So, technically the season for this should be way past, but I got snow last week and I also really want to do this tag, so we’re just rolli...

So, technically the season for this should be way past, but I got snow last week and I also really want to do this tag, so we’re just rolling with that.

Pic Source

ZE RULES:

1. Give the person who tagged you a never-ending supply of cookies (or just thank them - either works). I wasn’t tagged, but I saw Faith do it back in November and it looked like fun. So thanks, Faith, for the doing this awesome tag, so I could steal it. 😉

2. Answer all the questions and use the blog graphic for this tag somewhere in your post. Blog graphic used and questions to be answered!

3. Pass along the tag to at least five other people. Not tagging anyone this time, so that you can all have the opportunity to steal like me. Because I’m a fantastic role model.

4. Wear a sweater (okay, this is optional...but why wouldn't you want to??). I’m actually wearing a cardigan right now. So SCORE!

Fuzzy Sweater (a book that is the epitome of comfort)

I feel like this is weird, but PJO and HOO are really comforting to me. I guess because they’re so familiar? I know exactly what I’m getting, it's everything I love to read, and I just adore the lot of it. Particularly Son of Neptune. I don’t know why, but when I thought of it, I just got this warm, giggly feeling, and... it just makes me happy, knowing they’re always gonna be there when I need them.

via GIPHY

Me: *running home to them.*

Striped Sweater (a book which you devoured every line of)

I FINALLY HAVE THE THIRD BOOK IN THE SERIES. AFTER LIKE TWO YEARS OF WAITING (it hadn't come out, then library didn’t have it till very recently, and my book buying money went elsewhere). THESE BOOKS ARE EVEN BETTER THAN I REMEMBERED, JUST SO BEAUTIFUL AND I’M SO GLAD TO REVISIT THIS WORLD.

*clears throat* Anyways, yes. The Golden Specific, and now The Crimson Skew, the third book, I have devoured every line of.

Cashmere Sweater (most expensive book you’ve bought)

I don’t buy books often because I am cheap. Normally, I either get books as gifts, review copies, in a giveaway (that’s actually happened a bunch of times), or from the library. HAHA. But I think mine is probably the same as Faith’s: Winter. Or perhaps The Fate of Ten. I’m honestly not sure how much I paid for either, but they’re thick, hardback, and were relatively new when I got them. So.

Hoodie (favorite classic book)

PRIDE AND PREJUDICE. I rewatched the 2005 movie a couple months ago, and still remember ending it it completely, perfectly, and incandescently happy.

Cardigan (book that you bought on impulse)

We shall again return to the fact that I do not buy books, lol. However, I think Prophet by R.J. Larson was in a Bookbub email, either for free or just a couple of dollars, so I bought it on my kindle and it was INCREDIBLE. I recently had to purchase the sequel (oh, hey, there’s my book buying money), because I needed to know what would happen next!

Turtleneck Sweater (book from your childhood)

I will never forget this book! My mom used to read it to us all the time.

Homemade Knitted Sweater (book that was indie-published)

This series is lovely, and the characters, oh! Just amazing to follow their journeys! Plus, I got to edit the last one, so that makes the whole thing especially cool to me.

V-Neck Sweater (book that did not meet your expectations)

It was enjoyable, but not quite all I hoped for.

Argyle Sweater (a book with a unique format)

A book within a book... within a book? It was really cool, rather different, and I enjoyed it. :)

Polka-Dot Sweater (a book with well-rounded characters)

I am honestly thrilled to say that I can think of quite a few books that would adequately answer this question. For now, though, I’ll go with Crimson Bound. I read it towards the end of last year, and it’s honestly a new favorite because of LITERALLY EVERYTHING, but the characters in particular: they take the most incredible developmental journeys and the realizations and changes and lessons, they are all absolutely beautiful

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Hope you enjoyed the post! How would you answer some of these? Like I said, I’m not tagging anyone but if you do happen to steal it before sweater weather is officially, completely over, leave me a link! I’d love to read your post!

I have to admit: I don’t really know the meaning of the story in the video, but the music itself is simply inspiring. There’s just ...

I have to admit: I don’t really know the meaning of the story in the video, but the music itself is simply inspiring.

There’s just something about it that slowly raises me up, from that very first note, through the rises, the falls, the final crescendo, down to the final notes at the end. I imagine it as a story, a slow journey from nowhere to everywhere, that moment where the character’s path is clear out in front of them, the obstacles yet to be seen, and dawn is breaking over the magically placed mountains in front of them. Then, it seems like a montage song of all the special moments, the hard ones and the helpful ones, all the pieces that make the story into what it's meant to be.

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Hope you enjoyed the song! What did it make you think of? What’s been on your playlists lately? Can’t wait to hear from you, and I’ll see you in the comment section!

You Are What You Say by Keturah . Where she went with this totally surprised me, but in the end, she’s absolutely right: the quote’s great...

You Are What You Say by Keturah. Where she went with this totally surprised me, but in the end, she’s absolutely right: the quote’s great in context, but the MOST IMPORTANT thing for us Christians is to always do things the way Jesus did them.

Awkward Situations Books Have Gotten Me Into by Shanti. #so-relatable! Lol. The first two in particular have happened to me rather often. :p

Don’t Take Time for Granted by Faith. A wonderful reminder we all need everyday. Faith frames the words so memorably. :)

Self-Care by Skye. A perfect post about taking the time to take care of you. It’s something I’ve been learning about lately, and I love the perspective she offers. :)

Your Art Style by Charisma. Practice and love for what you do, the two most important things for any artist. :)

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That’s it for this week! What do you do for self-care, those days you just need a break? What awkward situations have books gotten you into? Lol. Can’t wait to hear from you, and I’ll see you in the comment section!

Lately, I’ve been wanting to do posts about different aspects of my life and of Christianity, particularly some relying on God and resting ...

Lately, I’ve been wanting to do posts about different aspects of my life and of Christianity, particularly some relying on God and resting in His peace (the main lessons He has been teaching me lately). But to be honest, I just don’t have the time or ability to pull these thoughts together as thoroughly and accurately as I would like to. Maybe someday I’ll go in-depth into some of these experiences and my life as of late, but for right now, since I wanted to start doing more Christianity posts, I decided I’d just start where Christianity does: in the Word of God.

That said, here are a few of my favorite passages for the beginning of 2018.

Original Photo from Pixabay

Isaiah 30:18-22: I’d read this passage several times before, but about a month ago, I had an experience that made me feel like I was reading it for this time. I had spent weeks waiting on things that were really important to me and, frankly, life just hadn’t gotten my way in a while. I’d had a lot of fails and almost no success; I was tired, and I was angry, and every little thing irritated the crap out of me. I kept trying to trust in God and then forgetting and failing again… and again… and again. I was irritated with my circumstances, but even more irritated with myself for constantly yo-yoing with my faith.

And then one morning, when all of my emotions just hit the fan, I happened to be on this chapter in my daily Bible Study. Even though I know there’s a specific, historical context, it just felt like these verses were written specifically for me. They spoke to exactly where I was right then: circumstances whirling out of my control, and I had to just wait on Him, to “be gracious to me,” to provide the things I thought I needed, and to show me the things I needed to do. I had to give up my idols of control and fear and overwork, and put all of my trust where it belonged: in the one I claimed as my Lord.

For the Lord is a God of Justice;

Blessed are all those who wait for Him

Philippians 2:13: This one is especially encouraging to me because of all the (aforementioned) times I fall and fail. He’s still working on me, and that’s why I so desperately want to please Him. As I keep striving, keep sprinting towards that goal, He’s working in me, providing that supernatural power to actually do these things as well, to trust in Him, to wait on Him, and to be able to witness to others. Honestly, to me, the thought that God is working on me—and sees me as worth working on—is really pretty cool. 😊

For God is working in you

Giving you the power

And the desire

To do what pleases Him

Psalm 119:41-42: The only answer I need is trust in His word. The knowledge that He is God, He is the Mighty One, and He will make the way I actually need in His due timing.

Let Your steadfast love come to me, oh Lord

Your salvation according to Your promise

Then shall I have an answer for him who taunts me

Because I trust in Your word.

1st Peter 5:6-11: I’ve probably been reading this one regularly for almost a year now, but it’s just such an incredible passage. Parts of it are talked about it often (verses 7 and 8, in particular), but I think they’re even more meaningful when you read them together as one.

Humble yourself under God’s mighty hand

Trust Him with all of Your fears

Stand firm; resist the devil

You are not alone

In due time, the God of all grace will restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you.

To Him be honor and glory forever and ever.

Amen.

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Hope you enjoyed the post! What are some verse that have encouraged you lately? Would you like to see posts like this more often? Can’t wait to hear from you, and I will see you in the comment section!

I watched this music video about a week ago—and as soon as I saw it, I knew it had to be the next one I shared. Normally, the songs in my p...

I watched this music video about a week ago—and as soon as I saw it, I knew it had to be the next one I shared. Normally, the songs in my posts can just be listened to, but this time, the actual video is important to watch.

I feel like the lyrics are super simple, but the complexity and beauty of it all just shinesin the video, one of the most gorgeous things I have ever been privileged to sit down and see. I almost cried (which is like a normal person saying “I used up three boxes of Kleenex”). It is simply amazing, and I hope it touched you as deeply as it touched me.

What’s a video you watched recently that just arrested your heart? Can’t wait to hear from you, and I’ll see you in the comment section!

But you should still read them if you haven’t already. 😊 Why I Hate Myers-Briggs by Keturah . Just applause ! I mean, I do enjoy Myer...

But you should still read them if you haven’t already. 😊

Why I Hate Myers-Briggs by Keturah. Just applause!I mean, I do enjoy Myers-Briggs (she does too, which she explains in the post), but this is a real issue I’ve seen in the online world, and I’m glad she talked about that aspect of personality tests as well.

The Hobbit {My Favorite Book} by Annie Louise Twitchell. I’ve only seen the movies, but I simply adore this post! It’s a beautifully written reminder of The Hobbit’s deeper messages and what they can mean in our daily lives. Lovely.

When I Need Books by Shanti. It is such an incredible feeling when you find a book that seems meant for you, written for that specific moment in your life. Like she said, it’s really nothing short of a miracle.

Life’s Like That by Victoria Jackson. I love her life snapshots! This one is particularly amusing. :)

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That’s all I got for this week! What’s your favorite book (yes, I am evil) or your favorite recent post from around the blogosphere? Can’t wait to hear from you, and I’ll see you in the comment section!

Recently, I heard two younger teenagers talking about how Writer’s Block made them “less” as writers. Naturally, I had to set them straight...

Recently, I heard two younger teenagers talking about how Writer’s Block made them “less” as writers. Naturally, I had to set them straight.

via GIPHY

After I sent them on their way, though, the conversation got me thinking and it inspired me to do a post on the Infamous Villain known as Writer’s Block, along with a few tips on how to beat him.

Original Photo Credit: Pixabay

First off, some encouragement: Writer’s Block does not make you less of a writer! It is a possessive term (the block of a writer) and you have to be in the process of writing something in order to run into it. So clearly, you’re already on the right track. 😉

In all seriousness though, Writer’s Block is just another part of the process; every writer I’ve ever known, read about, or listened to has had a run-in with it at some point, and at some point (or several), you will as well. However, this does not mean you should stick around with it or stay imprisoned by the nasty beast, so here are a few of my favorite tips for making your way away.

Tip 1: Take a Break

My first advice for any kind of writerly trouble is always take a break. If you’ve been working on the project for a while and you just don’t see it going anywhere, step back; it may be that your brain is exhausted and just needs some time to pull together all of its thoughts and things, so you can fully formulate your incredible story. So, take an hour off. Or a day or a week or several weeks. Go for a walk, watch a movie, read a book, talk to those odd strangers who live in the same house with you (I hear they’re called “family”?). Just do something, or a bunch of things, that have nothing to do with your book—but always keep your book in the back of your mind so you remember, you must return to it at some point.

If you’ve already taken a break (or you’ve been procrastinating your manuscript for quite some time now), then the only way out is through: it is time to butt-in-chair and get to writing.

Which brings us to:

Tip 2: Freewrite

As a pantser, freewriting makes up about 99.9% of my first draft, anyway, but even if you’re a hardcore plotter or a midway plantser, I recommend trying it. Set a timer for 10 or 15 minutes, sit down in front of your document, and ask yourself, what needs to happen for the plot to move forward? Chances are, you actually have two-thirds of an idea, you just feel like you don’t know how to write it.

So write it anyway. Write that exactly: that you don’t know what you’re doing. Write that your protagonist needs to go here, but he won’t because of this secondary character over there and the villain isn’t acting the way you told her to when you flipping created her, and honestly who do they all think they are, because frankly, the whole cast is annoying the crap out of you right now.

Write all of it. Write like you’re insane. Sound like you’re insane. You can always delete this later, and the funny thing about these freewriting sessions is that you might start writing the actual story. Through getting your thoughts out on paper, you often figure out where you were having that block, as well as how you can begin to tear it down.

Another half tip: if it’s possible, talk out loud while you’re freewriting. For me, the words don’t always come when I try to go directly from brain to page, but I find that when I can hear myself thinking out loud, the words I want to say come together much easier.

(No, this isn’t how this very blog post was created. Heh heh. Has nothing at all to do with this).

via GIPHY

3. The Index Card Method

I got this one from GTW years ago, and they got it from Donald Maass’s Writing the Breakout Novel Workbook. The idea is, on a set of index cards or pieces of scrap paper (that’s what I end up using), write down a bunch of characters, settings, and plot points from your novel, one story element for each piece of paper. Fold them or lay them facedown so you can’t see what the writing is. Mix them up in a bowl or scramble them around on the floor, pick three cards at random, and write a scene using those three elements. Of course, a lot of these will be too random to actually put in the story (although, honestly, it can be pretty funny to just see what you come up with), but if you go through this method a few times, you’re likely to find a few gems. I’ve filled several plotholes using this and even started new storylines that’ll carry portions of my series The Supernatural Projects. Once, I even got my family to play along by having them pick the cards for me; explaining the meaning behind the story elements was interesting, haha, but it can also be helpful to talk about your story with someone who doesn’t understand it. If they’re supportive, they can bounce around ideas and brainstorm with you, plus, like I said before, hearing yourself talk can often help you figure out what exactly you need to do next.

4. Use Other Art

Return to that break-time when you were experiencing other parts of life and resting away from your story. Did you watch something, read something, hear or see something interesting? Is there any way you can include this art in your story (not plagiarizing, of course, but legitimately include it)? Once, when I was writing an early draft of Low Expectations, I drew this really random illustration: a very strange roses, thorns, and Humpty Dumpty compilation. I stared at it, trying to figure out where my brain had been such that that had ended up in my sketchbook… and then decided I wanted to put it in my story. While I ended up switching that drawing for one that held more weight in the story, the scene it inspired is still a pivotal moment and it helps trigger the big decision Elliot makes at the climax. All of that to say, is there anything in your life that can springboard an important moment or simply start the next scene? Use it.

5. The Fun Parts

These are the extra tidbits like character worksheets and interviews (this post and this page have several links for that sort of thing), Pinterest boards and playlists, things like that. Don’t spend too much time on these, but I think, when limited, they are productive because they help you get to know your characters and thereby understand what decisions they would naturally make. Even if you’ve planned this story from point A to point Z, you have to know if this is a decision your character would actually want to make. And if it isn’t, you have to know how to get people around them to push them headlong into it.

So, basically, when people ask why you spent an hour on Pinterest, YouTube, and Spotify, you can tell them you’re building up a treasure trove of inspiration for when Writer’s Block hits.

And then, of course, get back to writing. 😉

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I hope you enjoyed this different kind of post and that it was helpful to you! Have you had Writer’s Block lately? Got any more tips for getting through it? Can’t wait to hear from you and I’ll see you in the comment section!