Tag Archives: magic

It’s Complicated…

Posted on by

Last year one of the local bars held a singles meet-and-greet where people were given their choices of cups. Red for in a committed relationship, green for available and yellow for “It’s complicated.”

I was interviewed for a local television news story last week. If you’d like to watch it, you can here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X5Rr4vjwxjk&t=15s. The reporter was young, enthusiastic and very, very capable. I admired her. She asked me a lot of insightful questions about bookselling. One of those questions was something like how did I feel about Amazon.

I’m not sure I answered her question very well, because, to be honest, my relationship with Amazon requires a yellow cup.

It’s complicated.

As a bookseller, do I resent Amazon? Not really, honestly. Amazon fulfills an entirely different purpose from what I do. I order supplies for my store from Amazon because I can find good deals, compare products easily and, quite honestly, it makes my life easier. At the end of the year, for instance, when I need to find receipts, it’s much easier if everything is on Amazon instead of a few here and a few there.

Does Amazon affect my business? Again, that’s complicated. I mean, yeah, probably. I don’t know what it was like being a bookseller before Amazon, though. And I don’t sell new books, at least not new bestsellers. I sell used books and local authors. And no, Nicholas Sparks isn’t one of “my” authors lol. My authors sell their books here at the store on consignment, which means if the books sell, they get a check.

Now, that brings me to a more interesting question. As a local author who publishes her books and sells them on Amazon’s self-publishing platform KDP, how do I feel about Amazon?

If I cared enough to dig into my true feelings about it, I’d probably resent them more. Their algorithms often hide independent authors like myself. The pitiful amount of royalty I receive from each sale on Amazon takes a while to add up to a measurable sum. I have tried their “marketing”, but it amounts to giving away books or paying more for each purchase due to empty “clicks” than I get from the sale.

Still, Amazon is exceedingly fair in their pricing for author copies and their system is incredibly easy to use. I currently have twenty-six personal titles on my KDP Bookshelf, and I have also used KDP to publish all the literary magazines for my store. When I am asked for advice on how to self-publish, I send authors to Amazon without a single qualm.

I got a little sidetracked with this post. I started out to tell you Where the Sidewalk Begins, my book of love poems, is now available on Amazon in Kindle, paperback and hardcover. But I got distracted thinking about my feelings. Anyway, starting tomorrow and running through Sunday, Where the Sidewalk Begins is FREE on Kindle. And on Sunday at 11 a.m., I’m going to do another live poetry reading from the book.

I dreamed I fell in love with none other than the moon…

from “Wow” by Michelle Garren-Flye
Photo by Michelle Garren-Flye Copyright 2023

Are We Afraid of New Stories?

Posted on by

J.K. Rowling said, “There’s always room for a story that can transport people to another place.”

But is there? J.K. Rowling herself has become an icon of what I think of as “Cancelhood” by expressing an opinion that was not popular among…who? Twitterers? Gen Z? I don’t even know. But they “canceled” her so they have as much power as the men in black, the alternative state, the dark government.

The Cancelers.

I’m digressing a bit. I’m worried about storytelling. I’m worried we are no longer open to new ideas. Are there any new ideas?

It’s not a totally new thing that we are more comfortable with the stories we know. Look at how old Cinderella is. Is there anyone who doesn’t know that story in one iteration or another? We may all think of the Disney version, or the more educated may even know Charles Perrault’s version, but the story goes back much further in Greece and Asia.

Women have been losing shoes for freaking forever, man.

And bored royal men have been fetching them for us.

I’d never thought of Cinderella as a women’s empowerment tale until just now.

But again, I digress. I saw a news report today about the spectacular failure of Pixar’s latest movie (probably only spectacular failure because it was Pixar and Pixar is supposed to not fail). The report went on to examine the current hits, all of which are sequels, remakes and adaptations featuring familiar characters.

I’ve been watching a lot of Korean television recently. “K-dramas” as we Americans call them, aren’t necessarily new stories (they’re mostly soapy love stories or about lawyers or doctors—very familiar territory), but they are told from a different point of view in a different setting, sometimes in very unique ways. (I’m looking at you, “Extraordinary Attorney Woo”!)

The art of storytelling is reaching its end because the epic slice of truth, wisdom, is dying out.

Walter Benjamin

I hope that’s not true. It’s definitely getting harder to tell new stories as the routes of communication are closing in on themselves. Disney owns Pixar and ABC, FOX owns CNN, let’s not even get started on the lack of publishing houses. It’s easier for the megacorporations to churn out more and more of the same stuff the public has consumed for years. But in doing so, they’re taking away the superpower of communication, stripping away mankind’s ability to see beyond what is to what could be.

As storytellers, maybe it’s up to us? Find a way to make stories that are new but introduced in a familiar way. Or a way to tell old stories in a very new way. Maybe we have to risk being canceled to break through walls now. Maybe we have to tell stories that aren’t comfortable to hear or read.

Maybe we need to lose a shoe and see who brings it back to us?

Stories have to be told or they die, and when they die, we can’t remember who we are or why we’re here.

Sue Monk Kidd
My book of “love poems” will be available soon. Copyright 2023 Michelle Garren-Flye

Spoiler 3: Where the Sidewalk Begins update

Posted on by

I’ve been super busy working on Where the Sidewalk Begins. This book is a new start for me in a lot of ways, so I’m taking my time and making sure it’s exactly what I want it to be. I’m really loving the way each block is coming together in the bookbuilding process.

Here’s a tiny large spoiler for you. The illustration is my favorite from the book. The quote is from one of my favorite poems in the book. Of course, I’m trying to only include my favorite poems in this book, but you get it.

Copyright 2023 Michelle Garren-Flye

I Promised Spoilers

Posted on by

I haven’t really followed through, have I? I’m close to having Where the Sidewalk Begins ready, but I’ve only done one spoiler! lol. I’m sure you’re all hanging in there waiting for each one, right?

Appropriately, I pulled today’s “spoiler” from a poem titled “Echoes in a Fangirll’s Heart”, inspired mostly by David Bowie, with a small nod to Stray Kids (if you’re not familiar with them, check them out).

I hope you enjoy. And I hope you’ll stick with me for another month or so when I’ll have the book finished!

Spoiler #2. Copyright 2023 Michelle Garren-Flye

What I’ve Been Doing

Posted on by

I know, I spend an entire month on here giving you a new poem (or something) every day, then I disappear for more than a week. I have been working and planning, though. My next book, Where the Sidewalk Begins (with apologies to Shel Silverstein), must be published! I revealed the cover at the end of April. Now I’ve begun planning the shape of the book itself.

I have (thanks in large part to April’s poem a day) enough love poems to make a book. It took me a while to decide how to illustrate it, though. I believe I’ve settled on the look I want. So, from now until I publish the book, I’m going to give you a “spoiler” image with a quote from one of the poems at least once a week. This will keep me working steadily. I’m hoping to have an illustration for each poem, so 50 poems, 50 illustrations, but it might end up being half that many. We’ll have to see.

Anyway, here’s “spoiler #1” for the poem “Where the Sidewalk Begins”.

Copyright 2023 Michelle Garren-Flye

Day 30: Happy National Poetry Month!

Posted on by

It’s bittersweet this ending of National Poetry Month. This one, more than many others, has meant a lot. I’m happy it’s over, but sad at the same time.

I’m happy because I have a lot of material to work with when I got to put together Where the Sidewalk Begins. I’ve written some good stuff, some decent stuff, some stuff that needs work. It’s going to be interesting to see how it comes together.

I’m sad because I enjoyed the pressure of writing a poem a day. Why can’t I continue that after this month? Well, because it’s a bit of a pain in the ass. I mean, look at just the past few days. I’ve been sick, I’ve been trying to get caught up at work, I’ve had two big events this weekend. And every day I either had to write something poetic or do an Instagram live.

Speaking of the Instagram live, I do realize I owe you one of those. I promise to do it soon. As I mentioned before, I’ve been sick and I don’t really look great right now. So I decided to take today off and just write another poem instead.

So here’s the last poem of National Poetry Month 2023. Thank you for joining me this month.

Symphony in My Head
By Michelle Garren-Flye

Today I hear flutes playing 
…not in the distance…
No, they’re inside my head.

Trumpets kick in a blaring note
…make me start a bit…
But they’re not the only ones.

A harp, a violin, a trombone or two
…is that an electric guitar?...
It’s a full-blown symphony up there.

The drumbeats start and I have to move
…what other choice do I have?...
I’ll dance along, keep time with their song.

Oh, it’ll keep me going all day long
…the rhythm, the flow, the beat…
How I love this symphony in my head!
Working cover for Where the Sidewalk Begins. Hope you’ll check it out when it’s done!
Copyright 2023 Michelle Garren-Flye

Day 29: Happy National Poetry Month!

Posted on by

I love rhyme. I love rhyming poetry. I write both rhyming and non-rhyming poetry, but I do love playing with rhyme. I’m actually sad that rhyming poetry isn’t really “in” right now. Many literary magazine editors state they rarely accept rhyming poetry.

But rhyme is fun. So today I experimented with a rhyming pattern. It’s not exactly right yet, but you can get an idea of what I mean, maybe.

Spring
By Michelle Garren-Flye 

Even the gray days of Spring
can waken dreams and desires
you’d forgotten from your youth—
maybe it’s time to relight old fires.

Write them all down as truth
and craving will become a blessing
that haunts even as it inspires—
you just don’t know what it will bring!

For Spring is a god who admires
the worshippers who don’t dispute
but accept the dreams he acquires—
they’re only meant to soothe.
Can’t you smell the green? Photo and poem copyright 2023 Michelle Garren-Flye

Day 28: Happy National Poetry Month!

Posted on by

It’s almost the end of National Poetry Month. I’ve ended up with almost fifty pages of poetry! I finished my little epic “Where the Sidewalk Begins”, which means I’ll start putting together the book next month. it will have many of the poems I’ve written here in it. I’ve nearly figured out how to illustrate it, too. I finished the cover the other day. Not to mention, I broke out of my writing slump.

These are all good things to take away from National Poetry Month. I also discovered new ways to share my love of poetry. Like “live poetry writing” lol. Those were fun, especially when I was working and constantly interrupted. And my live readings on Instagram. I’m hoping to find the courage to continue those, even if it’s just to read someone else’s poetry.

One thing I didn’t expect to discover was a sincere appreciation for poetry prompts. When I started my book of love poetry, I had no idea what this year of the rabbit held for me. Let’s just say it’s been mostly hard to concentrate on light themes. But that’s okay because love isn’t all light, and some of the poetry I’ve written has helped me explore the darker side of love.

Today I’m going to do something a little different than I’ve done yet. I’m going to write a poem based on a picture of a tree (trees?) that I discovered in my yard yesterday. Here’s the tree:

My poetry prompt of the day.
Another view

It’s 11:06 a.m. I’m off to write the poem now.

11:20 a.m. The poem took an unexpected turn. I’m pacing to see if I want to allow it. I’m also going to make another cup of coffee.

11:37 a.m. I finished it. I’m not sure how I feel about it. It went much further into the dark than I’d intended. But I think it’s good. Still needs some work to get the rhythm right, maybe. 

Disassociate
By Michelle Garren-Flye

When did it begin, this twining of lives,
and how can it end…unless death intervenes?
Darkness and light combine to create
a weaving pattern I both love and hate.
Beauty of together should not be denied—
shadow perfects light, bright foils the dark.
Even when harmony cannot be reached
the two make each other complete.
Tear them apart if you dare, won’t you?
Sort it all out into two imperfect piles,
never quite even, no matter how you hack.
(Equitability is something the heart can’t fathom.)
Sometimes I forget I once was alone,
the wealth of that time got lost in my past.
Perhaps when I leave when it’s over and done
I’ll find some of me left in my stack…at last.

Photos and poem copyright 2023 Michelle Garren-Flye

Day 27: Happy National Poetry Month!

Posted on by

I’m back at work today after being out sick for a couple of days. I’m hardly ever sick, but this one was a tough one. So I naturally decided to celebrate by writing a sonnet. Right?

Hope you enjoy:

End
By Michelle Garren-Flye

When spring ends must I be lost and forlorn?
Spring flowers aren’t necessarily best.
Summer brings new miracles I can’t scorn.
Watch the baby bird sneak out of the nest!

By now, his wings are strong, he can take flight—
see him soar above the emerald tree.
For him loss of spring flowers is no plight—
the season’s passage means he is set free.

I will not shed tears for the loss of spring.
Instead I’ll look forward to each season,
anticipate the treasures it will bring.
enjoy existence beyond all reason.

This is the only way to truly win:
love every moment you are in.
One of last summer’s gardenia’s. They’ll be blooming again soon!
Photo and poem copyright 2023 Michelle Garren-Flye

Day 26: Happy National Poetry Month!

Posted on by

It’s 11:40 a.m. and I want to do another live poetry writing. I’m going to find a poetry prompt. Be right back.

11:48 a.m. I’m back. I honestly didn’t see any poetry prompts I liked, but I remembered this morning when I walked my dog and how the spring wind felt. I’ve been sick and that cool breeze with the light scent of some sort of flowers felt good. Cleansing. I think I’ll write about that. So here goes.

11:50 a.m. I’m writing.

11:57 a.m. Here’s what I’ve come up with so far:

I step out into the fresh air
Feel the spring breeze wash over 
Lifting my hair from my face
Streaming over my mind
Pushing away the bad thoughts
It rinses away the sickness
And I declare peace
With myself and the world
You must deal with the darkness
If you wish to walk in the light
With the weight of the bad 
Finally gone from my head
I raise my chin and smell the spring
The green newness of it
With a hint of pink from somewhere

It needs a title, a bit of editing and I feel like there’s something missing at the end. I’ll be back.

12:01 p.m. This is what I’ve come up with:

Better
By Michelle Garren-Flye

I step out into the fresh air,
feel the spring breeze wash over,
lifting my hair from my face,
streaming over my mind,
pushing away the bad thoughts.
It rinses away the sickness
and I declare peace
with myself and the world.
(You must deal with the darkness
if you wish to walk in the light.)
With the weight of the bad 
finally gone from my head
I raise my chin and smell the spring:
the green newness of it
with a hint of pink from somewhere.
And I think, this is better.

Keep in mind that all my poems will probably be edited again before I put them out. You might not even recognize some of them after that process is done! But this is the beginning. What do you think?

A hint of pink from somewhere. Photo and poem copyright 2023 Michelle Garren-Flye