Chynna T. Laird's Blog, page 29

Writing Sample Saturday: Just Shut Up and Drive

Well, I'm in a sentimental mood today.

We've had to deal with a lot of things going on around here lately. Death of a loved one, health stuff, school being out and missing friends...just 'stuff'.

So, I thought, in light of that, I'd share a snippet from my novel, 'Just Shut Up and Drive', that depicts the importance of remembering the things we need to stay close to us in order to keep us focused on events, and people, that help to keep us grounded.

We can all become derailed at some point. And...

Music Mantra Monday: Dealing with Hurt

Hurt.

We all feel it at one point. There are different reasons from where it stems from, but every person deals with it in their own way.

Not all ways of dealing with it are good. We know that. Everyone turns to crutches, which I've blogged about, but those are not always healthy things to turn to. You need to face that pain and cope with it. If you don't, you will carry it with you forever and that just isn't healthy. Pain, anger and those negative feelings eat away at you. That's what their j...

Writing Sample Saturday: Celebrating the Bookiversary of Just Shut Up and Drive

Well, I just realized that today was the bookiversary for my Contemporary Family-based novel, 'Just Shut Up and Drive'.

This coming-of-age novel is very close to my heart. I wrote it in one month during NaNoWriMo and it's based on many elements in my own life. The relationship between the eighteen-year-old and his ninety-five-year old grandfather is very special. At times, they didn't see eye-to-eye, but in the end they both learned a lot of things about one another from their road trip...espe...

Writing Prompt Wednesday: Earth Elements

I know I have already recently done a writing prompt about earth elements, but I think it's important to be connected with them.

This is a water connected girl. I always have been, and it's been a huge source of inspiration for much of my writing. I include this element in everything I write.

I remember sitting on the dock when I was young, crossed-legged...eyes closed...and just listening to the water ebb up to the shore around me. My favorite times were when the waves would come crashing arou...

Talk About It Tuesday: The Importance of Family

Family.

There are many different definitions of it these days that do not fit into that square box of 'two-point-five-kids-and-a-white-picket fence' scenario from long ago.

When I was growing up, my brother and I were with my grandparents, uncle and aunt a lot of the time. My Bonus Dad was amazing and I was blessed with bonus siblings too. What we often forget about is that there are many people in our lives that are like family, even though we may not be blood related.

These people could be clo...

Music Mantra Monday: Music That Heals

Music has always been what I've turned to for comfort.

Some people eat. Others drink or do drugs. Others still go and seek other people. I didn't.

I was a loner. I was that kid that skipped classes in school and sat in her locker with headphones on listening to the stuff most others didn't. And there was a reason.

Aside from the Beatles, I liked 'angry music'. Yes, I played piano from age two and could play Beethoven, Mozart, Chopin and many others but...angry music is what I drew from. It isn't...

Writing Sample Saturday: WIP ~ Sensational Friends Forever

True friendship is a rare and special thing.

I think I can count on one hand how many true friends I really have.

True friends care. They accept you for who you are. They see your true potential, and bring it out. They put up with you when you're going through crappy stuff and not only deal with your venting but also stand by you until they need you...even when you don't think you need anyone. They love you through thick and thin. They're there to celebrate with you in good times, and cry with...

Music Mantra Monday: Interview with Ben Miller (The Ben Miller Band)

For today’s Music Mantra, I am very excited to introduce The Ben Miller Band, who I recently had the pleasure of seeing. I didn’t realize how much I’ve missed listening to country blues music until I saw them. The heart and soul they put into their songs is inspirational, and you can see the passion they have as they play--I mean just check out the above video (listen to it while you read)!Now, you all know that I am a huge fan of all kinds of music, and have reviewed many tastes. But even if...

Food For Thought Friday: Ben Miller Band - Scott Leeper

As you all know, we usually share recipe and foodie ideas on Fridays but today, I have a very special treat.

Back in last fall, I bought George Thorogood tickets for my husband's Birthday for here in Edmonton, We finally got to see him a few weeks ago and all I can say is...you need to see his show at least once. What made it even more awesome was their opening band, a hill country blues band called, "The Ben Miller Band".

I've only been blown away by a few bands in my life, and this one is rig...

Writing Prompt Wednesday: Leaving Footprints

When I was a young girl, my grandfather said something similar in this photo to me. He told me that I had to remember that I was never alone, no matter how crappy things felt, because someone was always watching over me.

I felt it.

Especially recently.

I wrote a story about an elderly man who impacted my life significantly called, "A Grey Felt Hat". I was going through a very rough time and he got on the bus a few stops after mine every morning. The first time he sat beside me and started to cha...