Casey Hays's Blog - Posts Tagged "arrow-s-flight"
Multiple Personalities… sometimes, this is good.
Follow my blog at: http://www.whisperingpages.com/#!blog...
A few weeks ago, my daughter came home from school with results from an online personality test. There were 16 personalities featured, and I was curious. So I plopped down in front of my computer and dug in.
My results? Turns out I’m a Debater. “A smart and curious thinker who cannot resist an intellectual challenge.” (My family did not take this as a surprise. ;)
So what did I learn? I learned that this test was frighteningly accurate! So… first, my strengths:
I enjoy learning new and especially abstract concepts with my tremendously flexible mind, which is able to shift from idea to idea without effort. (Why, thank you!)
I respond with unabashed glee to solving chronic, systemic problems, analyzing them from every angle to find the best solutions. (Most people do not find this fun…)
With knowledge and originality, I reject without remorse options that don’t work. (True dat!)
I have a way with words and wit that others find intriguing, charming–even entertaining– while at the same time, informative. (I’m not sure everyone would agree, but I can’t please them all. That would be far too challenging!)
And lastly, I am truly impressive in my enthusiasm and energy, having no qualms with putting in long days and nights to find a solution.
And… just when this was all starting to sound extremely tiring, here came my weaknesses:
I’m very argumentative, insensitive, intolerant (OK, I’m not liking this one bit), I find it difficult to focus, and I dislike practical matters. (All of which I blame on menapause, by the way.)
Needless to say, I was consoled only by the fact that “this is a test… this is only a test.”
There were other categories: how a debater parents, functions in friendships, handles romantic relationships. Apparently, due to my lack of emotions, I tend to ignore my partner’s feelings and expect my children to independently change their own diapers. Geesh!
The one hope in all of this came at the very end, when I was assured that Debaters do have it in them to change their ways, and actually desire to do so. Good news!
I hope you caught the hint of sarcasm in my tone. Honestly, when I read every segment of this test, I realized that I’m not as bad as I’ve made myself appear here. But if nothing else, it did alert me to my shortcomings, and it allowed me, along with all of my friends who took the test with me, to understand each other so much better. One of my best friends is a Protagonist, the other a Consul. Finally! We get each other!
Mostly, I was reminded that life is one big test. Every day, we are asked to take it. Some days we fail miserably, but more times than not, we taste sweet success. On those days, I remember that I can be better than this personality test affords. I can hold my tongue, be considerate towards my husband, and support my children while continuing to instill in them independence. I can remember that the world does not revolve to please my every whim, but rather the opposite. And I can be grateful for the little tests God throws my way that make me deny myself… and strive to be better.
Take the test: https://www.16personalities.com/
———————————————
**COMING MARCH 22, 2016 – I will be a guest blogger for Sarah Noffke. Follow her at http://www.sarahnoffke.com/
and don’t miss out as I tackle another fun topic: phobias! Muahahahaha!
A few weeks ago, my daughter came home from school with results from an online personality test. There were 16 personalities featured, and I was curious. So I plopped down in front of my computer and dug in.
My results? Turns out I’m a Debater. “A smart and curious thinker who cannot resist an intellectual challenge.” (My family did not take this as a surprise. ;)
So what did I learn? I learned that this test was frighteningly accurate! So… first, my strengths:
I enjoy learning new and especially abstract concepts with my tremendously flexible mind, which is able to shift from idea to idea without effort. (Why, thank you!)
I respond with unabashed glee to solving chronic, systemic problems, analyzing them from every angle to find the best solutions. (Most people do not find this fun…)
With knowledge and originality, I reject without remorse options that don’t work. (True dat!)
I have a way with words and wit that others find intriguing, charming–even entertaining– while at the same time, informative. (I’m not sure everyone would agree, but I can’t please them all. That would be far too challenging!)
And lastly, I am truly impressive in my enthusiasm and energy, having no qualms with putting in long days and nights to find a solution.
And… just when this was all starting to sound extremely tiring, here came my weaknesses:
I’m very argumentative, insensitive, intolerant (OK, I’m not liking this one bit), I find it difficult to focus, and I dislike practical matters. (All of which I blame on menapause, by the way.)
Needless to say, I was consoled only by the fact that “this is a test… this is only a test.”
There were other categories: how a debater parents, functions in friendships, handles romantic relationships. Apparently, due to my lack of emotions, I tend to ignore my partner’s feelings and expect my children to independently change their own diapers. Geesh!
The one hope in all of this came at the very end, when I was assured that Debaters do have it in them to change their ways, and actually desire to do so. Good news!
I hope you caught the hint of sarcasm in my tone. Honestly, when I read every segment of this test, I realized that I’m not as bad as I’ve made myself appear here. But if nothing else, it did alert me to my shortcomings, and it allowed me, along with all of my friends who took the test with me, to understand each other so much better. One of my best friends is a Protagonist, the other a Consul. Finally! We get each other!
Mostly, I was reminded that life is one big test. Every day, we are asked to take it. Some days we fail miserably, but more times than not, we taste sweet success. On those days, I remember that I can be better than this personality test affords. I can hold my tongue, be considerate towards my husband, and support my children while continuing to instill in them independence. I can remember that the world does not revolve to please my every whim, but rather the opposite. And I can be grateful for the little tests God throws my way that make me deny myself… and strive to be better.
Take the test: https://www.16personalities.com/
———————————————
**COMING MARCH 22, 2016 – I will be a guest blogger for Sarah Noffke. Follow her at http://www.sarahnoffke.com/
and don’t miss out as I tackle another fun topic: phobias! Muahahahaha!
Lessons from the Iceberg
I’m not ashamed to admit that I was super naive about the book publishing world once. I’m also not ashamed to admit that I have been known to be prideful.
You see, I wrote a book. I thought it was good. I thought it was original and creative and what every reader was looking for. I thought my decent handle on grammar and spelling would be praised, and that editors would adore me for lessening their workload. And so I held out for the taking my beautiful first book full of sweat and tears and every ounce of my heart. I envisioned the idea of becoming the next overnight sensation like Suzanne Collins or Stephenie Meyer. In fact, I was certain my story was so grand that agents would literally be jumping at the chance to sign me up. You can imagine my disappointment when my less than humble ego was crushed by rejection after rejection. The good news? I needed that!
It was only then that I became teachable.
In 2010, I was signed by a small publishing company out of Colorado Springs owned by Spring Lea Henry, and it was under her tutelage that I began to truly understand and appreciate the craft of writing. I began to learn the many intricacies involved in developing good, strong, arc characters, villains, and heroes. I discovered that even the weather and the scenery and the tone and mood of a story can be a character. I learned how to invoke emotions in my readers with diligently crafted words or phrases. I learned that writing is essentially thinking first before one word is put to paper, and that writers are “word sculptors”. I found my voice.
And then, Spring Lea said this:
“Your story is only the tip of the iceberg. What you have to consider is everything that lies beneath the water. Perhaps your readers will never need to know this information, but you as the author must know it. You must know every bit of your world. Because you cannot master world-building or character development or motives or a kick-ass plotline if you refuse to dive into the water and learn where it all began.”
~Spring Lea Ellorien Henry
After that, we spoke and laughed and referred often to the Iceberg until it made sense in my pea brain. That one statement transformed me into a true writer.
Spring Lea died last month after a short battle with stomach cancer. In her wake, she left mounds of advice I will never forget. In light of this, I recently asked several fellow authors to share the best piece of advice they’ve ever received. This is what they said:
IcebergFind your own voice because no one writes like you do.
~Audrey Rich
“Drafts are for sucking–this is the mantra I will live by every time I write a first draft. Seriously, when you give yourself permission to let it suck, the words come so much easier.” by Heather Hildebrand
~Jordan White
You will never think your book is “perfect.” You’ll always want to change something. If you wait until there’s nothing left to change, no one will ever get a chance to read your story.
~Alicia Rades
Write the book you want to read.
~Kara Jorgensen
Write about what hurts the most. Write even when you think you can’t. Write first, edit later.
~Hannah Sholander
Write every day! Even if you are blocked or don’t think it’s good enough. No matter what it is, as long as you are writing, you will be that much closer to your goal.
~Jaci Wheeler
Read 4 and 5 star reviews, as you should surround yourself with positive things that encourage your writing.
~Deborah Josupait Roach
Never give up! There are people behind you who are supporting you and want you to finish it. There are people who will keep you accountable if you have a set goal.
~Amanda Edmunds
Write, publish, repeat.
It’s a marathon, not a sprint.
~Rissa Blakeley
Books aren’t like cars. A reader doesn’t just buy one book every 4-5 years and read it exclusively. There’s no reason for authors to compete against one another. We should HELP each other instead.
~Brian Parker
Educate yourself on the business thoroughly–from experts–before jumping in and getting started. Otherwise, you are wasting your time, money and possibly destroying your intellectual property.
~Stephanie J. Pajonas
Focus on the passion to write first, the marketing second. Otherwise, you may forget why you are writing in the first place.
~Brea Behn
Read, read, read. Read as much as you write.
Read great, well-written novels to learn how it’s done right.
~Harlow Cyan Fallon
************************
If nothing else, we as a writing community must be humble. We must listen to the advice of more experienced authors, editors, bloggers, and publishers. We must generously offer advice to those following in our footsteps. And together, we will be better.
I’m so glad I’m a quick study.
IN MEMORIAM
SPRING LEA ELLORIEN HENRY (1972-2016)
You see, I wrote a book. I thought it was good. I thought it was original and creative and what every reader was looking for. I thought my decent handle on grammar and spelling would be praised, and that editors would adore me for lessening their workload. And so I held out for the taking my beautiful first book full of sweat and tears and every ounce of my heart. I envisioned the idea of becoming the next overnight sensation like Suzanne Collins or Stephenie Meyer. In fact, I was certain my story was so grand that agents would literally be jumping at the chance to sign me up. You can imagine my disappointment when my less than humble ego was crushed by rejection after rejection. The good news? I needed that!
It was only then that I became teachable.
In 2010, I was signed by a small publishing company out of Colorado Springs owned by Spring Lea Henry, and it was under her tutelage that I began to truly understand and appreciate the craft of writing. I began to learn the many intricacies involved in developing good, strong, arc characters, villains, and heroes. I discovered that even the weather and the scenery and the tone and mood of a story can be a character. I learned how to invoke emotions in my readers with diligently crafted words or phrases. I learned that writing is essentially thinking first before one word is put to paper, and that writers are “word sculptors”. I found my voice.
And then, Spring Lea said this:
“Your story is only the tip of the iceberg. What you have to consider is everything that lies beneath the water. Perhaps your readers will never need to know this information, but you as the author must know it. You must know every bit of your world. Because you cannot master world-building or character development or motives or a kick-ass plotline if you refuse to dive into the water and learn where it all began.”
~Spring Lea Ellorien Henry
After that, we spoke and laughed and referred often to the Iceberg until it made sense in my pea brain. That one statement transformed me into a true writer.
Spring Lea died last month after a short battle with stomach cancer. In her wake, she left mounds of advice I will never forget. In light of this, I recently asked several fellow authors to share the best piece of advice they’ve ever received. This is what they said:
IcebergFind your own voice because no one writes like you do.
~Audrey Rich
“Drafts are for sucking–this is the mantra I will live by every time I write a first draft. Seriously, when you give yourself permission to let it suck, the words come so much easier.” by Heather Hildebrand
~Jordan White
You will never think your book is “perfect.” You’ll always want to change something. If you wait until there’s nothing left to change, no one will ever get a chance to read your story.
~Alicia Rades
Write the book you want to read.
~Kara Jorgensen
Write about what hurts the most. Write even when you think you can’t. Write first, edit later.
~Hannah Sholander
Write every day! Even if you are blocked or don’t think it’s good enough. No matter what it is, as long as you are writing, you will be that much closer to your goal.
~Jaci Wheeler
Read 4 and 5 star reviews, as you should surround yourself with positive things that encourage your writing.
~Deborah Josupait Roach
Never give up! There are people behind you who are supporting you and want you to finish it. There are people who will keep you accountable if you have a set goal.
~Amanda Edmunds
Write, publish, repeat.
It’s a marathon, not a sprint.
~Rissa Blakeley
Books aren’t like cars. A reader doesn’t just buy one book every 4-5 years and read it exclusively. There’s no reason for authors to compete against one another. We should HELP each other instead.
~Brian Parker
Educate yourself on the business thoroughly–from experts–before jumping in and getting started. Otherwise, you are wasting your time, money and possibly destroying your intellectual property.
~Stephanie J. Pajonas
Focus on the passion to write first, the marketing second. Otherwise, you may forget why you are writing in the first place.
~Brea Behn
Read, read, read. Read as much as you write.
Read great, well-written novels to learn how it’s done right.
~Harlow Cyan Fallon
************************
If nothing else, we as a writing community must be humble. We must listen to the advice of more experienced authors, editors, bloggers, and publishers. We must generously offer advice to those following in our footsteps. And together, we will be better.
I’m so glad I’m a quick study.
IN MEMORIAM
SPRING LEA ELLORIEN HENRY (1972-2016)
