Paper and Parchment

Huh? Really? I don't Believe it.

2012-02-02T10:27:00.001-07:00

Is your story believable? I mean really believable.

Take for instance this:

(Okay, this movie was fun to watch, but HISHE makes a good point.)

(That's so awesome) When someone reads your work and they say, "Why didn't (insert name here) just do (insert action here)?"

That's when a writer usually says, "You just don't get it," while shaking head... "I'm a writer, this story can be anyway I want." (No...*uneasy look* I don't know that from experience. *nervous laughing*)

Okay, this is a big mistake (see video above for reference). When someone says a part of your plot won't work, believe them, revise, and move on. Because you want your book to be better.

Have a great week writing everyone! I have to go change that one scene on my book...you know...the one that I thought was cool, but ...my character can't conveniently fly...but it would be cool! Have you ever had to change your plot because something just wasn't working?

Picture Books Rock

2012-01-31T17:07:00.005-07:00

Meet Amy. She is my new e-friend and she is part of my new e-picture book, A Valentine Disaster. You should be able to buy it by the end of the week. It will be available in the Kindle Store and a PDF version will be available on a new website called Picture Books Rock.

The talented Lilly Johnson created the illustrations for the book, and she and I are working on getting more picture books out. Look for us at picturebooksrock.com early next week.

E-books are changing the way we read,and they are changing the way we publish.

Amy has a list for everything, including getting ready for Valentine's Day. She planned for everything. Well, almost everything. She didn't plan on a Valentine disaster, and she didn't plan on starting over.

A fun book to share for Valentine's Day. Don't forget to get yours.

Linda Garner

Delivering Hope by Jennifer Ann Holt

2012-01-30T07:04:00.002-07:00

What an inspiring book this is! I loved reading it.

Olivia and Michael are unable to have children. Through years of waiting, anticipation, hope and prayer, the fertility doctors finally tell them there is no chance of them getting pregnant. Olivia has a difficult time accepting this path until she reads her Great Aunt Elizabeth’s journal and finds that this grand lady walked the same road with honor and dignity, giving love and service throughout her life.

Allison is a model young woman, active in the Church and a good student with plans to attend college after high school graduation. A night of poor decisions changes her life forever, and she finds herself in the Bishop’s office, telling him that she’s pregnant.

The author has skillfully presented all the obstacles that line the paths for each situation. Her understanding of the issues for both parties is presented with depth and insight.

As a retired Marriage and Family Therapist, I would love to have had this book for my couples who faced infertility as well as the young girls I worked with who found themselves pregnant. My hat is off to you, Jennifer. This is a well-written book. I give it a great recommendation.

Christy Monson, L.M.F.T., Retired.

I Need a Hero

2012-01-26T05:56:00.000-07:00

If you know me, you know that I love a good superhero (or maybe you didn’t know that).

But I’m not the kind of girl who likes your average man/woman in colorful tights, kind of superhero-girl. No. I like a superhero who adds a little twist and turn to their everyday lives. The quirky kind who make people think…or not think (say that part slow, in a menacing voice. Mwa ha ha!)

Take for instance, The Tick. Who needs “new superhero stuff” and uses “battle cries you always admit before leaping into battle.” The Tick is awesome. Funny, a little brainless, and yet, he still eats cereal like every other person.

Spoooon!

Or Word Girl (She is so awesome. A superhero who knows her grammar? Beyond Priceless!)

I know...it's a kids show, but the writing is hilarious!

And last, but not least…the villain who is really the hero, but is the most evilest villain around. *head shaking* (You have to see it to know what I’m talking about.) The writing in this is amazing.

Say it was Horrible.

The main ingredient in all three of these shows/blogs/episodes is that the writing is fantastic. The characters are fun and they keep the reader wanting more.

So as I’m editing/revising, I remind myself to keep my characters interesting. Color them up, make them easy to relate to, or give them funny nicknames. Do something to keep your reader in love with your characters.

Any thoughts? What kinds of things do you do to keep your characters interesting? And who's your favorite superhero and why?

I Need a Face for that Voice

2012-01-24T05:00:00.000-07:00

As a picture book author, I am keenly interested in illustrators. The illustrator is vital to the success of a picture book. It wouldn't be a picture book without pictures. The story would be incomplete without them. A talented illustrator can make a great story better.

I love making connections with illustrators, because I need them. I have a lot of picture books looking for a publisher. They have a voice, but they need a face.

One of my favorite illustrators is Will Terry. He has illustrated a bunch of picture books and has a fun and unusual style. You might recognize some of his books, such as Armadilly Chili, Three Little Gators, Little Rooster’s Diamond Button.

I recently stumbled across Will’s website where he blogs and teaches art classes. Seriously, art classes. He has three packages of art lessons on video, namely Acrylic painting, Digital painting in Photoshop, and my personal favorite, How to Illustrate Children’s Books.

I purchased the series called How to Illustrate Children’s Books. Can I just say “Wow.” Lots of great information. I found the video extremely helpful even though I am an author, not an illustrator.

Each Video Series is available on his website, willterry.com for...is it okay if I say it?...$29.99. Eight lessons. That’s hard to beat. His blog also has some great material. Stop by and visit Will, and tell him I sent you.

Thanks Will Terry.

Linda Garner

New Year's Resolutions

2012-01-23T06:46:00.001-07:00

My writing room (den) is such a mess, there is no place for my husband to sit down when he comes in to talk to me. He offered to buy me a bookcase. Should I take him up on the offer? Absolutely! OK, I’m starting to clean up my piles. Here’s a questionnaire I got at an SCBWI workshop in October of 2011 with Emma Dryden. I’ve typed it up to save it and use it (if I don’t lose it in the electronic maze of writing on my computer.) I know my stories would be stronger if I had asked these questions of my main characters. So—New Year’s Resolutions—clean up my room and use these questionnaires. Happy writing! Christy

Getting to know your main character

Questions for the Author

Who is your main character?

What does he or she want?

What is the main character’s driving question?

What are your main character’s motives?

What emotions do you want to evoke?

What will happen in the story?

What do you want to accomplish?

What do you like or dislike about the main character?

Survey for your main character

What do you like/dislike? What do you love/hate?

What are your favorite foods, colors, school subjects, clothes, music, etc.?

Who are your best friends? Why?

Who are your enemies? Why?

What is your last relationship with love?

What is your relationship with your parents? Siblings?

What kind of girls/ boys do you date? Why?

Where do you go to be alone?

Do you have faith? In what?

What is the worst thing that can happen to you? Has it happened?

What is your darkest secret?

Can your voice made a difference?

What is your definition of home?

Where to do belong?

http://christymonson.blogspot.com/

http://prophetsinperson.blogspot.com/

http://www.christymonson.com/

Things to Remind Myself this Year

2012-01-19T05:28:00.000-07:00

I was told once that everyone of us has a little OCD (over compulsive disorder...you know, like that show Monk.)

I had a doctor point it out to me once as I sat in her office; fixing all the picture frames so they matched up. (Hey, they were crooked.) (lol. Okay, I wasn't really doing that. I was washing my hands over and over...It's a doctors office, they have germs. Ew.)

Anyway, I met last week with my writing buddies and we had discussed changing things up in our daily routines to get more writing done.

But there are things I keep forgetting.

So this is my list of things to remember when I'm sitting at my computer screen, thinking about the laundry that needs to be washed:

1. DON'T think of the laundry while you are writing (unless your characters are being strangled by dirty socks. Then by all means, think of laundry).

2. The dishes can be washed anytime during the day. Or night. (You've got that button on the washer that lets you run it at night...remember? Doing dishes while you sleep. Awesome.)

3. Turn off the phone ringer. (Two or three hours away from the phone isn't a crime. Plus you have that awesome answering machine message that needs to be used. Okay...it's not awesome, but it's there. Now turn off that ringer.)

4. Last but not least. Just sit down and do it. Those stories aren't going to write themselves. (There is no button on my computer for auto-pilot. But that might be cool for those writing block days.)

Okay. There is my list of OCD things I need to not worry about. (But probably will anyway.)

What OCD things do you deal with? Come on, everyone has some. Now stop straightening up those frames and let me know. ;) Have a great week everyone! Good luck with the writing.

What if?

2012-01-17T07:27:00.004-07:00

The power was out yesterday. Doesn't happen very often, but it gave me a chance to think about what if?

If there was a disaster, could we keep warm? If we couldn't cook our food, what would we eat? If we couldn't go to the store would we have enough? How long would our toilet paper last? That's one thing I never want to run out of. Seriously.

I was able to use my laptop, but not the internet. It was inconvenient. What would I do without the internet, and more importantly, what would I do when my laptop battery ran out. If I couldn't use my laptop, could I still write?

I used to write with paper and pencil, and used to prefer it, even when I got my first, second, and third computer. I don't prefer it anymore, but in a pinch I could do it again.

I'm spoiled. I love electricity. An extended blackout would be inconvenient and uncomfortable. I wonder what we would miss the most. I wonder what we would run out of.

I hope I never run out of ideas. I have extras, but where can I store them.

My laptop?

Linda Garner

Goals

2012-01-16T08:17:00.001-07:00

We traditionally set goals this time of year. Sometimes I rebel against doing it, but I know that what I think about and plan, I become. All of us participate in goal setting whether on a conscious or subconscious level.

We are shaped by our thoughts. We become what we think. Buddha

Even if I never set goals, I still invite things into my life by my thoughts. So I do set goals and have a plan because I don't want my life to be run by default.

One of the things I struggle with is consistency. I can start out with really good intentions and then forget about them after a few weeks. All it takes is for me to have to get a lesson or meeting ready and before I know it, I've thrown my whole energy into that project and forgotten all about my other goals. Summer is also a very bad time for me to be consistent. With kids and family, everything goes out the window for a few months.

So one thing I know about myself is that I won't be consistent all the time, and I now I set a time of reestablishing my goals once a month just to check to see if I got off the track. I ALWAYS have to recommit myself in September after everyone is back in school.

Be flexible in goal setting. Be willing to change your goals over time. (You may not have to be, but I do.

Let me tell you the secret that has led me to my goal: my strength lies solely in my tenacity. Lois Pasteur

So here’s to flexibility, change and tenacity in your goal-setting!

Share your ideas with me. I’d love suggestions as to what works for you.

I'm Moving!

2012-01-12T10:39:00.000-07:00

Well, not exactly.

I'm moving my blogging day from Thursday to Monday. Thursday seems to come way too fast.

So those of you who visit Checkerboard Squares, I will be here on Monday. Those of you at Paper and Parchment, I will see you still on Thursdays, but I will be posting the same thing I posted on Checkerboard Squares from Monday (just so we're okay on that).

I'm thinking about only checking out other's blogs three days a week. (Because let's face it, I'm a procrastinator when it comes to writing and I need all the time I can get!)

On a different note...you won't believe this. Really. Sit down.

I solved the Rubik Cube! I did! Woohoo! *hands up in the air running around like a kid*
For those of you not knowing what I'm talking about...Click Here for my New Year's resolutions. ;)

Thank You Photobucket

I actually did it twice...okay...*blushes* Three times! (It's all in the algorithms or math-like stuff.)

But the thing is - I did it! If I can do that, I can do anything right? Right? (okay, maybe I still can't open my eyes when I'm on a Ferris wheel. *shrugging shoulders*)

The thing is...(I really will get to the point here) If I can sit down and do that, I can accomplish my writing goals. And so can you. So tell me, what are they? What is going to happen with your writing this year? Are you writing one book, two? Querying? Revising? Spill the beans, what's happening in your writing world?

See you Monday/ Thursday!

Pinky Promise

2012-01-10T09:51:00.004-07:00

I am happy to say that I am typing with all ten fingers today. My pinkies, both injured recently at different times, are finally healing. The first pinky was injured nearly a month ago, the other, not quite a week. The healing on pinky #1 was really slow, but the second injury was not quite as bad.

Interesting, how much I depend on my pinkies. They are the smallest fingers and definitely the weakest. Still a lot of things are harder to do without pinkies. For example, opening a jar, opening a can, chopping vegetables, turning a doorknob. And what about shifting gears, holding a baby, writing a check, to say nothing of playing the piano or typing. Last week I was making handwritten notes for my tax return. My pinky was not happy.

Little things make a difference. Not just pinkies, either. We don't always notice them, but when they are gone, we can clearly see it. Today I thought about lots of little things I appreciate in my life. Things, like clean socks, hot water, reading glasses, windows, forks, hand lotion,...you get the idea.

In writing, little things make a difference too. You may have big ideas, but a lot of little things have to work right for those big ideas to fly. We can't afford to ignore things like punctuation, spelling, sentence structure, grammar. Those little things provide the framework for bigger ideas like voice, point of view, dialogue, plot.

Improving our writing is really a lot of little things. If we are serious about improving we need to take a closer look at the basics. I'll do it. Will you?

Pinky Promise?

Linda Garner

Two Souls Are Better Than One

2012-01-09T07:04:00.003-07:00

This delightful middle-grade novel is a great venture of dueling wizards and kids. Twists and turns in the story keep the reader guessing what’s coming next.
Bullies attack JJ at school, causing a fight and leaving him suspended. But JJ has plenty of things to keep him busy. He accidentally steps through a portal into another world, looking for his father and ends up with an old guy sharing his body, which can be very annoying at times!

JJ discovers he has ‘special’ powers. Is he a wizard? His life turns topsy turvy when he discovers some of his friends and neighbors are associated with worlds beyond his own. He even has a very ‘cool’ grandmother.

Join JJ and his twin sister Jessie as they race to rescue their dad from a power monger. Will they succeed against the evil that’s spilling from another world into theirs?

Fast action, humor, zany ideas and out-of-the box thinking keeps the reader on his or her toes for a fun adventure in good reading. Enjoy!!!

Some Miracles Take Time

2012-01-04T09:22:00.003-07:00

It hurt like crazy. Tears stung my eyes.

My husband helped me up. “Are you okay?” he asked.

I shook my head. “Not really.”

“Where does it hurt?”

“I’m not sure yet.” I wrapped my left hand around my right and pulled it protectively to my chest. “I think it’s my hand.”

“Is it broken?”

“I hope not.”

Awkwardly, I opened and closed my hand. I winced as I flexed my fingers, biting my lip with the effort. My whole hand hurt, but thankfully, my fingers were moving.

Since it didn’t appear to be broken, I took something for inflammation and tucked myself in bed, so that time could begin to work its magic. It was nearly midnight after all. My hand was beginning to swell and a blue stain was spreading across my palm.

It happened so fast. We had returned home late from traveling, and I had dashed to the mailbox to retrieve the mail. The toe of my shoe caught on an uneven seam in the concrete. I went down hard, catching myself with my hand.

I was grateful that nothing seemed to be broken, but the healing took time, and it wasn’t just my hand that hurt. My body seemed to be in shock. I needed extra sleep and I felt awful. I had limited energy and tired easily. I was moody and a little depressed.

That was about three weeks ago. My hand looks and feels a lot better. The rest of me feels better too, at least most of the time. I still type with only two fingers on my right hand, and play only with my left hand on the piano. I still tire easily.

I appreciate my body more each day. What would I do without hands? The body has a miraculous power to heal itself.

I love miracles, even the miracles that take time.

Linda Garner

Creating a Moral Dilemma for your characters

2012-01-02T07:16:00.000-07:00

For the holidays I got the DVD’s of Lark Rise to Candleford. It’s a BBC production that had four seasons. I have really enjoyed the series. The actors are great and the setting is well-defined, but the thing that draws me to the series is the writing. Each episode is set up for character definition, character insight and character growth. Protagonists are faced with moral dilemmas that push them toward personal change.

For instance: Dorcas, the postmistress, knows the secrets of the two dress-maker sisters that keep the shop next door. Should she continue to keep the secrets as each sister confides in her or should she reveal the truths so that the sisters can work out their problems together?

Daniel, an out-of-town journalist, has written a slanderous story about the people of Lark Rise. He has promised the Lark Rise parents of the girl he loves that he will not see their daughter until he apologizes to the town folk he has offended. Can he keep that promise?

Our characters do not grow and change unless we give them hard things to overcome. Linda Garner has written an excellent children’s story about a little girl who is the victim of bullying. She grows and changes as she solves her problem.

I have to keep this idea constantly in my mind because I’m the queen of dropping tension and solving the protagonist’s problems for them. I need to let them face their moral dilemmas and work through their own troubles. I must trust that they will come through. And, you know what! They always do!

Hope you had a great holiday. Christy

http://christymonson.blogspot.com/

http://prophetsinperson.blogspot.com/

http://www.christymonson.com/

Merry Christmas!

2011-12-22T06:13:00.001-07:00

I hope you guys all have a wonderful Christmas!

Love this! Merry Christmas everyone.

The Secret's Out

2011-12-20T06:24:00.006-07:00

Christmas secrets can be lots of fun. Some are hard to keep. Some are fun to share.
As parents, we had Christmas secrets, but it seems our children had secrets of their own.

When our children were young, they had late night Christmas Eve Parties downstairs. We stocked the party room with videos and goodies. We watched a movie or two with them and then went upstairs to wait for Santa.

When we left the party we wrapped the connecting doorway with noisy wrapping paper, so that no one could sneak upstairs to spy on Santa, unnanounced. The doorway would be unwrapped at 6:00 a.m. and the Christmas Mayhem would commence. After all, we needed our rest.

It seemed foolproof enough.

When the children were grown, they told us one unsuspecting afternoon how they cracked our security system, year after year.

One brave child would leave the cozy nest and climb the roof of our house, gaining access to the overhang that bordered our front windows. He would enter through the windows, take inventory, and return with a full report of the goods.

Particularly noteworthy was the year that Santa brought new roller skates for everyone. The courageous one returned to the mostly unfinished basement with the skates in hand, where everyone happily skated most of the night.

The skates were returned to their proper places in plenty of time so that neither Santa or his helpers ever suspected. Because of our strick ban on starting Christmas Morning before 6:00 a.m., they had only to watch the time.

The little darlings managed to look appropriately surprised and delighted on Christmas Morning. If Hollywood had known of their great acting ability, they would probably be big stars today.

The secret's out.

Do you have a Christmas secret you would like to share? It could be fun.

Linda Garner

Great Historical Fiction Read

2011-12-19T07:00:00.005-07:00

“After an attempted assassination, Governor Lilburn Boggs couldn’t prove who’d taken a shot at him, leaving the identity of his assailant a mystery. Twenty-five years later and after the passing of Gov. Boggs, Detective Calvin Pogue has been hired by the Boggs family to open this cold case and find out the truth about the assassin. From Missouri to California and into the heart of the Utah territory, Detective Pogue relentlessly seeks clues that lead him to the legendary Mormon gunman Porter R ockwell—who still isn’t making things easy for anyone!” Back cover.

Anyone who loves good historical fiction and sleuthing fun will love this book. The characters are well-developed, and picturesque descriptions along with great imagery augment this delicious mystery. Miller’s subplots add depth to the story as he looks at all sides of the somewhat complex issue.

Rod Miller is a noted writer of the old west, and his style brings this story to life. The only things wanting as I read the novel were end notes and original-source references. As a student of history, I’m always looking to primary sources for more information.

This book will make a gift to the history buffs in your family. Happy reading!

Moody Weather

2011-12-15T08:49:00.001-07:00

I love this weather.

Photobucket

It snowed this week and today the roads are covered in a soft mist, making the air feel like a mysterious movie.

I love it.

Weather can change a mood, give ambiance, or (as my daughter tells me) finally makes it finally feel like Christmas.

The same thing is true in writing. Have you ever about a funeral on a sunny day? Or a happy ending during a rain storm? It just doesn't work as well. Having the weather match a mood draws in a reader and gives them a sense of setting. Weird how it works that way.

So, note to self: next time you are writing a spooky scene, don't have it at a wedding. Weddings aren't very spooky. Well... mostly.

What is your favorite weather for setting? Sad/rainy, mad/windy, happy/sunny?

I'm going to go cozy up with my lappy and get some writing done. Woohoo! Have a great week everyone. (Only a few more days until Christmas. Can you believe it?)

Texting Through Time: A Trek with Brigham Young

2011-12-13T12:29:00.004-07:00

Time Travel is a great way to meet a Prophet...unless you get stuck in the past.

Christy Monson and I met at a writer's conference a few years ago, and we formed a tight little critique group with another friend. The focus of our group was picture books, and so I didn't get to preview this book, but I shared her excitement when it was accepted for publication. The book has been out for a few weeks now and is jumping off the shelves. I'm delighted to review it.

Time Travel is always a fascinating journey. A book that can combine adventure with history is sure to be a hit. Seeing the prophet, Brigham Young, through the eyes of a child as though it were happening right now is a lot of fun.

Alicia and Micah are just like your kids. Curious and at times a little contrary. When their dad's experimental phone malfunctions and they get stuck in the past, they want to go home. It takes time for them to get humble enough to pray for help and in the meantime they have a a few adventures with Brigham Young.

You won't want to miss this fun romp through the past. Pick one up to share with the kids you love.

Texting keeps us in touch, but cell phones keep changing. Who knows what's next. Before you know it we may be TEXTING THROUGH TIME.

Where would you like to go? Choose carefully. You could get stuck in the past.

Linda Garner

Where have you been? I mean...really.

2011-12-08T05:45:00.000-07:00

Well, to be completely true. I've been in a few places.

I finished my edits (Yay! Now I can totally eat those cookies that were off limits until I finished. They are so stale.)

And then I was asked to write a Christmas Program for our congregation's Christmas Party (in 3 days). It was a little stressful. (I had to buy more cookies so I could keep up my writing-energy.) But great reviews (which made my week...month). ;)

Now I am finishing my revisions. (Stinkin' Revisions that I wanted done last month. RRRGGHH.)

But to be totally honest. I've been a little down about the writing.

One of my crit groups had scheduling issues and we had to split (I loved them, they were so awesome), my mind has been on shopping ('tis the season for last minute ideas), and my writing shoes have grown too small for comfort (never wash writing shoes in hot water...had I known...).

So I've been a little down and when I'm down, it's hard to write...or blog...or clean...~~or eat cookies~~ (ha ha ha, that's never hard.)

But I'm shaking off the blues, rewriting my goals, and trying again. *head shaking in determination*

But be honest with me. What do you do when you are down about writing? Eat cookies (be honest, you know they are delicious...and if you try hard enough, you can wish away the calories *wishfully looking up at sky*), run on treadmill, yell at strangers from your car window? (was that you?)

So, tell the truth, what do you do?

p.s. I'm so glad to be back. I missed you guys!!!!!

My Favorite Questions

2011-12-06T01:30:00.002-07:00

What are your favorite questions?

I believe questions have great power, so I have begun collecting them. Here are a few of my favorite questions. Some are questions we might ask others. Some are questions meant for personal reflection. Most could be used either way. Try them out and let me know how they work for you.

Are you willing to take a chance? How would your life be different if...? How does this make you feel? What did you learn from this experience? What is the first thing you think about when you wake up in the morning? How can I be more like you?

Am I ready to change? What do I want most? How do I see myself? How do I see others? Do I love myself? What quality do I appreciate most in myself? What quality would I like to develop? What embarrasses me? What would I like to let go of?

Am I part of the problem? Am I part of the solution? Why doesn't anything change, even when I try so hard? What can I learn from this difficult situation? How big is the problem? What worries me most?

What do I believe? What is my favorite word? What is my favorite quote? What am I afraid of? Where do I turn for answers? What brings me peace? Have I found my true purpose? What brings meaning to my life?

What are your favorite questions?

Linda Garner

P.S.

Many of the questions in the post were taken from the book Change Your Questions, Change Your Life by Wendy Watson Nelson. Pick up a copy. You'll love it.

The New Me

2011-12-04T18:38:00.000-07:00

Disaster has taught me a lot about myself.

We live in an area that had massive winds last week—up to 100 miles an hour. Our neighborhood lost trees, power lines, etc. etc. etc. There is a car down the way smashed flat from a giant tree falling across the driveway. A nearby crunched-in roof bears the weight of a pine tree. Chain saws are running overtime to clear the roads.

The first night the power was out, I cooked chicken and broccoli casserole on the gas stove. (It isn’t as good as in the oven.) We had a candle light supper and enjoyed the sunset. But by the end of two days, I felt very irritated.

I didn’t mind being without power. We had a fireplace to keep us slightly warm. I was fine without TV. It’s noisy anyway. The silence of a dead telephone was golden. Two things upset me. One was being without the internet. That’s my link to the world. I had no idea how much I enjoyed connecting with others. The other half of my distress came from not being able to write on my computer. Hand-scripting just isn’t the same. It’s slow and cumbersome, but better than nothing.

I was so happy once my computer and internet were working again. I have a new understanding about myself and my feelings, and it took a disaster to bring me this knowledge.

So, my gratitude this week is for the electronic age and the great inventions that are part of our lives. Sometimes we don’t appreciate what we have until it’s gone.

Hats off to electronics! We love you!

Christy Monson

Question Everything

2011-11-30T07:26:00.003-07:00

I love questions. They are powerful tools. They invite reflection. They invite answers. They allow us to expand our vision. They help us to see more clearly.

A good question can improve communication. It can invite a friend to share his/her heart with you. It can invite a spouse to share his/her thoughts with you. A good question can expand a relationship and take it to a deeper level.

Questions can help us evaluate our thinking, our living, our understanding. They can help us focus on our dreams and see things we haven’t noticed before. They can enlarge us, encourage us, empower us.

A writer needs to question everything.

Is the plot working? Are the characters real? Is my title inviting? Is the dialogue believable? Are my words interesting? Is my beginning engaging? Is my ending satisfying? What is the takeaway? Are there unnecessary words or chapters? Does every scene contribute to the story? Is this my best work?

Questions can change your writing, and your life.

Question everything.

Linda Garner

Walnuts and Thankfulness

2011-11-28T07:00:00.002-07:00

We have a wonderful walnut tree in our back yard. It shades the upper yard, is fun for the kids to climb in, holds my wind chimes in the summer just perfectly, is a shelter for the birds and squirrels and gives us delicious walnuts in the fall! They are so good. (Well, I know some of you are saying that they give you cankers—and they do!) They are great in homemade candy and spice up my granola recipe. They are just all around good!

As you can tell, I LOVE this tree.

Each day as I gather the nuts and peel off the husks, I am filled with gratitude. God gives us so many blessings. Whoever thought up this creation had good ideas! The world is full of so many things that make our lives better—all given us by our Creator.

You are part of those wonderful creations, and I’m grateful that I know a little more about you from your comments. You are all so deserving, but the random ‘draw out of the hat’ revealed number 22 as the winner. Congratulations, Cynthia. I’ll be in touch.

For those of you who didn’t win, the book is available at http://www.christymonson.com/

or on Amazon. Thanks again for being great bloggers.

Christy

PS I just found out about http://bookblogs.ning.com/ I’m signing up! How about you?

Gratitude Giveaway

2011-11-19T06:08:00.018-07:00

Hey, all you Paper and Parchment fans! Have I got a deal for you? It’s a thankful give-away just for you! You have been so kind to listen to my hopes and fears through the months of this becoming-published business! I really appreciate your support and encouragement.

I love doing author signings and meeting people. This blog hop is a great way to find friends and meet others. Besides, you may win a time travel to visit the Prophet Brigham Young! What fun. Just remember, if you’re going to borrow you dad’s experimental phone, know exactly how it works!

I'm giving away a copy of my new release, Texting Through Time, a Trek with Brigham Young. It's a great Christmas gift for kids ages 7 – 13. Enjoy reading it with them just for fun. Thanks for being blog buddies. Click here to see my website. I'm hosting a second giveaway on my website for an Amazon Gift Card. Hop on over and leave a comment to be entered in the Gift Card Giveaway.

To be entered in the giveaway for Texting Through Time, just leave a comment after this post, and tell me why you'd like to win my book.

This contest is part of a blog hop. There are over 300 other contests you can enter. After you enter here, be sure to hop along to the next one. Click the Gratitude Button on the sidebar to hop along. It looks like this.

The contest runs until November 27, which gives you lots of time to enter other contests. What a great way to win cool books. Think of all the Christmas Gifts you could win.

The winners for both giveaways will be selected by random.org.

Christy Monson
http://www.ChristyMonson.com

Gratitude A-Z

2011-11-17T12:27:00.004-07:00

First, let me apologize for not posting on Tuesday. I had a little mixup with one of my bloggy partners. Watch for her contest later this month. She's giving away a copy of her new book, Texting Through Time. Possibly a great Christmas gift for someone on your list.

Second, I apologize to Carolyn for posting on her day. She'll probably be posting any minute now. Love ya, Carolyn.

Third, I'd like to mention some things I'm thankful for. Here's a light-hearted gratitude list from A-Z. If I draw a blank on any letter, maybe you can fill it in for me.

A I'm thankful for ANGELS. They help me every day. I love the earthly angels, and the unearthly ones.

B I'm thankful for BOOKS. They take me to amazing places. My BODY also takes me to amazing places. She is a great friend.

C I am thankful for CHOICE. Today I am choosing joy.

D I am thankful to be DIFFERENT. Who wants to be the same?

E I am thankful for ELECTRICITY, one of the truly great inventions.

F I am thankful for my fabulous FAMILY and my adorable FRIENDS. No explanation needed.

G I'm thankful for GRANDKIDS. They are some of my favorite people. My favorite person is GRANDPA, because he is my best friend.

H I'm thankful for my HOME. It's a great place to be.

I I am thankful for IMAGINATION. It brightens my days.

J I am thankful for JESUS. What an incredible man.

K I am thankful for KINDNESS. Kindness rocks.

L I am thankful for LOVE. It still makes the world go round.

M I am thankful to be ME. No one else can do it.

N I am thankful for NATURE. What a wonderful gift.

O I am thankful for OMELETS, because they are yummy.

P I am thankful for PRAYER which strengthens me, and fills my heart with PEACE.

Q I am thankful for QUIET, which softens the corners of a noisy day.

R I am thankful for RAIN which washes the earth and waters my thoughts.

S I am thankful for SUNSHINE. Who isn't?

T I am thankful for TODAY, which is always fresh and full of promise. TOMORROW is good too.

U I am thankful to live in the USA. With all our problems it's still the greatest place on earth.

V I am thankful for VIRTUE. It's hard to find sometimes.

W I am thankful for clean, clear WATER. May we always have plenty.

X I don't X-ACTLY know what to say for X, except I am X-TREMELY thankful for the good stuff in my life.

Y I am thankful for YOU because YOU are awesome. YOU totally Rock.

Z I am thankful for the ZIP and ZING in my world. I hope it never goes away.

Isn't that amazing. I made it through the alphabet, and I barely scratched the surface. I have a lot to be thankful for. It's a great day for gratitude.

What are you thankful for?

Linda Garner

Picture Books Rock

2011-11-08T01:21:00.003-07:00

Picture books rock. Rick Walton rocks. I have borrowed this post with permission. I couldn't have said it better. It originally posted on November 2.

Why Picture Books Are Important,
And Why They Are for Everyone

by Rick Walton

Picture books are often seen as literary baby food, the stuff we feed children until they have the teeth to eat real food.

I would argue, however, that picture books are not baby food. They are not just for young children.

In fact, I would argue that picture books are perhaps the most important literary format that we have.

Here are 10 reasons why I believe this:

1. They are the first books that children fall in love with, that turn children into lifetime readers. Lifetime readers become lifetime learners. Lifetime learners become lifetime contributors.

2. Picture book language is often more sophisticated than the first chapter books that children read, and therefore an excellent way for children to learn language. It is here that children, and others, can learn vocabulary, imagery, rhythm, shape, structure, conciseness, emotional power.

3. The picture book is the most flexible of all literary formats. You can do almost anything in a picture book. This flexibility encourages creativity, in both writer and reader. It broadens the mind, and the imagination. And given today's challenges, we desperately need more creativity, broadened minds. Imagination.

4. The picture book, with its interaction between text and illustration , with its appeal that the reader analyze that interaction, helps develop visual intelligence. It helps us look for meaning in the visual. And since most of us are surrounded by, and inundated by visual images our whole lives, visual intelligence is an important skill.

5. Some of the best art being created today is found in picture books. Picture books are a great resource for art education.

6. The picture book appeals to more learning styles than any other format. It is read out loud for audible learners. It is written and illustrated for visual learners. It often asks you to interact with it physically for kinesthetic learners.

7. In fact, the picture book, of all formats, is probably the best format for teaching an idea, getting across a point. Because picture books are short, all messages, knowledge, ideas expressed in a picture book must be boiled down to their essence. They must be presented in a way that is impossible to misunderstand. If you want to learn a difficult subject, start with a picture book. If you want to express a powerful message, a picture book is one of the most powerful media for doing so. Many middle, upper grade, and even college instructors have recognized the value of using picture books in their teaching.

8. The picture book does more than any other literary format for bonding people one with another. As a child sits on a lap and is read to, as a parent, a grand parent, a teacher, a librarian reads to a child, extremely important connections are made, bonds are formed, generations are brought together.

9. The picture book also has the broadest possible age range of audience. Few four-year-olds will appreciate a novel. But many grandparents enjoy a good picture book. I have read picture books for upwards of an hour to groups including toddlers, teens, parents and grandparents, where all were engaged.

10. The picture book is short, and can fit easily into the nooks and crannies of our lives. Five minutes here, 10 minutes there, plenty of time for a complete literary experience.

Picture books are poetry, adventure, imagination, language, interaction, precision, and so much more.

Picture books are not books that children should be encouraged to "graduate" from.

For picture books have something important to say, to give, to all ages, all generations.

Picture books are not just books for young children.

They are books for everybody.

Book Signings

2011-11-07T07:00:00.001-07:00

My Book "Texting Through Time, A Trek With Brigham Young," is now available in book stores and on Amazon.com.

I just have to share with you my wonderful weekend. I did a book signing at Hastings in Harrisville on Friday night, November 4th. It was wonderful. I met a lot of great people and sold 20 books!

My real book launch party was at Deseret Book by the Ogden Temple on Saturday, November 5th. What a turn-out I had. I sold over a hundred books for the weekend. I was treated like royalty. The people at the store were so kind and accommodating. What a wonderful experience for me.
I also had a lot of friends and family come. It was a great day to be with friends and meet new faces.

It is fun to see kids eyes light up when they try on the Brigham Young costume I have. They stand tall in the high hat and hold the cane just so. What fun!!

I didn't think I would like doing these signings, but they really are a good time. I'm going to be on the Ogden Costco on Wednesday and Friday, November 9th and 11th, during the day. I'm really looking forward to doing this. (Where, you all remember my last post about this. I was really dreading it. But I'm not now.) I having lots of fun.

Which shows, I should never make up my mind about something until I've tried it. The "try it, you'll like it" phrase has truth in it. And I willingly admit it.

Stay tuned next week. I'm doing a book giveaway.
Take care! Happy reading and writing. Christy Monson

Zombie Love

2011-11-03T05:54:00.000-06:00

I'm still out this week for edits. But I wanted to pop in, say hi and leave all my friends who are doing NaNo (or not doing NaNo) a special love song.

Have a great week guys (and I want updates, how's the writing going?)

That song is so awesome!

Something About Rain

2011-11-01T20:43:00.003-06:00

I love sunny weather. Who doesn’t? …but there is something about rain.

November Rain

Mysterious skies.
Somber clouds.
Water everywhere.
Small Rivers gather on my windows.

Pitter Patter.
Rhythmic tapping at my window.
The whisper of wind.
The hum of drizzling.

Breathe.
The aroma of November.
The smell of earth.
The smoky breath of burning fireplace wood.

Slow down with the earth.
Wrap up in a cloud of thought
With a cup of cocoa and a fresh idea.
Enjoy the warmth.

Linda Garner

Building a Website

2011-10-31T14:09:00.000-06:00

I’ve traveled a magnificent road from writing to publication and loved every minute of it. But I’d like to share my experience of building my website. I’ve had such a fun time with it.

First of all, I don’t have the skills to build the actual site myself, so I found someone who has done a wonderful job with that part. I just told him what I wanted, sent him the information and pictures, and he provided.

Since my first book is about Brigham Young, I decided to give my website a pioneer theme. Researching children’s pioneer games, crafts, cooking took me back to my childhood. We have a cabin in the Tetons where my father grew up, and I had done many of these things as a girl. I wanted pictures of kids on the website, so I orchestrated craft and cooking sessions this summer when we were together with the children in Idaho.

The girls loved making paper dolls. They colored them and kept them together in chains at first. Then they ripped them apart and spent the afternoon playing house with them. I didn’t think they’d have much fun making forest creatures, but they LOVED it. They spent a couple of hours finding twigs and leaves and pinecones they could tie together with string, etc. I purposefully didn’t use little eyes and other craft materials of today because I wanted to be true to the pioneer period. Gathering wild flowers also appealed to the crafty kids.

Cooking was also fun. Shaking the cream jar to music until the butter formed, energized them so they continued the dance fest with dress-up clothes long after the butter hardened. Fishing was the boys’ favorite. They sat by the stream for hours casting and recasting.

I was also surprised at the games. We started playing hide the thimble outside. I thought they’d only play long enough for me to snap some pictures, but they continued for almost an hour. Jack Straws was another activity they loved. Each of them made their own set of straws, and that was as fun as the game itself. I wanted an activity for the smaller children, and follow the leader was the one they enjoyed. (Maybe tromping around in my cousin’s grain field added to the delight—they stayed on the edge so as not to damage too much wheat.)

Visit the website and have as good a time with the pioneer theme as we did. http://www.christymonson.com/

I’d love to hear from each of you about great experiences you’ve had with old-fashioned ideas. If you’re willing I’ll share them on my site.

Take care! Christy

Unplugging it

2011-10-27T09:01:00.001-06:00

I forgot to tell you guys that I'm unplugged for a week or so.

I'm doing major edits (I have a deadline in November). So if you don't see me around, it's because I'm staring at the words on my compy screen.

Photobucket

Oh and Happy Halloween...Oooooooo (I know, I'm so scary).

Haunted

2011-10-25T11:57:00.007-06:00

I ignored my computer today.

I walked away from it, and exercised instead. About time. I did yoga and 104 sit ups. It felt great. No one reads this stuff anyway.

I could tell my computer wasn’t happy, so I took a quick peek at my email, and then hurried to the kitchen. “Just having breakfast,” I said loudly. “Normal people do that, you know.”

My computer didn’t argue, but I could tell she was upset.

“I’m having a normal day, today,” I said. “Normal people don’t spend 5 hours a day in front of their lap top. Normal people don’t check their email every five minutes. I’m going to be normal. I’m going to get a life.”

My lappie rolled her eyes at me. I swear she did.

“Don’t roll your eyes at me,” I said. “Agents don’t like me. Publishers don’t keep their promises. And besides that nobody buys books anymore. Didja ever hear of the public library?”

“Hummmmmm.”

“Are you, like…humming at me? What’s up with that? Don’t hum at me, okay. I have nothing to write, okay? I’m out of ideas. Watch me be normal. Watch me…sweep the floor. Normal people sweep, okay.”

That floor was awfully dirty. Maybe I should sweep more often. What else do normal people do? Oh, yeah. “ I think I’ll make my bed.”

The bed was worse than I thought. I tossed the sheets in the washer. “Just act normal,” I thought.

“Whirrrrrrr. Click. Click.”

“Hey, don't whirrr at me. Remember last week when the doorbell rang and I wasn’t even dressed. It was almost noon and I was in front of my computer in my pjs. Normal people get dressed in the morning. I’m hopping in the shower. I can’t hear you.”

This is great. I'm clean. I'm dressed. I’m having a normal day. If somebody knocks on my door, I’ll be ready. Normal people don’t write every day. They don’t.

“Whatever.”

“What? Whatever? I mean, I can’t hear you. I’m running errands, just like a normal person. I’m out the door. I have two, six, maybe seven errands. I may be gone all day.” Slam. “Who does that computer think she is.”

Whew. Quiet at last.

Wait a minute. What’s that rustling in the back seat. “Who’s there?”

That’s better. Wait, do I hear whispering?

Oh no. It’s the words. They followed me here. They sneaked in the car and they’re trying to get my attention. This is crazy.

“Shh. No talking. Shhhhhhhh.”

“Whisper, whisper, whisper.”

“I’m turning on the radio.”

Dancing. "You're not dancing." They’re dancing. “Stop that. Don’t dance. I'm telling you, words are not supposed to dance. I mean it. Stop.”

So much for normal.

Haunted.

Linda Garner

Gratitude

2011-10-24T07:18:00.001-06:00

I’m grateful for my husband. Right now he is my proof reader. I have my next book ready to go to the publisher. I’ve been over it carefully, looking for mistakes; and he is my final reader (after my critique group). He’s great to find typos!

He is also great to support me in attending luncheons with other writers, my critique group every week, weekend workshops, and sometimes, just spur-of-the-moment get together with an author who is in town. He never complains, and he’s always happy for me to go. (Maybe he likes me out of the house? Just kidding!)

Anyway, I’m feeling thankful for him.

Do you have support in your writing? Join the gratitude fest, if you like. :}:}:}

Book Signings: November 4^th, Hastings Book Store, Ogden

Book Launch: November 5^th, Deseret Book Store, by the Ogden Temple

Book Signing: November ?, Wisebird Bookery, Ogden

Christy Monson’s book will be in book stores and on Amazon after the first of November, 2011. Title: Texting Through Time, a Trek with Brigham Young.

Author website http://www.christymonson.com

Connections blog http://christymonson.blogspot.com/

Prophets blog http://prophetsinperson.blogspot.com/

The Nominations Are Open

2011-10-18T08:32:00.005-06:00

The Nominations for the Whitney awards are now open.

The Whitney awards were created to recognize quality work and to help readers become more aware of the fine literature being published by LDS authors. They were named after Orson Whitney.

There are seven different categories: general fiction, historical fiction, romance, mystery/suspense, speculative (sci-fi/fantasy), young adult general and young adult speculative fiction. A book must get five nominations to be considered.

Last year, was my first introduction to the Whitneys. I read all five nominees in two different categories. It was delightful. I enjoyed branching out to new authors and new genres. This year, I hope to start earlier and read more categories.

If you’re looking for something to read that is clean and well-written, take a look at some of last year’s finalists, or previous years. I’ll bet you’ll like them. Last year's winners are listed here.

Anyone can nominate a book for the Whitneys. All books nominated go through a complex screening process to select the five finalists in each category. Members of LDS storymakers are eligible to vote along with a panel of experts who are invited to participate. We can only vote in categories where we have read all five finalists.

If you have read a book you’d like to nominate, it must have been published in 2011 and must have been written by an LDS author. Only full length fiction is eligible. To find out more click here. To nominate a book, click here.

Happy reading!

Linda Garner

Marketing

2011-10-17T07:00:00.001-06:00

Right now I’m steeped in the middle of the marketing business. Since my book will be out the first of November, I’m setting up a book launch, writing a press release, and organizing book signings.

Marketing is kind of a fun thing to do. These are all new skills for me. And after I get over being scared, I know I’ll have a good time. People are so kind and helpful. Book stores love to have you come in. All the ones I’ve been to are anxious to put up a poster, let me bring in refreshments and willing to accommodate me in any way. After all, it will bring business into their store.

I’ve come up with a fun idea. Since my book is about Brigham Young, I got a top hat, coat, cane and black bow tie for kids to try on when they are in the store. I think it will be great for kids to have their mother’s take a picture of them in the outfit. They can really try on the persona of Brigham Young and see how it feels. (I’ll let you know when the signings are, and if you’re in the area, bring your kids in :})

Brigham was just an ordinary young boy growing up in the backwoods of New York. He was lonely at times and hungry, just like all of us are. I think kids will identify with him.

I have two weeks to get myself ready. I’ll keep you posted on how it goes. I’m sure there will be times when I’m having fun and times when I wish I were home alone at my computer writing a new scene.

Keep me in your best positive thoughts! And I’ll do the same for you.

Christy Monson’s book will be in book stores and on Amazon after the first of November, 2011. Title: Texting Through Time, a Trek with Brigham Young.

What's in a Name?

2011-10-11T20:29:00.003-06:00

Naming a baby is an important job. We want a name that sounds just right and one that will still sound good when the baby becomes as adult. We want a name that isn’t easy to make fun of. We don’t want our baby to be the brunt of jokes because of the name we picked. We don’t want a name that’s all used up. Different is good, but not too different.

Naming a book is another important job. The title needs to sound just right and tell us something about the book. The title needs to speak to you. It should say pick me up, read me, buy me. We don’t want a title that’s already worn out. Different is good.

Because a book title is so vital to the marketing of a book, most publishers reserve for themselves the final say on a title. My publisher told me that they only use about 5% of submitted titles. Most titles are changed. I have heard that big name national publishers run their titles past Barnes and Noble and Borders for approval. If they don’t like the title, it’s a no go. I guess Borders is out of the running now, so maybe only Barnes and Noble holds such power.

I love short snappy titles. Some that have caught my attention lately are The Help, and Speak. A one word title that is loaded with meaning is an attention grabber. I named one of my picture books I’m Not Scared, and later changed it to just Scared.

What are some titles that speak to you? Have you ever grabbed a book just because the title was intriguing? Did the book live up to its title? Have you ever rejected a book based on its title, and later changed your mind?

Choosing a great title is an art form. What’s in a Name? A lot.

Linda Garner

Failure vs. Success

2011-10-10T07:00:00.001-06:00

Book Signings

On Thursday night, October 6^th, I went to a book signing party at the King’s English Bookstore in Salt Lake City, Utah. The occasion was a book launch for Robison Wells’ new book, Variant.

Rob spoke at the beginning, telling everyone his story. He experienced times of struggle, times of failure and times of success. We all identify with those who work hard, fail, battle back again and finally succeed. It was nice to find someone who has given his all, fought through hard time and found triumph.

His victory was made all the sweeter because he was able to speak. Rob said that he has suffered from panic attacks and didn’t know if he’d be able to even come to the book launch. He not only came, but was able to share his story with those in attendance. (And that bookstore has small rooms and was full of people. He did great!!!)

Failure is the condiment that gives success its flavor.

- Truman Capote

I love this quote. It helps me remember that all is not lost if I don’t succeed the first time. Victory is all the sweeter if there has been a time of trial beforehand.

Share your times of trial and your times of success. We gain courage from each other.

Christy Monson’s book will be in book stores and on Amazon after the first of November, 2011. Title: Texting Through Time, a Trek with Brigham Young.

I Think we have a Communication Issue Here.

2011-10-06T05:51:00.001-06:00

This week I am going over my Beta reads and fixing...well...words.

I had no idea words could cause so much havoc! I had some words added where they shouldn't be and a few sentences that weren't finished. (I have a really funny one that was pointed out to me, but I can't mention it on the blog. Let's just say it had something to do with big ones. Opps, I said too much. It's not what you think Mom...I promise).

Words can really mess up your story. For example...check this out:

So funny. Thanks Rhett and Link.

So next time you are writing a novel, short story, essay, etc..., make sure all those words make sense, or else you'll have a story that is just all over the place.

Have you ever had issues with your words in your ms? Has anyone ever found a sentence that didn't read right (hello, big ones). What was the funniest or scariest one you've found?

I'm off to my edits. Have a great week everyone!

A Boy with a Mission--and a GREAT need

2011-10-04T01:00:00.000-06:00

I am pleased to repost this message from Betsy Love. I hope that you enjoy it, and that your heart will be touched. I don't know Isaac, but I wish him well. May you be blessed for your generosity. Linda Garner

I know a boy, a very handsome boy,

who happens to be a miracle. His name is Isaac Sneed. He just got his mission call for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. My family got to be there when he read the letter that explained where he will be serving. He is going to the Romania Bucharest Mission and reports to the Mission Training Center in Salt Lake City on Dec. 14, 2011.

Let me back up about 11 years, a time I remember well. Isaac's mom, Theresa Sneed is my best friend. Her son started complaining about his "tummy". You know, the kinds of complaints all kids have. Only his ache never went away.

Long story short--he was diagnosed with neuroblastoma, a rare form of cancer. This cancer is almost always fatal, and most children who get this kind of cancer are diagnosed by the age of 2. By the time it is discovered, the cancer usually spreads to the point of no return. Through a miracle, his tumor was completely intact and the doctors were able to remove it. Isaac was 8.

As a result of his treatment (chemotherapy, radiation and stem cell transplant), Isaac's suffers from significant hearing loss.

So why am I writing today? Because Isaac needs hearing aids to be the best missionary he can be. Learning a new language is challenging for a normal missionary with a set of good ears, so you can imagine what Isaac's challenge will be with significant hearing loss.

The cost of hearing aids is approximately $6500. His parents are currently without health insurance and cannot afford to purchase them. If you have a heart, and I know you do, would you please make a donation to get them for him. Every little bit helps. So far $110 has been collected in his behalf. But that's a long way from the total we need. Even small amounts add up. You can go to any Chase bank and deposit funds. The account number is: 2996079725.

Thank you for your generosity and Christ-like love! Your donation may remain anonymous if you'd like.

The Myth of Writing

2011-10-03T07:00:00.001-06:00

I’ve been mistaken all along about writing. I thought I could just sit at my computer day after day, create what I wanted and know that everything else would be taken care of. Wrong!

Once I signed a contract with the publisher, my world changed. There are decisions to be made about the art work and proof reading that has to be done. Along with that comes the worry that you may have missed a typo or a period. (I always want things perfect.)

After your book as gone to the printer, then the marketing team takes over a big chunk of your life. What? I have to have a Launch party? Book signings? I have to sit at the table in Costco and meet the public?

Well, this has gotten entirely out of hand. I’m a shy sort of person who loves to be in the background. What happened to my sitting at the computer all day?

Maybe I’m like a rose, ready to explode into bloom. The bud is small and tight at first, but as it grows, the pressure increases for it to break out of its confinement—burst its constraints. That’s not an entirely comfortable process. At times I feel scared; other times I’m shy; but mostly I wish for my background status to return.

I know that won’t ever happen, and it’s really okay that it doesn’t. We all need to keep moving forward creating and making the world a better place. I want to do that more than I want to stay in a tight undeveloped bud.

I can make it. I can do it, but it’s scary. And then everyone around me is loving and supporting and caring for me. Would I miss that time of connection with others? Not on your life! What a blessing! Writing becomes a ‘happily-ever-after’ tale.

Christy Monson’s book will be in book stores and on Amazon after the first of November, 2011. Title: Texting Through Time, a Trek with Brigham Young.

I'm in Deep Reflection Today. Be Forewarned.

2011-09-29T17:21:00.002-06:00

I've been experiencing quite a bit of interesting thoughts this week. My main contemplation is on the issue of pride (my stinkin' pride *fist shaking at self*).

This business is a tough one. I've had many friends published (either e-pub or traditional). Some of my friends have changed (not everyone, but some. And I'm not talking about changing from human to vampire or something like that. That would make for a much more interesting story).

Two acquaintances of mine have been published and both have had national successes. But the way they have responded to their success has been so different and at such opposite sides of reaction, that I couldn't help take note.

Not only have I seen it in the writing world, but I have seen it in my person life. Just because someone is skinner than me, prettier, had different responsibilities...does that make them better than me? More important?

But it didn't stop there. I was in a meeting with a group of accomplished women, one of whom kept bringing up her past achievements, who she worked with, how she went the extra mile. I started to feel...well...jealous (and to be honest, a little bit small compared to her). So then I went off, embellishing in my past (honestly, if I was going to go off and feel terrible for it, I should have made it more interesting...like I had super powers or something-j/k It was bad enough).

By the time we were leaving, I felt awful.

This is not the person I wanted to be. My pride and jealousy was getting in the way. Too far in the way.

I spent the next few days trying to sort things out, how to stop my mouth from vomiting such things in times of weakness (Why does it happen like that? Why can't my logical mind say..."Hey wait, if you say that you'll be eating a pint of Ben and Jerry's tonight." I'm just saying).

I'm still struggling with it. I hope it works out in the end (struggling with the words, not the Ben and Jerry's...well, my weight is, but that's a whole different story).

I guess it comes down to who do I want to be in the end of it all? The friend who thinks they are the best or the one who humbly accepts whatever may come their way?

It's a slippery slope, one I hate falling down (And Ben and Jerry's is getting rich off me...curse that delicious ice cream).

So tell me, what do you do when you find yourself tackling tough issue like pride? What do you do when you get into a sticky situation? (Okay, and honestly, I don't eat a pint of Ben and Jerry's...it's more like a gallon of the generic stuff. It's good too. *wink*)

Where Did I Put Those Scissors?

2011-09-27T11:59:00.002-06:00

“The most valuable of all talents is never using two words when one will do.” Thomas Jefferson

I think I need to get to know Thomas Jefferson better. Using less words is an idea that I have been working on for a long time. My love affair with words sometimes get in my way. The shortest way to say something is usually the best.

When I think I have said everything I wanted to say in the most perfect way, that is the time to get out the scissors, the knife, the hatchet and start trimming. It’s surprising how many words I can cut without hurting the story.

Still, a hatchet can be a little extreme. You don’t want to lose any blood. Well, not much anyway. Some words are worth keeping. I love a word that adds a new twist or makes you think in a different way. I love a word that opens your mind to a new possibility. I love a word that sparkles.

There’s a balancing act with words. I should know. I’m doing a rewrite of one of my favorite pieces. It’s a picture book on self-worth for girls. A topic that is sorely needed and one that I am passionate about.

The publisher wants it trimmed. I am love with the meaning and the words. Can I do it justice? Can I trim without sacrificing the meaning?

Where did I put those scissors?

Linda Garner

A Magical Space

2011-09-26T07:00:00.001-06:00

I just finished reading Snow Treasure by Marie McSwigan. It was written in 1942, and is about Norwegian children outwitting German soldiers during World War II. The children save millions of dollars of gold from falling into German hands.

When I posted it on Goodreads, I was shocked to find that Snow Treasure is still in print. (My copy is from the library, and our library is known to have some pretty old books.)

How would it be to have your book in print for almost 70 years? Seventy years!

Since it was written in 1942, there are some things that wouldn’t make it past editors today. Ms. McSwigan gets on her hobby horse a couple of times. There is some ‘telling’ that could be shown, but as a whole the book is full of tension and keeps the reader engaged.

Chapter endings are cliff-hangers, as they should be. There are adults in the story, but the kids are the ones that save the day. The adults empower the kids to solve the problem and get out of the way so they can do it.

How many children in seventy years have enjoyed this book? I love that magical time when a child is drawn into a story (or even when I’m involved in a story myself). As mothers we see it with little children when we read to them. As a child grows older and learns to read, he engages himself in that magical place by himself. As a writer, my one wish is that I might charm a child into that magical time with one of my stories.

I have this secret wish that I want to be invited into special space and be part of a child’s magic. To me, that’s the ultimate goal of writing.

What’s your secret wish about writing? Do you have one?

Christy

The E-Revolution...I Need to Know

2011-09-20T09:53:00.004-06:00

Everyone is talking about e-books. They are changing the way we think about publishing. They are changing the way we buy books. What’s next we wonder. Will book stores survive? Will publishers?

As a picture book writer, I didn’t think the e-book revolution would affect me much. I couldn’t imagine that e-books would ever replace picture books, but things are changing. Publishers are reluctant to take on picture books. Agents are hesitant to invest their time on picture books. Picture books are not selling like they used to.

Parents are stressed. Overextended. Most are not reading to their kids as much. They are encouraging their kids to read earlier and are more interested in easy readers than picture books. They want a short bedtime read, so they can get to bed. Many are ignoring the meatier, richly illustrated, meaningful picture books I love.

Richly layered picture books are being cast aside. I mourn their passing. Is there a place for picture books on e-readers? I didn’t think so, but I noticed that Barnes and Noble has six new e-board books for $3.99 each, and I have heard that more parents ae buying e-readers with kids in mind.

Is this true? Are parents reading to their kids from e-readers? E-readers are expensive. Are parents letting toddlers use their e-readers? Are they buying e-readers for kids?

I want to know what you think of the e-book revolution. Will it become a vehicle for picture books? Have you bought an e-reader for your child? Do you share your e-reader with children? Have you purchased any picture books for your e-reader?

I need to know.

Linda Garner

Three Dimensional Characters

2011-09-19T08:42:00.002-06:00

Has anyone ever told you that your characters were flat, like paper dolls? My critique group is great at helping me see that my protagonist needs feelings. I have to get in their head and figure out what’s going on with them.

I think I already mentioned the Kathleen Duey, in her workshop at an SCBWI said that she interviews her characters thoroughly before writing the story. She said that you don’t just list their likes and dislikes, you get into their head and figure out what their inner most thoughts and feelings are.

Sometimes it takes me a while to get to know my characters. They need to become my friends—tell me what they think and let me know how they would act.

Larry Brooks, in his “Story Engineering” defines character this way:

First Dimensional characters, simply exists. He may choose his or her car, etc, but no meaning is assigned to his choices.

Second Dimensional characters let us know the reasons for their choices. We may learn the back story and agenda of the person.

Third Dimensional characters become “subordinate to more important choices and behaviors made when greater weight and consequences are at stake.” In other words, the protagonist becomes a ‘real’ person or an actor in his story.

I love this concept. I’m probably not very good at writing it yet, but I’m trying.

How have you made your characters three dimensional?

Christy

I Have Ten Minutes to Write this Post

2011-09-15T09:01:00.000-06:00

Seriously, only ten. I've written this post twice already, only to erase it. Why?

I don't know. This whole day is little off. I slept through my exercise time, I sat on the couch when I was supposed to be cleaning, and I haven't had anything nutritious to eat (Wait! Does chocolate count. Anti-oxidants...it does. sweet! I'm good on that one.)

I think my day is out to get me.

Oh no...only six more minutes.

Plus I have a long list of things to do (remember the dead washing machine? There's a pile of laundry waiting for me. Curse you stinky socks & smelly towels).

Great...now there's only four. I'd better get to my point.

If you are going to be a writer, time becomes very important to you. You need time to write, time to revise, time for crit buddies, time to communicate with agents, time to eat (mmmm....eat...).

Sorry, I got carried away thinking of food.

So to cure the time monster...you must block out time to get things done. Make your time work for you and remember...don't wait until the last minute to write a post (do what my friend Elana J does and write your posts on one day for the entire week. Brilliant! And have you seen her blog? I bet she's not counting down minutes until she has to throw her socks in the dryer. Just saying.)

If you are going to do it...plan it and do it. That's all there is to it. (Of course, it's probably the hardest thing, but still.)

Okay, I have thirty seconds. Eck! So what do you do to keep yourself on the writing track?

Choosing Light

2011-09-13T01:16:00.000-06:00

Where were you on the morning of Sept 11, 2001? Do you remember?

I remember. For most of us, that moment will be permanently imprinted in memory: the moment we discovered that America had been betrayed. What did the betrayal feel like to you? Was it personal? Did you feel connected or detached? Were you angry, confused, frightened, sad, depressed, or all of the above?

A friend of mine who works in the mental health field reports that anxiety became rampant in wake of 9/11. She says that anxiety was relatively rare in the days before the terrorist attack and became widespread in the days and years that followed.

Not everyone gave in to terror. Some shelved their worries in a hidden place and buried them for another day. Some chose indifference. Some hardened their hearts. Others turned to faith.

Many chose prayer. A nation that had largely abandoned prayer suddenly became very prayerful…for a time. In a gesture of hope, my neighborhood displayed luminaries. We lit candles, laid them on a bed of sand in a one room paper house, and placed them near the street. A silent glow of unity lit our street against the ugliness of the day, and the shadowy curtain of night.

Things have changed since the day terror knocked on our front door. Security is the new game in town. War is our new neighbor. And for some, a new fear moved in to stay.

Is it a coincidence that ten years later our economy is close to ruin, taxes gnaw hungrily at our paychecks, beefy government fingers poke at every pie, and joblessness lives in the spare bedroom.

We voted for change, but not this change. We hoped for improvement. Government behaves badly, much like a chubby, spoiled, manipulative child. It stamps its feet and cries for its way. It bullies us and kicks us when we’re down.

When I was young, I thought the end of the world was around the next corner. This both thrilled and worried me, for I knew that it would be a great and simultaneously terrible day. Would I grow old enough to finish school? To marry? To be a mother? What kind of world would I introduce my children to?

As a young mother, I stewed about wars and rumors of wars. I wrinkled my forehead over earthquakes in diverse places. I watched for the moon to turn to blood. When I could afford to, I stored food and water and wheat. Lots of wheat. I stored fabric and flashlights. I stored batteries, and candles, and clothes.

I once had a depression coat, a walking to Missouri coat, just in case. It was ugly as sin, but it was sturdy and warm. I knew I would never wear it, unless there was a crisis, yet I clung to it like hope. I knew that it would keep me warm against a dark and sinister nameless storm.

The coat is gone, but I still store food, and also hope, for I have learned that storms are a part of life. The thunder and lightning may frighten me, but I have control. I can choose peace. I can choose gratitude. I can choose faith. The most dangerous storm is the one that rages in my mind. Shall I choose fear or faith? Shall I choose chaos or stillness?

I have learned that most storms pass and that if we are prepared we shall not fear. I have learned that the only true safety lies inside my heart, the hand of my neighbor, the touch of a friend. I have learned that peace lies not in absolute safety but in trust and in my bucket of faith. I have learned to cling to my family, to strengthen my friends, and to share that bucket of faith with those in need.

There are more earthquakes now, and they have moved closer. The voices of war grow louder. Peace is not for sale, but it is abundant even in the growing chaos. Would you like a drink from my bucket of faith? Here, take my hand.

Abundance is mine. Peace, joy, and trust are abundant for those who know where to look.

America has a wonderful way of reinventing itself. We still have a lot going for us. We have a lot to be thankful for. We can make a difference. Be part of the solution. Believe it or not, whining is not a solution. Become the change you long for.

Gather your family. Gather your stores. Gather your courage. Believe. Hope. Trust. Trust in the Lord with all you heart and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge Him and He shall direct thy paths.

9/11/2011. It’s a perfect day for finding peace. Light a candle of faith in your heart and feel the glow of peace. Hold it out against the darkness surrounding you. Refuse to give in to darkness. Choose light. Choose gratitude. Choose abundance.

Count your blessings. Rejoice in abundance. Share your gifts. Strengthen your faith.

Linda Garner

Character Flaws

2011-09-12T08:10:00.000-06:00

I’ve been gone for a couple of weeks. My daughter had emergency back surgery. My crisis is over and my daugher is fine. Do you ever feel flawed? Sometimes I feel so flawed! (I guess my characters do, too.)

Character Flaws

Are your characters perfect? Sometimes we want them to be the heroes—to be bigger than life and better than anyone else.

When I encounter that kind of protagonist in a story, I can’t really identify with them because I’m so full of flaws myself I know I’ll never be like them. I don’t really find myself engrossed in the narrative as if I were part of the story world.

So, I must give my characters some flaws. What kind of flaws should they have? That depends upon what you want them to learn during their adventure. What is your character arc going to be? Plan the end from the beginning and make your characters real for the reader.

Internal flaws vs. External flaws

I think it’s fun to give a character some external flaws as well as internal ones. For instance, I have a little Polish girl that is always biting her fingers. Sometimes they even bleed. She can’t seem to stop, and it’s frustrating for her. Find a fun way to tie these flaws into the story. They can even forward the plot.

Internal flaws must be more thoughtful. The driving need at the beginning of the story will engage us immediately with the main character. We will feel his or her struggle and make them our own as we read. I just finished “The Traitor’s Gate” by Avi. The hero is thrust into the role of finding out if his father is a spy. What a lonely place to be! He has no one to talk to or help him until he meets a ragged street urchin who cleverly helps him and becomes a friend.

If I study by own needs, I can find those of my characters.

What flaws have you given your characters?

Christy

Seriously? I mean...Really?

2011-09-08T09:09:00.001-06:00

I wrote a whole post about how my dinner spilled under the oven and now my house smells like a warm dairy, my wash machine breaking down (no clean undies is a terrible thing), and how my mouse died (the computer mouse, not a real one).

But then I erased it, because I realized something.

Bad things happen to people.

Bad things happen to characters.

I have a scene where my main character gets into trouble, but her consquences aren't that bad. (have you heard the saying, once your character gets stuck in the tree, start throwing rocks at them...or something like that?) When your character is in a bad situation, make it worse.When your character thinks they are okay, make something happen.

Well, my character got in the tree and there really weren't enough rock throwings. Meaning, I have to make her consequences real. Right now...they aren't so bad. I have to take aim and make the situation...um...worse.

This will bring more emotions to the scene and keep the reader into the story.

So today my goal is to pull out the oven and scrub the floor, buy a new mouse, and get my throwing arm ready to sling some lemons, or rocks, or something like that.

What about you? How do you make the consequences worse for your characters? (Stinkin' smelly kitchen...you are so getting the evil eye!)

I've said it before...

2011-09-06T18:58:00.003-06:00

Marketing is hard work. I've said it before. You've probably heard me. It's hard to know what's going to make a difference. Blogging? Facebook? Twitter? Book signings?

I don't make much money on my book, so it's not about money. It's about making a difference. Always has been. I've done all the above, but I also write articles. Getting them published hasn't always been easy. Like I said, Marketing is hard work.

A great lady named Susan Rogers runs a fabulous website on preventing sexual abuse. In fact she has tons of material on the subject and gives workshops. She likes my articles and has agreed to feature one each month.

Getting the message out there is super important. Getting my book noticed is terrific too. Do me a favor and check out Susan's website. It's called S.A.F.E. Network. She has some great information. Just click here. After all, keeping kids safe is everyone's job.

Like I said, Marketing is hard work.

Linda Garner

Why Didn't They Tell Me Before?

2011-09-01T08:26:00.001-06:00

When I first started writing, I thought all you had to do was write something and get it published. HA! There is so much more to having a book get published!

Have a great critique group. If you don't have one in your area, there are some online (because sometimes you will think it sounds perfect, when it just sounds like pretty gibberish).

Go to writing conferences. Not only will you meet awesomely-cool people, you learn the tools to have a great book! (Plus you can go to pitch sessions and meet uber-ific agents and stuff.)

Remember you will have to write, rewrite, rewrite, rewrite......(why didn't anybody tell me this when I started?)

Get a good writing snack. Why? Because most writers will start eating when they are thinking. I snacked on chocolate chips for years. Bad idea! I'm still working at getting off those last ten pounds (I hate you skinny Pilates instructor. hee hee...Just kidding...please don't kick me off the stretchy team.)

It takes time. This is the biggest newsflash I can give you. It takes time to write, time to revise, time to edit, time to query, time to .... Oh the list goes on and on. So keep yourself busy with new projects and stay excited for those stories.

Wish I had known all these things before. Now I know.

So my writing friends, anything I forgot? Anything you wish you would have known about before picking up that creative bug?

Broken Promises Stink

2011-08-30T12:16:00.004-06:00

I hate broken promises, don’t you.

Broken promises stink, but some are worse than others. There are the big kind. The I don’t love you anymore kind. That’s huge. Heartbreaking.

There are the medium kind. The remember that $5,000 you loaned me kind. For me, this felt huge, until I compared it to the I don’t love you anymore kind of broken promises. Really the $5,000 broken promise is I nothing compared to that. It’s more like the I’ll never tell anyone kind of promise. Or the your job is totally secure kind of promise. This kind of broken promise can really put a kink in your life, but at least it won't break your heart. Usually.

And then, there are the small broken promises. Things like I know I promised to pick you up at 5:30, but I ran into an old friend kind of promise. Or the I’ll clean the bathroom before I go to school kind of promise. Or the I’ll have this ready by Friday kind of promise. This kind of broken promise is annoying and irritating, but not exactly life changing.

What kind of broken promise is the I know we promised to publish your book, but…?

Well they didn’t say they don’t love me anymore. And they didn’t take any of my money. So, even though it feels huge, it must be the small kind of broken promise.

Still stinks, though.

Linda Garner

Help me Organize!!!

2011-08-25T09:43:00.000-06:00

Still getting organized, but not only around the house.

I've started to block out writing time, getting around to my bloggy friends blogs, getting kids homework help, and even sneaking veggies into the kids diets. (I have one son who won't eat anything but cereal. Not many veggies in there.)

So here are some tools I've found to help me with the organization:

The Fly Lady - I've fallen off the organization wagon a few times, but her house cleaning plans are the best I've found, especially when you have teenage boys. *cringing at dirt*

The Sneaky Chef - I just started the Sneaky Chef's ways of getting more veggies into my kids meals. They love the brownies ...okay so do I...and I don't even feel too guilty eating them...unless I eat the whole pan.

Google Reader - (if you have gmail and blog, this is a life saver! I can organize all my blogs into categories and see which posts I've missed! Love it!)

Tweet Deck- Those of you who know me, know that I don't tweet well, but I do follow what other writers/agents/publishers/and yes...even family members are up to. Tweet Deck lets you organize everyone into their own group and keeps you informed of everything going on not only on Twitter, but also on Facebook.

Netflex Workouts - I never thought I'd try to exercise with online vid streaming, but working out at home has not only saved me gym costs, (which yes, I have paid for before...can I say ouch!) but also time.Who knew online bootcamp would kick my butt?

As a writer, we borrow and beg for more time to create. These ingenious people and tools are invaluable to me as a writer.

Have I missed anything? What do you use to save time, make life less chaotic?

Author Interview with Julie Coulter Bellon

2011-08-23T09:34:00.011-06:00

Ribbon of Darkness by Julie Coulter Bellon

It's an intriguing title: Ribbon of Darkness. If you’re thinking espionage, terrorist plot, danger, suspense, you’re on the right track. There’s also a bit of romance in the air for those who thrive on a love driven plot. A hint of forgiveness and redemption sweeten the package. Julie Coulter Bellon has a number of books to her credit, but Ribbon of Darkness is the first I’ve read. It was enjoyable and kept my interest. I think I’ll try another book from her list. Julie was kind enough to chat with me, and here is a bit of our conversation.

Me: What other books have you published? Do you have a favorite?

Julie: I've published Through Love's Trials, On the Edge, Time Will Tell, Be Prepared: A Parents Guide to Boy Scouts and the Duty to God Award--What You Should Know, All's Fair, Dangerous Connections, and Ribbon of Darkness. Hmmm...I don't know if I can pick a favorite, that's like asking me to pick a favorite child! I'd have to say my favorite right now is Ribbon of Darkness because it's the newest one and I think it's my best work yet.

Me: What do you hope your readers take away from reading your books?

Julie: I hope they're finding some clean entertainment, an adventure that takes them somewhere they've never been before, and that feeling of butterflies in the stomach that we all get when we first fall in love. I really want my readers to experience the story with the characters--all the ups and downs, and the anticipation of wondering what's going to happen next.

Me: What would you most like your readers to know about you? What do you hope they don’t know?

Julie: That's a hard one! I don't know what I want readers to know about me. I love my kids, I love to read, writing is a huge stress reliever for me because everyone in my books always does what I say, and my perfect evening would be sitting on my family room floor, with a fire in the fireplace, playing board games with my family and eating brownie sundaes.

What do I hope they don't know? Well, when someone was mean to my son, I put his name in one of my books as the villain. And when I needed a good terrorist's name I used the great-sounding name of this sweet older man in my LDS ward. (I did ask his permission before it went to print on that one. He was actually thrilled.) So, if you know me, or if you're mean to me, you might see your name in one of my books. (I can't believe I admitted that!)

Me: Who has influenced you the most as a person? As a writer?

Julie: I think my husband Brian has influenced me the most as a person. He is so supportive of everything I do and has really encouraged me to reach for my dreams, even when they look unreachable.

As a writer, I think I'd have to say George Lucas. I was sitting in a theater watching Return of the Jedi (that probably dates me. Eeep!) and I hated the ending. So I went home and rewrote it (so that the ending was actually the celebration of Han and Leia's wedding) and I knew right then I was going to be a writer.

Me: What advice do you have for wannabe writers?

Julie: I've always said the only difference between a published writer and an unpublished writer is that one gave up. I believe that. My advice would be to never give up. Keep going, keep learning, and keep reaching for that dream.

Me: Anything else you’d like to say?

Julie: Thank you so much for this interview! You're a lot of fun, Linda, and I told you all of my secrets! Now can we pinky swear that you won't tell anyone else? ;)

I didn’t pinky swear not to tell, but I might have paid her to say that I was a lot of fun. I can’t remember.

To find out more about Julie check out her website here or her blog here There's a Goodreads Giveaway for Ribbon of Darkness going on right now on Julie's blog. So hurry on over.

You can find Ribbon of Darkness both in print and on the Kindle at Amazon by clicking here.

Linda Garner

Publishing

2011-08-20T08:43:00.000-06:00

Hi Everyone,

I'm back from my family reunion. It was lots and lots of fun, but also a great amount of work. I've not recovered from the clean up yet!

Heard from my publisher today. My book is coming out in November and I'll get the proofs the end of this month. They decided not to use some of the pictures I wanted, but that's OK. I'd like some art work in the book, but am waiting to hear on that.

There are so many things that go into this process besides the writing. I just wanted to sign on for the writing, but that isn't how it works. I reflect on DaVinci and other great artists (not that I'm great--far from it). They got paid just to create.

I keep thinking of how well-rounded I'll be when I finish this process. (Maybe I'll never finish it!) I am learning so much about the internet and the computer and social networking.

The journey is wonderful! Even if it's not what I thought it would be, I'm loving every minute of it. (Well, every minute that I'm not worried or scared.)

Take Care. Hope your summer's been good.

Christy

I Drank from a Garden Hose....Did You?

2011-08-16T00:24:00.000-06:00

My curfew was the sky getting dark. My parents called my name, not my cell phone. I played outside with friends, not online. If I didn't eat what my mom cooked, I didn't eat. Sanitizer didn't exist, but you COULD get your mouth washed out with soap. I rode a bike without a helmet. Getting dirty was ok, and neighbors cared as much as your parents did. RE-POST if you drank from a garden hose and survived.

I wish I had written that. It tickles my funny bone. Yes, I drank from a garden hose. Did you? Do you suppose that's why my hair went gray? I did all those things and more. Maybe that's why my memory isn't as sharp as it used to be.

Remember collecting pop bottles for movie money? Remember when air conditioning meant rolling down the window? Remember transistor radios? Record albums? 78 rpm? Penny candy?

Remember five cent stamps? (To tell the truth, I remember four cent stamps...but that makes me sound so-o-o old.)

Take a stroll down memory lane. What do you remember about the good old days? Let's make a nice long list.

And about that garden hose...

Linda Garner

Cleaning it Up

2011-08-11T20:19:00.002-06:00

My crit buddy and I were talking the other day about cleaning. Lately, I can't just clean, I have to deep clean everything (I know what you're thinking...I've seen your garage...it needs a deep clean. So true).

I haven't really deep cleaned since starting school. So I'm spending each week deep cleaning a different area of my house. Last week was the hall, this week the kitchen (I've already found a weird looking spider and something brown growing under my oven.)

I have a deep cleaning scheduled for my ms in two weeks (and I'm a little bit afraid).

But if there's something I've learned is that every first draft is a mess (like under my sink mess). And that's okay. You have to clean and polish until your manuscript is squeaky clean (because who wants a blob of mess on the bookstore shelf with your name on it? Scary).

So if you've finished a first draft, get in there and clean that baby up! Now I have to get back to that weird bottle of lime-green stuff at the back of the cupboard. I hope it's not living.

Photo Bucket

What's your advice for first draft mess?

Bzzzz

2011-08-09T07:57:00.014-06:00

Buzz. That's what authors's need.

There was a time when author's were in charge of writing and publishers were in charge of buzz. Not anymore. Since Some Secrets Hurt was published, I have been learning how to create buzz. Author interviews, blogging, facebook, twitter, word of mouth. It's all good. Time consuming, but good. When do I get time to write?

Some Secrets Hurt has a facebook fan page now. I need 25 people to like it, so that I can get a shortened URL. If you click here, you can like it, and I'll love you forever. Promise.

My latest buzz is going to be on the radio. That's right, you'll hear about Some Secrets Hurt on radio if you tune in. I'm excited. It's an online streaming radio station, and you can hear it here. My ads should start later this week. Be sure to check back.

Oh and be sure to tell all your friends.

Bzzz.

Linda Garner

Love

2011-08-08T07:00:00.001-06:00

I know this blog is about writing, but I have these two great quotes I want to share.

"They do not love that do not show their love." Shakespeare

"Never let a problem to be solved become more important than a person to be loved." Thomas S. Monson

I'm going to a family reunion, so happy loving this week.

Christy Monson

What's happening?

2011-08-04T05:27:00.000-06:00

I'm done! Yes. I am done with school and back to blogger (I've missed you!). My last class turned out to be a little harder than I thought it would, which is why the bloggy break, but I got an A and am finished with all my homework. *happy dancing in the front room*

I'm officially getting my degree this month. I'm so glad to be done and to be able to work on writing!

My good news is that I have a request for my ms (okay, no agent yet, but this is one step in the right direction).

So what has everyone been up to this summer? Did you get those queries out, edit those wips, reading those arcs? What's happening with everyone? I haven't talked to you guys in so long, I can't wait to hear all your news! So spill it. What's happenin'?

In honor of graduation I present:

Ha ha ha. That cracks me up! *wiping away tear*

Back Me Up

2011-08-03T09:40:00.002-06:00

I’m writing this post on my back with my laptop balanced between my knees and my tummy. Had a fight with some weeds in my garden. The weeds are gone, but my back was wounded in action.

A visit with my chiropractor was helpful and I had high hopes. A few days later, I saw my doctor for my annual diabetes checkup. She said that the pain was muscular rather than spinal and recommended a magnesium shot. I happily complied. She also thought a massage was a good idea.

I love massage and didn’t have to think twice about that. My back was healing and with the magnesium and a massage…what could go wrong?

I was lucky to get an appointment right away and drove myself and my back to the waiting therapist. That massage was heavenly. Felt just great. I knew I had done right by my back.

There was only one slight problem. I couldn’t get off the massage table. Agony. My back was not having any of this. I guess I could spend the night in this little cubicle. I was conveniently the last massage of the day. Of course, I hadn’t eaten lately, and I would eventually have to go to the bathroom. The bathroom was down the hall and around the corner…

I had no choice. I had to pry myself off that table. I scrunched and panted and pulled. Quietly of course. Not. That poor therapist. She did her best to help me, and now it sounded as if I might be dying. Actually dying seemed like a nice idea at the moment.

With great difficulty, I hoisted myself off the table, and found that I couldn’t stand up. In fact I couldn’t let go of the table. I hung on for dear life and shuffled my feet toward my clothes. I found a new hand hold. How was I going to get home? In fact, how was I going to get dressed when I couldn’t let go of the furniture? I wasn’t.

The poor therapist, already terrorized by my cries of pain, had the unexpected pleasure of stuffing my not so glamorous body back into my clothes. I didn’t pay her enough for that.

I'll be back next week.

Linda Garner

Marketing?

2011-08-01T07:00:00.001-06:00

I’ve spent the week setting up my web site. Well, not really setting it up, but just getting started. I’m beginning to take pictures for it, and I have lots of ideas for fun things for kids.

I went to a workshop today with Nate Moeller. It was good, but he’s all about marketing. Of course, that’s what the workshop was about.

I’m not all about marketing. I think will be fun to have people browse my site and look for fun things to do. Yes, I want them to buy my book, but that’s not what it’s all about. Connecting with kids and their parents is more fun for me. And I love the things I’m passionate about and want to share my beliefs with children also.

But sales are important. I’m not knocking sales, and I need to be more focused on that, I guess. So my goal this next little while is to be more focused on marketing, even though I love writing and being with kids most of all.

I’m telling you this so I will hold myself accountable—like if you tell someone else your goal, you’re much more likely to do it than if you just keep it to yourself.

Have a great week! Christy

Can't Stop Writing

2011-07-26T08:28:00.004-06:00

Why do I write?

Do you ever ask yourself that question? As the rejections pile up, the royalty checks disappear (I'm sure they got lost in the mail), and publishers change their minds, I find myself wondering, why am I doing this to myself.

I try to stay away from my computer. I clean closets and practice the piano. I exercise and clean the fridge. (Ew, gross. How long has that been in there?) I pull weeds and pick tomatoes, and I call a friend.

Who needs it? I ask myself. Who needs to check their email every fifteen minutes? Who needs to be connected to facebook 24/7? Who needs author central? Who needs one more nice rejection letter? (You're a talented writer, but...)

But wait, I have voices in my head. Ideas are knocking around in there. Stories are bubbling all around me, inside of me. I'm all for clean closets, sonatas, tidy gardens, and good friends, but something inside me loves to write.

Rejection stinks, but writing clears the cobwebs from my mind. Writing feeds me. Writing is my dessert. (sugarfree of course)

Who needs it? Apparently I do. I can't stop writing.

Linda Garner

Word Pictures

2011-07-19T18:20:00.001-06:00

I enjoy creating pictures with words. Finding just the right words to paint a picture is fun and satisfying.

As we traveled home from a vacation that began with a visit to a beloved daughter, adorable new baby, and proud new father, friend-husband and I created word pictures from the scenery. Here are some of our favorites.

Fluffy cloud boats sailed across a sea of blue.

A thick blanket of gray hung expectantly in the afternoon sky.

Angry clouds spilled buckets of moisture.

A gash of light ripped the sky in two.

The clean smell of summer rain tickled my nose.

Nature’s hammer had chiseled rugged mountains into the giant face of rock.

The emerald days of summer called to me, teasing me to come out and play.

A ribbon of highway snaked its way around the mountains.

The peaceful curtain of night fell silently.

An orange ball of fire plopped lazily behind the mountains.

A hint of blue sky peeked shyly between the clouds.

The twisted river frothed and foamed at each dip and turn.

Heavy Arkansas air pasted itself to my once dry skin and clothes.

Waves of green rolled across the countryside like a gentle roller coaster.

A patchwork of farms lay quilted in fields of corn, cotton, soybeans, and rice.

Proud forest ladies crowded themselves across the mountain in gowns of green.

Get out your canvas. Paint me a word picture.

Linda Garner

Websites

2011-07-18T06:37:00.000-06:00

Hi everyone. I’m in the middle of website development, of which I know nothing about. But I’m learning. Sometimes I’m slow at it, but I’m baby-stepping along. Any advice from those of you who have set one up would really be appreciated. I’d also like to know what you like to see on different author sites. What are some of the things that impressed you? What turns you off? What is very clear? What is confusing? I guess I’m feeling insecure enough that I would really appreciate feedback.

This week I’ve been getting together pioneer games, crafts and cooking for kids. I learned some things setting it all up, and I think there will be a number of fun things for kids to do on my site. I think pictures are with a thousand words, so I am going to take lots of pictures when my grandkids are here. We’ll try out all the recipes and crafts so I’ll have some kid pictures to go with each experience.

I know I say I don’t know what I’m doing, but I’ve really had lots of fun learning how everything works. I have a great guy that’s setting everything up for me. He is so nice to work with and so willing to listen to suggestions and offer advice. That also keeps things lots of fun.

So ‘happy week’ to everyone! I’m off to establish my website titles and Google Adwords. Please write me back with and suggestions and advice you have. Thanks for listening.

Christy Monson

http://christymonson.blogspot.com/

http://prophetsinperson.blogspot.com/

Out of the Office

2011-07-14T05:15:00.001-06:00

Yup, I'm out of the bloggy office until August. There are too many scout camps/family reunions/spider sightings to take care of.

But I'll be back in August ready to comment away!

Until then, have a great rest of July everyone. ;)

Isn't that Ducky?

2011-07-13T05:20:00.005-06:00

I'm on vacation. Friend-husband and I spent the last week or so with daughter number three, and her first baby. What a sweet family. The new mom and dad are totally devoted to the little one, and we were glad to be invited to share their joy.

Their happy home is part of a community surrounding a pretty pond complete with birds, rabbits, muskrats, and ducks. It was fun to sit on the patio and rock my new granddaughter while enjoying the water. The ducks were especially entertaining.

Watching the little duck families reminded me of this post which I wrote some time ago. I hope you enjoy this repost of Ducks in a Row.

Ducks in a Row

One sunny afternoon the kids and I were at Liberty Park watching the ducks swimming around in the lake. One mother duck was out for a swim with her ducklings. They glided around on the silky water in a little cluster. One adventurous little duckling wandered off. He (no doubt it was a boy) swam farther and farther away until he panicked and quacked for his Mom. Mom instantly swam to his rescue and brought him back to the family, with a stern tongue-lashing.

After rejoining the family, the little duckling stayed with the group just a short while before wandering off again. He again called for help and the Mama duck rescued him with much scolding. We watched this scene repeated over and over again and I thought to myself that ducks aren’t much different than people.

Like that little duck, we sometimes repeat the same behavior over and over again, even though it isn’t really working for us. Like the Mama duck, we who are mothers never stop trying to rescue and we continue to deliver the same message even though no one is really listening. Like the little duck family we know that the family is our greatest security and we put up with each other in spite of all our quirks and we try to be there for each other no matter what.

Oh I know that every family has its measure of dysfunction along with the great stuff. The trick is to let go of the negative stuff and hold fast to the postitive. The family is at its finest we can build each other and strengthen each other in spite of our differences and the stormy weather that often comes.

The family I grew up in has had its challenges getting along. Learning to love each other in spite of painful disagreements isn’t easy. As we have grown older I feel we need each other more. We are separated by physical distance as well as emotional distance, yet we share some common ground. DNA, memories, values are some of the things that unite us. Now that our parents are gone, we see each other less and I sense that time is marching on.

My mother’s siblings quarreled bitterly at times. They left this life with much mending left undone. I do not want to take anger or bitterness with me when I go.

My mother was a wizard with a needle and thread. She could mend anything. She even mended rags. She darned socks until her dying day. I would rather do almost anything than mend clothes. I have to love something a lot to actually mend it.

If only relationships could be mended with a needle and thread. If it only it were that simple. Though the tools are different, maybe the thought is the same. Maybe we have to love a relationship a lot to want to mend it.

The threads that tie us together can be wear a little thin at times. Family can be the source of our greatest joys and our greatest sorrows. What irony. What contrast.

I better go now. I need to catch up on my mending.

Linda Garner

Just Writing

2011-07-10T07:00:00.001-06:00

As I continue through the process of becoming a published author, I find myself having second thoughts at times. I fantasized that I could spend my days writing and creating all that I wanted, and everything else would be taken care of. Wrong!

A lot of time and energy is spent in other areas. For instance, I have worked hard to find an artist to do the drawings for my book. I met with her this week and am so happy to have such a talented person to work with. I’ve also had to follow the process of getting permission to use photographs in my book. Copyright laws are such that there is permission to ask, photos to be digitized and copies to be made. That process takes many weeks.

I have someone helping me set up a web site. Now for a person, like me, of little or no aptitude for internet networking, it has been a challenge. How much or how little should I put on the web site? What will interest parents and children? Crafts? Games? Pioneer cooking projects? Things that interest me may not interest them. In other words, I’m kind of in a quandary as to how to set things up. And the bottom line is: I don’t really know what I’m doing.

I guess I’m really just blowing off steam. I will learn what to do, and I will become more experienced in the process. I’m baby-stepping along. (Baby-stepping always keeps me humble.) And that’s good for me.

Any comments or suggestions you have about author web sites you like or things you look for in an interesting site would be appreciated. Thanks for your support and help.

Christy Monson

http://christymonson.blogspot.com/

http://prophetsinperson.blogspot.com/

Happy Birthday America

2011-07-05T08:25:00.004-06:00

I love my country and wish to bid her a happy birthday. What a privilege it is to grow up free in the land of opportunity. I am a flag waving, hand over heart, stand up for the Star Spangled Banner, kind of girl. I love America.

Problems? Yes we have a lot of them. I hope for change, like many of you. Change has many faces, and it can be good or bad, so be careful what you hope for.

I believe that change can happen one person at a time, as we become accountable for our behavior and quit hoping for government to fix things. I believe that change can happen one person at a time as we reach out to one another in love. I believe that change can happen one person at a time as we honor truth and virtue in our personal lives.

Wasn't it Ghandi who said, “Be the change you want to see in the world.” What beautiful and wise words. Imagine the possibilities of millions of Americans living their personal truth and embracing a more beautiful way of life.

Today, I honor my heroic country and give thanks for her. I honor the brave men and women who created her, and who have defended her. Thank you just doesn’t seem to be enough. Perhaps I can honor her and them by making brave choices and living a life of truth and possibilities.

I can be the change I want to see, and so can you.

Happy Birthday, America, and thank you, thank you, thank you.

Linda Garner

p.s.

To see a picture of our beautiful new granddaughter, click here.

Creating a Series

2011-07-04T07:00:00.002-06:00

This is my last blog about Kathleen Duey, but I think this information is important. She has written over fifty books—many of them historical fiction. I have found a pattern in her series. She picks an historical setting and places a character in it and then writes a short vignette about the time. She weaves in as much information as she can about what’s happening.

The time frame of the book may only be a few days, or it may be a few months, but it’s not long. For instance in her American girl Dairies she gives a glimpse into the lives of children who had to flee the South at the end of the Civil War. They were on a river boat coming up the Mississippi. The boat was overloaded with Northern soldiers returning home, and the engine exploded. The voice of the young protagonist was well done and the action was suspenseful with high drama. In one of her Hoofbeat books about the American Revolution, the time period took in only a few months before the war started, but we had an inside glimpse of the Boston Tea Party and the British troops infiltrating the countryside. It also had good voice and fast action. That series has young girls who love their horses. Can’t go wrong with that combination!

So my thoughts are: When writing an historical fiction book, an author doesn’t need to capture an extended period of time. It can be short and concise. Just make sure the voice is well-defined and the action fast-paced.

Thanks for listening. I love writing for this blog because it makes me think and dig a little deeper than I otherwise would. Happy summer! Mind’s crazy. How about yours?

Christy Monson

http://christymonson.blogspot.com/

http://prophetsinperson.blogspot.com/

Summer Witness

2011-06-29T08:56:00.003-06:00

Ah,summer. Backyard barbecues. Fresh veggies from the garden. Colorful days and starlit nights. Children's laughter. Tangy lemonade. Rhubarb pie.

We spent a summer in Arkansas, where forest was everywhere. Even in the city we were surrounded by gracious trees. We walked daily near a friendly stream where fireflights and locusts entertained us and shy forest creatures sometimes said hello. It was a magic place, and one magic summer day I created this poem.

Summer Witness

What could be so pleasant as a peaceful summer day,
When life slows down a little bit and troubles melt away.
The sun’s a ball of butter and the earth is dressed in green,
While overhead the sky’s the bluest sea you’ve ever seen.
Now and then a puffy cloud floats across the sky,
And all around are buzzing things and things that flutter by.
The stream is just a trickle as it gurgles in its play.
The sleepy river lazily meanders on its way.
The heady smell of blossoms comes softly on the breeze
And all the woodland creatures take refuge in the trees.
Surrounded by this beauty and the joy that’s in the air,
Why do some folks wonder if God is really there?

What could be so pleasant as a starlit summer night,
Watching fireflies dance and flicker underneath the moon so bright,
Stepping in and out of shadows made by giants dressed in green,
Watching for the bashful creatures which by day are seldom seen,
Listening to the chicka chicka of the locust’s rhythmic song,
And the chirping of the crickets, as night birds sing along.
Though the earth is far from quiet, there’s a stillness in the air.
My heart is filled with gratitude. I bow my head in prayer.
I listen for the answer. It comes soft as summer rain.
It warms me and it softens me and fills my heart again.
As summer’s warmth enfolds me, I’m surrounded by His love,
And I know that He cares for me from His heavenly home above.

Linda Garner

Secondary Characters

2011-06-27T07:00:00.002-06:00

Sometimes secondary characters are complicated. They can be anything from pasty, cardboard characters to complete scene-stealers. I have had both of these pop up in my writing, along with everything in between. So are there any rules to govern these illusive people? Is there a guide line for us to follow?

In Kathleen Duey’s workshop (see last week’s blog) she talked about these tricky people. Once-in-a-while she’ll have a secondary character enter a story and steal the show. She gave the example of a man supposedly passing by along the street. He came around the corner with a hunch back and a limp. All eyes in the scene turned to him, so she had to cut him. Probably more common is the best friend of the protagonist that is so funny or so emotional or so needy that he or she steals the show from the main character. Kathleen’s solution to this dilemma is to make a deal with this character to give them a work of their own in the future, if they’ll behave in this setting. (She says it works.)

One of the writers in our critique group is finishing a middle-grade novel. The brother of the protagonist is the cutest, funniest boy you would ever want to meet. He comes up with belly-laughing lines that stop the show. Kids will identify with him immediately. The writer has to be careful that he doesn’t steal the show.

Kathleen gave several guidelines for writers to follow so this doesn’t happen. Secondary characters are to:

1. expose the protagonist;

2. explain the protagonist and his predicament;

3. deepen the protagonist’s character.

Good guidelines for me to follow. Check out the secondary characters in your stories. Do they follow these rules? Maybe there are others? Let me know what you think?

Christy Monson

http://christymonson.blogspot.com/

http://prophetsinperson.blogspot.com/

I Miss You Blogger

2011-06-23T11:58:00.002-06:00

PhotoBucket

I know, I know, I know…I haven’t been blogging for like…forever!
But I have good reasons. I really do.

1. Spent last week in Capital Reef. And can I say? Beautiful!!! (Although the six mile hike nearly killed me).

2. I am on my last class for school. Yes….last class! I just have to get one more research paper ironed out and I’m good (and then I can have proof that I’m smart. Take that fifth grader! )

3. Good news on the ms. But I can’t say anything yet. But don’t worry. I’ll let everyone know when the time comes (I’m even planning on calling strangers to give them the good news…unless it turns out bad. Then I’m just going to prank call them.)

So please be patient with me for a few more weeks and I’ll be back to blogging and commenting up a storm. But I miss you bloggy friends. *wiping away tear*

Under God?

2011-06-21T09:17:00.006-06:00

Have you heard about NBC's outrageous portrayal of The Pledge of Allegiance?

On Sunday they opened their coverage of the US Open Golf Tournament with a patriotic piece. It could have been so meaningful, but conspicuously absent were the words Under God, not once but twice.

Click here to watch the clip and their superficial apology.

If you would like to express your outrage for their deliberate misuse of the Pledge, here is some contact info for you.

National Broadcasting Company, Inc.
30 Rockefeller Plaza
New York, NY 10112
212-664-4444
nbcsportshelp@nbcuni.com

Chris McCloskey - V.P., Communications
NBC Sports
(212) 664-5598
christopher.mccloskey@nbcuni.com

I don't know about you, but I'd like to keep God around.

Linda Garner

Your Characters

2011-06-20T07:00:00.001-06:00

I just got back from Writing and Illustrating for Young Readers Workshop in Salt Lake City. I learned many wonderful things from the presenters there, and it was a great experience.

I attended a workshop with Kathleen Duey one afternoon, and I’m so glad I did. She has written for the children’s and the young adult market. She also critiques for SCBWI every year, and says she finds the same mistakes over and over. Shallow writing with too much “dull stuff.” Her latest works are dark fantasy, which I’m really not interested in reading, but her approach to character is fascinating.

She interviews all her characters very thoroughly at first and keeps a record of it on the computer. Sometimes the interviews are long and sometimes short. She talks with them until she has their story, their inner-most thoughts and their desires. Then she begins to write her book. She lets the protagonist tell his or her story.

She used to outline, but now lets the characters lead the way. If she has someone that tries to take over the scene, she highlights their part, copies and pastes it into another file for later and gets someone else for the part. She directs the action, but lets it flow as the protagonist wishes. It makes for a more powerful story.

She does the same thing with dialogue. She begins by writing just the dialogue. Then she adds the physical setting and grounding, and, lastly, puts in the tags.

I’m going to try her method. I think it will make a much more authentic story. What do you all think? I’m also going to read some of her books—maybe not the recent dark fantasy. But I’ll get the others. Have you read any of her writing?

Christy Monson

http://christymonson.blogspot.com/

http://prophetsinperson.blogspot.com/

Enjoy the View

2011-06-14T06:16:00.005-06:00

We're getting new windows. It's exciting. They started the work yesterday. The look is nice, but I especially love the view. Everything looks crisper...clearer. I have a new outlook. A new perspective.

It reminds me of point of view in writing. Point of vew is the unmistakeable privilege of getting inside a character's head and taking a snapshot of his or her thoughts.

This rarely happens in TV or movies. It is a writer's best friend. I think of it as my secret weapon.

Good writing usually has just one point of view. Some writers use more, but it's hard to pull off. You need more than a point and click camera for this.

When point of view is muddy the writing is not clear. Clean up the point of view and the writing becomes sharper. The story comes into focus. It's like getting new windows. Everything clears up.

Point and click. Enjoy the view.

Now if only these new windows would wash themselves.

Linda Garner

More Social Networking and Marketing

2011-06-13T07:46:00.004-06:00

I went to a workshop on Friday at Cedar Fort Publishing. I learned a lot more about social networking. Nate Moller from Moller Marketing conducted the workshop. We learned how to find the best ‘add words’ on google. We learned the difference between ‘buyer phrases’ and ‘browser phrases.’ If you want to sell your book, browser phrases won’t cut it. We learned about “allintitle” add words, and the list goes on and on. Check Nate out. I'm sure he's willing to come do workshops, and I know he does onlinewebinars. His presentation was great!

I thought I was pretty good at facebook, but I’m not. Creating a fan page was lots of fun. Have you ever done that? It’s not hard. I have to go back and look at my notes and practice all this. But, you know, I was really overwhelmed by it all at first, but I’m getting better at it. Maybe by “baby-stepping” along, I’ll get there. Find me on my facebook fan page. I’d love to have you join. Ask me questions in a couple of days—after I’ve put my notes into practice. If I know the answer, I’ll help you any way I can.

Join me also on Goodreads. Now there’s a site that I love. That is one of the most fun things I’ve done in a long time. What a great way to connect with others. I adore reading anyway, and I’m glad to connect with friends who do also. I love their suggestions and am finding lots of new books to read.

Twitter is still not my strong suit, but I’m learning. I know what a “hash tag” is now, and maybe I know how to use one. Follow me, and I’ll follow you back.

Social networking is a new life that I’m sandwiching in with my other lives. It’s getting to be a lot of fun!! Happy networking.

Christy Monson

http://christymonson.blogspot.com/

http://prophetsinperson.blogspot.com/

I'm Possessed with Possession

2011-06-09T14:49:00.002-06:00

I'm late on commenting today. Not because I don't want to, but because I'm captivated!!!

You see, last night I went to Elana Johnson's book launch of POSSESSION!!! (It was superly-awesome-ness!)

So...You'll have to forgive me ...

(I know, I've posted Julian before, but the video is so awesome. I couldn't resist)

Everyone Has a Rejection File

2011-06-08T07:50:00.004-06:00

I heard that Shannon Hale saved all her rejections and had them laminated into one long ribbon. She rolls it up and takes it with her when she does school presentations. My friend told me that when she unrolled that paperwidth ribbon, it ran the entire length of the gym.

I have lots of orphan manuscripts. Picture books are a hard sell, so it's hard to stay motivated about submitting. I write a lot, but am sporadic about submitting. I want to send one submission a week, but it's easy to get sidetracked.

I get the nicest rejection letters. I don't save them all, but maybe I should. Rejection doesn't depress me, but it doesn't motivate me either. Maybe whenever I receive a rejection, I should send two submissions instead of one. If it's a really nice rejection letter, I could send three.

I read yesterday that everyone has a rejection file. I guess I'd better get started on mine.

Off to submit.

Linda Garner

P.S.
My article called "His Grace is Sufficient" runs today in Your LDS Neighborhood. It's a compelling look at sexual abuse. You can get a sneak peek at it by clicking here.

Seeing the World

2011-06-06T07:00:00.001-06:00

I just read Kate DiCamillo’s web site. (I am looking at web sites to see how I want mine to be.) She describes a writing class she took in college. Her professor read her essay and asked the class what was remarkable about it. He said it wasn’t the writing; it was the seeing that made Kate’s work stand out. She took time to really see the person she wrote about. He went on to say that it was the responsibility of every writer to see the world they wrote about.

Did Kate do that with Because of Winn Dixie, Mercy Watson, and the other books she has written? I think she has. In Winn Dixie there are lonely children and even lonelier adults. We know this because Kate takes time to show us the characters. They become real to us because Kate sees them and tell us about them.

At critique group the other night part of my feedback consisted of:

Let us see the countryside

What are the characters thinking?

How do they feel?

I was not seeing my writing as clearly as I could. I’ve gone back and redone the pages. I hope I don’t make the same mistakes again, but I’m a slow learner and seem to need to be told over and over. (I hope I’m getting better.)

So here’s to Seeing the World! Let’s each set a goal to see the world in our writing.

Thanks Kate for your advice. Point is well-taken.

Christy Monson

http://christymonson.blogspot.com/

http://prophetsinperson.blogspot.com/

Lenny-Lee Fest

2011-06-03T07:00:00.000-06:00

It's no surprise that this sunshine:

represents an amazing 11 year-old named Lenny. If you don't know who I am talking about, you can go meet him HERE.

Here's to you Lenny. May your sunshine always find a space in our hearts. <3

E-books vs. Traditional -- Let the Battle Begin ding

2011-06-02T08:44:00.000-06:00

So there's been a lot of hoopla over publishing in the last few months with e-publishing vs. traditional.

Some say that e-books are the wave of the future. But to be honest,I've read some pretty awful self published books out there.

I, myself, have always had the goal to get an agent and a publish the traditional way, but I have very close friends who plan the e-publishing route.

I am curious to know how other writers are feeling about this. Do you plan to e-publish? Publish traditionally? Why?

Let's here your opinion and/or plans for publishing.

(If you are at Paper and Parchment, please drop over to my personal blog Checkerboard Squares to see the running comments. Click Here)

Time Out

2011-06-01T18:48:00.003-06:00

You probably noticed I didn't post yesterday. I think it's a first. I am spending the week with my adorable grandkids. Hiking, reading, movies, games. They live in Idaho and I don't get to see them often enough.

Catch you later.

Linda Garner

Social Networking

2011-05-30T07:00:00.001-06:00

New Baby

I’ve been gone for two weeks with a new grandson in Phoenix. He is so cute and cuddly and soft. Don’t you love the smell of a newborn’s hair? He is just perfect. And the best thing is that I don’t have to get up with him in the middle of the night. I get the fun job of playing with the four-year-old that is adorable also.

I did no writing or social networking because every time I got my laptop out, my four-year-old buddy was right there to check out Nick Jr. or PBS kids. We both got very good at the games. I have an IQ equal to his in being able to figure out how to move the fish or monkey over the rocks or around the sea weed. That means I’m not a complete computer illiterate, I hope.

However, he wanted to check out Disney.com, but those races and skate board ramps were too hard for both of us. I do know my limitations.

So here’s to Facebook, which I’m pretty good at, and Twitter, which I’m just learning, and blogging, which I really like.

I don’t think I’m making any sense. I’m too tired to think. I’m just glad to be home and in my own bed. My self-esteem isn’t too hammered. At least I can keep up with the four-year-old.

My social networking has a ways to go. But I’m like the tortoise. I just keep plodding along. I’m slow, but I’m sure. I have a marketing workshop with my publisher next week. Maybe they can reform me and pull me from my ignorant state. Let’s all hope.

Thanks for listening, Christy

You're so Tweet

2011-05-26T08:27:00.000-06:00

I've been on Twitter now for...I don't know... maybe a year?

And I still don't know what I'm doing on that thing.

I finally figured out the #hagtags.

But really, that's about it. So, I'm turning to WikiHow to help me out (http://www.wikihow.com/Use-Twitter).

Oh wiki...how smart you are!

Maybe in a few weeks, you'll see me twittering around (or writing funny things that make no sense - did you hear about the kid that borrowed his friends twitter page to look up a girl and kept typing her name in the "what's happening" box? lol. Poor guy).

So here's to tweeting. I hope I eventually figure it out. Oh! And tell me, what do you like better? Blogging, fbing, or twitter-ing? So far it's a tie with my crit group.

That looks like Dog Poop

2011-05-24T15:09:00.005-06:00

Whew! Time for a Break.

Are you like me? When I get my head in my writing, nothing gets in my way. I can ignore the dirty dishes, the piles of laundry, and the crumbs on the floor. A tornado could by swishing around me and I might not notice.

I've been wrapped up on an article on sexual abuse for Your LDS Neighborhood. It's sort of a long story, but I promised them an article by a certain date and had to put them off a little because of my drowned computer. Now I'm really determined to make that article sparkle and get it in their hands before they need it.

The article is called In The Quiet Heart is Hidden Sorrow that the Eye Can't See. I know, it's a long title. It's scheduled to run on June 8, so go sign up for Your LDS Neighborhood if you aren't already. It's easy and it's free. No worries if you're not LDS. The articles are not usually religious. You can sign up here.

Just to whet your appetite here is the beginning of the article.

Orange jello. The girls were excited. My friend had made it for her mutual class. As she peeled back the foil, their delight turned quickly to dismay. Something was wrong.

“What’s that in the corner?” asked one of the girls. “It looks like dog poop.”
“It is dog poop,” said the teacher, “but don’t worry. It’s just in this one corner. We can cut around it. Who wants a piece?”

If you want to hear the rest of the story, go to Your LDS Neighborhood on June 8.

Linda Garner

Don't Baptize your Laptop

2011-05-17T13:24:00.002-06:00

I’m running behind today. Lots of catching up to do. My cute little granddaughter baptized my laptop last week. It was fatal. Good thing she is adorable, and also innocent. I’m trying to make friends with my new laptop while catching up from being on the go last month.

April was amazing but crazy. Suzuki piano convention, BYU Women’s Conference, the Writer’s Extravaganza in Ephraim, followed by LDS Storymakers Conference the first week of May. Phew. I’m a little worn up and a lot behind.

Made lots of new friends at all of the above. I also had an article published in Meridian Magazine which I’d love for you to read. Meridian is an online magazine primarily for an LDS audience. They have lots of non-LDS readers as well, so don’t be put off by that. Here is the link to my article, called How Could This Happen to Us. Click here.

The Whitney Awards were announced following the Storymakers Convention. This was my first year to vote and I am very excited about the winners. If you are looking for a good read. Here are some fabulous choices.

Best Romance Novel: Cross my Heart by Julie Wright
Best Mystery/Suspense Novel: Cold as Ice by Stephanie Black
Best Historical Novel: Trespass by Sandra Grey
Best General Novel: Band of Sisters by Annette Lyon
Best Speculative Novel: The Way of Kings by Brandon Sanderson
Best Speculative Youth Fiction Novel: Matched by Ally Condie
Best General Youth Fiction Novel: The Healing Spell by Kimberely Griffiths Little
Best Novel by New Author: Paranormalcy by Kiersten White
Best Novel of the Year: The Way of Kings by Brandon Sanderson
AND Mr. Monster by Dan Wells

About baptizing your laptop. It’s a lot less painful if you have a reliable backup. About a month ago, I starting backing up with Carbonite. Best $60.00 I ever spent.

Linda Garner

Insight from your reading

2011-05-16T07:11:00.001-06:00

Hello Everyone,

I love writing this blog. I think about it all week, and it’s fun to come up with new ideas. Yesterday, I winged my way home from Philadelphia, the City of Brotherly Love, and had time to read a Newberry Honor Book, HOOT by Carl Hiaasen. It’s a middle grade novel about eco-warriors, saving burrowing owls from insatiable big business. The book is funny and well-written.

The author takes pot-shots at a variety of people. There is a mother who should be charged with battery, another mother who physically and emotionally abandons her child. There is an abusive dad, and a step-dad who is a retired NBA star that has become a couch potato. However, two caring parents allow their kid to find his own way.

The off-spring of these varied homes crash together in a synergistic way to change their part of the world.

It’s a “tree-huggers” book with the premise that you can alter the world within the bounds of the law and by being kind to others.

Intertwined through the entire novel is a bullying theme with a forthright, assertive solution-model. I think it’s well done, but I would love to hear your comments, whether you agree or disagree.

Whenever I read a novel, I try to find the wisdom the author has for me to help improve my own writing. What is the insight I find in this book? How am I at multi-layered concepts? Can I weave them together into an effective story?

What kind of knowledge about your craft did you take from the last novel you read?

Christy Monson

http://christymonson.blogspot.com/

http://prophetsinperson.blogspot.com/

I'm a Beta-Yogurt Maker!

2011-05-12T08:26:00.000-06:00

It's true! I totally made my own yogurt yesterday. Got the milk, added the start. Voila...yogurt!!! I'm a yogurt maker!

Sorry, I just thought that was so cool. Now on to writing.

Last weekend I attended Storymakers with about 499 other awesome writers/agents/editors. It was amazing!

The pitch went FABULOUS (btw, thanks for all your comments last week. Helped me a ton). The agent was awesome. I was very impressed (I almost begged for her to come home with me, but then she'd be stuck making yogurt and eating green smoothies. I don't know if she'd like that very much.)

<a href="http://elanajohnson.blogspot.com/">Elena J</a>. taught us what to do and what not to do on blogger. (Can I just say that she is incredible. Best conference teacher ever!)

But what I really wanted to talk about was Beta readers (or Alpha, whatever you want to use). Those people who look at the whole ms and tell you where you went wrong, if it's entertaining, or if they wanted to throw the book across the room (or how brilliant you are).

Once you have your ms done and polished the best you think it can be, send it to your betas.

Right now I have four of them, two adult writers and two awesomely-cool teens (because that's who I write for).

Then you wait.

Once you get their opinions back, you can correct your ms, make it a little more shiny and polished.

I highly recommend it. (But the waiting is a killer.) Okay, I must get back to work (waiting)...*whipcrack*

Do you you use Betas? If so who do you use? If not...why not?

Tending My Word Garden

2011-05-10T20:28:00.005-06:00

Metaphor: an implied comparison between two different things; a figure of speech in which a word or phrase that ordinarily means one thing is applied to another in order to suggest a likeness between the two.

Aren’t metaphors delicious? I think of them as word pictures.

"Men's words are bullets, that their enemies take up and make use of against them."
(George Savile, Maxims)

"The rain came down in long knitting needles."
(Enid Bagnold, National Velvet)

"Language is a road map of a culture. It tells you where its people come from and where they are going."(Rita Mae Brown)

"Having a friend made all the difference. Jessie was a cup of hot chocolate on a wintry day. She was a patch of blue in a cloudy sky." (Linda Garner, Way to Go Grace) ...thought I’d sneak that in.

I was asked in an interview what metaphor I would use for writing. I decided that writing is planting a seed and watching it grow. I’m not always sure what kind of seed I am planting. That’s part of the adventure. How big will the plant be? Will it have leaves? Flowers? Fruit?

What kind of metaphor would you use to describe writing? Share your thoughts.

If I don’t answer, leave a note, I may be tending my word garden.

Linda Garner

Social Networking

2011-05-09T06:39:00.001-06:00

I am trying to learn about social networking. I think that’s the new buzz word that’s grown exponentially during the electronic explosion.

I just signed up for Twitter, but I don’t really know how it works. I’m just flying blind on that one, so if any of you have any suggestions, I’m open to any advice you can give me.

I’m keeping up on my blogs, but I haven’t done a lot of connecting lately. I’m going to do better. I love getting to know people, so that’s going to be a fun new goal for me.

I’ve found someone to set up a web site for me. I’ve never done that before either, so I’m excited about that. I want to get it up and running before my book comes out in November.

My Facebook is fun because most of my kids are on it, and I love seeing my grandkids in action pictures almost as they happen.

Those of you who have gone before me–which is probably most all of you, I’d love to hear your stories of encouragement, your what-to-do and what-not-to-do lists and the wisdom you’ve learned along the way.

Signed Electronic Novice who’s changing status! (With your help)

Christy Monson

http://christymonson.blogspot.com/

http://prophetsinperson.blogspot.com/

Will You Just Get Out of My Head?

2011-05-05T13:02:00.002-06:00

Hey, whattcha doing? *Looking at studying-self*

Shhhh...I'm trying to concentrate. *mumbling*

What? You're acting weird. You keep talking to yourself.

Yeah. I know (a little irritated). I'm getting my pitch ready.

Oh...that's right! You're pitching at your conference this weekend, aren't you?

(Studying-self, trying to ignore playful-self.)

So whattcha taking with you? Chocolate chips? Writing shoes? Spit wads?

I told you that whole spit wad thing was an accident. *sigh*

That's not what the papers said.

Well, it was. *looking back and forth, a little sweat building on forehead* It won't happen again.

Well, good luck on that pitch. It sounds fascinating.

*Going back to ignoring playful-self*

So the next two days I will be at it again...listening to other writers, munching on chips, rolling up spit wads. Yes, I'm off to my second conference this year! Woohoo! Getting my pitch ready and polished so I don't trip over my words (which only happens like...all the time).

So tell me, what do you guys want to get out of a conference? Me? Making it through this pitch session without forgetting my pitch

Save The Picture Book!

2011-05-03T19:14:00.005-06:00

Save the Whales! Save the rainforests! Save the Picture Book!

I've been reading about the decline of the picture book. So sad.

It seems that many parents are anxious to get their kids reading in "real" books and are bypassing picture books in favor of easy readers and chapter books. That combined with the economic pressure publishers are feeling on every level and the ginormous cost of producing a picture book is really hurting the picture book market.

Since I am a picture book writer this is disturbing news, but it goes much deeper than that. I am not just a writer of picture books, I am a lover of picture books.

Picture books are incredibly valuable in shaping the imagination, the vocabulary, and the cultural and social awareness of children. Picture books are an essential part of the fabric of childhood, feeding the love of books long before a child can study phonics.

Reading is more than decoding words. Reading is an adventure. Reading can take you anywhere. Picture books open this door in a most delightful way, feeding the senses, and creating a world of possibilities.

Who doesn't remember snuggling up to someone you love with a wonderful picture book, either as a parent or as a child? Who doesn't remember star belly sneeches,the wild rumpus, or a terrible horrible no good very bad day? Who doesn't have a memory of a particularly delicious picture book? Who has forgotten Dr. Seuss?

We're in a hurry now days, to nowhere in particular. We've gotta move on to "real" books. We haven't got time for the richly illustrated and layered literature in picture books. We haven't time for magic.

What's the Hurry!

This is Children's Book Week. Let's Celebrate. Save the Picture Book!

Linda garner

What I wish I had known as a new writer

2011-05-02T06:41:00.001-06:00

I went to the American Fork, Utah, Writer’s Workshop on Saturday. A dear friend, Margot Hovley gave a presentation on “What I wish I had known as a new writer.” She talked about practicing your craft–writing for ten years before you become really proficient. Having a thick skin is important so you can handle all the rejection letters you get. Belonging to great critique groups helps you hone your skills. Most of us have experienced these things.

The thing I didn’t know as a new writer was the great gift of friendship I would receive. I had no idea how much I would come to love all the people in my critique groups and what great support and love they would give back to me. This has been a great blessing in my life.

The goal of all writers is to be published. Even though I have a book contract, it is over-shadowed by the sheer joy of the journey along the way. One of the greatest gifts along the path is love.

So my answer to Margot’s question is: I wish I had known about the love I would find along the journey. I’m thankful for it and wish all of you the same blessing.

Happy Spring! Happy Writing! What you have found along your way that you didn’t know about as a new writer?

Christy Monson

http://christymonson.blogspot.com/

http://prophetsinperson.blogspot.com/

One Hundred and Nine Fabulous Entries

2011-04-26T10:07:00.004-06:00

One Hundred and Nine People who love to read entered the Hoppy Easter Eggstravaganza on this post. I'm eggstatic. Thanks for participating.

Aren't books just the best? Books have brought so much enjoyment and comfort to me. Every book I read has an impact on my life and changes me in some way. Books I write change me even more.

One lucky person is about to receive a $10.00 gift card to amazon/kindle. I will send it to your email. You can look for it this afternoon. And the winner is....(drumroll please) Lisa Peters. I will be sending The Book of Positive Messages to Awesome Niks who came in 2nd. Awesome, I will need a mailing address for that. Watch your email and you can send the address in a reply.

I had a great interview yesterday with the awesome Linda Adams. Click here to read it. It's on her blog.

Reading Rocks!
Linda Garner

Wisdom of the Story

2011-04-25T07:00:00.002-06:00

I’m just reading Mulberry Project by Linda Sue Park (Newberry Winner for A Single Shard). At the end of each chapter, she has a dialogue between the protagonist and the author. It’s the cutest idea. This spunky little girl, Korean of course, stands right up to her author, wanting things to go her way. She doesn’t like her little brother and wants Park to change him to a sweet little girl that adores her big sister. She doesn’t want to have any problems, and she tells Park to make them go away.

Park tells her that the story is in charge, not either of them. When Park writes, sometimes she doesn’t know what will happen; she lets the story tell itself. Wisdom comes from the story, she says.

I like that concept. The last two days, I’ve been writing about boys in 1870 Utah stealing melons and girls hopping rides on the back of wagons. Neither of these scenes was fully developed in my mind when I sat down to write them. I knew the purpose of each scene and what I wanted to happen, but I didn’t know the particulars until I began to write. As I typed the words onto the computer, the characters came alive and filled in all the blanks I needed them to. Their fully little personalities appeared on the page–kind of like magic. I think my writing would be very stilted if I didn’t do it this way.

I’m sure each of you has a routine that works for you. I’d love to hear how you plan out your scenes as your story moves along. I’m always looking for new ideas.

Christy Monson

http://christymonson.blogspot.com/

http://prophetsinperson.blogspot.com/

Hoppy Easter Eggstravaganza Giveaway

2011-04-19T18:00:00.000-06:00

Do you love books? Me too. That’s why I couldn’t resist this Easter Hop. It’s a great chance to win cool stuff. If you love books you’ll want to hop in. Here’s a list of all the sites offering great book giveaways for the next four days.

Every blog on this hop is giving away something fun. You might find books, you might find gift certificates, you might find fun, book-related swag. But each and every blog has something to offer you, and all you have to do is click on the links below, follow that blog's easy instructions, and poof! You are entered. Then you move right along to the next site, and you tell your friends how much fun you're having.

All you need to do to be entered in my giveaway is become a follower of Paper and Parchment and post a comment telling me that you’re wild about books. How easy is that? If you’re already a follower, just post a comment. Eggzactly what will you win? On this site, you can win A $10.00 gift certificate at Amazon/Kindle. How cool is that.

For an eggstra chance to win, copy the e-poster from last weeks post and pass it on. Think email, facebook, twitter, whatever. Be sure your comment tells me that you did this, so I can give you credit. Just to make it easier I’m reposting the e-poster so that you don’t have to hunt for it. Just right-click and copy or save. If you win, I’ll need an email address to send the gift certificate.

Click here to hop along to the next blog.

The Easter Hop ends at 11:59 p.m. on April 25.

Hoppy Easter.

Linda Garner

Writing for the Peanut Butter Crowd

2011-04-19T11:00:00.002-06:00

Here's me in Ephraim at the Author's Extravaganza doing what I love most. Teaching. Teaching has always been my first love. I guess that's why I love public speaking and school visits.

I taught two writing classes at the Conference. Writing for the Peanut Butter Crowd was a primer for picture book writing. We had so much fun that they asked me to keep going, while the administration was knocking at the door and telling me to STOP.

I also taught about Writing on a Sensitive Topic and share some of my experience writing and publishing Some Secrets Hurt. Another topic I never tire of.

Friend-husband and I went early and did some school visits. We taught 2nd, 3rd, 4th, and 5th graders about the writer's voice. I used my unpublished manuscript Grudge Rock and it was a hit. Some of the kids showed up at the conference, and asked where they could buy Grudge Rock. I think I'd better call my publisher.

If you love to read or write, stop by here tomorrow and join the Easter Hop. It's a chance to do a little blog hopping and win cool book prizes. It starts at midnight, tonight. Tell all your friends.

Linda Garner.

A Working Spring Break

2011-04-18T07:00:00.001-06:00

Since I love writing every day, the road trips (Spring Break) are a bit difficult for me because I want to spend some time with my characters and their journey. But when Cousin Azalia comes calling with her three active kids, time gets away from me. However, I’ve found I way I can continue working while engaged in festive activities.

Number one kid, belonging to Cousin Azalia, ties his hair in a knot just over his ear. (His hair is long.) He’s knotted it so much that the ends are broken off and it sticks out. There are times when he can’t get the knot untied. What an interesting quirk to give a character.

Cousin Azalia loves to talk. Every sentence either begins or ends with, “Ya’ know, kid,” followed by a little giggle. It would take a unique character to give this idiosyncrasy to, but it’s an unforgettable trait. (Sometimes it does drive me a little nuts! Okay, a lot nuts if I’m around it too long!)

Grandpa Joe, who is nearing 100, loves to sit in the corner and watch the world of children and activity go by. Once in a while he’ll pull a family member aside to ask them if they can see Aunt Janet (who died 30 years ago) singing in the choir across the room. (Who knows, maybe there is a group of singers from the other side serenading us across the room. It may just be that we are the ones who can’t see or hear them.) An interesting addition to any story.

Now, I’m sure you can think of quirky little traits that your family members have. Jot them down and use them (in disguise of course) in your next story. Better still, share them with us, and I’ll use yours and you are welcome to mine. That way no one will ever trace them. :}

Happy Spring Break! Christy Monson

http://christymonson.blogspot.com/

http://prophetsinperson.blogspot.com/