Showing posts with label Tidbits of My Life. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Tidbits of My Life. Show all posts

Wednesday, April 11, 2018

Writing a Book and All that Jazz...and April Contest Question Two!

"I can write a book."
"I have an idea. Can you use it in a book?"
"Anyone can write a book."

Really?

What does it take to write a book? (Now remember, I'm basing this on my own experience. Other authors may have different takes on the subject):

  • A knowledge that this is something you are supposed to do. From a child up, I've loved reading and writing. Research (a most valuable tool for writers) is a pleasant "job" for me. After several years of the writing experience, I can sense that it's what I am to do.
  • Perseverance. Writing a book is a tough job. You have days with no enthusiasm, with weariness or focusing on the page in front of you. There are times when your mind is blank, when it all seems rubbish. But a "real" writer knows you have to persevere to overcome all. Write, even if it has to be deleted tomorrow. Write when it seems it's all wrong. JUST WRITE!!
  • For me, knowing this is what God wants from me. I've learned to worry less about how much money I'm making or whether I should be promoting or advertising more, and try to lean on what I feel God would have me do today, tomorrow and next week. Trusting that my writing labors will prove encouraging and entertaining to someone is worth it all.
  • The willingness to do what it takes to produce the best writing I can. That means improving and learning from others, research, study, conferences when possible, and classes as able. All of this helps me grow in my work.
  • Determination to never, never, never quit. Some find it easy to give up when the pressure is on, when the book doesn't get published, when life interferes, when people criticise your work. There will always be naysayers and critics. You can't let anyone discourage you if you're totally convinced this is what you're to do. 
  • Realize that you must find and travel on YOUR writing journey. Mine is not someone
    else's. Yours won't be either. The enemy would have us look at others and envy their journey, but that's not what God wants. Be careful not to fall into that trap. Experience your own wonderful life as a writer, whether it be multiple books published or one, whether you gain tons of money or none and whether you reach thousands of readers or one and two. Be grateful for the talent and bask in the knowledge that you're following on the path our Lord would have you do. 


Be blest as you seek the path you should walk. Remember, never, never, never quit!

Happy writing!


***

Moody April has arrived. 
One day, sunshine and warmth, 
the next, rain or snow and dreary clouds. 
REMEMBER, Two things:
  • YOU MUST ANSWER ALL QUESTIONS OF THE MONTH to be considered for the monthly prize. And...
  • You MUST check back here on the last Wednesday of the month to see if you've won. I will usually share the blog link on my Facebook author page but it's YOUR obligation to contact me here on the blog with your mailing information (or you can let me know you'll share it with email or private message on FB. 

April's First Question:  
What is your favorite SPRING flower and does it have a significant meaning to you?

April's second Question:
Do you ever read the last page of a book FIRST?

Don't forget to share this site!


Prizes?


A kindle copy of any of my books: your choice
 and 
Your choice of either of these beautiful scarves

OR



Don't forget to share!
Have Fun!

Wednesday, March 07, 2018

Tidbits of My Life: Facts, Playing the Game of "Dogs," and March Contest Question

Facts:
I've been accused of being "Stuck-Up," abrupt, and unclear...
but actually, though my actions may point to these as truth...

I'm a person who loves to be with others--within limits. 
I do so enjoy my alone times too.

In a hurry, too excited or worried, I tend to be abrupt, 
but that's not my intention to ever hurt. 

Unclear? surely not! But sometimes in my explaining or telling of an event, story, and/or experience, I try to keep it simple and tell it in my words and end up not including enough details. 

But...
one of my greatest traits is my caring. 
I truly do love to show others I care. 



**



I spent the day with Grandson Jonathan recently.
Of course that meant imaginative games and other fun things. 

One of his suggestions was to play "dogs."
He gave me clear instructions:
"Gwandma, pretend I'm a dog and I get up on the sofa. Tell me I shouldn't do that and to get down."

One thing about him, he's a perfectionist 
when it comes to getting it right. 
Don't deviate. Don't change the wording. Don't mess up.

I'll just say this: one thing we always do:
Have fun and enjoy the time. 

Isn't that what it's all about?






***

Writing Life Tidbits:
I'm working on Book Four of the Appleton WV Romantic Mysteries.
I've titled it:  Toby's Troubles
The main protagonist is a brother to Caroline Gibson 
(from book Three: Undiscovered Treasures). 

He's smart and ambitious but also a flirt and tease. 
He's definitely not ready to settle down 
even when the cutest and sweetest girl he's ever dated 
has that look in her eyes.

What's a man to do with a "ghost" to find 
and a girl who's determined to be noticed...and loved?




***




March is such a moody, lively, fun month! 
Spring is coming.
The earth is stirring.
Easter is approaching.
St. Patrick's day is this month.

So, my question this week is:

What is one thing you'd like to 
change about your life--if you could--this spring?

Too hard?
Let me give you my answer:
I'd like to be just a bit younger--not that I want to relive some experiences!--
but just to give me time to do all I want to do!
Silly?
Maybe.
Now share what you'd like to change, if you could.
And don't forget to share this site!


Prizes?
A $5.00 gift card from AMAZON
and 
a kindle copy of any of my books: your choice
and a lovely bookmark with an inspiring quote on it. 



***

Are you ready for March? 

Blessings!












Wednesday, January 03, 2018

Important and Not so Important Tidbits

2018
New Beginnings!


What's going on?
Here are some thoughts I have about pepping up my blog:




* Readers Views -- where I invite readers 
(one a month, unless, of course, 
they grow outrageously popular!!) 
where readers can share positive thoughts about 
what it means to be a reader, 
and other fun and important things.








* Pepping up a few contests and Giveaways 
this year. 
After all, who doesn't love prizes?






* News, news and more news. 
About what? 
Where I'm at in my writing, 
opportunities for YOU!, 
whose blogs I'm visiting. 
Pre-knowledge of contests and books before the general public.





* And more meaningful, serious and not-so-serious posts 

Other stuff? Maybe. 

I hope to begin my newsletter.
I hope to participate more on other's sites
I hope to encourage and help out on writing groups.
More...

Can I do all of it?
We'll see. 
I'll keep you updated...


Blessings!

Wednesday, September 06, 2017

Tidbits of my Life from this Summer

This has been another eventful month? 
Where has time gone?

Here's a few things that made this month special for me:






Anniversary roses from my sweet, sweet hubby





Fishing and pontooning at the lake!





Ye ole swimming hole :)




Riding on the Polarus





This is my world!
Finally here.





Living dangerously! 





Mr. Reese




Seeing Jonah
Fantastic!
Recommended!




Eating healthy!


Blessings!





Wednesday, July 19, 2017

Memories from the Past...

LOOKING BACK...
So many good things to remember...
Forget the past ugly bad things,
and remember, God is good.

My three favorite men:
Dan and Jon: sons
Hubby Brown
Love 'em!


2015 Christian Small Publisher Book Award Winner!

The Redemption of Caralynne Hayman

of the 2015 Christian Small Publisher Book of the Year Award
in the General Fiction category.



Baby Jonathan was born! 
What a blessing!



Lily from my pond


At Niagara Falls


Chocolate Chip cookies from a favorite niece, Lauren!


Blessings to you in remembering the good times.


Wednesday, March 22, 2017

Tidbits of My Life

Fun, serious, and important tidbits.

Happy birthdays to...
the love of my life: hubby Dan with one of his old "toys"


Son #1's birthday. 
Love you, my first born.





Happy February birthdays to our nieces, Sherry Coleman and Christina Ratliff! 
Love you both bunches!


A special birthday wish for this young lady, wonderful friend, and 
fellow-writer. She's a blessing in my life!



   Grandsons Jonathan and Wes feeding baby calves




Special flowers from hubby!
Love!


Many blessings in your life!


Friday, January 27, 2017

Tidbits of my Life

It's been awhile since I shared bits of my life, 
so thought it would be fun to share this month.
Here goes:


The release of the third book
in my Appleton, WV Romantic Mystery series


A trip to Noah's Ark near Cincinnati


Camping near Charleston, SC


Hubby, Jonathan and pirate boat captain
after searching for the dolphins 
and exploring an island



Grandson roaming the woods with Grandpa

Till next time, have a wonderful, rest-of-the-winter!

Blessings

Wednesday, September 28, 2016

Tidbits of My Life

Highlights from this summer and September!

Smiling at the grandboys swim and play! 
Wild water creatures. :)


Enjoying watching hubby 
work in the snack shack at camp


Grandson Jonathan making 
his own invention at S.S.

Making Memes for book promotion!



Book Table at the Dayton Scribes one day conference 
where I spoke this month.



Finished third book in 
Appleton, WV Romantic Mystery series
Waiting on release date!
Soon!







Wednesday, June 08, 2016

Tidbits of My Life . . .

Recent stunning sky!



Homemade french toast with fresh fruit: strawberries and blue berries! Yum.




The House that Jonathan and Grandmas Built! :)




No Fear! 



A gift from a dear friend! 


Blessings!

Sunday Morning Sunshine: Autumn's Bright Blue Weather

 Autumn's Bright Blue Weather --Helen Hunt Jackson O suns and skies and clouds of June, And flowers of June together, Ye cannot rival fo...