Laura L. Walker's Blog: Read It, Write It, Create It, page 2

When Life Gets in the Way

Other than Facebook, I've stayed mostly off social media lately while researching for and writing my latest novel, which I'm hoping to complete some time this summer. Originally, I had the lofty goal of finishing it before my kids were let out of school for the summer but with only one more week to go, it's obvious that that won't happen. Still, I'm feeling really excited and hopeful as the ideas keep coming to me on this project which has been in the works for over two years.

Do you have something you've been wanting to complete, something that you put off because life got in the way or, like me, you were stumped on how to finish it? Ideas come to me eventually, usually when I'm driving down the road or washing dishes. If I can remember them long enough to write them down later, they're golden!

Here's wishing you a long-awaited project-completing day! May the goals you've been striving for be within your sight!

My First Classroom Visit As A Published Author

I've been a classroom countless times--obviously as a student, then as a student teacher when I was obtaining my teaching degree, as a substitute teacher, and finally, as a parent. (Oddly enough, I've never been in the classroom as a full-time teacher because I became a mom one short year after obtaining my teaching certificate and home was where I wanted to be.)

Earlier this week, I stepped into my daughter's fourth grade classroom as a published author. I felt honored to be asked to teach the students about the writing process. The kids were attentive and asked terrific questions. After we dissected the plot of a popular movie, they enthusiastically took my writing assignment to heart, brainstorming ideas for a short story in small groups.

At one point, I was able to read two excerpts from The Matchup, including the magic show that my main characters see on their pivotal date along with the magic show Whitney puts on for her family later. The magic show that Gage and Valerie watched was actually one of the most difficult pieces of writing in the entire story for me. I don't have much experience with magic shows and my research materials weren't providing much inside information that was useful. After a little more digging, I finally figured out the angle I wanted to take on this scene that my editor wanted me to expand on--the important role of the magician's assistant.

The second magic show, performed by Whitney, stemmed from my desire to show Gage and Valerie's children melding into a new family. Whitney, whose defensiveness stemmed from always feeling like she didn't quite fit in, needed to be shown that she was loved by someone other than her own parents. I felt that Tamera filled that role quite well. The fourth graders loved hearing my reading of that scene. My daughter demonstrated one of the magic tricks while I read. She was in seventh heaven!

It was so fun to be in a school classroom once again where awesome learning is taking place on a daily basis. My daughter has a wonderful teacher who genuinely cares about each of her students. I appreciate her inviting me to visit her classroom. My first classroom experience as a published author is something I won't forget any time soon!

The Matchup Games and Prizes

Join me on my Facebook author page beginning tonight @ 6p.m. MST for a fun matching game in celebration of the release of my newest LDS romance, The Matchup. I'll be hosting more games with prizes over the next four days. See you then. https://www.facebook.com/lauralarsonw...

Typeractive Tales

On behalf of six published authors and myself, I would like to invite you to download a free ebook containing a sampling of short stories. There's something for every reader in this anthology. If you like stories about ghosts, werewolves, teenage pranks and crushes, Christmas, and lost love found again, check it out. And as always, we appreciate you leaving a review!

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/2...

Download the free ebook here:
https://www.smashwords.com/books/view...

The Matchup

For those of you who read my first novel, Pierced by Love, and liked it, I appreciate you! This has been a fun year but also a hectic one with countless learning experiences! And if you wondered about Pierce Logan's younger brother, Gage, and what would happen to him, you'll have an opportunity to find out very soon. His story, called The Matchup, is coming out on January 12, 2015. It's a story of love, of course, but also of redemption and patience and moving forward in life and putting the past to rest. The Matchup is available on this site to be marked for your to-read list. It is also available for pre-order on Amazon. The link is here: http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/1462117...

Summer Road Trip

I recently took a trip with my family to Nauvoo, Illinois. Aside from a plane ride to North Carolina when I was 22, I had never been east of Texas. So this was quite the adventure for all of us. Not only that but we were meeting up with our extended family members for a reunion.

We traveled through New Mexico, staying in Albuquerque for one night. Next, we stayed with my sister and brother-in-law in Oklahoma for a few days. They showed us the Land Run Monument and the Oklahoma City bombing memorial. I was impressed by the solemnity I felt there.

The next day, we drove through Missouri, passing by the arch in St. Louis, and up along Illinois's western border. We arrived in Nauvoo during a torrential rainstorm.

Nauvoo was known as the city of Joseph in the late 1830's. There, the Mormons built a township on the banks of the Mississippi River. We had so much fun visiting the historical sites and watching the pageants that were put on by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints.

A few days later, a small group of us drove into Springfield, Illinois and visited the presidential museum for Abraham Lincoln. I
The wonderful exhibits, so artistically and carefully arranged, impressed my children. I know they will never forget what they saw! We learned so much from this road trip. We learned of the sacrifices that have been made on our behalf.

We developed a greater appreciation for the freedoms we enjoy in this great nation: the freedom to worship, the freedom to vote, and the freedom to express ourselves. The freedom to love our fellow men and the opportunities to better our lives are the foundation of our lives in these United States of America. Yes, I'm a proud American. I'm also a member of the LDS faith. And I have high hopes for our country, especially if we stand together during these difficult times. God bless America! If you would like to see pictures from our trip, visit www.lauralwalker.com/destination-nauv...

April Poetry Challenge

I've taken a short break this month from my fictional writing to participate in fellow ANWA (American Night Writers Association) member Stephanie Abney's April Poetry Challenge. During the month of April, which is National Poetry Month, Stephanie gives instructions from her blog at http://www.stephaniesaysso.blogspot.com for writing a new type of poem for each day. Needless to say, I've learned so much from her while still being taken back to my educational years when I struggled to figure out what Emily Dickinson was saying in her poignant words.

Here are just a few samples of my own writing under Stephanie's guidance:

(Nonet Poem)

Why is writing a story so fun
But writing a poem takes more thought.
Stories capture ideas and
Create a nice picture
While poems are like birds
In flight. Oh, if
I could then
Write My
Heart.

(Haiku)

As I watch the sun
Go down over the mountain
I'm glad to be here.

Pink and orange light
Vibrant coloring, so bright
Hold my heart so dear.

(Rictameter Poem)

Morning
A new light peeks
Over the horizon
But for some reason my eyelids
Don't want to open and meet the new day.
I stayed up too late last night and
Now I'm paying the price.
Yawning again
Morning

Finally, this is one of my favorite attempts at poetry this month, an Easter poem.

What was the eve like
On the day that Christ died?
Did the Earth shake its head
Wanting to hide
From the evils of men
And the weaknesses therein?
What was it like
To see Jesus rise again?

For more poetry samples, please visit http://www.lauralwalker.com

Season of Creativity

It has been over three months since my first book, Pierced by Love, was released on December 9, 2014. I know I've said this before, but I have learned countless lessons from this marvelous (and a bit foolhardy) experience. When you think about it, why would an author want to open himself or herself up to critics, whether good or bad? One must believe in the message he or she is sending, whether that individual is an author, songwriter, poet, journalist, painter, or actor/actress.

We all have a positive message to share. Perhaps that is the reason blogs have exploded in the past few years. We all desire a chance to share a piece of ourselves with the world. We want to know that we are valuable. And yet, we know and feel deep inside of our unique worth. That is why I love seeing so many talents from others on Pinterest and Facebook. I love learning how to do new things. I love being creative.

The season in my life for creativity happens to be writing at the moment, though I enjoy other hobbies too. What is your current venue for creativity? What has you smiling at the end of the day? I would love to read your thoughts. Feel free to share!

Pierced By Love Released!

Pierced By Love has hit the shelves. You can purchase a copy of it from Barnes & Noble or Deseret. You may also find it online at Amazon. And if you like it, will you please leave a review? I know the story is not perfect. After all, this was my first serious writing attempt in over a decade. Since then, I have learned much and there is still an endless amount to learn about writing. I am improving each day.

However, if you feel that the story needed more work in a certain area, I'm open to receiving constructive criticism. All I ask is for your kindness in doing so. Please keep in mind that I haven't been formally trained in writing fiction (although I wrote plenty of research papers in my college days!) I hope to remedy this by attending some creative writing conferences soon.

On another note, I invite you to check out what book reviewers who are participating in my blog tour from now until the 27th of December are saying about Pierced By Love. Shauna from I Love to Read and Review Books states: "WHAT A FUN BOOK!"

For a full listing of book reviewers who are posting their reviews for Pierced By Love, visit my website at http://www.lauralwalker.com

I Love Writing Inspirational Fiction!

Two weeks from now, my first novel, Pierced By Love, will make its debut among readers everywhere. It is undeniably a story that is written mainly for the LDS reader as it pertains to truths and beliefs our religion upholds. However, My hope is that readers belonging to all sects and congregations will find some universal truths within the pages. Because while I wrote a fairly entertaining story about two college couples trying to work things out, I would like for my readers to feel and know of the love that God has for them as individuals. I would like for my readers to know that they can come to the Lord in,prayer for anything they are experiencing in their lives, no matter how small they seem. He will hear and answer them!

I love writing inspirational stories. I love reading them, too. They lift me up when I am feeling down. They help me to better understand who I am and that this life is not the only one we will experience. My trials are really just a small moment in the time of the eternities.

Peace really can be ours to enjoy now. I hope you enjoy Pierced By Love! Happy Thanksgoving!