May 21, 2012 by Victoria C. Slotto

That Way

Dew (Photo credit: Benson Kua)

In less than twenty-four hours, the doors will be open for dVerse Open Link Night, so here’s my poem for the occasion. I hope many of you will join us there to enjoy the poetry and companionship of poets from all over the world.

That Way

The way the dew curls up
to sleep in hollow clefts of clover,

the way the flautist’s breath
produces chords in empty reeds,

the way the wind balloons
clean sheets hung out to dry

and fragrant hyacinth
assails my senses,

the way birdsong awakens
morning mystics—

that way you fill
my emptiness.

Photo: via Wikipedia, Benson Kua.

I’m also pleased to announce that, in a few days, my novel Winter is Past will now be available in print form from Amazon.com in Europe. Here’s a recent review from Pam B., Tuscon, AZ:

The powerful story and the beautiful spirit of the author are evident from almost the first page of ‘Winter is Past.’ It is a story of a haunting darkness from childhood, of life-threatening illness, of love and the utmost generosity and of terrible loss, grief–and rising from the ashes. Victoria grabs you in the first chapter and in trying to understand how anyone could survive Claire’s losses, it’s almost impossible to put it down. I cried through 60 pages! Winter is Past has a special place on my bookshelf, from where I will pick it up every time I need to be reminded of the strength of love and friendship and of beginning again.

April 30, 2012 by Victoria C. Slotto

Time for a Time Out

Photo: Sparky, David Slotto

My dear blogging buddies, Meet Sparky. He knows how to relax.(I don’t.) However, this blogging break is not about relaxing, it is about catching up, and mirgrating, like the birds, back home to Reno. Besides, my publisher is anxious for me to complete the re-write of my next novel and I’m anxious about trying to spend some time marketing my first one, Winter is Past.

So, I’m planning a 2-3 week hiatus from my blog, but will continue when I have the chance to read posts on dVerse and, hopefully, to write some new poems myself.

This beautiful desert retreat used to be my escape for writing but, as we’ve made more friends and as I’ve begun to try golfing, it’s been busy. Some days, I understand Emily Dickinson’s need to close herself in her room and dedicate her life to her creative muse.

Last week, Dani, of Haiku Love Songs, featured me and my poetry on her ambitious project for the month of April, in which she interviewed and featured poems of poetry bloggers, using the alphabet. I’m honored she chose me for “V.” (I didn’t have much competition :0>) Here’s the link. I encourage you to take time to browse her well-thought out blog and to meet some other poets and enjoy Dani’s work, as well.

Happy May to all of you, my poet friends.

January 7, 2012 by Victoria C. Slotto

Doing Something I Loathe Doing

As many of you know, just before Christmas, my first book was published by Lucky Bat Books. It is available through links on my website and here on my blog. There are two reasons I have not done much, if anything, to get it out there. The first was just the busy-ness of my life these past few weeks, but the second is more ingrained in my personality. I do not like to or know how to self-promote. Many of you know that I was a nun for many years and self-effacement was (supposed to be) the name of the game.

And so I’m turning to you for help.

Winter is Past is the story of a woman who has dealt with a subtle fear throughout her life. She’s unaware of the reason behind her anxiety but when she’s faced with her best friend and kidney donor’s health crisis–cancer in her remaining kidney–she must uncover and deal with her fear of loss.

The book will appeal, for the most part, to women and to those who read authors such as Jodi Picoult or Nicolas Sparks, to health care providers and those dealing with issues related to organ transplantation. It is written with an eye to stimulating discussion in book clubs and similar formats (there are questions for that purpose at the end of the narrative). While it is not Christian fiction, it will speak to those who read that genre (my first agent wanted to market it as such). It has a message of hope and survival. Perhaps, even if this is not the type of work you would enjoy, you know someone (wife, girlfriend?) who might like to read it.

Here is a heart-warming comment from a friend who began reading it yesterday:

Last evening I began your novel, at chapter 12 I made myself stop reading. I wanted to save what was coming next, like you put away a last piece of chocolate to savor later on…

You have a WONDERFUL way with words my friend. Having visited Reno many times to see John’s parents I could visualize the Truckee rushing its banks, and see the pictures you pointed so clearly with your dialogue. I LOVE your book!!!. Your characters are real and believable, I already have a dislike of Lauren!! And Helene needs to stop being so cranky!!

Yesterday… we went full tilt for the whole day!! Settling down with your book was my reward. I’m looking forward to what will come next.

Joan

If you do buy it and can write a review on Amazon.com or on Kindle, I’d be most grateful. And I hope it will be a satisfying read for you. Thank you so much.