Get a Life! And Other Things...

So, I finally went to see Warm Bodies.

I hate to admit this because I'm not a real Zombie fan, not at all. However, this story was stupidly touching. Really.

Okay, so let's look at this zombie fad, I mean, for months now I've been looking at the growing number of books and wondering... for real? *rolls eyes* Geeze louise.

And the only reason I agreed to go watch it was because my son wanted to see it, and this was the only movie playing at that time slot. Wait, let me clarify... the only movie he was willing to go with his parents to see. That is. He's fourteen. Nuff said, right?

Here's basically what the movie is about:

Our zombie hero R (because he doesn't remember his real name but thinks it starts with an R) saves the heroine Julie from a zombie attach- which I might add was lead by him. He takes the girl back to his "home" (an abandoned airplane that somehow has a record player and old albums-- cuz he's some kind of hippie zombie? beats me.) and sets in motion an unusual relationship that changes everything. In zombiedom, that is.

Yes, he falls in love with her. Yes, he's sorta dead, but not quite. Which I guess is what makes a zombie a zombie. I don't know. Anyway, as R begins to come more alive, so do the others, inspired by the spark of hope R and Julie's relationship has kindled.

Thing is, all the other so-called normal humans aren't buying the "coming back to life" bit. Especially her dad who's made it his life mission to finish killing off every zombie he comes across.

Thing is, a little ounce of love get's the zombie's heartless blood flowing and they begin to remember what it's like to be alive, to be human.


 And yes, I was hearing the Beetles song: All You Need Is Love.... Playing in my mind.
 I love a story that offers a take-away of some kind. I just do. Something that makes me think.

Today, I came across an article- which I didn't read because the title said it all- about how Zombie fads can be the result of a depressed society.

You think?

As R was narrating the beginning of the story, about his pathetic existence, how he wandered aimlessly from place to place, never really interacting with others who also couldn't talk more than simple grunts... I thought, geeze that sounds familiar. He'd forgotten how to live. He hated his dreary day in and day out nothingness.

Which made me realize how many people are already living like Zombies. Sometimes, I've even found myself in Zombie-mode.

In the movie, love brought back life.
In life, love really does bring us to life. It's love that makes us human. Love of family, friends, people in general. A love for and from God. Love is all we need, as they say. Sing. Whatever.

So perhaps there's something to the Zombie craze. A call to WAKE UP and LIVE. Stop wandering around aimlessly. Stop merely existing.
Find your passion. Find the path you belong on. Find what you are really meant to do in this world and LIVE.

I'm afraid if we don't... they'll keep making stupid zombie movies until we finally get it.

Just saying.



OH, OH!! Guess WHAT!!!
(yes, I used a lot of exclamation points... I'm just that excited.)

Illuminated will have her first blog tour starting tomorrow.

That's right, the First Wild Card Tours is hosting this.There will be several bloggers joining in on the tour. As they post, I'll share the links here. Please, go check them out. They will be giving honest reviews of my book. I'm excited (yeah and a bit nervous) to see what they say. But, hey, this is part of writing... getting reviews... good and bad.

We learn from the bad, and bask in the good. Ha-Ha... yeah anyway.
We try, right?

Either way, I'm blessed to have this opportunity and hope more will come in the future.
Check back again for a list of hosting blogs.

Oh, and one more thing, I've put Illuminated on sale for .99 cents for the next week during the tour. If you've not read about Alyra's journey, I encourage you to check it out now while the price is so low.

 

Are You Up For The Journey?

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!!

The Source of Our Light

Everyday along our life-journey, we come across a variety of people.
People with different beliefs. People from different cultures. People with different modes of dress, appearance, expressions.

When we cross paths with them, we immediately form all sorts of opinions both good and bad. Both right and wrong.

My question, though, is what do you think they see when they see you?

I fell in love with Madeleine L'Engle, not after reading her fantastical Wrinkle in Time or Swiftly Turning Planet books, but after I'd read Walking On Water: Reflections on Faith and Art.


This book helped open my eyes to not only why I wanted to be a writer, but why I loved being a Christian. So when I came across this quote above, it instantly went on my collection of post-it notes decorating my work desk. I have others. Maybe I'll share them later. Maybe I wont. We'll have to see.

Perhaps it's her reference to being a light, that caught my attention. How many times in Sunday School did we sing "This little light of mine, I'm going to let it shine..."

Question is, just how are we letting our lights shine? 
Ever been outside at dusk, sitting beside the porch light with bugs and moths darting and hoovering around the bright orb? Light, for some reason, attracts. How about when you're cooped up inside on a beautiful summer day? Oh, but the glorious feeling when you first step out the door and the sun hits your face. Or try stumbling around a dark room at night trying to find your slippers to protect your feet against the chilled floor? Our hands automatically seek out the lamp on the nightstand, right?

Light attracts. But not harsh, glaring lights. No, we tend to cringe when someone shines a flashlight in our eyes. Or turns on the overhead lights to wake us up out of bed. Oh, so painful.

How are you using your light? Be careful. We are representatives of the Kingdom. How can we show what's so good and wonderful to us, if we are harsh and judgmental to others? Critical? Condesending?

There will come a time on your journey when the opportunity arises when you can help another person along their way. Don't feel put upon. Don't think you are required to change or fix that person. No, all that you simply need to do is be the light God created you to be. To understand how blessed you are by this chance to be an answer to someone's prayer.

Be ready to help the weary, lost traveler. At some time or another we've all been on the road to find our true purpose. If you've found yours, don't chastise those who are seeking to find theirs.

Who knows, maybe they've prayed for help. Maybe God has sent you to be that answer. Maybe He knew you could light the way for them while they are lost in their darkness.

You never know. You just don't.



When I created the character Alyra, I kept seeing this girl who could light up. This isn't new. Characters that can glow are found all throughout literature. Why? Well, I think it's that universal belief  behind the alluring power of light. The Bible often tells us to be a light. Don't hide your flame, don't extinguish it. Yet, this world, and the enemy that rules it, wants to snuff out any lights he can. Then people are lost in the darkness.

Another universal truth: Darkness flees when there's light.

Thing is, like Alyra, we have to learn how to use our lights to help and not hinder others. However your light manifest itself, I encourage you to develop your gifting, talents, abilities to make this world a better place. There's so much hurt and pain. Let's not add to that, but instead, seek out ways to show there is a better way. Make it so appealing, people will be like the moths and insects around the porch light, clamoring to find a way to get close, to figure out what that marvelous light is all about.

Let's do that, shall we?

Stepping Out On New Paths

Just when you think you know where you're going... the path veers left (or right), the woods open and you find yourself in a place you never suspected you'd be.
This is how my past couple of weeks have been. Let me share what's been going on lately with my book!

I've had some interesting things happen lately. 

First off, I'm pleased that I've finally completed my outline. I did it using a storyboard. Because I'm a visual person, I need to be able to see where I'm going. I used the plot line to help me remember that things need to be escalating for my characters and to keep my sights on the impending climatic moment. Once I knew what each character's big moment would be, I knew how to build up to that event. 

 

And the picture above isn't the completed storyboard. I didn't want to post that yet. All my ending notes are on that and wouldn't showing you that ruin all the fun of the next story? However, for those who are interested, here's how I work this craziness out. I find pictures of places and people and glue them around the outside. I now have an idea for how Aloblase, Many Rivers, Belluvita, The Halls of Knowledge and Wilderland look and feel. I do this on my storyboard, but I also include some pictures in my Scrivener program and I post some on Pinterest. 

My characters are color coded. This way, when I look at my outline in Scrivener and on my storyboard, I know who has the most scene, and who I might be leaving out. I can pick out those color post-it and scenes, line them up and see how a character's storyline is coming along. 

Yes, this takes a lot of start up work. But I think it'll be worth it, especially for my next book where I'll be going into each friend's point of view. 

Even though I do all this, I remind myself that nothing is set in stone. It's all paper and files that can be moved, adjusted and deleted as needed. I never close myself to the possibility of my story taking an unexpected turn. But this does help me from going down rabbit trails and getting off track.

Here's Some Other Fun Things--

I was given a chance to attend a local Voice of Small Business Expo.

I had no idea what it was about and was totally unprepared, but all wasn't lost. I learned a lot about marketing and how to present yourself to the public. I got all kinds of ideas of things I can do to market myself. Some ideas are kind of scary for me. I'll tell you about it in a bit. However, I'm a firm believer that if God lays down a path for me to travel on, he will provide everything I need to get to the destination. 

I believe that with all my heart. 

Here's how I set up my first table. Not much, huh? It gets better. I learned all sorts of cool ideas while I was at this meeting. It'll get better in time.

 

Which Leads Me To Fun Thing #2

One of my writing buddies was invited to speak at a book club. You know the scripture in Ecclesiastes 3? The one that says two are better than one?

This is especially true when you have to speak in front of a crowd. Nothing causes my knees to knock louder than public speaking. I'd rather stand next to a snake. 

So, it went like this. My friend Patty text me:

"You up for a little road trip?"

Me: "To Where? When?"

Patty: "Friday. About 2 hrs from here."

Me: "2 hrs which way? Where are you going?"

Patty: "Some place out near Tyler. I have to talk to a bookclub."

Me: "Really? What are you going to talk about?"

Patty: "I don't know."

Me: "WHAT? And your not sure what town either?" (Mind you, this was only a few days before she was supposed to speak. haha.)

Patty: "I have the email."

"Somewhere."

Me: "LOLOLOL."

Patty: "Bring your books."

Me. "Why? They didn't invite me."

Patty: "Its okay. I invited you."

Me: "But you're not even sure where ur going. Or what u'll say."

Patty: "So, you want to come?"

Me: "Yeah sure."

This is just the kind of friendship we have.

Later she added that I could talk a few minutes about my books. Which I freaked out over because I like to know all the details first. Not her. She's a seat of the pants writers, lifer, believer.

Still, I did get up and talk for a few minutes. I didn't pass out like I feared. I didn't stutter as usual. And afterward, some of the nice ladies came and hugged my neck and said I did good. 

That made me feel really great. 

And I was ready to present myself more professionally. Still working on my book table. But it was better. And I have chocolates. My dragon watches over them. =D

I have a pretty table runner to spread out. I want a different one. Oh, and I found an reptilian-type skin box that I can put stuff in. I'm still on the look out for a feather pen and I have a few other things I want to do.

 

 

Which Brings Us To The SCARY Idea I Have

Like I said earlier, public speaking has always been scary for me. I almost flunked out of Speech class because I hated talking in front of a group of people. 

I'm great in front of a classroom full of children. I've even dressed up like a pirate, Peter from the Bible, and a couple of other characters to teach a class. So maybe the possibility of one day being a public speaker is there inside. Just crowded out by a bunch of "fear-weeds."  I don't know. What I do know, is that the idea of giving talks to people keeps coming back to me. 

It can't be me. I hate doing that. Which leads me to suspect God might have something to do with this prodding. Kicking. Throwing into the water.

Except, He's not thrown me in. He's offered a few small opportunities to let me get my feet wet and see that there is a firm bottom and that I won't drown. 

Which is funny this is happening to me because my next book deals with Alyra having to face something scary. And her friends are worried for her. And the closer she gets to facing this thing, the more frightened she becomes. And I didn't make that happen, it's simply how the story unfolded when I first wrote it years ago. 

I had to laugh when I realized what was going on. So, will my main character face her fear and go do this thing she's been asked to do?

Will Jackie face her fear of public speaking and go do this thing that seems to be opening up to her? 

 I'll let you know how it all works out. 

Stay tuned!

Oh, one more thing!! Illuminated will be taking her first blog tour in March. I'll post more information later and include which blogs will be participating. I've sent off the print copies. This is also exciting and my first big step in getting my book reviewed by people who don't know me. Yikes.

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

My First Radio Interview

Yes, that's right. I was invited by Lena Nelson Dooley to be interviewed on the Red River Radio show, Gate Beautiful. 

And I was on right before Tosca Lee. Tosca. Lee!!!

I know, right?

Anyway, I've included a link and embedded blog-cast in case you're interested in listening in. I was the third guest and spoke for 30 minutes. Which is amazing. I always get so nervous when I have to speak that I end up stuttering and stammering.

Not this time.

I prayed before and was confident that I didn't have to do this alone. I love how when faced with scary things, we have an assurance that we don't have to face it all by ourselves. I felt nothing but peace and gratefulness over having such a fantastic opportunity come to me.  

And I simply had fun. Lena Dooley has been my writing mentor for years, and she edited my book Illuminated for me. Being able to talk to such a good friend also helped a lot.



 Gate Beautiful Radio Show--Thursday, January 17th, 2013 01/17 by Red River Radio | Blog Talk Radio
 “Gate Beautiful” is a Christian radio show featuring interviews with a variety of inspirational fiction and nonfiction authors, airing on the 3 Thursday of each month.  Please join us for Christ-centered conversations with your favorite Christian authors.  This month our guests are Carla MacDougal, Murray Pura, Jackie Castle, and Tosca Lee.

Gate Beautiful Radio Show--Thursday, January 17th, 2013 01/17 by Red River Radio | Blog Talk Radio

 

Listen to internet radio with Red River Radio on Blog Talk Radio

Stories are light--

“Stories are light. Light is precious in a world so dark. Begin at the beginning.

Make some light.”
― Kate DiCamillo, The Tale of Despereaux

 Illuminated excerpt

Tarek’s brows creased over his emerald eyes. “No, you listen to me, Princess. People who believe in that fairy tale king are simpletons. Mom told those stories when I was little to put me to sleep. But it’s not real! Don’t you understand? It’s not real! There is no wonderful city where everyone lives in harmony.” He waved his hands around while mocking in a sing-song voice, “blah, blah, blah. Just fairy tales.”

Doubt crept into Princess's resolve. “Tarek, if it’s not real, then why is that messenger, and other ‘simpletons’ as you call them, willing to be put to death rather than serve Darnel? Give me a good reason, and I’ll not argue with you anymore.”

He took a step back as if she’d slapped his face, but didn’t answer.

There's a reason stories are important. And a reason we love them so much. 



I love being swept away from the mundane. When I open a book and become so invested in the character that I'm carried away from my life, house work, or going to bed. That's magic.


True storyteller magic.

This doesn't happen often, but when it does... ahh... bliss.

Great stories lift us out of our complicated lives.
But they do even more.

Stories touch us on an emotional level, sometimes helping us to see things in a different way. They elate us. Make us laugh and even cry.




I want to write such stories. 

So when my husbands coworker had him call me so that she could say that she'd been up late the night before reading my story, I was snoopy dancing.

Yes, I not only did a fist-pump, I was elated to hear that I'd achieved a bit of that magic myself.

And when I read reviews that say they couldn't put the book down, that they were carried away by Illuminated... well, yep, there's a bit of dancing and hopping about the office. Not because I think I'm so great, but because my story did exactly what I'd hoped. It did for others what so many wonderful stories have done for me.

Like fairy dust, it carried someone away from their mundane and gave them something to think about.


Isn't that why we love stories so much?

I enjoy a book that lifts me up, takes me somewhere new, offers an adventure, provides a little hope, and a sense of wonderment. And this is what I always hope to write for others.

I also like to receive some take-away value in a story. Something I can slip in my pocket and chew on later. Something about life, myself, or the people I encounter.

Kate DiCamillo, author of Because of Winn Dixie and The Tale of Despereaux, does this in her writing. Along the story, she leaves little nuggets for the reader to pick up. If they want to.

As I wrote Illuminated, I wanted a story that would challenge the reader to find their own path, their own life journey. To encourage them in believing that they also have an important role to play in the big scheme of life. Everyone does. From the small, moody Okbold, to the big hulking warriors. That's what Tolkien tried to show in his books about the small, unnoticeable hobbits. That even the smallest have an important role to play.

The books are written with young people in mind. Those in their teens or early 20s trying to find their place in life. But I think, even people in their 30s and 40s sometimes get off track. If you love fantasy with a purpose, books such as LOTR, Narnia, or (something else) that have you chuckling one moment, and your heart pounding the next, then I think you'll like Illuminated, as well.