It’s unknown who originally said this, but it sounds like it could have been a few of my characters…
Cheers,
Aspasía S. Bissas
Quote of the Day
Happy International Haiku Day
Haiku by Aspasia S. Bissas
Darkness unfurling
Weary, bruised, the sun retreats
Rest for tomorrow
It’s International Haiku Day today! You might remember being taught in English class that a haiku is a poem consisting of three lines, with five syllables in the first line, seven in the second, and five in the third. Traditional haiku are about nature or “ephemeral beauty,” but not every writer follows tradition.
My first poem (above) was inspired by a challenge to write a haiku about “unfurling” (I wrote it before I realized we weren’t supposed to use the word “unfurling” in it– oops). The next poem was inspired by a friendly dog that used to show up in our yard, looking to play. It turned out he belonged to the neighbours (he and they have since moved).
Haiku 2 by Aspasia S. Bissas
Sad dog in our yard,
Barking an invitation.
Where do you belong?
Poetry not your thing? I’ve got you covered– download my novel and short stories:
Love Lies Bleeding: Smashwords (all formats), Barnes & Noble, Kobo, Apple Books
FREE Blood Magic: Smashwords (all formats), Barnes & Noble, Kobo, Apple Books
FREE Tooth & Claw: Smashwords (all formats), Barnes & Noble, Kobo, Apple Books
If you prefer paperback, use this link to order Love Lies Bleeding from Bookshop – a portion of each sale goes directly to independent bookstores, as well as to myself. Thank you for supporting indie! ♥
Find out more about International Haiku Day here.
Find out more about haiku poetry here.
Cheers,
Aspasía S. Bissas
Quote of the Day
Cheers,
Aspasía S. Bissas
3 Good Reasons to Read Fiction, According to Science
There’s something magical about reading fiction. A story is basically just a series of symbols arranged in a particular order on a page (or screen). And yet, your mind translates those symbols into images, events, and people that feel real. It puts you into the minds of characters and lets you see through their eyes. You hold your breath when they’re in danger, you cringe sympathetically when they’ve done something awkward. Reading fiction puts you in another world and brings that world to life. I can’t think of anything more truly magical than that.
But it isn’t only magic. Science is finding all kinds of ways that reading fiction in particular can benefit you. Here are three:
Reading fiction relieves stress: Reading is enjoyable– it makes you feel good and forces you to take a break from regular life. While reading helps you forget your problems, it can also help you understand them and cope with them better. And reading fiction has been found to relieve stress more than other relaxing forms of media, like music or TV.
Reading fiction helps with cognitive and social skills: Reading challenges your brain. Among other things, it teaches new perspectives and viewpoints. As you read about other people and places, you learn to empathize, to understand different points of view, and to get along in diverse situations. In essence, reading fiction trains you for the real world.
Reading fiction can help you live longer: Studies have shown that reading helps prevent cognitive decline, which is associated with decreased life expectancy. Aside from that, according to at least one study (see “Further Reading”), people who read more fiction live longer, on average.
Bonus: Because reading fiction can mimic what we feel during real-life interactions with other people, it’s been found to satisfy the need for human connection. If lockdowns and distancing have been getting to you, reading a good book can help you through it.
Reading fiction makes you happier and less stressed, teaches you about the world and other people, helps you feel more connected, improves your mind, and can even help you live longer. What more could you ask?
Want to get all those benefits of reading fiction right now? Download my books….
Love Lies Bleeding: Smashwords, Barnes & Noble, Kobo, Apple Books
FREE Blood Magic: Smashwords, Barnes & Noble, Kobo, Apple Books
FREE Tooth & Claw: Smashwords, Barnes & Noble, Kobo, Apple Books
If you prefer paperback, use this link to order Love Lies Bleeding from Bookshop – a portion of each sale goes directly to independent bookstores, as well as to myself. Thank you for supporting indie! ♥
Further Reading:
Why Getting Lost in a Book Is so Good for You
Even mild cognitive impairment appears to substantially increase risk for death
9 Ways Reading Makes Us Happier and More Creative
Does Reading Fiction Make Us Better People?
The Real World Benefits of Reading Fiction
7 Benefits of Reading Literary Fiction You May Not Know
Cheers,
Aspasía S. Bissas
Quote of the Day
Cheers,
Aspasía S. Bissas
