tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2930543339267673672024-03-14T01:43:38.675-07:00One Word At A TimeThe recorded journey of a young woman and her book and what she learns along the wayAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07446180265784745258noreply@blogger.comBlogger29125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-293054333926767367.post-24213278650949950142018-01-13T11:30:00.001-08:002018-01-13T11:30:41.635-08:00Book Cover Revealed!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lNb3b1Y8kGo/WlpdWFXlSCI/AAAAAAAAA10/xQ4dLn_rlLUdwkmnUZTm7Ne9NbXNlEMrACLcBGAs/s1600/Prince%2Bof%2BPirates.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1003" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lNb3b1Y8kGo/WlpdWFXlSCI/AAAAAAAAA10/xQ4dLn_rlLUdwkmnUZTm7Ne9NbXNlEMrACLcBGAs/s640/Prince%2Bof%2BPirates.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Ta-Da!!! How do you all like it? After much hard work I have created a book cover. My first one from scratch, I might add. (And by hard work, I mean searching through the countless images just to find one that I thought looked close to Reynold.) </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">However! (Because that's how Fantasy works) I also created another cover that I like. </span></div>
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-i0oQ-CQdEOk/Wlpdy1a5zzI/AAAAAAAAA14/mUIRqzxgjLcruo1M5jYG4bYoXvbLImUUACLcBGAs/s1600/Prince%2Bof%2BPirates%2BOption%2B2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1003" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-i0oQ-CQdEOk/Wlpdy1a5zzI/AAAAAAAAA14/mUIRqzxgjLcruo1M5jYG4bYoXvbLImUUACLcBGAs/s640/Prince%2Bof%2BPirates%2BOption%2B2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Now the trouble is decided which one is better. So I leave it up to you, dear reader! Between Option 1: With the Face, and Option 2: With the eye, which one would you be more inclined to read if you saw them side by side on a bookshelf? Please vote in the comments!</span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07446180265784745258noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-293054333926767367.post-74104639182754819112018-01-02T21:56:00.001-08:002018-01-02T21:56:13.141-08:00How to Make 2018 Count<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Hooray! It's the start of a new year! It's a new page, a clean slate, a fresh patch of snow! (OK, that last one might have been a bit random. But really, is there anything nicer in the winter than a patch of snow without any footprints in it?) </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">As we spend these first few days of January reflecting over the things we accomplished in 2017, we also look to the future. We start building dreams like castles. Maybe you resolve to be more patient with the people around you, to exercise more, learn a new skill, eat healthy, break a bad habit, or go on a crazy adventure. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">These resolutions are good and fine, but let me ask you something:</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Why Start Now?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Sure, it's a new year and all the stuff I listed above, but when you take away the grand name, what are you left with? A day, just like yesterday, today, and tomorrow. We just happen to have this psychotic tradition of staying up until unhealthy hours, eating way too many calories, and launching fireworks into the sky so everybody else can be awake as well. (And boy is it fun!)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">And in the end, aren't we just setting ourselves up for disappointment? Statistically, only 8% of Americans actually accomplish their new year's resolutions. There can be nothing more painful than the sting of defeat, shame, and guilt. It sticks with you for a while and causes you to neglect, or ignore, the things that really matter because you're so caught up in how you failed that you miss how you can be better. I would like to live without that, wouldn't you? But how?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">The key lies in Proverb's 16:3</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Instead of focusing on what You want to accomplish in 2018, set your mind on what God's plans are. Once you submit to His plan (Which, by the way, is perfect) instead of your own (Because you don't have a bit of control over what is going to happen in 2018) there is nothing you can't do. When your resolutions line up with what God has in store, that 8% could grow.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">And the best part: this isn't a one time offer! God is ready for you whether you start of January 1st or September 1st. Each day is a field of fresh snow!(Because that's better than just a patch) But the sooner you start walking in God's footprints, the more you will have to look back upon and be satisfied. Just keep this list in mind:</span></div>
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<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Just because you mess up today doesn't mean you can't get it right tomorrow</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">God knows what you need to get done in your life. You might not see it now, you might not be able to write a nice list to have on display, but He's got a plan</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">It's never too late to start following God</span></li>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><i>What are some of your New Year's resolutions to 2018? What are some of your favorite memories from 2017? Sometimes it's so easy to always look ahead and never take the time to enjoy the experiences of the past. </i></span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07446180265784745258noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-293054333926767367.post-79758293570343478732017-12-06T13:56:00.000-08:002017-12-06T13:56:56.372-08:002 Pieces of Valuable Advice<div style="text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">There once was a girl named Jaden, an enthusiastic young High School graduate. Her whole life lay ahead of her like a road in the Great Plains. The possibilities where endless, the sky was the limit to what she could do.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">3 Months Later...</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">There once was a girl named Jaden, who was a wandering young High School graduate. Her whole life seemed empty and confusing like a road through the heart of Chicago. Every time she thought she had something figured out, a new turn came up, another stop light, another dead end, and always in the dark...</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">For some people, this may sound painfully familiar. It might be your own personal story. It's fun to dream big, but reality can often be cruel to imagination. I've certainly discovered that. That's when I learned the amazing value in two pieces of simple advice.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-large;"><u>Just Take Things On Step At A Time</u></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-large;"><u>Pray</u></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">The teenage years can be some of the most complicated, and I believe that is when the most simple advice can be priceless.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-large;"><b>Just Take Things One Step At A Time</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Maybe for you that's something as simple as learning how to write your first resume. Maybe it's finishing that project that's been sitting in the garage for a couple months. Everything you do is adding to your set of skills. Crafts are art, hosting a party with friends is Organization and Management, Cooking is Yummy! If you feel like nothing is happening, make something happen! Be proactive with your life. And it doesn't have to be huge! It can be just one tiny step. But at least you'll be going somewhere.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-large;"><b>Pray</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">No, don't roll your eyes at me! I know it sounds Christian-ese, but it's so true. In the King James version, prayer is mentioned 300 times. It's probably important if it's mentioned that many times! Even Jesus prayed. Sometimes talking to God can help us put into words what is truly bothering us. Maybe you're not stepping out because you're afraid.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">John 14:27 <i>Peace I leave with you; my peace if give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Maybe you're worried about what the future has in store.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Matthew 6:43 <i>Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble if it's own.</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">God is looking after you in every circumstance. Prayer is an amazing way to connect with the God who can see around the corners that you can't. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><i>Have you ever had a time when you felt stuck, lost, or overwhelmed? What was it that helped pull you through it?</i></span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07446180265784745258noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-293054333926767367.post-49730402346252098772017-11-29T10:07:00.004-08:002017-11-29T10:07:56.998-08:00How To Write Female Characters<div style="text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">In my book,<i> The Prince of Pirates</i>, I started writing the entire story from my main characters point of view. He's a strong, blunt/sarcastic, adult who is a man in every sense of the word. Towards the end, though, I realized that I needed to add in a girl's point of view so it would appeal to a broader range of readers, and bring more depth to the story. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">(I can't divulge any more because a Spoiler Alert would go off)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">The difficulty came in creating a sharp characteristic contrast between the male and female. Because I can only step into the mindset of a man so far, I felt that I needed to make the contrast really evident. I've seen this struggle played out in many other books as well, and it usually ends with the girl being the typical Damsel-in-distress. A total sissy, in a less elegant choice of words. I hated that! Chiefly because that's not how most girls are.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">So I changed the way I wrote. Instead of going off of what a man would do and making the girl do the opposite, I decided to pick female characters I admired and see exactly which traits I wanted to use. And guess what? Writing from my new female character's point of view has been loads of fun!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">One was Tauriel from The Hobbit.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">I know she's not in the Hobbit book. And I'm sorry for the fans out there, but she and Legolas needed to scram. But, she's there, and I liked her character.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Personalities used:</span><br />
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<li><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Fighting spirit</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Slightly Stubborn when she thought she was right</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Speaking her mind</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Acting, with or without approval, when she knew what the right thing to do was</span></li>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">My second was Sonora from Wild Hearts Can't Be Broken.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">If you haven't seen this movie, you should! (Especially if you love horses)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Personalities used:</span><br />
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<li><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Knows what she wants and fights for it.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Commitment</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Strength (both in physical situations and mental)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Is willing to work hard for what she wants</span></li>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Third (and forth) was Lucy and Susan Pevensie</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">You didn't think I would make this post without mentioning Narnia did you? For the sake of content, I'm going to roll these two up into a ball.</span></div>
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<li><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Faith</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Courage </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Willingness to fight</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Protective of those they love</span></li>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">By taking these characteristics, I was able to create a female character that was still a girl, but wasn't going to stand by and let the man be the all-saving hero. Everybody has their strengths and weaknesses, and there are certainly times when men need to take a stand to protect the women, but the girl doesn't have to faint, or get sick, every time somebody is hurt, or burst into tears when something the least bit sad happens. (unless you're writing a wimpy female character. Then by all means, crank up the water works.) </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">I'm going to throw in one caution. Sarcasm doesn't signify strength. All too often I see female characters trying to show off how strong they are by throwing out a few undermining, or sarcastic, lines. This actually shows a lack of security if they have to use words instead of actions. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i>Which female characters do you admire? What is it about them that catches your attention? Feel free to share! Maybe I'll weave it into a new character for my book!</i></span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07446180265784745258noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-293054333926767367.post-77921035182758330222017-11-14T12:32:00.000-08:002017-11-14T12:33:01.212-08:00Top Five Fall Treats<br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Once the temperature drops to the 60's, and the leaves begin to change into incredible shades of red and orange, it's time to bring out the cozy sweaters and fuzzy slippers.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">But most of all...</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-large;"><u>Bring on the fall treats!!</u></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">And, by fall, I pretty much mean anything pumpkin. Fall and winter are the only two times when I will forego my chocolate go-to's for pumpkin and eggnog yummies. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">(proper English gets ditched as well)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Since the Fall weather is definitely here, that means it's time for all the yummy pumpkin flavors.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">These are my absolute favorite Fall recipes that I only make this time of year!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-large;">#1) <a href="http://www.inspiredtaste.net/8419/pumpkin-spice-latte-at-home-recipe/">Pumpkin Latte</a></span></div>
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<img alt="How to make a pumpkin latte that's better than Starbucks PSL at home." src="http://www.inspiredtaste.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/Pumpkin-Spice-Latte-Recipe-1-1200.jpg" height="425" width="640" /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">I don't normally drink coffee, but I will make several cups of this a week because it is SO good! (And I make it decaf or I would be writing this at 2 a.m. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-large;">#2)<a href="http://allrecipes.com/recipe/9311/molasses-cookies/"> Molasses cookies</a> with <a href="http://allrecipes.com/recipe/26498/pumpkin-dip/">Pumpkin Dip!</a></span></div>
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<img alt="Image result for molasses cookies" src="http://s3.amazonaws.com/yummy_uploads2/recipes/full/202.jpg" height="267" width="400" /><img alt="Pumpkin Dip" src="http://images.media-allrecipes.com/userphotos/250x250/742503.jpg" /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">This is kind of a secret family tradition that needs to be known by every person on earth! And, if you want a healthier option, you can dip apples in the pumpkin dip. (But cookies are better!)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-large;">#3) <a href="http://www.geniuskitchen.com/recipe/tsr-version-of-starbucks-pumpkin-scones-by-todd-wilbur-214051">Pumpkin Scones</a></span></div>
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<img alt="Image result for pumpkin scones" src="http://thewoksoflife.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/pumpkin-scones-6.jpg" /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Because everybody needs something for a quick breakfast, right?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">(Can anybody guess what I'm going to do as soon as I finish writing this post?)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-large;">#4) <a href="http://www.geniuskitchen.com/recipe/molasses-spice-spritz-187465">Molasses Spritz cookies</a></span></div>
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<img alt="Related image" height="400" src="https://cdn.diys.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/Chocolate-Peppermint-Spritz-Cookies.jpg" width="400" /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">If you love to bake, you should invest in a Spritz cookie press. They are so much fun, and taste amazing!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-large;">#5) <a href="https://therecipecritic.com/2013/09/pumpkin-cheesecake-snickerdoodles/">Pumpkin cheesecake snickerdoodles</a></span></div>
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<img alt="pumpkincheesecake" src="https://therecipecritic.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/pumpkincheesecake.jpg" /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">OK, I have only made these once because they are kind of labor intensive. But they were probably the best cookie I have ever had! So, if you ever find yourself stuck inside on a rainy fall day, have fun and try your hand at these. You won't be disappointed!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">What are some of your favorite Fall treats to make? Have you made any Fall yummies yet? I would love to hear about it, so please share in the comments!</span></i></div>
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07446180265784745258noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-293054333926767367.post-31098206055266840422017-11-06T13:38:00.002-08:002017-11-06T13:39:58.272-08:00Prince of Pirates: Revealed<div style="text-align: center;">
<img alt="Loriens navigating the Murkwater Forest" src="https://i.pinimg.com/564x/7c/ad/45/7cad45c8d9d52c4fc5b7b88399fa3688.jpg" /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">My book The Prince of Pirates had an interesting beginning. I had with the idea for a pirate book when we were on a road trip. I guess the combination of penned up energy from being stuck in a car for five hours, consuming way to much sugar in snack food, and my overly active imagination took control. I wasn't about to argue with it anyway. There wasn't much else to do at the moment besides play the alphabet game with my siblings for the 1,000th time. So, with a tattered notebook and a pen I scrounged from underneath the sea of scattered belongings on the bottom of our van, I began writing the outline for my book. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Not exactly the most noble beginning. But, meh!</span></div>
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<img alt="BONUS: Candid/Behind the Scenes Gifs! | Community Post: These Are Not The 130 "Star Wars" GIFs You Are Looking For" src="https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/originals/c6/6b/99/c66b99550dd639b794d4f01f7a7d58b1.gif" /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">The Prince of Pirates certainly didn't look anything like what it is now. My characters have grown, the story has changed, and I've learned a lot. It has been as much of an adventure for me as it has been for my characters.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">But why on earth am I telling you all this? You can now read it for yourself!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><img alt="Astrid looks like a fangirl after HTTYD 2. i was so excited that i was in tears though. XD" height="400" src="https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/originals/92/4f/f5/924ff580e9c73158ad3c30b2ed181439.jpg" style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: medium;" width="400" /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">The first chapter of The Prince of Pirates is now officially available to the public on Wattpad, and I will be releasing a new chapter every week! (OK, that's more of a goal that I strive diligently to meet)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
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<u><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Follow this link to read</span></u></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-large;"><b><a href="https://www.wattpad.com/story/125820436-prince-of-pirates">The Prince Of Pirates</a></b></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> <i>If you enjoy reading The Prince of Pirates, please leave a vote and/or comment! It would be greatly appreciated!</i></span></div>
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07446180265784745258noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-293054333926767367.post-48083616874046300062017-10-22T15:59:00.000-07:002017-10-22T16:00:43.217-07:00What Should I Do When There's Nothing To Do?<div style="text-align: center;">
<img alt="Image result for bored pictures" height="185" src="https://oup.useremarkable.com/production/images/uploads/2619/original/sleepy-cat.jpg?1471959565" width="640" /></div>
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Yeah, I'm sorry (sort of) but sometimes this cat is the perfect example of how I feel. </div>
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Cause, let's face it, boredom is something every single one of us has faced at one point or another. For some people it only lasts a few hours, for others is stretches for years. You might get a break every now and then and have a project to work on, but for the most part you're stuck doing the same mundane things that never change. </div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Stagnant</span> would be a wonderful word to summarize that feeling.</div>
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and it's not that you're laying around doing absolutely nothing but eating potato chips and playing Mario Cart. (does anybody even play that anymore?) You're probably doing a fair amount of things that are just part of life. But something always seems to be missing.</div>
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I've been going through this myself for a really long time. I've been doing all the things that are expected of a teenager/adult. I have a job working with amazing horses, I help a lot at home, I have friends I hang out with, I work on different hobbies, but it's the same every day. Nothing changes. I'm not making a difference in the world big enough for everybody to see. I'm not learning anything new.</div>
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Then I had a job interview.</div>
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Every question was something I had come to learn just by living my life. And I had perfected those attributes by being in the same situation for a really long time. </div>
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The questions addressed things like handling conflict (learned from being in a big family), prioritizing projects (learned from juggling family activities with my own), knowing how to say No to new things that would overload my work schedule (learned from the job I was currently in), and other things that like.</div>
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All that time I spent thinking I was bored was really time that God was using to help me grow in the small areas I had never noticed. </div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">I used to always feel like I needed to have everything together and be busy doing things that the world recognized as making progressive steps towards success. I was a lot like Martha from Luke 10:38-42</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
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<i>As Jesus and his disciples were on their way, He came to a village where a woman named Martha opened her home to Him. She had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord's feet listening to what He said. But Martha was distracted by all the preparations that had to be made. She came to Him and asked, "Lord, don't you care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself? Tell her to help me!"</i></div>
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<i>"Martha, Martha," the Lord answered, "you are worried and upset about many things, but few things are needed - or indeed only one. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her."</i></div>
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I was the Martha in this passage. I felt like I needed to be busy, busy, busy making a difference, jumping through the hoops that the world has set up as being the criteria for a successful adult, and being aggressively proactive. So when I wasn't doing one, or more, of those things I felt bored, discontented, and irritated with my life.</div>
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But when I read this passage I felt convicted. While Martha was busy doing all of these things that were expected of her through the eyes of the world, what was Mary doing? She was sitting at Christ's feet just listening to what He had to say. When Martha called Christ's attention to her sister's lack of activity, Jesus gently and lovingly tells her that only one thing is needed, and Mary had chosen that.</div>
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Now, don't get me wrong, Martha was doing really good things. She was preparing a meal for those in her house and being proactive with her life. She was doing exactly what the world would expect of somebody hosting a meal at their home.</div>
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Jesus didn't care about all of that. He didn't, and still doesn't, care about what the world says is the requirement for your life. He should always be the first in all that you do. All He wants is for you to sit at His feet and listen to His words. Because it's when we listen to Him that His will is revealed to us, and our life bears fruit that will bring satisfaction for all of eternity.</div>
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So, when your life feels stagnant, boring, and fruitless, it will only be like that if you try to live it for yourself, or strive to meet the World's standards. Take this wonderful break in the whirlwind of the world's crazy schedule to sit back and listen to God's Word. He wants your heart more than anything else you can offer.</div>
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<i>Have you ever had a moment where you can look back and see how God used a period that for you seemed completely empty, but He used for good? I would love to hear about it! It's stories like those that bring encouragement to others who are in a similar situation.</i></div>
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<img alt="God has NOT placed most of us in the place we are. Our bad decisions and choices have landed us here. However, if we're truly Christians and give our life to God while confessing our sins, He will act and guide us where we need to be. He may not 'fix everything' as most of our current situations took some time to create." src="https://i.pinimg.com/564x/8e/e1/97/8ee1970139865c0ab92fb7126ce3da6f.jpg" /></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07446180265784745258noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-293054333926767367.post-20149126020567606872017-10-11T12:28:00.000-07:002017-10-11T12:28:29.517-07:00September's Writing Challenge: The Winner Announced<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-size: x-large;">And the Winner is.......</span></b></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><u>Adaline Griffiths</u></span></div>
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<img alt="Another guy I need!" src="https://i.pinimg.com/564x/be/1d/36/be1d36ebbde36da6a1f9e454a6ac3fbd.jpg" /></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">The bearded stranger propped himself against the wooden gate, two knives peeking between his fingers. The soldiers around he corner lifted their lanterns higher, the flames barely peeking out of the mist.<br />"No," the stout man gasped as his brow clenched in fierce determination. "It shall not beat me. It shall not be my ruler." But even as he spoke, his body shook. His eyes became blank and he straightened, his demeanor transforming.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">He twirled the steel blades between his hands and stepped out of the shadows to confront the guards, a cocky grin dominating his face.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">One of the soldiers pointed his spear at the intruder. "The castle isn't the place for the likes of you," he warned. "All you do is cause trouble for us all."</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">The bearded man's eyebrows rose, his chin lifted high. He was in front of the man in mere seconds and pushed him to the ground.<br />"No," he whispered as his eyes swirled inky black. He slid his knife into the guard's side.<br />"What I create is chaos."</span><br />
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Thank you, Adaline, for joining in the action! I really liked the way you portrayed the bearded man as being cocky - almost likable - but also a dangerous killer. You did a fantastic job using the prompt!<br />
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But Adaline isn't the only one who wrote a fantastic story! It was actually a really hard choice because everybody did such an amazing job! A big thanks to all the people who joined! (If you want to see their entries you can click <a href="http://homeschoolauthor.blogspot.com/2017/09/septembers-writing-challenge.html#comment-form">HERE</a>)<br />
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<ul>
<li>M. G. Reinerston</li>
<li>Lindsi McIntyre at <a href="http://lindsi-mcintyre.squarespace.com/">Elegance Is My Arrow</a></li>
<li>K. E Stanton</li>
</ul>
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You all did an amazing job and it was so much fun to have you all join in! </div>
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07446180265784745258noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-293054333926767367.post-76206187912312257422017-09-27T21:27:00.000-07:002017-09-27T21:27:13.435-07:00September's Writing Challenge<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;">Greetings Faithful writers! </span></div>
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Welcome to the second Writer's Challenge! This time we're going to shake things up a bit. </div>
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Here is your Quest: In 100-250 words, create a story that captures what is happening in the Picture and utilizes one or both of the Prompt options! </div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">First: The Picture</span></b><br />
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<img alt="Another guy I need!" src="https://i.pinimg.com/564x/be/1d/36/be1d36ebbde36da6a1f9e454a6ac3fbd.jpg" /></div>
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<a href="https://www.pinterest.co.uk/pin/405394403947877553/">(image credits)</a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Second: The Prompt</b></span><br />
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<b>Option #1</b></div>
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<img alt="“You said we would be safe here!” I screamed, stumbling as another tremor seized the ground with tremendous force. “I didn't say we would be safe,” Ryder yelled over the chaos, swiftly kicking a door above the knob. It swung open hard, adding another bang to the already chaotic sounds. “I said we would be safer. Follow me!” @Calathiel0114" src="https://i.pinimg.com/564x/93/f5/ec/93f5ec8f1cc3cc647f95165836a881f2.jpg" /></div>
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<b>Option #2</b></div>
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<img alt="Pretty much Reynold's theme after everything he does." src="https://i.pinimg.com/564x/10/2c/a9/102ca9b93b5573faa7ec9915d81bec2b.jpg" /></div>
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As before, you can submit your story, with your name, in the comment section below and I will announce the winner next week! Whether you are a writer or not, feel free to enter. Just keep everything clean. (no swearing, gore, or sensuality)<br />
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I will be announcing the winner on October 11th!<br />
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Let your imagination run free!<br />
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<i>P.S Feel free to include your blog address (if you have one) alongside your name. If you win, I'll make sure to post your blog address with your entry. </i><br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07446180265784745258noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-293054333926767367.post-5238699337668658402017-09-18T14:02:00.000-07:002017-09-18T14:02:26.694-07:00A Writer's Life According to Hiccup and Toothless<div style="text-align: center;">
<img alt="How to train a dragon" height="400" src="https://i.pinimg.com/564x/3a/7c/3e/3a7c3ea90ebfef7ae1a26b7fd09b7d22.jpg" width="271" /></div>
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So, let's just say I've been a bit busy. (Hence my disappearance from the internet world)<br />
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A list of my activities include:<br />
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<ul>
<li>Hunting (I'm an archer)</li>
<li>Trying to get another job</li>
<li>Riding horses</li>
<li>Being the oldest of a huge family</li>
<li>Planning end-of-summer vacations</li>
</ul>
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Couple every bullet point with random/sporadic me and suddenly my day is a perfect routine of Craziness. </div>
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But hey! I'm finally here and I have a really fun post for you all!</div>
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<b><span style="font-size: x-large;">A Writers Life According to Hiccup and Toothless</span></b></div>
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<b>When you finally solve that Plot Hole that has been torturing you</b></div>
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<img alt="-Dragons- Gift of the Night Fury..toothless" src="https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/originals/9e/b5/fd/9eb5fd3b6a02dcb07a8ba110a78b33a0.jpg" /></div>
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<b>You have just finished banging out the lights on your keyboard and your friend asks you how your book is coming along.</b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<img alt="Hey! There's that old smile! I fell in love with his awkward smile in the first movie and it seems to have disappeared in the second. It's nice to have this show to make that transition." src="https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/originals/47/b1/6c/47b16c223f64ccbdb066d6ebcb0e2403.gif" /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Coming back to the real world</b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<img alt="I think I'm crying....this is hilarious xD love Toothless so much ^^" src="https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/originals/7e/14/c7/7e14c7146c2c1c3555044008b0d9f850.gif" /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>When people say writing is a waste of time</b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<img alt="It actually sounded like he was trying to imitate the words "baby boo" to me.<----- I think he's saying "blah blah blah" to me. <== I don't even care I just think its the best thing ever XD" height="320" src="https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/originals/5f/05/1c/5f051ca64e0d4c1f3ba017a22c9d47e6.gif" width="320" /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>When you read a scene in another book that's almost identical to one that you wrote in yours.</b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<img alt="I want a dragon so I can do this! This would sooooo be me!!!" src="https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/originals/84/b0/76/84b0766d693958946a3955d36fb46b60.gif" /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Writer's Block</b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<img alt="This is hiccup" height="320" src="https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/originals/1c/d5/a1/1cd5a1cd1d1edfe064986cb8391c24e6.gif" width="320" /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Trying to socialize with real people</b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<img alt="What we all do in awkard situations ... the hand tap and cheek puff" height="293" src="https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/originals/e9/e5/47/e9e54709077595c913c8d95ab50f8fc3.gif" width="320" /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>When you're working through a complicated story idea at a random/bad time (a.k.a when somebody is talking to you) and you just hope nobody asks you a question.</b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><img alt="When someone is talking and you're not listening at all." height="306" src="https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/originals/ec/d5/29/ecd529102372f26ee29d4e4b2df96017.gif" width="320" /></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Realizing you completely messed up an entire story line and have to back and fix it.</b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<img alt="Hiccup looks like me when I try not to cry or I'm around Mom...and DON'T want to be!" height="320" src="https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/originals/f3/fe/2c/f3fe2c322001f053a53279657551911d.gif" width="320" /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>When people try to talk to you while you're writing</b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><img alt="toothless side profile - Google Search" height="217" src="https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/originals/0d/f2/bf/0df2bfa6cc50c2a8c4cdf601052c9d86.gif" width="640" /></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>A great idea getting smashed by logic</b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<img alt="How to train your dragon birthday party. Power point presentation ideas. hiccup and toothless ... httyd2" src="https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/originals/a7/59/cf/a759cf709317a8e3727995e8361dbb6b.gif" /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
And there you have it! Hopefully I'll have something a bit more substantial next time!</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07446180265784745258noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-293054333926767367.post-18570918804477551062017-09-06T19:40:00.001-07:002017-09-06T19:40:56.588-07:00In God's Image<div style="text-align: center;">
<img alt="A good book..." src="https://i.pinimg.com/564x/10/3a/4e/103a4ed70324588dbefbfeb35668965a.jpg" /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.pinterest.co.uk/pin/405394403948466276/">(Image credits)</a></div>
<br />
Have you ever considered yourself to be a wizard? or perhaps an elven noble traveling through the forest. Maybe you're the villian plotting in a castle to rule the world. You have lived many lives and gone of dozens of adventures. And the best part, you can decide to go whenever you want.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-size: large;">So is the life of a Fantasy Author</span></b></div>
<br />
We create worlds in our minds that are unique from anything else and live a different life with each character we create.<br />
<br />
But where does this imagenation stem from and how should be use it?<br />
<br />
I believe it began one upon a time.<br />
<br />
Genesis 1:1<i> In the beginning God Created the Heaven and the Earth.</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
The greatest Story of all time began because our God wanted it to.<b> He created a world, time, and space</b> - the building blocks of everything we hold dear. As the well-known chapter continues we read how God created plants, the oceans, and the creatures that share our world. It's a pretty amazing and unique story.<br />
<br />
<b>Then God decides to create the main character.</b> God creates a man in His image and in His likeness. We are made in the image of God, and He said 'it is very good'. But if God is a spirit, and has no flesh or bones, how are we made in His image?<br />
<br />
Think about when you first get an idea for a book.<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
You have a new idea for a magical world where the trees grow taller than sky scrapers and everybody lives in tree houses. There are three moons that make the night almost as bright as the day and the water droplets stick to the leaves for the people to drink. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-size: large;">You have just created a world.</span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><br /></b></div>
Then you come up with a strange animal that will live in your world - sort of a cat/deer/flying squirrle that can glide from one massive branch to the other.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-size: large;">You have just created a creature to share your world.</span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></b></div>
And then you create a person - an elf or something totally different - to rule over your world. Because you created him/her, they're kind of like you in their personality and tendencies. This person goes on grand quests through your world where the future is unknown, and in the end they live happily ever after.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-size: large;">You have just created the main character - a life - just as God created you.</span></b></div>
<br />
<br />
With our likeness to God comes our ability to create and find satisfaction in that creation. In our own limited fashion we have the ability to create a world just as He did. We can create animals just as He did. We can create a life just as God created ours because we are made in His image.<br />
<br />
Now you have a magic power, the ability to create, and can use it to touch lives.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><u>How will you use it?</u></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><u><br /></u></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><u><br /></u></b></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07446180265784745258noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-293054333926767367.post-44032895009067945862017-08-31T14:08:00.002-07:002017-09-01T13:59:45.034-07:00Writer's Challenge: The Winner Announced<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">And the winner is...</b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">(Drum roll, please!)</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><u>Lindsi McIntyre</u></span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<img alt=""I would expect you to know of an easier way," Brodgen muttered. "I don't particularly enjoy crawling through the toilet as an option." Reynold hissed back" src="https://i.pinimg.com/564x/2b/fc/e2/2bfce2b9f7d55dbbd0f8022223376781.jpg" /><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">The rope bit deep into Aaron's palm as he dangled high above the ballroom floor. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Below, the Lords and Ladies of the land went about their daily lives, too busy looking down on everyone around them to notice him dangling from the ceiling rafters.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">A herald cried out for attention from where he stood by the door.<br />"Her Highness, the Crown Princess Gisselle."</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">The massive doors opened. The princess entered the room.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Show time.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Aaron's grip tightened around the razor sharp blade he held in his right hand as the Princess made her way up the center of the room. His focus shifted to those gathered on the sidelines, alert to any suspicious movement. He had not been a big fan of the plan to use the Princess as bait to catch her would be assassin. His opinion hadn't mattered though. All he could hope for was to stop the killer in time.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Thank you, Lindsi, for your amazing story! The ending was what sealed it for me. I had a perfect idea of the moment for this picture, what needed to happen, but not of what was going to happen! I also loved your line, <i>"Too busy looking down on everyone around them to notice him dangling from the ceiling rafters."</i> It perfectly shows the arrogance of the nobles.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Readers, if you wish to expand your knowledge with some great posts related to writing, fun facts, and other useful information, I would highly encourage you check out <a href="http://lindsi-mcintyre.squarespace.com/">Lindsi's Blog.</a></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">I would also like to thank the other people who entered! (If you want to see their entries you can click <a href="http://homeschoolauthor.blogspot.com/2017/08/writers-challenge.html#comment-form">HERE</a> in the comments)</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<ul>
<li style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Olivia Giordano</span></li>
<li style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Kaylin F. from <a href="https://pickedbyhandblog.wordpress.com/">Picked By Hand</a></span></li>
<li style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">MickyMac from <a href="https://mickeymacblog.wordpress.com/">mickeymacblog</a></span></li>
</ul>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">All your stories were amazing, and I was thrilled to have you participate! I will certainly be doing this again, and I hope you will join in with your riveting stories!!!</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Until next time!</span></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> </span><img alt="I just want these people in my books I just do. I swear they will be in every book I ever write" src="https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/originals/36/25/a4/3625a4a8c914f407565618c3c0fb5815.gif" /></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07446180265784745258noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-293054333926767367.post-91273934380463562032017-08-24T13:22:00.000-07:002017-08-24T13:22:53.522-07:00Writer's Challenge<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;">Welcome mighty Pens of Valor!</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I'm so excited to host my first ever Writer's Challenge!</div>
<br />
Here is your Quest: In 100-250 words, create a story that captures what might be happening in this picture!<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<img alt=""I would expect you to know of an easier way," Brodgen muttered. "I don't particularly enjoy crawling through the toilet as an option." Reynold hissed back" src="https://i.pinimg.com/564x/2b/fc/e2/2bfce2b9f7d55dbbd0f8022223376781.jpg" /><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
You can submit your story, with your name, in the comment section below and I will announce the winner next week! Whether you are a writer or not, feel free to enter. Just keep everything clean. (no swearing, gore, or sensuality) </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Let your imagination run free!<br />
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<i>P.S Feel free to include your blog address (if you have one) alongside your name. If you win, I'll make sure to post your blog address with your entry. </i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<i><br /></i>
P.P. S Also!! I am guest posting on an amazing blog called <a href="https://heathersambitions.wordpress.com/">Heather's Ambitions</a>! You should click over there and check it out!</div>
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07446180265784745258noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-293054333926767367.post-77527666028029035362017-08-18T21:35:00.000-07:002017-08-18T21:35:21.271-07:00Liebster Award<div style="text-align: center;">
<img alt="Picture_20170817_151406546" src="https://heathersambitions.files.wordpress.com/2017/08/picture_20170817_151406546.jpg?w=748" /></div>
<br />
I was tossing around the idea of starting my own tag when I received a nomination for the Liebster Award! Now, the first thing I did was google what in the world Liebster means. (It's German for Dearest. Now you know.)<br />
Thanks Heather for tagging me! (<a href="https://heathersambitions.wordpress.com/">btw, I lover her blog</a>) I encourage you to check out the blogs of the people I'm tagging, and Heather's as well, down below. They have some really great posts!<br />
<br />
<b><span style="font-size: large;">Rules for the Award</span></b><br />
<br />
<li style="box-sizing: inherit;">Acknowledge the blog who nominated you and display the award.</li>
<li style="box-sizing: inherit;">Answer eleven questions that the blogger gives you.</li>
<li style="box-sizing: inherit;">List eleven random facts about yourself</li>
<li style="box-sizing: inherit;">Nominate up to 11 other Bloggers that you think are deserving of this award (with less than 200 followers) {I am not 100% certain that every blog I nominated has less than 200 followers. Most of them don’t display the number of followers they have.}</li>
<li style="box-sizing: inherit;">Let the bloggers know you nominated them</li>
<li style="box-sizing: inherit;">Give them 11 questions to answer</li>
<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<b><span style="font-size: large;">My 11 Questions</span></b><br />
<div>
<b><br /></b></div>
<div>
1) What is the story behind your blog: Your mission and name?</div>
<div>
Answer: I've always wished that I could find a simple blog where the blogger just writes what is on their hearts and what they are pursuing. This is especially true when it comes to writing. It's easy to hear the 'happily ever after' of a great author, but have important details about the 'once upon a time' skipped. I figured that I wasn't the only one, so I started blogging just One Word At A Time. My mission is to live a full life pleasing to God, write adventure/christian/fantasy books that point to Him, and share my knowledge and life with the world through my blog!</div>
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<br /></div>
<div>
2) Who is your favorite band/musician? </div>
<div>
Answer: I could probably listen to Taylor Davis all day long.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
3) What is your favorite quote?</div>
<div>
Answer: Oh goodness, that's like asking me what my favorite book is! Um... Here are some. (I literally have a whole book full of quotes that I add to, so picking one is impossible)</div>
<div>
<img alt="Quotes, Life Quotes, Love Quotes, Best Life Quote , Quotes about Moving On, Inspirational Quotes and more. Follow rickysturn/quotes" height="400" src="https://i.pinimg.com/564x/9f/9f/13/9f9f1362161e290169813cf846b182e1.jpg" width="285" /><a href="https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/564x/35/1f/92/351f92e6e0608dbbfc13f7a166442edf.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img alt="Romans 5:8" border="0" height="320" src="https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/564x/35/1f/92/351f92e6e0608dbbfc13f7a166442edf.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div>
<img alt="Image result for c s lewis quotes" height="640" src="https://i.pinimg.com/736x/af/25/d4/af25d4af5dfadedd3aa7c6832c3162a0--cs-lewis-quotes-narnia-c-s-lewis-quotes-god.jpg" width="640" /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
4) Iced coffee or Hot coffee? Or no coffee? </div>
<div>
Answer: I try to avoid coffee because caffeine does weird things to my emotions after it wears off. But on Sunday I'll usually have a tiny bit of hot coffee because I wake up early to get to worship practice before church starts.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
5) What is your favorite ethnicity of food? </div>
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Answer: Mexican</div>
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<br /></div>
<div>
6) Ice cream or frozen yogurt?</div>
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Answer: Ice cream, hands down!</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
7) What is your favorite bible verse and what does it mean to you? </div>
<div>
Answer: Unlike most people, I have never really found that one verse that some call their Life Verse. I go through so many different struggles I have an address book so I know where to turn when a particular trial comes up. But for the most part, I really love Hebrews 12: 1-2 <i>"Let us run with endurance the race set before us, looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith."</i> Because, though all the trials, I have to keep running!</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
8) Do you like exercise? If yes, what type is your favorite? </div>
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Answer: Yes! I love hiking! There is nothing that compares to the feeling of victory when you reach the top of a mountain and get to look down on the whole world! Cross country running is also really fun. </div>
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<br /></div>
<div>
9) What is your favorite thing about Blogging?</div>
<div>
Answer: Being able to share the things that I've learned with other people and hearing from them.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div>
10) Do you prefer writing on a computer or using pen and paper? </div>
<div>
Answer: I have <i>the worst </i>penmanship that is only made worse when I try to write fast. I prefer writing on the computer because my fingers can hardly keep up with the pace that my brain works at. If I were using a pen I would have the ending scene playing through my mind while my pen was trying to write out the beginning.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
11) If you could travel to one place in the world and money wasn't a problem, where would you go? </div>
<div>
Answer: I'm being pretty silly, but Hawaii would be the place for me. (But not the main island.) I would probably rent a small house on a distant island so I could enjoy the beauty without being crowded out by hundreds of people.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Whew! I did it! Now for:</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<b><span style="font-size: large;">Eleven Random Facts About Me</span></b></div>
<div>
<ol>
<li>I like riding horses without a saddle. Even if I fall off.</li>
<li>I love re-reading random parts of books to capture the same feelings I got when I first read it.</li>
<li>I tend to be a bit blunt.</li>
<li>I love eating chocolate chips straight from the bag.</li>
<li>I've never broken a bone or had stitches and the only cut that required a trip to the hospital I ended up taping together myself to avoid going.</li>
<li>I love Christmas so much I start singing Christmas songs in September.</li>
<li>My leg shakes when I'm nervous. (seriously) It got so bad once while I was playing guitar with my church that I started shaking my music stand.</li>
<li>I don't like getting wet unless I'm swimming in a deep river or at the ocean.</li>
<li>I like smelling old books. (And new books) </li>
<li>I hate letting people down.</li>
<li>I can quote many lines from Shakespeare's play <i>Hamlet</i>, but can't get through the first two lines of his famous part "to be, or not to be." </li>
</ol>
<div>
<b><span style="font-size: large;">Who I'm Awarding</span></b></div>
</div>
<div>
<br />
<ul>
<li>Hope Ann from <a href="http://homeschoolauthor.blogspot.com/">Writing in the Light</a></li>
<li>Nate from <a href="https://youwritefiction.wordpress.com/">You Write Fiction</a></li>
<li>Zach Philip from <a href="https://zachsmusings.wordpress.com/">Zach's Musings</a></li>
<li>Hannah from <a href="https://hannahakrynicki.wordpress.com/">Hanashlyn</a></li>
<li>Aster from <a href="https://theartfulauthor.wordpress.com/">The Artful Author</a></li>
</ul>
<div>
<b><span style="font-size: large;">Here Are Your Questions</span></b></div>
<div>
<ol>
<li>If you had a whole day with nothing to do and nothing that needed to be done in the future, how would you spend it?</li>
<li>What is your favorite book and author?</li>
<li>Ice cream or cake?</li>
<li>What is your favorite mythical creature?</li>
<li>What is the one chore that you absolutely hate doing?</li>
<li>Which is your favorite season?</li>
<li>What is your favorite breakfast food?</li>
<li>Why did you decide to become a blogger and what do you hope to accomplish by it?</li>
<li>Would you rather fly or be able to breath underwater?</li>
<li>What is your favorite genre of music?</li>
<li>What is the most recent crazy thing you have done?</li>
</ol>
<div>
<br /></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07446180265784745258noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-293054333926767367.post-85487557276129026652017-08-12T14:31:00.001-07:002017-08-12T14:51:20.382-07:00!!Exiles Release!!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<b><span style="font-size: x-large;">It's here! It's here, it's here, it's finally here!!!</span></b></div>
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Jaye L. Knight’s newest novel, <em>Exiles, </em>has been released! <em>Exiles </em>is the fourth book in the Christian fantasy series, <i>Ilyon Chronicles</i><em>, </em>and I am absolutely ecstatic about it!!!! I only just discovered this series and the books have quickly climbed my Favorite Books list to Narnia level. This is one of the most fantastic Christian Fantasy series I have ever read and I have dubbed it re-readable! If you want to know more you can check out the <a href="http://jayelknight.blogspot.com/p/exiles-release-blitz.html" target="_blank">official tour page</a> where there will be links to tons of different bloggers posting different things from book excerpts to character interviews.<br />
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Today, I am going to introduce you to the amazing author herself: Jaye L. Knight<br />
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<span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Question #1: What is the most important message you want people to hear through reading your book?</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">"I think the biggest theme and message in all my </span><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 12pt; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><i>Ilyon Chronicles</i></span><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> books is that no matter how bad things get, God has a plan and is in control. My characters face so many hardships and tragedies, but it’s all for a purpose in the end, even if they can’t see it at the time."</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; white-space: pre-wrap;">Question #2: What are some of your favorite hobbies? (Besides writing) </span><br />
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<span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I’m really big into historical reenactment. I reenact either the French and Indian War or the Revolutionary War, depending on what I’m in the mood to wear. I have a group I’ve camped with for several years now, and they are like family. It’s something I always look forward to every year. Besides that, I just really enjoy outdoor activities.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Question #3: Why did you choose to write Christian Fantasy?</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I got hooked on Christian fantasy when I first discovered </span><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: italic; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The Lord of the Rings</span><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">. Before that, I had been writing the usual stories about girls and their horses (yeah, I was a horse crazy teen). While I’ve done some historical fiction, I love the freedom of fantasy and being able to create my own worlds and civilizations. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Question #4: What would you say was the hardest part of writing the Ilyon Chronicles? </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I’d say the hardest part is just that it’s such a long series. It’s the longest I’ve ever written. I’ve been working on it for a full six years now, and am still working on the last book. While I did get one other book written in the meantime, six years is a long time to devote to only one story. It’s a big commitment. I’m glad I didn’t know when I started what it was going to take to finish.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Question #5: Do you do all the editing, cover designs, formatting, and advertising yourself? Or do you have other people who come along side you and help?</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I do my own cover design, formatting, and advertising myself. For editing, I have fantastic help from my group of beta readers. They’ve been invaluable to me. In the past, I have hired a proofreader, but since money has been tight, this time my mom skipped being a beta reader for me and was my proofreader instead.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Question #6: Is Jaye L. Knight your real name, or a pen name?</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">It’s a pen name. My real name is Molly. I originally chose to use pen names to keep some anonymity, but now it’s more about branding. I consider Jaye L. Knight to be my business name and have worked hard to build a platform and brand for it.</span></div>
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<span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Jaye L Knight has truly inspired me to be a better writer and to pursue my goal wholeheartedly! </span></div>
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<a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-h8tMwNyi1bs/WXjQj4jHzEI/AAAAAAAAQbg/Q7DVDvfgSL4gqxyMqft92jA4AN5r6axggCHMYCw/s1600-h/Exiles%255B7%255D"><img alt="Pageflex Persona [document: PRS0000040_00028]" border="0" height="681" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ORrgnxCwUp4/WXjQkuYAI1I/AAAAAAAAQbk/Yttlamv-sZ8Q1Yt-ytfSzPvWWG_NopHqACHMYCw/Exiles_thumb%255B4%255D?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px; display: inline;" title="Pageflex Persona [document: PRS0000040_00028]" width="454" /></a></div>
<b><u><br /></u></b> <b><u><span style="font-size: large;">About the Book</span></u></b><br />
Exiled after their defeat in Samara, the Resistance struggles to find allies in their quest to restore King Balen to his throne and put an end to the emperor’s tyranny. When the crete people refuse to lend their aid, Balen leads a group to Dorland to reason with them and win their support. However, enemies prove to be everywhere, and they find themselves in a fight to keep Dorland from becoming Daican’s latest conquest.<br />
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Back in Landale, the arrival of a new enemy forces Trask and Anne to tread more carefully than ever. Tensions are rising, and the enemy is determined to test Anne’s loyalty and root out the location of Trask and the Resistance once and for all.<br />
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Feeling trapped within the walls of Valcré, Prince Daniel must contend with an ever-eroding relationship with his father. As their clashes escalate, the situation becomes potentially life threatening when his loyalty is called into question. His sister seems bent on branding him a traitor and actively seeking to condemn him to the fate of those put to death in their father’s new arena. Daniel is certain his father would never execute his only son and heir, but with other forces at work, it might not be that simple.<br />
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One small misstep could prove fatal for all.<br />
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<b><u><span style="font-size: large;">Review</span></u></b><br />
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The only thing that made me put this book down was the fact that my eyes were burning from reading so fast and for so long! This is an absolutely fantastic book that I can't wait to add to my library. I'm usually a skeptic of long series because a person can only come up with so many ideas right? But not in this case. Somehow, Jaye made an edge-of-your-seat thriller with plenty of romance and enough adventure to keep me up until midnight, while still building the tension for the books to come! (I'm honestly a bit scared to find out! I'm getting my tissue box just in case!)<br />
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I would say that most of the focus in this book was on the character's relationships with each other and their arcs, which is fantastic because she writes characters that are deep and feel like real people, and less on taking back the kingdom. (Although they do their fare share) The story moves through multiple Points of View as it did with the preceding books, and I would definitely say that Prince Daniel's part was what pushed me to read just "one more chapter." So much happened with Prince Daniel that I was left completely stunned! I'm already chomping at the bit for the book 5&6 to come out!<br />
But Daniel isn't the only one who has his life changed. Leetra and Timothy have their differences to overcome while Anne's resolve to refuse Trask's proposal is beginning to weaken, especially with the increasing pressure of the disgusting Goler. The many adventures will take you on a journey through the various cultures, from Cretes to Ryricks, with something unexpected at every turn! I never knew what was coming next.<br />
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<b>Little Warning: </b>Just beware, although the book is clean and nothing actually happens, there are some scenes were some Ryricks have evil intentions are desired upon Karyn. <br />
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All in all - this book deserves and exceeds Five Stars! If you have never read the series - or have read them and are thinking about reading Exiles - I can <i>not </i>recommend them enough! Everything about the books are amazing and I am so happy I found them and am able to spread the word so more people will hear about them as well!<br />
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Available now on <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Exiles-Ilyon-Chronicles-Book-4-ebook/dp/B071195SD4/" target="_blank">Amazon</a>!</h2>
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<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/35052680-exiles" target="_blank"><img alt="goodreads" border="0" height="41" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-9-Ik4xTWgAw/WXjQlZ--ZWI/AAAAAAAAQbo/wT1MpMESnXQ7WGfKiSB41UPhw6cK0CUkACHMYCw/goodreads%255B4%255D?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px; display: inline;" title="goodreads" width="130" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="_GoBack"></a>Haven’t discovered the world of Ilyon yet? The first three Kindle books are on sale August 11<sup>th</sup> - 14<sup>th</sup>!</div>
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You can find them on <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Jaye-L.-Knight/e/B00KH26I7K/">Amazon</a>.</div>
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<a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-H4zBHDh4Xks/WYXkMubpxWI/AAAAAAAAQdc/1NNT063kCzI_9vDbEoKNrFnvAbyhnGeGgCHMYCw/s1600-h/3BookKindleSale%255B6%255D"><img alt="3BookKindleSale" border="0" height="398" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/--PV-SaEUOk8/WYXkNR376KI/AAAAAAAAQdg/tLV6QWNABvc1zF-TW1KOwi5VoEw2l2L7QCHMYCw/3BookKindleSale_thumb%255B3%255D?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="3BookKindleSale" width="537" /></a></div>
<b><u><br /></u></b> <b><u>About the Author</u></b><br />
<a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-g4fpd-lgkkc/VYhoiyhtmDI/AAAAAAAAB2g/c8x5iJjI8NU/s1600-h/JayeAuthor2015%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img align="left" alt="JayeAuthor2015" border="0" height="240" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-P6s66cPhh6Q/VYhoj2Lw-kI/AAAAAAAAB2o/hgTjKgt1uDQ/JayeAuthor2015_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="margin: 0px 10px 0px 0px;" title="JayeAuthor2015" width="203" /></a>Jaye L. Knight is an award-winning author, homeschool graduate, and shameless tea addict with a passion for Christian fantasy. Armed with an active imagination and love for adventure, Jaye weaves stories of truth, faith, and courage with the message that even in the deepest darkness, God’s love shines as a light to offer hope. She has been penning stories since the age of eight and resides in the Northwoods of Wisconsin.<br />
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You can connect with Jaye on her <a href="http://www.jayelknight.com/">website</a>, <a href="http://jayelknight.blogspot.com/">blog</a>, <a href="http://www.facebook.com/jayelknight">Facebook</a>, <a href="http://www.twitter.com/jayelknight">Twitter</a>, and <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/JayeLKnight">Etsy</a>.<br />
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Share in the excitement of the release and enter to win a themed giveaway pack! Prizes include an autographed copy of <i>Exiles</i>, a pewter dragon necklace by <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/treasurecast" target="_blank" title="https://www.etsy.com/shop/treasurecast">treasurecast</a>, and a sword letter opener! (Giveaway is open to <b>US residents only</b>. Cannot be shipped internationally.)<br />
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<img alt="Image result for cs lewis quote about tea" class="irc_mi" height="500" src="https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/736x/fa/75/0f/fa750f73df3940c86e4db7fa98b6ca46--tea-quotes-book-quotes.jpg" style="margin-top: 17px;" width="500" /></div>
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(<a href="https://www.google.com/search?q=cs+lewis+quote+about+tea&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwjPzOWp0b7VAhUKllQKHVRlBtEQ_AUICigB&biw=1525&bih=779#imgrc=4Iwa-azG_Fir6M:">Image Recourse</a>)</div>
I know I'm not the only one who enjoys eating while reading. (or drinking tea for that matter) Some people I've met can't seem to read a book without a snack.<br />
I've tried to eat just about everything while reading, and that includes things that a decent person would use two hands for. There are certainly some foods that are more manageable than others. Unless you are the Ninja of Food&Books, pizza can be a test that would certainly earn you a black belt. But there's also a bit of science behind which snacks you choose to eat. You don't want to eat something to yummy or else it will distract you from the book, or the book will distract you from enjoying the food.<br />
So, if you happen to have a good book but no snack-ies, here's a nice little list to help you out.<br />
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Item 1: Chips/crackers<br />
These are great because they don't make a mess. (As long as you leave out the dip. That can be a fun balancing game, but terribly distracting for you and probably the people around you as well.) There are many different kinds to satisfy your preferred taste - salty, sweet, nacho, or ranch. I mean, seriously, who can't eat an entire box of Wheat Thins at one sitting. I always laugh at the box that says, "Family Size." Apparently I'm a family of one!<br />
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Item 2: Popcorn<br />
It's like chips, but with butter! (Butter = Better. Right?) If you want to indulge a tad more, sprinkle a little powdered sugar on top to make a simple version of Kettle Corn.<br />
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Item 3: Dried Fruit/Nuts<br />
This one you have to be a little careful with. It is way too easy to eat an entire bag of dried bananas and realize that it was probably the equivalent of eating 12 full-size bananas. But it's a healthy alternative to chips. If you're brave, try eating raisins and cheese together. It's one of my favorites!<br />
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Item 4: Smoothie/Tea<br />
OK, so smoothie might sound a little weird to some people. But it's actually not bad! Especially if it's too hot for tea (I mourn the day when that happens) nothing beats an ice cold Key Lime smoothie.<br />
But when the evening comes and things cool down, there's nothing like a nice cup a tea. Preferably a very large one.<br />
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Item 5: Chocolate<br />
Hands down, there is no argument that can deny the fact that Chocolate is amazing, rain or shine. But if you don't feel like gnawing on a chocolate bar, go for something simpler and get chocolate chips! It is a rare and special day in our house when a bag of chocolate chips remains unopened until the day it is placed inside a batch of cookies.<br />
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<i>What is your favorite food to snack on while reading? I would love to hear about it because I have a good book to read and nothing to eat with it! (I ate all my snacks during my last book)</i><br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07446180265784745258noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-293054333926767367.post-48140316535371886002017-07-28T14:18:00.001-07:002017-07-28T14:21:43.832-07:00How To Get Widsom For Life<div style="text-align: center;">
<img alt="Related image" class="irc_mi" height="425" src="https://cauldronsandcupcakes.files.wordpress.com/2014/10/fork-in-the-road.jpg" style="margin-top: 0px;" width="640" /></div>
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<a href="https://www.google.com/search?q=a+country+road&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwjarMjd86zVAhVJslQKHYLfD04Q_AUICigB&biw=1525&bih=779#imgdii=8JUtgQtJ1PUDqM:&imgrc=A-_1S50K8saYaM:">(Image Credits)</a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Can anybody sympathize with me in this scenario?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">It's a happy day and you wake up feeling great - the birds are singing and the sun is shining. You lay in bed contemplating the many wonderful things you can do when ... it hits you. Life comes and grabs you by the throat with a death grip. A thousand thoughts and questions swirl through your mind in a matter of 3 milliseconds.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br />Should I go to college?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">What should I do in college? </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">What if I don't want to go to college?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">What should I do for a living?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">What are my future plans?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">How should I manage my time?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Ah! You forgot to call that car seller! What if it's sold already?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Should I start looking for a better job? </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Am I doing this whole Life-thing right?!?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> Somebody please raise their hand with me. *raises hand* </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Insecurity is a common struggle for many people. And for most, it can be linked with fear. The unknown can be a scary place. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Whenever insecurity raises its ugly head, along with the overwhelming amount of decisions as its weapon, it can get really easy to start beating yourself up about everything and feel like a total failure. This life is way to much for us to handle on our own!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">That's why it is so important to turn to the One who is outside of the present, and knows the future. And there is one thing that can help us more than any other - Something that is so valuable, it deserves the acute attention of every Christian.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br />Proverbs 1:7a</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i>“The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge,”</i><br />Here is where our journey begins. Without a fear of the Lord there is no desire to pursue<br />His will. Our lives should be filled, centered, saturated, guided, and molded by God. But this<br />isn’t the same fear that we get when we watch a frightening movie. This is a fear of His supreme<br />power compared to our insignificance. Our finite lives compared to His Omnipotence; Our broken<br />love for His ultimate Sacrifice. Without God, our lives are nothing. This should be our fear.<br /><br />Proverbs 9:10b<br /><i>“And knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.”</i><br />The next clue is Knowledge. Our fear of the Lord should prompt us to know His will,<br />which can be found in the Bible, and keep it in our hearts; although it is possible for someone to<br />have the facts, but not know what they mean or what to do next. (otherwise known as head<br />knowledge.) This leads to the next clue:<br /><br />Proverbs 2:9<i><br />Then you will understand what is right and just and fair-- every good path.</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i> </i><br />Understanding is a lens which brings our Knowledge into crisp focus and produces<br />principles. Like any classroom setting, you can know what the teacher is saying, but not<br />understand. It’s accepting what we learn as Truth. This is especially hard when it comes to the<br />bible and oftentimes, understanding doesn’t come until later. Occasionally God calls us to action<br />before we understand the reasons. Sometimes He calls for Faith before Facts.<br />Once all these clues fall into place, we get the key to living succesfully. When you fear the<br />Lord, seek His will, (understanding is more of a lucky bonus) than you get the prize.<br /><br />Proverbs 16:16<i><br />How much better to get wisdom than gold, to get insight rather than silver!</i><br />Wisdom is when you put the Knowledge that’s in your head into your actions. It’s living<br />in the Spirit instead of the flesh. Knowing God’s will and putting it into action produces<br />Wisdom.<br />The Hebrew translation of the word Wisdom is 'The ability to live life skillfully.' God<br />desires what is best for our lives. He wants to see our lives used to the fullest. But that can’t be<br />done outside of His plan. When we are in tune with His desires, and put them into action, than<br />we shall live a life that is truly skillful and we will be satisfied to hear God one day say, “Well<br />done, good and faithful servant.”</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">So when those big decisions come hammering against your door, you can politely invite them in for tea because your God has all the games for the party figured out.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i>Have you ever had a time when you were overwhelmed with Life and God helped you through it? Feel free to share in the comments!</i></span><br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07446180265784745258noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-293054333926767367.post-77133974033817050152017-07-18T18:41:00.000-07:002017-07-18T18:41:10.464-07:00How To Write Accurately<div style="text-align: center;">
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<img alt="Image result for magnifying glass" class="irc_mi" height="534" src="https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/736x/92/3a/b5/923ab51d4136faef8b89ea4f6e613b50--african-american-genealogy-magnifying-glass.jpg" style="margin-top: 0px;" width="534" /></div>
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If anybody were to look at my google search engine they would probably lock me away and take my laptop. I could be googling anything from the meaning of a word to figuring out how long a dagger wound takes to heal.(Or where you can get stabbed and still live) It's really important that authors know what they are talking about, right? <br />
Here are a few questions and random things I've had to google this last week. <br />
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1) The order of military ranks.<br />
Answer: <br />
<ul class="_kYe">
<li class="_AXc">Lieutenant. A seasoned lieutenant with 18 to 24 months service. Leads more
specialized weapons platoons and indirect fire computation centers. As a
senior Lieutenant, they are often selected to be the Executive Officer
of a company-sized unit (110 to 140 personnel).</li>
<li class="_AXc">Captain. Commands and controls company-sized units (62 to 190 Soldiers)</li>
<li class="_AXc">Major. Serves as primary Staff Officer for brigade and task force command regarding personnel, logistical and operational missions.</li>
<li class="_AXc">Lieutenant Colonel. Addressed as "Lieutenant Colonel" or "Colonel." Typically commands battalion-sized units (300 to 1,000 Soldiers),</li>
<li class="_AXc">Colonel. Typically commands brigade-sized units (3,000 to 5,000 Soldiers)</li>
<li class="_AXc">Major General. Addressed as "General." Typically commands division-sized units (10,000 to 15,000 Soldiers).</li>
</ul>
2) What color can cats see at night?<br />
Answer: <strong></strong>It's a common misconception that cats can't see any
colors, only shades of gray. Humans are known as trichromats, meaning
they have three kinds of cones that allow them to see red, green, and
blue. Cats are also thought to be trichromats, but not in the same way
that humans are. A cat's vision is similar to a human who is color
blind. They can see shades of blue and green, but reds and pinks can be
confusing. These may appear more green, while purple can look like
another shade of blue.<br />
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3) What is a suede jacket?<br />
Answer: Suede - <span>leather with the flesh side rubbed to make a velvety nap.</span><br />
<img alt="Related image" class="irc_mi" height="266" src="http://cdn.hiconsumption.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/Ralph-Lauren-Suede-Jacket-.jpg" style="margin-top: 47px;" width="400" /><br />
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4) What is a foray?<br />
Answer: <span>A sudden attack or incursion into enemy territory, especially to obtain something; a raid.</span><br />
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<span>5) How long does it take for a fractured rib to heal?</span><br />
<span>Answer: </span><span class="_Tgc">A fractured rib usually takes at least <b>6 weeks</b> to heal.</span><br />
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<span class="_Tgc">Making your book realistic requires research. It's time to own up to it: You don't actually know everything. (as nice as that would be) I have found that a really great way to learn more is to keep a notebook with me while I'm reading. The moment I come across something I don't know, a question pops into my mind, or I want to see if something is accurate I write it down so I can google it later. (That way I can finish the chapter!) It only takes a moment and your book and your IQ will be better because of it. </span><br />
<span class="_Tgc">Readers depend upon authors to know what they are writing about. We, as authors, are communicating to readers and helping them learn - even if they don't know it. </span><br />
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<i>What is one of the strangest things you've had to google for your book or just something you wanted to know? I would love to hear it! Please share in the comments below!</i><br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07446180265784745258noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-293054333926767367.post-74887323846264484712017-07-10T15:06:00.003-07:002017-07-10T15:06:50.542-07:00Book Peek<div style="text-align: center;">
<img alt="Truth" class="_m9 _20 _3p _2c" src="https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/564x/4c/46/d3/4c46d3b25ce82499d7fff0c7ec8628fa.jpg" /></div>
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I have finally been getting back into the groove of writing every day. (Now that life has decided to give back a little of the free time it stole from me) Honestly, a lot of it had to do with prioritizing writing above other things. *stares angrily at the Pinterest link*<br />
As a treat for all my loyal readers, I've decided to post a small chunk of my book. Some of you may remember the beginning from my post <a href="http://homeschoolauthor.blogspot.com/2017/04/snagged.html">Snagged</a> a while ago, so you should enjoy seeing how the story continues.<br />
As always! Critiques are welcome. In fact, they are requested! If you have a tip to share, a problem you noticed, or just a thumbs up, pretty-please share in the comments at the bottom of the post! <br />
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<b>Chapter 1</b></div>
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<b>Loriens </b></div>
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<br /> Nobby’s heart pounded in his ears and his lungs burned with fire as he dashed through the shadowed forest. His soft leather boots made only the slightest thump on the marshy floor with each flying stride he made and his flight was as silent as it was swift. A patch of mist hovering low over the ground warned Nobby of the starving mud below. Rapidly counting the strides, he leaped over the mist and landed on the safety of firm ground. Nobby glanced back and saw several fleeting shadows following him like wraiths in the night. He snapped his head around in time to dodge another patch of bog. A fallen tree lay up ahead, its gnarled roots splaying in all directions like an overgrown palace. Nobby bounded up and slid down a root that led into a maze of dirt tunnels that barely allowed his slim form to slip through. He clambered up a web of roots and slid down to the other side in a desperate attempt to lose his pursuers. There was a loud scuffle and several hissed oaths because the pathway only allowed one person to go through at a time. Nobby changed his direction and grasped a low hanging branch, swinging himself into the tree. With the agility of a squirrel, he bounded from limb to limb; using only the sturdiest ones that wouldn’t shake as much. After a distance he dropped back onto the ground and continued to run. His legs felt like water and his heart was a burning ember in his chest. With a final burst of energy, Nobby swung himself into another tree and climbed up into the crotch. He sucked in several choking breaths before forcing himself to stay quiet. He shut his eyes to focus on steadying his trembling limbs that would shake the branch he was hiding in. He resisted the urge to pull down the black cloth covering his mouth and nose. His pale skin would shine out in the night if he pulled it down to gasp in fresh air.<br /> All was painfully silent for an eternity of time. Nobby’s eyes scanned the forest floor, picking out the areas of mist covering the bog that, in the daytime, looked like any other patch of marshy, moss covered ground. The mist, the key to avoided death by drowning, only appeared in the dead of night and evaporated in the morning– making the Murkwater Forest the most treacherous to anybody other than the Loriens.<br />
Nobby tensed as a shadow silently drifted by underneath him. Judging from the broad shoulders and sturdy stride, Nobby suspected Garner was just below him. Another figure, slimmer than the first, joined Garner, and they held a hushed conversation. Nobby’s sensitive hearing picked up several words.<br /> “…Must have headed towards the Blackwater”<br /> The slim figure shook his head. “Would have heard him.”<br /> Nobby held his breath as the two figures looked around the forest. As long as they didn’t look up he would be safe.<br /> The rustling of branches behind him caused Nobby to jerk around just in time to see a third black figure pounce towards him. Nobby gripped a branch and let himself fall, only to be caught by his hand. His assailant, missing his intended target, fell to the forest floor with a thud and the other two figures looked up. Nobby hung precariously from one hand over thin air for a moment before hauling himself back into the branches. He considered jumping to the ground and fleeing on foot. A glance down made the decision for him. Too late. Garner and the other figure were already halfway up the tree while the third figure picked himself up and waited for him to make just that decision. Nobby slung himself through the branches, jumping from tree to tree. The next tree was a far jump and Nobby took it without hesitation. Suddenly his leg was caught from behind and his momentum stopped. Nobby fell to the forest floor inches from a section of mist and the air was forced from his lungs as his attacker fell on top of him. Before Nobby could catch his breath his hands were pinned and a dagger was at his throat.<br /> “Close. But no close enough.” A smooth male voice said from behind the black cloth that covered everything but his eyes.<br /> Nobby looked up into the eyes of his captor, whose razor sharp blade was dangerously close to slitting his throat. The corners of the bright hazel eyes wrinkled as the owner smiled. Nobby tensed as three more black figures joined the victor who pinned him down.<br /> “You don’t have to completely humiliate me, Twain.” Nobby gasped against the dagger.<br /> The figure sheathed his dagger and got to his feet, offering a hand to him. Nobby allowed Twain to pull him to his feet. His legs were still shaky from the flight and his lungs burned as his breathing gradually returned to normal. He ripped the cloth away from his face and inhaled the cool forest air.<br /> “You nearly gave us the slip going through the Tarn,” Garner said through wheezing breaths.<br /> The slim figure pulled off his hood and revealed his tan skin and black hair. “If Garner hadn’t insisted on going first we wouldn’t have lost him.”<br /> “That’s what you think, Varl,” contradicted the third, “You were the one that – “<br /> “Peace, Severin,” Twain said with a smile as he clapped a hand on his companion’s shoulder. All of them were nearly the same height except for Garner, who’s thicker build made him appear larger, but Twain was most certainly the shortest. “Nobby gave us all the slip quiet neatly. I just happened to be the lucky one in the tree when he took that foolhardy leap.”<br /> “Couldn’t you have avoided landing on me?” Nobby asked, wrapping his arms around his bruised chest. “I would never be able to explain a broken rib to Edmund.”<br /> The spark of Twain’s eyes shone around his massively dilated pupil, which looked eerily cat-like, as he grinned. “Be thankful I didn’t grab the hood of your cloak or you would have had to explain a broken neck as well.”<br /> Nobby rolled his eyes, which showed as much blue than Twain’s showed hazel. The extra dilated pupil enabled him and all other Lorians navigate the dangerous Murkwater Forest where no Human feet ever tread. The woods, blanketed in the midnight darkness, was a canvass of blues and greens to Nobby's dilated eyes.<br /> Twain looked up through the fluttering leaves of the trees. “The moon is going to sleep.”<br /> Nobby nodded and pulled his cloak back over his face, giving a farewell nod to each of his Lorenian friends. “I need to get back before the servants wake up and Edmund hears I’ve been out again.”<br /> Twain gave Nobby a backhanded slap on the shoulder. “You did much better tonight. Perhaps tomorrow Severin will deem it a good use to time to throw some knives around.”<br /> The Lorien named Severin folded his arms across his chest and glared. Twain spread his arms out in innocence. “That was meant as a compliment. We all know you could pick a crabapple off a branch while reclining in the grass.”<br /> The cold in Severin’s eyes eased a bit and he nodded. Nobby thought he caught the faintest hint a smile tugging at the corner of his stoic friend’s mouth. Garner, Varl, and Severin raised a hand in parting.<br /> “<i>Cowritte</i>,” they said in broken unison.<br /> Nobby raised his hand in return. “<i>Cowritte, hu cwaik</i>.”<br /> The three Loriens disappeared into the forest as silently as shadows.<br /> “Your forest navigation isn’t the only thing improving,” Twain commented approvingly. “Soon you will be speaking Lorenian so well nobody would guess you weren’t a full-blooded native.”<br /> Nobby turned and allowed a faint smile cross his face at the compliment. Twain, who had just pulled the fabric over his freckled nose, gestured for him to follow.<br /> “Come along, <i>cwaik</i>. I shall walk you to the Forest’s edge.”<br /> Twain began sprinting across the ground and swung into a tree. Nobby followed a few steps behind as they dashed from tree to tree. When they neared edge of the forest they dropped to the ground and walked until they could see the fields and dark silhouetted houses of Marlin. Nobby stopped and turned to his friend.<br /> “Tomorrow is a full moon. We will be able to see better while throwing knives.” Twain said in the typical blunt fashion that seemed to accompany the Lorien blood.<br /> Nobby nodded and grasped the hand Twain offered. Twain turned and vanished back into the forest while Nobby headed down the dirt road that skirted the village of Marlin. The fields were bathed in pale moonlight and the long shafts of wheat waved gently in the wind that caressed them. Nobby broke into a jog as the fields and quaint wooden cottages petered out into the cobblestone streets of Marlin Square.<br /> Nobby slipped into the shadows of a building and paused for a moment. He closed his eyes and trained his ear to sift through the night sounds until he picked out the gentle creak of leather and rubbing of gloved hands. A shuffled footstep pinpointed where the guard was standing. Nobby retreated and turned down another road where he knew no guards would be patrolling. He paused for a moment to think. It was probably about the third watch of the night - there would be guards stationed along all the roads leading home. Nobby ran to a dead end alley and shimmied up a pile of crates. He leaped up and gripped the corner of the roof. The wood nearly gave way under his weight as he pulled himself up. Keeping low to avoid being silhouetted against the sky, Nobby ran from roof top and rooftop. Several times there was a large gap over an alley. With practiced strides he cleared the daunting obstacle. As the houses grew farther apart he was forced to return to the ground. He was on the outskirts of town again and before him stretched the manicured lawn of Marlin House, belonging to Baron Gormon – the only home he could ever remember. Nobby avoided the main brick pathway that led to the Manor doors, instead slinking along the outskirts where a thick hedge walled in the grounds. He came to the far side of the house where ivy grew in a thick tangled web up the rock walls. Nobby dashed over and gripped a stout ivy vine. He shimmied up the ivy ladder until he was below a window. He reached a hand up and grasped the ledge, digging his nails in as he pulled himself up. Balancing on the ledge, he pushed the window inward before swinging his legs into the empty room. He listened for a moment and was satisfied with the silence that greeted him.<br /> After closing the window, Nobby shed his Lorien garb which included leather Baldricks, which held his daggers and knives, a Jerkin of dark oiled leather, his forest green cloak, Bracers, and the black scarf that wrapped around the lower part of his face. He sat on the edge of his bed to pull off his boots and unbuckle the sheathed knives around his ankles. Nobby gathered everything together and tied it in a bundle with his cloak before stuffing it on the top shelf of his wardrobe where the servants wouldn’t find while cleaning.<br /> Nobby closed his window and slid under the blankets just as the moon dipped behind the distant mountains. He collapsed against the pillows and his body gave into the exhaustion he had been fighting off on the journey home. He had slept a few hours before leaving and with another hour of sleep he would be back to normal. His Lorien blood worked in bursts of energy that hardly needed any sleep to fuel. But after the night’s chase through the forest, Nobby was completely spent. Sleep soon captured him and refused to let go even after the sun’s rays pierced the window’s curtains and fell on his face.<br /> A knocking on his door finally dragged Nobby from the arms of sleep. The door opened and Edmund strolled in. Nobby pushed himself out of bed and raked his fingers through his unruly copper hair.<br /> “You are about to miss breakfast, Nobby.” Edmund warned as he pulled back the drapes.<br /> “Too bright!” Nobby exclaimed and winced against the sun, shielding his eyes with his hand.<br /> Edmund crossed his arms over his chest and stared down at him with piercing blue eyes full of suspicion. Once Nobby was able to see against the sun he threw back the covers and swung his legs over the side of the bed. His toes tingled as they touched the cold wooden floor.<br /> “We have riding lessons after breakfast,” Edmund stated.<br /> Nobby nodded, jerking on his boots. As he pulled his white tunic over his head he heard Edmund sigh. “You were out again last night, weren’t you?”<br /> Nobby slipped his arms through his green doublet and began fastening the buckles, hoping his silence would give Edmund enough of an answer.<br /> “Answer the question,” Edmund demanded with a harsh edge to his voice.<br /> Nobby looked up at his brother. They stood nearly eye to eye despite the fact that Nobby was seventeen and Edmund a year younger; they were different in nearly every way except their blue eyes. Even that one similarity had its limits since Nobby’s eyes could dilate far more than Edmund’s. <br /> Edmund gave an exasperated huff and turned away to run his fingers through his wavy, dark brown hair. “Why do you still cling to that side?”<br /> Nobby threw his arms out. “Why not? I’m just as much a Lorien as I am a Human.”<br /> “But we live with Humans,” Edmund said, his voice rising ever so slightly.<br /> “Correction: You live with Humans. I, on the other hand, live in both worlds.”<br /> Edmund sighed in defeat. Nobby walked up and laid a hand on his brother’s shoulder. “You should come with me, Edmund. You are Lorien as well.”<br /> Edmund shrugged his hand off. “I don’t choose that side.”<br /> “If you have the freedom to choose, can’t I?”<br /> Edmund’s shoulder’s sagged and he slowly nodded. Nobby put his hand back on his brother’s shoulder and this time Edmund allowed it to stay there.<br /> “I don’t want to always have this conversation,” Nobby said, trying to dispel the tense atmosphere. “You are the only person who knows that I spend my nights with the Loriens, and that’s how it will always be. No questions will ever be asked and you will never be hindered by my actions.”<br /> Edmund glanced at him out of the corner of his eye. “That’s not what I’m worried about.”<br /> “You can try to pretend,” Nobby said, “But I know that’s what bothers you. I don’t want our life here to get messed up any more than you do.”<br /> “If the people ever learned that you went out with the Loriens.” Edmund didn’t finish his sentence, but the point was clear.<br /> Nobby nodded. “Nobody will ever know.” And awkward moment of silence reigned until Nobby said, “I’m starving.”<br /> The corner of Edmund’s mouth twitched up and Nobby felt his chest relax as his brother nodded again. He grabbed his riding gloves and cap off his desk before following Edmund out into the hallway. They walked down the carpeted halls lined with stone walls covered in painted pictures. Several maids, dressed in stiff grey dresses and starched aprons, bustled by to clean the rooms without making eye contact. Nobby flipped the soft green hat over his unruly hair as they neared the dining hall. He reached a hand up and pulled the corners of the hat low enough to cover the point of his ears. The points were subtle enough that people dismissed it as a deformity. But anybody who saw him dressed in his Lorien clothes would quickly discover the truth.<br /> Nobby could hear the clinking of dishes as he rounded a corner and came to the dining room where the servants were already setting the table. Baron Gormon, a pale, sickly man, who spent far too much time in his dungeon of a library studying absolutely nothing of any importance, sat at the head of the table peering at the breakfast preparations down his long and skinny nose.<br /> “It’s a pleasure to see you two have remembered to be on time for a change.” The Baron declared louder than needed. “Hurry and eat before the stable master rides without you. He is not as patient as I am.”<br /> Nobby suppressed his facial expressions as he and Edmund took their seats at the table. Thankfully, this condescending comment was all the Baron deemed worthy to say for the rest of the meal and Nobby didn’t linger any longer than necessary. He excused himself as politely as he could without sounded sarcastic and exited the dining room followed closely by Edmund. They went through the heavy oak doors and into the intense sunlight that bathed the world in its warmth. The trees were just beginning to turn into the brilliant shades of Fall. Winter would set in soon. Then the Murkwater Forest would freeze and there would be no more midnight chases.<br /> Nobby put off these somber thoughts and followed the pathway to the far side of the grounds. Here the manicured lawns gave way to several large paddocks where horses grazed. They picked their heads up at the sound of his footsteps and nickered their greeting. Tethered to the hitch stand outside the stable were several horses belonging to village boys who were training under the Stable Master.<br /> “Come inside,” a deep and raspy voice called from the stable door.<br /> Nobby turned to face Peter Snade, the Stable Master and trainer. He had come to the village only a few years ago and had instantly begun training all the village boys who were big enough to draw a sword in the art of being a King’s guard. Baron Gormon had insisted upon Nobby and Edmund joining the ranks so there was little choice.<br /> Nobby after master Snade into the warm barn. Dust drifted through the air and Nobby stifled the urge to sneeze as he inhaled the scent of crushed oats, broken hay, and warm horses. Over a dozen boys, all around his age, stood in a military line against the barn wall. Nobby and Edmund joined their ranks, though their clothing distinguished them as higher ranking. Nobby caught the eye of Gary Whiliker, a blond village boy who spent most of his time ploughing the fields alongside his father. He was a bit of a troublemaker and fiercely set upon being a king’s guard. Gary acknowledged Nobby and Edmund with a barely perceptible nod as they came to stand alongside him.<br /> “Some of you boys from the village have your horses already saddled,” Master Snade grated. “Those of you who don’t will have to work double time to saddle up and get out into the yard. Those who are late will spend the rest of the day cleaning this barn until I can actually breath without inhaling half of mother earth through my nose.”<br /> Nobby couldn’t hold it any longer. He doubled over with the force of his sneeze and half of the line erupted into terribly suppressed giggles. When Nobby straightened he met Snade’s steely eyes.<br /> “Unless you’re volunteering now, Lord Gusto, I suggest you keep your thoughts to yourself.”<br /> Nobby bit his tongue to fight a snarky comment as Snade jerked a thumb over his shoulder in the direction of the paddocks. “Saddle up, soldiers.”<br /> Nobby, Edmund, and several of the other village boys entered the paddocks where the horses eagerly came to them. They nuzzled their pockets hoping for a carrot or a lump to sugar. Nobby selected a long-legged black gelding named Raven and slipped the bridle over his ears. He tied the reins to the wooden fence while he picked up the saddle and hoisted it across Raven’s back, cinching the girth tight. Raven tossed his head as Nobby swung astride. Across the paddock, Edmund mounted a grey mare with a testy personality. Nobby grew slightly concerned as Edmund worked the bit out from between the mare’s teeth.<br /> “There are many other horses in the pasture.” Nobby said as they rode out of the paddock to join the other riders alongside master Snade.<br /> “Don’t pretend you’re the only one who can ride.” Edmund retorted as the mare’s tail flicked irritably.<br /> Nobby shrugged and they pulled up in a line next to the other riders. Snade began laying out their riding course for the day. It was going to be a lesson in reconnaissance.<br /> “The only way to learn is through life.” Snade bellowed at them. “Several farmers have new livestock. Based off of your work yesterday you should be able to locate where they house them, how many there are, and who they belong too. I want you back before noon. The Loriens in the forests are getting more sneaky in their raids so we need to keep tabs on every single animal that these farmers have. As a guard you don’t have time to dilly-dally. All decisions must be based off of instinct. If you hesitate,” here Snade dragged a thumb across his neck.<br /> The riders nodded and Nobby felt Raven began to prance under him. Snade stepped back and pointed in the direction of the village. “Captain Nobby will take the outskirts with his men, Captain Trisk the middle ring, and Captain Peete, the town Square. Get out of here.”<br /> Raven lurched forward without the need of the riding crop and Nobby leaned forward to keep himself from being flung off. Edmund was only a stride behind him as they raced over the fields. Nobby glanced back with an ear-splitting smile as he cleared a fence into a local pasture. He knew exactly which farmer had gotten at least some of the animals. Yesterday while on patrol he had overheard farmer Hon talking about getting some piglets from his neighbor. Nobby caught sight of several riders branching off from the group. No doubt they were having similar recollections. Edmund and Gary still followed him as they thundered across the fields towards a little cottage not far outside of village. A grey haired man stepped out of the house at the sound of horse hooves.<br /> “We heard you’ve gotten new piglets,” Nobby stated in an authoritative voice.<br /> Hon’s eyes flickered between the three youths in unease. “Yes, sir, just got ‘em this mornin’. I hope there ain’t nothing wrong.”<br /> Nobby felt bad for making the old man nervous but he couldn’t slacken his posture.<br /> “As our rank demands, we are obliged to keep track of all happenings in the village of Marlin.” Edmund said crisply.<br /> Hon paled a bit. Edmund leaned forward on the saddle horn to stare down at him. “How many animals did you get?”<br /> “Just three, your lordship.” Hon stammered. “They’re housed in the barn as I speak.”<br /> Edmund sat back up and narrowed his eyes. Nobby stopped his from rolling at his brother. <i>One of these days I’m going to put a pig skin full of air under his saddle so when he leans forward it will sound like there’s a pig in his pants</i>. Nobby jerked the reins and tapped his riding crop to his cap before riding off towards the next house. They inquired at every cottage until they had gleaned every bit of information they could squeeze out. Nobby led the way towards the Square, where he hoped to meet up with Captain Peete. The shops that had been closed during the night were now open and people filtered through the streets. Nobby navigated among the people at a brisk trot. Several of the other riders joined him and reported their findings. Nobby’s eyes drifted over the crowds around him to see if there was anything out of the ordinary. As he analyzed each his gaze came to rest on a cloaked figure with a light brown beard covering his chin. Intense eyes stared directly at him from under the shadow of the hood. Nobby felt his skin crawl and he sidled close to Edmund without taking his eyes from the man.<br /> “He’s new,” Nobby muttered.<br /> Edmund followed his gaze until they rested on the cloaked figure. “Let’s go find out his business.”<br /> Nobby rode towards the man with Edmund close behind. When the man realized they were coming towards him he turned and fled into a side street.<br /> “Stop!” Edmund yelled as he kicked his horse into a canter.<br /> Raven needed no urging and Nobby yelled at the people to move. They rounded the corner and Reynold saw the tip of the man’s cloak disappear around another corner.<br /> “That way,” he yelled and spurred his horse onward.<br /> Nobby came around the next corner first and pulled is horse to a stop. The alley was empty and a dead end.<br /> “Impossible.” Edmund exploded as he stared around wide eyed.<br /> Nobby checked but there were no doors that could have allowed the man to slip through their net and nothing big enough for him to hide behind or in.<br /> “He was up to no good, I can assure you of that.” Edmund conjectured. <br /> Nobby gave a half nod. “Master Snade won’t be pleased that we let him escape.”<br /> “Escape?” Edmund snorted. “The wraith vanished into thin air. How could he expect us to trap a shadow?”<br /> “He was no wraith, Ed. Just a very good escape artist.” Nobby muttered.<br /> Edmund turned his horse around and rode back towards the square, still muttering under his breath angrily. As Nobby turned to follow his eyes fell upon the far corner of the dead end where two buildings came together to form a sharp corner. Along both edges there were deep ruts scraped into the plaster and the moss was worn away from a few areas. Reynold’s heart leapt in his chest. Only a Lorien could climb like that! But what was a Lorien doing in Marlin?<br />
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<br /><i>As I said earlier: Tips, suggestions, and approval/disapproval are all welcome!! Also, if you would like to read more of the story, let me know and I'll start posting more of it on my blog.</i><br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07446180265784745258noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-293054333926767367.post-34631225353099876382017-06-26T21:33:00.001-07:002017-06-26T21:33:42.451-07:00Trying To Be Good<div style="text-align: center;">
<img alt="Displaying DSC03818.JPG" class="aLF-aPX-J1-J3" height="360" src="https://mail.google.com/mail/u/0/?ui=2&ik=3369c40547&view=fimg&th=15c9f72587b3cf28&attid=0.9&disp=inline&realattid=f_j3uzlqmz8&safe=1&attbid=ANGjdJ9I9Qp_BRy-O9GNnDtpO1Y7v6EbKrfgDt4w4v4YVEIQA7z8CPiriPIzN8pfII3F5f5sWHVaXqmvPd4OTyM3DMkjjc3E-6BqRbcAKIC5NrPVSjoNc6qctWf6vzs&ats=1497393837889&rm=15c9f72587b3cf28&zw&sz=w1600-h765" width="640" /></div>
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I realized that I have been very naughty. I haven't been keeping to my blog at all! (honestly, I actually forgot about it for a while.) Life has been crazy busy with trips, events, work, and finishing up school! And, to be honest, I haven't been writing in my book as much as I should be. As an author, I should be writing. That's kind of what we do. (hence the name)<br />
But I'm back in the game now! And actually, taking a break from sitting in front of the computer allowed me to have time to think about the complicated parts in my story.<br />
I know I've read a lot from writing websites that talk about always - ALWAYS - finding time to write at least a little every single day. But that may not be such a good idea. I know I haven't found it helpful. Because if I'm hitting a part of the book that just isn't coming together, sitting in front of a screen isn't going to help me. It just puts more stress because I'm staring at a wall of letters that fades into white nothingness knowing I need to write SOMETHING! (panic attack ensues!) I mean, does anybody besides me get tired from listening to the same song every single day? It wears you down until you want to throttle the speakers!<br />
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Taking a break is important, but it doesn't mean you have to completely ditch your book. (As an author, it's always in your head anyway.) I find that there are certain times throughout the day when I can think through a hard part of the book. Planning doesn't have to be done in front of the computer. Here are a few places and times that I get most of my brilliant ideas! (ok, brilliant may be too strong of a word. <i>I</i> think they are brilliant, but I'm probably biased.)<br />
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<b>1: Doing Chores</b><br />
I am the dishwasher in my family. And being the oldest of six means there are lots, and lots, and lots of dishes. This is a perfect time for me to work through some of the nitty-gritty things. I'm the type of person who will write the intense and exciting story line and totally ditch the details.<br />
Author Tip: Try to ask yourself questions about your book. Questions like: "Why would my character do that?" "How does this scene help the story?" "How can I make this part with a lot of talking more exciting?"<br />
Don't always go along with the first idea that pops into your head. There are more options for how a character can find out that the dying man he's holding in his arms is his supposedly-dead father. The dying guy doesn't have to say it through gasping breaths. That's been done <i>way</i> to many times.<br />
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<img alt="Writing: " class="pinImage rounded" data-load-state="pending" data-src="https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/564x/98/96/d2/9896d2cbe51977ef07f173d9c82b591d.jpg" height="400" src="https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/564x/98/96/d2/9896d2cbe51977ef07f173d9c82b591d.jpg" width="294" /></div>
<b>2: Working Outside</b><br />
Ok, so maybe not everybody spends 4 hours outside like I do. (I don't have much of a choice because my job is exercising horses, I have to be outside.) But most people go outside every now and then! I mean, tending gardens, mowing the lawn, trimming bushes, these are all great times to think about your book! Come up with different lands and areas that would make great settings for different scenes! Or keep asking yourself questions. <br />
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<img alt="A book is not mere paper and words...: " class="pinImage rounded" data-load-state="pending" data-src="https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/564x/8f/2b/77/8f2b77e557507c128e9f0bb1fb067138.jpg" height="400" src="https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/564x/8f/2b/77/8f2b77e557507c128e9f0bb1fb067138.jpg" width="290" /> </div>
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<b>3: Reading</b><br />
I know this might sound a little weird, but sometimes a great book can spark new ideas! Or it can pose a new way of looking at something that you never would have thought of before and fits perfectly with your book! Learning isn't always from a textbook. A lot of knowledge is passed down from other people who have walked the path before you. If there is a certain way that you want to write, read a book that is written in that way. It will help get you into the mood or give you the intense feelings that you want to transfer into your book! (Just don't be a copy-cat because that's lame)<br />
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<img alt="Robb Stark =( He will always be King of the North! Omg I'm still in denial about this. It so sad.: " class="pinImage rounded" data-load-state="pending" data-src="https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/564x/fa/df/75/fadf7540c738d0b13e2629d267e6f2ac.jpg" src="https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/564x/fa/df/75/fadf7540c738d0b13e2629d267e6f2ac.jpg" /></div>
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<i>What are some of the ways you come up with great ideas? Please share in the comments so other people can learn! Don't let Writer's Block get the better of you! And remember: Take a break every now and then. Shut the computer down and live in the beautiful world that God has put you in. No book can ever tell the story you are writing with your life.</i></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07446180265784745258noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-293054333926767367.post-6266642512662767872017-06-07T06:04:00.002-07:002017-06-07T06:04:56.330-07:00The Things You Think You Know<div style="text-align: center;">
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Authors get really good at making readers believe on thing when it's really something totally different. Whether it's about the hero suddenly being the villain, or an apparently safe plan turning out to be a death trap. This is just another one of the things that makes books amazing!<br />
But readers, did you know that authors themselves fall captive to the exact same problem? (Except it's not nearly as thrilling as the hero stabbing the ever-faithful friend in the back to turn the story around)<br />
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Here are five things that we, as authors, will tell you and what we are actually doing/thinking when you're back is turned:<br />
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Scene #1: Friend: "So, how is your book coming along?"<br />
Author: "Great, there is nothing like the thrills of writing!<br />
Reality: <i>At the moment my writing is going great! The scenes are fast and exciting with lots of inspiration for future scenes.</i><br />
Same scene 1 week later: <i>I am a failure at writing! Why did I ever think I could write something worth reading? </i> <br />
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Scene #2: Friend: "Shouldn't you be working on your book so you can finish it before your self-set deadline?"<br />
Author: "I"m taking a break so I can work through a complicated part before actually writing it down and committing."<br />
Reality: <i>That's elegant-ees for, "I'm procrastinating."</i><br />
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Scene #3: Friend: "How is that difficult part coming along?"<br />
Author: "Eh, it's nothing I can't handle."<br />
Reality: <i>I'm drowning in an ocean of doubt and misery with nothing but a boat made of Swiss Cheese. I don't even have any crackers! </i><br />
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Scene #4: Friend: "Did you make this character off of (insert-name-of-a-close-acquaintance-here)?"<br />
Author: "Oh no, I wouldn't do that."<br />
Reality: <i>Of course the character is based off of that person! But I would never say so because that character dies/is the betrayer/is the villain/or something else horrendous and I would be digging my own grave if I admitted that their character type was perfect for such a character as this!</i><br />
Reality option #2: <i>Mentally thanking you for such a wonderful idea! </i><br />
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Scene #5: Mom: "Did anybody take the ice cream/chocolate/coffee maker(and everything else that accompanies it)/chips/crackers/ect."<br />
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The question will vary depending on the author.</div>
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Author: "Check the top shelf."</div>
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Reality: <i>Please don't let mom look under the bed! Oh please, oh please, oh please don't look under the bed. Or in the closet... <span style="font-size: x-small;">or under the covers... ... ... Just don't go in my room!!<span style="font-size: small;"> </span></span></i></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: small;">So the next time you ask an author one of these questions... you know what, just don't ask an author these questions. You'll be doing us a huge favor!</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i>All authors have awkward interactions with normal people - that's just the life of a person who lives multiple lives. Sharing those stories is a great way to make new friends and have a good laugh. Please drop a comment below if you have every had a funny author-problem story! (Nobody will tattle about the ice cream! Promise.) </i> </span></span><i><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></span></i></div>
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07446180265784745258noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-293054333926767367.post-13128726344577190092017-06-01T14:18:00.000-07:002017-06-01T14:18:12.160-07:00Digging Deeper: Story Plot<div style="text-align: center;">
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Alas, we have come to the final post in the Digging Deeper series! If you missed out on the last two posts you can see the first one about Characters <a href="http://homeschoolauthor.blogspot.com/2017/05/digging-deeper-characters.html">Here</a>, and the second about Worlds <a href="http://homeschoolauthor.blogspot.com/2017/05/digging-deeper-worlds.html">Here</a>. In this session we will be taking a closer look at the one thing that really and truly makes a book: Your Story!<br />
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This is an extremely broad topic, so I won't be able to touch on everything in a single post. Hopefully I'll be able to elaborate more as I walk the long road of writing my own book. But just based off of the experience that I've gained through publishing my first book, The Wings of Antheon, and reading so many other great books, I've learned some valuable tidbits on what makes a good story.<br />
The first thing I've seen that helps make a good story is having a unique story line. I have learned this through painful experience. Readers like to be challenged and surprised, so don't make a story line that can be predicted or guessed. If there's a hidden connection between two characters, don't hint at it over and over. Make it invisible until the last possible moment! Or, even better, drop a hint that reveals a little of the truth, but can be easily taken the wrong way.<br />
Readers also like to walk through a struggle with the character. As we talked about in the post on Characters, everybody struggles with something. What this something is, be it anger, jealousy, loyalty, or love, will affect how your story line is shaped because your character needs to overcome that struggle throughout the story. By creating a struggle you also have to create an answer. Once again, the Show Don't Tell comes into play. Your story needs to be the answer. This is called Experiments in Living. If your character struggles with overcoming her mistakes, let her see that it is a chance to learn by using the mistake to gain experience she would have otherwise never had. Maybe she could even use the experience to help a friend. If your character is always angry, let him hurt somebody he cares for and move through his emotions to see that blowing up never helps. Characters are not always perfect and your story line shouldn't be either. The world is not all butterflies and rainbows. It's usually in our darkest time that we see the light of truth shine the brightest.<br />
Another really exciting thing to weave into your story is a bit of history! Everybody likes a good backstory that makes the present one have more meaning. Whether it's a friendship with a mysterious stranger who is slowly revealed to be somebody far greater than they appear, or a war that is much more than an over-the-top argument, a backstory adds a new sense of meaning and depth to the entire story!<br />
These are three general tidbits that can be applied to any story - fantasy and realistic alike. <br />
You probably saw this coming, but here is the final checklist to make sure your story is all that it should and could be.<br />
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<ol>
<li>Do your character's have a back story? Like I said before, this can add a lot more meaning to who they are now and how that affects the present.</li>
<li>Do you have an overarching theme, like Jealousy or Anger, that is overcome throughout your book? Stories shouldn't always be just action packed adventures. They need a reason - a meaning - that makes the reader nod their head in agreement and gives them some food for thought. </li>
<li>Does your story have any unique turns? This is kind of hard to judge on your own, so I suggest asking a friend to be a beta reader. If they write back and say that they were surprised then great job! If they saw it coming, you might want to brainstorm about how you could make the turn less obvious.</li>
<li>Is your story accurate with the era you're writing in? This is really important! If your story is written in olden day England, you need to make sure the form of speech, modes of transportation, and general feel fit into that era. This helps pull the reader back in time so they can understand the story.</li>
<li>Are you enjoying your story as you write it? As I said in one of my <a href="http://homeschoolauthor.blogspot.com/2017/04/snagged.html">first posts</a>, your story should be as interesting for you to write as it will be for your reader to read! If you're bored, your reader is going to be twice as board as you are. </li>
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And that concludes the end of the Digging Deeper series! Keep checking in for new posts (hopefully) every week. For me, nothing happens until it happens so if I'm late, just rest assure that I'll probably have some kind of crazy story! (like getting dragged around by a horse. But that was yesterday so it's old news) <br />
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<i>Have you ever read a story that surprised you or left you moved? Please drop a comment with a title of the book and what made it amazing! I'm always looking to expand my to-read list!!</i><br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07446180265784745258noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-293054333926767367.post-81393281511591457692017-05-25T15:02:00.001-07:002017-05-25T15:02:42.204-07:00Digging Deeper: Worlds<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Welcome back to the Digging Deeper series! </b></span></div>
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Last time we talked about how to create a character that was deeper than just the cartoon flick you read in the daily paper. But everybody has to live somewhere, which leads us to our next topic<span style="font-size: small;">. </span></div>
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<u><span style="font-size: large;">Worlds</span></u></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"> To start with, you have to know where on earth (or not) your world is!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">Fantasy Writers: The job for you guys is actually pretty simple! Wherever you need a place to be you get to make it! No questions need to be asked at all. But this can get really confusing without a proper guideline. The answer: a map! (They aren't just used in the books you know.) Map making can be extremely helpful in organizing where all your cities are, the roads that connect them, major landmarks, and other important facts that give this world its authenticity. If everything just takes place in one city... you might need to get out more. With a map you can be realistic about how long it takes to get from one city to another and give the reader a chance to be familiar with their new home. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">Realistic Writers: The job for you guys is much harder! Unless you are writing a modern-day story, you're going to have to keep your book accurate. (Or just cross your fingers and hope nobody looks up the city you invented) This will require a massive amount of research, depending on what time era you are writing in. By sticking to the true nature of the country and its original names you are able to pull the reader back in time to a real world!</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">Both Writers: You can create a wonderful world by investing the time to make it real.</span><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;">There is a balance between
describing the surroundings to give your character a backdrop and giving a
geography lesson. On the one hand, you don't want to have your
characters moving through an empty scene with just the few props they
directly interact with; but you don't want to bore the reader so they skip to the next dialogue scene.</span> If you just stick to the here and now you'll create this mental picture in your reader's mind:</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"> </span><img alt="Image result for kipper the dog" class="irc_mi" height="479" src="https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/736x/29/62/55/2962557aa3cd6b5fe80f7eaf42d8ad47.jpg" style="margin-top: 138px;" width="640" /></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">When you want to create a world that looks more like this:</span></div>
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<img alt="Image result for fantasy world" class="irc_mi" height="321" src="https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/originals/bf/41/05/bf41051c9d057e95ea071aeb678db6f4.jpg" style="margin-top: 100px;" width="468" /></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"> This brings us to the next point.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"> I'm just
going to assume that at the moment you are sitting at the computer
reading this post, (Just a wild guess) and if you were to look around
you will probably notice a random assortment of items lying about. You
might even notice something that wasn't there before! But all this is
kind of irrelevant since you are trying to read this post within a
decent amount of time. Congratulations! You have just discovered the next
important key to creating a world. Sure, if you sit down and write down every nook and cranny that is in your character's field of sight, you're going to get a pretty detailed setting. (think Les Miserable) But not all of those things are relevant to the story. You're character most likely isn't investigating every corner of the butcher shop while he's talking to a persnickety butcher about a strange blue rock. (if you catch the reference, please comment!) There will be a few things that the character notices right away - like the bad lighting, the smell, or even the strange way the butcher keeps the shop - but he wont identify every pork chop on display or how many windows there are. </span></div>
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Giving the character a world to interact with draws the reader in so they can actually see what the character sees. But the way the character sees things will change depending on the mood the character is in. The same rain storm can be a dismal downpour for a heartbroken young man and a refreshing and life giving shower for a traveler crossing the desert. Same rain, different view. A bedroom can be a prison or a refuge depending on if they are locked in by their evil step-mother or hiding from the chaos of the family with six siblings. Everything is subject to how the character perceives it; and as the author, it is your job to step into your character's shoes to visualize it and write it down for your reader.</div>
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Here is another simple checklist to help make your world real for you and your reader!</div>
<ol>
<li>Does your world have a capital city with surrounding tows/villages? (This applies to fantasy and realistic writers alike.) Everything has to have a home base, and obviously this is where most of the story will be taking place. But to make a true world there is more out there than what the village boy can see. Even if your story takes place in one city alone, bringing in a few travelers that mention other cities can help broaden the view.</li>
<li>Is every town different? If every town offers the same stores and shops then the character should have just stayed at home. Some cities are more beautiful than others, while some might be more sketchy. Depending on how far your character travels the people might even change! (especially for fantasy writers!) </li>
<li>Are you paying attention to the weather? I know this might sound a little weird, but nothing gets more annoying than the book where it is always one weather. Changing up the forecast can present some great challenges for your character. Who knows! A heavy rain could cause a landslide that changes your character's whole life!</li>
<li>Is your character noticing his/her environment, or are you sounding like a narrator? This falls back on that old and familiar saying, "Show. Don't Tell." I don't care how many times you've heard this said! Everything should be seen and perceived through the eyes of the character. </li>
<li>Does the mood of the scenery change? If your story is starting to sound monotonous to you, it's going to bore your readers to tears! As the author, you should be one of the most interested people in this book! You already know everything about your book so make each scene give you that same heart thrill that the last one did or break your heart worse than before. </li>
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Take some time to give your book a fresh look every time to sit down to write! The story line is important, and so is the character, but they need a world for them and the reader to live in! The fog infested field ripe for battle may be setting your heart thumping with the next battle scene, but it will leave your character lost if you don't explain it!<br />
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Well, that's all for now! Stay tuned for the last post in this series. The story is next!<br />
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<i>If you have any ideas and thoughts, please share! Wisdom and experience grow when they are passed along to others!</i> <br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07446180265784745258noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-293054333926767367.post-83732826528019909762017-05-18T12:21:00.001-07:002017-05-18T12:21:36.650-07:00Digging Deeper: CharactersIn my last post on my characters I touched
lightly upon the seriousness of having depth and meaning in your book.
So in this post I really want to drive that point home because depth has
a very broad meaning. Whether it's talking about your characters, story
plots, or (if you are writing fantasy) the world you created, you need
to make it real! Planning is a <i>huge</i> aspect of this.<br />
(I,
personally, love to use Evernote to store all my everythings! From story
plots and characters to the Lorien Language and clothing names, it's
all there in one place.)<br />
When you're writing, you're not just
making a story (Although that's the main objective) you're taking the
reader into a new world to go on a grand adventure! (so don't forget
your handkerchiefs)<br />
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<img alt="Image result for bilbo i forgot my handkerchief" class="irc_mi" height="320" src="https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/736x/e2/91/ae/e291ae0bea91ee571a77265ff7bd8528.jpg" style="margin-top: 0px;" width="318" /></div>
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To start you have Characters: </div>
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As soon as you start to write about a character, that person needs to
become as real as your friends and family. Every little thing about them makes the character live and
breath.<br />
But it all has to be within the context of the story. You can't start talking about how much your character loves burritos in the middle of a complex dialogue that reveals the character's history. What you could do, is talk about how the burritos reminded him of his mother's cooking, therefor leading him into the deep waters of memory. Be complex. Don't distract.<br />
You characters have a personality, a preference, and an objective that
needs to influence every choice the they makes. This is where it
gets tricky for the author. You have to literally step into your
characters footwear (which changes depending on what time period, genre,
and scenario you're writing in) to grasp who they are. You have to get into their head to hear what they are thinking. You are no longer sitting in your chair writing and thinking about what <i>you </i>might do - you have to be your characters and think of what <i>they </i>would do.</div>
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<img alt="Because of reading...: " class="pinImage rounded" data-load-state="pending" data-src="https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/564x/d9/29/07/d929077113b7c8e7bd65b4e4f66efb30.jpg" height="240" src="https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/564x/d9/29/07/d929077113b7c8e7bd65b4e4f66efb30.jpg" width="400" /></div>
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That's why character arcs are so important. People who don't change
never move any further than where they are right now, so your story doesn't progress and your characters remain as simply little puppets. When you write, don't
just create a character - create a living person! Someone who can go
through the same struggles we face in our day to day lives.
If you're character struggles with loyalty, let them find somebody
worth dying for. If you character struggles with doubt, let them find confidence! </div>
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Here's a simple checklist to see how deep your character is.<br />
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<li>Is your character's thinking unique from your other characters? If it isn't, this is a good indicator that your character is blending in with the crowd, which is not a good thing. </li>
<li>Does your character have a preference? Everybody is on a side. Whether it's with the crowd, against the crowd, or on their own, your character needs to know what he/she believes in. Don't make a hamster running around in a wheel but never going anywhere.</li>
<li>What is a random thing that your character does when he/she is nervous? When I read books that have deep characters, they all have that one little nervous quirk. It's just like real people. My brother waves his hands by his side when he's excited, whereas I tend to have a nervous leg twitch. </li>
<li>Does your character struggle with something? Everybody has a personal struggle that needs to be overcome. Whether it's doubt, stubbornness, anger, or fear is dependent on how you want your story line to go. The character's struggle needs to be overcome throughout the story and it is this attribute that shapes everything. Choose wisely!</li>
<li>Last but no least: Is your character thinking and talking? It's far to easy to just go along with the story and never give a thought to your character's mental world. Or the opposite and they spend all their time thinking and never talking. In a stressful situation where there is nobody to talk to, the character can still think. In an intense scene between two foes, they should never stay silent. When something confusing comes up he/she needs to reason it out. When there is a quiet moment between two friends, they need to share their feelings. Writing out your character's thoughts allows the reader to step inside the character's head and so "become" that character. Making your character talk allows the character to guide the reader through the story and not have it told to them like a history lesson.</li>
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If one or more of these things is missing from your book, I highly suggest you step back and take a fresh look at your story. You may have all the in's and out's of your story so settled in your mind that it seems deep and perfectly reasonable; but to a fresh set of eyes where those details are not apparent in black and white, the story can seem shallow and weak. The reader will get a hint that there is something deeper, but will always wonder what unless you write it into your character's personality. (And trust me, that drives a reader crazy!)<br />
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Come back next week and we'll get into the complexity of creating a world for your character! (this applies to fantasy writers and non-fantasy writers alike!) <br />
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<i>What attributes make characters real to you? Please drop a comment down below and share! </i></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07446180265784745258noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-293054333926767367.post-9577793134942360142017-05-11T14:46:00.000-07:002017-05-11T14:46:20.037-07:00Thought Bubble ('s) <div style="text-align: center;">
<img alt="hobbit" class="pinImage loaded fade" data-src="https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/originals/74/d9/34/74d93445b92b94adea673b0b3ea689d6.jpg" id="i-35gr" src="https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/originals/74/d9/34/74d93445b92b94adea673b0b3ea689d6.jpg" /></div>
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<u><span style="font-size: large;">Hello Everybody! </span></u></div>
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(yes, yes, I know the gif is random. But it's the only one that shows what's going on inside my head)<br />
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Once again, life has gotten in the way of my blogging. Between finishing High school, work, and other life-thingies, I haven't had a spare moment to write! </div>
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But that hasn't stopped my mind from thinking.</div>
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And thinking I have most certainly been doing. </div>
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The only problem with being a sporadic - and slightly nutty - jack-of-all trades is that my thoughts can range anywhere from super depressing to an idea that could very well land me in the loony bin. (Unfortunately those are usually the ideas that sound like the most fun, so I do them. No, I am not insane) </div>
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So here you have 20 thoughts I think in a day.</div>
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Please Note: This post has absolutely no purpose outside of hopefully making you laugh and realize that writers might be as crazy as you think we are.</div>
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<ol>
<li>How fast can I eat breakfast before work? (Ditched it and grabbed a granola bar to eat on the way)</li>
<li>How much I would rather not get trampled by a horse. (Explanation of crazy thought: I'm a horse trainer/exerciser) </li>
<li>When on earth am I going to get the music that I'm playing for church. (*Computer goes Bing* "Aaaand there it is!") New thought: Dare I try and sing them?</li>
<li>Character development for Reynold. (e.g How is he going to fall in love with a traitor, reconcile with his evil brother, deal with his dying friend, make peace with the mystrious Farlinians, come up with battle plans and nearly get killed, and a zillion other thoughts while I'm being dragged around by a horse. It's really rather invigorating.)</li>
<li>Which characters should I kill in my book. (The mind of an author is a dark and twisted place) </li>
<li>What I should do with my chainmail. (Explanation of crazy thought: I made a chainmail suite out of soda tabs. It took over 2,000.) </li>
<li>How long will it take for me to get the nerve to tan the deer hide in my freezer. (I need it to make a jerking for my chainmail.)</li>
<li>Dare I risk learning to front flip on the ground? (Because doing it, and a backflip, on the trampoline is getting old.) </li>
<li>How can I satisfy my sugar craving without actually eating sugar? (Solution: Frozen fruit and cream. At least I'm not hungry anymore)</li>
<li>I'll just cross my neighbor's creek to get to the barn. (This was a really dumb idea because the creek is still swollen from snow melt and moving at the speed of a small river. If you're thinking I fell in you can pat yourself on the back. Yes, I did fall in. Yes, it was very cold. And yes, I will probably do it again.)</li>
<li>I really need to work on school and stop blogging. (I ignored that thought.)</li>
<li>I need to finish my mom's Mother's Day present.</li>
<li>I really want to read a book and pretend that school doesn't exist.</li>
<li>Sugar craving is back.</li>
<li>Realize that I speak the hardest language on the face of the earth. (I'm going my English) </li>
<li>Wonder what else I'm thinking about...</li>
<li>What am I going to post next? </li>
<li>Which Parkour move would be the simplest to learn yet still look really cool? </li>
<li>I hate Algebra.</li>
<li>I need to avoid the computer because it's addicting.</li>
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So there you have it. Actually, those are all the thoughts I think before 12 and then I spend the rest of the day cycling through them a hundred times. Life is good!</div>
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Up next, though, I'm going to start a series on digging deeper into planning a book. (Something that has taken me several years to learn) Hopefully I will have that up next week. (But with the way my thoughts run I'm never sure until the day of!) </div>
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<i>Do you ever get any crazy thoughts? (Better yet, did you act on your crazy thought?) Feel free to drop a comment below! </i></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07446180265784745258noreply@blogger.com4