disturbs the harmony. Upon the peak of a mountain there perched a young woman. The black cloak she was wearing shielded any distinct features of her face from being seen. Standing in stillness, her eyes stared coldly at the dying land. A faint, icy mountain breeze wisped across her face but she did not shudder. The more she stared into the distance, the more her very soul seemed to split apart. She slumped onto the rocks and, for many hours, sat there in deep thought. Perhaps, she was more in a state of shock. Her eyes continued to scan the horizon. The only image she saw was one of death and destruction. While the destruction continued to move on, she remained on the mountain, alone. In time, the cloaked woman could hear the murmur of voices coming from behind her, but she did not betray her stillness. Available here: http://www.amazon.com/The-Awakening-Before-True-Light-ebook/dp/B008A92S1W
A book of science fiction Outcasts and Gods A science fiction adventure, as young men and women with special abilities sparked by their genetic engineering fight for their freedom.
Do you like superpowers? Check these out! Outcasts and Gods Pam Uphoff Genetic engineering. The medical miracle of the twenty-first century. First they cured the genetic diseases. Then they selected for the best natural traits. Then they made completely artificial genes. As the test children reached puberty, abilities that had always been lost in the random background noise were suddenly obvious. Telepathy. Telekinesis. At first their creators sought to strengthen these traits. Then they began to fear them. They called them gods, and made them slaves. Wolfgang Oldham was sixteen when the company laid claim to him. He escaped, and stayed free for three years. When he was arrested, identified and returned to the company, they trained him to be useful. They didn't realize how dangerous that was. Available here: http://www.amazon.com/Outcasts-Gods-Wine-1/dp/1939746906/ A book of contemporary romance Home Wrecker II: The Brooklyn Chronicles “Allie was the kind of animal that seemed almost human. It felt as if she were a part of me and brought so much joy to our lives and was a large part of who we were as a couple. When we had to say goodbye to her in February of 2007, the same year I got sick … well, I don’t think I have been the same since. With each loss, a little part of me chipped away and died. I had already lost both of my parents. I wasn’t prepared to face any more loss. I was saturated by it, but I was given no choice; I had to move on. Allie was really the greatest gift Gerard ever gave me. Before her, I never knew the love of an animal, especially in such a maternal way. I felt as though she was my child, and after a few years, she started taking on my personality. Even her bottom teeth were crooked in the same way that mine were - as silly as that sounds. Allie and I were pretty much inseparable with a connection to one another that I have never been able to replace. For many years, the better years of my relationship with Gerard, we were a threesome. I know everybody thinks their dog is special and, in this case, we felt the same. We were no different from anyone else who thinks of their pet as a family member. For us, she was our baby and our pride and joy.” Available from Amazon: http://bit.ly/160cx7w
A book of historical romance A Rose for Lancaster
A compelling romance between opposing sides in the War of the Roses. My liegeman, Murdo, dug me in the ribs with a sharp elbow. The glint in his eye told me enough of his thoughts. “Lady Langley is not inclined to accommodate me,” I grumbled. He chuckled at my disappointment. “The lady will come around in good time. She has no choice but to bend to the will of a king. You are one lucky bastard, as always.” “She all but named me one. Take heed, or I may believe you in league with the woman.” “A fine one to be in league with, if not too bold to say.” I snorted in frustration. “The king gave me land and titles on the condition of marriage, but with the added proviso of bringing children into the marriage, preferably sons. “You’ll have one in her within the week.” A sly grin spread over Murdo’s face. “Mayhap, by tomorrow’s eve. A fine young lad such as you, with the vigor of a stag.” “I intend to lie with her after a priest binds us as man and wife in the sight of God and not before.” “Like I said, Sir Giles, you’re a lucky bastard. Many thought her an old maid but we’ve seen the truth. She’s ripe like a peach." The solid presence of Murdo by my side calmed my inner doubt.” Available here: http://amzn.com/B00DQ25WDE A book of historical fiction: Love & Betrayal on the Santa Fe Tasa had only hate and revenge on his mind since the slaughter of his family by the white deserters. Once completed, his mission it left him a man alone and without a heart. Calico realized being the downstairs maid had no security or future. In 1859 the opportunities for women are rare, and one didn't miss an opportunity for security. Even if it meant traveling across the wilderness to marry a man she never met. Calico and five other women set out on the Santa Fe Trail wagontrain hoping to find love waiting for them at the end of the trail. They expected the dust, the bad food, the Indians, and harsh dangerous conditions. What they didn't expect was the worse betrayal imaginable. Share their journey in “Love and Betrayal on the Santa Fe” Available here: http://www.amazon.com/Love-Betrayal-Santa-Fe-ebook/dp/B00EEDTFYG/
A book of self help: The Seventh Sense
WhAt iS ComMoN sEnSE? There are many different definitions and theories. In addition, what may be common sense to me might possibly not be common sense to you. People often refer to their knowledge and skills as common sense. In one way, it is knowledge and skills, as knowledge is the sum or range of what has been perceived, discovered or learned. Webster’s definition of common sense is “the ability to make sound judgments”. If you are trying to make a decision about something and then you act on that decision and things work out for you, then you could say that you used common sense, right. My personal opinion on common sense is that we all have it but we just have not learned to use it. It is like a “seventh-sense” that can be developed over time and used in everyday situations to accomplish a task. Have you ever thought about the term we use “common sense”, what does it really mean, where did it come from and how do you really use it? The “Seventh-Sense” is an accumulation of knowledge, experience, and fact that is meant to open your eyes and mind. I have used this information in hope that it might get the reader to think a little deeper and look at life in a different way! Available from: http://www.amazon.com/The-Seventh-Sense-Michael-Shuttlesworth-ebook/dp/B009EKB5Y2
A book of horror: Shadows of the Dead
With Halloween coming, everybody needs a good scare. Mark walked into the bedroom and saw Alice bent over, drying her hair with a towel. She stood up, throwing the towel to the floor, and tossed back her hair. Like spray from a waterfall, droplets of moisture rose up into the air, before falling down her back, bouncing through each of her curls and tumbling to the ground where the mat absorbed every drop of what turned out to be blood. Slowly she turned to face him. Her face was covered in blood – it ran in streaks down her cheeks, poured from her vacant eye sockets, her nose, her mouth. His eyes ran down the length of her body and saw the wounds that had been carved into her by a knife, the blood that poured out of every one of them. He staggered backwards, wondering how she was still alive, still standing. Mark looked up at the ceiling and told himself again that it was only a dream, that it meant nothing. He had never placed any significance before in dreams, but this one of his new wife with blood pouring out of her was unlike even the worst nightmares he’d had as a child. He decided he wouldn’t tell Alice about the dream – he didn’t want to further worry her, especially considering how spooked she’d been recently. Available from: http://www.amazon.com/Shadows-Dead-Yvonne-McEvaddy/dp/1479325422
Here’s how you can be seen in an upcoming edition: Contribute on our blog with your comments which may be featured in Imagine This online magazine. Read more here http://imaginethismagazine.wordpress.com/be-seen/
You can submit your unforgettable holiday story.
Tell us how you use your imagination in your everyday life.
Send in your unique reading places.
Submit your true story of a interesting situation that occurred while you were reading.
Writers can submit content that follow what we are seeking.
And you can add to a story created by everyone. Wow, who doesn’t love to contribute to a great magazine that everyone loves to read!? http://imaginethismagazine.wordpress.com/beseen/
Melanie Toye’s latest children’s eBooks. Click below to see all her eBooks available from Amazon, Smashwords.com, Barnes and Noble and many more! http://www.amazon.com/Melanie-Toye/e/B008XT5V5Y/
About Entice Me Miranda is the top recruitment consultant for Entice Consultancy, working long hours to achieve great results. From the outside she appears to have her life in order as a successful career woman. Yet a jealous rival is determined to do anything to take her down and soon Miranda’s life turns problematic. Grace and Louise both met Miranda through work and lead interesting lives of their own. Grace a free spirit, falls in love with a man that appears to be perfect. When her true love goes missing her world soon falls apart. Louise’s eating disorder is pushed to the limit as is her marriage with Mike. Retirement and a new relationship seem like bliss until one night’s event changes everything. Entice Me is a journey that explores life changing events that forces each woman to rediscover themselves and what they are seeking from life. Meltdowns, break-ups, love and laughter make Entice Me into an entertaining read.
Review by Elizabeth Wright on behalf of BestChickLit.com “Entice Me follows the lives of three women who are caught up in the struggle to find their true selves and work out exactly what they want. This question of life and what we should do with it is something that everyone has pondered over at some point in their lives and many are still struggling with. Melanie Toye uses her novel to delve deeply into the issue and gives her three heroines, Miranda, Grace and Louise, the answer we all long for. Each woman is strong and successful in her chosen career and yet acknowledges that there is still something missing. This question of the balance between a career and family life is very popular in today's culture and is sure to generate a heated discussion amongst women. Toye generously gives her characters very successful work and personal lives, with highly paid glamorous careers and handsome men with bottomless wallets. This gives each woman the chance to make an unbiased decision. If you had the option of financial independence and the perfect man who was completely devoted to you, what would you do with your life? Ultimately, Toye is saying to all of us, your life is in your own hands. Make of it what you will!” Available from: http://www.amazon.com/Entice-Me-Melanie-Toye-ebook/dp/B008VBTWZO/
Be Seen Feature your business and products in Imagine This. Contact Melanie at: imaginethismagazine@gmail.com.
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It’s very simple, there are three ways you can have your business promoted: 1- Donate a product to be used in a competition or giveaway which will be featured in Imagine This. 2 – Sponsor the production and creation of Imagine This, includes free advertising and promotion throughout Imagine This editions for 12 months. Seeking sponsorship payment of $600. 3 – Advertise your business for six months. Here is what it includes: During the six months advertising, every month your advertisement will be featured plus within the six months one full page spread will be devoted to your business. A draft article about your business will be sent to you for approval prior to publication. The size of your monthly advertisement will be a quarter of an A4 page. Normally this advertising would cost AUD$495. We have a current offer that is AUD$299 for six months coverage. That is only $49.83 a month!! By taking part in this promotion, your brand will be seen in the best light, around the world. You will also be supporting authors to continue to do what they love doing – fill the world with imagination.
To feature your business and products in Imagine This, contact Melanie at: imaginethismagazine@gmail.com
History is made! Check out my interview with the youngest person making the history books to ever fly solo around the world … Ryan Campbell. He is such an inspirational person and very devoted to his cause for young people to dream big and lists how he made his impossible dream possible. Read it here: http://www.airstreamjets.com.au/articles/21-articles/211youngest-solo-flight-around-the-world (Image by Dylan Robinson)
“You must be the change you wish to see in the world.” ~Mahatma Gandhi