Destiny Booze's Blog: The Smiling Pains of Novelist Destiny Booze, page 28
October 15, 2009
Start Small
Do you feel like you need to be someone famous, or have a prestigious job, or beat a world record to be considered successful? I don't think so. Really. Many of us never quite figure out what we really want to do with our life anyway. Why do we choose to define ourselves through our work?
I think the most successful people in the world are the ones that make the biggest impacts in the lives of others. Generosity, kindness, charity, volunteering... I don't believe that success has anything to do with what career we have. Do you?
Small things can mean so much. What if we all did just one kind thing for someone else every day? It's a start. Maybe all it will take is just one small thing to change someone's life. Now, THAT would make me feel like a success!
I think the most successful people in the world are the ones that make the biggest impacts in the lives of others. Generosity, kindness, charity, volunteering... I don't believe that success has anything to do with what career we have. Do you?
Small things can mean so much. What if we all did just one kind thing for someone else every day? It's a start. Maybe all it will take is just one small thing to change someone's life. Now, THAT would make me feel like a success!
October 10, 2009
When you feel like giving up...
Take a short break, get a deep breath, and KEEP GOING.
When you feel like giving up, THAT's exactly when it's most important for you to keep straight ahead! I really believe that. What if your breakthrough is just over the next hurdle? It very well could be. You have to keep acting in faith and BELIEVE that you can do what you are striving to do.
I'm currently struggling with a few areas where I'm just losing steam, but it's time to pump myself up and get back at it. Discouragement and doubt are two big reasons people fail. I will not be a failure! I will keep trudging ahead until my steam returns, or until I get my big breakthrough. I know it's coming. I can feel it, almost see it at the end of the tunnel.
Maybe today's the day that I succeed. Maybe today's the day that you do. We CAN do it.
When you feel like giving up, THAT's exactly when it's most important for you to keep straight ahead! I really believe that. What if your breakthrough is just over the next hurdle? It very well could be. You have to keep acting in faith and BELIEVE that you can do what you are striving to do.
I'm currently struggling with a few areas where I'm just losing steam, but it's time to pump myself up and get back at it. Discouragement and doubt are two big reasons people fail. I will not be a failure! I will keep trudging ahead until my steam returns, or until I get my big breakthrough. I know it's coming. I can feel it, almost see it at the end of the tunnel.
Maybe today's the day that I succeed. Maybe today's the day that you do. We CAN do it.
October 6, 2009
How to beat a bad review.
Okay, let's face it. A bad review stings. It hurts. Writing is very personal, so when people tell you not to let a bad review get you down, they are asking way more than they realize. With that said...
Don't let a bad review get you down!
Here's how. Be confident in yourself and what you do. You have to know that you know that you know what you are meant to do with your life. When you have complete faith that writing is your calling, one bad opinion of your work will not cause anymore harm than a bee with the initial sting. Shrug it off and keep going.
If there's any constructive criticism in the review, note it and move on. Otherwise, chalk it up to a difference of opinion and mark it as unimportant. Can you do that? Yes, you can. Choose to put it out of your mind. You can do it...if you are sure of your own ability.
Do you think James Patterson loses sleep over one bad review? I seriously doubt it. The secret is confidence.
I think we can apply this concept to any area of our life. Keep your head high. It's a fact of life that not everyone is going to be nice. You shouldn't let that matter to you. Concentrate on YOU, not THEM.
And...SMILE! You'll feel better.
So, do you think this blog is for you or me? ; )
Don't let a bad review get you down!
Here's how. Be confident in yourself and what you do. You have to know that you know that you know what you are meant to do with your life. When you have complete faith that writing is your calling, one bad opinion of your work will not cause anymore harm than a bee with the initial sting. Shrug it off and keep going.
If there's any constructive criticism in the review, note it and move on. Otherwise, chalk it up to a difference of opinion and mark it as unimportant. Can you do that? Yes, you can. Choose to put it out of your mind. You can do it...if you are sure of your own ability.
Do you think James Patterson loses sleep over one bad review? I seriously doubt it. The secret is confidence.
I think we can apply this concept to any area of our life. Keep your head high. It's a fact of life that not everyone is going to be nice. You shouldn't let that matter to you. Concentrate on YOU, not THEM.
And...SMILE! You'll feel better.
So, do you think this blog is for you or me? ; )
September 30, 2009
My Experience at the National Book Festival
Okay, the day of the book festival, it was chilly, rainy and I'd forgotten my jacket like an idiot, but...
OMG! I saw so many amazing, talented, bestselling authors. I was in awe!
Here's a few tidbits for you. David Baldacci looks even better than his picture in person. Really. He's very handsome and a very nice guy. Lisa Scottoline is the same. Her picture does not do her justice. She is absolutely beautiful in person.
A friend that went to Washington D.C. with me, talked to Mary Jane Clark for a few minutes! How cool is that! We also listened to Mary Jane give a speech. I really enjoyed it. She's a wonderful speaker. She talked about her time as a TV news writer for Channel 7. According to her, when she decided to submit her first novel to an agent, she set up a meeting with Dan Rather to ask him to write her a letter of recommendation. The meeting didn't go quite like she'd planned. Dan spent a long time telling her how tough the publishing business was, why the chances were against her success and why she should really consider whether she wanted to go down that road. Once she was really feeling discouraged, she said that Dan looked at her and finished his speech with, "But, Mary Jane, lightning does strike."
Isn't that a wonderful quote? How inspiring! She never did say whether Dan agreed to write the letter or not. I would have loved to know.
James Patterson spoke right after Ms. Clark. Let me tell you what. He is so funny! I think I would have sat there and listened to that man talk all day long. It was a great experience.
So, now to the most important part, did I get to meet any of the authors? Sadly, no. I was a bit disappointed by that. The authors were scheduled for one-hour book signings. I had a book by David Baldacci for him to sign. I also wanted to hand him a copy of an article I wrote about him for the Fincastle Herald earlier this year, but it didn't work out. The lines were so long that people were waiting for up to three hours at a time and still not getting their books signed. It was too bad, really too bad.
The authors didn't mingle at all. They were put inside a tent with security all around them to keep out the public. When it was time for a signing or speech, the author was escorted to that area, then returned to the tent as soon as it was over. Very impersonal. I wanted to meet so many of them.
Overall, it was a great experience and I'm glad I went. On the way home, the most amazing thing happened. A waitress at the restaurant I stopped at for dinner recognized me. She told me that she'd read Altered Beginnings, and loved it! She felt like the book really helped her to relate better to her daughter. It was a very humbling experience that truly brightened my day. The rain didn't bother me for the rest of the night. This is a shoutout to that waitress. Thank you, Kathy!
One person touched me in a way that all of those famous authors combined never could... I will treasure that memory for forever.
OMG! I saw so many amazing, talented, bestselling authors. I was in awe!
Here's a few tidbits for you. David Baldacci looks even better than his picture in person. Really. He's very handsome and a very nice guy. Lisa Scottoline is the same. Her picture does not do her justice. She is absolutely beautiful in person.
A friend that went to Washington D.C. with me, talked to Mary Jane Clark for a few minutes! How cool is that! We also listened to Mary Jane give a speech. I really enjoyed it. She's a wonderful speaker. She talked about her time as a TV news writer for Channel 7. According to her, when she decided to submit her first novel to an agent, she set up a meeting with Dan Rather to ask him to write her a letter of recommendation. The meeting didn't go quite like she'd planned. Dan spent a long time telling her how tough the publishing business was, why the chances were against her success and why she should really consider whether she wanted to go down that road. Once she was really feeling discouraged, she said that Dan looked at her and finished his speech with, "But, Mary Jane, lightning does strike."
Isn't that a wonderful quote? How inspiring! She never did say whether Dan agreed to write the letter or not. I would have loved to know.
James Patterson spoke right after Ms. Clark. Let me tell you what. He is so funny! I think I would have sat there and listened to that man talk all day long. It was a great experience.
So, now to the most important part, did I get to meet any of the authors? Sadly, no. I was a bit disappointed by that. The authors were scheduled for one-hour book signings. I had a book by David Baldacci for him to sign. I also wanted to hand him a copy of an article I wrote about him for the Fincastle Herald earlier this year, but it didn't work out. The lines were so long that people were waiting for up to three hours at a time and still not getting their books signed. It was too bad, really too bad.
The authors didn't mingle at all. They were put inside a tent with security all around them to keep out the public. When it was time for a signing or speech, the author was escorted to that area, then returned to the tent as soon as it was over. Very impersonal. I wanted to meet so many of them.
Overall, it was a great experience and I'm glad I went. On the way home, the most amazing thing happened. A waitress at the restaurant I stopped at for dinner recognized me. She told me that she'd read Altered Beginnings, and loved it! She felt like the book really helped her to relate better to her daughter. It was a very humbling experience that truly brightened my day. The rain didn't bother me for the rest of the night. This is a shoutout to that waitress. Thank you, Kathy!
One person touched me in a way that all of those famous authors combined never could... I will treasure that memory for forever.
September 29, 2009
5 Stars for Altered Beginnings
In Altered Beginnings by Destiny Booze Leigh Lawson is finally free of the drug filled life she had led. She finally comes home to her best friend Emma Comb's graduation party and finds out the whole town hates her except Jason Altarez, a hot reporter who feels there is an even hotter story with Leigh being back in town. There is only one small problem he falls for his story.
Leigh's brother, Shawn Branscom, is a cop who wants his sister to go undercover to get evidence against one Freddie Garrett, a big drug dealer in town. As Leigh puts her life and the lives of her loved ones around her in danger by going undercover will she learn that she can trust Jason? Can she stay clean while being undercover?
I loved this story from beginning to end as well as everything in between. The characters were well developed and I could see and feel everything that they were seeing and feeling. I loved the scenes where Leigh is wondering if she can trust Jason.
***** 5 stars
Carol Langstroth, Manager
Mind Fog Reviews
Leigh's brother, Shawn Branscom, is a cop who wants his sister to go undercover to get evidence against one Freddie Garrett, a big drug dealer in town. As Leigh puts her life and the lives of her loved ones around her in danger by going undercover will she learn that she can trust Jason? Can she stay clean while being undercover?
I loved this story from beginning to end as well as everything in between. The characters were well developed and I could see and feel everything that they were seeing and feeling. I loved the scenes where Leigh is wondering if she can trust Jason.
***** 5 stars
Carol Langstroth, Manager
Mind Fog Reviews
September 23, 2009
Liar, Liar
I know it's a debatable topic, but is honesty always the best policy? Always? Really?
In my opinion, yes, yes and yes. Here's why, and this is what I tell my very impressionable six-year-old son.
I believe words have power. Positive affirmations spoken aloud lead to success. Negative words lead to failure. I believe that to be fact. Words can heal, words can wound, simple words cause divorces and end relationships. Words really do have power. It is so important that we be careful with our words.
Then, there's the little white lies. Still a problem? That's the gray area. Is it wrong to tell your child that Santa Claus is real? No, not in my humble opinion. Lying implies intent to deceive. I believe Santa Claus is a real entity in our hearts. Letting a child believe in Christmas is a gift, one of joy and happiness, one of love and faith.
People lie for many different reasons, but I think one of the biggest is most likely to avoid confrontation. But, it's still wrong. Telling the truth takes bravery and honor. No one said it was easy.
Don't take the easy way out anymore. Don't lie. I know I'm going to try and do better myself. Lying diminishes the power of our words. It's the same as Kryptonite to Superman. Choose honor. Choose to keep your power.
In my opinion, yes, yes and yes. Here's why, and this is what I tell my very impressionable six-year-old son.
I believe words have power. Positive affirmations spoken aloud lead to success. Negative words lead to failure. I believe that to be fact. Words can heal, words can wound, simple words cause divorces and end relationships. Words really do have power. It is so important that we be careful with our words.
Then, there's the little white lies. Still a problem? That's the gray area. Is it wrong to tell your child that Santa Claus is real? No, not in my humble opinion. Lying implies intent to deceive. I believe Santa Claus is a real entity in our hearts. Letting a child believe in Christmas is a gift, one of joy and happiness, one of love and faith.
People lie for many different reasons, but I think one of the biggest is most likely to avoid confrontation. But, it's still wrong. Telling the truth takes bravery and honor. No one said it was easy.
Don't take the easy way out anymore. Don't lie. I know I'm going to try and do better myself. Lying diminishes the power of our words. It's the same as Kryptonite to Superman. Choose honor. Choose to keep your power.
September 22, 2009
Guess what? I'm a Romance Junkies Reviewer
I am so excited! I am officially a romance junkies reviewer. Do you know what this means? FREE BOOKS! Yeehaw!
If you haven't been by Romance Junkies website, it is a really great place. You can check it out here: http://www.romancejunkies.com
This is sooooooo cool!
If you haven't been by Romance Junkies website, it is a really great place. You can check it out here: http://www.romancejunkies.com
This is sooooooo cool!
September 19, 2009
Okay, I did it! I'm a twitterer now.
Come and follow me! http://www.twitter.com/destinybooze I'm going to have so much fun with this!
September 18, 2009
Where do you put your pain?
Recently, I found out a friend of mine had a cancer scare. She never said a word until it was over. She dealt with it all alone. It shocked me that I didn't have a clue how scared she'd been. She hid it so well. How did she stay so put together? Where did she put that pain?
Are you one of those people that can be upset for a whole week and not even tell your spouse? Or, are you one of those people that others won't even look at you the wrong way when you are in a mood?
I think I'm somewhere in the middle...
But, when we're not openly letting it out, where are we putting the pain, the anger, the sadness? Where does it all go? It has to go somewhere, right?
Do you let it out by drinking too much on Friday nights? Do you box for an hour after work? Do you cuss out the salesman that calls your house during dinner? Do you wash the dishes, and break at least three glasses from banging them around?
Maybe some of the little things can be so much less important if we choose to deal with the big things head on. Just a thought.
Are you one of those people that can be upset for a whole week and not even tell your spouse? Or, are you one of those people that others won't even look at you the wrong way when you are in a mood?
I think I'm somewhere in the middle...
But, when we're not openly letting it out, where are we putting the pain, the anger, the sadness? Where does it all go? It has to go somewhere, right?
Do you let it out by drinking too much on Friday nights? Do you box for an hour after work? Do you cuss out the salesman that calls your house during dinner? Do you wash the dishes, and break at least three glasses from banging them around?
Maybe some of the little things can be so much less important if we choose to deal with the big things head on. Just a thought.
September 16, 2009
Hello. My name is Destiny. I'm a bookaholic.
For many, many years, I was a chain smoker. A very addicted smoker with an awful cough, yet I would deny that it had anything to do with the cigarettes. It was my allergies that caused my cough, of course. Total denial.
I'm proud to say that I quit smoking. It was one of the hardest things I ever did, but I am officially a non-smoker of many, many years. Yay me!
So...guess what I did after I got rid of the cancer sticks? I found a new addiction - food. Now, I have a new nemesis to deal with. What is it with me? Is it possible I have to be addicted to something?
Hmmmm.... I guess that's something to think about...
I have a new plan. My new plan is to delve deeper into another addiction of mine - books. I am an admitted bookaholic, and proud of it! I don't plan to change, don't want to.
Find a great book to escape in, and you can join me in my passion.
Happy reading!
I'm proud to say that I quit smoking. It was one of the hardest things I ever did, but I am officially a non-smoker of many, many years. Yay me!
So...guess what I did after I got rid of the cancer sticks? I found a new addiction - food. Now, I have a new nemesis to deal with. What is it with me? Is it possible I have to be addicted to something?
Hmmmm.... I guess that's something to think about...
I have a new plan. My new plan is to delve deeper into another addiction of mine - books. I am an admitted bookaholic, and proud of it! I don't plan to change, don't want to.
Find a great book to escape in, and you can join me in my passion.
Happy reading!
The Smiling Pains of Novelist Destiny Booze
A blog about life, faith, family and writing. "I want to change the world through inspiration, hope and a positive attitude - one smile at a time! I want to live my life in a way others will follow. I
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