Dirty Manual Labor

I recently bought the only, long vacant store in my hometown. It is a small 'mom and pop' kind of store. It happens to be the only gas station around for miles, and is situated close to a State Park. I have big plans and a low overhead. The property is in decent shape, but does require some work to get everything in running order. I have just spent a few days immersing myself in dirty, manual labor demolishing the old image and rebuilding a new one.

My name, "Jamie" does mean supplanter. So, it shouldn't come as a shock that I find making an idea a reality, and working hard to further a vision to be one of my life passions. Supplanter means to 'take the place of.' Well, the whole definition according to Dictionary.com is "to take the place of, often by trickery or force." That last part is humorous, but I didn't use any trickery or force. As a writer and author, I love words. I love their meaning, I love giving them new meanings and using them in unpredictable ways. Words have power; power to inspire, enlighten, harm, or destroy. I don't know how my parents so aptly named me Jamie, but it fits.

There are a lot of cool things about owning your own business, and with this piece of property, there are many options available. Owning a piece of my hometown will keep me grounded and close to my roots, no matter where my wings take me. As any southerner can tell you, it's important not to get above your raising.

This store, in particular, will revitalize the whole community, and it is exhilarating to be able to give something back to my hometown. I can't exaggerate the amount of positive feedback and encouragement I have been given. Likewise, I can't exaggerate how much I appreciate all the support.

Most people understand, but there's always a few that doesn't. It doesn't matter, I remember back when I knew it all too. Bless their hearts... In the words of Maw, "They'll learn though, won't they?"

To say it like a supplanter and self-described non-conformist; give the doubters a chance, love them anyway, but you don't have to listen to them. You are in charge of your own life.


~Jamie

Behind the Keyboard

So, I'm sitting here thinking about the fresh fish tacos I just ate and thought it was time to let you in on a little 'behind the keyboard' action to my writing. In my book, "Telling Hands" I tell the story of my life and through living it, I can tell you I didn't always have the answers; I still don't.

It is true that I couldn't remember some details, or experiences that happened to me. And the storyteller of the book reflects that. Recalling things, and piecing together moments to complete a picture is challenging and can be sometimes messy. I felt it to be insincere to the character Jamie to have her act as if she could easily recall and relay such information, given the fact that she is a reticent character, whom felt lost and broken throughout much of the story. Trying to stay true to her voice, the beginning of the book is more whimsical and nostalgic, then mid-ways through, as Jamie is growing up, the tone becomes more serious. The book lets you in on some of Jamie's thoughts and reasoning, displaying the characteristics of an introvert and ends with a culmination of being overwhelmed and empowered by self-realization and acceptance.

There are many topics that I chose to touch on, and not explore completely as I felt they would distract from the internal struggle that Jamie details. I recommend reading the book when you have time to think about it and truly absorb the words. I like reading books best that make me think about things afterwards, like who we really are, why we are that way, or other great questions about life.

 

If you actually read this, you deserve my thanks. If you read it and understood it, you win. You are the best person to ever walk the earth.

I’ll give you a hint about my next book, it’s a story that involves facing the problems of the world. That’s all for now…

 

~JGB

A Bird Sitting on a Tree is Never Afraid

I'd like my first blog post to be one of courage and inspiration. I know, everybody has a blog, and what can I have to say that you haven't already heard. Well, for me, as a writer, and all-around weirdo, I think maybe something.

If you've read my book, "Telling Hands," you may have noticed the usage of birds in my writing and images. I love birds, I love a lot of things, but birds in particular.

With the latest book promotion I have engaged in, (you can download the Kindle version for free this weekend) I have been very excited about reaching so many across the globe and have refused to let myself get nervous or afraid about it. I know, not everyone will like it.. there will probably be some that won't. There is not a single thing on Earth that every person likes, so I'm okay with that.

The internet loves quotes and sayings as much as I do, and there is this one that I have found lately that has meant something to me.

"A bird sitting on a tree is never afraid of the branch breaking, because her trust is not in the branch, but in her own wings."

At the end of my book, I included an image of a bluebird flying. As I am growing in my writing career, I can see how accurate of a portrayal that actually is. I am now writing my second book, and still promoting my first. My trust can't be rested on the branch, but in my God given ability to fly.

Moral of the story; believe in yourself, whatever you are trying to do. Inspiration is hard to come by sometimes, so let this inspire you. That is my hope today.

Telling Hands free download at this link. Literally hundreds are reading the story based on my life, probably right now, and I'm okay with it.


~Jamie