Briana Vedsted's Blog, page 18
July 8, 2013
Blogger spotlights
This week I’m spotlighting three of my favorite poets who live here in the Land of WordPress.
First, Helen
Second, Ellespeth
Third, Lavender Moon Girl
These women write such vivid, awe-inspiring poems that you can’t help but fall in love with. You should go by their lovely blogs and see all their awesome work!
July 7, 2013
Beware the Woman Specter
Reblogged from The Community Storyboard:
My Fire and Ice post
Beware the beautiful woman of the night
Her eyes are on Fire
To escape from her is impossible; even if you fight will all your might.
Your very soul begins to smolder and burn
Yet you cannot pull yourself away
It is like a knife being stuck in you to run away or even turn…
My first attempt at a scary poem...
July 6, 2013
Cowboy dictionary
Since I can’t think of anything else to blog about, I thought I’d start writing a dictionary. Yep. A cowboy dictionary. I plan to use words from the ‘modern’ world and show you the alternate, western meaning. I’ve only got two words so far, so I welcome any suggestions.
“Dude“
Modern definition: man (slang)
Western definition: a city fella who comes out west to play at being a cowboy. There are ranches especially for these people, fully equipped with bombproof horses, fancy food, and ritzy clothes that no self-respecting cowboy would be caught dead wearing, (not to mention the souvenir shops!).
“Peeps“
Modern definition: same as people
Western definition: those squishy, yellow, sugar-covered marshmallow things the kidos get in straw-lined baskets from the Easter Bunny.
Okay, that’s all I’ve got so far. But hopefully there will be lots more to come! 
Author of the Week
Reblogged from readful things blog:
This week's author of the week is very special to me. She is one of the most hardworking, talented and kind individuals you will ever hope to meet. I stopped thinking of her as simply another blogger or a friend right away and have come to think of her as the perfect little sister.
She writes a variety of things, including novels about the old west, paranormal novels and poetry.
Some special little lady named me author of the week! I am so honored!
July 5, 2013
Odd names
One thing I have noticed with fantasy books is the abundance of odd names. All the mystical creatures have odd, tongue-twister names. All towns, villages, cities and mountains have hard-to-pronounce (and harder to remember) names. And the characters have outlandish, long names. I am guilty of using otherworldly names in my books, too. I’ve found some pretty colorful names in my time. And for some reason, I think to myself, This name will go just perfectly in this book for this character, etc.
But I have been thinking about how difficult it would be for my reader to have to pronounce and remember these names. I know that where there are characters in books whose name I cannot pronounce, I make up my own name. For example, Carletty would be Charlotte for me. I can remember Charlotte. So I wonder, would I be better off to keep the names short and easy, or am I taking away part of the fun of the fantasy genre? Do you like reading names from different eras ad cultures? Do you think using names from medieval history/lore would be bad? How about names you make up? Would it take away from your creativity if you had to use easy names? Or is that what you like about fantasy?
What do you like better?
The mighty werecat, from atop Bugooladash Hill, was locked in a battle to the death with Sir Eglamoore.
or
The tiger that lived on top of West Mountain fought with Tim.
Personally, I can’t help but love the first sentence. 
July 4, 2013
The 4th of July
I hope that no matter what you are doing today, you are able to sit back for a moment and remember how, even though your life is not perfect, it is so much better than it could be.
Independence Day reminds all us Americans that we are free. And it is a day to be thankful for all the men and women who have given their lives to keep us free.
God bless you all, and Happy Independence Day!
July 3, 2013
...super excited about my Etsy shop!
Reblogged from my ScrapMuse is...:
Yes, you heard right! I'm delving into cardmaking, and have opened an Etsy shop called ScrapMusings! You'll find my logo and link below.
http://www.etsy.com/shop/ScrapMusings
I'll have a small section for selling supplies that I don't use, but the biggest section will be the handmade cards! Different styles, inspired by challenges online! If you'd like a custom card, by all means, contact me and we'll have some fun!
This is so cool! Be sure to stop by this new craft-making site by the coolest scrapbooker on Wordpress!
Under the Influence – Part 3
I have returned to this series of posts for the last time. Yes, you heard me right. This is my last Under the Influence post. I’ve talked about how alcohol hurts you physically, and how it can tear your family apart. Now I’m going to voice my opinion about why drinking doesn’t make you feel better (mentally).
Firstly, I have to state that I am not opposed to a guy going to his friend’s house to play pool and have a beer while they visit. Emphasis: ONE beer. Not two. Not six. Just ONE. Nor do I think it is wrong for you ladies to attend ‘Girl’s Night’ at the restaurant and have a strawberry daiquiri. I don’t even think it is wrong to kick back and relax with a glass of wine on Friday night while you and the family are watching a movie. (Wine repulses me, of course, but to each his own.)
What I’m saying: don’t over drink. Okay fine, maybe going out partying every once in a blue moon is okay, too. But it needs to be a rare thing. Yes, I understand that some days (or weeks) just flat out suck. You are going to have terrible days. You are going to go through tragedy. How you handle yourself in these situations has a lot to say about your character. If you turn to the bottle, you’re a coward. I know that might have stung several of you readers. Sorry, but I call ‘em as I see ‘em. The truth hurts. But someone needs to point it out to you.
I know that there are things that are going to happen to us in this world that hurts and leaves us wondering how we’re going to continue on. Maybe you lost your job. Maybe you got kicked out of your house. Your best friend, baby sister, son, mother or dog just passed away. Things happen in this world that people can’t explain. Some things just make us stop and ask, “Why is this happening to me? What did I do wrong?”
But turning to alcohol isn’t the answer. It isn’t. I don’t have a miracle cure for all the pain in your heart. I don’t have any useful suggestions for you to make the hurt go away. But I know it isn’t alcohol. If you’re suffering, a tall margarita is going to be about as good for you as someone hitting you in the face with an aluminum baseball bat. I’m serious. Maybe you feel like you need that beer. Maybe you clutch the bottle to your chest and hold it like it was the loved one who left you. But you are living in a lie. That liquor isn’t helping you. Not really. It might seem like the pain disappeared for a little while, probably while you’re passed out and senseless, but when you wake up, the pain is just going to come back. Only time will heal some wounds. Alcohol won’t stitch up your broken heart. It is just going to rip another hole in your soul. I could tell you to turn to God, but if you blame him for ruining your life, all I’m doing is whistling in the wind. I know this might not help, but you must have faith. If you can’t or won’t believe in the Lord’s love, then just believe that one day your troubles will be over and the sun is going to shine again, even if it seems like the cloudy grey sky is going to stick around forever.
I know these posts will probably not make an alcoholic turn over a new, liquor-free leaf, but I’m hoping that some of you ‘weekend drinkers’ will see that your “fun” is really just sorrow and pain in disguise. You’re hurting yourself. You’re hurting your family. I know that most young adults view their 21st birthday as a free pass to endless parting. Not me. Seeing alcohol bottles in the house freaks me out. I know that that one bottle of Jim Beam can start so many fights, bring so many tears, cause so much pain, and tear my world to shreds. My drinks of choice are ice cold coke, chocolate milk, and apple juice. As a matter of fact, I’d rather just pass up my 21st altogether, along with all the alcohol in the world. Don’t get me wrong, I know there are some drinks out there that are simply delicious. But when you look at the consequences, isn’t it safer just to go with a milkshake or a nice cup of sweet tea?
This concludes my Under the Influence post series. Thanks for sticking with me this long. And remember to think of yourself and those around you the next time you reach for a vodka tonic, bloody Mary, ruby red merlot, wine seltzer, rum ‘n’ coke, or a frothy mug of beer.
Thanks guys and girls. Good luck and God bless.
July 2, 2013
End of the contest…
Hello dear fans, followers, and friends of mine. Yesterday was the first day of July, and I’m afraid that I didn’t make my goal. I am still a long ways away from 100 eBook sales. Yes, that also means I will not be handing out those prizes I talked about. But, I want to thank all the very wonderful people who did buy my book, those who re-blogged and re-tweeted my posts, and the dear people who reviewed my work on amazon.com. You all are so totally awesome!
I made this poem up for you all:
Thank you.
Two tiny words.
You know that’s nothing new.
It is said when there is nothing else to say, but so much more is felt.
So my friends, I’m telling you this from the very bottom of my heart:
“Thank you for all the kindness to me you have dealt.”
Spotlight: Briana Vedsted
Reblogged from Legends of Windemere:
Raise your hand if you've been fortunate to meet this phenomenal blogger. I see a lot of hands and that's as it should be. Briana is one of the kindest bloggers I have ever met and definitely a bright spot on Wordpress. Her blog is filled with character interviews, her ranching tales, her publishing journey, poetry (a recent addition), and a vast array of posts that are always informative and entertaining.
How cool! I've been put in the spotlight by one of my best friends! :)
