Writing Webinar by Chandler Bolt

Yesterday I had the great privilege of viewing a wonderful live webinar on writing and self publishing! By popular demand he is hosting the same live webinar today!

Click here to register for tomorrow’s webinar: “How To Go From Blank Page To Published Author In 90 Days...And Use Your Book To Grow A 6-Figure Income”.

It's about an hour and a half but you won't want to miss it. Chandler Bolt discusses 

• What dream killing myths keep you from becoming an author
• An approach on how to find your book idea (this was incredibly helpful!)
• How he and others started making money self publishing their books
• And how Chandler went from college dropout to 7-figure company in two years.

And that's only the beginning. This really is a well full of knowledge that would be waste if you missed it! If you've ever wanted to write a book, be it non-fiction, self help, or fiction, you absolutely should watch this webinar!

Register for your spot (completely free) and be ready to watch the live webinar this evening February 16th at 9pm EST. 

Chandler Bolt

Click here to register for tomorrow’s webinar: “How To Go From Blank Page To Published Author In 90 Days...And Use Your Book To Grow A 6-Figure Income”.

See you all there! 

Unleash the Full Power of the Setting within You Stories!

As we storytellers sit before the keyboard to craft our magic, we're usually laser-focused on the two titans of fiction: plot and character. Yet, there's a third element that impacts almost every aspect of the tale, one we really need to home in on as well: the setting.

The setting is so much more than a painted backdrop, more than a stage for our characters to tromp across during the scene. Used to its full advantage, the setting can characterize the story's cast, supply mood, steer the plot, provide challenges and conflict, trigger emotions, help us deliver those necessary snippets of backstory...and that's just scratching the surface. So the question is this: how do we unleash the full power of the setting within our stories?



Well, there's some good news on that front. Two new books have released this week that may change the description game for writers. The Urban Setting Thesaurus: A Writer's Guide to City Spaces and The Rural Setting Thesaurus: A Writer's Guide to Personal and Natural Spaces look at the sights, smells, tastes, textures, and sounds a character might experience within 225 different contemporary settings. And this is only the start of what these books offer writers.



 In fact, swing by and check out this hidden entry from the Rural Setting Thesaurus: Ancient Ruins.




And there's one more thing you might want to know more about....





Becca and Angela, authors of The Emotion Thesaurus, are celebrating their double release with a fun event going on from June 13-20th called ROCK THE VAULT.



At the heart of the Writers Helping Writers site is a tremendous vault, and these two ladies have been hoarding prizes of epic writerly proportions.

A safe full of prizes, ripe for the taking...if the writing community can work together to unlock it, of course.

Ready to do your part? Stop by Writers Helping Writers to find out more!

Simply Calligraphy: A Beginners Guide by Judy Detrick

Book Description 

This little guide to hand lettering proves that calligraphy is as easy as picking up pen and paper. Focused on calligraphy’s most popular alphabet—italic—this delightful manual introduces basic capital and small letters and numbers, plus all the creative flourishes you need to customize your unique script for every project and occasion. With quick and easy instruction from calligraphy teacher and designer Judy Detrick,Simply Calligraphy will have you whipping up elegant invitations, pleasing place cards, and personalized thank-you notes in no time.

My Review

I really looked forward to getting this in the mail! When I was in my preteens, I dabbled in Calligraphy and loved it. But I remember thinking about that little booklet that came with my Calligraphy starter kit. I wanted something well put together, straight forward, and clean. This book is all that! It's perfect for anyone who wants to start practicing Calligraphy. Especially for beginners or those like myself who are so out of practice and need that jumpstart. Moreover, it gives you great tips for writing on envelopes and other material to get you started writing elegantly in no time! It would also make a great gift for friends! Buy this book and a good Calligraphy pen and they are set!

I give this book a 5 out of 5!

I received this book for free from the publisher in exchange for this honest and unbiased review as part Blogging for Books blogging program.

It's Time to Begin Again!

As many of you know, I am a writer. You didn't know? Yeah, I guess I have been away for a while. It's still beating strong in my heart but I've been at an impasse the past year. If you're a writer you will understand these seasons of life where you desperately want to write, anything, but can't. Whether it's writers block, fear of moving forward, or just life getting in the way. Mine has been a mix of things, but what's really been holding me back the most is the fear I'm not really a writer. I fear my writing is mediocre, not worth sharing but especially not worth ever publishing!

God has been preparing my heart. Building me up and filling in the broken pieces of my heart and mind. I've been learning to depend on Him. Now it's time to start writing again! Like a runner who has been off his feet, I have to start from the beginning and build back these writing muscles! I'm going to take one day at a time, step-by-step, and sharing my progress with you to stay motivated.

I have a few novels I am working hard to piece together to one day share with the world, I feel they are masterpieces in the works, but they are nowhere near sharing material. For now I'll be doing simple exercise's. Writing short stories from prompts or whatever inspires me on Pinterest. Yes, Pinterest is both my most helpful tool but my worst enemy in the world! I've created a whole Pinterest account specifically for my writing (more organization, less distraction!) If you'd like to follow that just click the button: Miss Tadoodles It's a brand brand brand new account, I just created it Sunday! There isn't much on it right now, but I will be creating more boards involving nothing but all things writing related. From character shoppe's, settings, prompts, et,.

With this new beginning, I'll hopefully be posting more than just book reviews on this blog!

The one thing I could use most right now is Prayer! I want to stay motivated and continue to grow in this area of my life. I know it won't be easy but not impossible because I have Jesus, who makes all things possible!

Thank you, all! God bless! Tootles! 

Dancing on the Head of a Pen by Robert Benson

Cover Description

In this masterful blend of the practical and the spiritual, Robert Benson invites you into the work and rewards of a writer’s life. More than a primer on effective writing, Dancing on the Head of a Pen is a winsome guide to the place in the heart where the life of the spirit meets the life of art.

My Review 

"A writer does not have to write a book tomorrow morning when he goes wherever he goes when the bell rings to announce the time has come to write. A writer cannot write a book tomorrow. A carpenter cannot build a house tomorrow morning either.

What a writer has to do today is write a few hundred words. And then do the same the next day and the next." — Robert Benson

I finished this book in one evening! There was no putting it down. I couldn't have asked for a more encouraging book on writing. Reading his book was like sitting beside your neighbor who you grew up with who genuinely cares about you and your writing. Sipping lemonade while watching the birds in the yard on a bright and wonderful day. 

He doesn't pump himself up and say what a great writer he is because he does it a certain way. In fact, he encourages you to do what you can and to not try and do what everyone else does. If you can't write 600 words, write 500. As writers we each have our own way. But we must keep writing everyday. If its a novel, journaling, blogging, etc,. 

I  love the life stories, tales, and quotes he shares. He was so relatable, much of the book I was saying "I thought I was the only one!" Or "I never thought someone else would be like that."

One of my favorite chapters was with the three hats. Baret, Gamer, and Fedora. 

He also points out the important things, not just for writing but at the same time they are essential to any writers, and persons, life. 

"My work may be the center of a universe, but is not the center of the universe. I do not like this truth, but I believe it." — Robert Benson

Keeping our priorities. Get out of the bunker hole, pull out your walking stick, and go outside. You never know what you might see or who you will meet walking down the street, but get out and mingle with the rest of the world. 

The book is light, refreshing, and downright uplifting to any writer at any time of his or her life. 

For me, it came at the perfect time, an answer to my prayers. I feel encouraged, enlightened, and ready to keep on writing. This is one of those books that years down I will say helped shape my writing path. 

"Only once the writer lets literature shape her can she perhaps shape literature." — Ms. Dillard. 

 

Robert Benson's writing is like watching your best friend and though to some it might seem silly, in your head and heart you know your exactly the same and you love them all the more for it. Thank you Mr. Benson for writing such a wonderful book, sharing your thoughts and a piece of you with all of us!

I give this book a full 5 out of 5 stars. 

I received this book for free from the publisher’s in exchange for this honest and unbiased review as part of their Blogging For Books program.

Things, Things, and More Things

It's been a little while since I last posted. 

All thanks to my computer, sadly. I'm trying out the mobile app... Ladies and gents, don't take your computer for granted. Mobile devices are mini computers, which means 1/8 of what a real computer can do. Ha ha. 

Due to the current circumstances, links will be posted in full HTML, but I will try to keep them minimal. Once I get computer access again I will go back and fix all links! Until then, look out for these "*" beside titles. That means there is a link at the bottom of the post. 

So here is an update on what I've been doing. One of which I am most excited about! 

Reading "The Butterfly and the Violin" by Kristy Cambron. I cannot wait to tell you about this book! I'm afraid if I say anything more right now I will spill the whole beans for my review! So for now I will just say... Wonderful. 

*clears throat*

Even more exciting news. I am co-authoring a novel! That's right. It's a new adventure and I've been overwhelmingly blessed with a spectacular partner. Would you like to know who it is? 

Bri of Bri's Literary Giants* blog 

Though we are just in the beginning stages of our novel, I grow excited about it every day! I can't wait for you all to see what we have in store. I can't say anymore about it at this time. Except... it will be Epic! 

Of course, we will keep you posted as things progress. Keep your eyes out for updates!

Until next time everyone! God bless!

LINKS:

• http://www.briliterarygiants.blogspot.com/

• http://youtu.be/KyJFhOMHazk

Meant To Love Monday!

I have missed writing for so a while now! I just haven't been able to get my head in the game, you know? Blogging has really been helping as well as writing some fiction between some new friends has really helped get me back in the swing of things. Couldn't be more grateful for our time spent together.

Three years ago I wrote a short story for Figment.com contest. You had to use this paragraph in the beginning of your story. The word limit was 1,500 (if you only knew how badly I despise word limits! It's better just to let me paint the wall and when I go over to the next than I'll go back and fix it. Otherwise, I over think about that one wall...) which for once I actually got under the limit! Which is rare for me cause I love describing thing and always go over the limit. It turned out pretty well. I got a lot of Hearts and very nice and helpful comments and critiques. But one day I decided I really wanted to try at the story again. I really loved it and I just wanted to add more to it, maybe rewrite a few scenes that didn't make sense anymore, and just give it new light. I started and nearly completed it late last year and I am proud to say I have finished!

Now with almost 3,000 words (double the original!) I can share with you all this completely remaster version of

I'm really excited about this, I think it turned out exactly if not better than I intended (which means you know God had a hand in it! Always) 

Feel free to read it on Figment.com and if you really feel inspired you can leave a comment on here letting me know your thoughts about it or if you are a Figment Member you can leave a comment right on the story!

Figgy Friday Spotlight #10

Welcome to Figgy Friday Spotlight! Today I am glad to present...

Losing You

by

Grace Whitney C.

This piece was so moving and beautifully written. It felt like she was writing straight from my soul, speaking the words I couldn't find how to say. The rhyming was absolutely marvelous, it added more to the depth and feeling of this poem. Wonderful piece and job Whitney! I can't wait to to come back and read more of your work. 

Check back again soon for more Figgy Friday Spotlights!

Figgy Friday Spotlight #9

The curtain is rising and today's Figgy Friday Spitlight is...

I started following this author two years ago. It was an exciting action spy thriller type story (I'm still waiting for it to be finished!) but this one was completely opposite and a what wonderful surprise it was too. 

It's a beautiful short story filled with heart. I wanted to cry. You just might too. I don't want to give too much away cause I really want you to read this story! It won't take but a few minutes of your time. But the way she described the boy, his actions leading up to him playing the piano and how he came alive when his fingers touched the keys. It was as if I were the one standing there, watching sand listening to him. It just touched by heart through and through. 

If you like her writing you can find her blog in this link shieldmaidenthoughts.wordpress.com

See you back here March 14th for the next Figgy Friday Spotlight!

Figgy Friday Spotlight #8: Valentines Day

Happy Valentines Day. Figgy Friday Spotlight and proud to present this week with...

"Jenny's Poetry Collection"

by

Jenny S. Cvek

I was so proud to find this little piece of treasure! Each poem is filled with love, hope, and inspiration. I wanted to cry with each chapter filling my heart. I wished I could have given it 10 hearts! Each one for each poem! She is a talents writer. I look forward to reading her other works and hopefully to share them with you right here! But until then see her work for yourself. ;) And find some love in her poems. God bless!

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Check back February 28th for the next Figgy Friday Spotlight!

Love Letter

In spirit of Valentines week here is a little writing I did last year. You should love everyone 365/24/7 there's nothing wrong with getting excited over Valentines. Even if you don't have a significant other, make it about your family and friends! Love doesn't stop at a boyfriend/girlfriend! Tell someone you love them today! And don't forget who is the lover of your soul, Jesus. He will love you more than any love could dream of, and we all dream. So don't let any of those lonely feelings steel your joy this week, this month, this year! Make it a joyous one and praise Jesus for being in your life and you being in his. God bless you!

Figgy Friday Spotlight #7

The curtain is rising. This weeks Figgy Friday Spotlight is 

"New Beginning"

by

Sky Nicole

I've been wanting to share this poem for a while. I read it last year before I ever created this blog and I'm so glad I have this change to share it with you today. And what a way to end the month, the beginning of the new year with this magnificent poem!

"A New Beginning" really to my heart. The way the author wrote it, speaking to the reader directly, the words coming directly from God. I truly believe He uses us to do exactly that too! And he used Sky Nicole to do just that with this poem. People nowadays feel lost, depressed, lonely, and forgotten and this poem speaks directly to your heart. Reminding you that you are not alone or forgotten and that everything God does he does for you. From the clear blue skies to tears he catches on his sleeve to the tenderness he shows in our daily lives. It's funny, the way this is written reminds me of a book I'm currently reading but I'll save that for another day. 

"Then Jesus said, "Come to me all those who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will you rest. Take my yoke upon you. Let me reach you because I am humble and gentle, and I you will find rest for you souls. For my yoke fit perfectly, and the burden I give is light." -- Matthew 11:28-30

Check back February 14th for the next Figgy Friday Spotlight!

The Girl in the Orphans Clothes

Today I was looking at our first Figgy Friday Spotlight "William Carter" and I saw he's been quite the busy bee since we last saw him. Hopefully you all have kept better eye on him than I. However, something caught my eye: The Girl in the Orphan Clothing. I don't know, it just intrigued me.
What could he have written in that? I really believe God does pull us to things and we just don't realize it cause we're not as in tuned with Him as we could be. Cause once read this I felt Him drawing me in even more, for something more.

It was a poem, a Haiku to be exact.

Quick note: A Haiku is a form of Japanese poetry. Using three phrases with 5-7-5 syllable pattern, haiku's are supposed to paint a mental image in a readers mind with those 17 syllables (that is hard!)

I've always had trouble understanding Haiku's. One of my friends loves writing poetry, especially Haiku's, but it's hard pressed to understand them (as I have just found out, they all are, it's not just me!) but there was one special reviewer that explained and helped me understand it.

Alexis Bradley said:

 "The first line represents how sin separates us from God. Are action and how we choose to live our life. The one's that are not Christ like and how easy it is for those sins to pull us away from him."

"The second line represents her separation from the father [God]. Because it doesn't state that she's a orphan rather that she's trapped in the facade of being one. We're all God's children and yet she has lost that and doesn't seem to realize it anymore."

"The last line is Satan's triumphant. He takes pleasure in her separation."

I was amazed by the meaning and depth these 12 words, 17 syllables, held. And what Will told was something many people go or have gone through, including myself. 

Why is it so easy for us to forget "we are all of God's children"? Let me back up here just a moment. Read back the last sentence. What's missing? You've all heard many a times that we are all children of God but there's always something forgotten when we quote that back to people. Something even I hadn't really put together till this evening when I was looking up this verse again.

"So you are all children of God through faith in Christ Jesus." --Galatians 3:26

We all keep forgetting we have to keep our faith in Christ, our trust and our hope is and should be in Him. Cause when we don't we forget, we get lost or sidetracked and feel like orphans abandoned in a world that's so messed up and without God. But that's not true, we're never alone. Those are the lies we're attacked with by Satan so when he see us he can laugh and try to say he's won. But he hasn't won. No, he hasn't. And he never will. God stands beside you, he's never left you and he never will. Lean on him for everything and in everything you do.

"Trust is like a staff you can lean on as you journey uphill with Me. If you are trusting Me consistently, the staff will bear as much weight as needed." --Jesus Calling Devotional by Sarah Young

 I know many of you have heard Psalms 23 "The Lord is my Shepherd."  I know you have. But listen to this verse carefully. 

"Even when I walk through the dark valley of death, I will not be afraid for you are close beside me. Your rod and staff protect and comfort me." --Psalms 23:4

Dictionary Definition: 

• Rod: A thin straight bar, esp. of wood or metal; a slender straight stick or shoot growing on or cut from a tree; a wand or staff as a symbol of office, authority, or power.
• Staff: a long stick used as a support when walking or climbing or as a weapon

Wow. So when your feeling weak you, we, can lean on Him, this staff that's always at our right hand (or if your left handed ;)) ready to hold us up, to help us climb that mountain or fight and protect us against our enemies. ALWAYS there to SUPPORT...You.

Reading the definitions of those two, what once were simple, words has opened my eyes to a deeper meaning of who God is. Though he's a great many things, but we'll save that for another day. :) I'm learning, truly learning, that God is my truest and most trusted friend and lover in the universe and I'm finding comfort in His word and truth. 

I'll leave you with this tonight and hope you have a blessed evening and I thank you for reading. I hope you got as much out of it as I did, or even more. :)

"But I am an olive tree, thriving in the house of God. I trust in God's unfailing love, forever and ever." --Psalms 52:8

Figgy Friday Spotlight #6

The curtain is unveiling. This weeks Figgy Friday's Spotlight is

"Hard To Believe"

by

Kaitlyn Watson



It's hard to believe (pun intended!) just how talented this girl truly is. She has a true gift for story telling. Her mind constantly throwing readers into a whirlwind of imagination and emotion. Though this is a rough edit of her story, it still captures me. A girl who has no sense of touch finds herself fighting to get her life and love back with the help of the, slightly flighty, great granddaughter of Fairy Godmother (Cinderella's fairy godmother). It's not a kitty story by far. I don't know all of what this astounding author has in store, but I honestly look forward to this book one day being a bestseller! <3 Modern meets magic, faith, and love!

I don't usually post songs with Figgy Friday's, but I was inspired with this one ;)



See you all next year!

Promise of The Stars

It is a beautiful day! I hope you all are enjoying the Fall weather. :) Enjoy a quick story from me! It's not finished but I hope to post more chapters to it soon! I've been highly encouraged to write more to it from fellow readers (and friends)! Have a blessed day!