I Challenge You To A... Chapter Book Challenge for March

 Not a duel. Not a race, either. But sorta. More like a grab your pen and paper, or keyboard or whatever instrument you use and let's get WRITING! 

I've taken up the Chapter Book Challenge!!

That's right folks. In one of my many facebook groups, I came across a Chapter Book Challenge for the month of March. This is a group of children's and YA writers, all of who are wanting to get their books written and know that traveling in a group is often safest.

Here's a cute video to prove my point:

 

So, I've joined forces with some other writers, who all have one goal in mind.... to write... duh.

My Big Goal: To travel into distant... Ooph!! Sorry wrong train of thought. 

My real goal is to finish rewrites to book 2- which today is titled: Luminosity. (Yes, I know it keeps changing. But I promise I will have it nailed down by time I order my next book cover.) For real. 

I had partially written this story a few years back, but never finished it. Now, I have to add in Tarek's storyline, and some other new developments. So basically, I'm having to rewrite the whole thing. Which is fine. I write better now than I did then. For the most part. Ha!

The timing is perfect. I've been floundering along in my rewrites. And though there's been some other things going on, when I do sit down to write, I meander in my thoughts, read facebook post, tweet... stuff, and once even cleaned off my desk. Yeah, it was that bad. 

But now I'm determined. And I'm out of Girl Scout cookies, so it's time to get serious about this thing. 

I have my story board. I have my outline. I have some writing buddies to push, prod and possibly kick my butt if that's needed. I don't have to make this journey alone. I've joined up with those participating in the Chapter Book Challenge for March 2013.

Safety In Numbers

Which brings me to another point that goes along with Alyra's story in Illuminated: Book One of The White Road Chronicles.  When Alyra did have to travel alone, she just did it. Sometimes, we have to keep our feet moving no matter what our circumstances. But it's so much more fun to travel with others. Sure, at first Alyra and Jerin didn't get along, but over time, their common goal overcame their personality differences. And by time they were nearing their destination, being in a group provided the strength needed to face the hardships.

So, when faced with traveling your road alone, keep your eyes open for others who are heading the same direction, with a common goal in mind. See if you can walk along with them. There is so many benefits to being part of a community. 

I'm a writer. This is a lonely profession. But I've been blessed with finding others who are heading in the same direction I am. We are all different kinds of writers. All with different stories. All with different methods of writing those stories. I may not like the kinds of stories the others are writing, or the methods they use to write those stores. However, I can draw from our commonalities, learn, and be encouraged to keep going. 

As General Marcel told Jerin and Alyra, "So you head for the same destination, though for different purposes. You will find harmony in accepting both the sameness and differences between you. Where one lacks, the other may have abundance. Look to each others strengths and be humble in weaknesses." 

And that is how to travel with others. Accept the differences. Look for each person's strength. And be humble in weaknesses.

And most of all... keep writing!!

Enjoying the Journey... despite everything

 Those who knows me personally, know I often equate life to a journey. I talk about staying focused and on your path, or about figuring just which road you need to be on, and go for it. I see that path running through dark valleys, high, lofty mountain, barren deserts or even thick woods. 

I suppose, that's why I wrote Illuminated.  Alyra's journey to freedom is the journey I see so many of us taking each and every day. We all have somewhere to go in our lives, with a purpose, big or small, that we are put here to do.

Wherever the road is takes us during various periods of our lives, my question is, can you enjoy your journey, despite where you are, or what's going on?

Perhaps, if the path is light and somewhat pleasant like the one pictured above. Well, heck yeah. How hard can that be?

What if it looks like this?

 A little more creepy, right? You know, we aren't promised that our paths will be easy or bright or lined with tulips and wild berries. However, there are some guarantees we can count on that might make the journey a bit more bearable, even enjoyable, despite any dark uncertainty.

The Four P's
Promise. Problems. Persistence. Possession.
 I heard this quick devotional lesson the other day, and it really grabbed me by the collar, demanding I pay attention. (I'll share the link to the actual video cast at the bottom of this post, if you want to go watch it.)

In Hebrews 12, we're told to run our race. If you keep reading, you find out it's not an easy race. Things happen. Test will be given and you will need to pass to continue. The testing helps to build your strength. It's for your own good. Like broccoli.
Yeah, I know. Yuck-a-muck.

So, here's how to suck it up, and enjoy the process. Despite when you're served the yucky stuff.

First believe the Promise that you matter. That you have a purpose in this world. That there is Someone who loves you a lot and only wants what's best for you. We hear the Jeremiah 29 verse all the time.
Jeremiah 29:11 to be exact.

For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.

 Don't blow this scripture off as just another favorite that people like to quote. The Lord says it himself. He has plans. Good plans. He wants you to hope, and to have a great future. Why? Because he loves us. He really does have our best interest at heart. He really does want us to prosper. To succeed. To flourish.
For really real.


Thing is, Problems hit. The path darkens. We even get caught in a storm or two. And what's our first thought?

"Did I do something to make you mad, Lord?" 

"Lord, where are you? Did you fall asleep?" 

"Hey, up there, this sucks! Don't you care?"

Well, yes He does. The scripture I just showed you before says so. Try this, though... next time you're in a problem, instead of worrying, or crying about it, call out that you need some help working through the problem.
Why? Because if you read the next verse, He goes on to say:  

Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. vs12

That's right, he listens when we call out. We are not meant to walk our journey alone. He never said we had to. Matter of fact, all through his book, He tells us over and over to simply call on him when we get stuck in the mud pit.

So sure, when the doo hits the fan, don't stomp your foot and give up. Now is the time for Persistance. Keep walking. Keep pushing through the briars. Sure it hurts. You might even get a little scratched up. But don't give in. Not now. Remember that he really does want you to get through. He's not made his promises as a big fat joke. He's not waiting to jump out and say, "Psyche! I was just kidding! Funny, huh?"

Yeah, that's not really His way. Might be something I'd do. *cheesy grin* But not the Lord.

Find your joy in this fact. With each problem you face, you get closer to possessing the goal you're after. You only need to be persistent. Problems are simply opportunities to get closer to what you want for your life. Don't get all bent out of shape when they happen. Face them head on, shield protecting, sword waving. And if you're not the warrior type, get behind someone who is and let them help you get through.

If you can cling to your promises, even when the problems hit, and be persistent and keep going, you will eventually take Possession of what you've worked so hard for. You will complete the race. The last part of the Jeremiah 29 passage says:

You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. vs13

You can do this.
Do you believe that? Do you believe that you have Someone on your side who cares and loves you? Who's cheering you on. Even wanting to walk right beside you? I hope you do. Because if you don't, then you walk alone. And your striving alone. And you have nobody to help you when it gets really bad.


You can do this. It only requires first taking the hand the Lord offers you, then taking those first steps. And keep stepping. Don't worry. Just enjoy the process. Sure it's hard, but the hard things are so worth it. They are.

Are you up for the Journey?

Find the video by clicking this link: Grace Ministry International

Navigating the Journey

From Illuminated, Chapter 26

“I don’t understand. We should be farther along by now.” Jerin flicked his map against the breeze bending the parchment. “I was so careful in my research.” He finally resorted to spreading the parchment across a fallen log. His thick finger followed the line he’d drawn of the White Road as he muttered about how they should be out of the plains by now.

“We’re supposed to pass through another forest before we come to a town called Jolly Orchard. From there, we’ll be near the foot of the mountains.” Shading his eyes, he searched the horizon. Scrubby hills surrounded them, dotted with clumps of low-growing sprawling trees. Aside from a few edible root-type plants, they were hard put for any kind of vegetation to complement their sparse meals. “I see no sign of forest or mountain in the blasted land. Perhaps we got off on the wrong path?”

“Impossible," said Alyra. "You heard what Carah said. Others might meet this one, but this one will never divide or split in different directions. They all head straight for Aloblase.”

Wistfulness crossed his blue eyes. “I remember.”

Alyra dropped her pack beside the base of an elm, then climbed up into the branches.

“What are you doing, monkey?”

“Getting a better view, slug.” She grinned down at him. Reaching as high as she dared, she saw only more hills in the hazy distance. 

When Our Best Laid Plans... 

So, I'm getting ready to work on book 2 of the White Road Chronicles. I'm spending all this time working on a story board, laying out my plot line, gathering all my scattered chapter notes and such when I stop...

The scene I shared above from Illuminated came to me and I started laughing. Despite all this planning, I never really know where my story will end up taking me.

I guess Jerin is a bit like me, too. Or he came by his love for order honestly, as I've heard said of someone who gets their qualities from their parents.

In the story, Jerin spends his weeks healing from a broken leg doing  research on old maps, working to purchase supplies and making sure everything is ready to go.

Alyra, on the other hand, doesn't even want to think about getting back on the road. Until it's time. Once she decides she's ready, she is ready to go. Right then. No planning, or stocking or anything. She's simply ready to go.

Thus, my friends, is the difference between a "Seat of the Pants" writer, and a "Plotter." Actually, for anyone. I mean, some of us need to have everything planned out. Down to the last detail. While others can throw some socks and tighty whities into a suitcase and go.

As a friend once said to me, "I have four good tires and a tank of gas. What's to stop me from going if that's what I want to do?"

Um, I guess nothing.



In his heart, a man plans his course, 

but the Lord determines his steps. Proverbs 16:9

See my storyboard below? It's only in the beginning stages. By time I finish working on the story, it'll be full of pictures I've collected, sticky notes in various colors and more sketches of towns and other places that I need to visualize.

Being that I'm a visual learner... meaning if I see it, I can do it... having pictures and a plot line helps me to know where I am in my story.

And perhaps I'm like this in life, as well. I just need to see where I'm going with something. Once I see the possibility, I'm pumped and ready to go.

I wasn't able to go to college until I was in my 30's. Yet going had been a long time dream that I simply thought would never happen. When you have a family and responsibilities, it's hard to stop everything to take time to learn a new skill. But still... oh, I wanted it so bad. And prayed for it often.

Then my second child came along and I was staying home to care for him. So one day, I went up to the college and talked to a counselor. Just because. I was debating between teaching or counseling, but at the time, leaning more toward teaching. This marvelous individual laid out a course plan and showed me how I could get a degree, and even showed me how to seek out financial help to pay for it.

I walked out of that office a different person. Clutching the degree plan in my hand, I swear I was walking on clouds instead of a concrete sidewalk. And as I neared my car, a chant rose up from my spirit and poured out of my mouth:

I can do this. I can really do this. It's not impossible after all.  

And I did.

And so can you. I didn't get into college on my own efforts. I prayed a lot about it. Doors were opened. Yet I worked hard. I didn't give up. Some classes I had to take two or three times before I got though them. (math... yuck)  But I did get through them.

Don't be afraid of drawing your maps. Perhaps your story will take off in a different direction, like mine sometimes do. But the map is the first step in taking those first nervous steps. A map will help you see there really is a way through.

And of course, stay on the path. For pete's sake!

Are you up for the Journey?

Come on....

Why We Love Adventure... Stories

Finally was able to see The Hobbit - An Unexpected Journey. Finally.

To say I loved it would be an understatement. I've loved these books since I first read them back in high school. (Please don't ask me when that was.) Honestly, I think I've forgotten.

I love the call to adventure Bilbo Baggins is offered, and his reluctant, yet willing, acceptance to take to the wild road and the possibility of what might lay ahead. Something about the Dwarf's song, the tantalizing thrill of something beyond his mundane life of comfort and security, drew him into the unknown. Later, this same hobbit would tell his young nephew,

“It's a dangerous business, Frodo, going out your door. You step onto the road, and if you don't keep your feet, there's no knowing where you might be swept off to.” J.R.R. Tolkien - Lord of the Rings

No knowing where you might be swept off too...





Why Do We Flock to Read These Books and See These Movies?

Perhaps we enjoy the experience these movies and books offer us... The not knowing where we'll be swept off to. So, maybe, the reason is escape?

Perhaps there's an inner desire to live a life outside the mundane. Secretly, we wish the adventures were happening to us. So, maybe, reason is to feed our inner thrill-seeker?

Or perhaps, it's the fact that anything goes in story, and in truth, our real lives are pretty boring, standard, set in a pattern whether we like it our not. Stuck. So, maybe, the reason is to feed our dreams of there being something more out there.

In The Two Towers, Samwise Gamgee summed up something I find fascinating about stories:

“The brave things in the old tales and songs, Mr. Frodo: adventures, as I used to call them. I used to think that they were things the wonderful folk of the stories went out and looked for, because they wanted them, because they were exciting and life was a bit dull, a kind of a sport, as you might say. But that's not the way of it with the tales that really mattered, or the ones that stay in the mind. Folk seem to have been just landed in them, usually — their paths were laid that way, as you put it. But I expect they had lots of chances, like us, of turning back, only they didn't. And if they had, we shouldn't know, because they'd have been forgotten. We hear about those as just went on — and not all to a good end, mind you; at least not to what folk inside a story and not outside it call a good end. You know, coming home, and finding things all right, though not quite the same — like old Mr Bilbo. But those aren't always the best tales to hear, though they may be the best tales to get landed in! I wonder what sort of a tale we've fallen into?”
― J.R.R. Tolkien, The Two Towers

What Kind of Tale Can You Fall Into?
In all honesty, we all have our own tale that we live out each and every day. I know you might look around at your life and think, boring. Maybe horror story? Could be, you'd call your life more of a mis-adventure.

Don't discount your importance in this world. Despite how big or how little, you have a story to live out. What you make of it... well, that's up to you.

This one part in the Hobbit movie touched me deeply. Jackson always manages to get in some thought-provoking line, not found in the book, but powerful all the same.

While Gandalf the wizard was speaking to the elfin council, the beautiful Galadriel asks:
Galadriel: Why the Hafling?
Gandalf: Saruman believes it is only great power that can hold evil in check, but that is not what I have found. I found it is the small everyday deeds of ordinary folk that keep the darkness at bay... small acts of kindness and love. Why Bilbo Baggins? That's because I am afraid and it gives me courage.


It's the small everyday deeds of ordinary folk that keep darkness at bay.


Oh, Yes You Can
Adventures do not have to include dragons, treasure hunting, or epic journeys. It's the simple acts, as Gandalf says, that make for great stories. The helping someone in need. The working hard at what you do best. The finding your dream and chasing after it. With everything you have. Despite the risk. Knowing you might never come back the same as when you left, if you come back at all.

Actor Martin Freeman, left, confers with director Peter Jackson on the set of "The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey." (Warner Bros. Pictures)

You. Do. Not. Have. To. Settle. For. Mediocrity.
Everyone has a place and purpose in this life. Find it. Follow your passion. Do what makes you most happy. Don't be afraid. Don't settle for good enough. Don't.

There is an adventure waiting for you. Right now. Here, in real life. And it's called just that...

LIFE

Is there something you wish you could do more than anything else in this world? Go for it. Even if it's small steps. If each of us lived our life to it's fullest, what kind of world would this be? If we actually lived with a yes on our lips and bravery pinned across our chest... what might happen?

"Go confidently in the direction of your dreams. Live the life you have imagined." - Henry David Thoreau

 

Go on, just do it.

~~*~~

Book News: 

Holiday Sale between now and New Years!

That's right, Illuminated is now only .99 cents for the holidays.
If you are looking for a book for that new (or old) Nook or Kindle, now is a great time to check out this fun adventure.

Alyra is fleeing Racah for freedom, seeking the truth behind who she really is and the mystery behind the medallion she's kept secret during her years of slavery. On the road, she faces many challenges, but finds great friends, and the possibility of true love along the way.

As much fun as I've had writing this book, I'm eager to start on the next installment after New Years. Right now, I'm giving myself a short break to just enjoy the holidays.

But starting next week, I'll be heading back to Alburnium to work on Luminous.

When Tradegy Hits, What Can We Do?

In the aftermath of the Connecticut elementary school shooting, I've heard this over and over.

What can be done? What are we to do? What can I do?

And even more questions, I know plague people's hearts.
I can't imagine that there's anyone who has heard this story that hasn't been touched in some way. I've even read of people in other countries who have set up memorials to express their condolences and support. Imagine, all the way across the world, this little elementary school has impacted people.
Over the course of this weekend, I've also seen much debate going on about gun control, securing schools, providing better mental health services....


Still, in all the debate, I keep coming across the four words... What can we do?

I'm not even going to pretend I have an answer to any of these questions. However, I do have a basic belief that nobody is helpless. Nobody should discount themselves as being able to bring about change.

We each have a road to take in our lives. Where that road goes, is up to us.
Our choices. Our choice to live for the betterment of others. Or, our choices to live for ourselves. Even worse, our choice to hurt or hinder others from making their own life journey.

What can be done? Simply put, choosing the be the best You, that you can be is a big start. We can't sit by helplessly, wringing our hands, wondering if the world will ever change.

The CHANGE starts with us.

Who Are You?
Everyone has a purpose in this world. If you don't believe that, then you've bought into the great lie that is determined to convince you that you don't matter. Well, I refute that lie. Everyone has a purpose. Find yours. It's there. I promise.

And do what you're meant to do to the best of your ability.

In Lord of the Rings, there's I scene I have to pause at every time I watch that movie. It's when Frodo and the fellowship are traveling through the dwarf halls and the weary hobbit sits beside Gandalf for a short, yet very powerful conversation:

Frodo: I wish the ring had never come to me. I wish none of this had happened.
Gandalf: So do all who live to see such times. But that is not for them to decide. All we have to decide is what to do with the time that is given to us. There are other forces at work in this world Frodo, besides the will of evil. 

We can't control the evil in this world, or the bad things that happen. We can't. We can only decide to make the best out of the time that's given us. To make the best out of our own lives. To choose to work for the greater good of this world, instead of letting our bad choices add to the turmoil, or to drag others down.

Julie Hedlund in her post - Guardians of Childhood,
Encouraged writers of the importance of their work. The need for us to write our best because:

"We who write for children are the ones who, with our words and our stories, provide children with hope, happiness, and empathy. When children face fear and hardship with us, it is cushioned by the covers of our books. We show children the world as beautiful and forgiving and glorious, even as it is sometimes cruel and treacherous. Each time a child sees him or herself in the pages of one of our books, we’ve touched the universal human spirit that lives inside of that child, and in all of us."

Wow.
So for me, writing my best words, finding ways to comfort with my stories, is how I can fight back against tragedy. Is this a big feat? No. We are each a small part of a whole. If we all strive to do our best, at that little thing we have a passion for, wouldn't the overall result be positive?

President Obama, in his attempt to bring comforting words to the hurting families said this:  "For those of us who remain, let us find the strength to carry on and make our country worthy of their memory."

I say attempt, because in light of what happened to those families, there are no words. However, I was encouraged by his challenge to "Make our country worthy of their memory."

 How? By doing our best, to do our best. It's that simple. Choose kindness. Choose love. And stand firm against what's wrong. Live your life to it's fullest. Don't be afraid. Don't let fear rule your steps. Find your passion and go after it with everything you have inside of you.

 Who will rise up for me against the wicked? Who will take a stand for me against evildoers? 

Ps. 94:16

Who? Will You?

Oh, I do hope so. 

~~*~~

Book News:

The Print version of Illuminated in now available at Createspace and Amazon. 

I know not everyone has an e-reader, and there are still some die-hard book fans. YaY for You! 

I haven't received my own copies yet, but I hear the cover is fantastic. I can't wait to see for myself. Soon! I have my nose plastered to my front door window when I'm not working. lol. Waiting, waiting, waiting....

Happy Journeys!

Jackie

Tips For The Journey #1&2

Alyra started on her journey with absolutely nothing but the travel pack she carried on her back. All she knew was that her home and the strange land from her dreams lay ahead. She also knew the journey would take a long time, passing though many forest, towns and ... mountains.

However, she was up for the journey.

Where are you going? Here's a few lessons the characters of Illuminated learned along the way. Maybe these tips will help you as well.

Alyra, Lotari and Jerin traveled through many woods just like this.

Tip #1
Stay On The Road!

Life is full of distractions. Family, friends, work and other responsibilities all pull from different directions. What's a traveler to do?
Well?....
Do you have a goal in mind? Stick with that goal, friend. Don't follow rabbit trails, and don't be distracted by shiny objects or strawberries. Know what you want and how to get there. Sometimes this requires plans or list... maybe a map. Mostly, it simply requires knowing what you want and running after your dream.

So, get on with it and stay the course.


Tip #2
Pack Lightly!
Don't overburden yourself with a bunch of extra baggage. Truth is, if you're on the right trek, provisions will be provided along the way. Trust me.

Haven't you ever read? 
 "So do not worry, saying, 'What shall we eat?' or 'What shall we drink?' or 'What shall we wear?' For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well." (Matthew 6:31-33 NIV)

So... don't worry. Just keep going. Live with arms open... both willing to give and receive. Then what you need will come to you. You'll see.

Come back for Tips #3 & 4.

Are you up for the Journey? 

Happy Travels!

Learn more about Illuminated- book 1 of the White Road Chronicles

Available on Amazon, Barnes and Noble and Print book