A Place in the Heart

The Vast Landscape has a place in the heart, all its own.

Never. quit. your. dreams.

A touching, humbling reader comment.

‘Jackie~ for quite some time I thought you were the main character in your well written book, full of emotion. I know now you are not but perhaps bits are you ! WOW! The intense sensitivity throughout the middle of the book brought me to tears several times. (and not just an occasional tear but I’m talking that ugly cry!) Your ability to elicit such pure and deep emotion is incredible. “Perception is not always reality.” “The love of a solid man priceless.” and “Lose the load and gain the insight.” ~ Heartfelt advice that resonated with me. I enjoyed it and look forward to Georgia Pine!’

truth sitting in fiction. life, that tugs at your core, emotional, authentic, raw and heartfelt

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He Ain’t Ugly Fo’ Sure

I told my therapist today if The Vast Landscape stunk, I would’ve stopped writing. And, had A LOT of time on my hands. Apparently, it did not.

An awesome Friday afternoon email. Thank you, kind reader. I love receiving your feedback. The Zack comment was THE BEST, made me LMAO!
…yeah, he’s oh so Dr. Pretty. And yes KM, wait until you meet Jake in Georgia Pine.
He ain’t ugly fo’ sure.
THE VAST LANDSCAPE REVIEW (email)
“OMG my friend, you are amazing!!! I just finished it and cannot wait for Georgia Pine…………..what a wonderful read!!! Couldn’t put it down, would have read right through but life happens….
But WOW, I LOVED, LOVED, LOVED it…………..bought it at Downtown Books and Coffee. And does Zack have an older brother or can you clone one for me??? He sounds perfect………………”

“Jacqueline Cioffa’s novel “The Vast Landscape” is not a memoir, but the story shares elements with the author’s 17-year career as an international fashion model.”- auburnpub.com

‘One Times Four’ Georgia Pine.

Maybe I overthink it. Maybe I’m the fidgety, free-spirit bound by an overweighted body, so yes I do. I overthink it.

Perhaps, I think too much. Anticipating the one thousand steps in front of me, stuck inside the tens of thousands behind my back. I don’t know. I can’t fix the past, weave a sparkle plenty doll future where the waters remain oh so calm, indigo swaying temperate.

I. don’t. know. I call it straight, as I see it. Then, there are the convoluted thoughts, ice cubes smashing angry against the glass. We’re all connected, until we’re not.

Simplistic words of a child.

Until they’re the heartbreaking sounds, gut wrenching final good-bye from a beloved.

The precious one, we can not, will not, refuse to exist without. I overthink it, how could I not.

The Vast Landscape and GEORGIA PINE. symbiotic, extensions of my time here.

 

-excerpt from GEORGIA PINE.

by Jacqueline Cioffa

ONE TIMES FOUR

Georgia pulled the rocker close to her grandfather’s, almost touching. She needed to be near, reassured by the sounds of his breathing. Side by side, gliding back and forth. She had nowhere to go, nowhere she’d rather be. Mostly, she rocked while he nodded off. He was her most favorite person. She refused a life without him. Georgia knew what was coming. Maxine wasn’t the only one with a gift, she didn’t brag. Her grandmother was a fading memory, but Georgia could still recall the tight squeeze of her hand. How overtired giggly they got when she tucked her in. Harry whispered secrets in her ear.

http://www.amazon.com/THE-VAST-LANDSCAPE-Jacqueline-Cioffa-ebook/dp/B00H3P51LS

One Piece of Pretty ‪

9-13-14 The Vast Landscape Book Signing

Grass roots marketing, a friend mentioned the other day. Yes, I suppose The Vast Landscape is just that. I am just stubborn enough, crazy enough, ambitious enough to believe I could self-publish a book. Those of you who know me, understand living with mental illness is no joke, any step forward and out of the house is a huge accomplishment. Thanks for coming out, for the humbling support. The Vast Landscape, the novel’s appeal is for the reader to decide. For me it’s solid, rock steady and the skin I’m most comfortable in.

“Harrison is beautiful chaos. She saved me in many ways.” Jacqueline Cioffa 

“I am allowed one piece of pretty to call my own.”  The Vast Landscape by Jacqueline Cioffa

 

#‎TheVastLandscape‬ ‪#‎signingSuccess‬ ‪#‎NeverQuitYourDreams‬ #ShopLocal

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Comings and Goings

Because it’s raining, and my mother sits in the kitchen with a pencil reading Georgia Pine., first edits. I reflect. Typing in my Zen room, deep in the world of Georgia Pine. I work fast, anxious to see how the story ends, intersects, everything comes to a close. (even I don’t know if they characters will veer left or right). I am melancholy. I will miss Harrison, and her descendants. For me, living in their world is a gift, the best part of the writing process. Then I remember, people go, even imaginary ones. They exist in the mind, muscle, blood and soul, by memory. It’s the comings and goings that count.

Georgia Pine.

– excerpt

‘Don’t let anyone make fun of you carrot top, freckle face, how you are. Someday, they will see how dazzling and pretty you are. Stand your ground, find something to believe in and go for it. Don’t look back. Don’t apologize. Be nicer to your mother, she was a free spirit once. She plain forgot. Make her laugh when she gets too serious. Protect and cherish your sisters, they’re what you got. At some point, you will be disappointed by them, even hate one or all. They might despise you, too. It won’t matter, your sisters will pick your side every time. I promise, that’s what families do. Your family, our family is bound by deep love and tradition. We are not quitters; we are backwards optimists. Takes a little longer, we get there on our time. I love that shared trait. We believe in our truths, once we’ve ripped them apart and examined the guts with a Lupe. I’m dying baby, I won’t spare you, hide the truth. So you can wonder where the hell I went. I adore you too much to leave you questioning my invisible parts. I love you right now, in this room, on this bed. You’re my big girl, so smart. I will miss bedtime tuck in’s, our secrets. Don’t tell your mama, she won’t understand. You have your grandfather’s eyes, and my cautious curiosity. Close your tired eyes, tomorrow we’ll go to the beach. Hug your grandfather when he gets sad. He’ll need you Georgia Pine, when I go.’

“Georgia looks at Harrison through the puzzled eyes of an eight year old. Hush don’t be afraid, life is about coming and going.”

http://www.amazon.com/THE-VAST-LANDSCAPE-Jacqueline-Cioffa-ebook/dp/B00H3P51LS

 

The Vast Landscape You’re Invited Y’all!!!

https://twitter.com/DowntownBooks/status/497822068273315840

The where, the when, the book and the pen. 🙂

The Vast Landscape author signing. Sweet!!!

Downtown Books and Coffee

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