Creating Unforgettable Family Moments

It has been a while since I last posted a blog here. With so much happening, I have only found time to work on new projects (two of them related to THE CONJUNCTION OF THE REALMS) and study for my new Advanced Cinematography class.

Today, however, this trend changes and I would like to introduce you to a concept that is prevalent throughout THE CONJUNCTION OF THE REALMS (Part One): creating unforgettable family moments.

When our daughter was born, I heard so many people say, “Enjoy her as much as you can because they grow up so fast!” I remember brushing off those comments because, of course, I was going to enjoy our brand new baby daughter and I didn’t want other people imposing their thoughts on my experience. Yes, a bit immature on my part.

The years do go by so fast, it is true, and today what I treasure most are the moments we created together as a family. In the book’s preface, I mention how both my husband and I used to make up worlds through invented stories for our little girl who is now an adult. Those were probably some of the best times we had together, when it was just the three of us. She would be laying in her bed, my husband and I would be sitting on the floor, and her room would simply fill up with an almost-visible magic fog.

I decided to bottle that experience and try to share it someday with other parents and kids. That was the main motivation for writing THE CONJUNCTION OF THE REALMS (Part One).

For parents: you can read it for your kids before they go to bed at night. I recommend gathering however many kids you have in one of their rooms, with a dim-light. Lighting always helps create the mood for bed-time stories. Keep them excited about the moment and what is going to happen next.

For pre-teen, teens, and adults: you can leave the pressures of this world and embark in an adventurous voyage to the world of imagination. The characters will come alive to you, and you will keep wanting to go back to that enchanted place.

I hope this gets at least a few to exit for a moment the cares of this world and travel to another, where the love of family is stronger than death and decay, where the imagination within you can create the impossible, and you get to experience an upward spiral with each moment you are engaged in the book.

"If you haven't gotten your copy, you are missing out on the magic."

Positive feedback all the way from Germany!

I wanted to share a positive feedback for “The Conjunction of the Realms (Part One)” from Hanni, a native German who lives in Munich:

“It truly amazed me to read such a positive book about love and family, and it seems to make one dreaming… Normally I don’t read fantasy so I don’t have much comparison with others in this genre. But I just liked it. Most (especially sophisticated) literature usually dwells on the negative sides of humanity and this was different. Fantastic job…”

Thank you, Hanni, for liking this book and for your kind words. It was my intent to do just that: dwell on what we can be as human beings, provide a vision for the families, and for a future that is different from what we have now. I understand that by exposing all of the ugliness that exists inside the human heart then there are no surprises. I get that. But I also believe that by focusing so much on the negative, almost exalting evil, a certain cynicism is generated along with a warped look on life.
This is not to say that life is easy, or as my dad used to put it: “Life is not a sea of roses.” “The Conjunction of the Realms (Part One)” does not aspire to be the next Pollyanna, and it definitely does not portray life as a “sea of roses.” I cannot imagine experiencing the loss of a 3-year old child. And yet, that is what happens in our story. For the Kingsley’s family, life took a whole new meaning after that event. They never healed from the loss, but that pain heightened their awareness one of another, and whenever a contentious situation arose, they consciously opted to express kindness instead of irritation; a smile instead of a frown, and so on. I ask of the reader: if I don’t believe that a family like Grandpa Kingsley’s can exist on the earth, what kind of earth am I wanting to leave behind for the future generations? The challenge of “The Conjunction of the Realms” is to provoke the reader to dream and dream big, to think of what the future can be, rather than looking limitedly at how the present presents itself. I hope that more readers can say like Hanni: “…it seems to make one dreaming.”

“The Conjunction of the Realms (Part One)” can be purchased at Livre Press, Inc. in any digital format.

2013 © Juan Hernandez (used with permission). Reproduction in whole or in part is not permitted without written authorization from Livre Press, Inc. or Juan Hernandez.

 

Positive reviews for "The Conjunction of the Realms (Part One)"

It is not everyday that you fill your heart with courage to publish a book and a month later find amazing reviews posted by the readers. The next three blog posts will be devoted to these reviews, along with my comments.

This post came from Dream Detective on Amazon:

“dream detective” (Los Angeles, CA) – See all my reviews

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This review is from: The Conjunction of the Realms (Part 1) (Kindle Edition)

The Conjunction of the Realms is quite unlike anything I have ever read, even though as a college literature instructor I have read hundreds of books considered to be in the genre of fantasy. At first, I was surprised that the writing was unabashedly non-formulaic, or expected. Before I could consider another question, I was caught into the intrigue of the magical characters and their world–which really is “the conjunction of realms” between a believable family in the 21st century and the many spirit creatures and understandings they encounter and interact with. The story line continues to broaden and draw you in, and what you will discover will both delight you and release your inner child to consider the possibilities of the world that we live in. The illustrations are winsome and lovely….I can’t wait for Part II!

Dear Dream Detective:

What an inspiring review! It is so encouraging to find out that you enjoyed the story and was caught in the conjunction of the two realms: imagination and our perceived reality. To portray a 21st century family was a huge part of the plot. Most magical stories have their origins in the past, so no wonder they are not believable. I wanted the readers everywhere to realize that the world of imagination is alive and well! And it is also very accessible. Anyone can go on an adventure. Thank you so much for your kind words, and if all goes well, Part Two will be released August 2014. All the best!

Sandra Alex 

The Legend of the Pink Dolphins

Occasionally Pink lake’s reflection looked pink, especially when the sunset and clouds’ positions were just right, but most likely the lake's name was inherited from the old legend of the pink dolphins. There was a time when dolphins played in those waters. The swimming mammals were exactly like the endangered species of fresh water dolphins found in the Amazon River; they are called Pink Amazon River Dolphins because of a light pink tinge in their almost white skin pigmentation. Many young men growing up in the Glenariff area, including Phil Kingsley, cringed at the thought of having to call the lake such a girly name.

Paulo Cardoso made a few documentaries on preservation projects in his homeland of Brazil. One of his films featured Brazilian ecologists’ efforts to save the endangered pink dolphins of the northern river.

Legend tells that these pink dolphins appeared in Northern Ireland in the early 1900’s. These were not ordinary animals, but creatures endowed with powers to communicate with humans and supernaturally carry them from the material world to the realm of imagination and back. Some say they used to live in Pink lake at a time when fairies and gnomes and other creatures of the sort were visible to the human eye.

To find out more about the endangered pink dolphins and their adventures with the Kingsley family on Pink lake, you can download "The Conjunction of the Realms (Part One)" ebook in the U.S. on Amazon.com or Kobo.com, in Canada on Amazon.ca, and in the U.K. on Amazon.co.uk.

2013 © Livre Press, Inc.

Copyright © 2013 by Livre Press, Inc. Reproduction in whole or in part not authorized without author's written permission.

The Various Types of Gnomes: 5. The Scandinavian Brothers

The two comedic gnomes who complete each other’s sentences, Barbegazi and Vatir, are from Scandinavia. They dress like the peasants of Villands Vånga and wear oversized wooden clogs. Villands Vånga is the name of a very small Swedish farm town.
To find about more about Barbegazi and Vatir, and their adventures with the Kingsley family, you can buy “The Conjunction of the Realms (Part One)” on Amazon.com and on Kobo.com.

2013 © Livre Press, Inc.

2013 © Livre Press, Inc. All rights reserved. No duplication in whole or in part without written authorization from the publisher.

Koalani, the Detective Nixie

Koalani was  a beautiful nixie, even considering her bright green hair and green teeth. She wore skirts  made of rose petals, and a blouse of interwoven seaweeds; mother-of-pearl jewelry adorned her necks and wrists. Although they carry the same powers as the fairies and exhibit many of the same characteristics, nixies are actually water fairies, abiding mostly in fresh water lakes or in the rivers.

Koalani grew up hearing detective stories from Shannia’s grandfather, Watson. Murder mysteries from the past intrigued her. For those who don’t already know, Watson was the gnome in England who inspired a legendary Scottish writer from the late 1800′s to write stories about a pipe-smoking, magnifying-lens carrying, cap-hat and cape-wearing detective.

To find about more about the Koalani, Shannia and Roxy, and their adventures with the Kingsley family, you can buy "The Conjunction of the Realms (Part One)" on Amazon.com.

 
2013 © Livre Press, Inc. All rights reserved. No duplication in whole or in part without written authorization from the publisher.

The Various Types of Gnomes: Half-Chilean-dwarf and half-menehune

Kon-Tiki

Kon-Tiki was born of a Chilean dwarf mother and a Polynesian Menehune father. His parents faced quite the controversy in their day when gnomes did not intermingle with dwarves; the fruit of their union, however, was the extremely intelligent, witty, exotic and adventuresome Kon-Tiki. He grew up to be quite the character, friendly to all, with a warped sense of humor that he still possesses.

To find about more about Kon-Tiki and his adventures with the Kingsley family, you can buy "The Conjunction of the Realms (Part One)" on Amazon.com.

2013 © Livre Press, Inc. All rights reserved. No duplication in whole or in part without written authorization from the publisher.

The Various Types of Gnomes: 3. The Menehunes

Another group of gnomes, those responsible for the beaches, the dunes, the valleys and the Pali in the Pacific Islands are the Menehunes. These incredibly smart creatures each perform duties related to their respective area. It is said that Menehunes sailed from New Guinea to the Marquesas Islands, continued their voyages to Easter Island between Tahiti and the coast of South American Chile, and later arrived in Hawaii. To this day man cannot explain how the legendary structures found in Easter Island or the fishpond wall at Niumalu on the mountains of Kauai were constructed. Many believe that humans could not have built some of these ancient sites.

Some believe that the Menehunes have left Hawaii and moved on to Tahiti and then New Zealand. Even though gnomes live in a realm not visible to the human eye, a realm that is not bound by physical distance, there is documented proof that Menehunes can still be seen with the mind’s eye at isolated sites in Maui and in Kauai.

To find about more about the Menehunes and their adventures with the Kingsley family, you can buy "The Conjunction of the Realms (Part One)" on Amazon.com.

2013 © Livre Press, Inc. All rights reserved. No duplication in whole or in part without written authorization from the publisher.

The Various Types of Gnomes: 2. The Saci Pererê

Some gnomes are pranksters, like the mythical Saci Pererê who lives only in the Brazilian folkloric legends. Commonly known as Saci, this one-legged little dark child smokes a pretend pipe and wears a red cap. His red cap gives him magical powers such as being able to appear and disappear. Saci is famous in Brazil for startling people and playing pranks. One of his favorite pranks is to braid horses’ tails at night. Those who find their horses with braided tails in the morning know that Saci has been there, playing with the animals. He also loves to jump into small whirlwinds and spin, but don’t get him near the water. Saci Pererê can’t stand being in the smallest brook or the largest river. Ironically, he lives near the Amazon River.

To find about more about Saci Pererê and his adventures with the Kingsley family, you can buy "The Conjunction of the Realms (Part One)" on Amazon.com.

2013 © Livre Press, Inc. All rights reserved. No duplication in whole or in part without written authorization from the publisher.

The Various Types of Gnomes: 1. The Leprechauns

Gnomes are responsible for watching over the forests, the beaches, the dunes, the deserts, the mountains, and all the animal creatures that inhabit them. The guardians of the forests in Ireland are the Leprechauns. They are well known for their intelligence, craftsmanship and humor. Their humor was always present—gnomes find most situations funny—but ever since the Leprechauns learned to drink Irish beer from the humans and began producing their own home-brew poteen, belly-laugh attacks surged throughout the community. A laugh attack is synonymous to uncontrollable laughter; a belly-laugh attack is the same thing but “boisterous.” Because of laughter’s highly contagious nature, the Leprechauns’ humor is, to this day, at an all-time high. They are about twenty-two inches tall, or fifty-six centimeters, and live in small cottages usually located at the foot of large oak or elm trees.

To find about more about Leprechauns, you can buy "The Conjunction of the Realms (Part One)" on Amazon.com.

2013 © Livre Press, Inc. All rights reserved. No duplication in whole or in part without written authorization from the publisher.

Preface for "The Conjunction of the Realms (Part One)"

I decided to add here the Preface for "The Conjunction of the Realms (Part One)" so that those who wish to read it have an idea of the some of the topics this book covers. It is a kids' book, but hopefully the fantasy genre will intrigue parents and grandparents who are determined to create a better world for the next generation. When you see Phil Kingsley mentioned, please know that he is a father and a grandfather. He will lead you along with his family on a thrilling adventure to the world of imagination.

To buy this book, please click here.

Preface

One of the reasons why I envisioned the adventures of the Kingsley family—who they are and what that they do—was to take you on a journey to the realm of imagination. Although the existence of the realms can be a debatable subject among many, much less a “conjunction” of the realms, the world of imagination is there for you and me to construct. People reading this book will find a piece of themselves in it, because imagination and creativity live inside all of us. You don’t need to have special powers or be magical. It is available to anyone who dares to believe.

Besides imagination, there is another reason why this book was written: for families. The most important aspect of the entire book is the love that binds families together; blood families or families of the heart.

A family filled with love will be unstoppable, like Phil Kingsley’s family. For those who do not have a blood family, I challenge you to choose your family of the heart—those who love you for who you are and are there for you through thick and thin. Families of the heart are as real as blood families because love is what binds us together!

The wisest man to walk the earth once said that love is as strong as death. I’d say it’s stronger! Not even death can put love asunder. Does that mean that the end of death can come about when love grows that strong? I put that one before you and ask: why not?

Sandra Alex

January 28, 2013

2013 © Livre Press, Inc. All rights reserved. No duplication in whole or in part without written authorization from the publisher.

Writing for Preteens brought back memories of being eight-years old

When I started The Conjunction of the Realms, since I was writing for preteens, my memories brought me back to the time when I was eight. I began missing my family in Rio de Janeiro. We were three kids living with our parents in a very small Copacabana apartment. Every night our dad would come to the tiny room where the three of us were laying in bed, and would tell us original and hilarious stories. Sometimes, when he was really tired, he would just say—and I will attempt to translate from the Portuguese: “Once there was a cat named Lee who let out a fart for you three.” And leave the room. The three of us would be there whining, complaining, hoping he would come back and tell us a real story. It never worked. Not once.

For my 9th birthday, he asked me what I wanted. "The entire Disney collection with all the cartoon characters, and the entire Jules Vernes collection." I was hungry to read! We were not rich. Such collections would have cost him a fortune. Instead, he went through the trouble of finding an original Adventures of Donald Duck book and a hard copy of Twenty Leagues Under the Sea, both translated into Portuguese. It wasn’t a collection, but those two books were the best birthday present ever. My love for reading began to flourish. In that same year, I went on to read the entire Monteiro Lobato collection, the kids' Bible, The Indian Anhangüera, and other great pieces of Brazilian literature. "The Conjunction of the Realms (Part One)" has a slight literary resemblance to some of these authors. I would not dare compare me to any of them, but rather thank them for their inspiration and originality.

The second reason why I wrote a book...

The second reason for this book: when I began writing, I wanted to reveal a world where neither children nor adults needed to have special magical powers to accomplish great feats. In other words, I wanted to unlock the power of imagination that lives inside each one of us. The Conjunction of the Realms introduces the young reader to a place where those who live in the realm of imagination and those who live in the world of humans can interact and go on adventures together to solve mysteries, defeat enemies, and create new worlds together. If, after reading this book, a young adult embarks on a journey of discovery to unveil mysteries, or seeks to better understand and know the invisible intelligence that has created us, or realizes that the creativity that lives in us came from the creator of all things, and that nothing is impossible to those who believe, then my second goal for writing this book will have been accomplished. Imagination and creativity are gifts that every human being is endowed with from their creator. I hope that "The Conjunction of the Realms (Part One)" provokes the youth of our world to not believe in limitations, to not ever second guess themselves, and to know that each one is destined for a great future, one that they can create with their imagination, one that will be free from the tentacles of evil and perversion.

TCOTR's First Review and Viewers Also Bought...

I didn't think that my little eBook would be so quickly spread on Amazon.com's site, but it is picking up momentum. What a thrill!

It got one five-star review today, and it is on the first page of recommendations with the book "The Case for Christ," by Lee Strobel, which has sold over a million copies.  I am attaching the pictures to prove it.

The review read:

"This book is awesome. Great for all ages, children all the way to grandparents. It is a fun adventure story about all sorts of creatures and the battle between good and evil. It is a very good read and I would recommend it to anyone."

"The Conjunction of the Realms (Part One)"

Why I wrote a book...

"The Conjunction of the Realms (Part One)" began when my husband, my daughter, and I would sit together in her little room making up magical stories. Those were treasured moments. There were times, however, when neither of us could think of a story. We were tired after working long hours in our startup business, our brains were fried, our imagination was not at its peak. That’s when I began to envision The Conjunction of the Realms. A story so magical and filled with adventures, that parents could read a little bit every night with their kids and live treasured moments of their own. Or those coming of age could read by themselves and feel like they were surrounded by the love of family, even when they were alone. If my books can create these precious moments and bring families together, then I will have accomplished one of my goals.