I was off work on Friday, however that does not mean I rest. I cleaned floors, washed clothes and managed to run a few errands while chasing my 8 month old son around the house. My 5 year old daughter also keeps me busy, although she's a great help.
However, the busy-ness of the day kept me from posting my progress yesterday. Though minimal, I did manage to continue plotting my book and I started two charts for my 2 main characters.
That progress continued this morning. I'm happy to report I've gained another 500 words to my draft as of yesterday. Today, my total is 2,423. I'm approaching the middle of the book. I'm working between reviewing some brief plot points I made a few weeks ago when I outlined the book. I used Michael Hauge's Six Stage Plot Structure. I've got to say, this tool really helped me visualize each major part of the story.
I also use a GMC chart that Debra Dixon teaches in her book: GMC: Goal, Motivation, and Conflict. You can actually purchase a copy at the link above. Using GMC helps me to understand where my characters have been and where they are going. Although, I always have doubts as to whether the GMC is strong enough and the character's GMC will usually change, and should change, as the story progresses. Right now, I don't know that I have a strong handle on either character's GMC. I know where they've been and where I want them to end up. It's that sagging middle that always worries me. And right now, I'm at the point of plotting where I wonder how I'm going to overcome that sagging middle problem.
After all, I want my story to be that svelte hourglass-figure shape... not that unhealthy pear shape.
How do you overcome the sagging middle? Or, a weak character? Do you just write and write and worry about the flaws of the story in revisions?
Saturday, October 9, 2010
Thursday, October 7, 2010
Inspiring You: Day 2
I'm so excited about this challenge. I ended up sleeping in later, but knowing I had all of you working with me and working on your own projects, I knew I had to accomplish something!
This morning, I began what I'm calling my STORY DRAFT. I'm letting myself free write, I refuse to worry - at this time - about how badly I'm telling, or what words do or don't sound right. I am drafting as I see the story unfold in my head. I've got about 2 subplots going and the one major plot working. I've found I need to give some of my character's names and need to work on the background for them. All of this I plan to come back to. Right now, I'm drafting and I'll worry about everything else later.
This is the first time I've approached a story in this manner. Or, maybe in my earliest drafts, this is what I did, but I thought I was properly writing the story. I'm hoping this maneuver will help me as I work toward the completed manuscript and will better prepare me to attack revisions when that time comes.
Today, my word count is 1,191 for the rough draft. More than I expected! Woo-Hoo! I pushed through this morning and am excited about this progress. I can't wait to hear how all of you did yesterday and this morning. Please share!!
(Don't forget, some lovely prizes await you at the end of the month for those who reach their appointed challenge!) Check out Day 1 for more details.
This morning, I began what I'm calling my STORY DRAFT. I'm letting myself free write, I refuse to worry - at this time - about how badly I'm telling, or what words do or don't sound right. I am drafting as I see the story unfold in my head. I've got about 2 subplots going and the one major plot working. I've found I need to give some of my character's names and need to work on the background for them. All of this I plan to come back to. Right now, I'm drafting and I'll worry about everything else later.
This is the first time I've approached a story in this manner. Or, maybe in my earliest drafts, this is what I did, but I thought I was properly writing the story. I'm hoping this maneuver will help me as I work toward the completed manuscript and will better prepare me to attack revisions when that time comes.
Today, my word count is 1,191 for the rough draft. More than I expected! Woo-Hoo! I pushed through this morning and am excited about this progress. I can't wait to hear how all of you did yesterday and this morning. Please share!!
(Don't forget, some lovely prizes await you at the end of the month for those who reach their appointed challenge!) Check out Day 1 for more details.
Wednesday, October 6, 2010
Inspiring You Challenge: Day 1
Time to light a fire under your butter bean.
It's time for another At Split Ends Accountability Race.
I need you. You need me. Together, we will inspire each other and keep each other accountable to reach our goals. Earlier this year, you helped me finish my book. Rebecca finished hers and Lindi and Dianna worked on theirs right along with us...
Well, folks, it's that time again...
For this challenge, I'm inviting anyone -
 |
| (L) Me & (R) Edwina Cowgill at the National Corvette Museum in Bowling Green, KY, September 2010 |
Writer or Not - Come Forth and Declare Your Goal
Are you assisting a loved one and need support or prayer? Do you want to reorganize your closet? In the middle of renovation of that one room that you can't seem to finish? Are you trying to lose weight? Are you trying to make it to the gym daily? Are you trying to finish writing your book? Are you planning to start a new business?
Whatever, your need, let's declare it here on ASB.
But wait! You're not done. Declaring the Goal is ONLY the first step! Then you have to hold yourself accountable and come back to this Blog and give me your progress.
Here's how it works.
1)Declare your Goal.
2)Report back to the blog daily - whether you made an achievement or not. Everyone involved in the challenge will be reporting and you will get support from all of us working on our goal.
3) By October 31st - we'll see who has met their challenge.
4) Reward!!!
If you finished that room renovation, I'll send you a Home Depot Gift Card.
If you finish writing your book, I'll send you a Walmart gift card. And so on...
Basically, if you truly finish your stated goal, you will get a reward from me :)
(However, I cannot mail out of the country, so United States participants only, please)
Now mind you, the gift cards won't be anything fabulous. $5, $10 will be the max. But the fact is, I appreciate my friends and I want to help you reach your goals.
I'll go first... My challenge is to start a new book - working title, Sinking Sand. I'd like to have a rough draft completed by October 31st. My target word count for the book is 60,000 words, but I am not holding myself to that for this first challenge. That will come with rewrites. I simply want to have the beginning, middle and end down from all of the character's perspectives.
Are you up for a challenge?
Declare it and Let Us Begin to Inspire You!
Love Finds You Under the Mistletoe by Irene Brand & Anita Higman
ABOUT THE AUTHORS:
Irene Brand has written Sunday School curriculum, edited a two-year series of mission curriculum, and her works have appeared in five program-material anthologies. Her publishers include Zondervan, Standard Publishing, Thomas Nelson Publishers, Fleming-Revell, Barbour Publishing, Kregel Publications, Steeple Hill (inspirational imprint of Silhouette), and Summerside Press. She has had 4 non-fiction books published, and 43 fiction works. Her first inspirational romance was published in 1984.
Award-winning author, Anita Higman, has twenty-six books published (several coauthored) for adults and children, and she has been honored as a Barnes & Noble Author of the Month for Houston. Anita has a BA degree, combining speech communication, psychology, and art. Her favorite things include exotic teas, movies, and all things Jane Austen.
ABOUT THE BOOK
Love Finds You under the Mistletoe: An Appalachian Christmas
A promise to her dying sister compels Julia Mayfield to take her young nephew to Mistletoe, Kentucky, a tiny town tucked away in the Appalachian Mountains. Sparks fly when she meets David Armstrong, a World War II veteran like herself. Even as shadows from the past weave a dangerous web around Julia and David, will their love flourish like the mistletoe that blankets the nearby hills?
Love Finds You under the Mistletoe: Once Upon a Christmas Eve
Hollie Goodnight's store has just been voted best Christmas shop in America. All the new publicity draws flamboyant novelist Van Keaton to the cozy town of Noel, Missouri, demanding to write Hollie's story - a dramatic tale of misfortune and triumph. She is swept up in his world of beautiful words and fanciful interludes. . .until Owen Quigly, her lifelong best friend, launches a plan to win her back.
If you would like to read an excerpt of Love Finds You Under the Mistletoe, go HERE.
Watch the book trailer:
Tuesday, October 5, 2010
Cancer Fighting Foods
Earlier this year, I thought I'd join the Weight Watchers program and give that points counting program another try.
Once again, I ate a whole month's worth of points in a week. Oh, well. I do understand how the program works, but I rebel when faced with certain restrictions.
Despite the fact I don't do the program well, I do respect the program because if you follow its guidelines, you'll definitely eat healthier. I still receive their newsletters in my inbox, and I wanted to share with this article that can also be found on the Weight Watchers Website.
Eating well to lose weight can have some hidden benefits. Here are some scale-friendly nutrition facts that could also help you ward off cancer.
Almost everyone has been touched by cancer, either personally or by watching a loved one's battle. According to the American Cancer Society (ACS), cancer is the second leading cause of death in the United States, claiming more than a half-million lives annually. Each year, according to ACS projections, more than 1.3 million new cancer cases are diagnosed.
Researchers have linked about one-third of cancer deaths to dietary factors, such as those that contribute to obesity, according to the ACS.
Acing Antioxidants
Research has shown that people whose diets are rich in plant-based foods—fruits, vegetables and whole-grain breads and cereals—have a lower incidence of most cancers.
Why? One reason may be that people who eat more of these foods are less likely to be obese, which is a risk factor for some forms of cancer.
While researchers are still searching for the answers, it appears that plant foods, particularly produce, are rich in antioxidants and phytochemicals. According to the National Cancer Institute, antioxidants work to stabilize free radicals, which are unstable molecules that damage cells and may cause cancer. However, more research needs to be done in this area—particularly when antioxidants are taken in the form of dietary supplements.
Nutritionists recommend getting most of your nutrients through food rather than supplements, and eating in moderation from a wide variety of food groups, particularly grains, fruits and vegetables. Be sure to get the five servings of fruits and vegetables per day that Weight Watchers recommends.
Anti-Cancer Eating Plan
The following are some of the dietary recommendations from the American Cancer Society for reducing your risk of cancer:
•Eat a variety of vegetables and fruits each day, and include vegetables and fruits at every meal and for snacks.
•Eat smaller portions of high-calorie foods. Be aware that "low-fat" or "nonfat" does not mean "low-calorie" and that low-fat cakes, cookies, and similar foods are often high in calories.
•When you eat away from home, choose foods low in calories, fat and sugar, and avoid large portion sizes.
•Choose 100% juice if you drink vegetable or fruit juices.
•Choose whole-grain rice, bread, pasta and cereals, and limit consumption of refined carbohydrates, including pastries, sweetened cereals and other high-sugar foods.
•Choose fish, poultry or beans as an alternative to beef, pork and lamb. When you do eat meat, select lean cuts and eat smaller portions.
•Prepare meat by baking, broiling or poaching, rather than by frying or charbroiling.
•Limit alcohol intake to no more than 2 drinks per day for men and 1 drink a day for women. (A drink is defined as 12 ounces of beer, 5 ounces of wine, or 1.5 ounces of 80-proof distilled spirits.)
6 Ways to Eat More Fruits and Vegetables
Alas, 80 percent of us don't consume anything close to five servings of fruits and veggies, according to the American Dietetic Association. Here's how you can up your intake.
•Favor dishes incorporating as many plant-based ingredients as possible, such as stir-fries, soups, salads and rice salads.
•Keep crunchy raw vegetables on hand, such as carrot sticks, jicama and pepper strips.
•Add leafy greens such as spinach leaves and watercress to sandwiches.
•Consider nutrient-rich squash as a side dish.
•Top cereal and salads with fruit, nuts, sesame seeds or pumpkin seeds.
•Empty a can of beans or tomatoes into your favorite casserole
Once again, I ate a whole month's worth of points in a week. Oh, well. I do understand how the program works, but I rebel when faced with certain restrictions.
Despite the fact I don't do the program well, I do respect the program because if you follow its guidelines, you'll definitely eat healthier. I still receive their newsletters in my inbox, and I wanted to share with this article that can also be found on the Weight Watchers Website.
Foods That Help Fight Cancer
Article By: Megan Gressor
Eating well to lose weight can have some hidden benefits. Here are some scale-friendly nutrition facts that could also help you ward off cancer.
Almost everyone has been touched by cancer, either personally or by watching a loved one's battle. According to the American Cancer Society (ACS), cancer is the second leading cause of death in the United States, claiming more than a half-million lives annually. Each year, according to ACS projections, more than 1.3 million new cancer cases are diagnosed.
Researchers have linked about one-third of cancer deaths to dietary factors, such as those that contribute to obesity, according to the ACS.
Acing Antioxidants
Research has shown that people whose diets are rich in plant-based foods—fruits, vegetables and whole-grain breads and cereals—have a lower incidence of most cancers.
Why? One reason may be that people who eat more of these foods are less likely to be obese, which is a risk factor for some forms of cancer.
While researchers are still searching for the answers, it appears that plant foods, particularly produce, are rich in antioxidants and phytochemicals. According to the National Cancer Institute, antioxidants work to stabilize free radicals, which are unstable molecules that damage cells and may cause cancer. However, more research needs to be done in this area—particularly when antioxidants are taken in the form of dietary supplements.
Nutritionists recommend getting most of your nutrients through food rather than supplements, and eating in moderation from a wide variety of food groups, particularly grains, fruits and vegetables. Be sure to get the five servings of fruits and vegetables per day that Weight Watchers recommends.
Anti-Cancer Eating Plan
The following are some of the dietary recommendations from the American Cancer Society for reducing your risk of cancer:
•Eat a variety of vegetables and fruits each day, and include vegetables and fruits at every meal and for snacks.
•Eat smaller portions of high-calorie foods. Be aware that "low-fat" or "nonfat" does not mean "low-calorie" and that low-fat cakes, cookies, and similar foods are often high in calories.
•When you eat away from home, choose foods low in calories, fat and sugar, and avoid large portion sizes.
•Choose 100% juice if you drink vegetable or fruit juices.
•Choose whole-grain rice, bread, pasta and cereals, and limit consumption of refined carbohydrates, including pastries, sweetened cereals and other high-sugar foods.
•Choose fish, poultry or beans as an alternative to beef, pork and lamb. When you do eat meat, select lean cuts and eat smaller portions.
•Prepare meat by baking, broiling or poaching, rather than by frying or charbroiling.
•Limit alcohol intake to no more than 2 drinks per day for men and 1 drink a day for women. (A drink is defined as 12 ounces of beer, 5 ounces of wine, or 1.5 ounces of 80-proof distilled spirits.)
6 Ways to Eat More Fruits and Vegetables
Alas, 80 percent of us don't consume anything close to five servings of fruits and veggies, according to the American Dietetic Association. Here's how you can up your intake.
•Favor dishes incorporating as many plant-based ingredients as possible, such as stir-fries, soups, salads and rice salads.
•Keep crunchy raw vegetables on hand, such as carrot sticks, jicama and pepper strips.
 |
| Jicama - high in fiber and Vitamin C |
•Add leafy greens such as spinach leaves and watercress to sandwiches.
 |
| Watercress -a leafy, peppery plant, high in minerals and Vitamin C |
•Consider nutrient-rich squash as a side dish.
•Top cereal and salads with fruit, nuts, sesame seeds or pumpkin seeds.
•Empty a can of beans or tomatoes into your favorite casserole
Monday, October 4, 2010
Within My Heart by Tamera Alexander
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
These awards include the 2009 and 2008 Christy Award, the 2007 RITA for Best Inspirational Romance, the 2009 and 2007 Gayle Wilson Award of Excellence, 2007 Bookseller’s Best Award, and Library Journal’s Top Christian Fiction for 2006, among others.
After living in Colorado for seventeen years, Tamera has returned to her Southern roots. She and her husband now make their home in Nashville with Tamera's father, Doug. They enjoy life there with Joe and Tamera's two adult children, and Jack, a precious—and precocious—silky terrier.
ABOUT THE BOOK
If you would like to read the first chapter of Within My Heart, go HERE.
**
Christy: I will post a review soon...due to traveling, illness and work I have not had a chance to settle down and dig deep into this book. I've just begun the first pages and they are great so far!
Friday, October 1, 2010
I Believe in Spaghetti by Kari Smith Murphy
Today, my Author Spotlight is my dear sister in-law, Kari Smith Murphy. Kari is a full time college student pursuing a degree in Forensic Psychology. She enjoys spending her free time out of the classroom with her husband Blake and their 4-year old son, (my adorable nephew ;) Landon.
Kari won my Author Spotlight today because of her essay I'm about to share with you. Although she is not pursuing publication she's taking English and the instructor allows her creativity to flow. I think Kari may be on to something here. She has a unique voice and the subject matter is very special to Kari, and to me, too. I was thrilled to read her most recent essay. I wanted to share this with all of you...
I Believe in Spaghetti
by Kari Smith Murphy
I can’t cook. It’s true. When I do the whole house smells like someone lit the stove on fire then tried to put it out with burnt rags. One may think I am exaggerating, but unfortunately for us, it’s true. I do however have one go-to-meal that seems to come out right each time and it is spaghetti. Spaghetti is the first thing I made after I was married and the only thing my new husband could stomach. It was a basic recipe and it was good. Not Daddy good, but it was good.
My dad’s spaghetti was amazing. The man was a sheer genius when it came to the dish. I would think of how much I wanted some for dinner then to my surprise that evening when he came home he’d make it, like we had ESP. I have played around with the recipe for years trying to figure out why his spaghetti was so delicious, but never could. I would walk down the aisles of the grocery store looking at labels trying to spark some memory of what he would put in the sauce to no avail. Then with the next batch, I would try again and fail. Although, the sauce got better each time, it was still missing something and I was determined to find that key ingredient. So back to the grocery store and back to the kitchen I went.
It was a particularly grueling day for me that chilly spring evening when I decided that I would make spaghetti for dinner. While gathering all the ingredients I opened the refrigerator and something I hadn’t tried fell out onto my foot. It was so generic and so simple, there was no way this could be the missing piece, but could it? I threw this mystery item in my sauce towards the end just for fun and there it was. This was it. Emotions flooded over me; I fell to the floor weeping, dumbfounded not even sure, if I was happy or sad. Still sobbing I set the table for dinner; silently I sat and watched my husband and son as they ate, then ask for seconds, then thirds. Before I knew it, the entire batch was gone.
It was a chilly night in September when my father was killed; his life cut short by an angry man’s bullet. His spaghetti was so much more to me than just dinner, it was comfort, and it was safe. So whenever I am feeling particularly blue I’ll whip up a batch and remember the good times, remember my father.
Although I can’t recall much from our conversation that day, I do recall asking for spaghetti when he returned home from his hunting trip. It only took nine years for me to have that spaghetti, Daddy’s spaghetti.
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