Secret Diary of a Gypsy Heart Chapter 1 Excerpt

 

Secret Diary of a Gypsy Heart Chapter 1 Excerpt

Life doesn’t present stones to bruise your soul,

But challenges to leap, to make you whole.

Embrace each dawn with eyes anew,

With a heart wide open, and goals to pursue.

May tomorrow's light guide you on your way,

Bringing you nearer to your goals each day.

Chapter 1: Serena

If you’re reading this, it means I’ve passed on. I’m Serena Raye Sanchez, and I penned this diary back when I was in my late 30s, a time when my hair was starting to grey, and my body was beginning to show signs of aging. In my youth, I was considered quite attractive, sporting light brown or sometimes burgundy hair, depending on the dye I chose at the time. Honestly, I can’t even recall what my natural hair color is anymore, but I can confidently say I was never a blonde.  I’ve always had a slim figure and striking hazel eyes, a trait I got from my mother. 

My mom, Maria, had a rich heritage, being both Irish and Mexican, while my dad, Scott, was of Caucasian descent. I also have a younger sister, Caroline, who is happily married and has two kids of her own.  As I pen down these thoughts in my diary, I can't help but reflect on the fact that both my parents have passed away, may they rest in peace. I have three daughters: Sarah, Salem, and Shari. It’s funny how all their names start with an S, just like mine.  Before diving in, I should mention that this diary covers all the crushes and romances I've had over the years. Think of it as a bit of a confession, though I’m pretty sure some people wouldn’t forgive me if they stumbled upon it. I may be dead, and it doesn’t bother me, but it will hurt my family. Despite everything, I am and always will remain the person people knew and loved regardless of my flaws. No one’s perfect and not everyone walks the righteous path so I do have Haters that will always judge but that doesn’t matter, not anymore.  There was a time when I believed everyone had a soulmate, a spiritual twin somewhere out there. Finding him or her may take a person a Lifetime but people do find each other, some do that is. When I was younger and single, I was totally into soap operas and really enjoyed them. I often found myself daydreaming about meeting my Knight, my Angel, or my Soulmate. But before diving into that, I should mention my first crush, which might not excuse my later choices but definitely gives a glimpse into who I used to be. So, let’s rewind to high school, where I encountered my first major crush on a guy named Alex Romero. He had a bit of a following, with dark brown hair, light hazel eyes, and clear skin, he stood around five foot five back then, but I’m sure he grew taller as time went on. I used to think he was flawless, but looking back, I realized I was wrong. As for myself, I had my own struggles. I was a bit on the heavier side, especially in the rear department, what I affectionately called, "junk in the trunk." Combine that with my low self-esteem and a hefty dose of shyness, and you’ve got a recipe for some seriously awkward times during those years.

I wasn't really the kind of girl Alex would notice or date; I was pretty average in looks. Still, I had a huge crush on him. And no, we never had sex, and I didn't even think about it. Why? Because I was brought up in a strict conservative Mexican family. Yes, there are conservative Mexican families out there, contrary to what some may believe. I didn't look like the girls he was into, and I wasn't eager to lose my virginity, so I held myself back. I believed that when I met the person, the right one, I’d know it. The first time I laid eyes on Alex: It was like a refreshing gust of wind ruffling my hair, that one instant when a new thread was added to the intricate fabric of my life, a moment that would forever hold significance for me. Alex and I were in the same English class, and there I was, caught without any paper to jot down my essay.  So, I turned to him and asked if he could spare me a sheet. He said, “Hi,” and handed me a few sheets of paper. Our eyes met and something happened, at least for me it did. “Who is this guy talking to me? He is so cute,” I thought to myself. My mouth dropped, my heart skipped a beat, I got that feeling in my stomach, butterflies. I've definitely had my share of crushes on guys before. Back in middle school, I liked two boys, Chuck and Simon, but they always went for the thinner, cuter girls. I thought Alex was different, or at least I hoped so. If I had looked like those other girls, he liked maybe we could have been a couple and gotten closer, but my low self-esteem always held me back.

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I rarely share links to this book but that's  going to change. The Other Side of Things, is a nonfiction book, based on a blog where I rant and vent about various topics. I selected a few of them that I feel the reader might enjoy. Some topics are controversial,  but they're  basically women's  issues and my perspective on them. As I pointed out in the introductory page, I only state my personal opinion about certain topics, with no personal  attacks on anyone. The Other Side of Things is the only general nonfiction book, pertaining  to social issues, women issues that I've written.  Please do visit link to buy or download your copy.  it is only available as an eBook.

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Should an Author only Create Characters Based on their own Ethnic Background?

When an author write’s a character from a similar ethnic background as him/herself it seems to be accepted by mainstream readers, authentic. When a character of another gender or nationality or ethnicity fails to convince the reader of the Character’s authenticity or reinforce lazy stereotypes, this is interpreted as misrepresentation of that nationality. when we write stories about characters from a different background, we are writing stories about our own perceptions. However, sometimes discrimination arises from within the readers themselves.

People have said that if a writer is Hispanic, then the characters in their book should be of Hispanic origin. The same goes for if the writer is black, Asian, et cetera. Well, it doesn’t work that way. I believe a writer can write about a character that is not the same as the author’s ethnic background. Some of my characters in my books, are of mix race. 

Melissa, from the book, In the Company of Elves, is Caucasian. For those who have read the book, know that both of her parents are Caucasian. The father remarried years later to a Hispanic woman, who became Melissa’s step-mother. 

I don’t believe in putting author’s in a race box! What do I mean? Well, a race box is when the mainstream society only prefers to read written work that fits their perception of racial acceptance in characters in literature. If you’re Hispanic, you should writer about Hispanic families or make your character Hispanic. If you’re black you should write about black families or make your characters black in every book. Well, I say no. It’s ridiculous. A writer should create a character that fits what the story’s about. The character Melissa, fits the kind of young lady I want for, In the Company of Elves. It is the kind of character I imagined she would be. 

The character, Chandra in Chandra’s Quest is Hispanic/Italian. Her Earth name is Alyssa Castro, but it was changed after Adara bought her at a slave auction. For those who have read the book, understand what I am talking about. 

 I love to write and create unique characters for my books, I don’t care if they are Hispanic or not. I believe that people who put author’s in a race box, are just shallow and are afraid to accept things outside their comfort zone.

To readers: don’t be surprised if your favorite author doesn’t always write characters that are not the same ethnic nationality as they are. Most readers however, don’t care. If the book is interesting enough to keep them interested, then what kind of ethnic nationality the character is, doesn’t matter.

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Writing your Characters Based on a Real Person

You're a writer but fear that someone will see themselves in one of your characters and will sue you. Well here's something to think about.

(Fiction writers fear someone will see themselves in their villains. Memoirists and nonfiction writers identify people by name. Can writers model characters after real people and name names without getting sued?

Yes, with some common-sense limitations of course.)

We all know that some people just don’t like getting called out in someone’s book. If you plan to base one of your characters on a real person, here is what is permitted:

   In the United States, a person’s Right of Publicity is balanced against the creator’s First Amendment rights. The First Amendment usually wins unless the work is purely advertising, including political advertising.

Expressive Use: Using someone’s name, image or life story as part of a novel, book, movie or other “expressive” work is protected by the First Amendment, even if the expressive work is sold or displayed. Therefore, using a person’s life story as part of a book or movie will not be deemed a misappropriation of the Right of Publicity.

  That’s right! If I wanted to write a memoir based on actual events and people, I have the right to do so, but to protect myself, I would only distribute the books to family members, whoever wants a copy. I will not sell my memoir online. 
In addition, I probably would categorize my book as an unauthorize biography. I am not rich, so it is less likely that I will get sued by a family member or friend. Wait, maybe a hater but---that's if they get a hold of a copy of my memoir.

Let’s be real, you wouldn’t give a copy of your memoir to your enemies or a disgruntled relative that has issues with you, right?

As for using someone's name in a fiction book, well names are not copyrighted and if you change a bit of the character in your story, those who oppose you won't have anything to hold against you.

 Please do look at my previous blog entry: What to Know about using a Person's Name in your Book,  for more info.

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Saints and Sinners: Affairs of the Heart

Chandra's Quest

In the Company of Elves

These books are now available for purchase. Visit my website to view up and coming books.

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