Today is my daughter, Kendall's Ninth Birthday. But this morning I am thinking back ten years to February 2001. Rich and I were in the midst of fertility treatments and around this time the hormones I needed to take were kicking my butt. I was over emotional and frustrated with the whole process. We were actively looking at adopting from over seas and I was teaching full time.
My arms were empty and I was tired of it. I was sick of being invited to another baby shower. Sick of hearing that if I would just relax things would happen. (Usually this advice was dispensed from women who had kids!) Sick of spending money we didn't really have on all of the treatments. Sick of wanting something so bad it seemed to consume my entire life.
It was around this time that we decided we were going to give the treatments until June and then stop. Four more months and we would be finished.
I remember reading two stories in the Bible that affected me. One was the story of Hannah. Boy, did she ever want a baby! I could relate to that. She refused to eat and ended up trying to bargain with God. Sounded a whole lot like me. I had read the story before- but for some reason it stuck out at me this time. I had been acting a lot like Hannah and it had gotten me nowhere.
The other story was of Elizabeth- the mother of John the Baptist. She was old and had no children. (I was 34- not super old, but I felt like it at the time.) Instead of complaining and bargaining like Hannah, Elizabeth did her thing and trusted that God would work things out and God came through in a BIG way.
I felt as if I had come to a crossroads. Which story was for me? Hannah or Elizabeth? I could lie and tell you that it took me seconds to figure that question out, but I'm not going to sugar coat it. It took me days of thinking and praying and I finally decided to trust God, do my thing and if I ended up with a baby- great! If not, I was going to stop the stressing and crying and complaining and see what else God had in store for me.
I felt as if a weight were lifted off my shoulders. I was somehow able to put up with the weekly Dr. visits, the shots, and everything else. (Notice I did not say it was easy- but I was able to endure it.)
At the last appointment in June to measure my egg follicles, I remember looking at Rich and telling him this was it. When I went back Sat. afternoon to get my shot- I knew after this- no matter what the outcome- we were finished with it all.
Around the 4th of July I was sick and wanted to eat vast amounts of cottage cheese. Could it be?
Yep, I was pregnant.
Which brings me to Feb. 26, 2002 at 10:58pm in Scottsbluff Nebraska. At that moment, Kendall Sierra Pedersen took her first breath- wailed her first cry- and life would never be the same again. At 35 I was a first time Mom and unknown to me then- would welcome another baby (this time a boy) four years later.
Do I believe in miracles?
You bet.
I'm the proud mother of two of them! My oldest is nine today. My youngest will be five in May.
The doctors I went to didn't think my chances were good that I would ever have one baby. I have two.
Have you been told something that seems impossible? Is there something out there that seems unattainable?
Good. You are now in a position to watch God do what he does best.
Miracles.
I'm going to end today with a song by the Newsboys. It's called "Impossible". Let it sink into your bone marrow today. God is the God of the impossible.....and I have the nine year old girl to prove it.
I love you Kendall Sierra!
Saturday, February 26, 2011
Thursday, February 24, 2011
Dragons-Why Not?
One thing that I am asked quite a bit when the subject of the novel comes up is "What is the book about?" Usually I don't get into much detail because that's the way the creative process works for me, so I say it's a High Adventure Fantasy story with swords, kings, and dragons.
One of two things happens. Either the person looks at me as if I have two heads, or they say "Cool!" But the one thing everyone picks out are the dragons. I had a person tell me once, "You don't look like you would be into dragons." Ok- that one still has me scratching my head. What does a person who likes dragons look like? Do we have a defining feature?
Bringing the huge scaled mythical reptiles into the story was not a hard decision. They belonged there so I "saw" them in the story. When I researched dragons, I found so much information that I decided to use some of what I found, and other things I made up. So to all you dragon purists- I apologize ahead of time- I'm sure you will get over it. (LOL!)
I would have to say that one of my favorite characters is a baby dragon named Nigel. The more I work with him, the more fun he is! There is something about a baby dragon and a small child that change the tone of the story- and these two do!
Another favorite is a big black dragon with red eyes. He is a nightmare, but is too- fun to write. Who doesn't enjoy a massive fire breathing dragon that sounds a lot like the T-Rex in "Jurassic Park"? I've only started writing about him and I know any scene he's in will be interesting.
I've also created people that interact with the dragons; a couple of them specifically work with the huge beasts. That has also been a blast! One of my favorite scenes involves one of those people and a giant and my main girl, who ends up taking an unexpected ride on a dragon.
I don't know exactly how or when I decided to add the dragons- all I know is that in part of the dedication that I wrote for the book; I give a shout out to my dad and mention that he heard the rush of dragon wings long before I did. My dad was NEVER a Sci-Fi or fantasy fan, but he knew I was. I'm sure it would not surprise him in the least to know that the dragons are all over this novel.
I think that dragons must spark something in everyone; positive or negative- and I think that says a lot about the person. For me, the dragon is the symbol of imagination, power and creativity. Heck, I just love 'em! So no matter what side of this issue you are on I will leave you with this awesome poem from Jack Prelutsky.
If you don't believe in dragons,
It is curiously true
That the dragons you disparage
Choose to not believe in you.
~ Jack Prelutsky
One of two things happens. Either the person looks at me as if I have two heads, or they say "Cool!" But the one thing everyone picks out are the dragons. I had a person tell me once, "You don't look like you would be into dragons." Ok- that one still has me scratching my head. What does a person who likes dragons look like? Do we have a defining feature?
Bringing the huge scaled mythical reptiles into the story was not a hard decision. They belonged there so I "saw" them in the story. When I researched dragons, I found so much information that I decided to use some of what I found, and other things I made up. So to all you dragon purists- I apologize ahead of time- I'm sure you will get over it. (LOL!)
I would have to say that one of my favorite characters is a baby dragon named Nigel. The more I work with him, the more fun he is! There is something about a baby dragon and a small child that change the tone of the story- and these two do!
Another favorite is a big black dragon with red eyes. He is a nightmare, but is too- fun to write. Who doesn't enjoy a massive fire breathing dragon that sounds a lot like the T-Rex in "Jurassic Park"? I've only started writing about him and I know any scene he's in will be interesting.
I've also created people that interact with the dragons; a couple of them specifically work with the huge beasts. That has also been a blast! One of my favorite scenes involves one of those people and a giant and my main girl, who ends up taking an unexpected ride on a dragon.
I don't know exactly how or when I decided to add the dragons- all I know is that in part of the dedication that I wrote for the book; I give a shout out to my dad and mention that he heard the rush of dragon wings long before I did. My dad was NEVER a Sci-Fi or fantasy fan, but he knew I was. I'm sure it would not surprise him in the least to know that the dragons are all over this novel.
I think that dragons must spark something in everyone; positive or negative- and I think that says a lot about the person. For me, the dragon is the symbol of imagination, power and creativity. Heck, I just love 'em! So no matter what side of this issue you are on I will leave you with this awesome poem from Jack Prelutsky.
If you don't believe in dragons,
It is curiously true
That the dragons you disparage
Choose to not believe in you.
~ Jack Prelutsky
Monday, February 21, 2011
Writing for the Fun of It......
Today I gave my students a form to help them begin to form a character for our writing lesson today. Most of them were very excited and began scribbling on their sheets. Some of them were so excited about it that they blurted out little things they were creating. This is the part of teaching that I love- when students get excited about something.
As the students were writing, they asked me questions about coming up with characters in my novel and how I did it. I told them that I had many different ways that worked for me; that some characters come more together than others- that some I labored for days over their names and others the names came instantly. I was reminded that one of my villains was formed in a classroom exercise very similar to the one I led today. I loved the back and forth dialogue with the kids.
They had about 20 minutes to create this character and then they shared them with the class. As I listened to each one, I was impressed. Some of the characters were close to the author- others were very different. One third grader made up a girl that was almost goth like and her parents were rich very conservative people. Another student had a character that loved the band RED. (not sure where he got that idea from! ha ha)
The thing that hit me was the fact that my students were having fun! They were creating and having a blast! I love writing- but it's been hard work for the last year and a half. Once my kids take their character and plug it into a story- it may not be quite like it is now...but that's okay.
We talked about keeping a notebook for ideas and getting inspiration from different places. One student suggested that Wal-Mart could be a good place to get ideas! I commented that my music gave me lots of ideas and my daughter said that I get lots of ideas at church too. (That's true! My notebook is out a whole lot there!)
After class dismissed today, I sat at my desk and marveled how much fun writing can be. How much of a blast the creative process is. As usual, my students are teaching me many things, and today they reminded me of why I write in the first place.
Do you have something that you do all of the time but have forgotten how much fun it is? Or is there something you used to do that you want to do again? My challenge to you today is to remember the joy in doing what you love- then go and do it!
Have fun! :)
As the students were writing, they asked me questions about coming up with characters in my novel and how I did it. I told them that I had many different ways that worked for me; that some characters come more together than others- that some I labored for days over their names and others the names came instantly. I was reminded that one of my villains was formed in a classroom exercise very similar to the one I led today. I loved the back and forth dialogue with the kids.
They had about 20 minutes to create this character and then they shared them with the class. As I listened to each one, I was impressed. Some of the characters were close to the author- others were very different. One third grader made up a girl that was almost goth like and her parents were rich very conservative people. Another student had a character that loved the band RED. (not sure where he got that idea from! ha ha)
The thing that hit me was the fact that my students were having fun! They were creating and having a blast! I love writing- but it's been hard work for the last year and a half. Once my kids take their character and plug it into a story- it may not be quite like it is now...but that's okay.
We talked about keeping a notebook for ideas and getting inspiration from different places. One student suggested that Wal-Mart could be a good place to get ideas! I commented that my music gave me lots of ideas and my daughter said that I get lots of ideas at church too. (That's true! My notebook is out a whole lot there!)
After class dismissed today, I sat at my desk and marveled how much fun writing can be. How much of a blast the creative process is. As usual, my students are teaching me many things, and today they reminded me of why I write in the first place.
Do you have something that you do all of the time but have forgotten how much fun it is? Or is there something you used to do that you want to do again? My challenge to you today is to remember the joy in doing what you love- then go and do it!
Have fun! :)
Sunday, February 13, 2011
Reading, Writing, and Stephen King
"If you want to be a writer, you must do two things above all others: read a lot and write a lot. There's no way around these two things that I'm aware of, no shortcut."~Stephen King
Anyone that knows me knows that I read constantly. I always have a book going. (sometimes more than one) I read myself to sleep as I have since I was a little girl. If I wake up in the middle of the night, I read myself back to sleep. Many times I will shut the TV off because I'm so involved in the book I'm reading.
Books have always had the power to transport me somewhere else. I remember as a kid reading animal stories, Nancy Drew, and many other types of books. Then one day I sat down with a book called "The Shining" by Stephen King. not only was I transported somewhere else- I had the dickens scared out of me! Even now, I'm a big fan of that book- (not the movie, don't get me started on that one.....) I know now that I can't do the horror stuff because I walk around scared out of my wits for days! My imagination only needs a tiny bit of encouragement to get out of control...
Throughout my teen years I would read King and my dad would make comments about reading "that crap." My dad always had a book going too. He would read James Michner, spy books, detective stories and historical fiction. The man could read while watching the news. Anyway- he hated Stephen King. I begged him to read one and he finally caved in and read "The Stand". It's not so much horror as it is a tale of the end of the world. My dad actually liked the story and commented that King could probably write anything if he wanted to. And then he told me that if Stephen King could write a book, I sure as &%^$ could!
I guess my dad knew what King knows. You have to read and write to be a writer! There are days that I do NOT feel like sitting at this computer and writing. I am tired- I am not inspired- I have nothing.....but where is my butt? It's in this chair! Even on days I don't feel like it, (especially on those days) I keep going. Even if it's a POV or my glossary or an idea on my notes page- I type! King says:
"Running a close second [as a writing lesson] was the realization that stopping a piece of work just because it's hard, either emotionally or imaginatively, is a bad idea. Sometimes you have to go on when you don't feel like it, and sometimes you're doing good work when it feels like all you're managing is to shovel **** from a sitting position."
I think every writer can relate to the above statement. Some days I have to challenge myself to write 1,000 words or finish a part of a story or anything I can think of to keep going. Because some days I just don't feel like it. There are times when I can put down 3,000 words in one day and there are times when I struggle to put down a few sentences. My bottom line is that I don't quit! Oh, I may say I'm going to....but I think I'm just speaking my frustrations out loud. Writing calls my name in the middle of the night. It commands me to wake up early and go to bed late sometimes. I just keep going.
Another time I will talk about what kinds of books I read and what has influenced me- but today I want to end with a quote from the same writer I began today's blog with, from my favorite short story of his, "Rita Hayworth and the Shawshank Redemption"
"I find I'm so excited I can barely sit still or hold a thought in my head. I think it is the excitement only a free man can feel, a free man at the start of a long journey whose conclusion is uncertain. I hope I can make it across the border. I hope to see my friend, and shake his hand. I hope the Pacific is as blue as it has been in my dreams. I hope."
I hope....
Wednesday, February 9, 2011
How Do You Eat An Elephant?
There are days like today that this story I'm working on seems impossible. There are so many characters, plot lines, histories, maps, vocabulary words, and kingdoms that on days like this- it would be easy to give up.
Except I can't.
Not anymore. I think at one time I might have been able to stop writing this story, but not now. I'm in too deep. I know I will continue with the story until it is finished. I have no idea what the final story will be or what will happen with my book (or books) when I am done. I know I have tons of editing to do find an agent and an editor and all those others things, and that will come in time.
For now, I have to create and get things down on the page. I am one that likes to look ahead and charge into the fray! But there are days like this when I need to stop and look back at where I've been and let that be inspiration to keep on going.
Characters: I started with three main character sketches and have many times that amount now. Each of them have their own personalities, names, and faces. I can talk about each one and and move them around my world. My top 10 I know very well.
Kingdoms: I had one kingdom and now have five. I have named each one and they each have a space on my map. I know what products they produce, who the ruler is, how they run their kingdom, and other political things. I also know how the landscape looks for each kingdom.
Vocabulary words: I started with one word for the bond between animals and people. That word has now grown into a vocab. list of 24 words....17 which are defined and the rest are waiting for just the right definition.
Maps: I have various maps of the kingdoms and of some of the castles (compounds). Many of the places are named.
Animals: Horses, dragons, ravens, and other creatures have made their appearance. Many have been named and have their own personalities.
Play List- I have a very huge playlist on my ipod. I cannot begin to number the songs that I have used to help me write. I know it must be well over 300.
Experiences: I have gone into the ring at the Frazier Arms Museum with a two handed sword, hung out with people at the Scottish Festival, Talked to a Blacksmith at the Resissance Festival, saw RED three times, and talked to former marine and army soldiers about their battle experiences.
Encouragement: I have gotten so many words of encouragement from so many people! Most don't know much about what I'm writing, but they say nice things; which helps on days like this. I had one dear friend who sent me my plaque that reads; "Careful...or you'll end up in my novel." Others have passed on quotes or pictures or something. Writing does not happen in a vacuum!
So how do you eat an elephant? One bite at a time.
So- today as I look back and am reminded of why I'm doing this....I'll end with this quote.
"Find out the reason that commands you to write; see whether is has spread its roots into the very depth of your heart; confess to yourself you would have to die if you were forbidden to write." ~Rainer Mari Rilkie
Except I can't.
Not anymore. I think at one time I might have been able to stop writing this story, but not now. I'm in too deep. I know I will continue with the story until it is finished. I have no idea what the final story will be or what will happen with my book (or books) when I am done. I know I have tons of editing to do find an agent and an editor and all those others things, and that will come in time.
For now, I have to create and get things down on the page. I am one that likes to look ahead and charge into the fray! But there are days like this when I need to stop and look back at where I've been and let that be inspiration to keep on going.
Characters: I started with three main character sketches and have many times that amount now. Each of them have their own personalities, names, and faces. I can talk about each one and and move them around my world. My top 10 I know very well.
Kingdoms: I had one kingdom and now have five. I have named each one and they each have a space on my map. I know what products they produce, who the ruler is, how they run their kingdom, and other political things. I also know how the landscape looks for each kingdom.
Vocabulary words: I started with one word for the bond between animals and people. That word has now grown into a vocab. list of 24 words....17 which are defined and the rest are waiting for just the right definition.
Maps: I have various maps of the kingdoms and of some of the castles (compounds). Many of the places are named.
Animals: Horses, dragons, ravens, and other creatures have made their appearance. Many have been named and have their own personalities.
Play List- I have a very huge playlist on my ipod. I cannot begin to number the songs that I have used to help me write. I know it must be well over 300.
Experiences: I have gone into the ring at the Frazier Arms Museum with a two handed sword, hung out with people at the Scottish Festival, Talked to a Blacksmith at the Resissance Festival, saw RED three times, and talked to former marine and army soldiers about their battle experiences.
Encouragement: I have gotten so many words of encouragement from so many people! Most don't know much about what I'm writing, but they say nice things; which helps on days like this. I had one dear friend who sent me my plaque that reads; "Careful...or you'll end up in my novel." Others have passed on quotes or pictures or something. Writing does not happen in a vacuum!
So how do you eat an elephant? One bite at a time.
So- today as I look back and am reminded of why I'm doing this....I'll end with this quote.
"Find out the reason that commands you to write; see whether is has spread its roots into the very depth of your heart; confess to yourself you would have to die if you were forbidden to write." ~Rainer Mari Rilkie
Tuesday, February 8, 2011
Rocker Chicks and Earplugs
Those of you that know me, know that I have never worn earplugs to a concert....and I'm sure I will need hearing aids by the time I'm 50! The louder the better! When RED played at WinterWonder Jam Friday, they were rockin and I felt every note! It was awesome!
In the last few days, I have talked to many different people who have asked me about my experience meeting the band, the concert, etc. Most people have been very positive; but there are some who have been negative or just don't get why I would get so excited about this.
I have tried to explain to those that fit in that category that it's something that just moved me. The band's music inspired me to start writing this novel and now I am up to my eyeballs in swords, dragons, skeletons, castles, good vs. evil, etc. In this season of my life- this is my passion. I'm eating, sleeping, breathing, talking battle tactics, maps, horses, sword play, wedding ceremonies, political issues, etc. In other words, I am fully "all in" this experience of writing my first novel.
I am learning that no matter what I say, some people are not going to "get" me or what I'm doing. And that is okay. Everyone has their own "thing". But I don't have to listen to the constant barrage of negative stuff. I can politely opt out of the conversation and 'agree to disagree' with the person and go on.
In other words, there are times I need to put my earplugs in. Don't misinterpret me- I'm not suggesting not listening to someone, but if their circular reasoning is in full force and I know I'm not going to change their minds, I need to stand strong in what I'm doing; in my passion- and block the negative stuff out.
Are there things in your life that you need to do this same thing with? Is there that one person that only speaks negative things that needs to be silenced in your head? I want to encourage you to stand strong in what it is that God has put into you....dont' let the naysayers have the last word. Live your passion!
In the last few days, I have talked to many different people who have asked me about my experience meeting the band, the concert, etc. Most people have been very positive; but there are some who have been negative or just don't get why I would get so excited about this.
I have tried to explain to those that fit in that category that it's something that just moved me. The band's music inspired me to start writing this novel and now I am up to my eyeballs in swords, dragons, skeletons, castles, good vs. evil, etc. In this season of my life- this is my passion. I'm eating, sleeping, breathing, talking battle tactics, maps, horses, sword play, wedding ceremonies, political issues, etc. In other words, I am fully "all in" this experience of writing my first novel.
I am learning that no matter what I say, some people are not going to "get" me or what I'm doing. And that is okay. Everyone has their own "thing". But I don't have to listen to the constant barrage of negative stuff. I can politely opt out of the conversation and 'agree to disagree' with the person and go on.
In other words, there are times I need to put my earplugs in. Don't misinterpret me- I'm not suggesting not listening to someone, but if their circular reasoning is in full force and I know I'm not going to change their minds, I need to stand strong in what I'm doing; in my passion- and block the negative stuff out.
Are there things in your life that you need to do this same thing with? Is there that one person that only speaks negative things that needs to be silenced in your head? I want to encourage you to stand strong in what it is that God has put into you....dont' let the naysayers have the last word. Live your passion!
Saturday, February 5, 2011
RED: Meeting the Guys& Living in the Moment
I know I need to do a whole lot more processing before I get all of my thoughts down about this- but I want to attempt to comment on this whole experience for those of you who want to know how yesterday went.
I was so nervous about meeting the band! I can't remember what my two good friends were even talking about in the car on the way there, (sorry gals!) When RED's manager came up to get us, we got to go into Freedom Hall before anyone else was allowed in. There is something almost spiritual about going into an arena set up for a concert but no one else is there. Two hours later it was filled with over 14,000 people! But not in that moment. It was just us.
We continued backstage and out the door to the tour buses. Scott gave us instructions and we boarded the bus. Michael, Randy, Joe, and Anthony were all sitting on one side of the bus and got up to greet us as we entered. All six of us were invited to sit down- which we did- and there was complete silence. (I know all six of us were just stunned to be there!)
Anthony started to ask us questions, and slowly everyone began to talk....except me. I didn't know what to say! I finally said a couple of things (which I cannot remember) and then when asked what my favorite song on the new album was and I said "Hymn for the Missing", Randy said "You don't like to rock?" (Hymn is a slow song) That kinda ticked me off so I said "No, you don't understand!" And went on to explain how that song has helped me fill in four months of my storyline and I told them about the book I'm writing. Pam looked at me in shock! I had actually said not just one or two sentences, but lots of them! The guys all said very encouraging things and we went on to talk about other stuff.
They asked us what song we wanted them to play acoustically....and we all had different suggestions. I said I loved them all- but I especially loved "Already Over" and said I loved the video they shot at Alcatraz. Three of them made comments about making that video and we learned that the room they filmed the video in was in the morgue. They said that there were still fake blood stains on the ceiling and floor from shooting the movie, "The Rock" there. They talked about the acoustics , the history of the prison, and other things. It was so fun to see them all talk together about it.
They moved on to other things, and signed the stuff we had brought, and later we went out and took pictures with them. I had the chance to give my letter to Michael. But the moment that was the most surreal was when they did "Never Be the Same" from their Innocence and Instinct album just for the six of us. There was something so magical about Michael singing just to us. Anthony played the acoustic guitar and Randy sang the harmony. (Joe, the drummer sat quietly- he said to keep them in line!) It was one of the coolest things I've ever experienced! I can't even begin to explain it! Those four minutes were something I will always treasure.
My advice to you today is if you ever get the chance to do something you've wanted to, if you are able, DO IT!!!
Until next time....live your dreams!! Here is the video of RED at Alcatraz....
I was so nervous about meeting the band! I can't remember what my two good friends were even talking about in the car on the way there, (sorry gals!) When RED's manager came up to get us, we got to go into Freedom Hall before anyone else was allowed in. There is something almost spiritual about going into an arena set up for a concert but no one else is there. Two hours later it was filled with over 14,000 people! But not in that moment. It was just us.
We continued backstage and out the door to the tour buses. Scott gave us instructions and we boarded the bus. Michael, Randy, Joe, and Anthony were all sitting on one side of the bus and got up to greet us as we entered. All six of us were invited to sit down- which we did- and there was complete silence. (I know all six of us were just stunned to be there!)
Anthony started to ask us questions, and slowly everyone began to talk....except me. I didn't know what to say! I finally said a couple of things (which I cannot remember) and then when asked what my favorite song on the new album was and I said "Hymn for the Missing", Randy said "You don't like to rock?" (Hymn is a slow song) That kinda ticked me off so I said "No, you don't understand!" And went on to explain how that song has helped me fill in four months of my storyline and I told them about the book I'm writing. Pam looked at me in shock! I had actually said not just one or two sentences, but lots of them! The guys all said very encouraging things and we went on to talk about other stuff.
They asked us what song we wanted them to play acoustically....and we all had different suggestions. I said I loved them all- but I especially loved "Already Over" and said I loved the video they shot at Alcatraz. Three of them made comments about making that video and we learned that the room they filmed the video in was in the morgue. They said that there were still fake blood stains on the ceiling and floor from shooting the movie, "The Rock" there. They talked about the acoustics , the history of the prison, and other things. It was so fun to see them all talk together about it.
They moved on to other things, and signed the stuff we had brought, and later we went out and took pictures with them. I had the chance to give my letter to Michael. But the moment that was the most surreal was when they did "Never Be the Same" from their Innocence and Instinct album just for the six of us. There was something so magical about Michael singing just to us. Anthony played the acoustic guitar and Randy sang the harmony. (Joe, the drummer sat quietly- he said to keep them in line!) It was one of the coolest things I've ever experienced! I can't even begin to explain it! Those four minutes were something I will always treasure.
My advice to you today is if you ever get the chance to do something you've wanted to, if you are able, DO IT!!!
Until next time....live your dreams!! Here is the video of RED at Alcatraz....
Thursday, February 3, 2011
Listen to Your Rice Krispies
I felt that today I needed to talk about breakfast cereal.: in particular- Rice Krispies. My son Ian, loves to fill his bowl, pour the milk on and listen to the snap, crackle, pop. He seems amazed every time that he can hear that distinct sound.
I read other author's suggestions to beginning writers, and one said: "Listen to your Rice Krispies." She then went on to explain what that comment meant. She said that each writer knows things about their storyline, characters, plot, etc. that no one else knows. When it comes to making decisions on these things, she suggested to listen to that voice inside that tells you if it's "right" for the story.
For example- early on I knew that one of my characters has to die. I didn't like that idea- but it's what I saw. I'm sure that others may not agree with this, but I know that in order for the story line to get where it needs to go; this HAS to happen. It may not be a popular element to include- but I'm doing it anyway.
I've talked about my unexpected character and my choice I had to make at taking him out or leaving him in. While I was struggling with this, my husband asked. "What do your Rice Krispies say?" I knew then that I was going to leave this character and see where it took me. I'm glad I did as this person has opened up things I wouldn't have gotten into if he were not in the story.
The farther I get into this process, the easier it is to listen to my breakfast cereal! LOL! I'm learning that it takes practice and patience. (something I'm not very good at sometimes) I have to admit that this little gem of advice is one of the best ones I've gotten from any author.
So now I'm passing it on to you. I'm sure it can be applied other places than writing. It's all about listening to that still small voice inside. One thing though- just as you have to pour milk on Rice Krispies to get them to pop, you need to pour on whatever your passion is- whatever your creativity is- in order to even hear the sound. Today- my challenge to you is to listen to YOUR Rice Krispies.
Tomorrow I get to cross off another thing on my Bucket List. I'm sure I'll be writing all about meeting RED and the insights I gathered from spending time with them. Dream big!
I read other author's suggestions to beginning writers, and one said: "Listen to your Rice Krispies." She then went on to explain what that comment meant. She said that each writer knows things about their storyline, characters, plot, etc. that no one else knows. When it comes to making decisions on these things, she suggested to listen to that voice inside that tells you if it's "right" for the story.
For example- early on I knew that one of my characters has to die. I didn't like that idea- but it's what I saw. I'm sure that others may not agree with this, but I know that in order for the story line to get where it needs to go; this HAS to happen. It may not be a popular element to include- but I'm doing it anyway.
I've talked about my unexpected character and my choice I had to make at taking him out or leaving him in. While I was struggling with this, my husband asked. "What do your Rice Krispies say?" I knew then that I was going to leave this character and see where it took me. I'm glad I did as this person has opened up things I wouldn't have gotten into if he were not in the story.
The farther I get into this process, the easier it is to listen to my breakfast cereal! LOL! I'm learning that it takes practice and patience. (something I'm not very good at sometimes) I have to admit that this little gem of advice is one of the best ones I've gotten from any author.
So now I'm passing it on to you. I'm sure it can be applied other places than writing. It's all about listening to that still small voice inside. One thing though- just as you have to pour milk on Rice Krispies to get them to pop, you need to pour on whatever your passion is- whatever your creativity is- in order to even hear the sound. Today- my challenge to you is to listen to YOUR Rice Krispies.
Tomorrow I get to cross off another thing on my Bucket List. I'm sure I'll be writing all about meeting RED and the insights I gathered from spending time with them. Dream big!
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