Leah Lindeman's Blog, page 9

Canadian Authors for Indies Day

This Saturday April 30 will see the celebration of independent bookstores across the nation. Canadian authors will be helping out these local stores in sales, in conversing with clients, and in recommending the best reads out there.

I just found out about it today! Because of previous commitments, it’s with a sad heart that I announce I won’t be able to be a part of such a community-strong, grassroots movement. However, I want to encourage all of you to check out Authors for Indies and find a local store where you can meet local authors and support local business. Paperback has made a comeback. If you’re a book lover (as I am), you need to check it out!

Why is this so important? Personal connections are much stronger than web connections could ever hope to be. This is a chance for book lovers to feel connected to their community and connected to the individuals who share the same passion as they do. Touching people’s lives for the better is love.

My Favourite Book Character

Recently I held another contest to win a signed copy of my book. What I needed from you was what your favourite book character was. Well, now it’s my turn to let you know who my favourite book character is.

Before I was a writer, I was first a reader. Some of my childhood favourites were the Nancy Drew Series, the Hardy Boys, and the Chronicles of Narnia. My favourite character is none other than Aravis from the Horse and His Boy, part of the Chronicles of Narnia. She reminds me a lot of myself, of who I aspire to be. She’s feisty, stubborn, brave, and…malleable. The last attribute seems to be a contradiction to the rest. Let me explain. In the beginning of the book she strongly believes what she believes, and she puts up a tough front. However, as Shasta, Bree, Hwyn, and she rely on each other more and more as they journey to Narnia, we see Aravis becoming more compassionate, more attentive to her fellow journeymen. She retains her inherent character traits while growing in others, moulded by her experiences. After they pass the desert, Aslan pursues them to the hermit’s cottage. Before Aravis arrives, he scars her back with his claws. Toward the end Aslan explains the reason for this act; her reaping what she has sown. She learns from the mistakes she has made and changes.

Learning from my mistakes and changing is what I aspire to do every day. To not be stagnant in my frailties, but to be moulded by the Potter’s hands. And the fact that I’m feisty, stubborn, and (I hope) brave…Aravis and I are kindred spirits.

Book Review on Queen of the Tearling

"Queen of the Tearling" by Erika Johansen tells the story of young Kelsey Raleigh, lost to the world and the rightful heir of the Tearling throne. She must battle political intrigue, spies within her ranks, and a deadly queen from the neighbouring country while ascending to the throne as queen and enacting changes to save her people. The pacing of the plot was riveting, the rich language engaging, and the characters believable.

There wasn't any one time when I was wondering, "Is something going to happen HERE?!" Erika did a fantastic job of keeping me spellbound, wanting to know more, wanting to peel back the history of this kingdom and how it coincided with the present. The political intrigue was a great mover for the plot. After one attempt on Kelsea's life had failed, another would be in the making.

There was at one point at the beginning of the book that I thought was slightly dragging. But I quickly realized that the initial drag I felt was really Erika's way of deeply describing such beautiful layers in Kelsey's grandiose story. Her description of Kelsey's Queen's Guard, the land, her turmoiled thoughts brought the story more to life than it would have been without it. But it was never too much that I felt had to skip any parts.

The characters...many of them were exactly what you expected and then they weren't. For example, Kelsey is a queen. Most of us think of a queen as beautiful and of a fine figure. Kelsey is plain, round in the face, and carries a little extra weight; but her strength of character and conviction makes you root for her the entire length of the book. Many of the men in the Queen's Guard are described as incredibly handsome, well built. But then Elston, one of the guards, in the beginning of the book opens his mouth...and Kelsey describes his having broken teeth (anything but eye-pleasing). These realistic additions to the characters' outward appearance break any fanciful visions the reader has of a perfect "medieval" period containing beautiful princesses and handsome, roguish knights.

Set in a medieval-like society about a century after our present day society, this novel can both cater to the dystopian and medieval/fantasy readers alike. I found myself slouching on my big, comfy chair for a whole Sunday afternoon, restless to read until the end, and yet hoping that it never would.

How International Women’s Day Came To Be

Lately there has been a lot of talk and controversy over several different high-profile examples of violence against women in the past couple of years. From CBC’s Jian Ghomeshi to Bill Cosby to just recently Dr. Luke, Kesha’s producer, we can see that violence against a woman’s basic rights is as rampant today as it was a century ago. Whether all of these allegations are true—it’s not up to me to decide. What is the difference between today and the yesterday of our past?

Before women had a voice in the public sphere, they were the victims of much cruelty. Let’s start our history at the year 1800. Violence against prostitutes was one of the most common violent acts against women from the beginning of this history. Wife beating was also very common. Have you ever heard of the “rule of thumb?” Before the 1850s, the man was allowed to beat his wife with a stick no bigger than his thumb. A man could beat his wife if he found it necessary to curb any disobedience or disrespect under his authority. After the 1850s, women could divorce their husbands on grounds of violent assault.

Before 1909, it was legal to abduct any woman over 16, unless she was an heiress. And even then…the maximum penalty for abducting a cow was higher than the penalty for abducting an heiress! The Criminal Code was amended in 1909, stating that the abduction of women was no longer legal.

Any kind of domestic violence in the early 1900s was never really infringed upon by the police force since the thinking of the time was that it was a private matter. During the “Roaring Twenties” violence against women seemed to ascend. Wouldn’t you think so if the mentality of the time was that of no self-restraint, spend, and do what you want because it’s a party all the time? Once the “Roaring Twenties” moved into the “Great Depression,” women tended to remain with their partners even though domestic violence was part of their lives. They needed a provider to bring in the money when it had become so scarce especially with children in the picture.

The first time Women’s Day was observed was February 28, 1909 in New York. Throughout the twentieth century Women’s Day was celebrated all over Europe, some focusing on the achievements women brought to society, others focusing on women’s rights. International Women’s Day was first popularly celebrated on March 8, 1977 by the UN, its focus on world peace and women’s rights.

The world is still the same in some ways. Violence against women, the suppression of women and their rights will always be present in some form or other. And yet we can rejoice that women’s rights are much more respected. We have options that never existed before. We have the ability to go before the courts and ask for recompense for the damage made when sexually assaulted. There are countless women’s shelters ready to help those in need. The “sisterhood feel” of this decade is comforting, encouraging, and empowering. Let’s be thankful for the good changes that have come about, and let’s continue to be there for one another, women. There is no competition. We each have a voice, and let every voice be heard.

Announcements and Contest

Announcement

The release date for my first novel is next Tuesday March 8.

Here’s the synopsis:

Redeemed From the Ashes is the story of a misguided young woman named Evelyn Richardson whose maimed husband Carl goes missing as a result of the Halifax Explosion of 1917. Bedridden because of an injury, she is unable to immediately search him out. The chances of finding him grow thin as the days pass into cruel winter and the chaos of a shattered city remains.

After several weeks of searching, Evelyn is encouraged by her disheartening mother to leave Carl for dead and to move on with her life. At first she refuses such a notion; but when Gerald MacCrae, a doctor at Camp Hill Hospital, enters her heart in friendship, her resolve weakens and finally disintegrates. Gerald harbours a secret from the past and within the present that threatens to rip apart any chance at happiness for Evelyn again. Can she redeem any shred of familiarity from her past or will she forge ahead on the wings of a new life, a new love?

Check out Redeemed From The Ashes Book Trailer

Contest

Tell me who’s you’re favourite book character and why. The answer I find the most interesting, creative, or just strikes a chord in me will win a free signed copy of my first novel. The winner will be announced next Tuesday. You’ve got a week! Sound off in the comments below.

The End Is Near

Source: The End Is Near

Stop Escaping the Silence

Last Tuesday I went to my weekly women’s workout and Bible study group. One of the ideas we touched on during our study was how important quiet time is. Whether it’s quiet time to meditate on the blessings you have, come up with a priority list for the next day, dream your dreams, or analyze relationships or circumstances in your life, it is an important facet of our daily living that is slowly sucked away by all the noise surrounding us. What do I mean by noise? Ah, the list is terribly long, but here are just a few key examples: any form of entertainment (TV, movies, music, games, books, radio, etc.); busyness (a.k.a workaholic); relationships (always feeling the need to be around people, cannot be by oneself). Now, I’m not saying that these things are innately horrible; however, they must be taken in good measure. Unfortunately, we live in a society where being plugged in 24/7 is encouraged and is possible with all the resources we have.

We need to find a way to use these wonderful resources responsibly by balancing them out with the too-important habit of thinking. Can we think for ourselves? Or are we so scared of thinking because we don’t want to face the truth, the problems we have to deal with? Or are we to lazy to think because it is easier to be told what to think?

Truth be told, I need to practice this more often. When I do have quiet times, they usually happen in the car with the radio turned off. I take the time to be thankful for my life, to come up with story ideas or details for publicity/ marketing, to think how I can help friends in tricky situations. Silence is necessary to make good judgment calls and to remember the good we have in our lives.

Here are three ways you can help yourself achieve some quiet time:

Wake up really early in the morning before everyone else does; grab a cup of tea/ coffee; curl up on the sofa and think.
Go for an invigorating walk in the park or country.
Probably the hardest, challenge yourself to a day each week with nothing on. No cell, no landline, no Internet, no TV, no music (or if you do, try classical).

If you’re already in the habit of taking time to think, what do you do to help you remain focused on the task? If you have any other ideas than mine, please share. And what do you like to think about?

Saying YES: It Will Change Your Life

That fateful day when I commenced writing the first chapter of my book…I couldn’t have imagined that it led me to where I am now. My first novel is slated to be released the first week of February. The cover has already been designed. The book trailer is set to be shot the end of this month. I didn’t know a thing about all these aspects five and a half years ago. All I knew was that this was what I wanted to do, and I was determined to do whatever necessary to reach the end. But this is only the beginning.

Now I’m not talking about saying yes to every little thing that comes your way. Or just saying yes and not putting in any or little effort. It’s not only saying “yes”; it’s doing what goes along with the “yes.” How many times have you let an opportunity pass by because you were more comfortable saying “no?” Because you were too afraid that you couldn’t learn what was required or you couldn’t possibly see yourself in the position you dreamed of?

I’m telling you now, you need to swallow the “no” and let the word “yes” fall from your trembling lips when you see your next God-given opportunity. Seize it and work! A whole new world will unfold in front of you with possibilities endless. Don’t let fear tie you down.

There are so many resources for newcomers to any field. Here are the four steps you can take to ensure you succeed in any new undertaking.

Ground yourself with a fabulous support system.

Tell those friends and family members who you know will support you no matter what about the new direction you’ll be taking. They might know anything about the new undertaking, but their encouraging words can go a long way when it’s a rainy day.

Make connections in person and online. Go to conferences or any event that has to do with what you want to succeed in. They’ll be more than happy to help you out in a way that they can, give you advice, and spread the word. As long as you’re thankful and don’t take them for granted, their loyalty will be strong

2.   Research the Internet or books (if you’re the old-fashioned kind)

I found so many online sources to get started on my author journey. Writer’s Digest is a great jump off platform. Here’s a few other great ones: Writer Unboxed, Book Designer (great for publishing know-how), Publicity Hound (I’ve subscribed to the newsletter; it’s invaluable).

Books, don’t forget about those. They are the most reliable sources to research. Then again to forget to cross-check them against each other.

    3.   Be determined to work

I can’t tell you how many times I’ve heard people that I know well who’ve said “I want to change” but hardly make any efforts to actually do so. The path of “yes,” the path of change isn’t an easy one. From personal experience I can tell you it’s the most rewarding one. Yes, it can be uncomfortable. Yet, if you never step out of comfort zone, chances are you’ll lead a less than exciting life. Determination will drive you great distances even when you don’t feel like it.

     4.   Set yourself some realistic goals

If you never set up any goals, your determination cannot see the trophy it yearns to work toward. For example,  I knew that I wanted to having my book published by the first week of February right before I treat myself to some vacation time. This I knew back in September. From the end goal I worked backwards and set up smaller goals within the large one to make sure all loose ends would be tied up in a pretty bow. I put together the cover shoot which happened the end of October. I gave myself a month to do the last edit and final formatting. This month is the book trailer and formatting my novel for CreateSpace. I’ve given myself ample time to not feel rushed and to not be overwhelmed with these details and all the other responsibilities I hold to in my life.

Tell me, what opportunities have you said “no” to and regret? What lessons did you learn? And which ones have you said “yes” to? What’s your success story? We’re all in the same boat. We’ve all said “no” and “yes.” What will you do in your tomorrow?

The Sunshine Blogger Award

I want to extend a huge thank you to Potential Doctor. We’ve only recently followed each other’s blogs; yet that is no impediment to what I believe are our greatest ties— the friendship we have with one another and the fact we believe in each other’s writing.

I’m supposed to answer eleven questions that come with the honour of receiving the Sunshine Blogger Award. Here they are:

If you had to learn another language, what would it be? Well, I’m already working on German; but if I had to choose a language apart from the one I’m learning now, it would be Hindi.
Who is your favorite music artist? Selena Gomez is my favourite secular artist. Britt Nicole is my favourite Christian artist.
Tea or coffee? Herbal tea
What country would you like to visit next? Great Britain
What is your favorite season? spring
If there is one thing you could change in the world, what would it be? If I could change anything, it would be that people, including myself, would be quick to listen and be understanding of others, slower to judge by the standard of our opinions; that we would love others unabashedly.
What is the craziest thing you have ever done? Bungee jumping
List one of your current short-term goals: To publish my first novel which I’m in the process of doing.
Why do you blog? I blog to inspire writers, dream with everyone, and inform readers of Canada’s greatly underrated history.
What piece of advice do you have for new bloggers? Set up a schedule and be consistent.
What do you spend most of your time doing? That’s really hard to pinpoint since what I do is always so variated. But first and most important to me is that I’m a homemaker with a husband and kids who I adore. I spend most of my time loving them and working hard to make our home a haven.

My nominations for the Sunshine Blogger Award:

Cristian Mihai, Matt Walsh Blog, Better Man Project, Loving Life at Home, Being Pretty, Plus Ultra, Chester Maynes, Poet’s Billow, EveryDay Power, Don Charisma, Heart Cry for Quebec

Here are the rules for the Sunshine Blogger award should you choose to participate:

Thank the person/people who nominated you. [ Link Back]
Answer the questions from your nominators.
Nominate eleven other bloggers and give them eleven questions.

And here are my 11 questions! Enjoy!

What is your favourite book?
If you could have any job in the world, what would it be?
E-book or paper?
Who has influenced you the most?
If you could live anywhere in the world, where would it be?
What would be the one thing you would want to ameliorate about yourself?
What’s your favourite part of your day?
Sunset or sunrise?
What are your greatest inspirations?
What is your favourite movie?
What is the scariest thing you’ve ever experienced?

Pushing the Boundaries with Elizabeth Hay

Source: Pushing the Boundaries with Elizabeth Hay