Serious Wednesday: A New Day, A New Series: Raisins for Racy

 What fun it is to sleigh tonight...No! I meant, write a book...   

Seriously, I just began a new series in Children's Books, called The Character Traits. The first book is titled:  Raisins for Racy:  Unselfishness. 

These fun books are for younger children who, with their parents guiding them, will learn about Character Traits that will encourage them to strive to make the traits a part of themselves. 

In Raisins for Racy (the rabbit), he so loves raisins that he refuses to share with anyone and even goes so far as to steal them. He thinks its funny to see everyone so upset until one day Racy comes face to face with his selfishness...and what do you think happens?

Find the book here to learn how little Racy learns that sharing is the best option.

https://www.amazon.com/Carole-Brown/e/B00EZV4RFY?ref=sr_ntt_srch_lnk_1&qid=1624460388&sr=1-1

I think children and even parents will enjoy this cute book! 

Happy Reading! 

Serious Wednesday: Reaching Your Goal

 Don't kid yourself. Writing is hard work. But, oh my, when you've reached your goal for the day--
the week--or finished that goal! What a feeling. 

Relief. Relaxation. Happiness. 

But...you can't reach that relief, relaxation, happiness stage until you get there. Tips on getting there?

Here goes:

1. Whatever you're writing, you need to plan ahead of time. Whether you're a by-the-seat writer or a plotter, you have to have some idea, form, or outline--at least in your head--for how you're going to proceed. What's your story or article about? Where are you headed? What will be the problem for your character? How will he/she handle the situation? How will the problem be solved? What genre are you writing in? How long will your book be? 
2. Research is a big part of writing fiction (or nonfiction for that matter). Do it with due justice. Make sure you know what you're writing about. Sometimes on certain things, you will have to do extensive research. Other times a quick check on google will give you the answer you need. Don't skim on this one. Research is important. 
3. Who are your characters? Jot down all the information about these people you might need to remember throughout your writing. That includes major and minor characters. Their coloring--eyes, hair, skin, etc. Where they work--if they work. What they enjoy doing--their hobbies, food tastes, habits etc. Who are they? Their personalities. their employment--even if they work. 
4. What is the problem in the book? How must the protagonists overcome it? How are the antagonists causing the problem, and why? Jealousy? Anger? Greed? Love? Money? 
5. How will the problem be resolved satisfactorily? Writers end their books in different ways. Most have a good, happy ending. Some leave the reader with a question, some with a teaser for more coming. Make sure you know what you want to do to give your characters--and your readers--that feeling of satisfaction! 

Whatever you do, don't try to get around these areas of importance. Embrace these thoughts, make them a part of your writing. And enjoy your journey! You'll be glad you did when your readers can't wait for the next book! 

Wednesday Question: 

What are some hints you use in your writing? 

Enjoy your writing! 

Friendship Footprints

I remember as a child a young girl who I sat with in church at times. She came with her grandparents and was very spoiled. This child always had candy to eat and was encouraged by her grandmother "to share" with me. Her answer? "You don't want any, do you?"

Of course, I did. I was a child myself.

Was she a friend? Nope. At least, if she was she a very shallow one. Selfish and self-centered. I have no idea where she is today or what she became. There was little, if any, friendship to endure the expanse of time.

I know another person I seldom see. When we run across each other, it seems we both enjoy the encounter. We spend the five, ten, maybe even the fifteen or thirty, minutes updating each other and catching up a sporatic amount of news.

A friend? Perhaps. We were at one time. And it could be that if circumstances would deem it so, we could be good friends again in the future.

Now take another person I know. She sends cards now and then and her church has been known to give "special" gifts to hubby and me. But that's not what all is important to me, nor what I cherish. Here are some of her friendship traits:

She's a good listener.
She encourages.
She's loyal.
She's faithful, and tactful, when she doesn't agree with me.
She wants to read my nonsense--and my writing.

That's just for starters.

They've stamped on your heart and left their friendship. You know you can't scare them away when you're despondent or mouthy or grouchy or hyper. They see beneath the surface hurt and read what's really going on.

A good friend? Seen you in the bad times and still with you in the good times.
Now that, my friends, is a real friend!




Feel lonely? Feel like you don't have a friend in the world? Then check out these hints and see if you're following them:

1. Be dependable: do what you say you'll do!
2. Go out of your way to be friendly and to help others.
3. Don't talk about others behind their backs.
4. Don't laugh at the mistakes of others and don't correct them.
5. Do your share; don't be lazy!
6. Don't always try to have your own way.
7. Treat others like you'd like you'd like to be treated

Results: Friends!

Quote:
Some people come into our lives and quickly go. Some stay for a while and leave footprints on our hearts and we are never, ever the same.


Blessings