• Home
  • About Me
  • My Books
  • Lobby
  • Contact
  • Privacy Policy

Dahlia DeWinters - Author

Quirky Heroines, Happy Endings

3 Vacation Horror Movies

Vacation! Hurray, right? Who doesn’t love going on vacation? it’s a time to relax, have a good time, and drink fruity drinks on the beach or beside the pool. Traveling to a different country, a different atmosphere, it’s enough to give anyone peace of mind, right?

But….things can go horribly wrong, even on a wonderful vacation. You only have to check out these films to see what could possibly happen.

Aftershock:

A film starring Eli Roth, the mastermind behind the wonderfully gross Cabin Fever. Here, he and his friends take a vacation to Chile, where of course they want to party and drink. All the fun goes to hell, however, when there’s an earthquake and the physical infrastructure of the city falls apart around them.

Not a great movie, but it’s a different enough disaster film to keep you interested. I was brought up on disaster movies like Earthquake, The Towering Inferno, and the (original) Poseidon Adventure that I was able to enjoy this effort with “the young folks”. Get some popcorn and have some fun.

Turistas:

I’ve seen this film titled also as Turistas: Go Home, so don’t be put off if you see either title. Again, a group of young people go on vacation to Brazil on what was supposed be a fun vacation. Instead a bus accident maroons them somewhere and well, bad things happen. Again, the premise is interesting, the setting of the jungles of Brazil is lush and beautiful, and of course some of those friends on vacation don’t make it out alive.

Fun fact: The director of this movie, John Stockwell, played the “best friend” in the movie “Christine” based on a Stephen King novel.

The Ruins:

Ah, The Ruins. One of the creepiest, crawliest movies I’ve ever seen. I might be extra squeamish, but I really can’t watch every scene of the film: some of the sequences are too much for me. Take from that what you will. However, this film, which is based on a book by Scott Smith (who also wrote the book A Simple Plan), centers around, you guessed it, a group of friends on vacation. They leave a perfectly good resort to go into some jungle to see some Mayan ruins. And, well, they got ruined.


Filed Under: Blogtoberfest, Uncategorized Tagged: blogtoberfest, dahlia dewinters, film review, horror, horror movie review, vacation horror movies

Five Fail-Proof Ways to Counter Criticism

Criticism is part of our daily lives. Whether it’s about what we wear, what we watch, what we look like—there is someone out there to point fingers and offer unsolicited advice. Even on the advertisements we see, especially on Facebook, people have taken it upon themselves to let the model exactly how they feel about (usually) her appearance and what she looks like. In an atmosphere like this, its nearly impossible to avoid the harsh words of others. So, the aim is not to avoid it, but how to address it?

As a writer with entertainment words “out there” for all to see, criticism is a daily part of our lives. Amazon, Goodreads, and book review blogs are there to tell us what we’ve done right and what we’ve done wrong. To be honest, it is difficult to read how someone doesn’t like a story or a character near and dear to our hearts, but over my career as an author, I’ve picked up quite a few tips relevant for both the “author life” and real life. Read on to see how I cope with criticism.

Words which tell us our efforts are either not good enough or not appreciated are difficult to hear. However, the first thing to do what we perceive as harsh words is to do the following:

1. Listen and Analyze – Before shutting down in the face of words we might not want to hear, really listen to what the speaker is saying. Is the critique relevant? Finding little nuggets of advice in what may seem to be a personal attack is difficult, but often if we listen calmly and think about what is being said, we can see the validity behind it.

2. Don’t take it personally – Yes, it hurts. We created this project, whether it be an outfit, a story, or even a cake, and it is our little creation. Of course, it’s going to sting when someone points out something wrong with it. However, bite the bullet, swallow the pride and do #3.

3. Ask Questions – If the criticism is coming from a place of caring, i.e. the person delivering the message is doing so in a sincere effort to make us look better, then we should take the time to breathe and ask the person to elaborate. Perhaps the words seemed harsh at first glance, but when we give the person time to explain, we may see the value of their opinions.

4. Consider the Source – I touched on this a bit in #3. If the critique is coming from someone we could care less about, brush it off. Don’t let the harsh words of others who are not invested in your well-being to dampen your creative spirit.

5. Manage your reaction – This probably should have been both first and last because it’s so important. Many of us tend to beat ourselves up for past mistakes, past missteps, and things we simply can’t change. The same with criticism. Criticism is hurtful, let’s be real. No matter how hard we work, there will be something wrong with what we’ve done—we are not perfect. Therefore, if someone offers us some helpful hints on our work, take them. We shouldn’t apply them to what we’ve already done: we can’t change that, but we should use it going forward.

Above all, and this should be the greatest takeaway: don’t stop creating. Keep on keeping on. Criticism will not kill you, thus do not allow it to kill the creative spark and/or the drive to “do” within you. Remember, every single person walking this lovely Earth has a different way of looking at things. We, as artists, and as human beings, need to seek out people who will support us as well as gently help us to go in the right direction. This is how you thrive as an artist as well as a person!

Tell me, what are some ways you counter criticism?  Do you ignore the person? Snap back? Does it have an effect on how you perceive yourself, or do you just brush it off and go?  Let me know in the comments!

 

 

D


Filed Under: Blogging, Uncategorized Tagged: black creatives, criticism, dahlia dewinters

Meet the Author: Dahlia DeWinters

Hey all!

I had an interview with Harper Miller sometime last year, and I wanted to share it with you on the blog.  Enjoy!

1.  If you had an evil doppelganger, what detail would they enjoy revealing about you to the public that people would find surprising and possibly questionable?

First of all, if my doppelganger is really evil, then folks better watch out. The first she would say, the evil thing, is that I read Bucky Barnes/Winter Soldier fan-fiction. Not sure if that’s super questionable, but, yeah.

2. How important is word of mouth (online and IRL) when it comes to supporting women-led small businesses?

It’s very important, and I think, more important than paid advertisement. Word of mouth is true endorsement. Nothing sells a product or a service better than the testimonial of a person who has actually used the product or service.

3. Do you have a writing mentor?

Yes, I do have a writing mentor/accountability partner. Although we just “met” a few months ago, she has changed my writing life for the absolute better.

4. What’s the most unbelievable thing that has ever happened in the history of mankind that makes it difficult to grasp the reality that the event occurred?

The election of our current presidentm #45. ‘Nuff said.

5. What was your mindset back in high school?

Honestly, my mindset was to try to be everyone’s friend. A real people pleaser. Now? Not so much. In fact, not at all.

6. When was the last time you embraced your kid like wonder and went exploring?

Because I have children, this makes it easy to do. I took them down to the “brook” where I used to go as a child. They, of course, were a little unimpressed, but I was glad I went, and hopefully, they’ll remember it!

7. If you had to do something differently as a child or teenager to become a better writer as an adult, what would you do?

I would believe in my writing more. Instead of dismissing it as “a fad” I would have finished a story and sent it off somewhere. Right now, I feel like I’m playing catch-up!

8. What was the last five-star Romance you read?

Wow. The last five-star romance I read? I can’t choose! I do enjoy historical romance, books by Lisa Kleypas and Mary Balogh.

9. If you could have your own reality TV show, what would it be?

Shirtless men in a piano-playing competition. Categories: Classical, Jazz, and mid-20th century American Songbook. Tie breaking Category: 80s music.

10. If you were immortal for a day, what would you do?

Probably try that DeathWish coffee and three espresso shots.

Bonus: Ever tried BDSM? If not, would you?

Yes. Now, if I were a top or bottom, that’s a story for another day. 😉

***************************************************
Bio:
Dahlia DeWinters was born to run, but she’s too tired for all of that now. Instead of debating the politics of dancing, she writes multi-genre stories that celebrate the Black woman in all her diverse beauty. Her work ranges from sentimental romances to dark zombie epics. Whatever the story, there will always be a unique heroine in the eye of the storm. Sometimes she will be the storm. Coffee, music, and movies keep her motivated, along with the occasional purchase of mascara and lipstick. In her spare time, she enjoys digital graphic design, crocheting and of course, reading.

For more information about upcoming books, visit her website at dahliadewinters.com.

Newsletter sign-up: news.dahliadewinters.com/
Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/854283651419880/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dahliadwrites/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/DahliaDeWinters

 


Filed Under: Blogging Tagged: author interview, dahlia dewinters, romance author

Old Characters Made New

nile / Pixabay

Sometimes it’s okay to look back. I’m doing an author’s challenge on Instagram, and day 12 asked me about my protagonist. Now, I’m currently working on three stories, editing and updating them for publication. Not such bad work, especially since I’ve been living with these characters for a while. I do best with writing when I’m the most familiar with my characters, at least for a few months. I guess I’ll never be that writer who can pump out a new book every month, and I’m okay with that. I’m working with characters I’ve “known” since 2011-2012

For those of you who have read Second Chance Christmas, know that Naomi and Zach had a story before their Christmas story. Yep. They were the very first story that I submitted for publication. Unfortunately, it was rejected. I then wrote Kitty Wishes, and I never went back to the story. However, I ran upon it on my vast Google Drive, dusted it off, and decided to try to publish it. I mean, why not? It was over 90 pages of Naomi/Zach that I didn’t want to go to waste.

The story shows how bubbly and rather scatterbrained Naomi is, and I think that lends a fun aspect to their relationship. Plus it was fun to write and I’m having fun revisiting it.

Because I’ve been revising this story so intensely, I started to think a little more about Naomi, what makes her tick and how she and

Zach got together. So, as I said,as part of this author’s challenge, I created a mood board that represent what Naomi is all about. Check it out:

I always thought of Naomi as a poor little rich girl. Her parents gave her everything she wanted except attention. She went to the best schools, but never got a direction in which she wanted to go. She suffers from depression, and if you’ve read Second Chance Christmas, you know what that resulted in. If you haven’t read the story, it will be made clear in the new book.

I really enjoy working with Naomi. She’s young, kinda gullible, but always ready to look on the bright side of things. She’s sweet, empathetic, and always willing to help out. On the other hand, she is prone to depression and while she might wish for a companion, she doesn’t want to burden anyone with her problems. I’m sure there is a little of Naomi in all of us at on time or another.

I look forward to putting out the new and revised story sometime next month.


Filed Under: Blogging, Tuesdays Tagged: author, dahlia dewinters, geek girl, multicultural romance, writer, writing

Why I Write and Other Shocking Revelations

“Writing is a form of therapy; sometimes I wonder how all those who do not write, compose, or paint can manage to escape the madness, melancholia, the panic, and fear which is inherent in a human situation.”

― Graham Greene

 

I’m not going to start off this article with a starry-eyed reminiscence of how I longed to write as a child and left little scribbles of unfinished genius yet to be found in my bedroom in my childhood home. Even though that may be true.

No.  My purpose of sitting down and writing this instead of tooling around on Toon Blast is to clarify for myself as to why I write. And you’re gonna listen.

While you, as a reader (and all authors are readers) may think the answer is simple: I like to make up stories.  Or you see the quotes bandied around social media about “the story within” and all that deep writerish navel-gazing, the truth is different for each writer.

Some writers pick up the pen or open that document with the anticipation of making it rich, quick, and soon.  And, with the advent of ebooks and the instant ability to publish, some authors make quite a bit of good money doing just that.  Some hit it big right out of the gate, some toil for years before their books are discovered and some never hit that goal at all and quit in despair.  This last group sees all the other authors making so much money, in the top 100, on the best-sellers list, and they think “I can never be that” and give up.

But although I do suffer from that “why can’t that be me” syndrome —because who doesn’t want to make a pile of cash from doing something they love—there’s a different type of drive that keeps me putting pen to paper, even if all my books combined have less than 50 reviews.

I don’t write for the money. I write because I have stories to tell. Many stories. Many variations of stories.  So many stories that they bottleneck inside my brain and it’s difficult to get them down on paper the way that I want them.  But still I write. Because I need to express myself.  And I need you to read it.

Earlier this year, I planned on giving up writing.  I felt my process was stale and despite the over sixteen (16) stories I had on my hard drive in various stages of completion, I thought that it was all over.  Forget writing.  It was a fool’s game, right? I would take up crochet, learn an instrument, do anything but sit down in front of an unforgiving computer screen and an even more unforgiving inner editor and pound out another story that only seven people would read.

I resigned myself to this fate.  Watched a lot of Netflix. Made a lot of horror trivia quote pictures.  Arranged my Google Play music library.  At first it was fun.  I had no deadlines, no nagging feeling that what I just wrote wasn’t good enough, no urge to scribble down character conversations that flitted through my head.  I dismissed writing, choosing instead to press “next” to watch whatever else was coming up on Hulu or Amazon Video. Crocheted a shawl.  Considered taking up needlepoint again.

Unfortunately, my carefree write-less life did not last.  My mind kept circling those stories, like a shark just off Amity Island.  The frantic splashes of characters frolicking, the vibrations of conversation, the whispers of future plans.  I tried to ignore it, but it inexorably drew me in, building on top of the foundation that I’d given these characters to create their own lives, while I studiously snacked on cheese crisps and squeezed either a remote, a book or a crochet hook in my sweaty palm. No pen. No keyboard.

I wanted no more part of the uphill battle to get the right words down on paper.  No, thank you. Been there, done that.

But then, something started to happen.  The movies got boring.  The crochet grew tedious.  And I could not read a book without inserting how I’d make it work and what characters I would use.

You see, I am a writer.

Don’t be fooled by the timid veneer writers put on social media.  The groans and grumbles of not begin able to write….banging our heads against the keyboard…..writer’s block….

Writers are vain.  We are egotists. We are self-centered.  We are determined to stand out from the crowd and leave a legacy that will cement a little bit of immortality.  Ten, twenty years from now, someone will pick up/download a book that we’ve written.

Now, writers, I love you but miss me with the:  “I’m a very nice person.  I’m not vain.  I’m a very generous person.  I’m not self-centered.” Please.  Let’s not pretend anymore.  We love and cuddle our stories like our precious. After we’re done, we want you to buy and read them. Guess what, world?  WE ARE AUTHORS and this is how we do.   Name it and claim it. Own your shit.

Writers are revolutionaries.   We want to show you our side of things, how things go for us.  I don’t write about Black heroines by accident, people.  I got tired of seeing how many black women were portrayed in media and set out to change it, at least in my little corner of the world.  And the fact that most of them are a little weird, a little flighty, a little stubborn and a whole lot smart should also tell you something about me.  (See previous paragraph). Writing, for many authors, is an act of defiance.  It’s a call out about what we think is wrong with society and our attempt to call attention to it. (again, see the “writers are vain” section)

Writers are miserable and woefully insecure.  Come on, it’s not like you didn’t know this already.  “Are my books witty?  Are they funny?  Will you buy my next book?  If I tell you a funny story, will you want to read my book? Is my cover sexy enough?  I don’t want a sexy cover, but, I don’t know, should I do it?  If I don’t have a sexy cover, will my book sell? Is that comma in the right place?  Did I use the word ‘smile’ too much?  Do you think my heroine is too ditzy?  What about my hero?  Too geeky?  Will readers like him?  Will readers like her?  Will readers like meeeeeeee?”

I think you get the picture.

That’s why I write.  I want you to know what’s on my mind, what I’m thinking, my opinions.  I also want you to be entertained, angered, touched or in some way affected by the words I put down. It’s a love letter from me to me, but I’m gonna let you read it.

Also, have you bought any of my books?

Til next time…

 


Filed Under: Blogging Tagged: dahlia dewinters, dahliadwrites, why I write, writing

  • « Previous Page
  • 1
  • 2
  • 3
  • 4
  • …
  • 35
  • Next Page »

Willkommen! Bienvenue! Welcome!

Find me Online!

RSS
Follow by Email
Facebook
Twitter
Follow Me
Tweet
YouTube
YouTube
Pinterest

Find what you’re looking for

This site is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com. I make a small commision if you purchase through links on this site. Thank you.

Made With Love by Boutique Web Design Studio · Copyright © 2023

Copyright © 2023 · Mystic Theme on Genesis Framework · WordPress · Log in

 

Loading Comments...