I have become a staunch anti-Valentine´s Day crusader, nevertheless, I received something far better than roses and chocolates this morning. A glowing review of Wings At Dawn by the Online Book Club that I am absolutely thrilled to share with you here. [Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "Wings At Dawn" by Marie Balustrade.]... Continue Reading →
When writing a novel, one of the crucial elements in addition to a damn good plot, is substantial characters that incite a range of emotions from the reader. Does the villain truly make your reader want to jump into the book and murder him his/herself? Can you laugh and cry with the lead characters? Are... Continue Reading →
There is a wonderful poem of Dr. Maya Angelou that I don't come across very often but encapsulates my state of mind on good days, and manifests the hesitation that every writer has at the beginning of a project: Life Adventures don't frighten me ©FrogDiva Photography Shadows on the wallNoises down the hallLife doesn't frighten... Continue Reading →
Let's face it, unless you have broken into the mass market and are selling books by the thousands, every writer has to keep a day job. This is the tragic reality that I face, with stacks of bills staring back at me from my desk. There is nothing I desire more than to simply have... Continue Reading →
I am going through my Elizabeth Gilbert phase at the moment, devouring her books and stories with great pleasure. For the past two months I revisited every possible Isabel Allende book (in Spanish) that I could get my hands on, in whatever medium. Then I switched over to Elizabeth Gilbert, whose personal style of writing... Continue Reading →
I am the type of writer who draws inspiration from life on the streets, no matter where I find myself in the world. Sometimes it is a lonely man in a cafe in Berlin. Or another day it will be the young lovers hiding behind the trees in Bangkok embroiled in a bitter disagreement. It... Continue Reading →
The Short Story Series were originally published on Through Frog Eyes as a collaborative effort between a guest photographer and my writing. I am relaunching the stories individually for all those who are new to the website and Marie Balustrade´s writing. The MG Series features guest photographer Manny Goloyugo from the Philippines for three stories.... Continue Reading →
My dual passion for photography and writing enables me to take notes in different ways. If I am on the go in a city with so many details and there is so little time to capture in all in my journal, then I take the camera shortcut. Certain photographs become the springboards for chapters in... Continue Reading →
Don't give up the day job ©FrogDiva Photography That is one of the first rules when choosing to become a serious writer. How many millions of books were conceived and born in-between exam papers, mid-term projects, balance sheets, depositions, construction sites, or even intercontinental flights? Whatever the circumstances and reasons for embarking on a journey... Continue Reading →
