Rebecca Talley's Blog, page 18
April 5, 2012
From the back cover:When twenty-three-year-old Courtney B...
From the back cover:When twenty-three-year-old Courtney Beckham, the privileged daughter of a highly successful land developer, is abducted in the mountains near her home, FBI Agent Jason Edwards investigates the ten-million-dollar ransom and turns up more than just a kidnapping crime.
And when Courtney catches a glimpse of the caller ID in her kidnapper's home, what she sees sends ice through her veins. Even if she escapes her captors, something much more dangerous lies ahead.
From the author who brought you Wrong Number comes another story featuring Agent Jason Edwards that will keep you on the edge of your seat.
You can learn more about Rachelle Christensen here.
Here's a link to the calendar to follow the blog tour.
To celebrate the release of CALLER ID, Rachelle is hosting a contest for a new Ultra Flip Video Camcorder (4GB memory, Records 120 minutes Value $149.99) and other great prizes. You can enter to win between now and April 14, 2012. Winners will be announced and notified April 16, 2012. For how to enter, click here.
Join the Book Bomb effort taking place Thursday, March 22nd. Click here for details.
You can purchase Caller ID here.
March 21, 2012
World Down Syndrome Day
Today is World Down Syndrome Day. March 21st. 3/21. Trisomy (3) of the 21st chromosome.
Some things I've learned about Down syndrome:
1. It isn't scary
2. It makes me look at things differently
3. Those with DS still have unique personalities and aren't blobs
4. People with DS have talents
5. People with DS can learn, understand, and remember
6. There's still many misconceptions about DS
7. Those of us who love people with DS just want others to accept them for who they are.
8. People with DS don't want to be cured, they want to be loved and respected
9. People with DS aren't happy all the time, they experience a range of emotions
10. Though there are challenges, it's challenging to raise any child
In a perfect world, we'd recognize that those with DS are not the ones that are handicapped. They are not the ones who have the disability. Those of us without DS are truly the ones with the handicap and disability because too often we let things that don't matter get in the way of what's important. We decide we don't like someone because he/she was unkind to us. We hold grudges. We are judgmental. We have conditional love. We can't see past imperfections. We let pride color our decisions. We are selfish and self-centered. We don't want to be around someone who is different. We are too uptight to enjoy life. We don't laugh enough. We don't hug enough. We don't love enough.
Today, let's celebrate those who have that extra chromosome and realize it isn't a bad thing. People with DS can and do offer wonderful things to our society. We need to be willing to see the person inside instead of being distracted by what's on the outside. I have never met anyone who, after taking the time to know someone with DS, regretted knowing that person. I have never met a parent who wished he/she didn't have his/her child with DS.
Here are a few photos of my son who has his own distinct personality. He is full of love and life. He makes us laugh and brings a joy to our home that's indescribable. I am thankful every day that the Lord chose me to be his mom and only hope I can be the kind of mom he deserves.
Some things I've learned about Down syndrome:
1. It isn't scary
2. It makes me look at things differently
3. Those with DS still have unique personalities and aren't blobs
4. People with DS have talents
5. People with DS can learn, understand, and remember
6. There's still many misconceptions about DS
7. Those of us who love people with DS just want others to accept them for who they are.
8. People with DS don't want to be cured, they want to be loved and respected
9. People with DS aren't happy all the time, they experience a range of emotions
10. Though there are challenges, it's challenging to raise any child
In a perfect world, we'd recognize that those with DS are not the ones that are handicapped. They are not the ones who have the disability. Those of us without DS are truly the ones with the handicap and disability because too often we let things that don't matter get in the way of what's important. We decide we don't like someone because he/she was unkind to us. We hold grudges. We are judgmental. We have conditional love. We can't see past imperfections. We let pride color our decisions. We are selfish and self-centered. We don't want to be around someone who is different. We are too uptight to enjoy life. We don't laugh enough. We don't hug enough. We don't love enough.
Today, let's celebrate those who have that extra chromosome and realize it isn't a bad thing. People with DS can and do offer wonderful things to our society. We need to be willing to see the person inside instead of being distracted by what's on the outside. I have never met anyone who, after taking the time to know someone with DS, regretted knowing that person. I have never met a parent who wished he/she didn't have his/her child with DS.
Here are a few photos of my son who has his own distinct personality. He is full of love and life. He makes us laugh and brings a joy to our home that's indescribable. I am thankful every day that the Lord chose me to be his mom and only hope I can be the kind of mom he deserves.
March 20, 2012
Today is My Birthday
Yes, today is my birthday. I've had quite a few. Almost 20 more than my mother. 24 more than my father.
Age is a funny thing. In our society women tend to hate growing older. Some even go to great measures to hide their age. When I was a little girl my paternal grandmother would never tell us her age. She refused to give us her birth year. I finally found out and she will be 97 years old this year.
Do I love my graying hair? Not especially. Do I love my wrinkles? Not so much. But they both represent my life. A life that has been filled with so many amazing and profound experiences. A life I wouldn't trade for a younger looking face or streak-free hair.
As I look at my life thus far, I can't help but feel so very blessed. I have a wonderful husband that I love even more now than when I married him. He has seen me at my worst and he still loves me. He picks me up when I am down. He makes me laugh. He is my rock of support and always has an uplifting word for me. He loves our children and has never refused to change diapers, comfort a sick child, do homework and projects even at the last minute. I truly don't deserve him!
I have amazing children, including my wonderful daughter-in-law that I'll claim as my own any day--good, kind, compassionate children who seek to do the right thing. We have so much fun together. My kids have taught me so much over the years--they are far better than I was at their age. They bring me a joy I never knew existed until I had children. I love to watch them develop their talents and I love to see them do the right thing when they have a hard decision. I love each of them with all that I am.
I have a fantastic extended family that loves and supports me. They are the first to help whenever I need it. They are the first to buy my books. They have taught me so much about compassion. I feel so blessed to live near my sister and her family and to watch her kids grow up. I get teary when I hear her kids bear their testimonies and realize what good, good kids they are. I am also blessed to live near my husband's family. I couldn't ask for better in-laws.
I am fortunate to be able to live in a home that's warm in the winter and cool in the summer. A place that's a refuge from the world and provides safety and security when things get crazy. A place where love abounds and no matter what else happens, I know I am loved there.
I have been very blessed to have some books published. I love to write and feel so fortunate that some of my stories have found their way out into the world. Not everyone loves my books, but the notes from readers who have loved them are very precious and priceless to me.
Yes, it's my birthday and I'm sure I have a few new gray hairs and even a few more wrinkles. But I love my life and those hairs and wrinkles are a testament to my life--a life I love.
Thank you to all of you who have wished me a happy birthday. All of you make my life wonderful and add to it. Thank you!!
Age is a funny thing. In our society women tend to hate growing older. Some even go to great measures to hide their age. When I was a little girl my paternal grandmother would never tell us her age. She refused to give us her birth year. I finally found out and she will be 97 years old this year.
Do I love my graying hair? Not especially. Do I love my wrinkles? Not so much. But they both represent my life. A life that has been filled with so many amazing and profound experiences. A life I wouldn't trade for a younger looking face or streak-free hair.
As I look at my life thus far, I can't help but feel so very blessed. I have a wonderful husband that I love even more now than when I married him. He has seen me at my worst and he still loves me. He picks me up when I am down. He makes me laugh. He is my rock of support and always has an uplifting word for me. He loves our children and has never refused to change diapers, comfort a sick child, do homework and projects even at the last minute. I truly don't deserve him!
I have amazing children, including my wonderful daughter-in-law that I'll claim as my own any day--good, kind, compassionate children who seek to do the right thing. We have so much fun together. My kids have taught me so much over the years--they are far better than I was at their age. They bring me a joy I never knew existed until I had children. I love to watch them develop their talents and I love to see them do the right thing when they have a hard decision. I love each of them with all that I am.
I have a fantastic extended family that loves and supports me. They are the first to help whenever I need it. They are the first to buy my books. They have taught me so much about compassion. I feel so blessed to live near my sister and her family and to watch her kids grow up. I get teary when I hear her kids bear their testimonies and realize what good, good kids they are. I am also blessed to live near my husband's family. I couldn't ask for better in-laws.
I am fortunate to be able to live in a home that's warm in the winter and cool in the summer. A place that's a refuge from the world and provides safety and security when things get crazy. A place where love abounds and no matter what else happens, I know I am loved there.
I have been very blessed to have some books published. I love to write and feel so fortunate that some of my stories have found their way out into the world. Not everyone loves my books, but the notes from readers who have loved them are very precious and priceless to me.
Yes, it's my birthday and I'm sure I have a few new gray hairs and even a few more wrinkles. But I love my life and those hairs and wrinkles are a testament to my life--a life I love.
Thank you to all of you who have wished me a happy birthday. All of you make my life wonderful and add to it. Thank you!!
March 5, 2012
Write Here in Ephraim Free Writing Conference
You're invited to: WRITE HERE IN EPHRAIM – 2012
Saturday, April 14 at Snow College in Ephraim, Utah
Free admission - door prizes - published author instruction!
Greenwood Student Center
250 E College Ave. (100 N) Ephraim, Utah
Class descriptions listed after following schedule:
(PLEASE NOTE: some classes are offered twice!)
7:45-8:30 a.m. Registration
8:30 a.m. - 8:45 a.m. Welcome and door prizes
8:50 a.m. – 9:35 a.m.
Philadelphia Room: Greenwood Student Center:
Karen Hoover, Idea Factory- Pt. 1 of 2
Blue Bell Room: Greenwood Student Center:
Abel Keogh, Memoirs
Classroom 204: Lucy Phillips Blg- 2nd floor:
Andrea Pearson, Working on manuscript from start to finish
Classroom 205: Lucy Phillips Blg- 2nd floor:
Rebecca Talley, Show Don't Tell
Classroom 206: Lucy Phillips Blg- 2nd floor:
Gregg Luke, Suspense
Classroom 207: Lucy Phillips Blg- 2nd floor:
Kathi O. Peterson, How to Grid Your Story
Classroom 216: Lucy Phillips Blg- 2nd floor:
Clint Cox, How a Plumber Wrote a Book
Classroom 217: Lucy Phillips Blg- 2nd floor:
Jenni James, Romance
Classroom 218: Lucy Phillips Blg- 2nd floor:
Ali Cross, How to Write Ninja Style
9:45 a.m. – 10:35 a.m.
Philadelphia Room: Greenwood Student Center:
Karen Hoover, Idea Factory – Pt. 2 of 2
Blue Bell Room: Greenwood Student Center:
Michael Young, Avoid Cliché Like the Plague
Classroom 204: Lucy Phillips Blg- 2nd floor:
Andrea Pearson, Working on manuscript from start to finish
Classroom 205: Lucy Phillips Blg- 2nd floor:
Rebecca Talley, Show, Don't Tell
Classroom 206: Lucy Phillips Blg- 2nd floor:
Heather Justesen, Plotting
Classroom 207: Lucy Phillips Blg- 2nd floor:
Ronda Gibb Hinrichson, How to Avoid a Series of Unfortunate Pitfalls
Classroom 216: Lucy Phillips Blg- 2nd floor:
Clint Cox, Marketing and Publicity
Classroom 217: Lucy Phillips Blg- 2nd floor:
Rachelle Christensen, Suspense
Classroom 218: Lucy Phillips Blg- 2nd floor:
Ali Cross, How to Find and Develop Your Own Brand
10:45 a.m. – 11:35 a.m.
Philadelphia Room: Greenwood Student Center:
Karen Hoover, pre-writing
Blue Bell Room: Greenwood Student Center:
Joan Sowards, Dressing up your Prose - Figuratively Speaking
Classroom 204: Lucy Phillips Blg- 2nd floor:
Connie Hall, Time Flies
Classroom 205: Lucy Phillips Blg- 2nd floor:
Rebecca Talley, Story in a Sentence
Classroom 206: Lucy Phillips Blg- 2nd floor:
Jewel Adams, Short Stories
Classroom 207: Lucy Phillips Blg- 2nd floor:
Cindy Hogan, Self publishing
Classroom 216: Lucy Phillips Blg- 2nd floor:
Kathryn Jones, Writing Your Book Workshop
Classroom 217: Lucy Phillips Blg- 2nd floor:
Jenni James, Comedy
Classroom 218: Lucy Phillips Blg- 2nd floor:
Angie Lofthouse, Science Fiction/Fantasy
11:45 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.:
Main floor, Greenwood Student Center:
AUTHOR Q&A PANEL: Gregg Luke, Kathi Oram Peterson, Michael Young, Cory Poulson, Joan Sowards, Karen Hoover, Ali Cross, Clint Cox, Angie Lofthouse, Elizabeth Mueller
12:30-1:30 p.m. LUNCH and MASS BOOK SIGNING (bookstore will be set up in commons which is adjacent to college cafeteria.)
1:30 p.m. -1:45 p.m. door prizes
1:45 p.m. – 2:45 p.m.
Main floor, Greenwood Student Center:
"First Page Shred" panel: Julie Wright, Ronda Hinrichsen, Christine Mehring, Pendragon Inman, Gregg Luke, Andrea Pearson, Kathryn Jones
3:00 p.m. – 3:50 p.m.
Philadelphia Room: Greenwood Student Center:
Christine Mehring, Hero Journey
Blue Bell Room: Greenwood Student Center:
Abel Keogh, Marketing and Publicity
Classroom 204: Lucy Phillips Blg- 2nd floor:
Andrea Pearson, Self Publishing
Classroom 205: Lucy Phillips Blg- 2nd floor:
Julie Wright, Nuts and Bolts
Classroom 206: Lucy Phillips Blg- 2nd floor:
Gregg Luke, Suspense
Classroom 207: Lucy Phillips Blg- 2nd floor:
Pendragon Inman, Story Structure
Classroom 216: Lucy Phillips Blg- 2nd floor:
Kathryn Jones, Conquering your Writing Goliaths, pt. 1 of 2
Classroom 217: Lucy Phillips Blg- 2nd floor:
Rachelle Christensen, Revising
Classroom 218: Lucy Phillips Blg- 2nd floor:
Angie Lofthouse, Finding Time to Write
4:00 p.m. – 4:50 p.m.
Philadelphia Room: Greenwood Student Center:
Christine Mehring, Hero Journey
Blue Bell Room: Greenwood Student Center:
Abel Keogh, Memoirs
Classroom 204: Lucy Phillips Blg- 2nd floor:
Andrea Pearson, Formatting e-books
Classroom 205: Lucy Phillips Blg- 2nd floor:
Julie Wright, Nuts and Bolts
Classroom 206: Lucy Phillips Blg- 2nd floor:
Kathi Oram Peterson, How to Grid your Story
Classroom 207: Lucy Phillips Blg- 2nd floor:
Pendragon Inman, Story Structure
Classroom 216: Lucy Phillips Blg- 2nd floor:
Kathryn Jones, Conquering your Writing Goliaths, pt. 2 of 2
Classroom 217: Lucy Phillips Blg- 2nd floor:
Jenni James, Romance
Classroom 218: Lucy Phillips Blg- 2nd floor:
Angie Lofthouse, Science Fiction/Fantasy
5:00 p.m. – 5:15 p.m. door prizes
5:15 p.m. – 5:45 p.m. LITERACY GAME SHOW
6:00 p.m. pack up and go home smiling!
CLASS DESCRIPTIONS:
AVOID CLICHE LIKE THE PLAGUE - Michael Young
Keep your writing original
CONQUERING YOUR WRITING GIANTS - (2 pt. class) Kathryn Jones
A spiritual Journey Workshop - Do you love to write, but are you afraid to put your manuscripts out there? What can you do to overcome your fears or feelings of inadequacy? What can you do to garner the courage to submit your first piece of writing? What can you do to get published? This spiritual journey workshop will get you to the heart of the matter; your matter. What makes you tick and what it's going to take for you to master all of your writing fears. Check one possible fear off your list by attending this thought-provoking two-part class.
FORMATTING EBOOKS - Andrea Pearson
Come learn from an eBook-formatting pro! We'll discuss the nuts and bolts of formatting your eBook for the different eReaders, along with talking about which retailers you'll want to upload to directly. Q&A at the end.
FRANKENSTEIN - NUTS AND BOLTS - Julie Wright
Using all the parts to create something that breathes.
HOW TO AVOID A SERIES OF UNFORTUNATE PITFALLS - Ronda Gibb Hinrichsen
Learn how to overcome several pitfalls every writer faces on their path to publication.
SHOW, DON'T TELL - Rebecca Talley
Don't tell readers your story, show them. Learn techniques that will invite readers to experience your story instead of just reading it.
STORY IN A SENTENCE - Rebecca Talley
Learn how to boil down your story into one sentence that you can use to not only keep you on target while writing, but also answer the all-important question, "What's your story about?"
HOW TO FIND AND DEVELOP YOUR OWN BRAND - Ali Cross
A step-by-step approach to identifying who you are as a writer and how to use that identity to build an on-line presence.
HOW TO GRID YOUR STORY - Kathi Oram Peterson
Archeologists use grids to help them unearth fossils and other treasures. For the writer, a grid can help keep track of character conflicts and plot your story.
HOW TO WRITE NINJA STYLE - Ali Cross
The way of the ninja as it relates to writing an awesome novel
MARKETING AND PUBLICITY - Abel Keogh
Aside from your mother, no one else cares that you've published a book. Unfortunately, most authors don't know how to successfully sell themselves to the press, bloggers, and readers. Here's a hint: it has nothing to do with your book. Learn how to create a compelling story that will have the press, bloggers, and others asking for interviews and get great coverage for your books in the process.
MEMOIRS - Abel Keogh
Memoirs are the most personal and powerful form of storytelling. You don't need a dramatic life experience, crazy parents, or a troubled childhood to write one. Find the extraordinary in the ordinary, create and convey meaning, and share a thought-provoking story that will keep readers engrossed from beginning to end.
PLOTTING - Heather Justesen
Plotting--No plotting style is right for everyone, or even for every book. In this class we'll discuss several different ways to develop a plot so you can find one that works for you.
SELF PUBLISHING - Andrea Pearson
Come learn the ins and outs of how the successful self-published authors did it! We'll examine what others have done to become successful, then we'll go over things such as the pros and cons of self-publishing vs traditional, self-publishing myths, advertising (and understanding the lingo), and marketing/promoting. Q&A at the end.
SHORT STORIES - Jewel Adams
I absolutely adore short stories! I love reading them, as well as creating them. In this creating stories workshop, I will share some fun creative writing ideas and we will talk about why short stories are so popular. By the end of the class, you will be oozing with story ideas!
SUSPENSE - Gregg Luke
We'll cover essential elements in creating nail-biting, page-turning suspense, including characterization, pacing, detailing, anticipation, conflict and resolution, and a few secret tricks of the trade.
WORKING ON MANUSCRIPT FROM START TO FINISH - Andrea Pearson
Find out what you should be doing with your book during every stage of the writing process. We'll cover things such as: when (and when NOT) to edit, what to edit for in each revision, knowing who to use as beta readers and when to have them read, knowing if your book is ready, and other topics. Q&A at the end.
WRITING YOUR BOOK WORKSHOP - Kathryn Jones
Overwhelmed about writing your first book? Each of us has a book within us, and I help you find it! This hands-on workshop takes you through idea, plot, setting, and characterization and gets you started on your first winning paragraph.
Saturday, April 14 at Snow College in Ephraim, Utah
Free admission - door prizes - published author instruction!
Greenwood Student Center
250 E College Ave. (100 N) Ephraim, Utah
Class descriptions listed after following schedule:
(PLEASE NOTE: some classes are offered twice!)
7:45-8:30 a.m. Registration
8:30 a.m. - 8:45 a.m. Welcome and door prizes
8:50 a.m. – 9:35 a.m.
Philadelphia Room: Greenwood Student Center:
Karen Hoover, Idea Factory- Pt. 1 of 2
Blue Bell Room: Greenwood Student Center:
Abel Keogh, Memoirs
Classroom 204: Lucy Phillips Blg- 2nd floor:
Andrea Pearson, Working on manuscript from start to finish
Classroom 205: Lucy Phillips Blg- 2nd floor:
Rebecca Talley, Show Don't Tell
Classroom 206: Lucy Phillips Blg- 2nd floor:
Gregg Luke, Suspense
Classroom 207: Lucy Phillips Blg- 2nd floor:
Kathi O. Peterson, How to Grid Your Story
Classroom 216: Lucy Phillips Blg- 2nd floor:
Clint Cox, How a Plumber Wrote a Book
Classroom 217: Lucy Phillips Blg- 2nd floor:
Jenni James, Romance
Classroom 218: Lucy Phillips Blg- 2nd floor:
Ali Cross, How to Write Ninja Style
9:45 a.m. – 10:35 a.m.
Philadelphia Room: Greenwood Student Center:
Karen Hoover, Idea Factory – Pt. 2 of 2
Blue Bell Room: Greenwood Student Center:
Michael Young, Avoid Cliché Like the Plague
Classroom 204: Lucy Phillips Blg- 2nd floor:
Andrea Pearson, Working on manuscript from start to finish
Classroom 205: Lucy Phillips Blg- 2nd floor:
Rebecca Talley, Show, Don't Tell
Classroom 206: Lucy Phillips Blg- 2nd floor:
Heather Justesen, Plotting
Classroom 207: Lucy Phillips Blg- 2nd floor:
Ronda Gibb Hinrichson, How to Avoid a Series of Unfortunate Pitfalls
Classroom 216: Lucy Phillips Blg- 2nd floor:
Clint Cox, Marketing and Publicity
Classroom 217: Lucy Phillips Blg- 2nd floor:
Rachelle Christensen, Suspense
Classroom 218: Lucy Phillips Blg- 2nd floor:
Ali Cross, How to Find and Develop Your Own Brand
10:45 a.m. – 11:35 a.m.
Philadelphia Room: Greenwood Student Center:
Karen Hoover, pre-writing
Blue Bell Room: Greenwood Student Center:
Joan Sowards, Dressing up your Prose - Figuratively Speaking
Classroom 204: Lucy Phillips Blg- 2nd floor:
Connie Hall, Time Flies
Classroom 205: Lucy Phillips Blg- 2nd floor:
Rebecca Talley, Story in a Sentence
Classroom 206: Lucy Phillips Blg- 2nd floor:
Jewel Adams, Short Stories
Classroom 207: Lucy Phillips Blg- 2nd floor:
Cindy Hogan, Self publishing
Classroom 216: Lucy Phillips Blg- 2nd floor:
Kathryn Jones, Writing Your Book Workshop
Classroom 217: Lucy Phillips Blg- 2nd floor:
Jenni James, Comedy
Classroom 218: Lucy Phillips Blg- 2nd floor:
Angie Lofthouse, Science Fiction/Fantasy
11:45 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.:
Main floor, Greenwood Student Center:
AUTHOR Q&A PANEL: Gregg Luke, Kathi Oram Peterson, Michael Young, Cory Poulson, Joan Sowards, Karen Hoover, Ali Cross, Clint Cox, Angie Lofthouse, Elizabeth Mueller
12:30-1:30 p.m. LUNCH and MASS BOOK SIGNING (bookstore will be set up in commons which is adjacent to college cafeteria.)
1:30 p.m. -1:45 p.m. door prizes
1:45 p.m. – 2:45 p.m.
Main floor, Greenwood Student Center:
"First Page Shred" panel: Julie Wright, Ronda Hinrichsen, Christine Mehring, Pendragon Inman, Gregg Luke, Andrea Pearson, Kathryn Jones
3:00 p.m. – 3:50 p.m.
Philadelphia Room: Greenwood Student Center:
Christine Mehring, Hero Journey
Blue Bell Room: Greenwood Student Center:
Abel Keogh, Marketing and Publicity
Classroom 204: Lucy Phillips Blg- 2nd floor:
Andrea Pearson, Self Publishing
Classroom 205: Lucy Phillips Blg- 2nd floor:
Julie Wright, Nuts and Bolts
Classroom 206: Lucy Phillips Blg- 2nd floor:
Gregg Luke, Suspense
Classroom 207: Lucy Phillips Blg- 2nd floor:
Pendragon Inman, Story Structure
Classroom 216: Lucy Phillips Blg- 2nd floor:
Kathryn Jones, Conquering your Writing Goliaths, pt. 1 of 2
Classroom 217: Lucy Phillips Blg- 2nd floor:
Rachelle Christensen, Revising
Classroom 218: Lucy Phillips Blg- 2nd floor:
Angie Lofthouse, Finding Time to Write
4:00 p.m. – 4:50 p.m.
Philadelphia Room: Greenwood Student Center:
Christine Mehring, Hero Journey
Blue Bell Room: Greenwood Student Center:
Abel Keogh, Memoirs
Classroom 204: Lucy Phillips Blg- 2nd floor:
Andrea Pearson, Formatting e-books
Classroom 205: Lucy Phillips Blg- 2nd floor:
Julie Wright, Nuts and Bolts
Classroom 206: Lucy Phillips Blg- 2nd floor:
Kathi Oram Peterson, How to Grid your Story
Classroom 207: Lucy Phillips Blg- 2nd floor:
Pendragon Inman, Story Structure
Classroom 216: Lucy Phillips Blg- 2nd floor:
Kathryn Jones, Conquering your Writing Goliaths, pt. 2 of 2
Classroom 217: Lucy Phillips Blg- 2nd floor:
Jenni James, Romance
Classroom 218: Lucy Phillips Blg- 2nd floor:
Angie Lofthouse, Science Fiction/Fantasy
5:00 p.m. – 5:15 p.m. door prizes
5:15 p.m. – 5:45 p.m. LITERACY GAME SHOW
6:00 p.m. pack up and go home smiling!
CLASS DESCRIPTIONS:
AVOID CLICHE LIKE THE PLAGUE - Michael Young
Keep your writing original
CONQUERING YOUR WRITING GIANTS - (2 pt. class) Kathryn Jones
A spiritual Journey Workshop - Do you love to write, but are you afraid to put your manuscripts out there? What can you do to overcome your fears or feelings of inadequacy? What can you do to garner the courage to submit your first piece of writing? What can you do to get published? This spiritual journey workshop will get you to the heart of the matter; your matter. What makes you tick and what it's going to take for you to master all of your writing fears. Check one possible fear off your list by attending this thought-provoking two-part class.
FORMATTING EBOOKS - Andrea Pearson
Come learn from an eBook-formatting pro! We'll discuss the nuts and bolts of formatting your eBook for the different eReaders, along with talking about which retailers you'll want to upload to directly. Q&A at the end.
FRANKENSTEIN - NUTS AND BOLTS - Julie Wright
Using all the parts to create something that breathes.
HOW TO AVOID A SERIES OF UNFORTUNATE PITFALLS - Ronda Gibb Hinrichsen
Learn how to overcome several pitfalls every writer faces on their path to publication.
SHOW, DON'T TELL - Rebecca Talley
Don't tell readers your story, show them. Learn techniques that will invite readers to experience your story instead of just reading it.
STORY IN A SENTENCE - Rebecca Talley
Learn how to boil down your story into one sentence that you can use to not only keep you on target while writing, but also answer the all-important question, "What's your story about?"
HOW TO FIND AND DEVELOP YOUR OWN BRAND - Ali Cross
A step-by-step approach to identifying who you are as a writer and how to use that identity to build an on-line presence.
HOW TO GRID YOUR STORY - Kathi Oram Peterson
Archeologists use grids to help them unearth fossils and other treasures. For the writer, a grid can help keep track of character conflicts and plot your story.
HOW TO WRITE NINJA STYLE - Ali Cross
The way of the ninja as it relates to writing an awesome novel
MARKETING AND PUBLICITY - Abel Keogh
Aside from your mother, no one else cares that you've published a book. Unfortunately, most authors don't know how to successfully sell themselves to the press, bloggers, and readers. Here's a hint: it has nothing to do with your book. Learn how to create a compelling story that will have the press, bloggers, and others asking for interviews and get great coverage for your books in the process.
MEMOIRS - Abel Keogh
Memoirs are the most personal and powerful form of storytelling. You don't need a dramatic life experience, crazy parents, or a troubled childhood to write one. Find the extraordinary in the ordinary, create and convey meaning, and share a thought-provoking story that will keep readers engrossed from beginning to end.
PLOTTING - Heather Justesen
Plotting--No plotting style is right for everyone, or even for every book. In this class we'll discuss several different ways to develop a plot so you can find one that works for you.
SELF PUBLISHING - Andrea Pearson
Come learn the ins and outs of how the successful self-published authors did it! We'll examine what others have done to become successful, then we'll go over things such as the pros and cons of self-publishing vs traditional, self-publishing myths, advertising (and understanding the lingo), and marketing/promoting. Q&A at the end.
SHORT STORIES - Jewel Adams
I absolutely adore short stories! I love reading them, as well as creating them. In this creating stories workshop, I will share some fun creative writing ideas and we will talk about why short stories are so popular. By the end of the class, you will be oozing with story ideas!
SUSPENSE - Gregg Luke
We'll cover essential elements in creating nail-biting, page-turning suspense, including characterization, pacing, detailing, anticipation, conflict and resolution, and a few secret tricks of the trade.
WORKING ON MANUSCRIPT FROM START TO FINISH - Andrea Pearson
Find out what you should be doing with your book during every stage of the writing process. We'll cover things such as: when (and when NOT) to edit, what to edit for in each revision, knowing who to use as beta readers and when to have them read, knowing if your book is ready, and other topics. Q&A at the end.
WRITING YOUR BOOK WORKSHOP - Kathryn Jones
Overwhelmed about writing your first book? Each of us has a book within us, and I help you find it! This hands-on workshop takes you through idea, plot, setting, and characterization and gets you started on your first winning paragraph.
March 1, 2012
Special Announcement
I would've gotten dressed, put on make-up, and fixed my hair if only I'd known this would be posted on the internet. Oh well, the super exciting and fantastic news is worth looking a little shabby. I still get teary when I watch this.
February 15, 2012
On Little Wings by Regina Sirois
From the back cover:Jennifer must do the impossible – bring her mother home. When a family is torn apart by death, two sisters take violently divergent paths and the story of their family appears to end terribly and abruptly. Two decades later Jennifer never dreams that the photo she finds stuck between the pages of a neglected book will tear open a gaping wound to her mother's secret past. Abandoning her comfortable life with her parents and best friend in the wheat fields of Nebraska, Jennifer's quest for a hidden aunt leads her to the untamed coast of Maine where she struggles to understand why her mother lied to her for sixteen years.
Across the grey, rocky cove she meets Nathan Moore, the young, reluctant genius surrounded by women who need him to be brother, father, friend, provider, protector and now, first love. The stories, varied, hilarious, and heartbreaking, unfold to paint a striking mural of the shattered past. As Jennifer seeks to piece together her mother's story, she inadvertently writes one for herself.
Where to begin? This is an ordinary coming-of-age story. It's about a young girl who discovers her mother has been lying to her and then sets out on a journey to find her long-lost aunt. Along the way she learns about her mother, about herself, and about love. However, that's where ordinary ends. The way in which Sirois creates this lyrical story is anything but ordinary. This book is nothing short of magical. The poetic and beautiful writing pulled me in from page one. The story enchanted me throughout the book. This is not the kind of book I generally read, but it is the kind of book that changes me--makes me see the world in a different way.
The characters are multi-layered and so realistic I feel like I could walk into Smithport and join in a conversation with any of the them. Sirois created such a real world with her vivid descriptions and lilting words. Each character was unique and flawed, including the main character and her first love, Nathan.
The setting was as much a character as any of the "people" in the story. The way that Sirois showed me the setting and allowed me to be part of it was masterful. The characters interacted with the setting and I can't imagine this story taking place anywhere other than the small seaside town of Smithport, Maine.
And I loved the last line.
I highly recommend this book. It was captivating. Truly amazing. I nominated it for a Whitney Award.
Here is the link to purchase it on Amazon Kindle.
You can also purchase the print version.
You can learn more about the author here.
February 13, 2012
I Believe in Jesus Too by Mark Nielsen
From the back cover:All around the world, Latter-day Saint children go to church, sing songs, pray, read scriptures, participate in family home evening, and get baptized.
We may meet in different types of buildings or speak different languages, but we have a lot in common.
Why?
Because no matter where we live, we all love and believe in Jesus, and He loves each one of us just the same.
Are you like Pablo, Dimitri, Bayani, Junpei, and Shamara?
Do you believe in Jesus too?
Don't you love the cover of this book? Doesn't it make you want to open the pages and see what's inside? You won't be sorry because a beautiful message lies between these pages.
You can purchase your own copy here.
February 9, 2012
How Great Thou Art
My son married into a very musically talented family. In this video my daughter-in-law. Malae, and her brother, Nick Sales, sing together in this moving rendition of a beloved song. Nick entered the MTC yesterday to begin his mission and will be serving in Colombia. I'm sure he will have long and wonderful music career ahead of him. And I get all teary when I think about my sweet daughter-in-law using her musical talent to sing lullabies to my grandchildren someday.
Enjoy!
Enjoy!
February 8, 2012
Baptism #9
My ninth child was baptized last month. She shares a birthday with her older sister so we had a big celebration. Child #9 was baptized by her older brother who was ordained a priest in November. I love these "parent paydays" when I can watch an older child honor his priesthood and then use it to bless the life of his sibling. The brother who baptized my daughter was baptized by his older brother about 8 years ago. It is such a blessing to see my children baptized, especially by a sibling.
Life whirs by me so fast I can hardly catch my breath, I can't believe I have 9 children now baptized as members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. It seems as though I was just holding #9 in my arms a few days ago. Children grow so fast.
She was so excited about her baptism that she made invitations to it last summer and couldn't wait to invite everyone to her special day. She was a little disappointed that friends from school didn't come, but we had lots of family and ward members that supported her. She was doubly excited that she'd lost a couple of teeth before her baptism. Life can be so exciting when you're 8.
I'm so proud of her and feel so blessed!
Life whirs by me so fast I can hardly catch my breath, I can't believe I have 9 children now baptized as members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. It seems as though I was just holding #9 in my arms a few days ago. Children grow so fast.
She was so excited about her baptism that she made invitations to it last summer and couldn't wait to invite everyone to her special day. She was a little disappointed that friends from school didn't come, but we had lots of family and ward members that supported her. She was doubly excited that she'd lost a couple of teeth before her baptism. Life can be so exciting when you're 8.
I'm so proud of her and feel so blessed!
February 1, 2012
And She's Off . . . To Disney World
Early Monday morning, I'm talking 4:00 am, we drove my oldest daughter to the airport so she could fly to Orlando to begin her Disney college program. She'll be gone until mid-August. I'm super excited for her, but a little sad that she'll be so far away. I'm sure she'll have the time of her life living in Florida and meeting all sorts of interesting people. She said that she's already met people from all over the world and she's realized how boring she is because she's white and only speaks English. She met her new roommates and boggled their minds because she's Mormon. One of the girls had never met a Mormon before. Then, she told them she had 10 kids in her family and that really blew their minds. It's odd to me that in this day and age someone could actually live in the US and never meet a member of the Church. Of course, I've always lived in the west so maybe back east it is a novelty to meet a Mormon.
Even though I will miss her, I'm sure this will be a fantastic experience and one she'll never forget.
