Sarah Butland's Blog, page 24
December 28, 2015
Heart of Shell by Zara Steen
This novel is a great example of foreshadowing and mastering the art of keeping the reader wanting more. An unusual story, taking on the world of mermaids in a fresh and unique way, Steen weaved a tale of romance, coming of age and self-discovery.
Anya, the main character, doesn’t seem to fit into any cookie cut world and is typically ok with that. Only her parents want to follow tradition and have her matched with her mate at a very early age so they can settle down and put in roots… or… maybe seaweed in their case.
Set in Seabright, Nova Scotia, this novel takes us to Halifax as well as to Moncton for parts of the story. The local places mentioned adds an extra interest of this book for me and I love that the author, from the Maritimes herself, ensures her community is well represented.
Following this young girl through the trials and tribulations of being an almost average high school student, we meet Merrick Price and his family who at first seem to be everything Anya needs but then something happens to mix everything up.
The first of a series, Heart of Shell did an amazing job of leaving me begging for more and I bet you will, too!
Thanks for reading,
Sarah Butland
December 16, 2015
November 27, 2015
Getting Into the Mind of an Evil Character by Rebecca Graf
When you are writing a fiction story, there are many different characters you might encounter. You meet them and get to know them. Some you fall in love with. Then there are those you wonder how you will ever write. They are so evil! But you have to get into their minds. It’s a ride, I tell you.
In my book, Pure Obsession (Obsessions Book 1)
, I had to dwell in the mind of a sociopath. I’m not just talking a bad guy. I’m talking about someone who doesn’t have remorse and will do anything to get what he wants. Getting into his mind was….an experience.
My character, Marcus Critton, is a man who once was a street thug but has become a very powerful man who controls even politicians. Theft and murder are nothing to him. Not something I’m familiar with, I’m afraid. Yet I had to get at least emotionally familiar.
I had to write as though I enjoyed the pain and the suffering inflicted on others. Admission time. This was easier to do when I was angry or people were really getting on my nerves, but… I found myself sitting with the family as they watched TV. I was in Marcus’ mind. I had to write as though I was him. Then my daughter would ask me a question. My reaction? I about took her head off. I was not a nice person. I was into the character, and he was coming out in me.
To really write a good character, you have to get really close to them. That can be dangerous with an evil mind. I found that I had to be completely alone when I wrote from his viewpoint. I announced to the family that I needed to be undisturbed for a spell. I’d go into my room and shut the door to be ‘alone’ with Marcus. When I was done with his part of the story, I’d chill with a game on my phone or watch a funny TV show. It was my way to transition back to reality and leave Marcus behind.
Writing his part of the story had to be done very deliberately which made finishing the book much harder than I realized. But it was so worth it when I hear readers express their extreme dislike for Marcus. They all want to take him down. What a thrill!
I don’t really blame him. Marcus is vile. Yet a part of me feels for him. Maybe it was because we were so close for a spell. When he looked at Hannah, he saw someone he loved. Yes, he was obsessive about her, but he loved her. Every action he took was because he wanted her and loved her with all his heart. The problem was like what many other people face in life, just not in such a diabolical sense. Marcus was seeing everything the way he wanted to see it.
He saw his actions as love. Therefore she was too see them as love. Yet she saw them as deadly obsession. I see people in my life doing the same thing by being helpful in their eyes but are being controlling or hateful in everyone else’s. Is he really so different than those who hate him? Maybe he kills a few more people….
Marcus is a complex man. Evil he is, but oh so human.
You can read about the diabolical Marcus Critton and his obsession with Hannah Harrison in Pure Obsession (Obsessions Book 1) on Amazon in ebook format. Print coming soon.
October 15, 2015
Spiritually Aware Parenting Coaching Session
Everything does happen for a reason and at just the right time, even if it’s difficult to always understand. This coaching hosted by Spiritually Aware Parent Christina Fletcher was no exception.
There were delays, scheduling conflicts and other not so friendly reasons this session only happened today but today was the opportune time for it, in my opinion. With struggling with some things the last few days I was eager to learn what wisdom Fletcher had to share and share she did.
She admittedly talked a lot but she was fluid, responsive and motivating. My perception of how this went was that Fletcher would understand the pace of her student and easily adapt to what they would need most of all. Though I won’t get into particulars, I did come out with two very effective methods I will be implementing immediately such as “The Golden Book” for both my son and me. Some aspects of our conversation I knew but needed to hear again.
Through the miracle of Skype, Fletcher and I bridged the gap and chatted about the Law of Attraction and how powerful a force it is for all of us, plus how to use it to our advantage and trust what is coming is better than imagined.
If you’re a parent in search of a manual on how to raise your children, this connection is for you.
Thanks for reading,
Sarah Butland
October 12, 2015
October 6, 2015
October 5, 2015
Who Was Your Favourite Teacher?
When deciding to home school our son, one of my biggest concerns was that he wouldn’t have a “favourite teacher” like I remember having. That one, or maybe two, teacher who impacted your life in a way you’ll never forget.
I had four; two from grade three, a substitute and the regular teacher, who both saw something in me I never recognized before. They trusted me with watering plants and gave me extra spelling tests while I waited for the bus after school when everyone else was gone. One I’m still in touch with today and I still remember her with fondness, knowing how many of her students will take so much from her each day.
The others were grade nine teachers. One who believed in me and gave me a chance when other teachers wouldn’t. She encouraged me to write what I felt, to express my understanding and outlook on life. The other recognized when I was trying my best even if it wasn’t always 100% correct. He made exceptions for me when others focused on the mistakes.
These are the people I feared my son wouldn’t have as, although my husband and I would be his teachers, he wouldn’t really have a particular teacher from a certain grade he could reflect on.
And then I realized…
Teachers are not just in public school. Teachers are the coaches he has for every sport he plays. They are the librarians and cashiers he meets, the construction worker he chats with, and his grandparents, aunts and uncles he keeps in touch with.
As we celebrate World Teacher Day remember those who taught you a life lesson you still follow through with today. The friend who taught you how important it is to just be there, the stranger who recognized you as something more than what you do for work, and the people you haven’t met personally but say uplifting things that may you smile.
And, just as important, be the teacher you admire so that your student can teach you something about yourself.
Thanks for reading,
Sarah Butland
author of Being Grateful, Being Thankful
The dream begins with a teacher who believes in you, who tugs and pushes and leads you to the next plateau, sometimes poking you with a sharp stick called ‘truth’.
Dan Rather
Read more at http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/top...
Infographic Courtesy Of: https://www.grammarly.com/plagiarism-...
PS: Share with me why your favourite teacher is so memorable to you.
September 10, 2015
September 8, 2015
Meet Beth Parish and Congratulate Her on the New Release
NEW RELEASE: The String Keeper’s Wish by Beth Lauren Parrish
For those who love: horses, fantasy, science fiction, time travel, and adventure
The Murmori, a group of entities who gain power in nightmares, are spreading fear and chaos. Earth’s vibration needs to be raised to wipe them out.
Briggs, the last String Keeper, recruits a reluctant team to embark on a time traveling mission to defeat the Murmori.
The team consists of three major players. Abigail is a teenager searching for ways to fit into this world, while Naomi, a recent widow who teaches horseback riding, is searching for ways out. Sergius, a caretaker of horses during Roman times, meets a talking horse trying to convince him that he isn’t going crazy.
The three are assisted by some quirky guides. Their bond with horses draws out their inner power and strength, as they negotiate this challenging journey.
Are humans destined to be drained of their joy or will the trio be successful?
Click HERE to purchase the paperback:
https://www.createspace.com/5677034
August 27, 2015
Happy Birthday to Blood Day the Novella
On August 25th, as a birthday present to me, I celebrated by launching my conclusion to the award winning Blood Day the Short story and watched as the sales ranks dropped on Amazon.
Normally I dread my birthdays, they just haven’t worked out the best but my 33rd one went fabulously. Filled with awesome well thought out presents, moments of love and sales for a book I never dreamed would exist.
My advice to you – give yourself a gift each and every day. Something aligned with your dreams and passions so that you love yourself and look forward to your next birthday. Not everyone gets to see their tomorrow, make sure you have a reason to.
And if you’re looking for a great read I would be silly not to recommend Blood Day the Novella (http://amzn.to/1JWjidA).
Thanks for reading and celebrating!
Sarah Butland
