A Writer's Reality

So Proud!

2012-01-21T07:21:00.004-07:00

My nephew, Jared, who's in Special Forces, came to town this last weekend to visit. He was here on military business, looking for survival/winter gear for his unit. There was some sort of convention going on in Salt Lake he attended.

Anyhow, I loved seeing him! He's so fun to be around, so easy to talk to. He called, wanting to take my oldest son (16) ski-boarding with him and some of the other cousins. At the time, my beautiful boy was grounded, but I knew that these rare opportunities don't roll around every day. After all, Big Jared (what the little cousins call him) is going to be shipped out to Afghanistan again soon. I want my kids to know their hero cousin who is such a brave man.

Jared's job is on one of those heavy duty helicopters. He's the one in charge of everything that goes on in that machine. His unit's job is to transport Special Operations Ground Forces on their missions which are usually during the middle of the night. He's the last one on and is always exposed, shooting that huge gun mounted on the outside. (Don't know what it's called)

His job is very dangerous and I worry about him all the time. I couldn't imagine being his mother or wife. If I worry this much, how much more do they?

I've always been patriotic. I cry when I say the Pledge of Allegiance or when I sing the National Anthem, and I cry every time one of my nephews gets deployed. I have two in the Coast Guard, two in the Army, and another was in the Navy. I'm so proud of them, so grateful they are willing to serve and protect, but there is a little piece inside me that wants to hold them back, to hold them tight against me and never let them go.

My own sons want to be in the military some day. I encourage them, so proud of that decision, but inside, I'm screaming, “Are you insane!”

But if our sons and daughters don't rise up to declare war on tyranny, oppression, and evil, who will? Who else has the strength, the energy, and the stamina? I certainly don't. I can barely run two miles without wanting to pass out.

Here's a poem my Gram, Janie Robertson, wrote about her son who was in the military. It says it all:

“With a golden bar on his shoulder.

It's color taken from the sun.

His foot on the rung of a ladder

of a climb that's just begun.

Like Jacob's ladder, it's endless,

Going far beyond the stars.

And we need not fear they'll fail us.

These boys with the golden bars.

They are the youth of a nation

upon whom God reposes trust.

So hail to the boys with the golden bars!

Soon victory will rest with the just!”

Maggie Stiefvater!

2011-12-31T12:59:00.000-07:00

Maggie Stiefvater is one of my favorite authors and she's having a fun book giveaway where you have to post about your favorite blogpost of hers. Since I only just discovered her, I've only followed her posts for a few months and the one I loved best is found here.

It's full of pictures of her 2011 European tour. Such beautiful photos. What a dream come true! I want to be her when I grow up!

Heir to Power-Review

2011-12-21T09:36:00.001-07:00

The Story- The colony of Survin has been hidden for over 5 centuries, protecting an ancient relic called the Healing Crystal. At sixteen, Kairma is the next in line to inherit the artifact.

There are several problems that confront her as the heir. First, she has been touched by the white ones, strange worm like humans that live underground, whose bite almost killed Kairma. She survived, but now resembles a white one with long white hair and pale skin. Several of the villagers distrust her and think of her as a witch, unfit to wear the Healing Crystal.

Second, a few years ago, the colony was hit by a plaque, killing off a large portion of the population. Because of old logs that have been kept by previous Mirals (female leaders of the colony), Kairma learns that their genetic pool is too low and that her people won’t survive unless new blood is introduced soon.

Third, in order to protect the Healing Crystal, the rules of Survin call for the killing of any strangers that stumble upon their colony. The older residents of the village will not hear of letting strangers in to help add fresh blood. As the story begins, one stranger is seeking shelter in their village, wishing to study the Godstones, four large faces that are carved into a near by mountain. Trep, desperate to survive, tells of weapons and cities beyond that could help the Survin people.

Risking all, Trep is allowed to leave with a handful of male villagers to buy guns and hopefully bring back fresh bloodlines. Kairma and the colony face great danger when evil men follow Trep back with plans to destroy the people for their gold.

My Review- When first starting this book, I thought it would be a fantasy. The cover screams fantasy in my opinion. But it's not. It's science fiction. As for the story. There have been mixed reviews. Some people rave about it and loved I. I had a hard time getting into the book. It's very long, over 500 pages, and I think it could have been tightened up quite a bit. I also had a hard time getting in to the story. It just didn't capture me. But like I said, other reviewers felt the opposite.

Take a look at the other reviews here: http://www.dorinewhite.blogspot.com/2011/12/book-review-heir-to-power-by-michelle.html
http://cmichellejefferies.blogspot.com/2011/12/book-review-heir-to-power-by-michele.html
http://danicapage.blogspot.com/2011/12/book-review-heir-to-power-by-michele.html
http://www.lauradbastian.blogspot.com/2011/12/book-review-healing-crystal-heir-to.html
http://wendword.blogspot.com/2011/12/first-and-free-book.html
http://jeanzbookreadnreview.blogspot.com/2011/12/excerpt-heir-to-power-by-michele-poague.html
http://debbiesinkspectations.blogspot.com/2011/12/book-review-heir-to-power-by-michele.html
http://imsofunny.blogspot.com/2011/12/book-review-heir-to-power.html

So here are just a few. It's one of those books you really like or really don't. That can be a good thing though! It's definitely worth checking out, and maybe I couldn't get into the story because of all the stresses I've been under right now. That's how it is sometimes.

The best gift

2011-12-14T18:08:00.000-07:00

My extended family had a Christmas get-together this last week, and every year we exchange gifts. Since Money is tight for most people, I suggested we trade books for our presents. It couldn't be just any book either. It had to be a favorite, one that would hurt to give away.

I think my children were in actual physical pain wrapping up their adored stories. But in my opinion, it isn't a true gift unless you make a sacrifice of some sort. That is what makes it so meaningful. At least to me.

My sister, Tina, came to me before the exchange and said she'd brought a very special book to trade. One that had been our beloved, adored Grandmother's, who we'd worshiped as children. Tina wanted me to have it because she wanted it to go to one of us sisters, and not a spouse or cousin by marriage. I totally understood. I wanted it to stay in someone's hand who would truly appreciate what it was—a book of stories and articles by Ernie Pyle, called Home Country, that our Gram had read over and over. A book her hands had caressed.

My Gram had even signed her name in the front. Her signature was priceless to us, proof that she'd lived, that she'd made a difference in so many ways. Making sure the book landed in my hands would prove impossible.

Twelve adults sat at the table where we would play a game where every time the word “right” was said, we'd exchange gifts to the right. Every time “left” was read, we traded to the left.

You get the idea.

Back and forth we went for over ten minutes. It was a super fun game, but I knew the odds of that book ending up with me. I just prayed went to one of my sisters who would truly love it like I would.

You'll never believe what happened. The trade game came to an end and guess which book sat before me.

Yep. My Gram's.

I could not believe it. I guess some things are just meant to be! It's one of those times when I whole-heartedly believe in destiny. It's a Merry Christmas to me!

I also gave two of my very favorite books. The Jester, by James Patterson—which I have read more than once, and Become, by Allie Cross, which I'd just barely bought and couldn't lay down. You are more than welcome to steal this idea for your party!

I hope your Christmas season is wonderful, and have a Happy New Year too!

Critique my query! Please!

2011-12-13T18:53:00.023-07:00

Here is a really rough rough-draft of my query letter. I wrote it just today. I still need to do some tweaking, but can you give me your opinions? I'm not sure what genre my book even is, (I know that sounds ridiculous, but hey.) And please be honest. I really want to get this great.

Dear Agent,

Sixteen year old Jessie Callahan believes suicide is her only option. But not even death can save her from her tortured past.

After her best friend, Natty, dies from brain cancer, Jessie can't shoulder their dark secret alone any longer. Desiring nothing more than to be free of her heartache, she rams her car into a tree and gets her wish. But resting on pink, fluffy clouds for eternity is not in the cards. She must pay back the debt of taking her life by becoming a guardian.

Jessie quickly learns that Guarding Brecken Shaefer is harder than it looks. He has an unusual ability to not only hear Jessie, but see her as well. If she can't save him from his sins, she'll dwell forever in Soul Prison. Facing her own demons is the only way to protect them both.

My book, GUARDIAN, addresses the heartache of suicide, the anguish of sexual abuse, and also the frustration of unattainable love. Readers who loved the yearning and mystery of BECOME, by Allie Cross, MATCHED, by Ally Condie, or SHIVER, by Maggie Stiefvater will find resonance with this story. I am a member of the League of Utah Writers and I write an opinion column, Writing Reality, for my local newspaper, The Leader.

GUARDIAN, is an 80,000 word young adult paranormal novel and is available upon request.

Thank you for taking the time to consider my query. I look forward to hearing from you.

Proof your proof!

2011-12-09T17:09:00.001-07:00

I finished writing and editing my book, Guardian, and thought I'd print a hard copy to give my critique partners to make corrections on. But then I thought I'd go through it quickly before I gave it away.

OH MY WORD! I can't believe how many things I want to change now that I see the words on actual paper! I've always known you should print out your book and go through it once more, just to be sure, but dang! I didn't anticipate marking the whole thing up myself.

Let this be a lesson to you, my friends. Rather than be embarrassed, read it personally on hard copy. You'll be SO glad you did. Now I'll be proud of the draft I give my alpha readers!

Let yourself grow

2011-12-02T13:47:00.000-07:00

Time for something new! You like the new template? I do. Love it! Every once in a while I need a change.

That takes me back to the second grade when I re-arranged my whole classroom while everyone was out to recess. I honestly don't remember why I was still inside the classroom, but there you go. The teacher was NOT pleased, and I got in a lot of trouble and felt very embarrassed when none of the students could find their desk. What was wrong with those kids anyway?

So, sometimes change is good and sometimes it's not. That is the big dilemma. Is it time in your life to make a change? It could be anything. A new job, a new place to live, a new spouse . . . . There are tons of choices to make, but always go with your gut feeling. Things usually turn out.

I recently realized I am not a fantasy writer. I enjoy reading fantasy to a degree, but I don't love it. I thought I did because I wrote a middle grade story that mostly falls into that category, but every fantasy book I try to read, I get impatient with and end up putting down.

What I really love is paranormal, and horror. OH MY WORD! Why did it take me so long to figure that out? Seriously, folks. Remember that it's usually those books that you love to read that you are most likely to write. And the authors I love most of all are Dan Wells--who writes horror, Elana Johnson, James Dashner, Allie Cross, Allie Condie, Maggie Stiefvater etc... You get the picture. And I've found that the last few books I've written were more along the lines of these other authors.

So get out there, my children, and find your niche! Go with it and don't be afraid of change. It makes you grow.

Keep your faith

2011-11-20T14:10:00.001-07:00

Sometimes I feel like I've put my dream of becoming a published author on hold, because my actions say as much. Inside though, I haven't. I still have that dream and I really feel it will happen. But right now, I feel strongly that I need to be doing other things that are even more important.

Have you ever felt that way? Directed to do something that may not have been in your playbook? Often I feel directed to do something and then I look back on my life and it all makes sense. Right now, I need to use my energy building my musical talents so my lessons at the school are fun, and you know what? They are. Last week a boy stood up in the middle of the computer lab when I walked by, and yelled, "Hey Mrs. C! You're the best music teacher ever!" It totally made my day. I can't even tell you.

I'm making a huge impression on these kids and it feels good. Really good. Would I rather be writing? Sometimes. But I know that this is what I need to be doing right now. It takes a huge amount of time. I often find at the end of the day that the whole day has gone by and I never wrote, edited or anything. It can be very frustrating, but when I chat with God about it, he tells me to stop worrying and to just keep going--that is job is a gift. And not just for me.

I am trying to have faith that everything will turn out as it should. I think it will. We all have a purpose. We're here for a reason, and it may be totally different than we think. The secret is to follow your heart. Follow those feelings that come from inside. Follow your gut. And try to make your path as bright and happy as you can. It's more important for me to make people feel loved than it is for me to write more. When it happens, it will be because it's the right time and because I never gave up.

"If it was right when you prayed about it, and trusted it, and lived for it, it is right now. Don't give up when the pressure mounts." ~ Jeffrey R. Holland

I LOVE this quote. It helps me remember that what I'm doing now is the right thing, and just because I've taken a slight detour doesn't mean my dream of being published won't happen.

You can use this quote in many different ways. I hope it brings you all comfort like it did me.

Yea for teachers!

2011-11-14T12:37:00.000-07:00

I have a whole new appreciation for school teachers. I just got a job in the Box Elder School district as the music teacher at one of the elementary schools. I'm loving it! But let me just say, it is exhausting! And I don't even have to work every day.

The amount of preparation time alone is consuming. I can't imaging doing it every day. I don't know how normal teachers do it. Not only do they have to babysit our kids, but we expect them teach our children to read, write, and understand math.

It is a huge responsibility on their part. I see first hand now what the teachers at my school do to keep the students interested, entertained, and continuously learning. They are fantastic at their jobs. And let me just be honest here, some kids make the job very difficult.

And it's too bad, because they ruin it for the others who do want to learn. Last week, for the first time, I had to really get after a class. The girls were being awful, acting like little snobs, and actually fighting between themselves. I couldn't believe how mean they were. And this was in a second grade class!

I sent those girls to their desks and told them to keep quiet, that I didn't want to hear one word from them. They sat there glaring and the rest of us had fun, playing a music game. I think of that teacher who is really trying to be great, and how hard it must be to want to go to work everyday and have to deal with hard kids.

I wonder if the parents know how terrible their children act at school. I have no patience for that kind of behavior and if I ever found out that my children behaved like that at school . . . oh man.

So, sit down with your kids and grand kids. Ask them how things are going at school. Try to find out if they are bullied, or if they are the bullies themselves. Talk to their teachers. Find out if there are other things you can do to help.

Volunteer! That is a real eye opener for many parents. I volunteer every week at my kid's school and it has given me huge insight into my own kid's lives that I just couldn't get anywhere else.

My advice is this. KNOW your kids. KNOW your grand kids, as much as you possibly can. You might be the one to make a huge difference in their lives. A difference they may desperately need.

Revived

2011-11-09T14:08:00.000-07:00

Yea for writing retreats!

This last weekend, I went to the beautiful town of Heber City, in the rugged mountains of Utah for a writing retreat. We stayed in a cabin (which it was not) with seven bedrooms, a Jacuzzi tub, king size log beds, a gorgeous kitchen with granite counter tops--you getting the picture?

Anyway, a bunch of us camped out in the game room on plush couches and wrote, wrote, wrote! We had a few contests, great food, and plenty of laughing. I grew close to a few of the women I'd never even known before, and I can honestly say, I count them as close friends now.

For a time, I didn't want to go to the retreat. I'd just gotten a new job, was very stressed about money, had a lot to deal with and wondered if I should back out. I'm SO glad I didn't! It refocused me with my writing and got me excited again. And I even signed up for nanowrimo while I was there. Now that's dedication!

If you have the chance to go to something like this, jump at it. Life will keep going without you for a couple of days. Sometimes you need a chance to refresh. I plan on going again next year too. Hope to see you there!

Keepin' on

2011-10-25T14:38:00.000-06:00

I've learned something about myself. Actually, that's a lie. It's already something I knew, but has just come to light once more, making me take a long hard look at myself. Here's the thing. I like to quit when things get hard. Yep. That's me. A wanna-be quitter. The truth is, when something becomes overwhelming to me, appears too hard, or feels too stressful, I try to think of ways to get out of it, and fast.

In the past this system has worked well for me. As a responsible adult . . . not so much. Instead I day dream of solutions to solve my problem and they aren't grown up, adult, mature solutions. Alas, I'm taken back to the years of my childhood, making excuses to get out of responsibility.

In my defense, in the last few of years, mainly since I've started writing, I may feel this natural inclination to run away or escape, but I don't do it. At least, not often. I'm feeling it now with my new job. I LOVE my job. It's so dang fun, buy the principal at the school will NOT bend on the schedule which really frustrates me. My four year old only has one year left before kindergarten and even then, will only be able to go half a day. I really don't want to miss out on that last bit of time together with him, so the schedule thing is bothering me. I may not stay at this school next year. I'm willing to miss a little time with W, but not the majority of the week. I'll finish this school year because I really feel like this is what I should do. But it peeves me!

I'm not good at change either. I love my life, being a stay at home mom, writing at my leisure. Now my schedule is more hectic, I get tired so much faster, and all these things make me want to quit. Run away. Hide. But I won't, because I don't like to look bad. I don't want to look like a total loser. Yes, folks. It's pride. My pride keeps me going, so maybe pride really isn't such a bad thing.

Anyway, here's to determination and follow-through. Here's to picking yourself up by the boot straps and moving forward because you must, whether you like it or not. AND here's to making yourself grow and stretch even when it's extremely inconvenient and uncomfortable.

Back in the saddle

2011-10-17T18:17:00.000-06:00

When was the last time you were forced out of your comfort zone? I've enjoyed my comfort zone for quite a few years now. I love being a stay at home mom, doing my various chores at a relaxed pace, and not having anything else to do besides take care of my family and work on my writing.

Now, because of economic reasons, I needed to find a job. I've been looking for quite a while, hoping to get something I could do at home over the computer or something like that, so I could be with my four year old.

A friend of mine emailed me about some jobs that were available in the Box Elder school district so I applied. I had my eye on a certain job there, but there was also another elementary school that was looking for a music teacher.

It didn't have the hours I wanted, but I put in for it anyway because, hey, music/music therapy was my major in college, so really, it was right up my alley. It ended up that they wanted me! Bad! And I had a very strong impression that this was the job I should take even though I'd have to learn to play the recorder and then teach it to all the third graders! Yikes!

This job will take me out of my comfort zone, will force me to stretch, demands that I start practicing my guitar again, and to stand up in front of hundreds of kids three days a week, but those are all good things that will make me grow. Right?

I can't wait to see how everything turns out. I want to make a huge, positive impression on these kids. It may be the only music some of them will ever learn. I'm the only music teacher many of these students will ever know, and I only get a half hour with each class each week. It's not nearly enough time, but I'm determined to make it stand out in their memories!

So get out there! Climb out of your comfort zone! Make yourself grow! Do something scary! It's those risks that make life wonderful and worth living! (So they say. I'll let you know.)

Making a change

2011-10-12T08:50:00.000-06:00

It's ironic that I just finished writing a book about a girl who commits suicide. I should be editing and fixing those little things in that book that need fixing before I set it on the back burner for a few weeks to simmer, but I just can't deal with it right now. I need a break from that depressing topic. The story itself isn't that depressing but it can be heavy and does deal with suicide and with what those left behind go through. Tough stuff.

So I'm going back to another story that has been simmering for the last year. I have great ideas for it and am excited to start with it again, taking it in a whole new direction.

The lesson here is this. Don't feel guilty if you need a break from your manuscript. Sometimes a break is exactly what needs to happen to make it better. Start a new book, get your ideas out there. Go with your gut feeling and things will always turn out fine. Take care of yourselves and stay healthy.

Goodbye, friend

2011-10-07T17:40:00.000-06:00

Here is something my friend, who passed away last week, wrote on her blog about me . . .

Melissa’s Mysteries! This wonderful girl is a great friend. Her entries are thought provoking and full of information, thoughts and feelings. I appreciate her honesty and her ability to let her real self shine through her blog. She tells us how it is, and she is great doing it. She is an award winning writer who has a great future ahead of her, and is someone who is actually LIVING and striving for her dreams.

She was giving me an award of some sort and I've only read it for the first time today. I'd gotten behind on reading her posts and it kills me that I let it happen. Melissa's Mysteries is the name of my old blog. Lisa's word's mean the world to me, especially now that she is gone. Now they're like scripture. Sacred, honest and inspiring. I will miss her more than words can express. She was my mother, sister, and friend. SHE was the one who taught me to blog in the first place, about five or six years ago. She took me through the steps to set it up and then let me run with it.

She touched so many people, affected so many lives. How my heart aches now that she is gone. She died too young and I will never be the same. The one thing that keeps me going is that I want to make her words come true. I promise to actually live and strive to make my dreams come true . . . for the both of us.

Sorry

2011-10-03T07:56:00.000-06:00

For anyone who wonders why I haven't posted anything yet, it's because one of my best, closest friends died on Thursday. I'm heartsick, despondent and have zero desire to do anything other than what I can for her and her family at this time.

I will post again when I'm feeling better.

Read 'em and weep

2011-09-27T14:05:00.002-06:00

Isn't it our vast experiences that we glean from to write the best scenes? Yes, that compost pile in the very back of our minds is ripe with fermentation. How could we not use what grows there in the dark recesses of yesterday? Make us ache once again, make us wipe a tear with each heart-rending scene we read.

So, with that thought in mind, here's to our first loves who probably contributed the most to the malodorous richness of the past.

Read 'em and weep.

P.S. The winner of the blog hop will be announced in my next post.

September Blog Hop

2011-09-22T16:11:00.000-06:00

I'm doing the September Blog hop, but forgot. Yep. That's the story of my life! So Celebrate the beginning of fall with me and my blogger friends by hopping around, visiting our sites, and entering our contests! There are no limits - you can enter the contest on every blog. With over 40 blogs participating, that's over 40 prizes you could win. Just click on the links below to move on to the next blog.

On my blog, you can win …

A ten dollar gift certificate to Amazon! Yep, that's right! Pretty spendy, I know. Just become a follower and leave a comment telling me why you want to win this prize. Easy peasy! Just click on the orange blog hop pic to find the other blogs in the hop. I couldn't figure out the widget to have them here. Sorry!

Book Review: Fall

2011-09-15T10:13:00.003-06:00

Let me just say right from the beginning. I LOVED this book. Let me tell you a bit about it.

Here's the blurb on the back:

Women and construction shouldn't mix. At least, that is what the client; Mr. Blackwell thinks when Twenty-one year old Julia D. Halstead is promoted to project manager to remodel a turn-of the century schoolhouse into a bed and breakfast. However, the schoolhouse contains a dark secret that has been hidden for nearly a hundred years. A secret that will unleash the furies of Hell and cause the Angels in Heaven to weep as ethereal brothers, Matthew and Nathan battle over Julia's very soul.

What I liked: I found the construction side of this story to be very accurate. My husband is a plumbing contractor and this aspect was totally believable. I liked how Julia fell for the bad boy. Isn't there a bit of that in all of us? I liked how the story built and built and how Julia developed as a real person with real weakness and faults, but done in such a way that I was always rooting for her, wanting her to win. It ended in a way that suggests to me there will be a sequel. I hope so. I really couldn't lay the book down. It was a fascinating story that held me spellbound the entire time.

What I didn't like: There were editing problems that I found very distracting. And there were enough of them that I was bothered throughout the story, but not bad enough to make me lay the book down in frustration. Like I said, I loved it, despite poor editing in parts. Also, I don't like the cover. I don't feel it gives us an accurate taste for what the book is really about, and I find it a bit boring. I'd rather see something more like the movie poster of Constantine (with Keanu Reeves). Now something like THAT would fit this book perfectly.

All in all, I'd give it four out of five stars. Go read it. You'll love it!

I surrender

2011-09-13T10:15:00.002-06:00

So after ten years I get it. I can't run. I'll never be a runner. I'll never experience that runner's high in the way I want.

I love to run. LOVE IT! But I can't do it. I'm finally hearing the message I've ignored for so long.

You see, I was born with a touch of scoliosis. It's not that bad, and it never usually hinders me in any way . . . except when I run. The pain that builds in both my right and left SI joints, and my fallen arches becomes unbearable the more I try. After a day of running, I can hardly move for the next few days. I've spent thousands of dollars trying to "fix" myself, desperately hoping that things would change if I pushed through the agony.

I fell in love with running ten years ago and figured I could force my body to obey if I was determined enough. But some things are not meant to be no matter how much you believe, persist, dream, or pray. That doesn't mean you shouldn't go after it or that it's not worth the effort, it just means that every once in a while we have to sit back and say, "Okay. I'll try a different avenue."

My quest for fitness doesn't have to end with running. There are a million other things I can do. I just don't love them, or yearn to do them, like I do running. I guess I'll just have to walk . . . very fast. I also love yoga, so that's still sticking around and is the only thing that keeps me going relatively pain-free.

I could complain and say it's not fair, and it's not, but no one promised me that my life would be fair. That's all right. I just have to remember that everything will be all right. I like to remember the quote, "When God closes a door, somewhere he opens a window."

I choose to believe that's true. It will force me in a new direction and that's okay too. I'm up for a good hike.

The Key of Kilenya

2011-09-08T09:00:00.003-06:00

When two vicious wolves chase fourteen-year-old Jacob Clark down a path from our world into another, his life is forever changed. He has no idea they have been sent by the Lorkon--evil, immortal beings who are jealous of powers he doesn't know he possesses--powers they desire to control.

The inhabitants of the new world desperately need Jacob's help in recovering a magical key that was stolen by the Lorkon and is somehow linked to him. If he helps them, his life will be at risk. But if he chooses not to help them, both our world and theirs will be in danger. The Lorkon will stop at nothing to unleash the power of the key--and Jacob's special abilities.

~By Andrea Pearson

I've been struggling for a while with what to say in this book review because, to be honest, I could not connect with this book. I felt like it was all tell and no show. I know how hard it is to write a book and get published, and for this reason, I hesitate to give a negative review, but I also don't believe in not being honest. Also, we all have different tastes. I seldom believe critics when they say a movie or book isn't that great. I like to see for myself, and I often find I loved something they didn't. I encourage you to do the same here.

Here, I believe, is one of the pitfalls of self publishing. Sometimes we think a book is ready when really, it isn't. That's one of the areas where I struggled with my old publisher. My editor wanted me make drastic changes in my book, and I wasn't ready to do that. For the most part, I thought my book was great the way it was. You want to know what's funny? Since I left that publisher, I've pretty much done what they asked. I say that with a sigh, because I still think I made the right choice in leaving, AND my book is better than ever. (mainly because my rockin' critique group wasn't afraid to tell me the truth) And who knows, if I can't sell that story to another publisher I might self publish too.

My point here is this. If you are going to self publish, you'd better be in a really awesome critique group that will be completely honest with you about your manuscript. You CAN NOT rely on friends and family to tell you the truth. They won't. They don't want to hurt you, or lose your friendship, and we writers are very sensitive about our babies. Plus, most of the time family and friends don't know what to tell you to fix. They aren't editors, they aren't writers, and they don't know the ins and outs of how to write. You need people who know what they're doing to critique your book. THEN . . . when you think it's perfect and ready to print, have those people read it one more time! You'll be glad you did. It is possible to over edit, but in the case of self publishing, it might be more of a plus than a minus.

Here is the purchase link if you'd like to buy The Key of Kilenya.

To Was or not to Was.

2011-09-04T19:47:00.002-06:00

I think I hate the word was. I'm not sure, but I think I do.

The English language would surely be incomplete without it, and all communication would come to a stop, but would it really be so bad to hide it in the closet once in a while? Most writers would be sorry-out-a-luck, and would die a slow, painful death, but hey, wouldn't the sacrifice be worth it? =P

Here's the thing. The more I learn, the more I notice the difference between fabulous writing and terrible writing. You want to know the difference between the two? For this post, it's the word was.

Almost always, a sentence would be better without it. Is it laziness on our part that we leave that boring word in there? Granted, it's needed at times, but for the most part, it's not. The point is still the same. It's worth the time to go through your manuscript and see if that word can be replaced by something better.

Examples:
1. Beth was smart. or The answers saturated Beth's mind, and her fingers flew across the test paper as she wrote the correct numbers.
2. It was so hot. or I fanned myself as I watched a mirage ripple over the heated pavement.
3. He was the cutest boy at school. or I stared, unable to deny the heated attraction I felt when his gaze flickered over me.

These examples were off the top of my head. I'm sure they could be improved, but you get the idea. Fix all the was words (for past tense) and is words for present and you'll be surprised at how great your book becomes!

And watch out for that first sentence summary. Don't say, "Beth was smart" and then go on to explain why by putting both sentences (in my example) together. It takes the power out of your paragraph, the umph out of your story, and the mystery out of your words. You DON'T want that, no matter what. Are there exceptions to that rule? Only if you're Stephen King maybe.

A Piece of Sky

2011-08-31T21:48:00.000-06:00

This is one of my all time favorite songs. Not only because it's so beautiful, but because of what it means to me. And even after twenty-five years, it still makes me feel the same way--to remember to live my dream, to push on and never let doubt, opinions, or minor failures stop me.

What ever your dream is--never give it up. Never settle for only a piece of sky.

It all began the day I found

that from my window I could only see

a piece of sky.

I stepped outside and looked around.

I never dreamed it was so wide

or even half as high.

The time had come to try my wings

and even though it seemed at any moment I could fall.

I felt the most amazing things.

The things you can't imagine if you've never flown at all.

Though it's safer to stay on the ground

Sometimes where danger lies

the sweetest of treasures are found.

No matter where I go

there'll be memories that tug at my sleeve,

but there will also be more to question

yet more to believe.

Oh, tell me where,

Where is it written what it is I'm meant to be?

The more I live. The more I learn.

The more I learn, the more I realize

the less I know.

Each step I take. Each page I turn.

Each mile I travel only means

the more I have to go.

What wrong with wanting more?

If you can fly, then soar!

With all there is . . . why settle for

just a piece of sky?

Papa, I can hear you.

Papa, I can see you.

Papa, I can feel you.

Papa, watch me fly!

DELETE: thought words

2011-08-29T13:57:00.000-06:00

It's amazing how much change is necessary when you get a story out that you haven't worked on for a while. I'm re-reading one of mine and I can't believe how juvenile it sounds. So much telling instead of showing. Yikes! I'm getting rid of all that.

Our readers aren't stupid. We don't need to tell them what the mc is always thinking. If you describe the scene well, they'll get it. I write mostly YA and teens especially don't like to be told what is already obvious. It takes practice folks, and learning what to look for, but is vital to your writing.

For example: Tina felt so tired, and yet, she had to go on. OR The muscles in Tina's thighs burned like fire as she stumbled through the dense forest, her breath rasping through her throat. But she hurried on, knowing she'd be buried before nightfall if she didn't.

Which do you like better? Yes, showing may take more time, but it is well worth it and will stimulate your reader's senses rather then letting them grow bored. One thing that will help is to get rid of all "thought" verbs. I learned this little tidbit from author, Chuck Palahnuik.

That means: DELETE these words from your story as much as possible. Thinks, knows, understands, realizes,believes, wants, remembers, imagines, desires, loves, hates, Is and Has. (and a hundred others in all their tenses and forms)

It will force you to show, to create, to mesmerize, and your story will shine with sensory input. Your story will plow forward with power.

And isn't that what we all want?

Gone too long!

2011-08-20T09:00:00.002-06:00

I've been a bad, bad girl ignoring my blog. Honestly, it wasn't my intention to snub all you wonderful people, and I just know you check my blog daily, multiple times, for any new wisdom I might deign to impart, so I do apologize. =P

I have been busy though. I went through one of my manuscripts one more time, just to make sure it's perfect, an now it is. AND I've started my bioidenticle hormone therapy. And let me just say, I am loving it! In just one day I feel improvement. This is something I really needed, considering I could hardly pull myself out of bed. I haven't been able to work out in a month because I've been so exhausted, drained, overwhelmed, and then depressed about it.

Plus, money is super tight, so I've been looking for a job. Preferably one I can do at home on the computer so I don't have to find a sitter for my four year old. We'll see what happens, but if you find me at the poor house, you'll know what happened without me having to say anything at all.

I did want to plug one website while you're all here. It's fantastic and can land you a contract if you're smart. It's http://writeoncon.com/. A great place to get your work out there, and it's also a forum where you can learn, learn, learn. Take a gander and see what you think.

Peace, out.

Choose for yourself!

2011-08-11T16:19:00.000-06:00

So, a funny thing happened the other day. The book mobile came and parked across the street from my house. That isn't the funny thing. I went in and found a neighbor of mine returning her books. I picked one of her books up that looked interesting. It had a cute cover and a catchy title. She saw me holding it and said she hadn't liked it, and hadn't been able to get into it.

Undaunted, because I like a challenge, I decided to check the book out and see for myself. I've always been a bit of a rebel. I prefer to choose for myself. I don't let my kids do this, mainly because I'm a bit of a hypocrite, but hey, not all of us are perfect.

Here's the funny thing. I LOVE this story. I haven't been able to lay it down. I love the snarky main character, I lover the story line. I love how it's building, and even that it's a bit predictable, but that's okay. It's a great summer read, on a hot, lazy afternoon.

The moral of the story is this. Just because someone tells you a book, a movie, or anything else sucks, doesn't mean it's true. You may love a story they hate. That's why I NEVER listen to reviewers. I choose for myself. Otherwise, I may pass something by that I would have thoroughly enjoyed, just because of someone else's opinion.

Don't be afraid to think for yourself. Don't follow like a sheep, just because everyone else is. Follow because you know for yourself. That goes for anything. Politics, religion, and most importantly, love.

Peace, out!