Contest for Caleb's Destiny and Some Suspense Thoughts

Contest for Caleb's Destiny

I promised a contest earlier,

but I got too busy and forgot to post it,

so here goes:

For a chance to win a KINDLE COPY 

of CALEB'S DESTINY,

you must:

* Join my Fan Page on Facebook here:

https://www.facebook.com/groups/183457429657732/?ref=br_rs

if you're already a member, let me know. Great!

and

* Follow me on one of these two sites (or both! Yes!)

Amazon:   https://amzn.to/38Ukljn

BookBub:   https://www.bookbub.com/authors/carole-brown

I will announce a winner on:

July 29, 2020

***

A Few Suspense Thoughts:

* The reader should see both the antagonist's and the protagonist's viewpoints. This will build on the reader's emotions because he can see the convergence of the two and know that there are perils ahead. 

*  Another way to increase the suspense is by using time restraints. Every week, every day, hour, minute counts as the protagonist fights his way to winning. 

*  Increase empathy for the protagonist by increasing the stakes for him. It doesn't matter whether it's international or personal, those stakes need to be drastically important to the hero while the antagonist fights to ruin them.

*  Make the reader feel helpless by increasing the pressure on the protagonist. The odds must continually be raised, or faced, to create that suspenseful tension need to keep the readers reading.

*  Bring uncertain, unpredictable happenings, events, and problems into the picture. This can happen for both the protagonist and antagonist, but by using this, you are continually bringing new tension into your writing.

There you have it. A few ideas for your use. 

Enjoy! 

Rambling Friday: A Time to Be Quiet

We live in troublesome times. Few people would deny that. Work, diseases, living issues, family, friends, expectations and more increase the pressure on our lives. I'd love to offer some tips that may help:

1.  Exercise. It doesn't matter how old you are or young, exercise (if you're physically able with
doctor's permission) you can do some type of exercise. Stretch, move, walk, raise your arms, march in step. Take a walk, jog, ramble through a park or on a beach or in the woods. Whatever you choose will get your blood pumping and your mind more alert. Just remember to get your doctor's permission.

2.  Take your vitamins regularly. They add the essential nourishment that your body may lack. Think about it, and again, Check with your doctor if you have questions.

Eat right. Enjoy your vegetable, watch what you eat and how often.

Doing good for your body will be doing good for your overall health and mental state.









3. Take time to do things you love.  Have a hobby? Make sure you spend time on those. Puzzles? Needlepoint? Ancestry research? Traveling? Sports? Whatever you love doing, do it. It will be well worth your brain time!

4.  Spend time with family and/or friends. Read a book together. Play games. Go exploring. Listen. Laugh. Relax. Don't argue. Don't bring up touchy subjects. Realize you only have one life, and that is meant to do and be the best you can be. Use it wisely.






5.  And last, try some of these ideas:  light a candle, soak in a tub of warm water, swim, listen to music, take a boat ride, have lunch with a new or old friend or a relative you haven't seen in a long time. Try journaling, scrapbooking, carving, painting, praying, reading your Bible, talking with a minister. Get a pet, volunteer at a nursing home or hospital or lunch center for the homeless. There are plenty more things anyone can do to help ease the pressure of everyday life.

Stay determined. Stay focused. Resist negativism. Stay positive. Take action. YOU are the one responsible for yourself. Do it!

Prayers for a happy, healthy and productive rest-of-your-life!