Guest Blogger - Elissa Wilds
Please welcome my friend and fellow Tampa Area Romance Author, Elissa Wilds, who will be guest blogging with us today. If you haven't had a chance to chat with Elissa online or meet her in person, she is a genuine delight...a thoughtful woman with a kind and generous heart, a gifted psychic, a wonderful author -- and a new mom! Her debut novel, a paranormal romance called Between Light and Dark, is now in stores.
So please, welcome Elissa and don't be shy! Post away!
~ C.L. Wilson
First of all, thanks to Cheryl for asking me to guest blog. I'm excited to be here! I took an exciting trip last night to the Barnes & Noble they just built near my house. It's a beautiful, 2-story store, and the place was packed. Considering folks in my neck of the woods have been driving almost an hour for a book store, I know it will get lots of business. My first book, Between Light and Dark (Love Spell Paranormal Romance)
, just came out in the 28th, so I was anxious to see it the shelf at a real, live bookstore! I found it, of course, in the romance section. Yes, I even took a picture of it. There it was, sitting right next to the fabulous C.L. Wilson's books. (Something I've joked with her about since our last names are so close - she can't get rid of me because I'm even shelved next to her!)
I signed the copies they had in stock and talked to the store manager about an author event they're going to have in January, and felt, for the first time, like a published writer. Seeing those books on the shelves made it really hit home to me that I had accomplished something I've been striving after for some twenty years. Being a published author. And I thought back over the events leading up to the realization of my dream and all the magickal (yes, I misspelled it on purpose) events leading up to last night. I truly believe that if we focus our intent long enough and hard enough, we can manifest anything we want in our lives.
Obviously, this isn't a new concept. We've all heard the hype from movies like What the Bleep? and The Secret. I actually found both movies enjoyable, but especially What the Bleep? because it goes into the science behind manifesting with intent. So, yeah, I do believe I made my dream come true. Now, of course, it required hard work too. I had to learn the craft of writing, learn the market for the type of book I wanted to write, research where to submit my work, and - gulp - put the work out there and open myself up to criticism and rejection. But in the end, I believe it was my focused intent that made it happen for me.
How did I do it? I have always, from the time I was a teenager scribbling stories from my bed after lights out, believed I would be a multi-published writer some day. I've never allowed myself to doubt it. And when the opportunity arose - when a publisher asked to see the whole book - I put a lot of time and energy into envisioning receiving that oh-so-important "call." When folks asked me if I was published, the correct answer was always, "not yet, but soon." And when I went to bed each night, the last thing I did was imagine the phone call. I imagined what words would be said, how I would react. And I actually felt the emotion of excitement. Well, you know how the story ended.
I've seen people use this idea to make sure they always have parking spaces. I've a friend who is a bargain magnet when shopping. She puts the thought out there that she will find what she needs at a greatly reduced price and inevitably, the item turns up in unexpected places at a significant discount. These are just a couple examples of how to use the power of intent. The idea isn't a new one. I first heard of it about fifteen years ago, and it had been circling in the New Age circles for awhile by then. There is a book (and now a video) called You Can Heal Your Life
by Louise Hay, that was instrumental in bringing such ideas to the forefront. Don't quote me, but I think she wrote that book sometime in the late seventies. If you haven't read it, it's a great book.
The key to making this work seems to be a) being able to visualize b) believing in the process with all your heart c) being able to experience the feeling of receiving what it is that you wish for. It also takes practice. I've been practicing utilizing the power of intent in my life ever since a local metaphysical minister taught me the process fourteen years ago. And I'm still learning. I have made great strides in using the process in my life, but I'm human, and I still experience doubt sometimes. But it happens a lot less than it used to. Skeptics say, "well, if this is true, then you're saying all the bad things that happen in my life are my fault." Personally, I think that's taking things a bit too far. You shouldn't blame yourself for everything in your life that isn't working or take credit for everything that is working. I look at the power of intent as simply a tool for making your life better. (Though I do believe that all things, good or bad, have a purpose behind them--but, that's a topic for another day!)
So, as that wonderful metaphysical minister often says "change your stinkin' thinkin'." Or, my personal favorite "you get what you expect." What the heck. Give it a try. It certainly can't hurt. And you just never know which of your dreams may come true. If nothing else, maybe you'll get that prime parking spot and experience a little magic in your life. And really, isn't that what's it all about?
Bright Blessings!
Elissa
You can find out more about Elissa, her work, and her novels by visiting her website: www.elissawilds.com.
So please, welcome Elissa and don't be shy! Post away!
~ C.L. Wilson
Happy Halloween and Merry Samhain!
First of all, thanks to Cheryl for asking me to guest blog. I'm excited to be here! I took an exciting trip last night to the Barnes & Noble they just built near my house. It's a beautiful, 2-story store, and the place was packed. Considering folks in my neck of the woods have been driving almost an hour for a book store, I know it will get lots of business. My first book, Between Light and Dark (Love Spell Paranormal Romance), just came out in the 28th, so I was anxious to see it the shelf at a real, live bookstore! I found it, of course, in the romance section. Yes, I even took a picture of it. There it was, sitting right next to the fabulous C.L. Wilson's books. (Something I've joked with her about since our last names are so close - she can't get rid of me because I'm even shelved next to her!) I signed the copies they had in stock and talked to the store manager about an author event they're going to have in January, and felt, for the first time, like a published writer. Seeing those books on the shelves made it really hit home to me that I had accomplished something I've been striving after for some twenty years. Being a published author. And I thought back over the events leading up to the realization of my dream and all the magickal (yes, I misspelled it on purpose) events leading up to last night. I truly believe that if we focus our intent long enough and hard enough, we can manifest anything we want in our lives.
Obviously, this isn't a new concept. We've all heard the hype from movies like What the Bleep? and The Secret. I actually found both movies enjoyable, but especially What the Bleep? because it goes into the science behind manifesting with intent. So, yeah, I do believe I made my dream come true. Now, of course, it required hard work too. I had to learn the craft of writing, learn the market for the type of book I wanted to write, research where to submit my work, and - gulp - put the work out there and open myself up to criticism and rejection. But in the end, I believe it was my focused intent that made it happen for me.
How did I do it? I have always, from the time I was a teenager scribbling stories from my bed after lights out, believed I would be a multi-published writer some day. I've never allowed myself to doubt it. And when the opportunity arose - when a publisher asked to see the whole book - I put a lot of time and energy into envisioning receiving that oh-so-important "call." When folks asked me if I was published, the correct answer was always, "not yet, but soon." And when I went to bed each night, the last thing I did was imagine the phone call. I imagined what words would be said, how I would react. And I actually felt the emotion of excitement. Well, you know how the story ended. I've seen people use this idea to make sure they always have parking spaces. I've a friend who is a bargain magnet when shopping. She puts the thought out there that she will find what she needs at a greatly reduced price and inevitably, the item turns up in unexpected places at a significant discount. These are just a couple examples of how to use the power of intent. The idea isn't a new one. I first heard of it about fifteen years ago, and it had been circling in the New Age circles for awhile by then. There is a book (and now a video) called You Can Heal Your Life
by Louise Hay, that was instrumental in bringing such ideas to the forefront. Don't quote me, but I think she wrote that book sometime in the late seventies. If you haven't read it, it's a great book. The key to making this work seems to be a) being able to visualize b) believing in the process with all your heart c) being able to experience the feeling of receiving what it is that you wish for. It also takes practice. I've been practicing utilizing the power of intent in my life ever since a local metaphysical minister taught me the process fourteen years ago. And I'm still learning. I have made great strides in using the process in my life, but I'm human, and I still experience doubt sometimes. But it happens a lot less than it used to. Skeptics say, "well, if this is true, then you're saying all the bad things that happen in my life are my fault." Personally, I think that's taking things a bit too far. You shouldn't blame yourself for everything in your life that isn't working or take credit for everything that is working. I look at the power of intent as simply a tool for making your life better. (Though I do believe that all things, good or bad, have a purpose behind them--but, that's a topic for another day!)
So, as that wonderful metaphysical minister often says "change your stinkin' thinkin'." Or, my personal favorite "you get what you expect." What the heck. Give it a try. It certainly can't hurt. And you just never know which of your dreams may come true. If nothing else, maybe you'll get that prime parking spot and experience a little magic in your life. And really, isn't that what's it all about?
Bright Blessings!
Elissa
You can find out more about Elissa, her work, and her novels by visiting her website: www.elissawilds.com.
posted by C.L. Wilson at
3:14 AM
21 Comments:
Congratulations on your first book. It has to be thrilling to actually see your book on a shelf and people wanting to buy it. I can only imagine.
Your book came in the latest book shipment from Dorchester so it's on my TBR pile. This pile can get pretty high but with Cheryl's recommendation, I'll be moving it up a little closer to the top. I have two reviews that are over due for NOR so that has to be done first. Sorry but that's part of our agreement.
Plus side, lately I don't do reviews on many books that I don't have to as it takes a lot of time for me to get those few paragraphs to sound the way I want them to, I will write one up on your book. I'll submit it to NOR, Amazon and epinions. I don't know if this is a warning or not but I expect not.
Again, congrats on the book. I look forward to reading it.
Terri
Hello Elissa, Congrats on your book, I will definately check it out. I believe god guides us to were we need to be either for ourselves or for others and it is up to us what we do with the opportunity. Christine Feehans books lead me to Cherly (and boy have I pester her since lol) but she also let me to ROOB and Leotine who is becoming instrumental in my positive thinking. You wrote in your blog for Cheryl "The key to making this work seems to be a) being able to visualize b) believing in the process with all your heart c) being able to experience the feeling of receiving what it is that you wish for" My question is how do you get past all the beat downs to rise up, when the fear is ever present to get past and is stronger than the wish?
I'm with you all the way on these ideas, Elissa -- you've summarized them nicely. A classic on the subject is Napoleon Hill's Think and Grow Rich. (I've seen some puzzlement that the author of The Secret didn't acknowlege Hill.) Congratulations on the book. I'm anticipating its arrival!
Jeffe
I have just started visualization and have found a meditation/hypnotherapy CD that seems to have helped ease a few of my stress points this week. I stumbled across it trying to find better, more positive ways to deal with the pressures of writing full time and still maintaining some semblance of a life. LOL...haven't figured that out yet, but I'm working on it! Deep breathing techniques work wonders as stress relievers.
Congratulations on your book! I love the cover and have been hearing good things about it.
Happy Halloween! This is my favorite time of year.
Deidre
deidre_durance at hotmail dot com
Terri, thank you so much for your comment and for reading my book. I really hope you enjoy it! I sense you'll be honest in your opinion either way. And I love NOR! Bright blessings to you!
Darlene,
Your questions is a good one. The process isn't easy, but is well worth the effort. Go easy on yourself. Practice. Make it fun! (Play games like, visualizing all the way to the movie theater that you'll get a prime seat) When it doesn't work, don't beat yourself up. Most of us struggle with our own negative thoughts and that can hold us back. I have a trick for that - whenever I think something negative I say out loud three times "cancel, cancel, cancel." Then, I say something positive about the situation. Like, when I started to get discouraged with trying to get published, and I caught myself saying (or thinking!) "it's never gonna happen" I'd replace that thought with "it WILL happen in divine timing." You can beat the fear. My fav metaphysical minister always says: FEAR = false evidence appearing real. I LOVE that!
Hi Jeffe,
I haven't read Hill's book. Thanks for the recommendation! I will get it! :)
Cheryl,
You are the queen of manifesting! Seems I remember a certain star you wished upon for a NY Times besteller. Hmmmm...I think it worked, dear! :)
I totally believe the energy you put forth is what comes back to you. I've already started the intent process and didn't really know that was what I was doing. :)
Hi Vicki (yay!) Good to see you here. And Hi Diedre,too! Hope you guys are all geared up for the trick-or-treaters!
Hi Elissa,
Congratulations on your book. Can't wait to read it. I know visualization is being used to help treat cancer now. So it must have an affect on the physical.
C.L. - Have your finished QOSS yet?
Must get ready for work now. Everyone have a wonderful time blogging tonight !!!
Thank you Elissa I have been working and will continue to work on "cancel cancel canceling" that negative fear.
Congratulations!!!! I can't wait to read Light and Dark!
Hi Elissa! Super yay on seeing your books at the B&N!!! (I would totally have taken my picture with it, too. If that's not a scrapbook page, I don't know what is.)
Here's to many more books on the shelf!!!
BB,
E
Hiya Debra, Janet, and Erica! Janet, I've heard about that - one of the local hospitals here started a spiritual healing program where they do visualization and also Reiki healing. Pretty cool. And Debra and Erica, what can I say? Happy to see you guys dropping by! I just got back from taking kids trick-or-treating. Now, I have to feed the baby again, get him to sleep, and clean my house. Then...oh...heavenly bed!
HI Cheryl and Elissa,
I wanted to wish you both all the best for the release of your respective books - King of Sword and Sky (KOSAS) and Between Light and Dark (BLAD)! I'm still patiently waiting for KOSAS to reach my library - I'll be keeping an eye out for BLAD Elissa :)
Congrats on your new book! I'm hoping to sucker someone into buying it for me for Christmas. :-)
Hi Elissa! Hi Cheryl!
Wow, I can imagine what it must've felt like to see your book on the shelf there! I would so totally have taken a picture of it!
Intent is an amazing thing.... There's a series of essays / books / snippets by a channel known as Abraham-Hicks that has really helped me a lot with focusing my intent.
With the universe expanding and the time stream speeding up, I have discovered that the universe listens even more intently to the desires/thoughts I put out; however, I'm still trying to figure out how to gently dissolve some of my older 'rules' that are bringing some negatives as well as positives into my life.
Interestingly enough, I have a wonderful life now, despite recovering from surgery (which will take several months), and despite being unemployed, partially due to the surgery as I am still on driving restriction at this point. I have wanted to write a novel since I was 8 years old, and it occurs to me that the Universe may have given me this challenge of surgery to actually sit down and write it!, hehe.
There's a process of focusing intent, "Ask. Believe. Let Go. Receive." I have had some wonderful amazing results with the "let go and receive" part. Even now, as I think about them, it is bringing happy tears to my eyes because truly, I have everything I've ever wanted right now, and I know all my needs will be met. I finally found love within, and, when I was no longer looking for it because I already had it, it manifested itself in the world, in a way that has been beyond my wildest dreams or anything I ever could have imagined.
Now, using that logic...I know intent works! I just have to figure out why it's not working with work, hehe!
[Although, come to think of it, maybe it is... I went to paralegal school because I was told to, when what I really, really have wanted to do, once I conquered fear and discovered I could do it, was/is teach...]
'You are loved, protected, and supported at all times.' This has fast become one of my core mantras and every day the universe shows me the truth of it!
[Although I kind of want to know why it sent me love instead of money, first... not that I'm complaining!!]
Okay, I will stop rambling here before I start gushing again. Hehehe....loving someone for who they are and being loved for who you are is such a lovely feeling...
Elissa, I'm sorry! I got into analysing and forgot to say what I wanted to again! Congrats! May you be continuously creatively inspired and write many more books!
Cheryl - I just got a chance to really look at the cover art for Queen, it's absolutely gorgeous!
*counting down the days until next June!*
First, Congratulations on your new series! I've just finished reading the first one and have the second and third sitting near by ready to read. I will also be looking for number four come June 2009! :o)
My favorite things about this time of year are simple. First and foremost, remembering that this season has a very special reason... to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ and second, just being with family and celebrating life.
Merry Christmas to you and your family. I wish you continued success in the future. I will certainly be watching for new books from you. :o)
Lisa C
Post a Comment
<< Home