Destiny Booze's Blog: The Smiling Pains of Novelist Destiny Booze, page 26

Hello 2010!

My blog The Smiling Pains of Novelist Destiny Booze is changing. I'm adding a new themed day into the blog schedule.

Every Friday (let's make it a Fun Friday), I will be posting emails from readers. Please help me get this off to a great start by sending me some fun stuff in, okay? The emails can be a question to me (almost anything goes), a comment, a review, a personal embarrassing moment would make my day (lol), your personal story of success, an experience worth sharing, or it can be anything you have to say. It's all about you. What do you want to say every Friday?

Submit emails to destinybooze@gmail.com. Also, please keep sending me submissions for my creative corner. I'm truly loving everyone's work!

I'm also considering one more themed day and I want to put it up to a vote. The choices are: (1) Amazing Stories, (2) Picture of the Week, (3) The world through the eyes of _______ (fill in the blank with a different person each week, like a child, a senior, a brother, a mother), or... (4) (this will probably surprise you) a Destiny's venting day. Does Desitny vent? Yes, she does!

So, what do you think?

While you're voting, let me know if you want to keep my two current themed days: A Smile Every Sunday and Motivational Monday.

Send your votes to destinybooze@gmail.com. I can't wait to hear what you think!

It's going to be a great year! I can feel it!

My dog needs advice

I have a doberman that's six years old. Her name is Princess and she's very beautiful, energetic, well-mannered (most of the time) and the cuddliest member of our family. But...she has severe separation anxiety and I'm helpless to do anything for her.

We got her when she was about 8 months old and it started right away. Every year I keep thinking it will get better, but it doesn't. Whenever we leave, she shakes, whines, paces the floor, chews stuff up, gets in the trash, barks and just really shows many different signs of stress and anxiety. I've done everything the veterinarian has suggested for her. I need some more creative ideas.

Whenever we leave, I dog-proof the house first. Then I make sure she's gone to the bathroom. I give her plenty of food and water. I keep some of her toys out to keep her occupied. I even leave the TV on as background noise so she won't feel alone. None of it is working. She really needs a doggie therapist.

After we return home, it takes her a solid thirty minutes to calm down. She just gets so upset.

Does anyone have any suggestions for me? Anyone else have this problem?

Do you keep a journal?

"The palest ink is better than the best memory." - Chinese Proverb

Have you ever said to yourself, "This is a great memory. I'll never forget it."

I've said it many different times in my life. But, I've noticed that I HAVE forgotten things, important things, wonderful things, momentous occasions that I swore to remember always. Somehow, I've lost so many memories that I wanted to keep. I didn't even realize it had happened.

I grew up at a campground. During that time, I met so many different and wonderful people. Most of them I can't remember anymore. Isn't that sad?

I remember once when I was in high school, I found a note in my locker that said someone had a crush on me, that I was beautiful...or something like that. It was signed by a secret admirer. I felt embarrassed at the time. I was certain that the note was put in the wrong locker, so I threw it away. Now, I really wish I could remember what the letter said. I simply can't recall anymore.

My husband proposed on top of a mountain in a special place that we considered as ours. It was so romantic. Now, I can't remember his exact words that day. I really wish I could.

So...I've decided that I need to start keeping a journal. Not as a diary. Not as a gripe book for all the wrongs in the world. I need it for my memories, so I CAN'T let the important things slip my mind and slip away. Know what I mean?

Does anyone else keep a journal?

I’m Sorry, or not

I’m sorry the house wasn’t as clean as it needed to be yesterday.



I’m sorry that I was late for my son’s appointment.



I’m sorry I got frustrated over something so small.



I’m sorry I didn’t get everything done I planned to do.



I’m sorry I burned dinner.



Most of all, I’m sorry to myself for taking the weight of the world on my shoulders and feeling such guilt over every little thing that I don’t do perfectly. I’m sorry to myself for punishing myself by thinking over and over again about everything I do wrong. I’m human. It’s okay if I’m not Superwoman. It’s okay that I make mistakes.



I forgive myself. I’m going to let all the tiny things go. I just want peace and happiness. The funny thing is that I’ll be better for it. Maybe the secret behind Superwoman has nothing to do with how few things she does wrong, but rather how many things she does right.



I don’t think I’m going to spend so much time being sorry anymore. Sorry if that isn’t the right thing to do…or maybe I’m not.

Writer’s Block?

Do you think writer’s block is real or imagined? I believe that every writer can experience a loss of momentum in their story for many different reasons.



One issue may be the lack of knowing where you want the story to go. Another issue may be that there’s not enough substance to the story. It may need a sideline plot to sustain the book. The characters could also be too flat to carry the story.



There are many different reasons for a story to slow down. It happens to everyone. That doesn’t mean you need to give up on your idea. It could just mean that you need to choose a new direction for the plot, especially if you don’t do an outline before writing or if you discover that your outline isn't flowing as you go.



Don’t let a loss of momentum discourage you into trashing your story. Have a brainstorming session with your plot and characters. Write down anything that comes to mind. I bet something will spark back to life. If not, try a different approach. You could try writing in a different setting to get the creative juices flowing. Sit down in a different room while you write, or go outside, maybe go to a coffee shop. Maybe you could combine two story ideas together into one powerful plot. Sit down and do a more detailed character profile. There are lots of different things you can do.


When all else fails, take a break. Get some fresh air. Exercise. Sleep on it. I constantly come up with ideas in my sleep. Something will come to you if you give it some time.


Just don’t give up! “Writer’s block” doesn’t have to be a problem. It could be a blessing. What would have been a mediocre story could turn into something that really stands out after further brainstorming.



Let the muse flow. Just keep writing! It doesn’t have to be perfect. The editing process comes next. ; )


Happy writing!

THE CURSE OF A MIND Blurb

From the killer:

No one knows who I am. I answer to no name. Call me rage. Call me vengeance. I am a punisher, an executioner.

There is no fate I fear. No Heaven or Hell. Existence is my curse and my sentence to serve.

I know who will die next.

I swoop inside, unseen, like an apparition. I will kill you. There’s nothing you can do to stop me.

Death has taken me. I am death. Be prepared for my rage. My curse is coming to you…


There's no hope. The killer is using a marvel in the medical field known as techlepathy, a combination of technology and telepathy to produce a telepathic result. He’s reading their minds.

Chris Chambers is a private investigator with great instincts and a shady past. She’s hardened to life, even more so to people, and as tough as the military trained her to be.

Her team’s newest case is a construction worker by the name of Aidan Wolfe. Someone is trying to kill him, someone with extraordinary gifts.

The killer blames Aidan for the injustices in his life, and he wants revenge. He’s coming for Aidan, Chris and her team. He wants them to all die in a terrifying manner, but first, he’ll make them face their worst fears.

The intensity grows as Chris and Aidan deny a growing attraction for each other while they fight to stay alive. Her life is a constant test of discipline, and he makes her feel totally out of control. There is no middle ground for either of them, but in the end, it may not matter, not if they can’t survive.

Can they win? When faced with the inner demons within, will they want to?

I am in awe of good speakers

While cooking dinner yesterday, I was listening to Oprah. She was doing a show about heroes that had me wiping away tears about every ten minutes. It was a truly beautiful show.

What I noticed, listening to the show was how well some of the stories were told by the survivors. Then, I realized that I felt envious. I love to hear a well spoken person talk. I just wish that it was I that could do it!

One particular guy on the show expressed heart felt gratitude to his hero in a way that was so eloquent and beautiful, yet it didn't sound rehearsed at all. He spoke in front of Oprah's audience and in front of a camera with a calmness that I just didn't understand. How did he do that?

When I write, I don't think about it. I guess it's the same way with people that have the gift of speech. For me, when I get in front of people to talk, I sound like a blubbering idiot. Almost always, like nine times out of ten, I just won't be able to form any sentence structure beyond that of a nine year old. It can get embarrassing.

So, as I'm thinking how jealous I am of this beautiful talker on the Oprah show, I immediately realize how stupid I'm being. I don't want to be the kind of person that always wants what someone else has. I want to be the kind of person that appreciates the strengths of others and honors others for their accomplishments without any negativity at all.

I think I can do that. This Thanksgiving, I am thankful for the gifts that I have. I'm going to make it a point to be especially thankful for the gifts and blessings of those around me, too.

Motivational Monday - Family is our support system

Fincastle Herald/July 2008/Destiny Booze

What makes a “man of steel,” a man of heroic character and strength? Michael “Mike” Brogan had nerves of steel as an ironworker until an accident in 1996 left him as a bilateral amputee. Now, he is a man of courage, which he demonstrates daily as he determinedly manages with a disability. Oh, and as a hobby, he started driving a racecar at Natural Bridge Speedway after his accident. Yes, Brogan is a racecar driver.



The accident occurred on October 17th. Brogan was only thirty years old. An unstable concrete support shifted, causing the iron structure where Brogan was working to collapse. He fell 25 feet. Both of his legs were crushed and he was airlifted to the hospital.



He almost bled to death, according to the physicians’ notes upon examination at the hospital. He was immediately rushed to surgery to stop the bleeding in his legs. It was apparent right away that the legs would probably have to go.



Brogan’s first concern upon waking in the hospital was whether or not he was paralyzed. He knew he could not feel anything in his legs. The doctors had to break bad news. Brogan had a choice to make – his life or his legs. He described the decision as easy. He wanted to live. He had a two-year-old daughter at home that he had every intention of seeing grow up. He told the doctors to take his legs.



Many surgeries and months of rehabilitation followed. He remembered struggling through all the rehab at the same time as actor Christopher Reeves, known for playing Superman. Reeves was rehabilitating after a paralyzing accident in 1995. Of course, Reeves was in worse shape and still fighting to walk again. It essentially became a motto and motivator for Brogan. “No matter how bad a shape you are, there’s always someone else worse than you are. You just keep on and don’t give up,” he said.



So, why did Brogan choose to start racing? He grinned and shrugged in answer. “I tried it to have something to do.”



The speed, rush and excitement of racecar driving is a family tradition. Brogan knew about cars as a young boy by watching his dad race and working on his dad’s pit crew. He and his older brother, David, worked on the cars together. David was already racing, and Brogan was ready for his turn.



It was Brogan’s friends and family that helped him to customize a racecar with hand controls. The brake and gas are accessible where a gearshift would normally be, yet there are still challenges. Managing a curve with one arm at racing speeds is very difficult. If it was not for Brogan’s amazing upper body strength because of his disability, he probably wouldn’t be able to control the car.



Brogan found a sponsor, Lewis Sifford, a realtor for Long and Foster to help support the cost of racing. Sifford, a friend as well as sponsor, said, “His determination to do what he wants in spite of his disabilities is incredible. I have never heard an excuse, or if I had my legs I would.”



Brogan is definitely known to do whatever he sets his mind to doing. After the accident, he was told he would most likely be in a wheelchair for the rest of his life. That is not the case. Though he has a wheelchair, he uses prosthetic legs to help him get around the majority of the time. Or even more determinedly, when he needs to do something without the chair or the prosthetics, he just takes them off and uses his arms to get around. He works on his racecar by using the creeper in the garage to get around. Whatever it takes, Brogan gets the job done. Recently, he just worked on putting vinyl siding on his house.



Virginia, Brogan’s mom described her family as a team, a crew on the track and off. “I’m so very proud of all my children. They pulled together in time of need.” Brogan agreed. “Family and friends, I wouldn’t be able to race if it wasn’t for them,” he said.



It has been hard on Brogan’s family to see someone they love suffer. “Words cannot describe how hard it is at times to see Mike have to struggle with certain things or not be able to do certain things that he used to do and get frustrated because he can’t do them,” Angela, Brogan’s sister said. She often wrestles with the why of it all. Why him?



Brogan’s smile is a source of his strength and character. He loves life, loves fishing, loves racing. The why may never be known, but at least now we know what makes a “man of steel.” It’s his support system.


The Brogan Racing Team – Addison and Virginia, David, Mike and Angela – is a team stronger than kryptonite.

Let's get involved and help kids with Type I diabetes

My publisher, Whimsical Publications is a proud supporter of the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF). I believe this is a noble cause that I want everyone to get involved in. That's why I'm spreading the word that Whimsical has just kicked off its Annual JDRF Fundraising Event.

Here's some information posted by Whimsical about why this cause is so important.

"Finding a cure for Type 1 (juvenile) diabetes is an important cause with Whimsical Publications.

Type 1 (juvenile) diabetes strikes children suddenly, makes them dependent on injected or pumped insulin
for life, and carries the constant threat of devastating complications. While diagnosis most often occurs in
childhood and adolescence, it can and does strike adults as well. The Juvenile Diabetes Research
Foundation International is the leading charitable funder and advocate of type 1 (juvenile) diabetes research
worldwide. The mission of JDRF is to find a cure for diabetes and its complications through the support of
research.

Since its founding in 1970 by parents of children with type 1 diabetes, JDRF has awarded more than $1.3
billion to diabetes research, including more than $156 million in FY2008. More than 85 percent of JDRF's
expenditures directly support research and research-related education. In FY2008, the Foundation funded
more than 1,000 centers, grants, and fellowships in 22 countries, including nearly 40 human clinical trials."

Here's how you can help. You can donate. Follow this link to learn more, or to see how Whimsical Publications stays involved. http://www.whimsicalpublications.com/...

We have the best intentions, right?

"I get along with everyone, until my family comes home," Joyce Meyer.

I wake up every morning with the intentions of doing everything right. I'm going to get that workout in. I'm going to eat healthy. I'm going to get the house clean. I'm going to get my writing goals done. I'm going to spend extra time with my husband and son. I'm going to do it all with a great attitude....and on and on. I really do plan all of these things and it lasts until I climb out of bed, then everything goes straight out the window.

What happens?

Life is what happens. That's the only way I know how to explain it. Instead of my day beginning with a smile, the coffee pot breaks and I discover I'm all out of microwavable food to give my son for breakfast. Then, I'm in a mad rush to cook something. My smile disappears, and I really, REALLY need some coffee.

A horrible sinus headache begins above my right eye as we head to the bus stop. No workout. Ugh, need headache medicine pronto.

Okay, so the day began terrible. I'm going to salvage what I can. Deep breath. Get your act together and get to writing. Uh-oh. The computer isn't coming on. What now?

See what I mean? It's just life. But, I still say our intentions count for something, right?