Chynna T. Laird's Blog, page 11

In The Spotlight - Writing To Heal

I've spoken many times on the blog about the powerful healing energy of turning to some sort of creative way to release pent up emotions. Now, more than ever, I am truly grateful to have both writing and music to turn to.
There are many manuscripts and many examples of this form of creative writing that have impressed me but two instances instantly popped to mind when I thought about today's topic.
A few years ago, I was asked to review a manuscript that was about to be published and write...

Music Mantra Monday ~ You Are So Beautiful

I realize this is the week before Christmas, but I'll save that music tribute until next week's segment. Today, I woke up really needing to hear this particular song. And I'd love to share with you why it means so much to me.

This has to be one of the most simplistic, yet the most touching and meaningful song I know. It says everything that needs to be said in a few short sentences. Many of us relate this song to weddings or romantic interludes. You can totally understand. Can't you just pictu...

Writing Sample Wednesday ~ Top 10 Books To Read To Children

Usually, I share snippets from my published books on Wednesdays, but I came across an article I'd written several years ago now for a parenting magazine on how to get kids interested in reading.Of course my answer was to get a child interested in books and reading, parents or caregivers need to instill that curiosity and enjoyment in words early on and it simply grows from there.My children had (and still do have) several bookshelves overflowing with books, but these are the ones we most ofte...

Music Mantra Monday - Here,Today

I have shared this particular song on the blog so many times, I feel I should get paid for it. But, of course, I'd never ask nor would I accept anything for sharing it.

Christmas is a wondrous and magical time of year, but it can also be an excruciating time to get through especially when loss is play.

I know. I have lost almost all of the very precious few individuals in my life whose love I trusted and who made me feel safe in sharing mine. We try our best not to connect that experience of lo...

Writing Sample Day ~ A Snippet From Still Water (Book Two in The Watcher Series)

I can't begin to tell you how wonderful it feels to be back at the computer today. A nasty flu bug stormed through our house this weekend pretty much putting the adults around here on their knees.

We're talking fever, chills, joints screaming at you with each movement, skin that's sore to the touch, intense sweats, sensitivity to sound and light, uncontrollable coughing fits (my chest is killing me)...horrible. The worst part is that I can't even take anything so I've had to just grin and bear...

Writing Prompt Saturday ~ First Writing Day of Christmas

Before I begin our series of posts relating to the Holidays, I wanted to put out there that it makes me very sad to see how commercial Christmas has become. Not many people talk about the true meaning behind the decorations, the food, or the insane amount of money spent on gifts. There is a spirit there, and it doesn't have to be religion-based, I believe people should be guided by above all of those other things.

I've always been the type of person who has never needed 'things' to be happy. T...

Writing Prompt Saturday ~ The Twelve (Actually 25) Writing Days of Christmas

Before I begin our series of posts relating to the Holidays, I wanted to put out there that it makes me very sad to see how commercial Christmas has become. Not many people talk about the true meaning behind the decorations, the food, or the insane amount of money spent on gifts. There is a spirit there, and it doesn't have to be religion-based, I believe people should be guided by above all of those other things.

I've always been the type of person who has never needed 'things' to be happy. T...

Foodie Fridays ~ Yummy (Believe It Or Not) Zucchini Cookies

Got some zucchini in the fridge begging to be consumed but no one will touch it? Have I got a recipe for you and the best part is that you'll be hiding the vegetable in the cookie.

Okay, I think I can actually hear some of you actively clicking away from this recipe post not being able to compute 'yummy' with 'zucchini cookie'. I was pleasantly surprised too, and I don't know whether it's the spices thrown in or the chewy, buttery texture but it just works.

I make a mean zucchini banana bread,...

In The Spotlight ~ A Place At Christmas Time (and Always) For Youth To Be Who They Are...Despite Their Circumstances

With the Holidays officially kicking into high gear, I thought we'd have a series of posts relating to the more difficult side of getting through this time of year.

From now until after New Years, we are bombarded with the festive decorations, the music, the shopping for the right gifts and, maybe, even visits from family or friends we don't normally see. But despite of all the joy and happiness we're supposed to experience this time of year, for many of us it is an excruciating time. Whether...

Writing Sample Wednesday ~ Reconnecting With Out Of Sync (Adult Suspense/Thriller Novella)

While pondering on what to share for today's segment, a recent experience popped in my head.

I've been in a bit of a writing funk the last couple of weeks. Maybe NaNoWriMo took a lot more out of me than I realized. But it's been hard for me to just sit and write, very unusual for me. In all fairness, my thoughts have been stretched in several different directions lately, too many perhaps. Then, as always, I was sent a sign of how to get through this funk.

The other night when a woman came to th...