Blogs and Blurbs

Today's Thought

2012-01-27T16:27:00.000-08:00

Life is good.

If it's not, I will make it good.

If I can't make it better, I will be happy anyway.

Christmas

2011-12-21T17:33:00.000-08:00

by C.R. Williams

I read a blog posting a few days ago that got me thinking. We celebrate the birth of Christ every year. December 25th always comes whether we have plenty of money to try to shower our loved ones with gifts or very little money so we do the best we can and make do with gifts we create.

I have had both. My children --all five -- often mention the most memorable was the one we took most of the money we allotted for Christmas that year and played Secret Santa for some families we knew had struggles. Filling boxes with groceries and presents, then sneaking them onto porches, ringing the doorbells and then running and hiding was a blast. It was like we were world class secret agents. We were partners in fun adventure. My kids loved it.

We also chose to give each other only gifts we had made. I remember worrying about how Christmas morning would be when our children didn't have the gifts they had fantasized about.

But, do you know what? My worries were for nothing. I was humbled by what happened that Christmas morning. Each child was excited to see the reactions to their gifts they had created. They also absolutely loved what was made for them. I pondered this and realized each of us was emotionally and physically invested in the fits we had worked so hard on. It is one thing to give some thought to what you will buy someone, but a whole other thing to take the time to create something. It really does become a labor of love.

My high school son's gifts for his dad and me were stunning. He borrowed a friends snuggy and created his own pattern adding his own improvements like making them longer and with deeper pockets. He also added more material around the top so you could really snuggle in if you wanted. I love it. I wear it often, especially when I'm writing. While he was on his mission, it not only warmed me, but brought me much comfort. I felt him near me. It really was the best Christmas ever.

This year is a . . . well . . . not so lucrative venture. And that is just fine. I finally wrote the Christmas story about a little girl learning the true meaning of Christmas that I 've wanted to write for years. It has become part of my Christmas gifts to some. We are making gifts to share with extended families, visiting teachers, home teachers, neighbors and friends. You really can do a ton of baking using your food storage and some imagination. Christmas cards are being sent on-line.

We are more focused on each other and our Lord rather than the trappings. We will sing praises to the Christ child in our Ward Choir on Christmas Day. I know I will have tears as we sing Mary's Lullaby. I have not been able to get through the phrase, "You are a King, but tonight you are mine," without crying. My youngest son will sing a lovely song with the Primary children too. I have the opportunity to share my heart by playing my harp for the prelude music. It will be part of my gift to Jesus this Christmas. Then we will come home and continue to celebrate the birth of Christ together around the Christmas Tree that was decorated with much laughter, and . . . tossing of ornaments. (I was lucky this year, only one broke.)

I am grateful for Christmas this and every year. Hearts are softened. Families are together.

I wish each of you the Merriest Christmas and may you feel the Saviors love in your heart.

A Short Course In Human Relations

2011-12-01T17:52:00.000-08:00

A Short Course

Human Relations

From an old yellowed newspaper clipping by anonymous

The 6 most important words ~ I admit I made a mistake.

The 5 most important words ~ You did a good job.

The 4 most important words ~ What is your opinion?

The 3 most important words ~ Will you please?

The 2 most important words ~ Thank you.

The 1 most important word ~ We

The least important word ~ I

Dreams

2011-11-18T20:21:00.000-08:00

I dream in the night.

I dream in the day.
I dream when I'm happy.
I dream when I'm sad.
I dream to make the hurt go away.
I dream to hide my fear.
I dream of a beautiful and safe world for children and families.
I dream of eternities.

Harping and Writing

2011-08-06T18:27:00.001-07:00

by Cindy R. Williams

Two of my favorite people, Tony and Joanni Judd, on their wedding day.

This is my magical harp, Arvilla. Did you know if you are the first owner of a harp, you have the privilege and responsibility of christening it with it's eternal name. Arvilla is the middle name of my favorite, and only dear mother. The name reminds me of vanilla, a yummy taste and a sublime smell. My mother doesn't like the name so much so it's fun to tease her a bit by using the name - not that I ever yanked her chain growing up or anything.

Playing the harp channels my muse and also calms my soul. I often play late at night in the dark. It's not like playing a trumpet so I don't wake anyone. If they do happen to stumble out of bed, they think they are hearing angels so it's all good.

I have found that writing harp music is pretty much the same process as writing stories. Sometimes the notes flow out and they sound wonderful, but other times, nothing comes. Nada, stone-cold dry. When that happens, I play whatever my heart desires and enjoy the lilting music that floats around the lofty ceiling. When nonsense or no sense comes out of my fingertips on the keyboard of my computer, I often dive into the pool and float on my back make cloud animals.

Just yesterday there were dragons swooping in and out of thunder clouds along with some slashes of lighting giving me two good reasons to slosh out the pool. The first and most important was to quickly jot down the dragon scene before it slipped away and the second reason was to avoid getting zapped by lightning. Maybe not in the correct order, but both important none the less.

The muse is a tricky little minx at best. I think I will try enticicing the muse with chocolate. Has this worked for anyone? What works for you?

Seeking Self Truths

2011-05-24T21:59:00.000-07:00

by Cindy R. Williams

While Mother's Day shopping at Deseret Book, I came across THROUGH HIS EYES - Rethinking What You Believe about Yourself by Virginia H. Pearce. The cover is a lovely pastel blue with a pearl in an oyster shell. I picked it up and read the inside cover and new it was for me.

The blurb began with, "As anyone who has ever cleaned out a closet or a basement can attest, clutter is a reality of life. And it's not just a physical reality. Our minds can become cluttered too, filled with beliefs about everything from our relationship with God to our feelings about our bodies to our housekeeping methods."

I bought the book and upon returning home, handed it to my husband saying, "Here's my Mother's Day present." He smiled and was thrilled that he had finally gotten me something that I really wanted.

I am reading it slowly so that I can ponder the messages and make the much needed changes. The author, Sister Pearce, is the daughter of President Gordan B. Hinckley. If you have ever heard the man speak or read his words -which I am assuming most of you reading this blog have - you know that he always made you aware of your great eternal worth and that there is hope. Sister Peace has the same ability.

Sister Pearce lays the book out in an easy-to-read clean and concise manner. She teaches us the steps to be successful at discarding the lies and half-truths that may be hindering our progress.

I hope to be more of what I am supposed to be here on this earth as I work through this inspiring book. If you decide to check it out, let me know. I would love to hear other inspired stories.

Firefly

2011-03-24T22:34:00.000-07:00

by Cindy R. Williams

I just returned home from spending several hours with three of the most amazing young ladies. Their names are Melanie, McKenzie and Madelyn, also known as the Nashville recording artists and country music group, Firefly!
My eyes watered several times as I listened to their magical harmonies and saw their joy in music close up. Their music surrounded me with life and energy. I had the ultimate privilege to watch as they finished the lyrics and music to a new song. I even added my two cents--or four words, "I give my all," to the song.

These three young ladies have it all. Fabulous voices, music writing talent, showmanship and are gifted musicians and dancers. They have one more thing that other music groups don't have, and that is they have a testimony of Jesus Christ and live their lives so that His light shines in all they create. Firefly will do much in creating joy and lifting hearts along their journey.

Thank you Melanie, McKenzie and Madelyn for letting me watch you dazzle!

For a sparkling treat, check out:

FIREFLY

Why I Write

2011-01-25T23:49:00.000-08:00

by Cindy R. Williams

I received the ultimate compliment at my last ANWA Chapter meeting. My heart is full just writing about it. Pamela Reynolds shared with me that her little boy with Autism has a special book he loves. It's the first book he has ever read all by himself. That book was Chase McKay Didn't Get Up Today, my little children's picture book I wrote a few years ago. If I never hear another nice word about my writing I'm pretty much good forever. I wrote that book out of love for my own little boy, Chase McKay, and it brings me joy to share it with other little girls and boys. Check this one off my bucket list Pam, and give your little son an extra hug for me.

I could pretty much call it good in the writing department, except characters keep waking me up at night demanding that I tell their story, so . . . I shall do my best to get them out of my head and trapped in the computer for now. Having said that, I will probably start having nightmares about my characters being cramped and smashing into each other in my computer. Dragons will step on faeries. Evil Shadows will smother angels. Goblins will steal ice cream from back yard picnics. Cyclopes will shoot lasers from their one eye at the nice little old grandma. They will all come alive and escape my computer. Alas, the reality or insanity of being a writer.

SPARKIN

2011-01-06T00:01:00.000-08:00

by Cindy R. Williams

I took the big plunge into vanity, vanity license plates that is. When it came time to renew my plates, I did it online, which by the way was awesomely easy. (Yeah, I did just use an "ly" word here, but you know how they say you have to know the rule to break it. Well, I know the rule and I chose to break it cause that is pretty much how I talk.) Now back to my vanity plate.

When you renew online, there's a place where you can click to personalize your license plate. On an impulse, I clicked it and decided to see if a few things were available. I tried stuff like "WilliamsFamily", but of course that was way too long, so I tried "Williams" and also Willsfam", but both were still too long. ADOT only allows seven characters. Then I got thinking about having a plate with something to do with my writing on it. "Author" was taken and so was "Writer". I didn't like the idea of using either one of them with some random number, so I moved on.

My middle grade fantasy has occupied the main recesses of my mind for the past three years so I tried "Sparkin" the name of the dragon that takes the young hero on some pretty wild adventures. It could be a good marketing tactic.

Voila, it was available. I thought long and hard --at least for one minute that is --about any possible connections to something unsavory or untoward, but figured the worst thing "Sparkin" could be linked to was going into a dark closet and chomping down on wintergreen lifesavers to make them flash and spark when I was younger. Sparkin was also used on dates by the same couples that ran off into the woods to snipe hunt. Not me of course, but I did witness some pretty slobbery kissing going on do to sparkin and snipe hunting, but that is fodder for another blog or story.

It took about four weeks for my new license plates to arrive. When they did, I felt like a kid on Christmas. I opened the yellow packing envelope and gazed down lovingly, yup another "ly". It was almost like seeing my book in print as I admired the Arizona sunset behind the big capital letters S P A R K I N. Almost like seeing the name in lights.

My sweet husband was delighted for me and promptly replaced my old plate. ADOT sent me two of the same plate so I put the second one in my writing place where I can admire it and dream of how maybe someday I will be driving around in my mommy-mobile-mini-van and someone will point at my license plate and say . . . "Hey, that's the name of the dragon in the book I'm reading."
Here's hoping that dreams come true.

Christmas, Tomatoes and Strawberries

2010-12-15T07:30:00.000-08:00

By Cindy R. Williams

Christmas is in the air, even here in sunshiny Arizona. My wonderful tomato plants in my balcony pots actually froze the other night. The strawberries are doing fine. The leaves, stems and fruits of both plants, yes tomatoes are fruits, are decked out in red and green finery, each as holiday festive as the other, but the strawberries win. Why is that? Are the strawberries hardier plants? Were they in a better location on the balcony –one that has less of a chilly breeze and more protected from the elements? The answer is probably a bit of both.

Writing is a lot like my tomatoes and strawberries. Harsh comments, critiques and rejection letters can cause us to doubt our ability to produce tomatoes. Sometimes we feel the cold bite from even those close to us whom lack understanding of how important writing is to our central core or being. Are we sometimes our own worst enemies and let our self-doubt turn our writing ability into ice? Do we allow adversity to freeze our creativity and leave us dormant and fallow for a time?

I challenge each of you to be more like my hearty strawberries and ward off frosty comments, discouragement and despair. This Christmas Season, let’s deck ourselves with the tenacity of these wonderful strawberries and push through the arctic front we all face at times.

GROW STRAWBERRIES, GROW!

Random Quotes from Darbi's Wall

2010-10-22T11:53:00.000-07:00

While eating lunch last week with my fun ten year old in my favorite little diner in Pine Top/Lakewood, AZ --Yes, the two lovely pine covered cities have joined together -- I read these quotes posted on the wall.

If you can't be a good example then you'll just have to be a horrible warning! (Love it, and am pretty good at it too!)

Speak kind words and you will hear kind echos. (Use this with my children.)

A Happy Home is but an early Heaven. (Been my goal for forever and a day.)

Housework never killed anyone, but why take a chance. (BRAVO!!!!!)

I started out with nothing and I still have most of it left. (Somewhat true, but working hard to make this one obsolete.)

Each one could be the prompt for a good post, but alas, this is all you get.

Paraprosdokians

2010-10-17T05:55:00.000-07:00

By Cindy R. Williams

My sister, Vicky, sent me these. We are not sure where they all came from, but they are a lot of fun. A "paraprosdokian" is a figure of speech in which the latter part of a sentence or phrase is surprising or unexpected in a way that causes the reader or listener to reframe or reinterpret the first part. (Note: the two groups of text below have both similar and dissimilar lines.)

How about these?

1. I asked God for a bike, but I know God doesn't work that way. So I stole a bike and asked for forgiveness.
2. Do not argue with an idiot. He will drag you down to his level and beat you with experience.
3. I want to die peacefully in my sleep, like my grandfather, not screaming and yelling like the passengers in his car.
4. Going to church doesn't make you a Christian any more than standing in a garage makes you a car.
5. The last thing I want to do is hurt you. But it's still on the list.
6. Light travels faster than sound. This is why some people appear bright until you hear them speak.
7. If I agreed with you, we'd both be wrong.
8. We never really grow up; we only learn how to act in public.
9. War does not determine who is right - only who is left.
10. Knowledge is knowing a tomato is a fruit; Wisdom is not putting it in a fruit salad.
11. Evening news is where they begin with 'Good evening' and then proceed to tell you why it isn't.
12. To steal ideas from one person is plagiarism. To steal from many is research.
13. A bus station is where a bus stops. A train station is where a train stops. On my desk, I have a work station.
14. How is it one careless match can start a forest fire, but it takes a whole box to start a campfire?
15. Some people are like Slinkies ... not really good for anything, but you can't help smiling when you see one tumble down the stairs.
16. Dolphins are so smart that within a few weeks of captivity, they can train people to stand on the very edge of the pool and throw them fish.
17. I didn't say it was your fault; I said I was blaming you.
18. Why does someone believe you when you say there are four billion stars but check when you say the paint is wet?
19. Why do Americans choose from just two people to run for president and 50 for Miss America ?
20. Behind every successful man is his woman. Behind the fall of a successful man is usually another woman.
21. You do not need a parachute to skydive. You only need a parachute to skydive twice.
22. The voices in my head may not be real, but they have some good ideas! (This is my personal favorite and I plan to use it often!)
23. Always borrow money from a pessimist. He won't expect it back.
24. Hospitality: making your guests feel like they're at home, even if you wish they were.
25. Money can't buy happiness, but it sure makes misery easier to live with.
26. Some cause happiness wherever they go. Others whenever they go.
27. I used to be indecisive. Now I'm not sure.
28. When tempted to fight fire with fire, remember that the Fire Department usually uses water.
29. You're never too old to learn something stupid.
30. To be sure of hitting the target, shoot first and call whatever you hit the target. .
31. Some people hear voices. Some see invisible people. Others have no imagination whatsoever.
32. A bus is a vehicle that runs twice as fast when you are after it as when you are in it.

FEMALE TEACHERS' CONTRACT - UTAH 1923

2010-10-07T22:07:00.000-07:00

by Cindy R. Williams

In 1922 my grandmother, Alice Rupp Sample, was a school teacher in Utah. Her career lasted all of one year because she got married the next year, and believe it or not, married women were not allowed to be teachers according to the Female Teacher's Contract which came into effect in 1923. My dear mother, Verlayne Sample Richardson, found the contract a few weeks ago and gave me a copy.

Here are the 12 rules:

1. Teacher is not to get married. This contract becomes null and void if the teacher marries.
2. Teacher is not to keep the company of men.
3. Teacher must be home between the hours of 8:00 PM and 6:00 AM unless in attendance at a school function.
4. Teacher must not loiter downtown in ice cream parlors.
5. Teacher may not leave town at any time without permission of the Chairman of the Board of Trustees.
6. Teacher is not to smoke cigarettes or drink wine, beer or whisky. This contract becomes null and void if teacher is caught smoking, or drinking wine, beer or whiskey.
7. Teacher may not ride in a carriage with any man except her brother or father.
8. Teacher is not to dress in bright colors.
9. Teacher may not dye her hair.
10. Teacher will not wear dresses more than two inches above the ankle.
11. Teacher is to wear at least two petticoats.
12. Teacher is to bring a bucket to school to clean and scrub the building every week.

My, my, my, I wonder what bloggers or "light year word writers" "space word floaters" or cyber writers" whatever they will be doing or called in 2110, a hundred years from now, will think about the rules for female teacher of our time.

I DID IT!

2010-07-14T22:21:00.000-07:00

THE QUERY LETTER IS DONE!

What's a query letter you say? It's a letter that is meant to convince an editor that your story is the greatest story ever told and that they absolutely have to have it even more than chocolate. A query letter is your proposal of sorts, your calling card, you’re desperate plea to "PICK ME! PICK ME!" without sounding the least bit whiny or desperate.

I have been flying on Sparkin, the dragon's, back over Arizona for three years now and yet found the query letter about as much work. Wait a minute, hold the phone, and your horses or whatever it is you hold. I actually found the book an absolute delight to write. I love the characters, even the sinister ones and many times had to be called back to this planet to fix dinner, and attend to the worldly needs of my wonderful family. The query letter was more of a tear out your hair exercise that lasted through several months of research and 42 --this is not a typo, different versions, one to please each query letter expert. I studied the blurbs on the back of a gazillion books, and finally had an epiphany. Why not complete the exercise outlined by one of my most favorite agents that I was blessed to attend her presentation last April at the LDStorymakers Writers Conference?

So after the "why did it take you so long to figure it out?" moment, I finally hit upon what the heart of this book is about and what makes it unique. I realized it's a story of youth learning that they can do hard things, and learning that it is okay to be yourself even if you are different than others.

As Sparkin, a very noble dragon, would say, "It is ever so sweet" to have it complete.

2nd ANNUAL SUMMER TREASURE HUNT 2010

2010-05-24T22:08:00.000-07:00

Welcome to our second annual “Summer Treasure Hunt: Dig for Clues and Win” Contest! Last year, some author friends and I put together a month long contest where we gave away a prize a day for the entire month of June. The contest was so successful that my friends and I have decided to do it again…only this time we’ve gathered together enough prizes to last through the first week of July! Again, we have something for everyone: romance, fantasy, mystery, suspense, historical, contemporaries, young adult and middle grade fiction; children’s picture books; and a variety of non-fiction titles. We also have some exciting non-book prizes: a hand crocheted book tote and cell phone case; a book/jewelry combo; a Mary Kay cosmetic assortment; a The Lion, the Witch, and The Wardrobe DVD; and (you aspiring writers won’t want to miss this one!) a free edit/critique for the first 50 pages of an unpublished novel by a three-time published author!

SUMMER TREASURE HUNT RULES:
You can send in an entry for each day’s prize, or only for those prizes that strike your fancy. The rules are simple:

(1) Go to the website or blog indicated for each day, find the answer to the question for that day, then email the answer with your name and AND MAILING ADDRESS to jdipastena@yahoo.com. I promise you will not wind up on any mailing lists. This is only to facilitate the receipt of your prize. All entries will be deleted at the end of the contest.
(2) Please send a separate entry for each day and type the day you are entering in the subject line. (Such as: Summer Treasure Hunt, June 1; Summer Treasure Hunt, June 2, etc).
(3) Deadline for each day: Midnight PST
(4) The winner will be contacted and announced on the day following the deadline.

All winners will be “drawn” by WWW.RANDOM.ORG.

You do not have to wait until the designated day to enter. You can start sending in your entries right now, or begin entering at any point along the way. And check back here each day between June 2nd-July 9th to read the names of the winners.

If you have any questions, feel free to email Joyce DiPastena at jdipastena@yahoo.com

And now…let the treasure hunt begin!

JUNE 1
SPONSOR: Donna Hatch
PRIZE: Queen in Exile, (fantasy romance), autographed by author
QUESTION: The princess must rely upon her magic to save whom? (Hint: Look under “Bookshelf” tab)
WEBSITE/BLOG: http://www.donnahatch.net/
OPEN TO INTERNATIONAL ENTRIES
WINNER: Amber Nielson of Vermont, USA
ANSWER: Herself and her people from death and tyranny

JUNE 2
SPONSOR: Laurie Lewis
PRIZE: Awakening Avery (women's fiction), autographed copy
QUESTION: Avery's signal that she isn't handling her husband's death very well comes to her when she tosses what into what? (Hint: Look under books & reviews, then click on the cover to Awakening Avery and read the first chapter)
WEBSITE/BLOG: http://www.laurielclewis.com/
USA ENTRIES ONLY
WINNER: Barbara Stilwell
ANSWER: The remote into the TV

JUNE 3
SPONSOR: E.A. West
PRIZE: Riley's Mission (PDF: romantic suspense)
QUESTION: Where does Jade sit after she sees Aziz Khadoul? (Hint: Click on “Books” tab, then on “excerpt” link for Riley’s Mission)
WEBSITE/BLOG: http://eawest.mcphitty.com/
OPEN TO INTERNATIONAL ENTRIES
WINNER: Judy Cox, Lousianna AZ
ANSWER: An empty wheel chair

JUNE 4
SPONSOR: Jenna Dawlish
PRIZE: Sprig of Thyme (Victorian romance), autographed copy
QUESTION: What is the name of the hero in Jenna's first novel Love Engineered? (Check out “The Library” tab)
WEBSITE/BLOG: http://www.jennadawlish.com/
OPEN TO INTERNATIONAL ENTRIES
WINNER: Ginny Romney, Arizona USA
ANSWER: Charles Lucas

JUNE 5
SPONSOR: Rachael Renee Anderson
PRIZE: Divinely Designed (contemporary LDS romantic comedy), autographed copy
QUESTION: What is the title of Rachael's second book, being released in August? (Hint: scroll down to Rachael’s “Goodreads” titles on the right hand sidebar))
WEBSITE/BLOG: http://rachaelreneeanderson.blogspot.com/
USA ENTRIES ONLY
WINNER: Karin Tillotson, Pennsylvania USA
ANSWER: Luck of the draw

JUNE 6
SPONSOR: Linda Kay Garner
PRIZE: Some Secrets Hurt (picturebook), autographed copy plus a homemade cuddle blanket. This picture book is for all ages. It is simple enough to be understood by a very young child, meaningful enough to appeal to teenagers, informative enough to be helpful to parents, and powerful enough to reach out to a wounded adult.
QUESTION: The only thing worse than finding out that your child is being sexually abused is ____ ____ ____? (Hint: Listen to 5 minute KSL TV interview on the right side of the website or download the free Parents’ Guide)
WEBSITE/BLOG: http://www.somesecretshurt.com/
OPEN TO INTERNATIONAL ENTRIES
WINNER: Laura Lewis, North Carolina, USA
ANSWER: Not finding out

JUNE 7
SPONSOR: Danielle Thorne
PRIZE: (New/Sealed) The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, The Witch, and The Wardrobe (Widescreen DVD)
QUESTION: In Danielle Thorne's novel, Turtle Soup, what is the name of the marine biologist who inspires Sara Hart to name her deli Turtle Soup? (Hint: read the blurb for Turtle Soup on Danielle’s website homepage)
WEBSITE/BLOG: http://www.daniellethorne.jimdo.com/
USA ENTRIES ONLY
WINNER: Carol Rainbolt, Arizona Usa
ANSWER: Jack Brandon

JUNE 8
SPONSOR: Larry Hammersley
PRIZE: Lab Partners (sweet 1950’s romance), ebook
QUESTION: What are the first names of the hero and heroine in the short story Lab Partners? (Hint: Check out “WIP Report” post for April 4, 2010)
WEBSITE/BLOG: http://larryhammersley.blogspot.com/
OPEN TO INTERNATIONAL ENTIRES
WINNER: Minna Gerhart
ANSWER: Leroy and Jody

JUNE 9
SPONSOR: Linda Weaver Clarke
PRIZE: Melinda and the Wild West: (historical romance, YA and adult), autographed copy
QUESTION: What was Melinda doing when she first met Gilbert and why did he act flustered and then abruptly turn and briskly stride away? (Hint:. Click on “Sample Chapters” tab, then on the book title for Melinda and the Wild West to read a sample chapter.)
WEBSITE/BLOG: http://www.lindaweaverclarke.com/
OPEN TO USA AND CANADA ENTRIES
WINNER: Cassandra Cantrell Utah, USA
ANSWER: Wading in a stream with skirt hiked up showing her legs and feet.

JUNE 10
SPONSOR: Angela Morrison
PRIZE: Taken by Storm (Penguin/Razorbill 2009), YA romance, autographed hard cover
QUESTION: A legendary LDS author of over 30 books for teens called Taken by Storm, an amazing story written with a clear, refreshing and creative voice." Who was it? (Hint: check Taken By Storm tab)
WEBSITE/BLOG: http://www.angela-morrison.com/
OPEN TO INTERNATIONAL ENTRIES
WINNER: Diana Donahoo Illinois, USA
ANSWER: Jack Wayland

JUNE 11
SPONSOR: Ronda Gibb Hinrichsen
PRIZE: Trapped (romantic suspense with a hint of paranormal fantasy), autographed copy
QUESTION: The first trap Emi Warrin encounters is a mysterious letter. To where does it lure her? (Hint: Read the book summary under the Trapped tab)
WEBSITE/BLOG: rondahinrichsen.com
USA ENTRIES ONLY
WINNER: Amanda Isbell Utah, USA
ANSWER: Austrian Alps

JUNE 12
SPONSOR: Anne Patrick
PRIZE: Journey to Redemption (inspirational romantic suspense), free download
QUESTION: What did Royce use to do for a living in my upcoming release, Out of the Darkness? (Hint: Look under the My Books link for Anne’s new release, Out of the Darkness)
WEBSITE/BLOG: http://www.suspensebyanne.blogspot.com/
OPEN TO INTERNATIONAL ENTRIES
WINNER: Cindy Schuerr Wisconsin, USA
ANSWER: He played Pro Football

JUNE 13
SPONSOR: Rebecca Talley
PRIZE: Altared Plans (contemporary LDS romance), autographed by author
QUESTION: What is unique about my youngest son? (Hint: Watch the YouTube video Extra C posted on the right side of Rebecca’s blog)
WEBSITE/BLOG: http://www.rebeccatalleywrites.blogspot.com/
USA ENTRIES ONLY
WINNER: Rachel Stanley California, USA
ANSWER: He has an extra chromosome/Down Syndrome

JUNE 14
SPONSOR: David J. West
PRIZE: Heroes of the Fallen (historical fiction), autographed hardcopy)
QUESTION: What is the name of my favorite author? (Hint: Scroll through David’s June blogs. He promises you’ll find the answer!)
WEBSITE/BLOG: http://david-j-west.blogspot.com/
USA ENTRIES ONLY
WINNER: Tawnya Mayo Utah, USA
ANSWER: Robert E. Howeard

JUNE 15
SPONSOR: Jennifer Stewart Griffith, author of Choosing Mr. Right and Delicious Conversation
PRIZE: FREE edit and/or critique of first 50 pages of a novel
QUESTION: What is the Japanese word for the hairstyle worn by sumo wrestlers? (Hint: Check out Jennifer’s favorite sumo blog, Sumo Beautiful. Look for Hama Bijin’s April 13th post)
WEBSITE/BLOG: http://sumobeautiful.blogspot.com/
OPEN TO INTERNATIONAL ENTRIES as long as the manuscript can be emailed to Jennifer and is in English
WINNER: Tracy Astle California, USA
ANSWER: Chonmage

JUNE 16
SPONSOR: Rebecca Irvine
PRIZE: Family Home Evening Adventures (non-fiction book of FHE lessons), free e-book on CD QUESTION: What is the title of the first book written by Rebecca Irvine? (Hint: Read “about me” on Rebecca’s blog)
WEBSITE/BLOG: http://www.rebeccairvine.blogspot.com/
USA ENTRIES ONLY
WINNER: Tracy Travis California, USA
ANSWER: Adventures with the Word of God

JUNE 17
SPONSOR: Marilyn Bunderson
PRIZE: The Mark (YA Fiction), autographed copy with a bookmark
QUESTION: In a deleted scene from my book, The Mark, Jon loses a bet to Shae. What does he have to do to pay up? (Hint: Found in post titled Deleted Scenes From The Mark dated April 15, 2010)
WEBSITE/BLOG: http://www.mrbunderson.blogspot.com/
USA ENTRIES ONLY
WINNER: Karen Haas North Carolina, USA
ANSWER: Go country line dancing

JUNE 18
SPONSOR: Heather Justesen
PRIZE: Winner’s Choice: The Ball’s In Her Court (contemporary inspirational) or Rebound (contemporary romance), autographed by author
QUESTION: How much did the FBI agent expect John's bail to be set at? (Hint: Click on "My Books" tab, then "read more" about Rebound.)
WEBSITE/BLOG: HeatherJustesen.com
OPEN TO USA ENTRIES ONLY
WINNER: Colleen Conklin Arizona, USA
ANSWER: About half a million

JUNE 19
SPONSOR: Nichole Giles
PRIZE: The Sharp Edge of a Knife (inspirational historical, based on a true story), autographed copy
QUESTION: What is the correct title of the humorous anthology I coauthored? (Hint: Look in the right hand sidebar)
WEBSITE/BLOG: http://www.nicholegiles.blogspot.com/
USA ENTRIES ONLY
WINNER: Taffy Lovel Utah, USA
ANSWER: MORMAN MISHAPS AND MISCHIEF

JUNE 20
SPONSOR: Karen Adair
PRIZE: Trendy blue/brown crocheted book tote with matching cell phone case (Check out Karen’s “Diva Strings” website for examples: http://www.divastrings.com/index.html)
QUESTION: Where did Karen learn how to type and what speed did she finally top out at? (Hint: Check Karen’s “Bio” tab)
WEBSITE/BLOG: http://www.kbadair.com/
USA ENTRIES ONLY
WINNER: Becky Drew Arizona, USA
ANSWER: Class in middle school. Latest clocked speed was 120 words per minute.

JUNE 21
SPONSOR: Lynn Parsons co-author of the soon-to-be-released non-fiction book: (dis)Abilities and the Gospel
PRIZE: A pair of hand-knit socks
QUESTION: What are three of the topics I list on the parent page of my website? (Look on “Parent Page” tab)
WEBSITE/BLOG: http://www.lynndparsons.com/
USA ENTRIES ONLY
WINNER: Karen Tillotson Pennsylvania, USA
ANSWER: ADD/ADHD, Autism, Learning Disabilitities, Oppostitional Defiant Disorder, Educational Activties for Home, Transition to Adulthood.

JUNE 22
SPONSOR: Kinzie Monroe
PRIZE: Reservations for Two (inspirational romance), autographed CD
QUESTION: What was Maggie doing when she and Carson first met in Reservations for Two? (Hint: click on the “Excerpts” link on Kinzie’s blog)
WEBSITE/BLOG: http://kinziemonroe.blogspot.com/
USA ENTRIES ONLY
WINNER: Paige Child Utah, USA
ANSWER: Roller Blading

JUNE 23
SPONSOR: Michele Ashman Bell
PRIZE: Summer in Paris (YA romance), autographed copy and Eiffel Tower bookmark
QUESTION: What is Michele "dreaming of"? (Hint: found on sidebar above picture of Eiffel Tower
WEBSITE/BLOG: micheleabell.blogspot.com
OPEN TO INTERNATIONAL ENTRIES
WINNER: Sharlina Mata, Costa Rica

JUNE 24
SPONSOR: Jaimey Grant and JaysDesign Jewelry
PRIZE: A signed copy of Redemption, a Regency romance by Jaimey Grant, and a 19" hand-knotted strand of freshwater pearls ($45 value) handmade by Jay T Lyons of JaysDesign Jewelry.
QUESTION: Artist Jay T Lyons did a sketch for the cover of an upcoming Regency romance of mine. What is the sketch of and what is the title of the upcoming book?
WEBSITE/BLOG: http://sites.google.com/site/jaimeygrant/jaytlyons
USA ENTRIES ONLY
WINNER: Cydni Tongish Utah, USA
ANSWER: A prison hulk for the cover of RETRIBUTION

JUNE 25
SPONSOR: Christine Thackeray
PRIZE: Lipstick Wars (LDS Women’s Fiction), autographed copy
QUESTION: What is the name of the angel who needs a vacation in my recent pamphlet, Could You Be an Angel Today? (Hint: Play the book trailer for Could You Be an Angel Today on Christine’s home page
WEBSITE/BLOG: http://www.christinethackeray.com/
OPEN TO INTERNATIONAL ENTRIES
WINNER: Carissa Cantrell Utah, USA
ANSWER: Gladys

JUNE 26
SPONSOR: Bonnie Harris
PRIZE: Mary Kay Satin Lips Set, Travel Size Satin Hands Set and a set of mineral eye colors
QUESTION: What is the name of my African Gray and African Desert Tortoise? (Hint: Read “About Me” in the left hand sidebar)
WEBSITE/BLOG: http://www.bonnieharris.blogspot.com/
OPEN TO INTERNATIONAL ENTRIES
WINNER: Cheryl Snyder Pennsylvania, USA
ANSWER: Kumba & Digger

JUNE 27
SPONSOR: Teralee Deighton
PRIZE: Cup of Comfort for New Mothers (personal essay anthology)
QUESTION: Name the editor of Cup of Comfort for New Mothers
WEBSITE/BLOG: http://www.adamsmediastore.com/category/cup-of-comfort-series?r=COC_Bookstore
USA ENTRIES ONLY
WINNER: Susan Arroyo Utah, USA
ANSWER: Colleen Sell

JUNE 28
SPONSOR: C. LaRene Hall
PRIZE: Martha’s Freedom Train (middle grade historical), autographed by both author and illustrator
QUESTION: How many short stories has C. LaRene Hall published in the humorous anthology, Mormon Mishaps and Mischief? (Hint: Look in the left hand sidebar)
WEBSITE/BLOG: http://www.clhall.blogspot.com/
USA ENTRIES ONLY
WINNER: Chris Okelberry Utah, USA
ANSWER: 14

JUNE 29
SPONSOR: Sarah M. Eden
PRIZE: Courting Miss Lancaster (Regency romance), autographed copy
QUESTION: In his "I Need Friends Friday" interview, what reason does Edward Cullen give for not sleeping at night?
WEBSITE/BLOG: http://www.sarahmeden.com/2009/11/i-need-friends-friday-edward-cullen.html
OPEN TO INTERNATIONAL ENTRIES
WINNER: Teryn Ercnbrack Utah, USA
ANSWER: Because I'm a Monster

JUNE 30
SPONSOR: Marcia Mickelson
PRIZE: Reasonable Doubt (LDS Suspense), autographed copy
QUESTION: In what country was author, Marcia Mickelson born? (Hint: Click on “About Marcia” tab)
WEBSITE/BLOG: http://www.marciamickelson.com/
USA ENTRIES ONLY
WINNER: Patricia Chochran Texas, USA
ANSWER: Guatamala

JULY 1
SPONSOR: Kimberly Job
PRIZE: I'll Know You by Heart (romantic suspense), autographed copy
QUESTION: What is the title of my current work in progress? (Hint: Look under “My Books” tab)
WEBSITE/BLOG: http://www.scribbledscraps.blogspot.com/
USA ENTRIES ONLY
WINNER: Archana Subramaniam Georgia, USA
ANSWER: A Change of Heart

JULY 2
SPONSOR: Joan Sowards
PRIZE: Haunts Haven (an LDS ghost story), autographed copy
QUESTION: What is the name of the town in which the story of Haunts Haven takes place? (Hint: Found on sidebar synopsis of story)
WEBSITE/BLOG: http://joansowards.blogspot.com/
OPEN TO INTERNATIONAL ENTRIES
WINNER: Jobie Marshall Ogden
ANSWER: Cassidy Springs

JULY 3
SPONSOR: Margaret L. Turley RN
PRIZE: Save the Child (Reality Fiction), autographed copy
QUESTION: Where can you listen to an audio interview with Margaret L. Turley about her book, Save the Child? (Hint: Click on link at the bottom of Margaret’s bio on her “About the Author” page)
WEBSITE/BLOG: http://margaretturley.com/
USA ENTRIES ONLY
WINNER: Heather Perry Utah, USA
ANSWER: AuthorsRoost.com

JULY 4
SPONSOR: Joyce DiPastena
PRIZE: Illuminations of the Heart (sweet medieval romance, a 2009 Whitney Award Finalist), autographed by author
QUESTION: Who were gifts usually given to on Epiphany during the Middle Ages? (Hint: Click on Stolen Christmas tab and read excerpt from An Epiphany Gift for Robin)
WEBSITE/BLOG: http://www.joyce-dipastena.com/
OPEN TO INTERNATIONAL ENTRIES:
WINNER: Lexie Hogan Utah, USA
ANSWER: Small children

JULY 5
SPONSOR: Cindy R. Williams
PRIZE: Chase McKay Didn’t Get Up Today (Arizona Glyph Award Finalist and Southwest Book Awards Finalist), a snuggle, giggle children’s picture book.
QUESTION: There is a picture of Cindy holding two dragons on her website, www.cindyrwilliams.com. The names of the dragons are in the caption below the picture. What are their names? (Hint: Look on the “Book” page)
WEBSITE/BLOG: http://www.cindyrwilliams.com/
USA ENTRIES ONLY
WINNER: Diane Pollack Iowa, USA
ANSWER: Sparkin and Thundertail

JULY 6
SPONSOR: Gail Pallotta
PRIZE: Love Turns the Tide (inspirational romance with suspense), free e-book on CD with a pendant necklace and matching earrings.
QUESTION: Who comes to Cammie O'Shea's rescue after she has a break-in at her unit in Destin, Florida? (Hint: Scroll down to: MORE ABOUT THE BOOK)
WEBSITE/BLOG: http://www.gailpallotta.com
OPEN TO INTERNATIONAL ENTRIES
WINNER: Jeanette Jackson, Canada
ANSWER: Vic Deleona

JULY 7
SPONSOR: Danyelle Ferguson, co author of (dis)Abilities and the Gospel (non-fiction)
PRIZE: A 30 page manuscript edit
QUESTION: Name three of the "special needs" address in (dis)Abilities and the Gospel. (Hint: Click onthe "Books" tab for (dis)Abilities and the Gospel.
WEBSITE/BLOG: http://www.danyelleferguson.com/
USA ENTRIES ONLY
WINNER: Jacque Stevends Maryland, USA
ANSWER: Autism, Down Syndrome, Bipolar disorder, memory loss and more
JULY 8
SPONSOR: Karen E. Hoover
PRIZE: Sapphire Flute (YA Fantasy), autographed copy
QUESTION: How many bloggers have posted their reviews of the Sapphire Flute? (Hint: Check out the list under Sapphire Flute Blog Tour in the right hand side bar and count ‘em up)
WEBSITE/BLOG: http://karen-hoover.blogspot.com/
USA ENTRIES ONLY
WINNER: Paige Ray California, USA
ANSWER: 41

FOOD of LIFE

2010-04-21T10:33:00.000-07:00

Wheat for man D & C 88:17

Chocolate for woman M & M 24:7

Ramblings of Preparing for the Writer's Conference

2010-04-19T22:56:00.000-07:00

By Cindy R. Williams

I'm stressing and obsessing about my trip from Phoenix to Provo, Utah, for the upcoming LDStorymakers conference. Anywhere I go I tend to bring tons of stuff with me and have to set up house. At Church, my bag is heavy enough that I lean to the side and walk with a limp, almost Quasimoto style. When I attend a writing class I arrive at least five minutes before the other students to set up my space. When I play chauffer for my kids, I can't seem to just slip on my shoes, grab my purse and keys and off we go. No, I always forget something and have to run back into the house several times. As I write this I'm beginning to see that maybe I have a Hoarder and/or Over Planner Syndrome. Maybe I've taken "Be Prepared" too seriously. Those of you who know me well, I see you nodding your heads. STOP IT!

So back to the upcoming trip to the writers conference. Here's my simplified plan, and I really mean simplified.

1. Make arrangements for my children, and husband to survive. Make sure there's plenty for them to eat and clean clothes to wear while I'm away. Maybe I'll make a list of things they could get done if they really wanted to while I am gone. Maybe not. I can paint the scenario that although I'll be the one partying and swinging on the Marriott's chandeliers, they too will want to party and have a mini-vacation from "Sergeant Nag." By the way, Mom, when did I take over your title?

2. Leave the house spick and span. Ummm . . . a mute point since the house is likely to be in major disarray when I get home anyway. Sigh.

3. Make sure all is ready for Primary, since my flight won't get me back in time. As a humble and tired President, I miss and worry about my favorite little people. Get my Visiting Teaching done so I won't harbor a ton of guilt. I already harbor a semi-truck load of guilt about far too many things.

4. Pack: This means I must bother to shop for a few new things to wear, and I detest shopping. I would rather be home writing any day. But, alas, my fashionable "Mommy Look" consisting of sweats and t-shirts isn't going to cut it. I want to dress at least business casual. I'll actually settle for presentable. Should I take two pairs of slippers just in case the hotel toilet clogs and floods soaking my sllippers. Hey, it's happened before, and I want to be ready and prepared.

5. Remember to bring my cell phone charger. Even though I hate cell phones, I want to call my family. Plus one of them might break a leg or some other appendage while I'm gone, and need my comfort. If you know my family, you know that this isn't much of a stretch for my dare devil offsrping. A few quick examples: one son broke both arms on the same day, but at two different times while snowboarding. My missionary son torqued his finger almost off when trying to jump over another friend while being pulled behind our boat on tubes. Several pins and a zillion stitches later, they saved the finger. Then he broke his collar bone two months before his mission while standing on a garbage can lid and sliding down a snowy hill, in Utah. Since that wasn't enough excitement before his mission, he broke his foot five days to departure to the MTC while playing Church basketball. Truth is better than fiction. No, never mind. Truth is much worse than fiction. So good luck to my sweet husband while I'm gone.

6. Plan and pack and re-pack all my stuff. Then do it again. I'm not like my husband and sons who can come home from work or school on Friday and within five minutes are packed and out the door for a Scout Camp.

7. Arrange to have a friend bring up a case of my "Chase McKay Didn't Get Up Today" books. I donated one for the gift baskets being given away at the conference, and one for AI (Authors Incognito) to give as prizes. I also want to have them on hand for interested parties to purchase, and hope that there will be many interested parties. Maybe I should make a battery operated hat with the book spinning around like a helicopter blade on the top and flashing blue, red and green lights and include canned laughter that sounds off every ten seconds or so to draw attention from hundreds of other authors that most likely have their own books to sell.

8. Pack my cell phone charger and "Bubbles," my super cuddly stuffed whale, that serves as one of my snuggly pillows.

9. Polish and print five pages of my novel and practice, practice, practice my pitch to use when I meet with Lisa Mangum of Deseret Book/Shadow Mountain. Psych myself up that my book is so fabulous that she will jump up, slam her fist on the table and say. "We have to have your book!" I can dream can't I?

10. Polish and print ten copies of the first chapter of . . . wait, first I have to decide which novel or children's story I want to use for the Critique Boot Camp. This will take tons of thought. I mean, "Eleven" is 1/3 complete, but very rough. "Thundertail's Tales" is complete, but has been through several edits and rewrites and is the hands of Beta Readers, so now I'm back to the possibility that it might be better to beat up on "Eleven." "Welcome to the Motherhood" is full of essays on mothering, and I don't think I want to choose just one essay to hash. Then there are the seven children's picture books, some rhyming, some not, in various stages of writing and editing. However, I think it would be wasted time to use those. I have other critique groups helping there. Maybe I will bring the beginnings of my non-fiction book about my Dad and Alzheimer's --or ---never mind, my head is swimming. I'll decide tomorrow.

11. Print a copy of my query letter for my query class so I can query my presenter with queries that will help me write a killer query and reach my goal of impressing my dream agent with my query of all queries.

12. Make table place cards reserving four tables for lunch on Friday for ANWA Members. Liz Adair is making ANWA badges for us to wear, and it will be great fun to sit together for one lunch. I already emailed Jamie Thayler of LDStorymakers and got her okay. No matter how much I tend to tangle and convilute things,this one is easy.

13. Review the conference schedule and map out my daily plan of classes to attend. I'm really not much of a fly by the seat of your pants person. Back in high school I've been known to do things on the spur of the moment, like grabbing hold of car bumpers and foot skiing on the snow, or throwing a snowball at the principal, or staying up on a dare all night watching "Nightmare" dressed as a zombie. Once I walked a fourty foor long fence made out of nothing but metal 2 inch diameter poles that surrounded a very awnery and dangerous bull --again on a dare --but not anymore. I've become quite a stick in the muck, --notice I'm avoiding a common cliche by giving it a new object. I like to be organized and know where I'm going and why. It just saves time, is more efficient and makes total sense, borring as an old housecoat, but effective.

14. Pack my cell phone charger, Bubbles and chocolate. How could I think of going to a writer's conference without chocolate?

Okay, now I feel my list is complete. I have considered each day carefully. I have thought and brainstormed about all my family's needs while I'm away. I have considered my Church responsibities. I've picked this apart, worried this thing to death and can go to the LDStorymakers Conference with peace of mind that I remembered everything, or did I?

The Dreaded Query

2010-04-01T00:36:00.000-07:00

by Cindy R. Williams

I finished what I thought was the first book of my Thundertail's Tale Series. It came in at 200,000 words. YIKES! I immediately found a good halfway point, and it divided it into two books. I did have to beef up the climax battle scene, and then spin some new threads but it works great. I also chopped words because I'm not of the mind that I will be able to publish a 100,000 first book in a series. In fact, I don't really have much of a mind anymore, but back to the topic at hand. After writing essentially two whole books why in the world can't I write a dazzling one page single spaced query?

I have agonized over this query for three weeks. I have research and printed off and studied blogs and articles on queries from successful authors, agents, and writing friends.

I have woken up in the middle of the night with what I thought were brilliant ideas for my query only to jot them down and read them in the light of day to find they were horrid.

Why in the world is this sooooooo hard? I have my two protagonists, one, a 10 year old boy with acrophobia who loves dragons, and the young dragon with his own issues of being the only dull dragon of the clan. The boy rescues the dragon from the sinister, bad guys. There are fairies, mermaids, goblins, shibber goyls, bodochs and cyclops. He and the dragon must forge a friendship and go on a quest to battle the bad guys and save the world. Now why can't I write a brilliant pitch that will impress an agent and convince them that I am the next big thing?
I'm going around and around in "Query Nightmare Circle" where it has all become a blur and I just want to go for a walk around the block, eat chocolate, take a nap, preferably all at the same time and just plain forget about it.

I looked up Query: It's both a noun and a verb. It says: query is a request for information, a doubt or criticism, same as a question mark, to express doubt or objections about something, to ask something or ask a question. Okay, my question is "Will you please represent my novel about a boy, a dragon, magic and choices." There, I said it, now I'm done right? Wrong!

Jeff Savage, or J. Scott Savage as he's known to his fans, told us at our ANWA Writers Conference to make a list of 20 agents, then send your query to the bottom five. When you get responses back, tweak your query, then send it to the next five. Keep it up until you have a compelling query to present to your top five agents. Novel idea, pun intended, but I'm afraid you have to have some kind of a coherent query to start this process. If you read this Jeff, HELP!

I have come up with ten different versions of my query, and am not completely happy with any of them. I'm going to send them into the query boot camp at LDStorymakers Writer's Conference in April to be analyzed and shredded. I am actually looking forward to this and I'm willing to shelve my ego, or what is left of it for the sake of making some sense of my query. One good thing has come of this. One of my queries was so detailed and so long that I think I have my synopsis, or at least the first full draft. Uhgggg, my synopsis. That's another can of worms to be dealt with next.

I just sent all nine queries and the one query/synopsis to the leader of the query boot camp. I sure hope she can think a whole lot clearer than I can and see the differences. I'll write another blog after query boot camp to share what I learned and what my query turns out to be. In the meantime, it's time for some chocolate and a walk, then a nice nap.

2010-03-26T15:09:00.001-07:00

I am too blessed to be stressed

and

too anointed to be disappointed!

2010-03-25T21:33:00.000-07:00

Outside of a dog, a book is man's best friend. Inside of a dog, it's too dark to read." --Groucho Marks

Amateurs Vs. Professionals

2010-03-08T08:45:00.000-08:00

Figure this one out. . . . . .

Amateurs built the Ark

Professionals built the Titanic

Women Are Angels

2010-02-21T16:41:00.000-08:00

Women are Angels.

And when someone breaks our wings,

we simply continue to fly --on a broomstick.

We are pretty flexable.

Friday Fun ~ Try this

2009-12-11T20:30:00.000-08:00

Looking for something fun to do? Have someone give you four words, as hard, strange or different from each other as possible and use them all in a paragraph and make sense. Take it a step further, and see if you can use these words in a speach or presentation you do and make it work.

Blogs and Blurbs is floating in the Cyberspace

2009-11-07T16:32:00.000-08:00

Cindy is in rewrites in another world right now.

Blogs and Blurbs will be floating along for a little while.

In the mean time, please enjoy the blog archive!

Friday Fun ~ Naps

2009-10-30T07:01:00.000-07:00

Today I am going to do one of the funnest things in the world--take a nap! I remember when I was little how my mom read to us as we snuggled in blankets on the family room floor. I met the Wizard of Oz, Marry Poppins, Nancy Drew, Tom Sawyer, Little Black Sambo and traveled to Shadow Castle. I learned to love books. Maybe that's why I find naps so much fun. That and the fact that as a grown-up and a mom, I'm TIRED!

Saturday Scribbles ~

2009-10-30T06:01:00.000-07:00

Today's scribble is about Secret Writing. If you want to write a secret message try using Milk for your ink. It dries and becomes pretty much invisable. To read it, you heat the paper. You can do this easily over a burner on the stove. Just don't get it too close or the paper will catch on fire.

Thursday Thoughts ~ I Think

2009-10-29T08:30:00.001-07:00

I think I will say my morning prayers. I think I will feed the cat and dog, then scoop the kitty litter. I think I will give the dog her joint and pain medicine. I think I will help unload the Saturday garage sale items from my mom's car. I think I will do five batches of wash. I think I will tidy up the house. I think I will put the dishes away. I think I will tidy up five bedrooms and a lived in family room. I think I will eat a healthy breakfast. I think I will check me emails and respond. I think I will update my blogs. I think I will finish painting two rocking chairs and a desk. I think I will return some phone calls. I think I will check on my mother and mother-in-law. I think I will think of my son who is gone serving the Lord for two years. I think I will get dressed, and even put on some make-up. I think I will run some errands. I think I will feed David and Goliath, the gold fishes, and Squigs, the hamster. I think will take my daughter to the bank to cash some checks. I think I will get my hair cut. I think I will check two boys out of school for their dentist appointments. I think I will drive a son to Cub Scouts. I think I will be the kids homework supervisor. I think I will help my oldest daughter deal with a difficult situation. I think I will get the mail and pay a few bills. I think I will prioritize the tasks on my main work desk. I think I will take care of some Church calling assignements. I think I will drop by and check on one of the ladies I visit teach. I think I will follow-up on a few business matters. I think I will practice the harp for the upcoming performance with my son's highschool choir. I think I will do some revision of the third to the last chapter of my novel. I think I will remember to feed my family a healthy dinner, and if I forget they can eat the homemade Cream of Potato Soup I made yesterday. I think I will attend my writing friends Halloween party and leave early to attend another friends baby shower. I think I will have family prayer and tuck the children into bed. I think I will say hello and goodnight to my husband. I think I will take my evening shower, say my prayers and fall into bed tonight, knowing that I only did half of the things I think I needed to do!

Wednesdays Words ~ No Difference

2009-10-28T08:24:00.000-07:00

No Difference

by Shel Silverstein

Small as a peanut,

Big as a guiant,

We're all the same size

When we turn off the light.

Rich as a sultan,

Poor as a mite,

We're all worth the same

When we turn off the light.

Red, black or roange,

Yellow or white,

We all look the same

When we turn off the light.

So maybe the way

To make everything right

Is for God to just reach out

And turn off the light!

Tuesday Tips ~ Make a List

2009-10-27T07:50:00.000-07:00

Make a list of your tasks, then prioritize them. Set a goal to get at least the top priority tasks done. Catch yourself if you get off track and get back to it. Be aware of your personal avoidance tactics such as waisting time on things like surfing the internet, playing video/internet games, watching TV etc. Pat yourself on the back and give yourself a big smile each time you accomplish one of your tasks. Keep moving forward to being your best self.

Monday Muse ~

2009-10-26T07:31:00.000-07:00

My muse today is sleeping.

Sunday Smiles ~ A Time for Reflection

2009-10-25T07:21:00.000-07:00

Sundays are a day of reflection. Once a week, take time to review what you did well and who you served. Remember to pat yourself on the back and be happy with your accomplishments. We are often too hard on ourselves and must also remember we have a place in this world and good things to contribute.

It is also the time to plan for the next week. Plan to search out those in need and help them. Schedule time for your family. Schedule time for both work and play. Be aware and take advantage of activites to participate in that will help you grow spiritually, mentally and physically into what you are meant to be.

Show kindess and gratitude to loved ones and our Father in Heaven.

Sundays make me smile.

Saturday Scribbles ~ Family

2009-10-24T06:00:00.000-07:00

Today is Saturday, and the day for scribbles. Typical day of cleaning, chores, wash, playing with kittens, watering the flowers, supervising and teaching the youngens and fishing with the family. Well the fishing was more like sitting and watching the clouds. The fish were either asleep, satiated or pretty tricky. However, the cactus were biting. OUCH!! The many "doctors" in the family saved me from the hundreds of poky pricklees. The rest of the time was spent preparing a program for 100 energetic children for Sunday. The greatest thing about today was to be with the family. We finished up with a family movie, and the day has been scribbled away! (Previously Posted elsewhere)

Wednesday Words

2009-10-21T06:00:00.000-07:00

Be nice to me or you may become the next villain in my book.

Tuesday Tips ~ How To Get Gum Out of Hair

2009-10-20T23:14:00.000-07:00

Skin So Soft by Avon is a bath oil. Rub it on the gum, and it comes right out. Now you know!

Monday Muse

2009-10-20T23:10:00.000-07:00

Get lost nature.

Sunday Smiles

2009-10-18T06:00:00.000-07:00

Sundays make me smile because I see so many wonderful people smiling at me!

Saturday Scribbles ~ Writers Quote

2009-10-17T06:01:00.000-07:00

Being an author is like being in charge

of your own insane asylum. ~ Gracie Harmon

Friday Fun ~ Silly Things to Do

2009-10-16T06:00:00.000-07:00

Lots happening. Isn't that how it should be. If not, what would we do all day: Twiddle our toes, eat rasslepups, chase worms, swim with birds, polish marbles, scratch chalk boards, dust feathers, fight butterflies, climb strings, paint salamanders, juggle pine cones, braid eyebrows, stir mosherpots, sniff jello, tweak stars, wash frambles, stack jaswats, scrub scribbles, catch mustaches, count earwigs, scoop clouds, dig tallywags, clip toothbrushes, squish mountains, fly doodlesnaps? These are some of my favorites. Any to add? (Previously posted elsewhere)

Thursday Thoughts ~ Chocolate Chip Cookies

2009-10-15T06:00:00.000-07:00

I'm craving a chocolate chip cookie right now. Does anyone in blog land happened to have a few (dozen) warm home-made soft and chewey ones with tons of chocolate chips they could send me?

My son baked some yesterday but gave them all away to a kind lady for taking his shirts in at the side seems. He is my "GQ" son and must always look gooooooood! The fabulous sweet scent is still floating around the house, and I can't seem to focus on editing the very huge climax in my novel.

I know if I had some chocolate chip cookies, I would be so inspired that the battle seen would be fabulous. Break time . . . . oh, well. It would take too much time to make cookies, but there were some cut carrots in the fridge. They taste just as good. Now I know I'm totally nutsy kookoo.

Tuesday Tip ~ Natural Home Remedies, Onions

2009-10-13T06:01:00.000-07:00

Natural Home Remedies ~ Onions

I love using natural remedies. My grandmothers excelled at healing those around them without doctor visits. He is a natural remedy I read about the other day. First let me state; I am not giving medical advice. I am not stating that this will cure anything. I am just telling you something I read and found fascinating.

A terrible flu was passing through a large area. Most people in the area became ill and many died. A local doctor noticed that one large farming family never caught the flu. He visited them to ask their secret. It turned out that the mother had heard from her mother who heard from her mother . . . that if you place an onion in a room, you will not get sick. So she placed an onion in each of the rooms in the small farm house.

The doctor asked to take one of the onions with him. He had it tested and sure enough, it was full of the bacteria that was present in the flu being battled in that area.

Once again, I have no idea if this is a true story. I didn't find anything on Snopes about it. I do like trying natural home remedies so I thought I might put this one to the test. You never know!

Mondays Muse ~ Planning Brings Peace

2009-10-12T06:00:00.000-07:00

Mondays are amazing. If you let them, they can be overwhelming as you look at the mountain of work to be accomplished during the upcoming week. I choose to use Monday as a planning day, to very carefully schedule the "need to happens" and the "want to happens." I have found if I will take the time to sit in a comfortable chair and mull the week over with my planner, I relieve the pressue and stress that could smother me. Mondays are now one of the most peacefull days of the week. Easy for me to say, since right now all of my children are either at work, or at school, and my sweetheart is at work. The morning chores are done, the wash is sorted and running. I have visited two of my dear friends. I have done the dishes, tidied the house, have dinner planned, and have the music room ready for my guitar student this afternoon. I will cut one son's hair as soon as he gets home from school, then another son's after that, then the stress, I mean fun begins! I almost have myself convinced that this will be a peacefull week. Mondays are amazing!

Sunday Smiles ~ Miracles

2009-10-11T06:00:00.000-07:00

Sunday Smiles. These newborn sweet little angels are twins from two different mothers. Let me exlpain. Elly on the left was born on 7/6/09 and Ivy was born on 6/7/09. Yes, Elly is younger but much bigger. These little ones were adopted by our good friends within days of their birth. Being blessed with both little girls, we all consider them their darling twins. The story is an amazing one. This couple has two other children in elementary school. Both children had been praying for twins. Twins of course are rare especially in adoptions. But the miracle happened when both birth mothers chose our friends, and these little girls were born a month apart. Prayers work, and children have perfect faith. What a wonderful modern day miracle and a lesson in praying with faith.

Sunday's are all about the day of rest--I mean service. Today I learned that I am loved by many and I love many. When your heart is happy it is full of love, and it is easy to love those around you. I serve in Church as a leader to children ages 18 months to 12 years old. Today I had the opportunity to teach and sing with them for two hours. I had so much fun but came home with body parts ready to drop off. I quizzed my own young one about today and asked him if he and his friends had fun, and he said yes, but that it was different. I asked him why. His response was that we don't usually get to have so much fun. I was tickled. He's about as honest as they come, so if he had fun, then it went well. I love these exuberant little spirits. They are so accepting and energetic. How fun it would be to have ten children. On second thought, yes it would be fun, but I'm not sure how long I would servive.

Today I also learned that I must choose then act upon my choices if I want to change. Sunday's are days to reflect, serve and smile. (Previously Posted )

Saturday Scribbles ~ QUOTE

2009-10-10T06:00:00.000-07:00

Proof read carefully to see if you any words out.

Author Unknown

Friday Fun ~ Magic Dollar Bill

2009-10-09T06:00:00.000-07:00

The Magic Dollar Bill

Okay, you are probably thinking that a dollar bill is magic because it just seems to disappear.
True, but here is a strange phenomina.
Write down the number of any dollar bill.
Scramble the order of the numbers and write them down again.
Now subtract the smaller number from the larger number.
Minus 7 from the answer.
Now add the left over individual numbers.
Keep adding them until you have only 1 digit left.
What is your number?
(
)
(
)
(
)
(
)
The answer is 2. From "Mental Magic" by Martin Gardner

Check Out The Future

2009-10-08T06:00:00.001-07:00

by Cindy R. Williams

Flip through the news on TV, or scan the newspaper, and you see nothing but bad news aboug we humans, indluding all the youth in our society. As a reporter, some years ago, we were taught that newsworthy stories were out of the ordinary, the bizare, the unusual, catastrophes, tragedies, etc. . . . So what we are seeing is not every day life.

An example was a sad tragedy where a toddler drowned. The powers that be wanted the camera up close and personal as the reporter asked the mother, "How do you feel knowing you could have prevented the baby from drowning?" They don't care that the mother is going through her worst nightmare, they want to show the anguish, and the heart ache, the deep painful human emotions. This is not news. This is capitalizing on pain, fear and one mother's horror for ratings which means money to the news profession.

Take another local news story. A community park has been the gathering place for many a teen for years. Has there ever been any notice in the news how well behaved these neighborhood kids are. Of course not. Who wants to hear about good kids anyway? The only reason these good kids ended out getting any press was because three highschool football players show up at the park looking for a fight. Their judgment was impaired due to the beers one of the boys father's gave them while trying to teach them his version of being a man. They start hassling the other kids. A fight breaks out. The three highschool drinkers run after breaking one boys collar bone and another boys nose. News? No. What you have here are three football players acting like bullies and an idiot for a father that gave them the beer. This needs attention from the right authorities, not from the media.

Take a good look at the picture above. These are regular teenagers. I know each one of these fine young men, and I am here to tell you that our future is bright. These thirteen year old boys are smart, well mannered, decent and well ajusted kids. They don't drink, smoke, use drugs, hang around in gangs, although they do hang around at my house, eating, swimming, eating, playing basketball together, eating, playing WII competitions on the computer and doing healthy, good activites and eating. This picture was taken two years ago, and most of these boys now have earned their Eagle Scout Award through the Boy Scouts of Amercia.

How about the many nineteen year old young men that leave their jobs, and college to serve as Preachers, sharing the teachings of Jesus Christ all around the world for two years? Do we ever hear about these sacrifices to serve their fellowman? No, of course not. Once again, there is no sensationalism in stories of honor, charity and valor.

There are many, many, fine young people all around us. The news makes it look like teenagers are all hoodlums, in gangs, rude and obnoxious. I have found the opposite to be true. I was at a gas station convenience store, and dropped my keys as I tried to balance the objects in my arms. There were five or six teenagers dressed in black, with crazy hair doos smoking cigarettes and leaning on the car next to me. I looked up at them an smiled sheepishly over my clumsiness, and one of the young men jumped forward to help me. He was very sweet. I remember thinking that some mother somewhere ought to be very proud of her son. I have found that most of the time if I treat teenagers, with respect, then they will be respectful to me.

Yes, we are in good hands for our future.

Wednesday Words ~ Fire and Ice by Robert Frost

2009-10-07T06:00:00.000-07:00

Fire and Ice

by Robert Frost

Some say the world will end in fire,

Some say in ice.

I hold with those who favor fire.

But if it had to perish twice,

I think I know enough of hate

To say that for destruction ice

Is also great

And would suffice.

Tuesday Tips ~ Cell Phone Dropped in Water

2009-10-06T06:00:00.000-07:00

Any of these things ever happened to you?

Getting pushed in the swimming pool with cell phone in the pocket.
Cell phone falling off lap into the peducure water at the Spa.
Cell phone in the back pocket one second, and in the toilet the next.
Cell phone in the secret pocket in the front, wet from sweat.
Cell phone left out in the rain. (Come on, it does rain in AZ once in a blue moon.)
Cell phone dropped in the tub.
Cell phone flipped into the dogs water.
Cell phone dropped into the dish water.
Cell phone in the punch bowl.
Cell phone in the wash.

Try this remedy. Carefully remove the battery and wipe it down gently with a soft cloth. Place it in a baggie with uncooked rice and zip it closed tight. Leave it overnight. The rice draws out the moisture. This will work if there is any life left in the phone. If not, c'est la vie, and get a knew one.

Monday Muse ~ NEW FORMAT, NEW BLOG EVERY DAY!!!!

2009-10-05T23:10:00.003-07:00

Mondays muse may get pretty way out there.

Tuesday Tips on life and or writing.

Wednesday Words, anything to do with words.

Thursday Thoughts about ???

Fridays Fun will be all about jokes, gags, tricks, games, and fun.

Saturday Scribbles may be a writers quote or a blurb and scribbles about anything.

Sunday's blog is all about what makes us smile.

Friday Fun ~ THe Magic of 8

2009-10-02T09:09:00.000-07:00

Multiply your phone number by 8 (disregard the area code.)
Write down the following three numbers:
          Your phone number
          The number 8
          The product of your phone number and 8.
Add all the digits in those three numbers.
If the sum is more than one digit, add again.
Continue in this way until a single digit is reached.

What's the digit?
(
)
(
)
(
ANSWER: 8
From Mental Magic by Martin Gardner, Troll Books

Thursday Thought ~ Plot or Character Writer?

2009-10-01T06:20:00.000-07:00

by Cindy R. Williams

Which are you? Are you a writer with a concrete plot worked out before you write or are you a writer that followes the flow of the character? There is merit in both, depending whom you talk to. I recently graduated from a three year Character Based Creative Writing Class. I loved the focus on the character and learned a crazy amount about them. I wrote scene after scene following my characters around. They often led me on a quite a wild path.

The interesting thing is that as I finished the scenes that tied the book all together, I had so many chapters that I had to split the book into two. It was always going to be a series, but now instead of three books, it'll be four.

The adventure scene where I now end Book One had to be beefed up, but the cool thing is I now have Book Two written. Sure, revisions of the new Book Two will be needed, but the first draft is done. Huzzah!

This experience has taught me that I'm really a mostly a character based writer, but I like a rough outline. I love to allow my characters to fly and become who they are meant to be, not just what I tell them to be. If you're a writer, that will make sense to you. My characters are real, and talk to me often. Is this insanity? Don't know and don't care.
What kind of a writer are you, character or plot driven?

1 comments: Friday October 02, 2009, Joyce DiPastena said...
Well, since an agent accused me of writing too much plot for a romance, I guess my stories are very plot driven, but I love my characters, too! After all, the characters are what drives the plot...aren't they?

New Blog for Writers

2009-09-30T14:02:00.000-07:00

There is a new site for writers.

It's called Writers Mirror

Click on it, and check it out.

It's a great blog for Book Reviews and Writers Interviews.

If you would like your book reviewed or if you are a writer, published or not, visit Writers Mirror and leave a comment, and your contact information.

Check out the informative interviews of: Marsha Ward, Sarah Eden and Joyce DiPastena,

Arizona authors, all three.

http://www.writersmirror.blogspot.com/

Monday Muse ~ A Short Course in Human Relations

2009-09-28T06:00:00.000-07:00

A Short Course in Human Relations

The 6 most important words ~ I admit I made a mistake.

The 5 most important words ~ You did a good job.

The 4 most important words ~ What is your opinion?

The 3 most important words ~ Will you please?

The 2 most important words ~ Thank you.

The 1 most important word ~ We

The lease important word ~ I

Author Annonomous

Sunday Smiles ~ Family

2009-09-27T06:00:00.000-07:00

FAMILY DAY by Cindy R. Williams

Today is all about family, service and attending Church. Sundays are made for making memories, and there aren't any more important memories to be made than with my family. My fifteen year old son, on the far right, just passed his Eagle Board of Review this week. He's a great young man. His school progress report arrived in the mail Friday, and I was quite stunned---good stunned. This is the first 5.00 GPA I have ever seen.

My nineteen year old son, second from the right, is also an Eagle Scout, and leaves to serve as a missionary in Brazil in two weeks. He's been out of state working and earning money for said mission and just arrived back home last night. He spoke today to our congregation of around 350 people about his upcoming mission. He is well versed and has a beautiful testimony of our Lord, Jesus Christ. He will serve the Lord well.

This next two weeks will be a major focus on the family and particularly on this great young man whom is willing to dedicate two years of his life to serve the Lord. Great memories are being scribbled in the Book of Family today. I realize as I write this that we are one of the most blessed families to live on this or any other planet. I don't know if it can get any better than to see your children grow up responsible and love the Lord. I am very gratefull today for each of my five children and my kind, supportive, hard working husband. Hold it . . . kleenex break. Okay, I'm back. I'm thankful that my new son-in-law is of the highest caliber. Who says our youth are going to pot? Not in my neck of the woods. I'm surrounded by incredible young people. My heart is full and I/m rich beyond measure. My gratitude goes to a loving Heavenly Father.

The End

2009-09-03T10:26:00.001-07:00

by Cindy R. Williams

I did it! I just wrote the two magic words I have been waiting to write for just shy of three, YES THREE YEARS! What two words am I talking about? Thanks for asking. They are, "THE END".

I sat on my love seat in my bedroom with my computer on my lap when I wrote those two incredible words. I looked around my room at the bazillion dragons and fairies smiling down on me.

I leaned back on the sofa in shock wondering what a writer is supposed to do at this monumental juncture in the journey of their first 170,000 word novel.

"Wishing You Were Here" by Chicago was playing on my favorite writing TV music channel. I love Chicago and thought how great it was that I finished with their music playing.

Good things seem to happen that coincide with Chicago.

In fact, I owe my marriage to Chicago. My husband and I met buying tickets to attend their concert at BYU.

Now if you're asking in the back of your mind, "What is she doing writing a 170,000 word novel? Middle Grade fanatasies should only be around 60-70,000 words." Let me explain.

The idea for Thundertail came way back in November of 2007 as a bed time story to my then six year old Chase McKay. Yes, the same Chase McKay that inspired the children's book. I felt it was the right time to learn how to take my stories to the next level and get them written down.

This led to meeting a woman that would change my life, Dr. Pamela Goodfellow. She recently relocated from Seattle, where she taught Creative Writing at the University of Seattle. She also owns Goodfellow Publishing Services. She was offering classes through Gilbert Parks and Recreation. I felt that I could afford this, and one night a week away from the family would not destroy them so I signed up.

Now, almost three years later, I have completed all nine college writing courses and graduated from Dr. Goodfellow's program. My first published book, Chase McKay Didn't Get Up Today, has been named a finalist in the Arizona Glyph Awards. I have several other awards from short stories, essays, and first chapters contest. And now, finally, I have finished Book One of the four book series of Thundertail.

Thundertail was originally going to be three books, but I split the first book in half so instead of 170,000 words, it is now around 80,000 words. Yeah, I know, still a bit long and my editor will probably make me tighten it some. Also,with a few revisions the remaining 90,000 words will become Book Two of the series.

When I finished the last chapter, I realized that it brought the closure needed, loose ends tied up, a hook for the next book and that I really, really was done. I just looked at my computer dumbfounded, then had to mentally nudge myself to type the official words, "The End".

I called my good friend and writing buddy, Melinda, and shared my news. She was delighted and of course this calls for a QT (Quick Trip - soda) or DQ (Dairy Queen - Blizzard) run to celebrate. Then I called my husband. Sorry sweetie, no offense. I think the idea of celebrating with ice cream tempted me.

My sweet husband has been editing for me. He has a great eye for content flow, grammar, punctuation, spelling and typos. Lucky me, I know. Actually, if you knew my husband, you would realize I am one of the luckiest ladies to have ever lived on this or any planet.

When I called my sweetie, I read the last twenty sentences or so to him, then waited to see if he understood what it meant. He let out a huge burst of laughter and said, "You did it! You finished the book!" We laughed and I beamed so bright I am sure he could see it even through the phone.

After I hung up, I jumped up and down and ran around the upstairs of my house doing the "I finished the book" jig. I didn't know how to do this jig before now. It is something that comes from deep inside and just flows out every muscle. I'm sure I looked quite goofy, probably like someone who snorts jello, but I don't mind. No one was home but the cats, dogs, fish, and the hamster and what do they care? In fact I am feeling another jig coming on. So this is "The End" of this blog. Oh . . . this feels so good! I can't believe I am saying this, but this is even better than chocolate!!!!!!!!

Also posted on ANWA Founder and Friends and Dragons Dreamer

Writing World

2009-08-31T10:26:00.000-07:00

I think I am going a little crazy. I enter my writing world, and then forget to leave it. Am I alone? Do you do this too? I'm not even sure that I want to leave it anymore . . . maybe on a rainy day.

World's Next Great Novel?

2009-08-20T22:16:00.000-07:00

Are you writing the worlds next great novel? I'm not. I am just having a blast telling a story about a boy, a dragon, magic and choices. Forget the world. This is a great ride! What is a great novel anyway? Seems it's quite subjective, and who said they could make up the rules? They are just people too, and why is their opinion the only one to be lauded? Sooooooo . . . I will dance in the moonlight with the fairies and dream and write on.

Do It

2009-08-18T22:22:00.000-07:00

By Cindy R. Williams

Do it now, don't wait any longer.

Get through it, just do it.

Get it out of the way.

You want to move on, so just get it done.

Do it now. Do it right. Get it done!

"Illuminations of the Heart" New book now available!

2009-08-11T13:24:00.000-07:00

Here are some fun blogs to visit on the blogging tour of my friend and author, Joyce DiPastena. The tour is to celebrate her second book published, "Illuminations of the Heart." Joyce is the author of mystery, adventure and "sweet" romance in the Middle Ages.

Her two books a wonderful. I have read both. If you enjoy the Middle ages, castles, clean romance, and good stories, you will enjoy these two books:
Loyalty's Web: available
Illuminations of the Heart: New Release, available now!

For more info, visit the sites below:

www.joyce-dipastena.com
http://jdp-news.blogspot.com
http://medievalresearch.blogspot.com
http://medievalvignettes.blogspot.com
http://anwafounder.blogspot.com

Follow the blogs. You are in for a treat. ;o) Cindy

August 10 http://mormonhermitmomsbookhabit.blogspot.com Mormon Hermit Mom's
Book Habit
August 11 http://amesburyreads.blogspot.com Amesbury Reads
August 12 http://heatherjustesen.blogspot.com Heather Justesen
August 13 http://rachellewrites.blogspot.com Rachelle's Writing Spot
August 14 http://camicheckettsbooks.blogspot.com Cami's Books and http://fitmommas.blogster.com Fit Mommas
August 17 http://jewelsbestgems.blogspot.com Jewel's World
August 18 http://http://valerieipson.blogspot.com Of Writerly Things
August 19 http://frespafan.blogspot.com Frespa Fan
August 20 http://ofgoodreport1.blogspot.com Of Good Report
August 21 http://rachelrager.blogspot.com Rachel Rager
August 24 http://tweedlediva.blogspot.com Boojoos and Aprilcots
August 25 http://ldspaz.blogspot.com Musings from an LDS Writing Mom
August 26 http://queenoftheclan.blogspot.com Queen of the Clan
August 27 http://shumphreys.blogspot.com Write Bravely
August 28 http://lexiconluvr.blogspot.com Dreams of Quill and Ink
August 31 http://tristipinkston.blogspot.com Trisit Pinkston
September 1 http://authorwithin.livejournal.com Vicissitudes
September 2 http://alisonpalmer.blogspot.com Tangeled Words and Dreams
September 3 www.nicholegiles.blogspot.com Random-ish by Nichole and www.ldswritersblogck.blogspot.com LDSwritersBlogck
September 4 http://csbezas.blogspot.com Seriously… and http://latterdayauthors.blogspot.com latterdayauthors
September 7 http://luannsbookreview.blogspot.com Lu Ann's Book Review
September 9 http://readingforsanity.blogspot.com Reading for Sanity
September 10 http://taffyscandy.blogspot.com Taffy's Candy
September 11 http://thewriteblocks.blogspot.com The Write Blocks
September 14 http://whynotbecauseisaidso.blogspot.com Why Not? Because I Said So! and ldswomensbookreview.blogspot.com LDSWomensBookReview
September 15 http://inksplasher.blogspot.com Ink Splasher
September 16 http://romanceoldschool.blogspot.com Romance, Old School
September 17 www.blogthedayaway.com Blog the Day Away
September 18 http://walnutspringspress.blogspot.com Walnut Springs Press

Marriage Secrets Number Three and Four

2009-07-30T20:49:00.000-07:00

by Cindy R. Williams

I received some great support and response on the blog about Marriage Secrets #1 and #2. In fact, two more great secrets I will call Secrets #3 and Secret #4 have now been revealed by Taffy. (Since this is all kind of secretive, I will keep her last name a secret.) So pull up your chair, and make sure no one is peeking over your shoulder.

First lets review:
Secret #1 A strong marriage has NO PARACHUTES. You must have the attitude that you love each other no matter what, and WORK THINGS OUT.
Secret #2 Put your spouse first. Easy to do if you remember:
~ do something nice for them each day.
~ say I love you at least two times a day.
~ give your spouse a compliment each day.
(For more on Secrets #1 & #2 see my blog "Secrets to a Strong Marriage" posted July 28, 2009.)
Here we go with the next two secrets.

Secret #3
Never joke about the 'd' word (divorce.) Don't talk about it or make light of it. No teasing or even hinting about it. If you do, you have just strapped on a parachute.

Secret #4
Sex is not used as a tool to punish or reward. The reward is in the bonding between husband and wife. Sex is also not a tool to sweeten a deal as in get your spouse in a good mood so that you can tell him/her something bad, or get his/her approval for something you want. It is also not a time to report your day to each other. It is a time to lose yourself in the wonder of each other.

See, all these secrets are very simple and logical. But how often do we either forget or abuse these four secrets?

I met a lady that told me it was her anniversary that evening, so she didn't want to get home late. I was impressed by her attitude until she added, "He is very lucky I have stuck around for the past ten years. I'm always telling him he better kick it up a notch or one day he might come home from work and I'll be gone." Then she laughed. I laughed with her not knowing how to respond.

Ouch!

In hind site, I wish I could have had about a half hour to discuss with her how dangerous that attitude is, and that it isn't the least bit funny.

Another friend plans her "Marriage Duty" as she calls it for times when she has gone shopping and overspent. She knows that if she mentions it to him afterwards, he will just smile and tell her not to worry about it. Now that is taking an unfair advantage. Who can think straight after all those acrobatics. *** Okay, too much information.

So now we have four secrets to a strong and healthy marriage. Keep emailing me and adding comments on the blog. I would love to keep the list going.

Remember, these are very powerful secrets, but you are welcome to share them in a quiet, respectful manner with your spouse. No arguing about them. I have an inkling that would defeat the purpose.

Secrets to a Strong Marriage

2009-07-28T18:02:00.000-07:00

by Cindy R. Williams

I would like to share a secret or two with you. They are tried and true simple things to do to create a stronger marriage.

Secret number one: There are no parachutes in a good marriage.
Secret number two: Put your spouse first.

What is a parachute in a marriage? It is your secret escape mechanism you keep just in case your spouse makes you mad, doesn't live up to your expectations, doesn't understand you . . . fill in the blank. It is there for you to use when the going gets tough---like an escape clause.

Get rid of it.

How?

Make a promise to each other---a very serious---even sacred promise, that you will not ever strap a parachute to your back and bail out of the marriage. Then as disagreements and disappointments come---and they will come---you can admit that you love each other in spite of these challenges. You will get through this---together.

Issues arise, tempers flare, trust is tested, but if you have made a deep and clear promise that you are in it for the long hall, as in FOREVER, you will find that this attitude of no parachutes will help you get through the tough spots.

I often tell my husband of 23 years in the very middle of a disagreement that I am angry and hurt right now, but I love him and am committed to him forever without a parachute. Since he doesn't have a parachute either, we are truly stuck with each other. So we best love each other, come what may. Not a pretty way of putting it, but it is none the less true, and I wouldn't have it anyother way. The issues don't seem so insurmountable, and it gives us both a feeling of security. That doesn't mean we just let the issue go, but we rededicate ourselves to working it out, fixing it, growing and improving together.

The second secret is putting your spouse first. Easier said than done. There are so many things that take your time and pull at you. Some possible things are work, children, activities, sports, church callings, community responsibilites, PTSA, writing, housework, pets, errands, extended family, friends, neighbors . . . the list goes on and on.

So how do you put your spouse first?

You add them to your prayers, each and everyone. You write their name in your planner to remind yourself to do something to help them each day, or do and say something kind to them. You always, ALWAYS tell them you love them with a smile on your face, at least twice a day. Once in person,(if they are not out of town,) and the other can be through a text, email or the phone. Smiling is a critical part of this exercise. Smiling makes not only the recipient feel better, but the giver finds more joy. Smiles create a win/win situation.

Now there is one more thing that is very powerful in putting your spouse first. Gratitude. Tell your spouse how much you appreciate something he/she did that very day. Even if you are angry with your spouse. You may have to dig deep, but it truly is possible to find at least one thing to thank your sweetheart for. You will be amazed how much peace and feelings of kindness this will create in your marriage.

Now that you know the two simple, but very powerful secrets to a strong marriage, I must add that there really are a few good reasons in my book to end a marriage. They are adultery, physical or emotional abuse of you or your children, and severe selfishness. I know, I have faced all of those in my short first marriage and chose through much prayer and pondering to divorce and create a new life for myself and my first child. That, however, is a future blog. Suffice it to say that for now that other than these horribly destructive actions, the no parachute and putting your spouse first can take your marriage to a new, and stronger level.

The Blues

2009-07-27T19:26:00.000-07:00

Don't quite know how to beat this latest onset of the blues. I think I will sleep on it and maybe I will wake up pink?

New Blog site now open for ranting and raving, inspiration and dreams!

2009-07-25T15:29:00.000-07:00

It is time---time to open my blog. I have big plans, BIG PLANS. I will interview authors, and write whims of fancy. Not big in your viewpoint? Whatever. I LIKE IT! Word has it this will be the place so come one, come all, that is if you can feel the truth, and look deep inside to your magic zone.