The Stubby Pencil

Thursday Movie Review--Season of the Witch

2012-02-23T04:00:00.000-08:00

Season of the Witch PG-13 2011 1 hour 53 min

In 14th century Europe, a courageous knight (Nicholas Cage) leads a group of weary warriors across impossibly treacherous terrain in order to transport a suspected witch believed to be responsible for spreading the devastating Black Plague.

I was intrigued with the setting, the wardrobe, the historical features--it was all done very well. I had the feeling of being there with them. They had me right up to the end. Is she or isn't she a witch?

Then, the ulimate battle of good versus evil at the end left me feeling cheated because it was so hokey. I won't spoil the ending, the producers/directors did that. And, with all of the really excellent things out there to watch, you really don't need to waste your time with this one.

I'd give it 1 1/2 stars.

Tuesday Tips--Feed your Muse part trois

2012-02-21T04:00:00.000-08:00

Feed your Muse part trois

1. Allocate a block of time and just write what comes to mind. Think on paper.
2. Be open. Don't close the door on any idea.
3. Stop trying to be perfect. That expectation wastes a lot of emotional energy.
4. Avoid multi-tasking. You need to focus.
5. Avoid logical thinking/being practical. It is the enemy of innovative thoughts.
6. Allow your mind to be at play.
7. Ponder.

Monday Morning Motivation

2012-02-20T04:00:00.000-08:00

"Life is all about Plan B." ~Anonymous

Life is Plan B. I can't think of anyone whose life is what they imagined as a child, or even as a college student.

For better or worse, we learn to be flexible and 'go with the flow'. It's okay if life takes a detour, it's just a bend in the road. Maybe it's not of your choosing, maybe you don't like where this detour has taken you.

Learn what things you can change and change it. The things you can't change can always be modified by a positive outlook. Sometimes Plan B turns out better than Plan A. Enjoy the journey!

Thursday Movie Review--The Chronicles of Narnia: The Dawn Treader

2012-02-16T05:00:00.000-08:00

The Chronicles of Narnia: The Dawn Treader
PG 1 hour 53 min. 2010

With their spoiled cousin, Eustace, Lucy and Edmund take an unexpected trip back to Narnia and join noble King Caspian for an epic high-seas adventure. Setting sail aboard the Dawn Treader, the young heroes head for the end of the world, determined to rescue seven once-powerful lords banished by Caspian's evil uncle.

Based on the series by C. S. Lewis, you know the symbolism abounds. I'm always amazed at what these kids can accomplish against enormous odds. Eustace comes away learning some life lessons as well. Awesome family movie, but it should be discussed. Find out what your kids think about it. See if they pick up any of the symbolism. Often times, my kids pick up much more than I do, or they see it in an entirely different way.

Tuesday Tips--Feed your Muse part deux

2012-02-14T05:00:00.000-08:00

Feed your Muse part deux

1. Take a shower and change clothes. Start fresh.
2. Get away from the computer. Get your pen and a notebook and go somewhere else.
3. Do a chore. Something moderately physical to get your circulation going.
4. Talk to a monkey. Try to explain what you're trying to say to a stuffed animal. Don't worry unless he talks back.
5.Spend time with your children or someone else's children. I use grandkids for this.
6. If you have more than one WIP, make a box or binder for each project. When an idea hits write it down and throw it in your box/binder. When you're blocked flip through your ideas.
7. Imagine waking up in your favorite fictional place. For me it would be The Shire, Lothlorien, or Hogwarts.

Stay tuned next week for Feed your Muse part trois
Oh and Have a Happy Valentine's Day xoxo

Monday Morning Motivation

2012-02-13T05:00:00.000-08:00

This quote was taken from a book of quotes by Kobi Yamada entitled She...

Don't we all find reasons or excuses why we can't follow our dreams? I think it stems from a basic fear of failure and rejection. If we never try we don't have to face the failure.

I've attempted several things over the course of my life. I've taken classes and lessons galore, and either I became good at whatever and got bored with it (yes, I am ADD), or what I perceived as success was just out of reach and I lost interest before I achieved the goal.

That second scenario is where my failures live. I only failed when I quit. There are two ways to never fail. One is to never try anything, and the other is to never give up.

So, what's it going to be?

Thursday Book Review--Retirement Quest: Make Better Decisions by John Hauserman, CFP

2012-02-09T04:00:00.000-08:00

Retirement Quest: Make Better Decisions by
John Hauserman, CFP

This is not your average bedtime storybook, but it is well written with clear-cut information. It is definitely a teaching tool that I could've used 30 years ago.

This book is intended to help young people and those with resources, make educated decisions for their retirement needs. He even has a formula to help you determine what your needs will be.

From this book I learned the difference between stocks, bonds, different types of bonds, and the kind of broker or investment advisor to use to get the most bang for my buck. I also learned how to avoid panic in those "times of tumult".

All of this information is written so a lay person, such as myself can understand. Some of the information went over my head, but I grasped the basics. Like I said, I could've used this book 30 years ago.

I really liked the last couple of chapters where the author takes the time to review the last several decades of American and World history and shows all of the factors that have influenced our economy to this point. I especially appreciated his conservative approach and his take on entitlement. He quotes JFK--
"Ask not what your country can do for you--ask what you can do for your country." The author then suggests that "one thing we can do for our country is to prepare ourselves financially" (page 98). This way we do not become a liability to our families or our country.

I wish I would've understood these things as a newlywed. If we had put a little away with each paycheck before paying anyone else, we wouldn't have missed the money and we would've learned to live on less. Fortunately, our children have learned from our mistakes.

This book would make an excellent wedding gift to help get newlyweds off to a healthy financial future. Husbands and wives should read this together.

To learn more about the author check out his website
http://retirementquest.com/home.aspx

To buy this book, look here
http://www.amazon.com/RetirementQuest-Better-Decisions-John-Hauserman/dp/0983021708/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1327988186&sr=8-1

Tuesday Tips--Feed Your Muse

2012-02-07T05:00:00.000-08:00

When I find myself between projects I almost feel like a ship without an anchor, being tossed about by every wild idea that comes along.

I've decided to take time to feed the muse, rest on calm seas, then get back to work. For the next 6 weeks I'll be sharing a few items I've received from workshops, or my own experiences that I hope will strike a chord for someone out there, something to inspire you.

Leap! And the net will appear.
If Policemen, Firemen, and Sanitation Engineers can do their jobs every day, then so can I.
Creativity is a muscle. Exercise it daily.
Don't shut down or judge any idea that comes along.
Stop telling yourself you're not creative.
You are unique, not ordinary.

This came from a handout by Sara Fitzgerald.

Monday Morning Motivation

2012-02-06T05:00:00.000-08:00

I'm better off not knowing the odds. It has been said that writers, in general, have fragile psyches. I think everyone is fragile to some extent. What is it that makes us want to try against all odds?

For me, I think it's because I just want to write. I'm well aware of my lack of skill, and that no one else may like what I write. But that doesn't mean it will always be that way.

I improve everyday, and who knows, I might just write that best-seller.

What makes you want to write against the odds?

Thursday Book Review--Persuasion: A Latter-day Tale by Rebecca H. Jamison and GIVEAWAY!

2012-02-02T05:00:00.000-08:00

Persuasion: A Latter-day Tale by Rebecca H. Jamison 227 pages

From the Back Cover:
When Anne broke off her engagement seven years ago, she thought she’d never see Neil Wentworth again. But when Neil’s brother buys the house she grew up in, it seems fate has other plans in store. Anne is unprepared for the roller coaster of emotions that come when Neil returns and starts dating her younger friend.

Convinced that Neil could no longer have strong feelings for her, Anne pushes away all thoughts of the past. But when the handsome man she’s been dating decides he can’t live without her, Anne must come to terms with her past.

Fans of Jane Austen’s Persuasion will enjoy this modern version of her most romantic story.

My Review:
Actually, I liked this tale a wee bit more than Jane Austen's version. This story combines the best of both worlds. The hero is dashing, romantic, and holds the Priesthood; a real Captain Moroni/knight in shining armor. Anne is the nurturer who can never say no, but still finds a way to doubt her own self-worth.

Both of them are afraid to communicate their true feelings even when prompted. Friends and family complicate matters, and add to that an element of danger and suspense, I really couldn't put it down. My other responsibilities suffered until I finished this book.

When Anne receives a priesthood blessing, I actually felt the Spirit remind me of those same feelings, and I cried. This is one of those books that make you feel like you've snuggled up with a warm blanket and a hot cup of cocoa. I thoroughly enjoyed my stay within those pages and regretted when it was finished and I had to leave.

There are evocative questions at the end of the book for discussion. I think this would be a great book for YW to read and study out what type of hero they should look for in a husband. This book would make a great gift for any of the Romantics in your life and Valentine's Day is coming up!

Now the GIVEAWAY! Would you like to win a copy? If you'd like to enter for a chance to win this wonderful book, become a follower of this blog and Rebecca's blog (address below), and leave a lovely comment with your email address. DEADLINE: Monday February 6, 2012 at Midnight MST. This contest is open to international entries. If you live within continental North America you could receive your choice of hard copy or ebook, if you live outside North America you could receive an ebook copy. Good Luck!

Price: $15.99
Number of pages: 240 pages
Genre: Romance
Publisher: Bonneville Books (Cedar Fort)
Release Date: Feb 7, 2012

Rebecca H. Jamison Biography
Rebecca Jamison met her husband on a blind date. His first words to her were, "Do you want to get together and play spin the bottle?"(He was trying to avoid another bad blind date, but she went out with him anyway.) Rebecca grew up in Vienna, Virginia. She attended Brigham Young University, earning a BA and MA in English. In between college and grad school, she served a mission to Portugal and the Cape Verde islands. Rebecca and her husband have six children. She enjoys running, dancing, making jewelry, reading, and watching chick flicks. You can learn more about her at http://www.rebeccahjamison.com/

Links
Blog: http://www.rebeccahjamison.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/#!/RebeccaHJamison
Youtube book trailer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oKgM9tuCzSo

To buy: http://www.amazon.com/Persuasion-Latter-day-Rebecca-H-Jamison/dp/1599559471/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1326255452&sr=8-1

Publisher Blog http://www.cedarfortbooks.com/
Publisher Facebook https://www.facebook.com/cedarfortbooks

How to Make a Book Trailer by Rebecca H. Jamison

2012-02-01T05:00:00.000-08:00

I'm so excited to have Rebecca Jamison, author of Persuasion: A Latter-day Tale, as a guest post today. I hope you enjoy this post as much as I do. I can't wait to try it out.
Take it away Rebecca--

How to Make a Simple Video Book Trailer

When I signed a contract to publish my book, I didn’t think I’d have to do much, other than attend a few signings. Since that time, I’ve done a lot of things I never thought I’d have to do as an author. One of those was to create a video book trailer and post it on YouTube.com. This is a link to the trailer I created:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oKgM9tuCzSo

Here’s how I eased my way through the process:

Search YouTube.com
I searched for book trailers on YouTube and watched for what I liked.

Collect Pictures
I started collecting pictures in a folder on my computer. I asked friends and relatives to send me pictures of places I mention in my book. I also looked online for royalty-free photos. You can do a google search for “free royalty free photos.” Here are the two websites I used:

http://www.freedigitalphotos.net/
http://www.istockphoto.com/

The first website lets you use photos for free if you place the photographer’s name on the photo when you use it. (You can do this by placing a small title at the bottom of each photo.) The second website requires you to pay a small fee for using their photos. (I only spent $1.99.)

Import Pictures to Windows Movie Maker
I imported my pictures to Windows Movie Maker. If you have Windows on your computer, chances are you also have Windows Movie Maker. (If you have a Mac, iMovies works similarly.) Once you get your pictures imported, you can drag and drop them into the Movie Maker timeline.

Here’s a tutorial about using Movie Maker to create a book trailer:

http://www.mywritingblog.com/2011/11/how-to-create-video-book-trailer-using.html

Experiment with Windows Movie Maker
After I put my pictures into the Movie Maker timeline, I clicked on each picture and added a title for each one. Each title was part of a sentence that explained, in as few words as possible, what the book was about. Once I had the titles roughed out, I tried out different fonts, colors, and effects.

This process was a lot of fun for me. I played around with the length of time my pictures stayed on screen. I rearranged my pictures, imported more pictures, experimented with overlapping pictures, and revised my titles. I added a picture of my book cover to the beginning and a few endorsement quotes to the end, along with my website address.

Find Music
Next, it was time to find a soundtrack. One online source suggested using the Windows sample music as a soundtrack, so that’s what I did. I dragged and dropped a song to the bottom of the timeline. I had to listen to the music many times to figure out where to clip it for the best effect.

After posting my video to YouTube, I found out that using the Windows sample music wasn’t a great idea since its owner now has the right to place advertising on my YouTube video. So far, this hasn’t been a problem, but I’d recommend a different strategy. A lot of authors get their music from Kevin MacLeod’s website:
http://incompetech.com/m/c/royalty-free/#

You can also try getting permission from musicians to use their songs or do a google search for “royalty-free music.”

Publish the Video
When I was finished editing, I selected “publish my video” on Movie Maker. It’s important to keep track of the address where you save your published video, and make sure there’s plenty of space there.

Upload to YouTube.com

Finally, I went to YouTube.com. At the top of the home page, I clicked on “upload” and followed the directions. Within twenty minutes, my video was online. I wrote down the address for my video and later posted it to Facebook and my blog.

Rebecca H. Jamison Biography
Rebecca Jamison met her husband on a blind date. His first words to her were, "Do you want to get together and play spin the bottle?"(He was trying to avoid another bad blind date, but she went out with him anyway.) Rebecca grew up in Vienna, Virginia. She attended Brigham Young University, earning a BA and MA in English. In between college and grad school, she served a mission to Portugal and the Cape Verde islands. Rebecca and her husband have six children. She enjoys running, dancing, making jewelry, reading, and watching chick flicks. You can learn more about her at http://www.rebeccahjamison.com/

Monday Morning Motivation

2012-01-30T05:00:00.000-08:00

"Follow your dreams, they know the way!" ~Anon

Taking that first step, the first workshop, the first LUW chapter meeting, the first contest submission, the first critique group, and the first query letter feels like I'm stepping into that dark forest. I have no idea what I'll encounter there. The only thing that is certain is if I don't take that first step I'll never go anywhere. I'll never know what my dreams had in mind or what could've been.

Thursday Movie Review--The Conspirator

2012-01-26T05:00:00.000-08:00

The Conspirator Rated PG-13 2 hours 2 min 2010

Robert Redford directed and produced this historical drama that follows the efforts of a young lawyer, Frederick Aiken (James McAvoy), who was a northern civil war hero, as he defends Mary Surratt (Robin Wright), a confederated sympathizer accused of conspiring to assassinate President Abraham Lincoln.

Realizing that Surratt may in fact be innocent, Aiken defies public opinion and risks everything to get her acquitted.

Such a poignant and incredibly dramatic film. The makers of this movie claim to have gone to great lengths to make this film as historically accurate as possible down to the smallest details. I believe it. I felt like I was in the middle of it. I could understand the pain of a nation losing a truly good man in the President of the United States, and the need of some to obtain retribution at the risk of slaying justice. The politics of the situation are swirling around you in every aspect, the traditions of the day where Mary Surratt was not allowed to testify in her own defense, to the effects on the career of this young attorney. It was political suicide to defend her. Aiken not only risked his career but he risked the love of his girlfriend.

Mary Surratt owned the boarding house where John Wilkes Booth stayed and where he and other men planned three attacks in concert. Aiken is reluctant to defend the only women accused at first until he realizes that she is a pawn, bait to draw out her son, who is the only accused to escape capture. She refuses to betray her son although he does not do as much for her.

The tension and feelings of a post-civil war portrayed here reminded me a lot of the type of fervor experienced after 9/11. It is only natural to seek for justice and retribution. It is easy to see how those desires for justice can quickly turn into a witch hunt. It is a good reminder for us to take a step back before we make justice the next casualty of offense.

I give it 4.5 stars out of 5.

Tuesday Tips--Show your "Tells"

2012-01-24T05:00:00.000-08:00

Writers are supposed to "show, don't tell." This post is about showing your "Tells".

According to poker.com, a tell is any physical reaction or kind of behavior, or habit that"tells" the other players information about your hand.

So, if you have a character who's lying show us his tells. They might exhibit any one or combination of the following:

A change in pitch.
A change in the rate of speech.
A sudden increase in "ums" and "uhs".
A change in eye contact--he stares, eyes widen, or he looks away.
Turning his body away from the person he's speaking to.
A hand reaching, even if momentarily, to cover part of the face, especially the mouth.
Fidgeting.
Shaking hands.
A tug at his collar or loosening his tie.
A change in respirations from rapid breathing to holding his breath.
Face flushing.
Perspiration.

When the average, good person lies they experience an increased heart rate, and a raise in blood pressure. As a result the character may perspire and feel his face flush. He may even feel palpitations depending on the strength of the conflict.

Describe mixed signals like the character who says she loves your MC but is not smiling, may even clench her fist or her eyes appear blank.

More experienced liars can lie with no emotion like holding a poker face. They may be passed feeling, even sociopathic.

Have fun catching your characters in their lies.

Monday Morning Motivation/Quote of the Week

2012-01-23T05:00:00.000-08:00

"Aerodynamically, the bumblebee shouldn't be able to fly, but the bumblebee doesn't know that so it goes on flying anyway." ~Mary Kay Ash

That's why as parents we encourage and praise the juvenile efforts of our kids like our parents did for us and their parents did for them and so on. If we believe we can, we do. If we believe we can't we don't even try.

So bee a Bumblebee!

Quote of the Day

2012-01-20T05:00:00.000-08:00

"Everything you want in the world is right outside your comfort zone." ~Jamie Lee Curtis

Dreaming of Books Blog Hop Winner

2012-01-20T04:00:00.000-08:00

And the Lucky Winner (ala random.org) is:

SUE

I'll be emailing you for your snail mail address.

Thank you all for your lovely comments. It's always so hard to choose. Thanks to random.org for taking the pressure off of me.

Thanks to I'm a Reader not a Writer and Martha's Bookshelf for hosting!

Book Review--Darkness Within by Sara Fitzgerald

2012-01-19T05:00:00.000-08:00

Darkness Within by Sara Fitzgerald YA Paranormal 99 pages

16-year-old Samantha Van Skyhawk has been oblivious to her family's--situation--for some time. A week before her 17th birthday her mother suddenly uproots Samantha, and her younger brother Josh, in the middle of the night and takes them to a small town a thousand miles away, Shadow Falls, in a desperate attempt to avoid the family curse.

Shadow Falls, like Samantha's family, has many secrets. It's where her parents grew up, where it all began. Josh has certain abilities and is able to teach Sam about her own abilites. Two love interests manifest themselves as light and darkness and she loves them both, but can she save them both?

As a war between light and darkness looms over Shadow Falls, Samantha faces a similar war within herself. It is a story of love and sacrifice.

What I liked about this book: First, is the pacing. It is a fun, quick read. It has great pacing that steadily builds to the climax. The action is intense and left me guessing right up to the last page.

Second, it is a story full of witches, vampires, and werewolves, but with a new twist on the rules. There is an alternative to the curse of living as the undead. If only they can find what they need in time.What I liked most is this alternative mainly depends on choices.

Third, the life lesson taught in this book is when Samantha realizes the power is in her. Amidst continuing doubts she finally makes her choice, for better or worse. The other life lesson taught is when Samantha is grateful for all of the sacrifices that have been made for her by everyone around her, but will it be in time to save her family?

Like to know more about Sara Fitzgerald? She is the author of four other books:
Mine for Keeps, Anything for Charity, Just what the Doctor Ordered, and Yesterday's Wish. Check out her website at http://www.sarafitzgerald.net/.

If you'd like to purchase Darkness Within you can find it at http://www.amazon.com/ or http://www.champagnebooks.com/.

Tuesday Tips--Writing Metrics

2012-01-17T08:52:00.000-08:00

I was so excited to read this post by Rachel Aaron. I only wish I could share the link with you so you could read the details.

The Triangle of Writing Metrics by Rachel Aaron (remember I'm paraphrasing here) aka "How to go from 2K to 10K words per day."

1. Knowledge--know what you're writing before you write it. Write a quick description of what you're going to write. If your scene starts to make a wrong turn, you can get it back on track without wasting a lot of time and words.

2. Time--keep good records. Record the date, start and stop times, how many words written or what you accomplished, and your location when you wrote. The author did this to see if location made a difference in her productivity. Here's what she found out: first, her productivity was higher in places without the internet. Second, her productivity increased if she could manage blocks of time of 4-5 hours. She was more productive than if she used small blocks of time. She got faster the longer she worked. She knew it was time to quit for the day when her brain fried. Third, she also found that she was more prolific in the afternoons rather than mornings or nights. Her main point here is to track your productivity and time spent to make sure you're not wasting your precious writing time on avoidable inefficiencies.

For myself, I have found that just by writing down my time spent and work completed makes me more accountable and I spend less time wasting away.

3. Enthusiasm--the days the author's word counts soared were the days she wrote scenes she was really excited about. By contrast, her slow days corresponded to the days she wrote scenes she wasn't crazy about. She realized that if she had scenes that were so boring she didn't want to write them, who would want to read them?

This not only had a profound effect on the quality of her writing, but her daily word count shot up again.

I like how all three of these elements are inter-related, maybe even co-dependent. Ms. Aaron's main point is that you can increase your word count by concentrating on any one of these elements, but you can soar if you corner all three.

Tuesday Tips--Writing Metrics or How to go From 2K to 10K Words per Day by Rachel Aaron

2012-01-17T05:00:00.000-08:00

Check out this Guest Post on the SFWA website: “How I Went from Writing 2,000 Words a Day to
10,000 Words a Day”: http://www.sfwa.org/2011/12/guest-post-how-i-went-from-writing-2000-words-aday-to-10000-words-a-day/

I get excited by these kind of articles. I am putting her suggestions into practice. So far I've found, especially with keeping good records of my time spent, there is another benefit: I am more accountable for my time now that I can see where it goes. I am spending less time on social media and more on revisions.

I think this, along with the Story Structure I learned from Dan Wells workshop will supercharge my productivity. I can't wait to start another book!

Take time to read this article. It'll be worth your time spent.

Addendum: Sorry the link is not working. The SFWA is upgrading their website. I will post the condensed version from my notes. Sorry for the inconvenience.

Monday Morning Motivation--Dwelling on the Past

2012-01-16T05:00:00.000-08:00

I love history and I love researching the past, but I also tend to dwell on my past, mistakes I've made or on the offenses of others. I let those things weigh me down and hold me back.

I've decided that the past, as far as the negative is concerned, no longer exists. I read my own quote of the Day post of January 6, "Though no one can go back and make a brand new start, anyone can start from now and make a brand new ending," and it finally hit me.

Those negative things only have as much power as we give them.
So, I'm cutting them off. I've learned from the past, but I no longer dwell on my past. I don't worry about the future. I live in the present, take one day at a time, do the best that I can, and enjoy the journey that is today. That's all any of us need to do.

Quote of the Day

2012-01-13T05:00:00.001-08:00

"Laughter is the shortest distance between two people."
~Victor Borge (One of my favorite entertainers of all time)

Dreaming of Books Blog Hop

2012-01-13T00:01:00.000-08:00

Happy Friday, the 13th! It's your lucky day!

Thanks to I'm a Reader not a Writer and Reviews by Martha's Bookshelf for hosting this blog hop.

So many chances to win! Remember, the more you enter the better your chances!

Due to shipping expense, my blog contest is limited to the continental US only. Sorry for the inconvenience but the cost adds up fast.

On my blog you could win your choice of a Mary Engelbreit desktop organizer OR one of the used books from my Reading Relics page. I'll even throw in some no-guilt, sugar-free Worther's.

All you need to do to enter is:

1. Become a follower, or let me know you are already a follower.
2. Follow me on Twitter @thestubbypencil.
3. Leave me a lovely comment with your choice of prizes and your email address.

That's it! You're entered! I love meeting people on the blogosphere. I learn so much from your blogs!

Now, don't forget to check out these other blogs for even more chances to win:

Thursday Book Review--The Ember Gods by Andrea Pearson

2012-01-12T05:00:00.000-08:00

The Ember Gods by Andrea Pearson
Book #2 in The Key of Kilenya Series

At the end of book one, fourteen-year-old Jacob Clark returns from Eklaron. He frustrated the evil plans of the Lorkin and returns the Key of Kilenya to its rightful owners, but for some reason, the key only works for Jacob.

When he escaped the Lorkin, he had to leave his friend, Aloren behind in order to save another friend, Akeno, who is seriously wounded. Jacob is haunted by this decision and vows to return for Aloren.

The Ember Gods begins with the beginning of a new school year for Jacob. He now has to balance the demands of high school, trying out for the basketball team, friends and family, and the responsibility he feels to the Makalo and the world of Eklaron being pulled between both worlds.

Jacob learns patience and obedience the hard way (don't we all?), and learns the consequences of not listening to the adults who care for him, and his inner voice. If he had listened he not only would've saved himself and his brother, Matt some severe consequences, but he would've had more information and more protection that would've made his mission go much easier. Isn't that what we all do? We strain against obedience only to find out our lives didn't have to be so difficult if we'd have only listened. Jacob learns more about himself and his new-found abilities and learns to trust the wisdom of others.

There are several things I liked about this book: first, I really liked the development of the relationship between Jacob and his older brother, and I look forward to finding out more. Second, I enjoyed the pacing of this book more than the first. I was able to keep up with the new information. Third, there are a couple of surprises that made total sense and explained some of my questions from book one, while leaving a couple of questions for book three, August Fortress, to answer. Fourth, the action is never-ending in both worlds. Fifth, the journal entries become everything. I wonder if Mr. Coolidge turns out to be a problem in book three. He knows too much.

I give this book 4 out of 5 stars for a fun read and life lessons taught. I'm looking forward to August Fortress.

Andrea Pearson

To purchase on Smashwords: http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/91099

To learn more about the author: http://www.kilenyaseries.com/

Tuesday Tips--Story Structure by Dan Wells

2012-01-10T05:00:00.000-08:00

I Googled 'story structure images' and found a zillion different diagrams for how to build a story. Talk about confusing. I was totally lost until . . .

Last week I watched a video of a workshop taught by Dan Wells in 2010. Check it out at http://www.iwritenetworkning.ning.com/. Click on the videos tab. He showed how to build a story step by step.

Here's the condensed version from my notes:

After you've germinated an idea, collected characters, setting, and main conflict, there are 7 steps to building the Hero's journey:

The Hook--the story opens with the MC at his weakest point
Plot turn 1--call to adventure, the MC learns his role
Pinch 1--apply pressure and conflict
Mid Point--where the MC moves from reaction to action
Pinch 2--apply more pressure, i.e., the loss of a mentor forces growth; MC nearing the jaws of defeat
Plot Turn 2--MC gets the last piece of information, the last clue he needs to snatch victory from defeat
Resolution--MC finds the power within himself and ends in a position of strength

But wait . . . there's more. There's an order to the madness that I hadn't considered before. Start at the ending! Dan Wells taught to fill in the above outline in the following sequence:

2 The Hook--The Hero has a sad life
4 Plot turn 1--The Hero becomes a role
6 Pinch 1--A bad guy attacks
3 Midpoint--The hero learns the truth and swears to defeat the villain
7 Pinch 2--Companions or mentor fall to the villain leaving the Hero alone
5 Plot turn 2--facing the villain, the Hero discovers the power is in him
1 Resolution--The Hero defeats the villain

Start with how you want your book to end, then go to the hook and make the MC the exact opposite of his character at the end. Then the midpoint, plot turn 1, and so on. This makes structure so much easier and logical.

Then you flesh out your story with character development, rich environments, ice monster prologues (you'll need to watch the workshop video for this explanation), try/fail cycles, and inter-woven subplots.

The cool thing about this outline is that you can use it for each of your subplots. Spread the subplots throughout your manuscript and make sure they have a cause and effect type relationship on each other for more impact. Remember J.K. Rowling's outline?

Monday Morning Motivation--Joy of Discovery

2012-01-09T05:00:00.000-08:00

One thing that keeps me motivated to write, apart from the love of writing, is the Joy of Discovery! I can't wait to get up on Monday mornings and get back to researching. I learn something new every day. It's not always from researching on the Internet. Sometimes it's from other writers like you who inspire me. I'm always learning from my kids and grandkids, and sharing the joy of learning with them is beyond expression. I love to see the light in their eyes flash when they learn something for the first time, or the glint of mischief when they get one of those sneaky ideas. It is one of life's delights.

What are some of your delights?

Quote of the Day

2012-01-06T05:20:00.000-08:00

Thursday Media Review--A Simple Twist of Fate

2012-01-05T05:00:00.000-08:00

A Simple Twist of Fate rated PG-13 1 hour 46 min 1994

Michael McCann, played by Steve Martin feels totally betrayed by the world after his wife reveals that he's not the father of their unborn child. Five years later we find him living alone in a small town. He becomes miserly and reclusive. He works at home building furniture. Everything changes when he adopts a little girl whose mother died outside, in front of his house.

This movie is very touching with a pinch of melancholy. I worried that something bad was just about to happen all throughout the story. It is a heart-warming tale produced by Steve Martin, definitely worth your time.

A Simple Twist of Fate is based on the novel Silas Marner by George Eliot, screenplay written and produced by Steve Martin. We even see him play the banjo in this movie. I tend to overlook the many talents of Steve Martin. I give it 4 out of 5 stars for a job well done.

Eat Healthier Granola

2012-01-04T05:00:00.000-08:00

One of my on-going resolutions is to eat healthier. Making granola can be tedious, but so worth the benefits. I adapted this recipe from my neighbor and friend, Linda.

You need a really large bowl to mix this in.

10 cups oats, quick or rolled
1 cup wheat germ
1 cup flax
4 cups rice krispies
3 cups coconut
2 cups nuts chopped (any kind)
1 cup sunflower seeds (unsalted)
4 scoops protein powder

Mix dry ingredients well. Mix the following ingredients well before adding to the dry mix:

2 1/2 cups water
3/4 cup vegetable oil
1 cup brown sugar (may substitute honey)
1 tsp salt
1 tsp vanilla
1 tsp cinnamon
1/2 tsp nutmeg

Make sure the sugar and salt have dissolved before adding to the dry mix. Add gradually while mixing. Continue mixing until all of mixture is equally moist. Spread half of the mixture across a large cookie sheet (I use 2 jelly roll pans with 1 inch lips). Bake at 200 degrees for 30 minutes. Take pan out of the oven. Stir and break up clumps. Return to the oven and bake another 20 minutes. Stir again. Let cool. Add raisins, craisins, or other bite-sized dried fruit. Place in air-tight container (two 5-quart ice cream buckets work well). Repeat for the second pan.

Tuesday Tips--De-clutter

2012-01-03T05:00:00.000-08:00

Yes, you've seen my messy desk before. This is how I work. I also, have several pages open on the Internet while I research. Sometimes clutter is the way, but sometimes I need to clean house.

Get rid of the clutter that is no longer relevant. Reduce and Simplify. Whatever is left, stack in priority piles. The 'have tos' then the 'want tos'.

A good desk calendar with big enough squares for me to list my obligations on is essential for me to establish my priorities.

The same holds true for my life. Sometimes I get too involved in 'clutter', and it's time to clean house. My priorities shift from time to time so I need to be flexible, take inventory, and re-prioritize. There's no need to stress over this. Sometimes I think I have to fix or change things right now and all by myself, when time alone will fix things.

I think the important thing is to do the best you can, not someone else's best. Never lose sight of the joy of your priorities. If your priorities don't bring you joy, then it's time to re-think them. I don't mean the fanciful type of joy that fades but the type of joy that comes from investing your time and energy, and working hard on something worthwhile--families, faith, and writing, of course :o)

Happy New Year!

2012-01-02T05:00:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year Everyone!!

Ah, that blessed time when we take inventory of our lives and goals.

I recently read a lot of negative comments on Facebook regarding goals. Making goals then falling short of them causes disappointment and discouragement. Many people stop making goals all together because they feel like failures.

I'm here to tell you that you only fail if you give up. I will continue to make goals and strive to achieve them because even if I don't accomplish those goals I am still further ahead than if I never set goals.

We don't have to be failures. Use The Secret by Rhonda Byrne, "At the end of every day, before you go to sleep, go back through the events of the day (good time to sort things out in a journal). The moments that didn't go the way you wanted, replay them in your mind the way you wanted them to go."

Here's my challenge to each of us for the coming year whether you set goals or not:
"You cannot help the world by focusing on the negative things. As you focus on the world's negative events, you not only add to them, but you also bring more negative things into your own life. Instead of focusing on the world's problems, give your attention and energy to trust, love, abundance, education, and peace."
~Rhonda Byrne The Secret

Quote of the Day

2011-12-30T05:00:00.000-08:00

"Genius is one percent inspiration and 99 percent perspiration."
~Thomas Edison

Movie Review--Super 8

2011-12-29T05:00:00.000-08:00

Super 8 1 hour 52 minutes released 2011 rated PG-13

For four months Joe copes with the physical loss of his mother and the emotional distance of his father, the deputy of a small town. His friends decide to enter a movie-making contest with a Super 8 camera.

While shooting the movie, Joe and his friends witness something incredible. 25-year-old secrets begin to unfold causing events to quickly spiral out of control.

The story seems almost autobiographical the way it drew me in. J. J. Abrams does a masterful job of building the suspense slowly against the backdrop of a race for survival.

I was surprised at how much I liked this movie. It's a coming of age tale for Joe, his father, and his friends. I'd give it 3.5 stars out of 5. It's definitely worth a look-see.

Winners of the Midwinter Blog Hop

2011-12-28T09:15:00.000-08:00

Thank you everyone for the most delightful comments! I get a kick from meeting new friends in the blogosphere.

And the winners, ala Random.org are (drumroll in the background):

Krysta Banco and Linda Henderson

I'll be emailing you for your addresses.

Happy New Year Everyone!!

Festive Cheese Ball

2011-12-28T05:00:00.000-08:00

A good Cheese Ball offsets all the holiday sugar intake. Its fun to nibble during a fun, family game night or New Year's Eve party. This is from Christmas Recipes from the Lion House.

2 (8 oz) pkg cream cheese
2 cups grated cheddar (I like to use Colby-jack)
2 TBSP finely chopped green onion
2 tsp Worcestershire sauce
1 tsp lemon juice
1/2 tsp lemon pepper
1 cup finely chopped nuts
chopped parsley

Soften cream cheese. Add remaining ingredients except nuts and parsley; mix well until blended. Divide mixture in half. Spoon into 2 small bowls lined with wax paper. Refrigerate for several hours. Lift out wax paper with cheese mixture from each bowl, and mold cheese into ball, using wax paper to protect hands. Roll each ball in chopped nuts and parsley. Refrigerate. Remove about 15 minutes before serving and serve with a variety of crackers. Makes 2 small balls.

Tuesday Tips--Good Informational Blogs

2011-12-27T05:00:00.000-08:00

Good informational blogs (sorry, I couldn't find just the right image for this). These are blogs I have found very helpful for the type of research I do. I know there are scads more out there. These are merely the tip of the iceberg:
http://robertleebrewer.blogspot.com He has good, practical information. I'm going to put up a Facebook timeline from an article he posted on his blog. Excellent for techno-challenged people like me.
http://iwritenetworkning.ning.com A very informative social network for writers.
http://www.slcc.edu/cwc/ This is the Community Writing Center run by Salt Lake Community College. They offer free and low-cost classes and workshops.
http://elanajohnson.blogspot.com See her Query letter page. She is the Query Ninja!
http://writetodone.com/ A lot of good 'how-to' articles. You can download their free book The (Nearly) Ultimate Guide to Better Writing.
http://englishhistoryauthors.blogspot.com Several authors share their research on English History--Good resource!
http://sarahs-history-place.blogspot.com She posts research articles related to everyday English life, from falconry to toys and games to economics and the Plague--a wonderful resource.

What are some of your favorite blogs? I could really use a good resource for Scottish history and accents.

Monday Morning Motivation--What Motivates You to Write?

2011-12-26T05:00:00.000-08:00

I know why I write. I've posted about it before, but what is it that really motivates me?

Last week I went 3 days without writing. I answered my emails, wrote my blog posts (which helped some), and checked up on my FB friends. It just wasn't enough.

I became discouraged and even a little agitated when I came to the end of the day and realized I'd run out of time to actually write (or rewrite).

I grew up with my parents' work ethic--"work first, play later." Since I consider domestic chores and errands the 'work', I have to get those things out of the way before I can play (write).

I've gotten quick, almost negligent at doing chores, so writing has become my reward for getting my chores done. For sanity's sake though, I think I'll make time for a writing journal/progress tracker of sorts. I can always add it to my perfect planner. It should fill the need to write a little something every day.

What's your motivation?

Quote of the Day

2011-12-23T05:00:00.000-08:00

"Happiness has one advantage over wealth--no one can borrow it!"--Unknown

Remember that for Christmas!

Merry Christmas to all and to all a good night!

7 Layer Cookies

2011-12-22T05:00:00.000-08:00

This is a bar cookie that you'd better cut into small pieces because they are soooo rich and gooey!

Butter or spray the bottom of a 9 x 13 inch pan.

First layer--1 pkg graham crackers, crushed. Line the bottom of the pan.
Second layer--drizzle with one stick melted butter or margarine.
Third layer--Sprinkle with 2 cups chopped walnuts
Fourth layer--Sprinkle with 1 (12 oz) bag semi-sweet chocolate chips.
Fifth layer--Sprinkle with 1 (12 oz) bag of butterskotch chips.
Sixth layer--sprinkle with 2 cups coconut
Seventh layer--drizzle 1 (14 oz ) can sweetened condensed milk over the top
Bake at 350 degrees for 20 minutes. If your oven gets too hot you may need to reduce time and temp. The coconut should be golden. Wait for cookies to cool before cutting.

Hint: I like to make my own sweetened condensed milk because it's so inexpensive. The following recipe is enough to cover 2 pans of 7 Layer cookies:

1 cup hot water
2 cups sugar
Heat until sugar is dissolved. Add 1/4 cup margarine (which is half of a stick). Pour in blender and add 2 1/2 cups powdered milk. Blend until smooth.

Midwinter's Eve Blog Hop

2011-12-21T00:01:00.000-08:00

Thanks to "I am a Reader, not a Writer" blog and "Oasis for YA" blog for sponsoring this Blog Hop! I'm only sorry I'm not in time for Christmas gift giving so this will have to be a gift you give yourself. There are over 200 chances to win.

Due to the cost of postage I have to limit myself to the continental US only. Thanks for understanding.

On my blog you can win this really cool, Mary Engelbreit Desktop Organizer. It includes an address book and a To-Do list, very cute. In fact, I'm giving away two of them!

All you need to do to is:

1. Become a new follower (if you're already a follower just let me know in your comment).

2. Leave a lovely comment with your email address.

That's it! Don't you love to simplify?

Now, don't forget to check out the other blogs on the list!

Tuesday Tips--Personal Planners for Writers

2011-12-20T05:00:00.000-08:00

Always on the lookout for the perfect planner/organizer for writers I thought I'd publish my own. Unfortunately, I don't have the money to invest and I'm wasting a lot of time on it. So I made my own planner/organizer using a regular one inch binder. I'm sharing my ideas with you as sort of an early Christmas present. If you would like to see some of my pages, leave me a comment with your email address and I'll email the files to you to use as you wish.

To start with, I have an 8.5 x 11 calendar on a tear pad in the front. I bought that at an office supply store. Then I have a tab for NOTES with regular lined paper. This is for classes and workshops. Then I have a tab for MY BUG JAR where I keep specimens, like interesting characters I meet in reality and in my dreams, bits of dialogue, and settings/scenery descriptions. The next tab is THE BOOK SHELF. I use this for listing book ideas I get, articles or pictures that inspire a new story, and a list for my 'to be read' piles. The next tab is SUBMISSIONS LOG where I can keep track of whom I've sent queries to and their responses. The next tab is CONNECTIONS. This is for all of the business cards I collect at conferences and workshops. You could also add a tab for your personal journal. The benefit of using a binder is that it can grow with you.

In additon, but kept seperately is my TO DO list. It's an 8.5 x 11 tear pad divided into three columns: Family, Church, and Work. One list just doesn't cut it for me. I have to seperate things out so I can prioritize. A alternate method could be putting your 'to do' list on your calendar.

I apologize for not having a direct link to these pages, but I didn't want to take the time to put everything on Google docs. So you can either just use my ideas and make up your own pages, or I can email you the files to print yourself.

Here's to wishing you all a Wonderful Christmas and an Organized New Year!

Monday Morning Motivation--Maintenance

2011-12-19T09:54:00.000-08:00

I didn't get my blogpost written on time due to computer maintenance. I thought I had scheduled certain tasks like the defragmenter, but apparently not. So now I have all of this info clogging my poor computer and the empty space on my hard drive is gone. The computer is slow and and I can't use the defrag until I free up 15% of my hard drive.

What a metaphor for my life! My brain is overloaded with lists and lists, and I've caught myself doing unspeakable things. For instance: every night I load the dishwasher with soap, shut the door and forget to turn it on. I forgot to pick up my neighbor's mail while they were out of town.

Saturday, I went to Stephanie Worlton's book signing, got distracted by my brother-in-law for a few minutes, said good-bye to Stephanie and then tried to walk out of the store with her book. Thankfully, I caught myself before I hit the doors and went back through a checkout. If I get any worse, get set for humiliations galore.

So when I set out to write a post of excuses, I realized I'd better get some maintenance done. Maybe it's chocolate withdrawl = chocolate stat! And my apologies Stephanie, if you had to witness that!

Quote of the Day

2011-12-16T05:00:00.000-08:00

"Follow your bliss and the universe will open doors for you where there were only walls."
~Joseph Campbell

My Top Ten Favorite Christmas Movies

2011-12-15T05:00:00.000-08:00

I love family-friendly Christmas movies. I especially love the LDS Church's Christmas videos depicting our Savior's birth. They went to great lengths to make them with as much historical accuracy as possible.

This is a list of fun movies I enjoy watching every year.
Counting down from #10-Ernest Saves Christmas--I know, corny, but Ernest embodies the child-like faith and joy of the season.
#9-Yes Virginia, There is a Santa Claus with Richard Thomas.
#8-The Story Lady with Jessica Tandy.
#7-Home Alone and Home Alone 2.
#6-The Santa Clause 1, 2, & 3.
#5-Holiday Inn and White Christmas.
#4-The Bishop's Wife with Cary Grant and Loretta Young.

#3-The Polar Express.
#2-A Christmas Carol with George C. Scott, of course there's zillions of different versions out there. This one is my favorite.
And #1 is It's A Wonderful Life with Jimmy Stewart and Donna Reed.

You may be thinking that's cliche, but I don't care. I fell in love with this movie as a sophomore at BYU. I took the film class thinking it was a cake class but ended up learning something. I had never seen nor heard of this movie before. What a delight, but then, who doesn't love Jimmy Stewart? I'll be a fan until the day I die, George Bailey.

Easiest Fudge Ever!

2011-12-14T05:00:00.000-08:00

Are you ready for the easiest fudge recipe ever? This came from my neighbor and friend, Linda:

Combine 1 bag semisweet chocolate chips with 1 cup of milk chocolate chips and 1 can of sweetened condensed milk and warm over low heat until it melts. Add 1 cup nuts or anything else you want (mint--mmmm). Pour into buttered 8x8 pan. Chill at least 1 hour.
P.S. Have you ever googled 'fudge' images? Mouth-watering!

Tuesday Tips--Organizational Tool

2011-12-13T05:00:00.000-08:00

You wouldn't know it to look at my desk, but I crave organizational tools. I sometimes use them to distract me from writing. I begin researching at almost the same moment I begin thinking of ideas for a new book. I try to keep my notes organized in file folders and a filing cabinet, but I sometimes forget how or where I filed stuff. I also like to gather pictures, maps and floor plans.

This tip comes from a blogpost by Canda Mortensen on the http://iwritenetworkning.ning.com/ website. The post is her notes on an interview with Nancy Allen about the notebook she puts together when she writes. I like this system because I can put all of my research in one spot, and I'm not confined to a certain number of pages--it can grow with my research. Here is Nancy Allen's notebook--each tab has a purpose:

Tab 1--Brainstorming: She puts all random thoughts, beautiful phrases, action, ideas, etc., in here.
Tab 2--General Outline: She writes a synopsis, no details or elaboration--just a half page of how the story starts and ends. (For me, I prefer J.K. Rowling's method of outlining. If you'd like a copy of what my outline chart looks like, leave a comment with your email address.)
Tab 3--Individual Character Analysis: This includes physical characteristics, interests, strengths, weaknesses,
family history, motivation, goals, most prized possession, etc. (My character development comes from James N. Frey: physiological traits + sociological factors [family, background] = psychological [motivation, and what he really wants], pedigree and family group sheets with images from the Internet if possible, and the character's life story, including all of his secrets, written by that character.
Tab 4--Research: She keeps all of her notes in one place (historical details, dress, sayings, etc).
Tab 5--Running Edits: If you need to make changes you can jot down a note in this section about what needs to be fixed on what page without interrupting your writing. You can go back and fix items in your list later.
Tab 6--Next time notes: When you run out of time for writing jot down the ideas that are still in your head
or goals for your next session.
Tab 7--Scene Maps: First, she writes the goal of the scene. What's the point of this scene? Then she uses
sticky notes to write one event/action on each one. Then she can move those around to get the order she wants before writing. If she has 5 sticky notes and only uses 3 in that scene, she moves the other stickies to the next scene (this is the one I'm most anxious to try).
Tab 8--Sources: This is the place to document the books, movies, websites, documentaries, etc., that are
used in researching the story.

The best part of this system is that it is totally customizable. For my use, I combined Research and Sources together in the same tab, so that I could add another tab for maps, floor plans, architectural pictures, pictures of historical figures, and my own drawings. I also put my scene maps right behind my outline section.

This is so much nicer than having file folders all over the place. If I need my research on another project, its going to be a lot easier to find!

Monday Morning Motivation--Images

2011-12-12T05:00:00.000-08:00

Remember the old saying, "A picture is worth a thousand words"? It's true. I practice descriptions, but I doubt I could ever find words enough to describe some of the beauties of the earth. Instead, I use images. If I get stumped describing a building, room, facial features, animals, a floor plan, or the relationship of my characters to any of these things, I search out images or I draw them out myself.

Some of these pictures evoke entire stories. I can see the beginnings of a story about a kingdom by the sea. Images can fuel our imaginations.

I have a friend who painted a beautiful portrait of Rapunzel. She is wistful melancholy and has yet to share the secret longings of her heart with me for she knows I might divulge them to others. I know her story is one that must be told. She is unlike any other Rapunzel I have ever seen and I hope to be able to share her with you some day.

What sort of images haunt you with their stories?

Quote of the Day

2011-12-09T05:00:00.000-08:00

"If you would not be forgotten, as soon as you are dead and rotten, either write something worth reading, or do something worth writing." ~Benjamin Franklin

Thursday Book Review--All These Things I've Done by Gabrielle Zevin

2011-12-08T05:00:00.000-08:00

I'm reviewing a few YA books for my local library for the Beehive Book Awards. So far, I've read two books. The first book did not hold my attention enough to plow through the bad language, and since I have little positive to say about it, I won't. I realize that I have rather puritanical tastes so just know that I can't recommend Dreamland Social Club. One of the reasons I read YA is too avoid offensive language.

Anyway, on to my review of All These Things I've Done by Gabrielle Zevin.

This is a dystopian set in 2083 New York City. Water and paper are scarce. Coffee and chocolate are illegal. Sixteen-year-old Anya Balanchine's family have been in the chocolate business for years. Her father was the crime boss of the Balanchine family until he was killed by a hitman when she was nine, and her mother was killed three years before that. Her bedridden grandmother is her legal guardian. At the time when this story takes place, Anya is saddled with the responsiblity of caring for her bedridden grandmother, and older brother who is mentally incompetent, and a younger sister. She does whatever it takes to keep her family together while her life becomes increasingly complicated.

The story is well written, and the characters are very well developed. I found myself synpathizing with and cheering for them. Anya struggles to keep her own values while faced with so much responsibility. There is an element of suspense that adds to the intensity. Anna is forced into creative problem-solving, but the story ends on a hopeful note. There are occasional four-letter words, but not distracting, and there is an 'almost' love scene but we are spared the description.

All in all, I'd give it 3 out of 5 stars.

Easy and Yummy Chocolate Eclair Cake

2011-12-07T05:00:00.000-08:00

This is a yummy treat for any time of year, but I usually make it for Christmas parties.

Ingredients:

1 package graham crackers
2 pkg (3 oz) french vanilla instant pudding
3 1/2 cups milk
1 (8 oz) carton cool whip

Start with a 9 x 12" pan. Butter (or spray) bottom and sides of pan. Cover bottom of pan with a layer of graham crackers. Mix pudding with milk and blend in cool whip. Layer pudding, graham crackers, pudding and end with graham crackers. Spread Frosting over top.

Frosting:
2 squares of melted unsweetened baking chocolate
1 TBSP corn starch
1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
1 tsp vanilla
3 TBSP milk
3 TBSP melted butter

Chill for 24 hours. This lets everything soak in. It really is worth the wait.

Tuesday Tips--Show Don't Tell

2011-12-06T05:00:00.000-08:00

Today's post is borrowed from Write to done blog by Mary Jaksch.

I've been to workshops and classes that teach about "show don't tell" several times, and I work on this skill every day.

I read this post by Mary Jaksch with examples form John LeCarre's writing. Talk about VIVID. I hope to write like this some day.

Description of people:
Instead of writing, "She was tall. She had dark hair," etc.
Contrast it to an example in Smiley's People:

"Barley looked at Clive, who had one of those English faces that seemed to have been embalmed while he was still a boy king, at his hard clever eyes with nothing behind them, at the ash beneath his skin."

Wow!

Take a look at how John LeCarre introduces a new character:

"There was a knock at the door and Wintle came in, an eternal student of fifty-seven. He was tall but crooked, with a curly grey head that shot off at an angle, and an air of brillance almost extinguished. . . He sat with his knees together and held his sherry glass away from him like a chemical retort he wasn't sure of."

It's all in the description. Use the strongest verbs possible. Let your reader see what you see. Immerse your reader into the feelings of your character. Let your reader hear the dialogue. Dialogue gives insight into your characters. Avoid adverbs with speech tags.

Tells are okay when the incidents don't move the plot.

Practice is part of the journey. Enjoy!

Monday Morning Motivation--Life after NaNo

2011-12-05T05:00:00.000-08:00

Life after NaNo

All of a sudden the keyboard is silent. I have to admit, I had to take a minute to remember what I was doing before Nano.

I took a couple of days to regroup and list goals.

Sometimes I get sidetracked by the temptation to search for the elusive "perfect Idea" that will knock people's socks off and change the world, and I'll make millions.

That totally sucks all of the joy out of writing for me.

I have to remind myself why I write:
1. because I enjoy reading so much.
2. because writing brings me clarity of thought--which becomes harder with each birthday.
3. because of the sensation I get when characters and events take on lives of their own.
4. because writing teaches me something new every day.
5. because writing is worthwhile and will hopefully bless the lives of my family (see President Hinckley's quote on my sidebar).
6. because I enjoy having a reason to do research.
7. because, most of all, it brings me a simple joy.

Quote of the Day

2011-12-02T05:00:00.000-08:00

"You write your first draft with your heart. You rewrite with your mind." ~William Forrester
(AKA Sean Connery in Finding Forrester)

Ta Da!

2011-12-01T10:12:00.000-08:00

I did it! My final word count is 51991 and I actually finished Tuesday, November 29 at 7 pm. I could've written more, but I was fried.

Although NaNoWriMo's website validated my word count at 51856, I'm sticking with what my computer said--51991. Every little word counts!

And yes, I will be printing this off!

What to Do with Turkey Leftovers

2011-11-30T05:00:00.000-08:00

After all the big chunks are devoured in sandwiches, use your small scraps in a Turkey Pot Pie.

3 cups diced turkey
4 cups water (add 4 tsp chicken broth)
1 onion chopped
1 cup chopped celery (about 3 stalks)
1 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper
2 cups sliced carrots ( I put in a bag of whole petities)
5-6 peeled and diced potatoes
1 cup frozen peas (if desired)

Let boil together about twenty minutes until vegetables are soft but not mushy. Add 1 can cream of chicken soup. Take off heat and stir in roux (1 stick melted butter mixed with 1 cup flour). When roux is dissolved return pan to heat and bring to boil until thick. Pour turkey mixture in 9 x 13 pan, place on cookie sheet.

Mix biscuit dough:
2 cups flour
2 tsp baking powder
1 tsp sugar
1/2 tsp salt
1/3 cup shortening
1 1/3 cups milk

Mix dry ingredients. Cut in shortening until mixture is coarse. Stir in milk only until mix is moistened. It will be lumpy. Bake at 400 degrees for 20-25 minutes or until biscuits are light brown. Serves ten maybe more.

Monday Morning Motivation--NaNoWriMo Day #28

2011-11-28T05:00:00.000-08:00

NaNoWriMo Day #28 The Home Stretch

Word Count 45744

This has been an adventure to see what I could really do. It has been a love-hate relationship. I like the goal setting and knowing what's possible, but I don't like the gulit of missing a day when life happens. My real life depends on me being able to roll with the punches. I love to see what emerges, how the story and characters take on lives of their own and evolve. I don't like going off willy-nilly. Next time, I will preapre better. I will develop my characters and background story along with the research a month in advance instead of a couple of days before.

Ah, the coulda, woulda, shouldas.

Quote of the Day

2011-11-25T05:00:00.000-08:00

"What's life without a few dragons?"
~Ronald Weasley

May you tame all of your dragons!

Thanksgiving Thursday

2011-11-24T05:00:00.000-08:00

Have a wonderful Thanksgiving!

We have so many things to be grateful for. So many, that I can't list them all here. Gratitude for my Savior and my family are at the top of my list, along with gratitude for all of the sacrifices of my ancestors, and our founding fathers.

One thing I have always had is a deep and abiding love for are days gone by and the simple ways. Maybe that's the reason I enjoy reading and writing historical fiction more than any other genre.

I'd like to share the lyrics from one of my favorite songs:
Simple Gifts
by Elder Joseph Brackett

'Tis the gift to be simple, 'tis the gift to be free,
'Tis the gift to come down where we ought to be,
And when we find ourselves in the place just right,
'Twill be in the valley of love and delight.

When true simplicity is gained,
To bow and to bend we shan't be ashamed,
To turn, turn will be our delight,
Till by turning, turning we come 'round right.

May we always be thankful for the simple things in life--family and home and faith.

Herbed Turkey Breast

2011-11-23T05:00:00.000-08:00

Herbed Turkey Breast

I roast a full turkey in the oven for Thanksgiving, and an extra breast in the crock-pot because most of the family wants white meat. Crock-pot turkey breast comes out so moist it melts in your mouth.

2 TBSP butter softened
1 TBSP sage
1 TBSP tarragon
1 garlic glove minced
1 tsp black pepper
1/2 tsp salt
4 lbs turkey breast (I cook 7-8 lbs--about 6 hours on high)

Thaw turkey breast. Remove skin and discard. Place turkey breast in crock-pot. Rub butter mixture all over breast. Cover. Cook on low 8-10 hours or high 4-5 hours, until turkey is no longer pink in the center.

NaNoWriMo Day #21

2011-11-21T05:00:00.000-08:00

NaNoWriMo day #21

Word Count 37309

This week went better. I think it has been a free-ing experience not to edit as I write, not to worry about convention, and grammar, and passive verbs that plague me. I had hoped to use this story but I'm not sure I want to do all of the revising necesasary. It would feel like I was the guy with the wheelbarrow and shovel after the parade.

Another thing I don't understand are the people who can write 9000- 10,000 words in one day. I'm lucky if I write 3000 words in a day. I am happy with that for now--slow and steady wins the race.

Quote of the Day

2011-11-18T05:00:00.000-08:00

"There is no psychiatrist in the world like a puppy licking your face." ~Ben Williams

Autumn Stuffing

2011-11-16T05:00:00.000-08:00

Autumn Stuffing

3/4 cup toasted raisin bread crumbs
1/4 cup diced unpeeled apple
1/4 cup diced unpeeled pear
1 1/2 TBSP minced onion
1 TBSP finely chopped celery
1 TBSP butter or margarine melted
1/2 tsp sugar
1/4 tsp pepper
pinch of ground sage
1 cup coarsely chopped walnuts or pecans

Toss, cover, microwave on high for 5 minutes.
This recipe works best if fresh apple and pear are used, but can use canned if you're in a pinch.

NaNoWriMo Day #14

2011-11-14T08:48:00.000-08:00

NaNoWriMo Day #14

No excuses--I fell behind my goal of 25,000 words for the end of last week. I made it to 23,940 words.

My struggle this week was a lack of purpose. Why was I doing this? Is it just a writing exercise? Even as a first draft it's crap. It is less than crap. It is the dirt beneath crap.

Okay I can deal with revisions. I've been doing revisions on another WIP for the last eight months. Revisions are what we really write, but not during NaNoWriMo.

Then all of a sudden, while writing my blog post for Veteran's Day, my purpose became clear. It's funny, not funny ha ha, but funny strange or peculiar. That's what writing does for me. It brings me clarity of thought. It brings things that are out of focus into sharp focus, sharp enough to jump out at me sometimes.

So. . . armed with purpose I hope to kick things into gear this week. I'll be taking Tuesdays and Thursdays off until December 6.

Lucky Winner Winner Winner!

2011-11-12T07:43:00.000-08:00

First of all, let me say Thank You to Tristi and Kathy for hosting this blog hop.

And Thank You all for the lovely comments you left. It's awesome to meet so many people. I wish I had a prize for each of you. From the majority of the comments I received, I'm not the only one with a journal and book fettish. I made little journals from my earliest memories, at about age four.

Now to announce the Lucky Winner Winner Winner chosen by random.org

~Babs~

I will notify you by email.

Thanks everyone for your entries and I hope you'll continue to visit my blog from time to time. And I hope you'll find it worth your time. Hugs from Mary Ann

Happy Veteran's Day

2011-11-11T11:11:00.000-08:00

As I thought about Veteran's Day today, the main word that kept coming to mind was sacrifice. Sacrifice of one's all.

For my NaNoWriMo project I did a little research into women's contributions in WWII, particularly in the OSS, The Office of Strategic Services (predecessor of the CIA). I read The Sisterhood of Spies by Elizabeth P. McIntosh who served in the South Pacific. She interviewed many of the hundreds of women who served in the OSS in different parts of the world.

These women provided vital service from the lack-luster, tedious filing type jobs, and tracking every serial number from German manufacturing plants, to operating underground resistance groups, and providing cover documentation and identifications behind enemy lines. Every women experienced deprivations of war. They were a part of everyday life, the kind of deprivations few of us will ever know, thankfully.

One lady in particular, Virginia Hall, continued to serve behind enemy lines even after she lost a leg while serving in Turkey. She was fitted with a wooden leg and went back to work in France. She became one of the most feared of Allied spies. Although in constant pain, she learned to modify her limp with her prosthesis because she'd be given the nickname of "la dame qui boite," the lady who limps. This was her only identifiable trait as she was a master of disguise and a remarkable actress. She accomplished too many things to list here.

So many women sacrificed to serve. They sacrificed the very things we take for granted. They were well educated women, fluent in at least three languages; many born in wealthy families who could've avoided service if they wanted to.

Thank you to all of the men and women who sacrifice even the basic necessities so that we can live in luxury. Thank you to all who gave the supreme sacrifice, "Greater love hath no man . . ."

Quote of the Day

2011-11-11T05:00:00.000-08:00

"There are so many people out there who will tell you that you can't. What you've got to do is turn around and say, 'watch me!'"
~Unknown

Thursday Book Review--Austenland by Shannon Hale

2011-11-10T05:00:00.000-08:00

Austenland by Shannon Hale

Jane Hayes is thirty-something and single with an obsession for Mr. Darcy and all things Austen. Not just any Mr. Darcy--Colin Firth's portrayal, to be specific. (Me personally, I've never met a Mr. Darcy I didn't like, anyway, let's just say I related well to Jane.)

Jane is intelligent and capable, yet she lacks confidence and has forgotten what joys her own life has to offer. She visits a wealthy great aunt who seems to be one of the few people who understand her. Six months later this aunt dies and bequeaths Jane an all-expense paid trip to Austenland, where women can escape their realities for the romance of a bygone era.

When Jane checks in she leaves her clothes, all of her belongings (almost all), and her identity behind. She is allowed few modern day conveniences but has to where the corsets, eat the food, and participate in the activites of Austen's time. Jane is finally in the middle of a Jane Austen book, and of course wants her old life back. She resists the false part of the story and is attracted to what she thinks is real.

Her journey through Austenland is a path of self-discovery. Like most of us, Jane really hasn't taken the time to figure out what it is she really wants. Eventually she is able to let go of old Jane as she finds new Jane.

That narrative is enchanting and the dialogue is clever--almost as good as Jane Austen, herself. I wasn't ready for the book to end when Jane's vacation came to a close. Luckily, there were a few surprises saved for the end.

One of my daughters thought it was too dramatic. That made it funny to me because I've worked with many drama queens. It's a farce. I thought it more understated and subtle. Basically, this story succeeded in entertaining me. It was a fun, romantic frolic. I give it 4.5 stars out of 5.

Austenland was made into a movie this last summer starring Keri Russell. Stephanie Meyer (Twilight author) is the producer. Midnight in Austenland, a companion book with a new heroine, is set to be released Jan 31, 2012. You can pre-order on B & N website. It sounds like another fun read with a little suspense thrown into the mix.

Old-Fashioned Pumpkin Pie

2011-11-09T05:00:00.000-08:00

Old-Fashioned Pumpkin Pie

You can roast your own pumpkin or used canned. I've done both. Roasting my own pumpkin makes it extra good, and you can find smaller pumpkins specially bred for pie-making. You will probably need to strain your pumpkin once it's roasted.

I used to make my own crust, but once I became a working mom I went to frozen pie crusts--not as good as my mom's, but it's better to have time with your family than time in the kitchen.

The best canned pumpkin, in my opinion, is Libby's.

3/4 cup sugar
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
1/4 tsp ground ginger
1/8 tsp ground cloves
(may use pumpkin spice about 1 tsp)
2 large eggs
1 (15 oz) can pumpkin
1 (12 oz) can evaporated milk
1 unbaked deep-dish pie shell (if you need to use the shallow ones, use two).

Beat eggs in large bowl, stir in pumpkin and dry ingredients. Gradually stir in evaporated milk.
Before I pour into the pie shell, I cover the edges of the pie crust with aluminum foil. Set the shell on a cookie sheet, then pour the pumpkin into the shell. The shell gets over full so be careful. Using the cookie sheet, place the pie in the oven (I use the bottom shelf). Bake at 425 degrees for 15 minutes. Remove the pie crust guards, reduce heat to 350 degrees and bake 40-50 minutes longer or until knife inserted in the middle comes out clean. Cool at room temperature for two hours. Serve immediately or refrigerate. Yummy!

November's Blog Hop

2011-11-08T00:01:00.000-08:00

Welcome to November's Blog Hop sponsored by I am a Reader not a Writer and Tristi Pinkston. You have over 200 chances to win something fun.

On my blog you can win . . .

A romantic Hideaway for all of your secrets

Contents include: A Christmasy Mary Engelbreit Journal,
A set of 10 note cards just waiting to be embellished,
and a lovely, new Paper-mate pen

Here are the rules:

1. Open to the continental US only.

2. Become a follower. (If you are already a follower let me know in your comment)

3. Leave me a comment if you'd like to win and why, with your email address.

That's it. The winner will be chosen at random on November 12, 2011 and notified by email.

Now, for even more chances to win visit the links of participating blogs on my sidebar. Good Luck!

NaNoWriMo Day #7

2011-11-07T05:00:00.000-08:00

That's hot chocolate in my mug--
Stephen's Gourmet chocolate candy cane

Day #7 Progress Report as of 0500 this morning

word count = 10640

I'm finding my biggest difficulty is trying to shut off that internal editor. My second biggest problem is dealing with distractions.

Quote of the Day

2011-11-04T05:00:00.000-07:00

"Live in Thanksgiving Daily."
~Alma:34:38

Thursday Book Review--Midnight Omen Deja Vu by Marti Melville

2011-11-03T05:00:00.000-07:00

Midnight Omen Deja Vu by Marti Melville 5 out of 5 stars!

Katherine, an Emergency Room RN, suffers from day dreams during her workday. Are they day dreams or are they memories?

She is led back through a past life regression where she lived in a tiny seaside village near Wales. Kathryn's grandmother teaches her how to use their gift of healing. Not long after a moonlight omen, pirates kidnap Kathryn for their Captain. She is taken aboard their ship bound for the Caribbean.

Kathryn learns that her destiny is tied to protecting the men aboard The Revenge, especially the captain. They become essential to each other. It is a pirate tale of love and sacrifice.

The author seamlessly weaves her vast amount of research into the minutest of details of Kathryn's adventure. I was on board with her. I felt the rise and fall of the ship against the waves, I smelled the salty sea air, the fetid breath of rotting pirate teeth mixed with rum, and the months of unwashed pirates. I heard the gulls, the crash of breakers against the shore, and the perfect piratese. I saw dolphins play alongside the ship.

While I don't go in for past life regression stuff, it was a vehicle to tell this tale. This is definitely the most fun I've read this summer, so much fun. I can hardly wait to read the next.

What started out as family history research has turned into a deal for the production of a pilot for a new television series. Check out Marti's website http://www.martimelville.com/ and watch the book trailer:
http://youtu.be/JBHZN1iu9Co

Turtle Pumpkin Pie

2011-11-02T05:00:00.000-07:00

Turtle Pumpkin Pie
caramel drizzle
1 honey graham cracker pie crust
pecans, chopped
1 cup cold milk
2 (3.4 oz) pkgs jello vanilla pudding mix
1 cup canned pumpkin
1 tsp ground cinnamon
1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
1 (8 oz) tub cool whip

Drizzle caramel topping onto crust and sprinkle with pecans. Set aside.

Beat milk, pudding mixes, pumpkin and spices with whisk until blended. Stir in 1 1/2 cups cool whip. Spread into crust. Refigerate at least one hour. Top with remaining cool whip, caramel topping, and pecans.

Tuesday Tips--NaNoWriMo Day #1

2011-11-01T05:00:00.000-07:00

This is my first year at NaNoWriMo. I've thought about it before, but not brave enough to try it. I decided it was time to take the plunge. Whatever doesn't kill us makes us stronger, right?

I went through my calendar to count the number of actual days I'll be able to write = 24 days /50,000 words = 2133.333 words per day.

I put my little NaNo tracker on my blog.

I went through my story idea file--not much germinating there, but maybe one little seed. I don't know all of my characters yet and I don't have an outline.
This is going to be awesome *choke*cough*sputter. No really, it'll be good.

What do you do to prepare?

'Twas the Night Before NaNo by Mary Ann

2011-10-31T05:00:00.001-07:00

'Twas the night before NaNo and all was prepared. I'm no longer frightened, nor a little bit scared.

All my blog posts were pre-posted with care, in hopes that my followers still will be there.

I'm nestled way deep down in my bed while visions of outlines and plots run amuck in my head.

When out from my keyboard did suddenly arise
Something red and hairy with two little white eyes.

He spoke not a word, but went straight to his work pulling out cables and power cords with a sharp little jerk.

And I heard him exclaim as he flashed out of sight, Happy NaNo to all, and to all a good write!

Bonus Book Review--Hope's Journey by Stephanie Connelley Worlton

2011-10-28T05:00:00.000-07:00

Hope's Journey by Stephanie Connelley Worlton

blurb--"The seemingly perfect worlds of Sydney and Alex, high school sweethearts on the brink of graduation come crashing down around them when they learn that Sydney is pregnant. They face separate journeys of self-discovery and loneliness as they try to rebuild their individual lives and shattered dreams."

It's not just another YA romance. Sydney is a straight A student and very active in the LDS faith. Alex plans to serve an LDS mission.

At the beginning, I thought this would be a difficult read, but the author's words flow seamlessly, almost effortlessly. That is the sign of a great author--one who makes writing appear effortless.

It's not just that this is well written. This book has great potential for vast amounts of good. I think it helps us see people and situations more the way the Savior sees them.

The characters are very well developed. I related to them on two different levels.
First, it took me back to age 17, dating my first boyfriend. Although thankful we didn't cross that line--this story could've been ours just as easily.

Second, I related as a Young Women's leader. How do I help the self esteem of a Young Woman convinced that she is worthless. One particular Young Woman came to mind--a friend of my daughter. I prayed over her, talked with her, and treated her as one of my own, but she was in denial. Instead of getting to the root of the problem, her mother provided birth control. I will never know if she was able to pull out of that tailspin.

This I do know, if she'd had the chance to read Hope's Journey, I think it would've made a big difference in her life. In fact, I think every young woman of dating age, and every young man who has a girlfriend should read this book.

The author does a wonderful job dispelling the stereotype. Many good LDS kids find themselves in this situation. They're not necessarily bad kids, but normal mistake makers like the rest of us.

The author also does a great job portraying the honest emotions of both sides. Although I often found myself thinking Alex was a selfish jerk, I couldn't help but admire the courage it took to be so open and honest. Yes, Alex is fictional, but his reactions are very common in the real world.

SPOILER ALERT: My only concern is the ending. While the author acknowledges that Syd's answer is not going to be everyone else's answer, I fear that kids who read this will rationalize that things should work out this way for them without putting their own effort into finding their own answers. From my experience as a labor and deliviery nurse, Syd's answer is not typical--it's more the exception. Kids get the impression of the "happily-ever-after" ending rather than the "beginning-of-work-and-compromise-for-the-rest-of-your-life" sort of ending. The author does provide sound advice and discussion questions at the end. For me I woould've liked to read one more chapter about the work and struggle of the next several years.

Read this with your kids so they don't miss the whole point of this book. No matter how the story ends for each individual, the message of hope is the same. If you take the steps of repentance in faith, Heavenly Father and the Savior's atonement provide that hope and all of the little details will work out, regardless of those details.

Overall, this book is a definite must read for teenagers in general, but especially for those who find themselves in this position, and their parents, because it truly does bring Hope.

To read more reviews, find purchase information, and details about the book giveaway check out Stephanie's blog, Kreating Krazy, stephanieworlton.blogspot.com

Read a sample of the book at hopesjourneybook.com

Hope's Journey book trailer - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TsJ0E4ReOH8

Hope's Journey Giveaway:

As part of Hope's Journey's blog tour, we will be giving away an autographed copy of Hope's Journey to one lucky winner. To enter, simply visit the author’s blog (stephanieworlton.blogspot.com) and leave a comment on the BLOG TOUR page. Plus, for a few bonus entries, “like” Hope's Journey on Facebook or become a follower of Stephanie’s blog. It's that easy!

Contest is limited to those within the continental US. Each person is eligible for up to three (3) entries. Contest closes at 11:59pm November 14,2011. Winner will be selected by random.org then notified via email and listed at stephanieworlton.blogspot.com on November 15, 2011.

Thursday Book Review--The Key of Kilenya by Andrea Pearson

2011-10-27T05:00:00.000-07:00

The Key of Kilenya by Andrea Pearson YA Fantasy

First off, I love the book cover. I've always had a fascination for keys, especially antique keys. I have a collection, so that all by itself grabbed my attention.

Second, I enjoyed the journal entries--a very unique way of providing the back story. I found myself caring as much about the characters in the journal entires as I did for the main characters.

Third, the action begins from about page two and never lets up. In fact, I had a hard time keeping up. I felt a lot like the main character, learning on the run.

When two of the largest, and darkest of wolves chase fourteen-year-old Jacob Clark into the forest behind his home, he leaves this world and enters the forest of another world.

With vivid descriptions, the author paints a new world of sights, sounds, smells and lots of new terrors. Jacob learns of new races of beings, and creatures, and the properties of this world while being hunted, or is he being driven?

He has to learn quickly of his own abilities--abilities he never knew he had. He has to reach deep within himself and push himself harder than he ever has before. He learns to care for others and he has to make hard choices.

The end of the book leaves some unanswered questions as the adventure continues in the next book of the series. I was a little surprised by the reaction of Jacob's parents. If he were my son, I wouldn't have taken that information so lightly.

I give it 4 out of 5 stars.

It's FREE! Want to know where to get it?
http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/68856

To learn more about Andrea, click here: http://www.kilenyaseries.com/

Lucious Four-Layer Pumpkin Cake

2011-10-26T05:00:00.000-07:00

Lucious Four-Layer Pumpkin Cake
1 pkg yellow cake mix
1 (15 oz) can pumpkin, divided
1/2 cup milk
1/3 cup vegetable oil
4 large eggs
1 1/2 tsp pumpkin pie spice, divided
1 (8 oz) pkg cream chees, softened
1 cup powdered sugar
1 (8 oz) tub cool whip, thawed
1/4 cup caramel topping
1/3 cup pecans

Pre-heat oven to 350 degrees. Grease and flour 2 (9-inch) round cake pans. Beat cake mix, 1 cup of the pumpkin, milk, oil, eggs, and 1 tsp of the pumpkin pie spice in a large bowl with electric mixer on medium speed until well blended. Pour evenly into prepared pans. Bake 20-22 minutes or until toothpick inserted in centers comes out clean. Cool completely on wire racks. Meanwhile, beat cream cheese in small bowl with electric mixer on medium speed until creamy. Add powdered sugar, remaining pumpkin, and remaining 1/2 tsp pumpkin pie spice and mix well. Stir in whipped topping.

Remove cake layer from first pan carefully. Cut the layer horizontally in half with a serrated knife. Stack the first layer on a serving plate spreading the cream cheese mixture on top. Add the next layer of cake. Spread another layer of cream cheese mixture. Remove the second cake layer from its pan and cut horizontally repeating the process. Do Not frost the top layer. Drizzle with caramel topping and pecans. Store in refrigerator.

Tuesday Tips--The Cast of Characters by James N. Frey

2011-10-25T05:00:00.000-07:00

Constructing the Cast of Characters
by James N. Frey

This is by no means a conclusive list and your novel doesn't need to contain all of these characters, and some of these may be combined.

After your villain and hero have been developed, work on the cast of characters. Do their 3D profile, and have them write their own history in their own voice. Find out what they want and how they're going to get it.

See if you recognize some of these character types:

The Villain
The Hero--he is on a hero's journey.
The Hero's sidekick--he compliments the hero, has abilities the hero lacks.
The Hero's lover--can also be co-hero, he/she also compliments the hero.
The Wise One--the hero's mentor or teacher.
The Trickster or Shape Shifter--acts one way, then the opposite, often changes loyalties.
The Threshold Guardian--warns the hero not to go on the journey, is sometimes the mentor, or mother.
The Armorer--gives the hero weapons.
The Magical Helper--gives the hero magical powers, be it amulets and potions or technogadgets.
The Female as a goddess--she is kind, forgiving, and beautiful.
The Female as a whore.
The Female as an earth mother--plain, solid, and dependable.
The Female as a temptress.
The Female of business--nasty, ambitious.
The Loved One--not the lover, but a minor character, usually a relative of the hero.
The Femme Fatale--a seductress who offers love and delivers evil.
The God with Clay feet--the hero looks up to and admires this person, but he/she proves to be unworthy (I've seen this one combined with the mentor and the villain).

Think of some of your favorite books. Do you recognize character types in them?

Monday Morning Motivation--Positive Affirmations

2011-10-24T05:00:00.000-07:00

Positive Affirmations is a presentation given by my friend, Sara Fitzgerald, author of Darkness Within, 2006 League of Utah Writers Writer of the Year.
Check out her website at http://www.sarafitzgerald.net/.

Positive Affirmations

I pursue my dream with enthusiasm and confidence.
The scope, power and results of my life are mine alone to choose.
I live my life with vitality and passion.
I am true to myself in all things.
Every experience and every emotion prospers me creatively.
The wellspring of my creativity flows with rich abundance.
I recognize, honor, and magnify my strengths.
I share my heart through my thoughts, my emotions, and my actions.
I now discover how wonderful I am.
I choose to love and enjoy myself and my writing.
I love and approve of myself.
I am loving and lovable.
I am at peace with my own feelings.
I create my own security.
I acknowledge and accept that I'm the creative power in my world.
I now choose to enjoy my life.
I declare peace and harmony around me.
I lovingly protect myself with thoughts of joy and peace.

This may seem self-absorbed, but unless you believe you have something to offer the world, you will be unable to give to the world. In my opinion, it is the only way to live amongst the noise and chaos.

For the Beauty of the Earth

2011-10-23T05:00:00.000-07:00

For the Beauty of the Earth written by
Folliott S. Pierpoint and Conrad Kocher

For the beauty of the earth,
For the beauty of the skies,
For the love which from our birth
Over and around us lies.

Lord of all, to thee we raise
This our hymn of grateful praise.

For the beauty of each hour
Of the day and of the night,
Hill and vale and tree and flow'r,
Sun and moon, and stars of light,

Lord of all to thee we raise
This our hymn of grateful praise.

For the joy of human love,
Brother, sister, parent, child,
Friends on earth and friends above,
For all gentle thoughts and mild.

Lord of all to thee we raise
This our hymn of grateful praise.

Quote of the Day

2011-10-21T05:00:00.000-07:00

"We must all face the choice between what is right and what is easy." ~Albus Dumbledore

Thursday Movie Reviews--Favorite Series

2011-10-20T05:00:00.000-07:00

National Treasure rated PG-13I

I love history. Even more, I love history and intrigue. I love that the main characters have to know things to figure out the clues.

This series has it all--mystery and suspense, spies and secret codes, romance, chase scenes, treasure, and lots of history. I love movies that teach me about history.

This is a fun romp of a history lesson. It makes me wonder how much of it is true, and that's exactly what historical fiction is supposed to do.

Pirates of the Carribean rated PG-13

Who doesn't love a good pirate movie? High adventure, treasure, romance, scalliwags, old english/piratese, sword fights, and one of the best soundtracks out there.

Just hearing the music makes me want to swashbuckle.

I'm not as crazy about 2 and 3 as I am about the first movie of the series, but movie 4 restores the general theme of the Pirates.

Lord of the Rings rated PG-13

Talk about epics. Rarely has a movie been made of this caliber. The imagination of the author and the movie makers completely overwhelmed me. How did they accomplish such a feeling of the ethereal? The music and the art that flowed through the entire series made me feel as if I belonged in that world.

I learned the value of persistence and loyalty by watching the characters struggle through one adventure after another. And persistence, loyalty, and sacrifice will win out over evil, not brute force, but quiet, simple, perseverance.

The battle between good and evil effects us all.

Harry Potter rated PG-13

The only people I know who don't like Harry Potter are those who haven't read the books or seen the movies. There aren't many but they do exist. They're also the only ones who don't know what muggles are.

This series of YA books single handedly brought a revolution to the book industry. All of a sudden kids loved to read. It became cool to read. People of all ages became engrossed in a YA genre. J.K. Rowling set the reading world on its ear.

The perennial fight of good versus evil is set in a contemporary world much like our own. Both worlds overlap upon occasion.

It is a coming of age story with adventure and obstacles, frights, loyalty, heros, self-sacrifce, friendship, wit and wisdom.

Easy Peasy Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies

2011-10-19T05:00:00.000-07:00

Easy Peasy Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies

Are you ready for this? There are only three ingredients!

1 (18 oz) pkg spice cake mix
1 (15 oz) solid pack pumpkin
1 (12 oz) pkg of semi-sweet chocolate chips or milk chocolate chips.

Pre-heat oven to 350 degrees. Mix spice cake and pumpkin until well blended. Add chocolate chips. Drop cookies onto greased baking sheet. Bake for 15-18 minutes. Enjoy.

Tuesday Tips--The Hero

2011-10-18T05:00:00.000-07:00

Last July I posted about the construction of Villains. Today I'm posting about Heroes. This information comes from James N. Frey's
How to Write a Damn Good Mystery.

The Hero is the most important character, not because he's the main character, but because he is the character your reader will identify with most.

Keep your Villain close at hand while creating your Hero. Go through the same steps of creation. Create his biography = physiological, sociological, and psychological profile. Let him write his own life's story in his own voice.

A hero is not average or middle of the road. He should have courage, a special talent, and be good at what he does. He should be as wounded as the Villain but not damaged. He should be as clever and resourceful as the Villain. He should be willing to break the rules if necessary, and above all he is self-sacrificing, rather than self-serving as the Villain is.

I find it interesting that heroes and villains have similarities in background, but it is their choices that determine their differences, just as Professor Dumbledore said.

Think of the hero and villain combos you know. Sherlock Holmes and Professor Moriarty, Harry Potter and Lord Voldemort, and Dudley Do Right and Snidley Whiplash.

And the winner is . . .

2011-10-17T06:00:00.000-07:00

Congratulations to Leigh Ann who won this brand new copy of
The Picture of Dorian Gray.

But wait, there's more. . .

Since I had two prizes, I decided to have two winners.

Congratulations to Betsy Love who won this brand new copy of
The Scarlet Pimpernell.

I hope you both enjoy them as much as I do!

Check your emails!

Monday Morning Motivation--Looking for New Ideas by Christopher Foster

2011-10-17T05:00:00.000-07:00

In his article, Looking for New Ideas, Christopher Foster quotes Brenda Ueland.

Don't know what to write?

1. Don't be in a hurry. Let ideas percolate in their own good time. Writing is an art to be loved and savored (don't you just love that word?) "I learned that you should feel when writing, not like Lord Byron on a mountaintop, but like a child stringing beads in kindergarten--happy, absorbed, and quietly putting one bead after anotther." (wow, that's exactly the feeling)

2.Amongst the great magical parade of life, where does your unique passion and imagination find its focus? Go deep into your heart and find out where the magic of living comes alive for you. That's what you want to be writing about.

3. Be persistent. Don't give up. Remind yourself that you have a unique gift to give this world through your writing, and let nothing stop you.

4. Be genuine. At the end of the day you will be most pleased with your efforts when you know in your heart that you expressed the highest and best that is in you, in the most interesting fashion you could.

Quote of the Day

2011-10-14T05:00:00.000-07:00

"Courage is being scared to death but saddling up anyway." ~John Wayne

October Blog Hop

2011-10-13T12:14:00.000-07:00

Welcome to the October Blog Hop, where you can visit new blogs, enter to win prizes, and have a great time!

At the bottom of this post, you'll see a list of participating blogs. Just click on each link, check out the prize, and follow the easy instructions to enter. You can enter on each blog, so it's possible to win multiple times. It's frighteningly easy.

On this blog, you can win ...
your choice of . . .

The Scarlet Pimpernel
by Baroness Orczy

The Picture of Dorian Gray
by Oscar Wilde

OR

To enter, all you need to do is:

1. Become a follower of my blog.
2. Leave a comment on this post and tell me why you'd like to win this prize. If your e-mail address isn't visible through your Blogger profile, please also leave it with the comment so I can notify you if you win. You can enter until midnight MST on Saturday night, October 15th.

That's it! You are now entered. Now please go visit all my friends on the list below. It's almost like trick or treating! (Due to technical difficulties, my links to the other participants do not work. Sorry for the inconvenience).

October Blog Hop Participants

1. Tristi Pinkston
2. I Am a Reader, Not a Writer
3. Bonnie Harris
4. Michael D. Young
5. Misty Moncur
6. Debbie Davis
7. Mandi Tucker Slack
8. Mary Ann Dennis
9. Deanna Henderson
10. Laura Bastian
11. Kristy Tate 12. Kristy Wilson
13. Jennifer Debenham
14. Jenny Moore
15. Elizabeth Hughes
16. J. Lloyd Morgan
17. Close Encounters with the Night Kind
18. Billy Boulden
19. Scott Bryan
20. Maria Hoagland
21. Shirley Bahlmann
22. Shelly Brown
23. Marcy Howes
24. Lynnea Mortensen
25. Jaclyn M. Hawkes
26. Diane Stringam Tolley
27. Gail Zuniga
28. Betsy Love
29. iWriteNetwork
30. Canda's InkBlast
31. Stacy Coles

Thursday Movie Review--More Halloween Favorites

2011-10-13T05:00:00.000-07:00

To Catch a Thief starring Cary Grant and Grace Kelly

Cary Grant plays retired jewel thief, John Robie, nicknamed "The Cat." He leads a quiet life now, tending his vineyards in the French Riviera. A series of robberies that take place copy cats his m.o. and makes the French Police believe he is out of retirement.

Robie is able to give the police the slip with the help of some old friends. His plan is to prove his innocence by catching the new cat burglar in the act. He enlists the aid of an insurance adjustor who reluctantly gives Robie a list of the most expensive jewels currently on the Riviera. Jessie Stevens and her daughter, Francie (played by Grace Kelly), are the first on the list. Robie strikes up an acquaintance with the two.

Robie and Francie fall for each other. After a night of passion, Jessie's jewels are stolen and Francie thinks Robie took advantage. Robie has to go back on the lam. He stakes out a rooftop to catch the new burglar, a burglar who rivals him in cleverness and agility.

This is a clever suspense that kept me guessing until the end. I enjoy gathering clues and trying to figure it out. Of course, if I figure it out, I say it was predictable. This movie did a good job leading me down one path only to find out the truth at the end.

Arsenic and Old Lace starring Cary Grant

Mortimer Brewster, played by Cary Grant, has written several books describing marriage as an old-fashioned superstition. He falls in love with Elaine, the girl next door. They marry on Halloween. Immediately after the wedding Mortimer returns to his old family home to visit the elderly, eccentric relatives who raised him, two lovable aunts, Abby and Martha, and their brother, Teddy (who thinks he is Teddy Roosevelt).

Mortimer finds a corpse hidden in a window seat and assumes Teddy committed murder while delusional, but the aunts explain they are responsible--"It's one of our charities." They explain, most innocently, that they have developed the very bad habit of ending the suffering of lonely old bachelors by serving them elderberry wine spiked with arsenic, strychnine, and "just a pinch of cyanide." The bodies are buried in the basement by Teddy, who believes he is burying yellow fever victims in the locks of the Panama Canal. Complications set in when another Brewster brother returns home with a corpse of his own to hide.

Macabre humor and suspense play against each other overlapping action and clever dialogue. Pay close attention or you may miss a quick joke. I couldn't help but laugh and yell, "watch out", at the same time. By the end of the movie I was out of breath.

Charade starring Cary Grant and Audrey Hepburn

Regina Lambert (Hepburn) meets a charming stranger, Peter Joshua (Grant) on a skiing holiday. She returns to Paris to ask her husband, Charles for a divorce. When she arrives home all of her possessions are gone. Her luxurious home is completely stripped and her husband is missing. The police notify her that Charles had been thrown from a moving train--murdered. They give her his travel bag.

At Charles's funeral, Regina notices three odd visitors who do things to Charles to verify he is dead.

Later, Regina is summoned to the U.S. Embassy where she meets CIA administrator, Hamilton Bartholmew (Walter Matthau). He informs Regina that Charles was involved in a theft during WWII--$250,000.00 in gold. Charles and a group of OSS were to deliver the gold the French Resistance. They buried it and then ambushed by a German patrol. One of the OSS men was left to die. Charles double crossed the rest of the group and went back for the gold. The U.s. government wants the money back. Bartholomew insists Regina has the money, even if she doesn't know it.

Peter offers to help Regina. While he admits to being after the money as well, he is actually in league with the OSS group under a pseudonym of Alexander Dyle, brother of the man left to die. None of the men trust each other and they begin turning up dead.

Who can Regina trust? With so many plot twists and turns, I felt like I was on a crazy roller coaster ride. This movie kept me guessing to the very end.

North by Northwest starring Cary Grant and Eva Marie Saint

Cary Grant plays an advertising executive by the name of Roger Thornhill, who, by chance, suffers a case of mistake identity. He gets kidnapped and taken to the home of a United Nations delegate by the name of Lester Townsend. Thornhill is interrogated by a man he assumes is Townsend (actually a foreign spy named Vandamm), where he repeatedly denies he is George Kaplan.

Vandamm orders Thornhill's disposal. The thugs attempt to stage a fatal car accident, only Thornhill gets away to be arrested later for drunk driving. Unable to get anyone to believe him he decides to do some of his own investigating.

He goes to Kaplan's hotel room where he answers the phone. Of course, the bad guys are convinced he is Kaplan. Narrowly avoiding recapture Thornhill takes a taxi to the General Assembly building of the United Nations where Townsend is due to deliver a speech. He meets Townsend face to face and surprised to find that he is not the man who interrogated him. Before Thornhill can get any more answers, one of the thugs throws a knife, sticking Townsend in the back and he dies in Thornhill's arms. Without thinking, Thornhill removes the knife, making it appear as if he is the killer. He goes on the run again.

This movies chases all over the eastern half of the United States with one of the most unique chase scenes ever filmed--across the faces of Mount Rushmore. Alfred Hitchcock was a master of nail-biting, edge-of-your-seat suspense. Every time I watch this movie I wonder how is Cary Grant going to make it out this mess?

Wait Until Dark starring Audrey Hepburn

Montreal--a woman named Lisa watches an old man sew bags of heroin in the cloth body of an old-fashioned doll. A man watches her as she leaves the apartment. Lisa takes the doll with her on a flight to New York.

When she disembarks she gives the doll to a man she met on the plane for safe keeping. He is a professional photographer named Sam Hendrix. Sam lives in a basement apartment with his wife, Susy, who was recently blinded in a car accident. Lisa calls Sam asking for the doll back, but he's unable to find it.

Later, a couple of con men watch Sam's apartment until Sam and Susy leave. The con men are supposed to meet Lisa at the apartment, instead they are met by the man who was watching Lisa, Harry Roat. None of them find the doll but the two con men discover Lisa's body hanging in a garment bag. Since the only fingerprints in the apartment belong to the con men, Roat blackmails them into getting rid of Lisa'a body and helping him find the doll.

So the bad guys leave to dispose of the body. In the meantime Susy returns home none-the-wiser. Her neighbors leave for the weekend, and Sam leaves the next morning for a business trip--the first time Susy has been left alone since her accident. She's still learning to navigate her new world of darkness.

Once she is alone the three bad guys start working on her in order to gain entry into the apartment. They pose as different people. They tell her a story that makes her think Sam is involved with Lisa's murder and persuade her to help them find the doll. Susy becomes suspicious.

Gloria, a neighbor girl who the Hendrix's pay to run errands for Susy has a bad habit of going in and out of Susy's apartment without Susy knowing she's there. Gloria sneaks into the apartment with the doll she stole some time earlier. Susy discovers the doll.

The suspense builds gradually as Susy becomes aware that these men are not who they say. I am always amazed at her resourcefulness for being someone still learning how to cope with her disability. She thinks through problems quickly instead of feeling sorry for herself.

The movie is full of awesome fright moments that catch you off guard. One of my favorite things to do is to watch this in the dark, and wait for the right moment to grab one of my kids and scream.

Heavenly Pumpkin Waffles by my friend Elaine

2011-10-12T05:00:00.000-07:00

This recipe comes to you from my friend, Elaine's blog. Parties and Patterns

Heavenly Pumpkin Waffles
2 cups flour
2 TBSP baking powder
1 TBSP sugar
1/2 tsp nutmeg
1/4 tsp salt
4 eggs
1 1/2 cups milk
1 cup pumpkin
3/4 cup butter, melted
1 tsp vanilla
I like to add 1/2 cup chopped pecans

Combine first six ingredients. Add milk, pumpkin, butter, and vanilla to the flour mixture. Beat eggs and fold in.

Butter Syrup (this really completes the recipe)
1/2 cup butter
3/4 sugar
1/2 cup buttermilk
1 tsp baking soda
1 tsp vanilla

Combine the first four ingredients in a large pan. The mix will fizz to twice its height. Bring to a boil. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla. Stir occasionally until fizz is gone. Serve over waffles.

This takes a little more effort, but so worth it. It's perfect for a cozy autumn Saturday morning. Enjoy!

Tuesday Tips--The Critique Checklist

2011-10-11T05:00:00.000-07:00

Critique Post #5 The Critique Checklist

Are you ready?

Opening
Conflict
Plot
Setting
Characterization
Dialogue
Point of View
Show versus Tell
Format of the Text
Grammar and Spelling
Style
Write down your impressions as a reader.
Comments at the end of the chapter--suggestions,

Monday Morning Motivation--The Writing Club

2011-10-10T05:00:00.000-07:00

The Writing Club

How awesome is this? My 9-year-old grandson told me about his writing club. It takes place during regular class time. While I barely learned the components of a sentence, my grandson is learning the storymaking process. I think he has a very clever teacher. Here's how they remember six stages of storymaking:

1. The Brain Drain--this is the brainstorming stage. The kids write down anything and everything that comes into their minds.
2. Sloppy Copy--this is the first draft.
3. Pair Share--they get with a critique partner and work out the bugs.
4. The Sweet Sheet--the second draft where their corrections from the Pair Share show up.
5. Goof Proof--the teacher acts as editor.
6. Glory Story--their stories are published to the classroom computer.

What is education coming too? Total awesomeness!

Quote of the Day

2011-10-07T05:00:00.000-07:00

"It is not our abilities that show what we truly are. It is our choices." ~Albus Percival Wolfric Brian Dumbledore, Headmaster

Thursday Movie Review--My Top 4 Favorite Halloween Movies

2011-10-06T05:00:00.000-07:00

There are a million and one Halloween movies out there from Disney to slashers. These are my favorite four movies. I get them out every year at this time and watch them again.

#4 The Man Who Knew Too Little rated PG 1997 94 min.

Bill Murray plays Wallace Ritchie, a naive American visiting his brother in London.

He thinks that everything happening around him is part of an audience-participation dinner theatre. Not knowing the danger he is really in, he plays the cool, collected, super spy who holds the fate of the cold war in his hands.

It is rated PG for language, adult themes, and a little bit of scary. This is the type of movie where the ridiculous happens but you laugh yourself silly anyway.

#3 Hocus Pocus rated PG 1993 96 min.

Bette Midler, Kathy Najimy, and Sarah Jessica Parker star as three 17th century Salem witches brought back from the dead by an ancient spell unwittingly conjured by a boy named Max, who is trying to impress a girl.

Max and his friends have to find a way to reverse the curse and send the witches back before the three lovelies curse the town and steal the youth of all of Salem's children.

This is a fun Halloween movie with great music but may be too scary for small children.

#2 The Burbs rated PG 1989 102 min.

Tom Hanks plays average, suburbanite Ray Peterson who starts a week of vacation at home.

But when Ray and two of his buddies notice the strange goings-on of the creepy, next-door neighbors, his vacation is anything but restful. When one of their other neighbors goes missing, the three buddies make plans to investigate.

Each of the characters in this cul-de-sac have their own humorous quirks and provide slapstick comedy against a backdrop of creepy suspense.

This is a fun, fun movie--a must see for Halloween!

My all-time favorite scary movie to watch at Halloween is . . .

What Lies Beneath rated PG-13 2000 130 min.

Harrison Ford and Michelle Pfeiffer play a happily married couple who renovate their dream home at the lake. Claire (Michelle Pfeiffer) begins seeing ghostly images and mysterious voices. She is certain that all is not well with the new neighbors next door.

After some surprising twists and turns, Claire and her husband eventually get to the bottom of it all.

The suspense in this movie is so well done. It is the most intense thriller/mystery since Alfred Hitchcock. It comes with several good fright moments that knocked my socks off. If you're prone to nightmares, do not watch this movie in the dark. My neighbor across the street watched this movie in the middle of the afternoon, with all of her curtains open and lights on, and still could not get through it. But if you like a good scare, this is a classic. There is blood but not the gore of a slasher movie.

Pumpkin Spice Sandwich Cookies

2011-10-05T05:00:00.000-07:00

1 pkg pumpkin spice bread mix
2 eggs
2/3 cup shortening

Mix well. Drop by melon-scoop balls 2 inches apart.
Bake at 350 degrees for 9 minutes.

Frost with vanilla or cream cheese ready to spread frosting.

Enjoy!

Tuesday Tips--Presenting the Critique

2011-10-04T05:00:00.000-07:00

Critique post #4 Presenting the Critique

This post applies to the in-person type of group.

1. Go through the manuscript page by page. You can learn from someone else's errors by hearing another member's suggestons.

2. Focus on the manuscript and story. Critique only the story, never the author. Leave personal agenda's at home.

3. Be professional when receiving a critique. If you find yourself having to defend a certain point then you've left something out.

4. Keep the discussion short. Don't waste time and end up shortchanging someone else.

5. When you notice a problem in someone's work, brainstorm possible solutions and make suggestions.

6. At the end of the manuscript write a short paragraph of summary. Start with a positive comment. This softens the blow of the negative, and the author is more predisposed to listen to what you say. When you have something negative to say, make sure you provide suggestions to help fix the problem. Try not to list too many negative things. Add a smiley face or a star to passages in the manuscript you liked because we all need encouragement. Follow up with one more positive comment as you end your paragraph.

Your critique partners will become good friends and you will all be able to enjoy each others' successes.

Monday Morning Motivation--The Power of Silence

2011-10-03T05:00:00.000-07:00

The Power of Silence by Linda Fromichelli

For what most people think a solitary profession, writing involves a lot of talking, but here are some examples where silence comes in handy:

1. When you conduct interviews make a list of the questions you absolutely have to ask, but then let the conversation be your guide. LISTEN to your source without multitasking, and take a few seconds of silence to formulate your next question.

2. The online community--sometimes it makes sense to leave the arguments to others, and spend time on building your writing career. Sometimes I catch myself formulating rebuttals then realize that just because I had a thought doesn't mean I need to make it public. It is very easy to go on Facebook to post a comment and get sucked into reading all of the updates.

3. Negotiations--when negotiating, our first impulse may be to jump in when a less-than-perfect offer is made. Silence creates tension without being aggressive. Sometimes the offer will come back higher without your saying anything. A silent pause is your chance to decide what you really want.

This article is for me. So many times I think I have to say something clever or witty and waste a lot of time formulating the perfect argument. I am improving, though. Like Anne Shirley said ". . . if you only knew how many things I want to say and don't you'd give me some credit.

Quote of the Day

2011-09-30T05:00:00.000-07:00

"A book is a gift you can open again and again."
~Garrison Keillor

Thursday Book Review--Enna Burning by Shannon Hale

2011-09-29T05:00:00.000-07:00

Enna Burning is the second, more dramatic installment of the Bayern series.

Enna became Ani's best friend and secret keeper in The Goose Girl. In this story, Enna discovers her brother, Leifer's secret--making fire--only he can't control it.

Bayern goes to war with the neighboring kingdom of Tira. Fire consumes Leifer on the battlefield. Enna finds the instructions for making fire on Leifer. She decides to only use this power for good, meaning she continues to fight Tira for Leifer's sake.

Unfortunately, she has difficulty controlling the need to burn. She goes on secret raids and sets fire to Tiran camps and villages. Her friends warn her that she is out of control, but takes matters into her own hands.

She is taken captive by a Tiran who convinces her that he loves her and tries to manipulate her. She finally escapes with the help of her true friends.

Enna burns nearly a tenth of the Tiran Army before they surrender bringing an end to the war. The burning nearly consumes her because she lost control.

She wakes up in the palace, dying of a fever. I order to save Enna, Ani (now called Isi), takes her on a journey to learn from a people who have survived fire-speaking. Isi is also at risk from her ability to wind speak, to the point that Enna is more concerned for Isi's well being than for her own. She senses that Isi is at risk from more than just the wind-speak.

I like how the characters develop together in this story. Isi and Enna are humble enough to learn that they both need each other. Each is the key to the other's survival. How many times in real life do we think we are in control, whether it's pride, money, or whatever? How many times are we rescued by friends and family, the ones who love us unconditionally in spite of the mess we've made?

And Enna's love interest, Finn--goes from timid, gentle forest boy to Bayern's finest swordsman. In the end he gets his girl.

I give this book 4 1/2 stars out of 5.

Book #3 is River Secrets and Book #4 is Forest Born.