Candee Fick's Blog, page 34

Things We Say Wrong

Have you ever got in trouble from the grammar police? English is a constantly changing language that is pronounced differently in different parts of the world. Enjoy today’s video reminder about things we say wrong. (In the future, I might have to slip a few of these into dialogue to create realistic characters.)

Have a super fun Friday!

The post Things We Say Wrong appeared first on Author Candee Fick.

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Tools For The Journey – Never Travel Alone

A week or so ago, I had the unique experience of taking a hunter’s safety class with my ten-year-old son. In addition to learning all sorts of things I will likely never use except in a book, I got a crash course in packing a survival kit.

What do you think is the first thing you should do when preparing to go on a trip into nature? Tell someone where you are going and when to expect you back. (As in if I’m not back by eight o’clock on Sunday night, call search and rescue and tell them exactly...

Creation Declares – A New Creation

As a writer, I know a bit about creativity. I know first-hand the thrill of imagination and producing a story world populated with interesting characters facing tough challenges. I know the joy of stepping back from what I created and smiling because it’s pretty good. I know how exhausting creating can be and the relief found by collapsing on the couch to rest. And I know that as soon as I announced “It is finished!” on Facebook, my mind was soon filling up with fresh ideas for a new book.

Whe...

What I’m Reading – December

In addition to my Bible and asbestos case depositions for my day job, I’m currently reading:

Four Blood Moonsby John Hagee – an interesting look at the signs in the heavens that scream that everything is about to change forever. The end is coming and those who are watching will be ready.

Stack of Writer’s Digest and The Writer magazines – now that I finished the rough draft of another novel, it’s time to refill the creative well and get tips for strengthening the story during the editing proces...

Tools For The Journey – Keep A Journal

The shortest pencil is longer than the longest memory. ~ Mark Batterson

I have a tendency to forget things if I don’t write them down … and that’s just the simple things likegeting milk at the grocery store or needing to order a pair of basketball shoes for my son. As a result, I’m never far from a notebook (paper or virtual on my iPad) to capture those errant thoughts and reminders.

But what about the bigger pieces of my life’s journey like marriage, parenting, finances, health goals, or pursu...

Creation Declares – Adaptability

My in-laws raise quarterhorses while my parents have a handful of a certain variety of cattle. Both pay particular attention when it comes to breeding because of the genetics involved. Farmers, animal lovers, and even gardeners have been artificially selecting certain characteristics in breeding programs for years. (However, while their efforts have resulted in hundreds of different breeds, the offspring are still horses, cows, dogs, cats, or roses at their genetic core.)

In the 1850s, along c...

How To Read a Book

In this day of technology, e-readers, and smart phones, here’s a fun reminder about how to get the most from a physical book. I loved the examples of trying to open the book and turn the pages.

Have a super fun Friday!

The post How To Read a Book appeared first on Author Candee Fick.

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Tools For The Journey – Keep Learning

I’ll be the first to admit that much of my day is spent doing passive and rote activities. Brush my teeth and apply make-up. Pack lunches. Drive the same route to take the kids to school. Check email. Fold laundry. Fix supper. Watch the news.

But, according to research, passive and rote activities are bad for your brain while new and complicated activities are good.

Why? Your brain reacts to novel and complex stimuli by growing more dendrite connections between cells. Imagine dendrites like a m...

Creation Declares – Chaotic Tendencies

I passed by a bookshelf in my living room the other day and stared at the layer of dust on the picture frames. I just dusted not that long ago and now I have to do it again along with more vacuuming and picking up the clutter. Thanks to the Second Law of Thermodynamics, I get to clean and clean and clean again.

There are three consistently observable laws in nature that relate to heat and power (i.e. thermodynamics). The second law is sometimes called the Law of Increased Entropy. While the qu...

My Favorite Books

If I was limited to a single bookshelf, there are a few of my favorites that would be guaranteed a spot.

Watership Down by Richard Adams – amazing characterization of rabbits and the power of friendship.
Chronicles of Narnia by C. S. Lewis – classics that fuel the imagination especially the glimpses into creation, personal sacrifice, and heaven.
O’Malley series and Uncommon Heroes series by Dee Henderson – inspirational romantic suspense at its best that tackles tough issues like justice and mer...