Crystal Collier's Blog, page 31

Drowning?

How do you feel about the person in the grocery line behind you? How about the lawn guy across the street?  The kid staring at you from the bus stop?

How do you view these people?

A couple year ago our family was invited to attend a party. Last minute we discovered there would be swimming. (I mean, it's Florida. Duh!) My husband and I weren't interested in flaunting our flub, so we let the kids bring their suits and supervised from the sidelines. We had a great time talking with other parents, until our friend dove, fully dressed, into the pool. My daughter had slipped over the brink of shallow to deep, and was bobbing in water over her head. None of the kids around her who could touch the bottom bothered to reach out an arm and pull her back, but our friend saw the need and leaped in without a second thought. Afterward she climbed out of the pool, dripping, and examined the destroyed smart phone in her pocket.

I often think about that moment, what would have happened if our friend hadn't been willing to dive without concern for herself or property. See, the thing is, she would have done that for anyone. No, I'm not talking about saving a life per say, but seeing a need and jumping in. I watched her over a course of years willingly dive, even when she was in over her own head, to come to someone else's aid.

The other day at the grocery store, I got caught in a torrential downpour. I hoped the storm would pass before I finished. Alas. While shopping, I'd been watching a young woman with two little kids. She had a kind smile and more patience than I sometimes can muster as she worked to keep them in line. I empathized with the wrestling match, but when I stood at the store exit watching the rain and she returned with a wide umbrella, offering to walk me to my car, my jaw almost hit the curb. Surely she was worn out from her store visit, yet there she stood.

What was so unique about these two women? They saw beyond themselves. Most days I wish I could be like that. Some days I even realize I can--but it means I have to look.

What do you see when you look at others?

And quickly, speaking of others, I'm participating in a Followers Blog Hop today, hosted by Mel Chelsey. Check it out and join in, eh?

Get Healthy with CUPCAKES!!!

In honor of missing the the GET HEALTHY BLOGHOP hosted May 29th by Stephen Tremp, Alex J. Cavanaugh, L. Diane Wolfe, and Michael Di Gesu, I decided to post my Get Healthy plan. 
First, I'm going to do some work around the house.

Then I'm going to go on an adventure.

Next I'll fight some bad guys with my super hero buddies.

And finally I'll go train my ninja army. (Yes, the ninjas won over the cowboys. Sorry friends.)

Lastly, I'll curl up with a healthy snack.

And the secret to my success?

Editing Giveaway!

Do you need some help with editing? I ALWAYS do. In fact, I'm a firm believer in editing a book to death.

P.S. She didn't give me permission
to use this picture, but I wanted to use
a personal rather than professional shot.I have an amazing friend and critique partner who has recently begun to offer her services professionally. Now, I have worked with a number of people over the years, but Rachel is by far THE BEST. She specializes in sci-fi and fantasy, but has been kind enough to branch out to historical, and even dabbled in romance for my sake. (You're the best, Rachel!) I swear the woman never stops reading, and her understanding of the whole story process/balance is mind-blowing. She's the first person I want digging through my mess of a manuscript, and the last stamp of approval I want before sending it out the door.

Right now Rachel is giving away

1. A fifty page edit2. A ten page edit3. A 2-round query help
So how do you enter the giveaway? Hit her site and share word about the giveaway by tweeting, blogging, or leaving a comment about the contest. --But you have to hurry. Her giveaway ends on June 8th.

And that leads me to a point of curiosity. How many edits do you go through before standing back and calling it good? 

Home School Parents are Smart

You may be looking at me with a cross-eyed "duh", or you might disagree 100%.

I understand both perspectives--after all, we home school. We're completely insane on one hand--taking all this on ourselves, dealing with the time stress, the headache of curriculum, and the constant battle for balance. In a given day I'm a psychologist, teacher, physical education specialist, principal, music instructor, historian, custodian, nutrition specialist, doctor, mediator, and scientist. On the other hand, I don't get paid, and I'm not entirely sure I fill any of those roles thoroughly enough. I don't have a degree in any of those areas, or credentials for my childhood development emphasis.

Does that make me unintelligent? --Going forward without any of that? Potentially. BUT, here's the flip side:

Home School parents are amazing at research.

What is the essence of true intelligence? Acknowledging you don't have all the answers, and being willing to seek them out.

People at work call my husband a genius. He's an IT/Systems Integration Specialist in upper management. What does that mean? He does all things "geek" and "business." He doesn't have all the answers, but his true genius shines through in seeking them out. Google knows. (Or as he says, Google knows where to find anything you need.) He doesn't stop until he has an answer. Not only that, he's always looking to streamline the best process for crunching information. Does that make him brilliant? I think so. (Of course, I might be slightly biased.)

And this is why I say home school parents are smart. They spend OODLES of time researching curriculum, educational approaches, and every aspect of individual subjects. Thankfully for me, much of this spills over to writing. *using super-hero voice* I'm not afraid of research.

Are you as smart as a home schooling parent? Are you?

WIP It Blogfest: SOULLESS

Hello friendlies! Today is


Join up and hop around with us, learning about all the amazing project people are working on right now. This one is mine (*Note, all images/blurbs are in the works, and I'm open to suggestions for how to improve them.): 

WIP Title: SOULLESS, book 2 to MOONLESS (Release date to be announced shortly)

Word Count: 33K, goal: 90K

Genre: YA Historical Fantasy

How long have you been working on it?: ...Do I count when I jotted down the first notes and page one, or when I actually started working on it? This one's been sitting in a folder and added to periodically for about 5 years, but is under serious construction as of March. 

Elevator Pitch: Alexia saved the man she loves, but lost her sister to red-eyed wraiths. Discovering the power to reverse time, she faces a terrible choice: keep her happily ever after, or save her sister and countless others from the Soulless.

Brief Synopsis: 

Alexia only wants to be with the man she loves, but at the cost of hundreds of lives?

Alexia saved Kiren, but lost her sister to red-eyed wraiths known as the Soulless. She has lived with that truth, supporting Kiren while he protects the rest of the world from these predators. When she discovers her ability to reverse time, Alexia faces a terrible choice: keep her happily ever after and ensure the future safety of her kind, or say goodbye forever and leave to prevent the Soulless from existing. 
She may make things better. She may make them worse. The only certainty is, she will never be able to come back.
Are you looking for a Critique Partner?: Always. Anyone who has written AT LEAST 2 complete novels, has 5 to 10+ years writing experience, and reads all the time, shoot me a first chapter. I'll send you one back and we'll decide if our critique styles/likes are compatible. I tend to be very positive, pushing toward the very best writing, but incredibly invasive. If you're seeking someone to pat you on the back and tell you this is the best story since baked bread, I am NOT the partner for you. If, however, you are looking to grow as a writer, and seek a partner who is constantly reading industry books and applying their advice to her own (and critique partners) writing, we may just be a match. I read all genre's, but am not particularly drawn to hard core sci-fi, detective stories, contemporary, memoir, or erotica. Anything with a paranormal, fantasy, or horror twist? I'm so in. 

Are you looking for a Beta Reader?: I am always looking for beta readers. Always. To become one, sign up for my newsletter and you'll receive the call as soon as I'm ready. (As well as other cheesy/exciting opportunities.)

That's it for today--now tell me where I can improve my pitch, eh? (It's so brand spanking new!) And what are you working on? 

Be sure to check out some of these awesome blogs: 

Thicker than Blood

Has anyone ever fought a battle for you?

I have several older brothers, and despite the conflicts we had as children, we've always been fiercely loyal to one another. Voltaire nails it on the head. I knew if I ever had a problem with kids at school or in the neighborhood, I could call on my brothers to stand up for me.

Today is Memorial day, and as one who has lost a father and a brother, I look on this holiday quite differently. My father did not die fighting for my freedom, but he gladly would have. My brother was not a casualty of war, but he would have given his life gladly to defend those he loved. As I think about that, I picture the many families who's fathers, brothers, sisters or mothers have given their lives for the cause of freedom. My heart breaks for those who have sacrificed. It is buoyed up by the love these men and women displayed, for:

Here's a heart-felt thank you to all those who've sacrificed--be they soldiers who have passed on, or families who've made due without a vital part of their hearts. You are what makes a nation great. You are true heroes. 

Cowboys VS Ninjas

At three a.m. I started this mental debate: Which would you rather have battling for you? An army of Cowboys, or Ninjas? (Yes, these are the crazy kind of insomniatic conversations I have at 3 a.m.) So, which would it be for you? Let me lay out a few selling points and feel free to add your own.

Stealth VS Boldness:

My brothers were fascinated with becoming ninjas. One thing I learned through them was stealth. I know how to stand right behind someone and stay in their blind spot. Ninja's are masters of being invisible. So, you might argue, they're the more effective soldier. Well, they're certainly sneakier. Cowboys are bold. You hear them coming--with their whooping and thundering horses. I dare say many a battle would be won just by the fear factor their approach inspires. So which is better? Silent assassinations, or intimidation?

Weapons: Throwing stars and Katanas VS Bullets

Throwing stars might be silent and painful, but nothing can make you dead faster than a bullet. Granted, I wouldn't want to face a katana at close range. Then again, I wouldn't want the blunt force of a rancher's fist either. So, is this a close range or distance battle? Are you afraid the neighbors will overhear and send in the cavalry?

Horses VS Two-toed socks:

I think this is a no-brainer. HORSES. =) (Those ninja shoes are so stinking awkward.)

Fashion:


Man in a Duster
or Man in Black
(Sorry gents, this one is intentionally skewed toward the ladies.) Which one do you want coming to your rescue?

Yes, this is all random silliness, but it makes me grin, and hopefully it makes you grin too. Happy Friday!

So what's your vote? Which would you hire? An army of ninjas, or an army of cowboys, and why?

11 Random Things

Actually this is 3 X 11 for randomness, but it starts with... I'm still not over the "wow" of the April A to Z challenge. Are you? The writing community is so supportive, sweet, and encouraging that they regularly hand out doses of cheese,  (in the form of blog awards,) just to say, "You're awesome." Today, I need to say thank you and pass along the love. 
So, from the A-Z Challenge, thank you Mary, and not from the A-Z Challenge, thank you Candice, for the Liebster! 

I guess I'm supposed to share 11 random facts and answer 11 questions, and pass it on. So, if you want my random facts, you can find them here.

1. What's the first thing you ever wrote that you were proud of?
Um, the first thing I ever wrote. I think it was my name. ;D

2. What kind of roller Skates did you own/rent?
Ice skates? See, I have bad ankles. Bad ankles=bad accidents on rolling footwear. 

3. Did you name your bike as a kid? As an adult?
... ... ... Was I supposed to? 

4. Has another person's dietary habits ever ended or threatened to end the relationship?
*scratching head* Not really. Dietary habits made for interesting relationships when we lived in the heart of an orthodox Jewish neighborhood--like being asked to come over and turn on someone's malfunctioning stove on Shabbas, or being unable to make goodies for the kids next door.

5. Is there a sport you could not live without following?
LOL. I have 5 brothers, so you'd think this would be the case, right? Is video gaming a sport? Or maybe programming?

6. What is it about ketchup?
I'm not sure. Mustard's more my speed, thank you. (And mustard is late a lot less often.)

7. Have you ever shaved your head, or wanted to?
NO. Crazy heads.

8. Is there a song you know the lyrics to that you will sing just to annoy people?
Have you met me? My life is a musical. Every kid has their own theme song, every action a soundtrack, and because we have 3 kids we love to annoy, we have a full roster of "annoying" to choose from. It's more a question of what's your brand of annoying? 

9. What is the first meal you learned how to cook? Do you still make it the same way?
Spaghetti. Yup. Is there another way to make it? Boil water, throw pasta in pot?

10. Have you ever turned down an invitation out of spite?
Nope. 

11. Did you believe new sneakers made you run faster? What if they did?
Nah! It was the pixie wings I borrowed from my neighboring sprite that made me faster. Or was it the cheetah whiskers?

And now to pass this bad boy along!

My nominees:

Sania Heba
Fida Islaih
Lynn Proctor
L. Blankenship
Ru
Summer Ross
Jessie Harrell
Afshan
Larissa
Tammy
Rachel

My questions:

1. What is the best book you've ever read?

2. What is your sport of choice? To play or watch?

3. What's the coolest place you've ever visited?

4. Favorite song or artists?

5. What's your biggest pet peeve?

6. What is your brand of geek? (Or obsession?) 

7. What movie do you have memorized, word for word?

8. If you could choose one myth to be true, which would it be: Santa Claus, the Easter Bunny, or the Tooth Fairy?

9. What food is your nemesis? 

10. Which army would you choose to defend your home? Ninjas, or Cowboys? 

11. What is your favorite or most embarrassing nick name? 

Okay friendlies, now I want you to pick one question, either one I answered or asked, and tell us something awesome sauce about you!

Ah, Young Seedling, Have You Any Apples?

Image courtesy Curiosities by DickensHave you heard this quote before? I heard it first when I was an impressionable teen, probably 14, trying to figure out who I was. In a family of 10, that can be an overwhelming question.

As a kid, I loved to draw. I still do (when I have time), but back then I was the head of the class for art. That might be because I was one of the oldest kids in my grade, and thus had an advantage. Regardless, other students would come and stand over my desk, peering down at what I sketched. After a couple seconds the question always came, "What are you drawing?" I hated that question. I had a vision and wanted to get it down without having to explain myself, but occasionally the picture would change half way through--because what appeared on the page inspired a change of direction. I'd tell them to come back when it was finished. It got to the point where I'd wear my hair down and lean over my paper, making my hair a veil. Sure, I looked like an introvert, but it kept people from viewing the rough lines and plaguing me with their questions. 
I think often we're the impatient children, looking at the rough lines or half-completed sketch and asking, "What's it supposed to be?" The masterpiece of our lives, of who we are becoming is never complete until the final breath, or final line is drawn. Our development is constantly open to alter or change. BUT, there is a master artist who is working to define us according to our best self. He is maneuvering the pencil that defines our shape, but will not force the lead onto the page without our consent. If we trust His vision for our lives, we will find our potential far outweighs our vision. 
So, how many apples are in your seed? 

A Woman Needs to Be Told...

I was rolling on the floor. Rolling. These guys are AWESOME!!!



Meet the Mormons.

If you ran into any of these guys at church on a Sunday, you'd be astonished by how serious, sweet, and sensitive they are. I guess that's why this video gets me--because I know what kind of men made it--and they're awesome sauce!

So what's got you chuckling this today?