Chynna T. Laird's Blog, page 8

Music Mantra Monday ~ Stop Teen Dating Violence

Welcome to our Monday segment.

I frequently receive requests from specific causes asking that I add my voice. I get so many that I have had to be rather choosy, but almost all causes relating to teens and young adults I give a closer look at. This is one that touches me on a very personal level, so here's my voice.

Many times, this issue is suffered in silence. Friends of victims will see this going on long before parents do. That's understandable considering friends usually see each other for...

Writing Sample Wednesday ~ A Snippet From Out Of Sync

I thought we'd take a little bit of a break from our focus of the week, which has been on understanding and helping young adults, and share a partial chapter from the one and only adult fiction novella I've written, 'Out Of Sync'.

The idea for this book, like a few of my others, came to me in a dream. I saw the book from beginning to end. I developed a great relationship with each of the characters, I got to tap into some of my legal/criminalistic background and it had a very strong First Nati...

Talk About It ~ 5 Things Teens Want You To Understand

Like many of you out there, I am raising teens. My sweet little babies I who wouldn't go anywhere without me have grown into these fiercely independent young adults. I think it's fantastic, but there are times when they struggle. Now, it's normal to struggle from time-to-time whether it's with a decision, difficulty in a specific class, or in relationships with others. But when the struggles are too big, or our teens fall into something they feel they can't get out of, that's when we as paren...

Music Mantra Monday ~ Facing and Fighting the Power of Addiction

*Today's post touches on a very serious issue. It is shared with love and concern but may be too graphic, including the music choice, for our younger readers. Although I believe that all young people need to learn about and understand what can result in following down the path of drugs and addiction, it is recommended that younger readers read this post with a parent or guardian who can answer questions on this subject.*

I've been researching songs that depict what I've been wanting to write a...

Writing Prompt Saturday ~ Inspiring Our Youth Through Words

It's a special day today. My oldest child is celebrating her 16th Birthday.

Of course, I remember every tiny detail of her life to this point...cried when she struggled, laughed right alongside her when something was funny, cheered her on when she reached every goal she reached, no matter how small...all of the stuff we're supposed to as a parent.

I also remember being 16. It's a pretty tough time. Putting the obvious stuff to the side for a moment, this is a group of people who are stuck right...

Foodie Friday ~ A Break From Meat With Vegetarian Chili

I don't know about you but I am surrounded by a crowd of carnivores. This made things a little crazy at meal time because more times than not, I was making two different meals so everyone had something to eat. We did have a 'meatless' day and, surprisingly, what I created was eaten but they still love their meat.

Since being put on a different diet, one that needs a huge increase in protein, I had to start including meat here and there as there are certain things in it that aren't in the regul...

In The Spotlight ~ A Fiction Novel Review With A Focus On Autism

I was going to do a review for this book on Amazon but for some stupid reason, it won't let me do any reviews unless I've spent $50 or more through them in the last few months. I really don't 'get' that. For those of us who don't shop a lot on there but want to review awesome books we've read, it's a bit of a pain in the butt. So, we're going to do this review here. Your loss, Amazon.

Writing Sample Wednesday ~ A Snippet From Passing Loop (NA Contemporary)

Well, I don't know about where you all live, but today we're experiencing a stereotypical Alberta winter. Yesterday, our temperature hit a balmy 0* with tons of sunshine and today we have whipping winds, blowing snow and the temperature is dropping by the hour. I have to say that in Winnipeg, where I am originally from, winter lasted from when the snow hit right up until it melted away in the spring. None of these teasers of spring-like weather for a few days until Mother Nature slaps you in...

Music Mantra Monday ~ Bridge Over Troubled Water

Today's song choice is probably one of the most powerful songs I've shared on here for a while. It's funny. I've heard this song since I was in my early single digits but I never had an emotional connection with it...until now.

I've written hundreds of articles and blog posts, participated in interviews and given pep talks about the importance of staying true to who you are, even if there are bumps to go over in order to get there. Life isn't easy. I've said this many, many times. If it was ea...

Writing Prompt Saturday ~ Fighting Writers' Block With Inspiration

There's nothing like being full of ideas, settling down to write then be mocked by the cursor blinking on your screen waiting for you to take the lead.

And waiting.

And waiting.

There is nothing more annoying than wanting to start, finish or add to a writing project only to have your muse fall deathly silent when you need her the most.

"Thanks for keeping me up all night with ideas, then shutting up when I'm ready to go!"

There are many authors and editors out there who don't buy into writers bloc...