Studies have shown that writing leads to improvements in emotional and physical health. One such study had college students write about traumatic or stressful situations for 15 minutes a day for 5 days. A control group was given the task of writing about frivolous topics. The study showed the long-term effects of the students who wrote about their deepest feelings reported significant improvements in their mental and overall physical health. (via The Royal College of Psychiatrists).
These studies reveal that along with working out, eating healthy, and getting a goodnight’s sleep, writing can be it’s own therapy. Does it mean you have to sit down and write a book? No, just a few minutes every day can help “detox” your day and help clear your mind.
I recently attended my first writers’ conference that included the opportunity to ‘pitch’ agents for a modest fee. ‘Pitching’ is a common activity when want-to-be authors have the opportunity to network with agents. Having been in sales for the majority of my career, I looked forward to my first pitch. I had four during the course of the conference.
Each pitch was to be no more than ten minutes. I found the experience very educational and supportive. The agents were very gracious with their comments and suggestions. I learned I committed possibly the biggest faux paus when attempting to secure a relationship with an agent. I self published my book, did not market it or sell many copies and attempted to get them interested in it. Dah! Lesson learned. Nonetheless, several expressed interest in the next book in the series and encouraged me to continue to write.
I would highly recommend the pitching experience to anyone wanting to have their work published. It is one rung on the ladder of learning experience.
Reading, which could only occur if there were writing, is believed to have begun in 3200 BC. There is debate as to whether it started in China, Mesopotamia or Mexico, but thank goodness it did. Reading enables and fulfills us in so many ways when considering instruction, information and enjoyment. The platforms that have been created to support and share writing range from cave walls and scrolls to the internet and tablets. Can you imagine a civilized world without the written word? Without books, emails, texts, newspapers (well, that medium may be all but extinct), love notes, detention notices, parking tickets, billboards, doctor’s reports, assembly instructions, etc., our world would be something less than civilized.
So, the next time you are reading something, which more times than not is benefiting you, be thankful and celebrate – March is reading month!
Books are evaluated on a scale of 1 to 5, with 1 meaning “needs improvement” and 5 meaning “outstanding”.
Structure, Organization, and Pacing: 5 Spelling, Punctuation, and Grammar: 4 Production Quality and Cover Design: 4 Plot and Story Appeal: 5 Character Appeal and Development: 5 Voice and Writing Style: 4
Judge’s Commentary:
What a great title and great cover! I was really drawn right into the plot and although it was not totally original it was extremely well written. This author is a solid storyteller with a real future in political thriller writing.
The thing that did surprise me was the hint of romance in the novel. It was both unexpected and quite nice, in my opinion. I think this novel could easily be converted into a successful screen play. Very impressive from beginning to end and worthy of a mention is the author’s skill at keeping the reader hooked.
Nice pacing. nice mix of narrative and dialogue and well-developed characters. Their motivations remained clear and realistic throughout. Smooth transitions make for mostly flawless reading. I would caution the author to watch for white space on the page. What I mean by this is the author’s tendency to write long, chunky style paragraphs with no breaks or pause in the narrative. I would have liked to have taken a literary breath now and then.
Really, other than that, it was hard to find fault with this entry. Just really impressive and enjoyable throughout. I hope to read more from this author in the future.
The story begins with the demise of Osama bin Laden as never been told and details a conspiracy that goes all the way to the top. This
sophisticated plot includes characters from the White House, Russia and the Jihad community. This page turner will have the reader asking them self, ‘could this really happen?’
Book One: Deceit Series
Genres: Fiction Mystery & Detective, Political Fiction, Thrillers Hard-Boiled (Mystery & Detective), International Mystery & Crime (Mystery & Detective), Police Procedural (Mystery & Detective) Crime Thrillers, Espionage Thrillers, General Thrillers, Military Thrillers, Political Thrillers, Suspense Thrillers
About the Book
Richard North has worked his way up the career CIA ladder; Washington insiders expect his nomination as the next Director. However, an unexpected influence in the White House derails his nomination igniting his narcissistic tendencies resulting in a web of deceit. North’s grandiose revenge strategies result in misdirection, murder and the threat of World War III. He will stop at nothing to get what he wants.
Jack Landis, a decorated Navy Seal, comes out of retirement to join a CIA special ops mission and finds himself in the middle of the web of deceit. He has to rely on his training, experience and instincts to save a good friend, his lover and thwart Armageddon. Jack partners with unlikely allies as he races against time to cut through the labyrinth of deception in an attempt to uncover the truth.
The story begins with the demise of Osama bin Laden as never been told and details a conspiracy that goes all the way to the top. This sophisticated plot includes characters from the White House, Russia and the Jihad community. This page turner will have the reader asking them self, ‘could this really happen?’
About the Author
Mitchell R. Stevens is an author and sales executive living in the Midwest who enjoys adventure and challenge.
Discussing creative writing
Beyond the challenges of writing a good story and closing the next deal, Mitchell’s favorite adventures have included hiking the Appalachian Trail, attending an Italian festival in the Bavarian town of Gramado, Brazil, zip lining in Costa Rica and snorkeling Molokini Crater near Maui.
Interests include physical fitness, traveling, reading and golf.
A sports fan who remains a diehard Detroit Lion supporter in spite of the franchise’s inability to manage itself to the Super Bowl, let alone a playoff victory. http://www.mitchellrstevens.com
Endorphins. Many of us do those things that are considered a challenge often because subconsciously we know a feeling of well being and euphoria will follow. There is much written about physical exercise and the morphine-like effect of the release of endorphins by the central nervous system and pituitary gland. Recently, more has been written about similar affects of exercising the brain when writing. I know that when I have successfully penned a few pages, I do experience that good feeling felt after a hearty physical exercise. That said, I typically will not feel inclined to write when I am less than chipper. So, one could argue that to have a successful write, maybe one needs to exercise first. The overall impact will be a double high of sorts. But wait, what if you are not up for exercise? This may be a chicken and egg dilemma.
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instruction, information and enjoyment. The platforms that have been created to support and share writing range from cave walls and scrolls to the internet and tablets. 
Mitchell R. Stevens 