Sarah Holman's Blog, page 114

Multitudes on Mondays

With all the horrible things that go on in the world, I am so glad for every day I get to...
241. Hug my siblings
242. Tell my parents I love them
243. Walk among the trees
244. Wake up in the morning
245. Pray
246. Read my Bible
247. Enjoy the simple moments
248. Read
249. Write

250. Love those God brings in my life

Writing Saturday: Lessons from Zorro

Writers can often learn many things from movies about character development, story arcs, and storytelling. Recently, I watched the 1990 Zorro TV series and was very impressed. So many shows of this type become repetitive after the first season. The same types of plots happen, and the good guy uses the same solution. It was different in this series. This series was very different things happen and very different solutions. Okay 90% of the time it was different.
Too often as authors of multiple books, our writing becomes repetitive. It is easy to do.  We like one type of hero or heroin, a plot works so well we twist it and use it again, or we don't want to bother with coming up with new setting. It is so easy to get stuck in a runt so here are some of the tips I learned for this TV show


Never defeat the bad guy the same way. Zorro defeats a bad guy in almost every episode of this series, but how he does it is very different. Sometimes he uses words, swords, whips, explosives, or trickery. Every time you write a book re-image the defeat of your bad guy.Plots need to change every book. Not long ago, my mom read three books by a very popular author. Although she was a great writer, her plot was basically the same. Make sure every book is different enough your readers won't feel like they are reading the same book over and over again.In a series, make sure you are building to a climax to keep your readers reading. The in the Zorro series, there were many things that characters keep putting off until; "I can take off the mask" and; "when there is no need for Zorro any longer." You can't wait for the end when all is revealed in the end.Have character with emotion.  If you do nothing else right in your book, make sure your characters have real emotions. If your readers empathize with them it makes up for a whole lot of short comings.Do you have an tips out how to keep stories from becoming stale?


All pictures from http://www.newworldzorro.com/

Dealing with Anxiety

I have issues. I know it will come as no surprise to those who know me, or to those who have read this blog of any length of time. However, one thing you may not know about me is I suffer on occasion from anxiety attacks. Not really bad ones, I can still live my life still and I don't need medicine but I have them.  Despite what some people would have you believe, praying doesn't always cure it. It helps, but sometimes more is needed. Here are a few tips I have learned on dealing with anxiety.

1. Talk with someone you trust, someone who will just listen and not scold. Often fears will lessen when we speak them aloud, no matter how silly they are. And people will listen and comfort you are the best to tell them too

2. Avoid food that might agitate you (i.e. caffeine, sugar, ect.)

3. Spend sometime out doors and as close to nature as you can get. You will be amazed at how much this helps.

4. Spend time being goofy with friends or family.

5. Avoid emotional/exciting books, music and movies. They can agitate you further.

6. Read your Bible.

7. Pray, even though it isn't a cure, it does help.

8. Drink calming tea before bed.

9. Read a calming book or listen to calming music.

10. Remind yourself that God has everything handled and loves you dearly

Book Review: Unstoppable

Description: Being unstoppable is about believing and achieving. It’s about having faith in yourself, your talents and your purpose and, most of all, in God’s great love and His divine plan for your life.

Millions around the world recognize the smiling face and inspirational message of Nick Vujicic.  Despite being born without arms or legs, Nick’s challenges have not kept him from enjoying great adventures, a fulfilling and meaningful career, and loving relationships.  Nick has overcome trials and hardships by focusing on the promises that he was created for a unique and specific purpose, that his life has value and is a gift to others, and that no matter the despair and hard times in life, God is always present. Nick credits his success in life to the power that is unleashed when faith takes action.Through stories from his own life and the experiences of many others, Nick explains how anyone wanting a “ridiculously good life” can respond to these issues and more to become unstoppable. What’s standing in your way?  Are you ready to become unstoppable?
I have heard a lot about Nick Vujicic over the past two years. I have seen a couple amazing and inspiring interviews with him and was excited about getting to read his book.
I have to say that I was disappointed in this book. Nick Vujicic is such a dynamic speaker, the book fell short of his style. He touched on many topics in the book, but didn’t seem to have a common thread to pull them together. At times it read like a personal narrative, at others like a inspirational book, and yet others a call for action without anything that made it flow well together.
Another thing that was annoying at toward the beginning is over use of the word I. If this book had been my introduction to Nick, I would have to think he was very prideful. As it is, I think he just over used the word.This book wasn’t all bad. I don’t think you can come away from reading about, watching, or listening to; Nick’s life without being inspired by his attitude. Choosing to live a full life despite his handicaps is an encouragement to all of us. Reading this makes you realize that there are no excuses for us. We should be out living our lives on fire for God.
I also appreciated his honesty about the ups and downs of his life. Too often people with ministries feel they have to appear perfect, making the rest of us feel like we can never measure up.
Overall this was a fine oen time read and I would be willing to read his other book and see if that one is better.
I received this book from WaterBrook Press in exchange for my honest review.  I was under no obligation to write a positive review.  The opinions in this review are entirely my own.

Multitudes on Mondays: Cold Christmas Blessings

I am so thankful for....
231. Cold days that kill bugs
232. Hot cups of tea
233. Warm Snuggles
234. Christmas Lights
235. Wrapping gifts
236. Watching Christmas Movies
237. Carols 
238. Smiling Faces
239. Joy
240. Reminder of the Savior who was born for me

Enjoying Life

I have missed blogging. I didn't realize it until this week, but I miss blogging and telling people about my everyday adventures and only post bits of things on my books. I have been so busy catching up with things in my life, I haven't made time for blogging. But that is about to change...

This blog is about to be transformed. My goal in the coming year is two post three times a week, and at least one of those to be about what is going on in my life. I also want to become more focused in my writing here. I have a lot of plans for this blog, centered around these three words;

Faith. Adventure. Destiny.
I want to post more about my faith and where it is taking me; this grand adventure called life with all it's twists and turns; and the incredible destiny God is revealing to me more and more each day. I look forward to more blogging and seeing what God has in store for me next.

Giveaway!!

[image error]
Meditations of His Love is having a wonderful giveaway!  Check it out and enjoy the new blog design!

Book Review: Grace by Max Lucado

Age Appropriate for: 13 and up for a couple of stories that deal with hard things


Description: Grace.We talk as though we understand the term. The bank gives us a "grace" period. The seedy politician falls from "grace." Musicians speak of a "grace" note. We describe an actress as "gracious," a dancer as "graceful." We use the word for hospitals, baby girls, kings, and premeal prayers. We talk as though we know what "grace" means.But do we really understand it? Have we settled for wimpy grace? It politely occupies a phrase in a hymn, fits nicely on a church sign. Never causes trouble or demands a response. When asked, "Do you believe in grace?" who could say no?Max Lucado asks a deeper question: Have you been changed by grace? Shaped by grace? Strengthened by grace? Emboldened by grace? Softened by grace? Snatched by the nape of your neck and shaken to your senses by grace?God's grace has a drenching about it. A wildness about it. A white-water, riptide, turn-you-upside-downness about it. Grace comes after you. It rewires you. From insecure to God secure. From regret riddled to better-because-of-it. From afraid to die to ready to fly.
It has been to long since I have read a book by Max Lucado. I had forgotten how much I loved his simple expression of faith and our life in Christ.  I don’t think I am ever going to let a year go by where I don’t read one of his books again.
Grace was a wonderful reminder of one of the most amazing things God gave us, yet we so often forget. Since I was raised in a Christian home, it is easy for me to forget how truly amazing God’s lavish grace is. With stories and poignant words, Max Lucado reminded me of God’s grace not only to me but the grace I should give to others.
One of the things that I love about Lucado’s books is that, even though they are deep, they are easy to read. He doesn’t throw in a bunch theological words in that normal people don’t know, or try to sound super spiritual. His simple style is just a blessing today’s market.
This book isn’t very long (the last 50 pages are a discussion guide) and easily read in a week. It is a wonderful choice if you want something that won’t take you long to get through.

I highly recommend this book to all Christians as a reminder of God’s amazing grace.

I received this book from BookSneeze in exchange for my honest review.  I was under no obligation to write a positive review.  The opinions in this review are entirely my own.

Writing Saturday: A Bit of Inspiration #1

Think of the moment when...[image error]via Pinterest
Your main character faces a hard time alone.


What more inspiration? Once a month on Writing Saturday, I will be posting a bit of inspiration.

Top Ten Movies and TV series of 2012

1. Crusoe[image error]Awesome series with a hero that is married and stays faithful to his wife. He also has a very strong faith.
2. The Encounter[image error]A movie that touches the heart and soul.
3. Amazing Grace[image error]How did I go so long without seeing this? An amazing movie.
4. Scarecrow and Mrs. King[image error]Mom found this series and I can't wait to see season four. Most episodes are just good, clean fun. As with every series, there are a couple that we skipped.
5. Zorro (1990's)[image error]I have been on a bit of Zorro kick so I was ecstatic when my mom gave me this to watch while I was sick. The best Zorro series out there!
6. MandieThis may not be the best made movie ever, but I loved it all the same.
7. The One and Only, Genuine, Original Family Band[image error]A cute old Disney. Old Disney movies are another one of my favorites.
8. Zorro (1950's)[image error]Disney and Zorro together? This was a great series much of which is on YouTube.
9.  Radio Rebel[image error]A New Disney that I just loved
10. Apostle Peter and the Last Supper[image error]A powerful movie that my whole family enjoyed.