Follow this link to go to the 'Angels Cried' official website -----------------------------------------------------------------------
I would like to thank Eri Nelson, the editor, founder and sole operator of "Wonderful Reads of the Month - Supporting authors one read at a time"
She accepted my article about how I came up with the idea of "Indies In Action," and the result, 'Angels Cried'. Please show your support of Eri's effort by visiting the WROTM online magazine. Following is the article which was submitted to the January, 2013 edition.
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I have been writing for about as long as I have been reading, or for about 36 years now. What I have come to realize is that writing, for me, is more that just words arranged to create a message. Words have become an intimate friend; a confidant. I rely on words to vent my frustrations, to sort my deepest thoughts, and to keep secrets, if necessary. This passionate intimacy is as strong as any other desire. To disregard this perspective, once discovered, is akin to blasphemy. Words, for some, are vital to their very well-being.
This discovery and awareness about writing culminated into my serious attempt at creating a specific writing deeply emotional, yet available to share with others as a form of mutual empathy and support. On April 19, 1996, I lived in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. I had lived there only six months or so, at that time. Overwhelmingly, the general topic of discussion was regarding the horrible tragedy only one year prior - the bombing of the Alfred P. Murrah federal building.
For six months, I met people who had relatives, friends or neighbors who had perished. I heard horrific tales of heroism directly from first responders. The stories of incredible energy, spirit and exhaustive support which followed the tragedy were almost as unbelievable as the act itself. The effect of this social catastrophe was far-reaching, resolute and deeply felt, especially among the local population. The one-year anniversary was no different, as an entire city, possibly even country and world, solemly paid respects toward those affected. The entire day was emotionally draining as coutless tears were shed, memorials were discussed and unveiled, moments of silence were observed, and charity works of all kinds were announced and recognized for their tireless achievements.
I was not there on the day the tragedy occured. My energy on the anniversary date was high, and I felt helpless to comfort those who lived through the catastrophe. People had true stake in the losses. How could I possibly have the words for someone’s extreme pain when I wasn’t even there for the event? I was frustrated, angry and confused. I had questions for God himself, and was not going to be put on hold. I did what I usually do in these situations - I wrote down my feelings.
I was struggling with good and evil. I gnashed words; stacked, crammed and pulverized them. I pulled some words out, cleaned them up, and sent them back in. Some words I snatched by the nape and flung across the room. Some words I discretely approached and promoted. I battled and finessed words for hours. At last, after an eternal emotional cyclone, I was spent. At last, I had resolved enough of my epic struggle to be of some use to my community and myself.
I shared this writing for awhile with a handful of people, then stored it. While it never quite reached those who possibly needed it the most, I pinned my faith on what I resolved that night, and for me, this was a milestone.
This set forth a pattern for me whereby my first instinct following disasters is to write. I know that it isn’t as glamorous or directly fulfilling as being able to provide immediate and necessary care to those in need, but it is a first step for me to be able to “clear the cache,” and begin focusing on those very actions. After finding out about the Newtown catastrophe, I decided that instead of writing, I would offer a place for writers to converge, collaborate and contribute. I knew there were others like me, and now was the time to provide for them a place to express themselves, if nothing else.
What became quickly apparent to me was that the feeling of helplessness and “not being able to do enough” was prevalent amongst almost everyone in the group. People from around the world felt anguish, and knew that their pain could never match that of those hurting the most. Compounding this was the helplessness felt by those who, separated by distance or other means of not being able to directly contribute, would otherwise be there to provide assistance. I decided that rather than remain among those helpless to act, I would provide a way to give these artists a chance to use their craft to contribute to society in a unique and impacting way. The idea of “Angels Cried” was formed to fruition.
Once announced, the response was quick and appreciated. Many contributors to the anthology have expressed their gratitude regarding the concept of having a way to make a difference. By sharing their passionate work, they engage in self-therapy, as well as an effort which will make a genuine, concrete difference in the world of others.
Currently, ‘Angels Cried’ is available as an eBook, and will be available in paperback soon. All proceeds from the sales of the anthology go directly to the Sandy Hook School Support Fund, which is managed by the United Way. The effort on the part of those who have contributed, both as artists and as administrators, has been uplifting. Strangers have been brought together in this time of tragedy, only to create a way to make a positive impact on an otherwise devastating circumstance. Thanks to the many who support this cause.
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Follow this link to go to the 'Angels Cried' official website ----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Stephen L. Wilson
Indie Author/Publisher
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@wilsonstephenl