S.A. Larsen's Blog, page 41

Wistful YA with Karen Amanda Hooper, YA Author

Being accomplished means different things to different people. For me, it's all about being who you are and always striving to improve upon your given talents to bring a little peace, harmony, and joy to the world. 
AMAZON LINKS - The Fool, The Magician, The High PriestessThat's just what my next featured author is all about. From my first encounter with her through cyberspace, she's been nothing but gracious, kind, and humble. And just to show you that, she's offered up the first 3 books in eBook format of her latest releases. 
Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to some lucky reader! She's the young adult author of several Science Fiction, Fantasy, and Romance stories. Please give Karen Amanda Hooper a huge Alleyway welcome!
Hi Karen. Let me begin by saying that Karen saved my bacon last night. Somehow my cyber form lost her original answers for this interview. She scrambled to get me her responses so she could share herself with you today.
Okay, what inspired you to write your VIRTUAL ARCANA series? 
The inspiration hit when an author friend, Susan Kaye Quinn, announced her Debt Collector series had been optioned for virtual reality. (How freakin' cool is that?) I was discussing that awesomeness with a teen writer buddy and we were daydreaming about how amazing it would be to experience our favorite books via virtual reality. Then I thought about how addicting that might be, and the problems it might cause. Next thing I knew I was writing a new story idea and Virtual Arcana was born. 
Yeah, I'd chatted with Susan about that opportunity. Way, way cool...
Has your writing process differed from writing this as a series as opposed to your other full-length novels?
This one FORCED me to create an outline. I've written all my other books as a pantser. I detest outlining and plotting ahead, but I had to with VA because once I released an episode, I couldn't go back and change stuff like I did with my other novels. I had to make the process fun (or I'd probably break out in hives) so I created a storyboard with pics and colored post-its, etc. It was actually enjoyable for the two days I worked on it. But truthfully, I haven't looked at that board in months. lol. We diehard pantsers are very set in our ways.
Now, the opening description for VIRTUAL ARCANA: Book 0 is The Matrix meets The Notebook, with a sprinkle of The Giver. Can I just say how awesome that is!!! Can you give the readers a glimpse into how the three play into the story?
Thanks! :) The Matrix is all futuristic and techy, and so is VA. The Notebook is a touching love story about a man who didn't give up on the love of his life no matter what, and MAYBE Virtual Arcana is like that too, but you'll have to read it to find out. Don't shun me, but I haven't read The Giver, so I can't give a good example, but one of my treasured beta readers said it had a Giver-esque feel because of the controlling government, and I trust her wholeheartedly, so I'm certain it's a good comparison. 
Let me pause us here, so we can share a few descriptions from the series.
 Blurb: In a faraway future, Kelsey Zellar is starting her senior year at yet another school thanks to her twin sister’s troublesome obsession with outlawed virtual reality games. 
Every school they’ve ever attended is pretty much the same: lunchroom drama, rich kids binging on enhancement candies, and classmates rallying for or against the government’s strict control over everything from entertainment privileges to caffeine consumption. 
Unlike her sister, Kelsey follows the rules and keeps her nose out of trouble and politics while sniffing out her next flavored latte and favorite novel. But when Kelsey meets a charming book connoisseur, and accepts his offering of a tarot card, she takes the first step toward two new addictions: the guy of her dreams, and his illegal dealing of virtual escapes into her beloved storybooks. 
Kelsey straddles the worlds of fiction and reality, but is she a fool for believing in her own happy ending?
Blurb: Mysterious cards keep appearing in Kelsey’s life, stirring up questions and forcing her to keep secrets from her sister, Keekee.
Triggered by Kelsey’s fear and Keekee's worry, the twins become bright blips on their tyrannical government’s radar. 
Xander’s magic seems to be their only chance at escaping a dangerous confrontation, but is Kelsey willing to break multiple laws and finally step into Xander's illegal world of virtual reality?
SEASON 1 EPISODE LIST: 

The Fool ~ Virtual Arcana #0
The Magician ~ Virtual Arcana #1
The High Priestess~ Virtual Arcana #2
The Empress ~ Virtual Arcana #3
The Emperor ~ Virtual Arcana #4
The Hierophant ~ Virtual Arcana #5 
The Lovers ~ Virtual Arcana #6
I just love how this is mapped out!
You've written the gamete throughout the industry. (LUV Grasping at Eternity!) What do you see as the most challenging obstacle for newer writers in today's constantly-evolving publishing arena?
Yay for Grasping at Eternity! Thanks. <3 I think the most challenging obstacle is never giving up. The life of a writer is emotional and challenging, but SO worth it if said writer truly loves storytelling. Keeping up with all the constant changes in the publishing world adds a lot of extra work and headaches. That part can feel overwhelming at times, but I say just keep writing what you love and the rest will follow. 
Describe your writer-self by using either five TV shows or movies, five fast food meals, or five means of transportation.
Can I mix up the categories? I like variety.  Of course!
In no particular order: TV show- Lost. (Lol. Seriously though, I'm always wondering what the heck is going on and how did I get here? ) Movie- Love and Other Disasters. (I'm a mix of the two main characters, Emily & Peter.) 2nd Movie- Sliding Doors (Trying to make the best of life no matter which path life leads me down.) Fast food meal- Rocky Road sundae. (Sundaes count as fast food, right? In my world they do!) Transportation: Airplane (my head is always in the clouds) 
Out of those, which is the most important to apply as a writer? Probably the Rocky Road sundae. Maybe it's because I'm such a sucker for chocolate, but I also believe no matter how rocky the road, you have to make the most of the journey and learn as much as you can. And savor the sweet parts!  
What should fans expect from you over the coming months? Teaser please... ;) Well, every month I will be releasing a new episode of Virtual Arcana. Dec 15th, The High Priestess is releasing and it's a mind-bender. Behind the scenes, I'll be working on the final book of my merfolk series, Sacred Seas. AND writing a companion novel to the Kindrily series. But those books won't release until 2015.  
Gosh, you really are a busy girl.
As far as a teaser, here's a little snippet from The High Priestess, it's kind of a spoiler, but nothing to major. BUT before reading HP, be sure to read the other books in the series, starting with The Fool, or you will be totally lost. 
Kelsey (the MC) is about to experience a book via virtual reality. Awol (the other character in the scene) is guiding her through the process.

Awol nodded with a pleased grin on her face. “That’s the one.” 

She walked over, tilting her head to read the title. Smiling wide, she said, “The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn. A strong dose of pentacles and cups, with a splash of swords and a touch of wands. Makes total sense.”

“I’ve never heard of it,” I admitted. 

“That’s so sad, but understandable. In the Old World, some people lost their minds and banned many great books. This was one of them.” 

“Why did they ban it?” 

“Doesn’t matter,” Awol said. “The story chose you. It’s time to dive in, heart and soul.”What I didn’t know, or expect, was she meant it literally.

Fantastic teaser! Thank you for stopping by to leave your writer graffiti in the Alleyway. We all appreciate the wisdom etched in that place. Best of luck always!
Meet Karen: Karen was born and bred in Baltimore, frolicked and froze in Colorado for a couple of years and is currently sunning and splashing around Florida with her two beloved dogs. She's addicted to coffee, chocolate and complicated happily-ever-afters.

Karen has been making up stories for as long as she can remember. In high school she discovered her passion for putting her thoughts onto paper, but it wasn't until her late twenties that she wrote her first novel. Due to her strong Disney upbringing, she still believes in fairytales and will forever sprinkle magic throughout all of her novels.Website | Blog | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads | Google+ | Pinterest

GIVEAWAY
One lucky reader will win the first three books (eBook format) of Karen's VIRTUAL ARCANA  series: The Fool, The Magician, and The High Priestess which will be releasing Dec 15th.  BEST OF LUCK!!!
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Do you like to read short or long stories?

MMGM~THE LUMPY DUCKLING

I've been away from my middle grade spotlights for a while and decided it was time to join in, again. It's great to me back in the lineup for Shannon Messenger's MMGM! Click HERE for the other participants.
THE LUMPY DUCKLING: Another Weaver Tale  (Weaver Tales, #3) by Kai Strand
Publisher: Guardian Angel PublishingReleased: October 2014Format: PaperbackPages: 85Goodreads | Amazon | B&N
I'd like to thank the author for supplying me with a copy in exchange for an unbiased review.
Favorite Line/Passage: Wheezy leaned against her bedroom door when she closed it behind her. Her heart pounded from the effort of holding her feelings inside. Such strong emotions swirled inside her, she was afraid of what might burst out. She wanted to yell at the top of her voice in anger, yet her heart weighed heavy with sadness, and tears hovered just behind her eyes. Remembering Lumpy's handsome new face caused her to frown with confusion and sob from a sense of loss.
Description: Lumpy may be hefty with a misshapen mouth, but he’s funny and the most loyal friend Wheezy could ask for. When she meets Unwanted, she casts a wish for people to be able to see her best friend like she does. Her wish nearly kills him.
NIGHTSTAND WORTHY +2!
My Splats: a sweet coming of age tale of trying to find one's place in the world and within relationships. It's full of fun, youthful energy. 
What sets this story series apart from other shorter fantasy reads in the middle grade category is the structure of the story. These children are word weavers, meaning they often challenge each other through every day events by communicating in poetic rhyming. Initially, I thought it might become too much or take away from the main theme of the story but it didn't. In fact it did the opposite by showing character quirks, beliefs, and reactions - inner emotions. I think kids this age will really gravitate to it. It makes them think.
The story has wonderful characters such a Eloise aka Wheezy, who sneezes in threes. She has a great attitude of being strong and sure of herself - on the outside, anyway. As events unfold, the reader learns there's more to Wheezy on the inside then she shows on the outside. Then there's her BFF Lumpy, who's always been the plump, smart boy on the block. He's practically a master at word weaving, always making it a playful game. A little competition between good friends sounds fitting and intriguing to readers of this age. I absolutely LOVE this concept. 
As all good stories do, this one has roadblocks the main character must overcome. Through one dangerous wish that could have a grave outcome, Wheezy takes the reader on a journey of changing friendships as kids move from the elementary mindset and physical body to moments of awkward adolescence. How does he feel? How do I act? Will they still like me? There's even a bully to give the tale a deeper MG feel, although it's done in a new, fresh way. By story's end, the true meaning of friendship shines through in a delicate and very sincere way. It's a wonderful teaching tool for kids this age. I'd recommend reading together, especially with 10-11 year olds. (Psst...if you're wondering if that little blue dude on the cover is Lump, it's not. You'll have to read to find out who he is.)Weaver Tale #1                    Weaver Tale #2What's a good middle grade story on friendship you've read? 

Wistful YA: COMPULSION, a Giveaway, & ISWG!

Within the publishing arena, is there anything more thrilling than watching a dear friend achieve her dream? I think not. I am beyond ecstatic to share Martina Boone's dream with you - a story that enraptured her heart. A story she wrote to capture yours. 
Compulsion (The Heirs of Watson Island #1)by Martina Boone Release Date: 10/28/14
ISBN: 1481411225Publisher: Simon Pulse, Simon TeenPages: 448
Summary from Goodreads: Three plantations. Two wishes. One ancient curse.

All her life, Barrie Watson has been a virtual prisoner in the house where she lives with her shut-in mother. When her mother dies, Barrie promises to put some mileage on her stiletto heels. But she finds a new kind of prison at her aunt’s South Carolina plantation instead--a prison guarded by an ancient spirit who long ago cursed one of the three founding families of Watson Island and gave the others magical gifts that became compulsions.

Stuck with the ghosts of a generations-old feud and hunted by forces she cannot see, Barrie must find a way to break free of the family legacy. With the help of sun-kissed Eight Beaufort, who knows what Barrie wants before she knows herself, the last Watson heir starts to unravel her family's twisted secrets. What she finds is dangerous: a love she never expected, a river that turns to fire at midnight, a gorgeous cousin who isn’t what she seems, and very real enemies who want both Eight and Barrie dead.
Buy Links:
     


Compulsion is available anywhere books are sold. Signed copies are available from One More Page Books. You can also order with the special “I have a Compulsion for reading” bookplate from Eight Cousins.
About the Author: Book Blitz Organized by:Martina Boone was born in Prague and spoke several languages before learning English. She fell in love with words and never stopped delighting in them.
She’s the founder of AdventuresInYAPublishing.com, a Writer’s Digest 101 Best Websites for Writers site, and YASeriesInsiders.com, a site devoted to encouraging literacy and all this YA Series.From her home in Virginia, where she lives with her husband, children, and Auggie the wonder dog, she enjoys writing contemporary fantasy set in the kinds of magical places she’d love to visit. When she isn’t writing, she’s addicted to travel, horses, skiing, chocolate flavored tea, and anything with Nutella on it. Author Links:Website | Blog | Tumblr | Facebook | Pinterest | Instagram | Twitter

Before we get to the fabulous giveaway, let's have some fun.
Martina, what’s your favorite thing about Compulsion? I secretly love Gothic novels. There was a point where Daphne du Maurier's REBECCA and Mary Stewart's AIRS ABOVE THE GROUND were among my favorite novels. I've always adored books with exotically dangerous settings, quirky characters, and elements of mystery and suspense. Since I'm from Prague, one of the most magical, broodingly beautiful cities in the world, the bar for magical locations is set pretty hight. But the South. Ah, there I have all the elements I love—a haunted past, regret, anger, continuing conflict, and questions of morality galore. Southern plantations are the closest thing to moldering abbeys and decaying castles that we have in the United States. I'm grateful to Kami Garcia and Margaret Stohl for reminding me of how much I love all the elements they included in BEAUTIFUL CREATURES, because their series got me thinking about the possibilities of Spanish moss and crumbling Southern mansions. My favorite thing about Compulsion, hands down, is the setting and how it shaped (and twisted) the characters and families who live there. 
Exotically dangerous settings ... #clearsthroat #blushes
What is the weirdest piece of research you had to do when writing COMPULSION? I researched a LOT of off the wall things for this book: pirates, shipwrecks, ghosts, witches, voodoo, hoodoo, Cherokee witchcraft, slavery, drug running, lost treasures of the Civil War, Confederate privateering, the Red Sea Gold, indigo production, drag queens/drag shows, secret rooms, furniture with hidden drawers, ball lightning . . . The thing that fascinated me the most on a research level was the various forms of magic that were present in the South with the confluence of belief systems brought there by slaves from different regions and religions intersecting with Native American belief systems. I spent a lot of time Googling specific spells and curses and trying to work out how the interpretation of them might have changed over three hundred years.
What do you want readers to take away from COMPULSION? That you can pick your family, the people you love. And that you need to do more than just survive your life. You have to go out and live your life. 
Very profound.
Can you sum up COMPULSION in one word? Sure. The title: Compulsion. I think my editor nailed it coming up with that.
So COMPULSION wasn't the original title? The book has had three titles, and I love them all. My working title was FIRE CARRIER, and when you read the book, you'll get that. My brilliant acquiring editor, Annette Pollert, who edited the book all the way up to copyedits, came up with BEHOLDEN, which everyone loved, and that also suits the book perfectly. But the bottom line is that COMPULSION fits several themes in the book and also conveys a sense of energy that I hope I've achieved in the plot. It's by far my favorite, and it carries through into the rest of the series.
COMPULSION is part of a trilogy. Did you already have the series written when you submitted the manuscript? I never meant to write a series, but I knew I wasn't done with Watson Island yet, so after I'd written the second draft, I gave both Eight and Cassie little sisters. I intended to let them help me explore the magical aspects of those families in companion novels. When my agent and I were getting ready to submit COMPULSION to publishers, I very quickly wrote synopses for the novels. Just quick sketches. And then I immediately went to work writing the second book to keep from going crazy while I was waiting to see if COMPULSION would sell. 
We already had a phone call scheduled with a publisher for a Monday, and my agent called me at five o'clock on Thursday night to tell me that Annette, my future editor, wanted to talk to me the next day, and did I have time. Um, does McDonalds sell hamburgers? 
#snort #giggle
Also, he said, Annette wanted to know if I would consider making the other two books a series. Sure, I said. Of course. And then I had until ten-thirty the next morning to come up with ideas: plot and character arcs for the series, a plot that was progressive instead of episodic, themes that would carry across the books. All that. 
'K, me interjecting here ... Now that is chaos for a writer - less than a handful of hours to mind-create two full stories. But, obviously, you handled it amazingly! 
So I called my critique partners and begged for brainstorming help. We were all focusing on plot at first, and then when I was just talking things trough, I finally realized what the character progressions had to be. Instead of crying about the loss of what I'd already written in Book Two, I got excited about the series idea instead, and I also realized that I could use what I'd done for Book Two. Just in a different way. 
Martina, you rock in ways I can't even express here. I remember when you first contacted me as you were launching Adventures in YA Publishing. I am thrilled for you! Congratulations. 
Now for you amazing readers: GO ENTER THE COMPULSION GIVEAWAY! Best of luck to you. 
a Rafflecopter giveaway

To fulfill my #ISWG post today, I'm going to leave you with a few thoughts to ponder over the coming weeks.
list of participants'Tis the holiday season, as we all know. No matter where you live or what beliefs you hold you are most likely aware of the commercialism that has come to blanket this time of year. During my childhood, there were times when advertisements and the luring 'sale' caused commotion. Anyone remember Cabbage Patch dolls?                                                                                                                                              As an adult, I've seen these isolated commercial moments multiply to the point there is almost no relief. I fear this generation will miss out on the importance of this calendar month, that it's about reflecting, remembering there is good in the world, and being thankful. Despite my valiant efforts to lend reminders and be a better example (as I'm sure you do as well), it just might not be enough. What will their children feel during this time of year? Their childrens' children? What will we leave them to focus on? And if they don't focus on the importance that is life and how we came about, what will happen to society?
Yeah, a heavy question to leave you with, but one I think is worth our time. 
Until our next IWSG chat ... ((HUGS))! 

A Time to Reflect

Another season of holiday festivities is upon us. Despite all the hustle and bustle, all the shopping lines and gift wrapping, all the cooking and baking, we just remember what a gift this time of the year truly is - 

It's the time to reflect on all we've been given and accomplished.

I'M EVEN THANKFUL FOR ALL OF THIS.
image creditWe are creatures of habit. Whether we like to admit it or not, we crave order and structure. Stepping out of our boxes is fun, exciting, and necessary at times. But, a society must keep some sort of order or chaos will destroy all future growth. That same philosophy applies to family, work, and other parts of life. So, this time to reflect is also something we've been given, something to be thankful for, and to not take for granted. This season, handle it with care.

  Thanksgiving, after all, is a word of action. ~W.J. Cameron
We can only be said to be alive in those moments when our hearts are conscious of our treasures. ~Thornton Wilder
A thankful heart is not only the greatest virtue, but the parent of all the other virtues. ~Cicero
I'm thankful for each one of you. Have a wonderful week! 
Lastly, I'll be putting together another Writer's Pledge for 2015, and this year I'll be incorporating a Twitter list of participants with a hashtag to support each other throughout 2015. What are your thoughts on that? (Feel free to share the idea and invite others to leave their suggestions/comments below.)

Need an Editor? THE MANUSCRIPT MAVEN

I'm not a surgeon nor am I trained in any surgical procedures, so I know very little about how the fix or cure the inner workings of the body other than for any personal aliments/issues I've experienced or witnessed from caring for my four children. Thus, I wouldn't be a choice when you're looking for a surgeon.
The same applies to writing. 
To no fault of their own, many people have no idea the ins and outs of writing a manuscript with the intent of publication. A writer does, though. From the bright beginnings of an idea to the damp, darkness of revisions, a fellow writer understands what it takes to achieve one's goal of publication. And it takes a special writer who can take another writer's work, edit it for content, structure, and grammar to make it shine.
This is the reason I'm here today. I'm beyond thrilled to share this news with you.
S.K. Mayhew
Blog | Twitter Sharon Mayhew aka S.K. Mayhew has recently launched her own editing and writer coaching business. She is not simply a talented writer, but also a dear friend and critique partner to me. My interactions with Sharon have always been positive and led me down a road of growth. Her efforts have gone above and beyond what was necessary as one of my CPs. And she has an uplifting way of sharing her suggestions and edits.
Here's her mission statement, which can be found on her new website The Manuscript Maven:

The Manuscript Maven believes that every writer has potential and she will do her best to help writers improve their writing, while still keeping true to their stories and their "voices."

So to all you authors out there, whether you're looking to join the amazing band of Indie authors or you're agented and just need an extra peek at your work before submitting, contact THE MANUSCRIPT MAVEN for some wonderful advice to bring out the best in your work. 
To celebrate her kick-off, Sharon is offering up one FREE critique of either the first 250 words of a picture book, the first seven pages of a novel, or a query critique/line edit to one winner! To enter, just leave a comment below and I will randomly choose a winner. 
Have you every worked with a private editor or writing coach before? What was your experience? 

Celebrate with Me! Happy Book Birthday GEARS OF BRASS!

The day has finally arrived. AND there's a GIVEAWAY of Amazon giftcards, critiques for writers, and this gorgeous steampunk necklace!
Happy Book Birthday, GEARS OF BRASS! A Young Adult Anthology
Authors: Jordan Elizabeth, Lorna MacDonald Czarnota, Christine Baker, W.K. Pomeroy, Eliza Tilton, Heather Talty, Grant Eagar, Natalia Darcy, Clare Weze, S.A. Larsen, J. MillionPublisher: Curiosity Quills PressFormat: paperback, ebook
Purchase Links: Amazon eBook | B&N eBook (more links - Kobo, Smashwords & print link coming soon...)
Description: A world like ours, but filled with gears of brass, where the beating heart is fueled by steam and the simplest creation is a complex clockwork device.  

Within this tome, you’ll find steampunk fairy tale re-tellings, as well as original stories that will send your gears turning.  
Welcome to the steampunk realm, with eleven authors guiding your path. 
Gears of Brass is a steampunk anthology published through Curiosity Quills. Within the pages, you’ll come across clockwork inventions and steampunk-ified fairy tale retellings.  Eleven authors will guide you through worlds filled with airships, top hats, and corsets. An introduction is included written by the fabulous Susan Kaye Quinn, author of The Dharian Affairs trilogy (Third Daughter, Second Daughter, First Daughter), a steampunk fantasy adventure-romance.

My thoughts:  After the numerous freelance pieces I've had published, the thrill of developing a few kidlit manuscripts - two of which are on submission - and working out a few delicate and sweet picture book manuscripts, I never would have guessed a simply break from all that would give me a published story in the company of such amazing other writers. I originally wrote TIME SPUN SOULS to simply get away from it all. 
We all love our work. Why else would we slave countless hours isolated from the living to create fictitious people, places, and things? And I love this story for all the reasons you love yours (or ones you've read) with one exception: this was the story that literally flushed out of me in less than a week - fully developed world, characters, emotions, and arcs. So much so, I almost decided to continue developing it into a full-fledged young adult novel. BTW - I just might use it as a springboard to continue the story in a full YA novel. But that's for the future. 
Here's a teaser from Time Spun Souls to wet your whistle: 

"Stealing a few steps backward, I reached for him and brushed my fingertips along his cheek. Static energy crept across my palm. It glowed blue and pulled like taffy, sticking to my fingertips, then snapping back to his skin. My hand jerked back so hard I hit myself in the chest. My eyes traipsed down his neck, his shoulders, finally stopping at his midsection. It was almost as though I could see inside him."

And they'll be other teasers floating around the blogosphere over the next two weeks.  
Thank you so much for stopping by the Alleyway to celebrate with me. If you read TSS, please let me know what you think. I'd love to hear. And oooh ... I now have an Amazon Author Page. Check it out and leave me a message. I'd LOVE that!
ENTER the MEGA Giveaway!!!Feel free to share away! The more steampunk the better, I say. ;)a Rafflecopter giveaway

IWSG: A Mountain to Write

Better yet: 
A Mountain 2 Write RIGHT.The exhilaration at the end of each writing project is an intense compilation of relief, pride, and excitement. Of course, a new anxiety of revisions quickly begins to take form. But I ignore it for a bit. Instead, I take a moment (sometimes a few more) to bask in the accomplishment. As most of you know, it's quite a feat to type THE END. 
Participants & Sign Up
So why do I stress the @$%^& out of myself at each starting line? It's almost unbearable, at least for me. So much so that often I lollygag for days, weeks, and even a month before I hunker down and engross my attention into my next manuscript. Sometimes longer, which makes me question myself, my abilities, and my verve for writing successes. 
The anxiety doesn't seem to have a specific focus either. It doesn't matter how long I anticipate the manuscript to be or even the topic and theme of the story. My young adult work obviously runs longer than my picture book work, but both flip me out equally. It's almost like the dread that used to practically paralyze me before the start of every school year. 
Do I see anyone raising their hands in agreement? OR am I just weird? 

The Halloween King & A Few Halloween Fun Facts

Life is in constant motion. Sometimes it pushes us forward, and we're filled with encouragement. Other times it assaults us, forcing us backwards and stripping us of our confidence. Either way, there is growth to be had. 
One lesson I've learned over and over again through both the above types of life elements is that humor and letting go can be therapeutic. Here's some Halloween therapy to lighten your day and feed you a bit of useless knowledge - you know, in case you end up on Family Feud or something.
image creditDid you know that the turnip can claim victory as the first official Jack-O-Lantern?     - Yup. Weird, and I bet it stunk, too.
In the olden days (apply phrase to self as it applies), owls were thought to be witches. Guess what it meant when they hooted?      - Someone was going to die. Mmwwhaaaa...
Any idea what Souling means?      - Poor people would visit homes and instead of receiving treats they offered prayers for the household's dead in exchange for a soul cake.
Yeah. So what's a soul cake?     - Soul cakes are small round cakes that kind of     look like biscuits. 
What's the deal with all the orange and black for the Halloween season?      - Orange was always thought to represent the harvest during the Fall season, where the gruesome side to the holiday is felt through the color black representing death. 
Other titles for Halloween have been...?     - Witches Night, All Hallows Eve, Samhain Eve, Summer's End, All Saints Eve, Snap Apple Night, to name a few.
image creditHave you ever heard of Samhain Eve? (I've heard of Samhain, but not with the eve.) Want to know why the eve is added here?      - Samhain is the Irish word for November, so technically adding Eve makes the phrase say October 31st. 
And why Snap Apple Night? Kind of a weird way to refer to Halloween, right?      - Snap Apple Night is the title of a painting (1833) by Daniel Maclise depicting a Halloween party. No, really. It is. Google it. 
Now, for my personal fun fact....
We live in a fairly large neighborhood of cul-du-secs and horseshoe streets. It would be safe to say that this area is one of the busiest on Halloween night. Families come by the van-full and park their vehicles along the streets. Kids pile out and are allowed to roam freely, usually in groups or bunches. Most adults walk the streets, too, carrying flashlights. And yes, we as the adults who resided in the neighborhood would have fun too.
When my four children where younger, they'd come home at the night's end with enough candy to literally fill a kitchen garbage bag if not half another one, too. It was crazy. Of course, my mother's radar would go off, thinking their teeth would be rotten within a few weeks if I let them eat all that. 
This is where the Halloween King came into existence, at least in our home anyway. I'd collect all my kids' candy, allowing them each to choose a few favorite pieces to set aside. They'd stack their individual stashes of Halloween pride near the fireplace and head off to bed. Once they were asleep, I'd collect all the candy and replace it with a wrapped present for each child. And just like Christmas morning, the kids would rush downstairs to see what special new gadget, toy, book, or whatever they'd received. Not once did they rush downstairs in the morning and complain about having to give up their candy. 
But the REAL winner was my husband. He got to take all the candy to work with him and become the hero to all his employees - The REAL Halloween King. 
It worked for our family. Maybe it could work for yours. AND btw - this is one of the picture books I'm writing. 
Do you have any Halloween traditions in your family?

Teenage Depression ~ Sometimes You Just Can't Smile & Where's Lenny Lee?

***I have two posts for today, so if you're here to celebrate a fantastic teen's birthday feel free to skip to the latter part of this post. If you're Lenny, QUICK! Scroll to the bottom.
List of Participants I'm please to be part of this ingenious blogfest hosted by Stephen Tremp, Michael Di Gesu, Diane Wolfe, and Alex Cavanaugh. 

It's meant to bring awareness of disease prevention and early detection regarding medical conditions that may be averted or treated if caught in the early stages. Our desire is to motivate people to go in for early screening, and if a condition is caught early and treated, then our world just became a little better place to live. 
Here's my contribution.

Most everyone knows or has heard the name Robin Williams. He's been in countless films and comedy shows, igniting smiles and lightening hearts in millions over his professional career. He started making me laugh when I was in elementary school, while watching him during his stint as Mork for Ork on the television show Mork & Mindy. His sudden passing stunned many. But the hand he had in his own death was the real shocker. Bewilderment and sadness that a man with the capacity to give such joy to others yet somehow could not feel it himself spread rapidly. It also placed a spotlight on the mental disorder of Depression, how well some people can wear a fake outer skin, and how it affects loved ones of the sufferer.  
All of us can have a sense of being depressed ~ sadness, gloom, dejection. We all have crappy days. Our bodies are chemically engineered with sparks of electricity firing at all angles throughout every day. We are emotional beings, which plays a part in our genetic make up. Events and circumstances can flair our emotions and affect our chemistry. It happens to all of us. But it eventually wears off, after we've had time to reflect or maybe spend time with a friend. Clinical Depression is an entirely different animal. Sufferers can not just make themselves happy or change their outlook. It can be an emotional up and down daily battle. Tell her to just smile, as I've been told, will not work for them.  By collective definition, Clinical Depression: a depression so severe as to be considered abnormal, either because of no obvious environmental causes, or because there action to unfortunate life circumstances is more intense or prolonged than would generally be expected. 

NOTE: I by no means am a physician or councilor, or an expert on depression. However, I've had personal experience dealing with the disorder, suffering from Post-Partem after my third baby (take that Tom Cruise) and taking care of a clinically diagnosed family member for years.

Saying that, my focus here is on our youth, particularly teenagers. I write for children and love seeing the world through their eyes. But their world is not always rose petals and lollipops. Many kids have real life issue to handle. My current young adult project ~ a teenage girl who cares for a severely depressed parent, what she has to sacrifice, what that does to her, and how she deals with it all ~ has lent me lots of research into depression and teenage depression. 
The teenage years are by far the most volatile emotionally. Everything is a tragedy, a calamity. In their minds, no one understand what they're going through. We all remember feeling like that at some teenage point.
These years are the inner battle of adolescent Meism slowly losing ground to the revelation that the world does not revolve around them. Of course, there are loads of variables attached here. Everyone is an individual, different situations, circumstances, environments, etc... Each handles those uniquely. 
Feeling down or 'bad' is real to any of us, but especially during the middle grade and high school years of self discovery. Where do I belong? Who am I? Who do I want to become? In today's world, there's a lot of stress on these kids to answer those questions.  
Yes, there is a difference between feeling down and feeling as though one has been sucked into a black hole. But do not take any sense of depression lightly. You and I do not know the true workings of another's inner mind and heart. Pay attention. A life could be at stake.
Here are a few of the more common warning signs that might give you pause to a teenager suffering from a form of depression:Sleeping excessivelySudden disinterest in food or compulsive overeating leading to weight loss or gainMemory lossUnusual irritabilityIrrational and/or rebellious behavior - skipping classes, driving recklessly, forgetting regular obligations like babysitting or work A sense of hopelessnessOutwardly feeling sorry for selfSchool work suffering; drop of letter gradesApathetic attitude toward what was normally important to them: grades, athletics, music, etc...Begin dabbling in alcohol and/or drugsIsolate selfDisinterest in friendsTalk of death/dyingHeadaches, fatigue, other aches and pains.Overdoing actions or obnoxious in publicA heredity edge - (a symptom you might not be aware of: family history of depression)Here are sites, organizations, articles, and books with more information on teenage depression, how to help, and how to manage it. 
Help GuideA Teenager's Guide to DepressionThe Real CostTeen Treatment CenterMayo ClinicPsychCentralA Few Signs Your Teenager Might Be DepressedNational Library of MedicineTeens HealthMountain Valley Beyond the Blues by Lisa M. SchabWhen Nothing Matters Anymore by Bev CobainSigns of Depression in Teens by Michelle RossAnxiety Workbook for Teens by Lisa M. SchabDon't Let Your Emotions Run Your life for Teens by Sheri Van DijkMindfulness for Teen Anxiety by Christopher WillardDepression: The Ultimate Teen Guide (It Happened To Me) by Tina P. Schwartz
Thank you for reading, and please take this post to heart. Depression can happen to anyone, even those least likely to fall victim. Don't be afraid to ask questions, be attentive. You're not nosy. You care. <3


original image creditI first met Lenny Lee through the blogosphere, while reading a post written by the fabulous Candace G. Her admiration for this young eleven-year-old kid struck a cord inside my heart. I then followed Lenny's trail to my amazing writer pal Sharon Mayhew and discovered Lenny's courageous journey and battle with cancer.  Most of you will remember Lenny for his blog Lenny's World and from his imfamous sunshine logo. 

Dear Lenny,
You are one of my heroes. Your resilience amazes me. The way you see the world through hope-filled eyes and recognize the glass as half-full comforts me. There really is a better tomorrow. Thank you for being a light in my life and in the lives of your blogging buddies. 

We HEART U!Happy 15th Birthday!!!

For Cassidy

Life is fragile. 
A newborn baby's innocence. The trickling of clean water in a stream. Woodland animals caring for their young. We all know this, and yet we live our days filled to the brim with no time to step back and contemplate that truth. That beauty. We all do it. It's life. It's the world we live in. Or is it? 
For one of my close neighboring towns that question has come full circle. It has reached its tentacles, crossing my community's borders as well. This article is one I wish I didn't need to write.
On Saturday evening, people gathered at a farm about an hour from my home to enjoy pumpkins, corn mazes, and haunted hayrides. The farm is well known for ringing in the Halloween season with flair, so it attracts many and a lot of those are teenagers. It's a tradition unique to the fall season. No one would ever equate such innocent family fun with tragedy. But that's what happened. An amazing girl lost her life, when the Jeep hauling the trailer for the haunted hayride lost control and crashed. Her boyfriend was severely injured also, and many others suffered injuries as well.
Cassidy (in colorful headband) with
her CMU (Central Maine United)
premier soccer team.Cassidy is a teammate on my daughter's premier soccer team. (I simply can't write was, because she's still here through words like this and the hearts of so many.) Along with other girls from surrounding towns, they've played soccer together for years, sharing victories and defeats and the all-important sleepovers. We consider her family our friends, spending weekend tournaments with the team or gatherings at their home. Her smile and soft wit will be missed beyond the words I could ever write here. A bright soul taken before her time. At the top of her high school class, she had more potential than most. Her community and neighboring communities are devastated. 
Her life touched many, from her high school soccer team, the premier soccer team, elementary school classmates at a Catholic school, older classmates, friends, and her beloved family. For the most part, when someone passes people share positives from their life. Sometimes you wonder if the person was really that good. In Cassidy's case, it is all true. Her infectious smile and laugh lit up a room and made you feel better. The gentleness in her face welcomed you. She possessed a humbleness that only comes from Grace beyond any of us, and she shared it willingly. Knowing her affirms there is goodness in this world.  
She gained that goodness from an incredible mother, father, and younger brother. They are some of the most genuine people I have ever known. Her mother has taken my family photos for years, always taking such care over my four children. As I write this all I can think is This can't be happening. 
It was early Sunday morning when I received the text of the accident. Initially, shock was felt - a dull, numb sensation of disbelief. But as that wears off and reality sets in, the gravity of loss plummets to a full arsenal of emotions. Making sense of this is the first reaction. It's what we do in our human skin. But pursuing that is a losing battle. As a close friend shared with my daughter, "This will never get better. It will only get different." 
People are coming together through candlelight vigils and posting the above imagine in support and honor of Cass. Some are organizing fundraisers to aid her family with expenses, but also for the family of her boyfriend, who is in a Boston hospital with sever injuries. Cassidy's teammates from all her teams are honoring her from wearing blue ribbons and their jerseys to painting blue hearts with her number on their faces. Our boy's soccer team wrapped a single stripe of blue tape on their arms to honor her during yesterday's game. This will be a long road of grief and questioning for many. I ask for your positive thoughts and prayers for the family. 
We attended a vigil for her last night outside her Catholic elementary school. As tough as it was it was as beautiful. The tears, the laughs, the memories, and the heartfelt longing for her needed to be shared. Former teachers, friends, teammates, and even people who didn't know her attended. A gentlemen approached my husband and asked if we knew her. He revealed that he did not know her or the family, but just had to attend in support. His heart was genuine and heavy. 
After, Cassidy's CMU soccer team gathered at a coach's house. They talked, tried to eat a little ice cream, and cried. Eventually, laughter sprung up as they embraced cherished memories they'd shared with Cass. They questioned why. Before they left, the coach had them sign a special table. The last signature was for Cassidy ~ a big heart with her CMU #4 filling it up.
The outpouring of compassion testifies of Cassidy's wholesome influence in this world, and that we have the same responsibility to affect others in affirming ways. The manner in which she lived each day has made a difference. Her inspiration will inspire positive effects in many. Her life threaded numerous lives, and last night she brought us together. Though she is not physically here any longer to spread her light, others have vowed to do that for her. You and I need to do the same.
There's nothing I can do for her parents but offer a shoulder to help shelf their grief. It's not enough, but it's all I have. It's all any of us has at a time like this. But we can also take a moment to respect life in its frailness, cherish what we still have, and never lose sight of a beautiful life that added such hope to the world ~ Cassidy's legacy.