Posted in Between the Worlds, Book recommendation, Books, eBooks, Ella Rees, Purchase Books, Sanela Ramic Jurich
Read with me…
In between the known and unknown, I find my soul, forever grown… ~Sanela Ramic Jurich
PROLOGUE:
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As I sit here, savoring my morning coffee, I can’t help but revel in the sheer beauty of this day. Spring has finally graced us with its presence, and its arrival is nothing short of spectacular. Blossoms adorn every corner, painting the landscape with hues of pink, white, and delicate pastels. The air is imbued with the unmistakable fragrance of spring, a symphony of floral scents that dance on the breeze.
Today, I’ve taken my coffee ritual outdoors, allowing myself to fully immerse in the wonders of this season. As I take a sip, the warmth of the mug in my hands contrasts with the gentle caress of the spring breeze on my cheeks. It’s a delightful sensation, one that instantly uplifts my spirits and fills me with gratitude.
Here in Chicagoland, the temperature reads a perfect 77 degrees, and it feels like heaven. The sun is shining brightly, casting its golden rays upon everything it touches. In my backyard, nature seems to have come alive. Birds chirp merrily in the trees, their joyful melodies adding to the symphony of sounds that surround me. Squirrels dart playfully across the grass, while butterflies flit from flower to flower, their delicate wings shimmering in the sunlight.
As I take another sip of my coffee, I marvel at the beauty of this moment. It’s a simple pleasure, yet one that brings me immense joy.
Before long, I’ll whip up some candied pecans to surprise my two sleeping giants. Later, I’ll relish watching them tackle the grass and tend to our yard. Then, it’s on to dinner prep. Tonight, I’ll treat us to my famous Parmesan Chicken paired with a fresh garden salad. Yet, the highlight of my day awaits in the evening—settling into my favorite cozy chair with a new book. I can’t imagine a better Saturday than this.
So here’s to spring mornings, to the simple pleasures of coffee enjoyed al fresco, and to the beauty of simple pleasures in life.
Cheers to spring! ♥
Sanela
Posted in Audio Books, Book recommendation, Books, New blog post, Purchase Books, Remember Me, Reviews, Sanela Ramic Jurich
Love always,
Sanela
Posted in Between the Worlds, Book recommendation, Books, eBooks, Ella Rees, Holidays, New blog post, New Year, Purchase Books, Sanela Ramic Jurich
Well, well, well, 2024, you playful little rascal, you’re not exactly off to a flying start for me.
Picture this: New Year’s Day, 2024. I wake up feeling a bit wonky. Sore throat, chills, fever – the whole shebang. Is it the flu? Covid? Just a run-of-the-mill cold? I’m playing medical detective with my own symptoms. Fast forward to the third day of this saga, and I’m blessed with waking up to my left eye looking like it tried to arm-wrestle a bee and lost. Swollen shut and crusty – the glamorous life, I tell you.
Off to the doctor I go, who, after a dramatic drumroll, declares it’s strep throat causing the pink eye extravaganza. Absolutely fabulous. A week of antibiotics later, the fever is gone, but I’m still clinging onto “under the weather” like it’s a security blanket.
But hey, let’s not let that cramp our style. Writing took a backseat, but fear not, my literary endeavors shall rise like a phoenix from the ashes!
And then today happened. I wake up to a winter wonderland – 7 inches of snow painting my world in frozen magic. Picture me, sipping coffee by the patio door, witnessing the snowfall turn my backyard into a Narnia-level masterpiece. It’s the kind of serene and wonderful that makes you forget strep throat ever existed.
© Sanela Ramic Jurich
So here’s to kicking 2024 where it hurts and embracing the unexpected beauty it throws our way. Bring it on, 2024 – I’m ready for the rollercoaster! 🎢✨
May this year be a kaleidoscope of health, prosperity, serenity, love, laughter, and kindness.
~Sanela
Short excerpt from Between the Worlds: Sarah describes a nightmare caused by memories
The backhanded slap sent me sprawling. The shock of pain blinded me. When I tried to roll into a protective ball, he dragged me across the marble floor by the hair.
About the authorFueled by her passion for writing, Sanela was eager to take on a new writing endeavor. Utilizing a pseudonym presented her with the chance to engage with a fresh and diverse audience. She recently published her first contemporary/fantasy novel titled “Between the Worlds”. This captivating tale explores the themes of soulmates, profound connections, the allure of home, and the strength of emotions.
With every stroke of her pen, Ella Rees, the alias she wears with pride, casts a spell woven from the raw fibers of emotions, entwining readers in a spellbinding dance of heart and mind.
Posted in Audio Books, Between the Worlds, Book recommendation, Books, eBooks, Ella Rees, Haunting from the Past, New blog post, Purchase Books, Remember Me, Sanela Ramic Jurich
Questions by Chapter Break ~book blog
Let's enjoy some books together!
Q: What is your take on book boyfriends? Do they actually exist? Or do they set the bar for “real life men” impossibly high?
A: Hmm, great question. You know, I’ve always found myself creating these idealized versions of people I like. It could be a crush, a friend, or someone whose personality I admire. I tend to daydream about them, putting them on a pedestal until they become this perfect, almost God-like figure.
Take my first book-boyfriend, Johnny. In my mind, he was absolutely perfect—looks, personality, the whole package. I wanted my readers to fall in love with him just as much as I did, to feel the pain of loss when he met his demise in the story. The real Johnny, the inspiration behind the character, didn’t survive the convoy I wrote about in “Remember Me.” So, he remains forever “that” Johnny, the one I idealized and perfected in my mind. He’ll never reveal his true, human self because he never got the chance to live into his true adulthood.
In my latest book, “Between the Worlds,” I found myself idolizing a friend who, in the end, betrayed me. It was a tough reality check, discovering how mundane he truly was. It shattered the perfect image I’d created in my mind. I wished he could have stayed the way he was in my imagination. So, halfway through writing this fantastic book, he showed me his true colors, and it was challenging to finish it the way I initially planned, with him being as amazing as I made him out to be. But, you know, that’s the beauty of fiction—it’s a fantasy. In real life, I don’t think men that perfect exist because, well, they’re only human.
Q: What do you do when a new idea jumps out at you while you’re still working on a book? Do you chase the squirrel (aka “UP syndrome”) or do you finish your current project first?
A: Oh, that’s a scenario I’m quite familiar with. My creative process is a bit unconventional, to be honest. When a new idea hits me, it’s like an image pops into my head, and it nags at me until I acknowledge it. If I start daydreaming about it, the idea tends to evolve into a full-fledged story. If I really like it and believe I can translate it from my mind to paper, I’ll sit down at the computer and start writing, describing that initial image.
Sometimes, though, it doesn’t sound as good on paper as it did in my head. In those cases, I let go of the idea. But if I find myself smiling and naturally expanding on it, if my mind keeps weaving through the narrative, then I know it’s worth pursuing. Most of the time, if a story feels book-worthy, I can seamlessly transition to it after completing my current project.
So, to answer your question, I do prioritize finishing my current project first before diving into the next one. However, I like to sprinkle little teasers throughout the writing process of my first project to keep the new idea fresh in my mind. Does that make sense? It’s a bit of a quirky process, I admit.
Q: What are some books or authors that you would recommend to our readers?
A: Oh, I could talk about books all day! One author I absolutely adore is Anne Rice. Her vampire series, especially with Lestat, is my all-time favorite. Her writing has this magical way of transporting you to different places and times. The vivid pictures she paints in a reader’s mind just make me get completely lost in her stories. I remember Merick was the first book of hers I read, and from then on, I was hooked.
Dean Koontz is another author I’ve enjoyed, especially his book “Odd Thomas”. It’s one of those books I go back to every once in a while.
Now, I have a guilty pleasure for the Twilight Series by Stephanie Meyer. And anything about witches? Count me in! “A Discovery of Witches” by Deborah Harkness is a particular favorite, although the next book in the series didn’t quite meet my expectations. Maybe the anticipation got the best of me.
Oh, and if you’ve got time, I could go on and on with recommendations. Once I start talking about books, it’s hard to stop. I could keep you entertained for hours!
C.B: Well, it sounds like you have a passion for books that’s truly infectious! I appreciate your recommendations and insights. We could chat about literature for hours, but I’ll let you get back to your own writing endeavors. Thank you so much for sharing your thoughts and recommendations today!
About the author
It’s been a while since my last blog post, and I have to admit, not much of note has happened lately. I’ve been keeping busy and writing away – it’s my sanctuary. Right now, I’m immersed in crafting a sequel to ‘Between the Worlds,’ which will be the second installment in ‘The Story of Us’ series.
Last night something magical happened, however, I went to a concert. It’s been a long time since I had so much fun and I’m eager to share this thrilling adventure with you.
Picture this: Milwaukee, Wisconsin, an electric atmosphere, and the unmistakable presence of Tool. It was a night of epic proportions.
I was so excited to have a reason to dress up and put on some makeup. Oh, and, I got carded when I went to get a drink! I was genuinely surprised and couldn’t help but ask the bartender, “Me? Really? Why?”
She appeared taken aback by my question and, with a hint of attitude, replied, “We card everyone who looks younger than 30!”
I burst out laughing while handing her my driver’s license. I looked at my 21 year old son and said: “You heard that, right?” I was beaming and he just rolled his eyes. I’m 47, by the way. She truly made my day.
From the moment I walked into the venue, I knew I was in for a memorable experience. The air was buzzing with anticipation, and the crowd exuded a shared excitement that was infectious. Fans of all ages had gathered, all united by their love for Tool’s music.
The opening act was a pleasant surprise – a guy named Steel Beans performed singing while playing drums and a guitar at the same time. I hadn’t heard of him before. His high-energy performance got everyone in the audience on their feet, and by the end of his set, I found myself dancing and singing along with the rest of the crowd.
Then, the moment we had all been waiting for finally arrived. The headliner, Tool, graced the stage, and the crowd erupted in cheers and applause. As the lights dimmed, the first chords of one of their most iconic songs filled the room. The energy in the venue was unlike anything I’ve ever experienced before, and I was immediately swept away by the music.
The band’s performance was nothing short of phenomenal. Maynard James Keenan’s voice was even more powerful and captivating live than in their recordings, and the band’s stage presence was magnetic. The entire crowd sang along, creating a sense of unity and shared love for the music.
It’s hard to pinpoint a favorite moment because the entire night was a whirlwind of excitement. The combination of the music, the mesmerizing light show, and the unison of the crowd was a moment I’ll treasure forever.
As the night went on, it felt as though time had suspended, and I was entirely consumed by the music. Experiences like these are a reminder of why I love live music so much.
After the encore, the band bid their farewell, and I left the venue with a heart full of joy and ears still ringing. The thought of having witnessed Tool live is something I’ll always cherish.
They asked us not to record or take pictures until the very last song. I recorded a short snippet of the song to share here. Enjoy!