© Joe Leonardi
I am a self-published storyteller, not under contract by a major publishing house and have sold a very limited number of books. In the literary world I am insignificant. That is the truth, but that truth doesn’t change the reality that I am a storyteller. Storytelling is my passion and drive. Storytelling is my love and... Continue Reading →
Hemingway had a simple trick for overcoming writer's block. In a memorable passage in A Moveable Feast, he writes: Sometimes when I was starting a new story and I could not get it going, I would sit in front of the fire and squeeze the peel of the little oranges into the edge of the flame... Continue Reading →
Yes, one of our very own, a fellow author becomes a totalitarian dictator laying down commandments -- commandments cut in stone by their fiery finger whose very ability to express is a freedom held so dear.
Next to laundry, the one constant in life, in the literary world at least, is many folks acting as soul crushing, communistic, ignorantly blind editors. If I ever make a significant impact as an author or writer, or what I truly am --- a storyteller, perhaps people will take seriously what I say. Until that... Continue Reading →
According to Jenna Blum in The Author at Work, “Hemingway said that only the tip of the iceberg showed in fiction—your reader will see only what is above the water—but the knowledge that you have about your character that never makes it into the story acts as the bulk of the iceberg. And that is what gives... Continue Reading →
For those of us who read primarily via a kindle or kindle app, "The Comfort of Despair" Kindle edition is now available. Please click or copy and paste the below link to get your copy --- https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07Y5QWW57 Comfort – To give strength and hope to.Despair – The complete loss of or absence of hope. Two... Continue Reading →
Next to laundry, the one constant in life, in the literary world at least, is many folks acting as soul crushing, communistic, ignorantly blind editors. If I ever make a significant impact as an author or writer, or what I truly am --- a storyteller, perhaps people will take seriously what I say. Until that... Continue Reading →
✔Day one back at the gym, pathetic workout completed ✔Breakfast consumed ✔Three newspapers read ✔Two professional journals read ✔Articles on writing and self-publishing read ✔Blogs I follow read ✔Blog-posts written and scheduled for next 10 days ✔Sat on porch for an hour with dog ✔Logged out of all social media sites ✔Answered all emails ✔Replied... Continue Reading →
Author Phil Slattery takes us on an interesting ride. He gives a twist ending to the story, that once revealed, you realize he peppered the story with clues. The second twist ending hits out of left field, and left this reader wanting for more. The motivation is as old as storytelling, but that doesn't make... Continue Reading →
It isn’t about the number of words the author writes — It is about the story the author tells with the number of words written “Who am I?” I am an independent, self-published teller of tales, an author of scarcely any renown. However, as a storyteller, I know who I am, and with... Continue Reading →
Are you a writer? Are you told that you are too sensitive? This is not an uncommon characteristic in those of us who are creative. Even one who might be accused of excessive machismo, Ernest Hemingway, was a deeply sensitive person. Upon first reading, his stories can be construed as epic adventures, read them a... Continue Reading →
I saw this comment on Writers and Authors Promotion FB page. Please rank 5 top classic books you find of the highest significance that should be ABSOLUTELY read in one’s lifetime: Of course there were answers of familiar works by familiar authors. Here is my list 1 - War Springs Eternal by Joe LeonardiPTSD impacts... Continue Reading →
On a recent post I was asked the following question.... Q - Do you really experience loneliness when you write? A lot of writers say writing is lonely but I don’t understand how it is lonely. My answer, which has been re-written a bit from the original response... A - Yes. But, at least for... Continue Reading →
I am a shadow of who I was. Pushed past limits. Forced to endure. Exploited. Damaged. Not yet broken. Not moving forward. I simply mark time. What is the point? For all, the end is the same. Whether tomorrow, next week, month or decade, it will be over. Is false hope for tomorrow a cruelty?... Continue Reading →
Next to laundry, the one constant in life, in the literary world at least, is many folks acting as soul crushing, communistic, ignorantly blind, editors. If I ever make a significant impact as an author or writer, or what I truly am --- a storyteller, perhaps people will take seriously what I say. Until that... Continue Reading →
Recently I did a post entitled, Thank You Ernest Hemingway. The post contained seven tips from Hemingway on writing from open culture's website. The #6 tip was to write with a pencil. Hemingway gave three very very good reasons for using a pencil. All three basically boiled down to providing the writer multiple opportunities to... Continue Reading →
Each time I am writing a story, I read the following, and strive to do all except numbers 3 & 6 (which I will discuss in an upcoming post). This particular list comes from open culture. In a writing phase, I read these every morning, every night, and of course, each time before I sit... Continue Reading →
As I travel life’s road, I realize, the path I view in the windshield is considerably shorter than the path I glimpse in the rear-view mirror. I have had, on average, a good life. Sometimes fantastic, other times, downright horrid. It is often said the journey, not the destination, is that which is important. As I have... Continue Reading →
I still remember the first night I didn’t sleep the night through. Of course, there were random nights before. How could there not be? Especially being at sea in the U.S. Navy. But this night, was the night that began a chain of sleepless nights that has lasted uninterrupted for close to twenty years. ----------------------------... Continue Reading →
Am I wrong in my presumption that by omitting parts of the story, they will understand the layered depth of the world I am creating? Or, is their perception limited only to what the words which appear on the page, or screen, tell them?
Thank you for all of you who follow and read my blog. Lately I have been posting almost daily. I am now getting back into writing "The Damaged and Broken Stories," so, will be posting about 2 - 3 times a week. The following are my plans for the next 6 months, I am expecting to... Continue Reading →
For when it comes to that burning passion which is to write – I have no choice, I have no free will.
Yesterday, I wrote a post discussing the importance of the author maintaining her or his voice, despite the pressures of self-appointed grammarians. Today, I am going to give an example of an author who makes those grammarians crawl right out of their skin. I belong to a few author and writer groups on social media.... Continue Reading →
...because at that point in the story, the character is fragmented, and I want to convey that to the reader using the narrative. Instead of telling or showing, I want the reader to experience the story.
As I travel life’s road, I realize, the path I view in the windshield is considerably shorter than the path I glimpse in the rear-view mirror. I have had, on average, a good life. Sometimes fantastic, other times, downright horrid. It is often said the journey, not the destination, is that which is important. As... Continue Reading →
According to Jenna Blum in The Author at Work, “Hemingway said that only the tip of the iceberg showed in fiction—your reader will see only what is above the water—but the knowledge that you have about your character that never makes it into the story acts as the bulk of the iceberg. And that is... Continue Reading →
Since I have yet discovered the path to earning a living as a writer, I have another career, one that takes a great deal of time, attention and devotion. Yet, that does not change the fact that I have a compulsion to write. There are some days, actually most, that if I don’t sit and... Continue Reading →
....doesn't mean you didn't write a good story! On the author pages to which I belong on social media, I see comments from authors distraught that someone gave their writing a negative review. In a profound way, when I read these comments, it pains me. When someone reviews a story, the odds are their review... Continue Reading →
https://youtu.be/dm_S_-zV-1E “Who am I?” I am an independent, self-published teller of tales. I am an author of scarcely any renown. However, as a storyteller, I know who I am, and with that persona, I am both confident and comfortable. I invite you to visit my website, ShortStoryScribe.com and/or Amazon Author Page, if you are so inclined please purchase a copy and... Continue Reading →
I recently heard Martha Raddatz state, that in the United States, only 1% of the population serve in the military. To my brothers and sisters in arms, my fellow veterans, those who remain in the guard and reserves and those on the front lines serving on active duty --- We belong to an exclusive club.... Continue Reading →
To get started, write one true sentence. Hemingway had a simple trick for overcoming writer's block. In a memorable passage in A Moveable Feast, he writes: Sometimes when I was starting a new story and I could not get it going, I would sit in front of the fire and squeeze the peel of the little... Continue Reading →
I am a self-published storyteller, not under contract by a major publishing house and have sold a very limited number of books. In the literary world I am insignificant. That is the truth, but that truth doesn't change the reality that I am a storyteller. Storytelling is my passion and drive. Storytelling is my love... Continue Reading →
Take a tour of Key West, Florida and follow the Old Man as he passes on his accumulated knowledge of being alive for more than 200 years. One Day I Was is a work of historical fiction that follows the Old Man on a journey through U.S. history. During his expansive lifetime, The Old Man... Continue Reading →
I have had people criticize my work for breaking conventional rules of writing and grammar. Sometimes, these notes are accurate, and I make corrections. Often, however, they are given by those who believe themselves superior to others. These over analytical people are more concerned with picking out the placement of a comma or a semicolon,... Continue Reading →
Occasionally, I use quotes of writers I admire to open a blogpost. Today, I am going to quote myself..... "It isn’t about the number of words the author writes, it is about the story the author tells with the number of words written.... " Joe Leonardi I tend to agree with Edgar Allan Poe... Continue Reading →
In 2019 I am expecting to release at least five more stories in The Damaged and Broken Collection --- - “It Is Never Just A Slap,” which Iam currently working on, a woman trapped in an abusive relationship. - “Abandonment and Addiction,” a girl from a broken home who becomes addicted to heroin. - “A Father’s Son,” the... Continue Reading →
I kiss your neck, working my way down each shoulder With your permission I move my hands down the perfection which proves God exists Slowly your pants fall down your legs With great care, I lower you onto your back Gently I rub your body Again, I seek your approval A nod encourages me onward... Continue Reading →
Here on my blog, on my website ShortStoryScribe.com, and on various social media platforms, the side of my personality that is visible is The Author Persona. In those areas, I am exploring the part of me that is the storyteller. Much like my pen name, that side of my personality is but a small sample... Continue Reading →
Chaos – a noun: complete disorder and confusion. Conflict – a verb: be incompatible or at variance; clash Two words. One a noun, the other used as a verb. Both connotate similar emotions. The universe was created of chaos. Human beings can’t seem to live for any extended periods without being in some state of... Continue Reading →
Scono Sciuto is a unique storyteller, one shrouded in mystery, who combines erotica with awareness, fusing strong feminine sexuality with female empowerment. https://youtu.be/dm_S_-zV-1E
I had always believed living such a great life in my youth was a blessing. Now that I am older and realize my life will never be that great again; it has become a curse. Right out of high school, I began what was believed to be a grand adventure. I joined the navy with... Continue Reading →
Since I have yet discovered the path to earning a living as a writer, I have another career, one that takes a great deal of time, attention and devotion. Yet, that does not change the fact that I have a compulsion to write. There are some days, actually most, that if I don’t sit and... Continue Reading →
Click or copy & paste https://www.amazon.com/Scono-Sciuto/e/B00IVDABB6/
I stand in the phone booth, a droning buzz fills the space. Flickering light on the inside matches the chains of lightning outside. Both portend monumental shifts . Less than twenty four hours ago, you professed your love. Less than one, you told me it was over. Shocked, I left, drove away. A dream it... Continue Reading →
To get started, write one true sentence. Hemingway had a simple trick for overcoming writer's block. In a memorable passage in A Moveable Feast, he writes: Sometimes when I was starting a new story and I could not get it going, I would sit in front of the fire and squeeze the peel of the... Continue Reading →
Contrary to the idyllic lives shown to the world on social media, things don't always work out. Life isn't always good for everyone. Life is often times a cruel bastard. It is time to get back to reality, not the social media bullshite fantasy lives we are fed and over-fed on a daily basis. I... Continue Reading →
Unlike the youth of today, I know the fault is with the visual echo I see as I peer into the looking glass. There is no one else to blame, and I look for no one to set me free.
-26- Out the window of the small jet I stare. The skies become gray. The ground below is scarred and dotted with waste from a long dead coal industry. I don’t need the pilot’s announcement to let me know we are nearing AVP. The jet begins a steep downward trajectory. Culm rises up to meet... Continue Reading →
Do you miss the passion we shared? Do you long for the romance of uninhibited desires? Do you think of the moments in which we lived lifetimes of raw sensuality? Does your heart ache for the memory of what was? Does your body shake for the lust that was beyond expectations? Does your soul cry... Continue Reading →
Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; for The True Savior has taught me to fight and defeat the evil the exploits us. Reach for Her hand. Give Her praise. Bask in Her protective and eternal glow. Follow Her to the true promised land. Follow Her to the... Continue Reading →
