What I'm Currently Reading by Cindy Being Nikki
Sorry this is late! Blogger was crazy yesterday.
I was a bit confused at first, not knowing this was the second in a series, but quickly found my bearings.
Em, a total brainiac, can't think of anything worse than being stuck in a supermodel's body, but she discovers there are worse things-like her mother disappearing.
She decides the only way to find her mother is to help a friend who's determined to bring down Stark Industries, the company that put Em's brain into a supermodel's body, and who she currently works for.
Finding balance while keeping up with school, her supermodel duties, and looking for her mother is more than challenging. Will Stark Industries discover she is helping someone bring them down? What does Stark Industries have to do with her missing mother? You'll have to read it to find out.
It's fast and fun, but not a must read.
Grand Prize Winner of "Watched" Blog Blast
Congratulations to
BREE!
You are the winner of
the Grand Prize $25 Amazon gift card from the
Watched Blog Blast
Contest!
Email me at cindymhogan at yahoo dot com.
Hop over to Watched to learn about indie-publishing today.
Blog Blast Winners Announced and Delicious Turkey Pitas
Congratulations to all the primary winners on all the individual blog blast contests. Go to each blog to see who won. The Grand Prize winner will be announced tomorrow, June 28th on this blog.Turkey Pitas
- Put sliced turkey into a heated, (med. high heat) sprayed saute pan and sprinkle with pepper.
- Use two spatulas to tear the meat apart while it cooks and browns slightly. (Like cheesesteak places do)
- Add a slice of provolone directly to the torn pieces of meat.
- Cover with a lid for about 5-10 seconds and reduce heat.
- Heat pita pocket in microwave for 8-10 secs.
- Mix meat and cheese with chopped tomatoes and shredded lettuce.
- Fill heated pita pocket with meat and cheese filling. (If you like mayo, put a swish of it inside the pocket before filling)
- Pair with a cut up apple or orange and some raw yummy carrots. Delicious
Celebrate The Release Of Watched With Us!
And you could win lots of awesome prizes
and learn about
the hottest new teen novel,
while making new friends.
Each of the following blogs is offering a different awesome prize!
(That's 14 prizes!)
And the grand prize is a $25 dollar gift card to Amazon.
Quick, Fast Entry
Pick a blog, any blog to get started
(just click on the underlined name)
Better hurry! There's only 4 days to enter -Tues., June 21st-Friday, June 24th
**(Need more details? More complete entry details at the bottom of the page)
**(Need more details? More complete entry details at the bottom of the page)
1. Follow Rachelle Writes and leave a comment. Then follow Cindy M. Hogan and leave a comment about Rachelle's blog. (If you do both you get 1 entry into Rachelle's contest and one into the Grand Prize contest-You Must do both to enter either)
2. Follow A Writer's Reality and leave a comment. Then follow Cindy M. Hogan and leave a comment about Melissa's blog.
4. Follow The Queen of the Clan and leave a comment. Then follow Cindy M. Hogan and leave a comment about Danyelle's blog.
5. Follow Jordan McCollum and leave a comment. Then follow Cindy M. Hogan and leave a comment about Jordan's blog.
6. Follow The Crazy Daze of Motherhood and leave a comment. Then follow Cindy M. Hogan and leave a comment about Jane's blog.
8. Follow Chasing Dreams and leave a comment. Then follow Cindy M. Hogan and leave a comment about Tamara's blog.
9. Follow Ramblings of a Random Writer and leave a comment. Then follow Cindy M. Hogan and leave a comment about Betsy's blog.
10. Follow Matthew Tandy-The Working Writera nd leave a comment. Then follow Cindy M. Hogan and leave a comment about Matthew's blog.
11 Follow Weaving a Tale or Two and leave a comment. Then follow Cindy M. Hogan and leave a comment about Donna's blog.
12. Follow Tristi Pinkston, LDS Author and leave a comment. Then follow Cindy M. Hogan and leave a comment about Tristi's blog.
13. Follow My Yellow Sandbox and leave a comment. Then follow Cindy M Hogan and leave a comment about Abby's blog.
14. Follow Watched and leave a comment. Then follow Cindy M Hogan and leave a comment about that blog.
13. Follow My Yellow Sandbox and leave a comment. Then follow Cindy M Hogan and leave a comment about Abby's blog.
14. Follow Watched and leave a comment. Then follow Cindy M Hogan and leave a comment about that blog.
13. Enter all 14 contests and you get an extra 5 entries into the Grand Prize Giveaway. (19 entries)
14. That's not all! Get 6 extra entries by buying Watched here (print book) or here (e-book) and sending her a copy of your confirmation cindymhogan at yahoo dot com. Easy peasy. Wow! That's 25 entries!
14. That's not all! Get 6 extra entries by buying Watched here (print book) or here (e-book) and sending her a copy of your confirmation cindymhogan at yahoo dot com. Easy peasy. Wow! That's 25 entries!
Have fun and good luck!
**More Details on how to enter
- Click on the blog name
- Follow that blog
- Leave a comment that you were there
- Jump over to Cindy's blog
- Leave a comment about what you liked about the other blog.
Congrats! You've entered that blog's contest and earned one entry into the Grand Prize Drawing!
Enter one. Enter two or how ever many you like, but...
If you enter all the blogs' contests you get a bonus 5 entries into the Grand Prize Drawing.
That gives you a total of 19 entries to win the
That gives you a total of 19 entries to win the
Grand Prize- A $25 gift card to Amazon.
And don't forget to get your copy of Watched for a bonus 6 entries.
(25 total)
Remember- you only have 4 days to enter.
(Tues, June 21st-Friday, June 24th at midnight)
And don't forget to get your copy of Watched for a bonus 6 entries.
(25 total)
Remember- you only have 4 days to enter.
(Tues, June 21st-Friday, June 24th at midnight)
and you must comment on both blogs for entry into each contest.
Individual blogs will award prizes on June 25th
The Grand Prize will be awarded on June 28th on Cindy's blog.
Check back to see if you won! You have 2 days to claim your prize.
Check back to see if you won! You have 2 days to claim your prize.
A big thanks to my awesome friends for joining in on the fun.
3. Day Dreamer
Truly Sloppy Joes
The Eats by Cindy
Sloppy Joes
Sloppy Joes
- Brown 3 lbs hamburger with 1 medium chopped onion in a skillet
- Sprinkle 1/2 C. flour over browned meat
- Add 2 C. tomato sauce, 1 quart jar or 28 oz can of tomatoes, 1 C. ketchup, 1/3 cup brown sugar, 1/4 C. vinegar, 2 Tbl mustard, and 2 Tbl Worchestershire sauce to the meat.
- Simmer for 30 minutes
- Serve on hamburger buns with coleslaw and watermellon
Connie's Cowboy Tacos
The Eats by Cindy
Make cowboy tacos in your crockpot in the morning and by dinner time the whole house will smell delicious.
Place the following into a crockpot and cook on low for about six hours:
Add the following to the pot for about 15 minutes or so:
Thanks Connie!
Make cowboy tacos in your crockpot in the morning and by dinner time the whole house will smell delicious.
Place the following into a crockpot and cook on low for about six hours:
- 2-4 frozen or fresh chicken breasts
- 16 oz of Salsa
- 1 can of drained and rinsed black beans
- 1 can of drained pinto beans
Add the following to the pot for about 15 minutes or so:
- 1 can corn
- at least 2 cups shredded cheese (whatever you like)
Thanks Connie!
Character Arc with Larry Brooks in Story Engineering
Writing-the craft by Cindy
What is character arc, you say? Well, it's how a character handles things or learns to overcome his own weaknesses and shortcomings. Sounds simple, huh? Larry, tries to make it even easier to understand.
How is your character arc? Does your character learn? Do you have consequences in your book?
What is your introduction to your character's inner demons? How does he conquer them?
What is character arc, you say? Well, it's how a character handles things or learns to overcome his own weaknesses and shortcomings. Sounds simple, huh? Larry, tries to make it even easier to understand.
- Character arc is learning or gaining insight and strength. In the end, the character should acquire what he lacks
- Character arc is consequence or conquering issues to do what must be done.
How is your character arc? Does your character learn? Do you have consequences in your book?
What is your introduction to your character's inner demons? How does he conquer them?
Who is Poppy and What's in his Playpen?
Tidbits from my Travels by William
While walking into a Florida grocery store recently, I saw something that made me die laughing. Remembering the old saying, "take a picture, it lasts longer"...I did just that. I snapped a few pics of a van parked in one of the handicapped stalls. On the van's rear spare tire cover the words, "Poppy's Playpen" were painted on. The personalized license plate read U-DA-VAN.
I laughed my way into the store. I kept wondering if I would see Poppy shopping inside.
What would he look like? Would I notice him when I saw him?
I kept wondering what type of person would drive that van. I really wanted to see Poppy to confirm my preconceived notions.
I finished my shopping and walked back to my car, passing Poppy's Playpen for the second time. If I did run into him in the store, I never knew it.
When the van's a rockin, don't go knockin!
While walking into a Florida grocery store recently, I saw something that made me die laughing. Remembering the old saying, "take a picture, it lasts longer"...I did just that. I snapped a few pics of a van parked in one of the handicapped stalls. On the van's rear spare tire cover the words, "Poppy's Playpen" were painted on. The personalized license plate read U-DA-VAN.
I laughed my way into the store. I kept wondering if I would see Poppy shopping inside.
What would he look like? Would I notice him when I saw him?
I kept wondering what type of person would drive that van. I really wanted to see Poppy to confirm my preconceived notions.
I finished my shopping and walked back to my car, passing Poppy's Playpen for the second time. If I did run into him in the store, I never knew it.
When the van's a rockin, don't go knockin!
Ever Felt Like a Total Dork?
Me, me, pick me!
So, I'm getting ready for this super-fun blog blast party that starts next Tuesday, the 21st, and somehow, I posted the post this morning. Not exactly sure how that happened, but I think it had to do with pressing control "P".
Doesn't that mean paste?
Uh, no. Hee, hee, hee.
It means post, guys. And guess what? You can't ever get it back.
So, for me, could you please pretend you didn't see it?
Tuesday's the day. That's when the party starts.
Thanks! Cindy
So, I'm getting ready for this super-fun blog blast party that starts next Tuesday, the 21st, and somehow, I posted the post this morning. Not exactly sure how that happened, but I think it had to do with pressing control "P".
Doesn't that mean paste?
Uh, no. Hee, hee, hee.
It means post, guys. And guess what? You can't ever get it back.
So, for me, could you please pretend you didn't see it?
Tuesday's the day. That's when the party starts.
Thanks! Cindy
A Great And Terrible Beauty by Libba Bray- A Review
What I'm reading now by Cindy
A girl witnesses her mother's murder and not only does she somehow feel responsible for it, she is placed in a school where she must learn to survive as the underdog while figuring out who she is.
Unfortunately, she discovers she is a witch of some sort. Allowing herself to be seduced by her new found power, she unleashes a chain of events that not only threatens to end her life, but also the lives of the girls' she brought along with her.
I felt like I knew these girls, which made it all the more disturbing to see the young allowed to be caught up in truly evil things. The morality of her choices is never explored and it needed to be.
Also, the whole strange sexual vibe of the story disturbed me.
I like the way Libba Bray writes, but I do not like the subject matter in this book. I will not read any sequels.
I do not recommend this book. I listened to the audio book.
I will review Incarceron next week and am reading an hilarious book called Millie's Fling right now.
Have you read A Great and Terrible Beauty? Did you like it?
Happy reading.
A girl witnesses her mother's murder and not only does she somehow feel responsible for it, she is placed in a school where she must learn to survive as the underdog while figuring out who she is.
Unfortunately, she discovers she is a witch of some sort. Allowing herself to be seduced by her new found power, she unleashes a chain of events that not only threatens to end her life, but also the lives of the girls' she brought along with her.
I felt like I knew these girls, which made it all the more disturbing to see the young allowed to be caught up in truly evil things. The morality of her choices is never explored and it needed to be.
Also, the whole strange sexual vibe of the story disturbed me.
I like the way Libba Bray writes, but I do not like the subject matter in this book. I will not read any sequels.
I do not recommend this book. I listened to the audio book.
I will review Incarceron next week and am reading an hilarious book called Millie's Fling right now.
Have you read A Great and Terrible Beauty? Did you like it?
Happy reading.
Perfect Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup
The Eats by Cindy
Chicken Noodle Soup to Die for
Chicken Noodle Soup to Die for
- Boil a whole chicken until the meat falls off the bone. It takes about 30 minutes
- Skim the broth and take the chicken out of the water. Throw away everything but the meat. Tear into medium size pieces
- Add 2 bay leaves, 2 cups fresh cut carrots, 1 cup sliced celery, and 1 tsp salt to water.
- While bringing it up to a boil. Make noodles
- Put 1 C. flour into a large bowl. Make a well in the center of the flour
- Put 1 beaten egg, 1 Tbl. milk and 1 tsp. salt into the well.
- Using your fingers, slowly incorporate flour into the wel ingredients to make dough
- Knead for 2 mins. and then either roll into a thin layer and cut into small, thin strips using a pizza cutter or put into a noddle machine until desired thickness.
- Add chicken pieces and about 1/3 cup chicken base to water. Bring back to a boil.
- Taste the broth. Add more base if necessary. Also pepper to taste.
- Add noodles slowly, keeping the water boiling.
- Once all noodles are added, cook for 5 minutes and then serve with rolls.
The Essence of Story according to Story Engineering by Larry Brooks
Writing-the Craft by Cindy
What is the essence of a story?
Larry Brooks asserts it is conflict, or that which opposes the goal of the protagonist .
He highlights three dimensions of character and what drives them to overcome the conflict they face.
So what drives our characters? Larry says resentment. He says people want to exact revenge on what they resent. This revenge has a healing power for characters. What do our characters' resent? That depends on their worldview or the set of collective values, politics, preferences and beliefs of our characters.
On the other side, he says nothing fuels a story like hope.
Do your characters have three dimensions? What drives your character? Does your character have hope?
What is the essence of a story?
Larry Brooks asserts it is conflict, or that which opposes the goal of the protagonist .
He highlights three dimensions of character and what drives them to overcome the conflict they face.
- Exterior-what the world sees-surface traits, quirks and habits. How a character looks and acts.
- Reasons for choices and behavior that others see. Exposes backstory, agenda, and meaning of exterior dimension
- The more important choices and behaviors of a character. This shows who the character really is.
So what drives our characters? Larry says resentment. He says people want to exact revenge on what they resent. This revenge has a healing power for characters. What do our characters' resent? That depends on their worldview or the set of collective values, politics, preferences and beliefs of our characters.
On the other side, he says nothing fuels a story like hope.
Do your characters have three dimensions? What drives your character? Does your character have hope?
Chicken and Waffles
Tidbits from My Travels by William
Make Roscoe’s House of Chicken & Waffles a must eat...if you’re in L.A.
I’ve seen Roscoe’s House of Chicken & Waffles on many food and travel shows. On my last trip to Los Angeles
I went for breakfast, after all, waffles are a breakfast food. But, fried Chicken? The first time I heard about eating this combination of food together, it seemed a little strange. But the idea grew on me to the point I had taste it for myself.
I made my way to the Pico Boulevard location. I was seated immediately but it took several minutes before I actually saw my waitress. However, after I ordered, the food was delivered to my table in what seemed like no time.
I opted to go with a smaller portion—one large fried chicken breast and one large waffle. It was plenty for me. I was told their secret is in their syrup; it keeps people coming back.
The taste of the chicken and waffles combined was delicious…at least the way they do it.
Writing is Like a Big, Warm, Fluffy Towel
When I sit and write, a big, warm a big warm fluffy towel seems to come out of nowhere and envelope me, surrounding me in warmth and comfort.
It absorbs all the stories that float through my mind. The happy ones, the sad ones and even the scary ones.
It rubs away the thoughts that sometimes torment me and leaves me feeling refreshed and ready to move on.
It wipes away the tears I often shed for a character trying to find her way.
It holds my thoughts, dreams and desires on the rack, holding them until I return. Sometimes it even whisks them away into nothingness.
It covers me, comforts me, and then lets me go into a world I've never been in before- a clean, blank slate, ready to be lotioned, dressed and made-up anyway I choose.
My favorite fluffy towel is white. What is yours?
Tag you're it- cute Katie over at Katie on Fiction tagged me. See what she said "Writing is..."
Kathleen Brebes
Melissa Lemon
Betsy Love
It absorbs all the stories that float through my mind. The happy ones, the sad ones and even the scary ones.
It rubs away the thoughts that sometimes torment me and leaves me feeling refreshed and ready to move on.
It wipes away the tears I often shed for a character trying to find her way.
It holds my thoughts, dreams and desires on the rack, holding them until I return. Sometimes it even whisks them away into nothingness.
It covers me, comforts me, and then lets me go into a world I've never been in before- a clean, blank slate, ready to be lotioned, dressed and made-up anyway I choose.
My favorite fluffy towel is white. What is yours?
Tag you're it- cute Katie over at Katie on Fiction tagged me. See what she said "Writing is..."
Kathleen Brebes
Melissa Lemon
Betsy Love
Watched Launch-Third Highest Sales, Ever, for an author at Barnes and Noble
Thank you a million times over to everyone who came to the most amazing book launch party ever! And yes, it's official. You helped Watched be the biggest seller at an author signing in Layton Barnes and Noble history.
Go to my Watched blog to see more pics. tomorow.
 |
| Just hanging with Jen Nielsen, Frank Cole and Kristyn Crow... |
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| You can actually see Kristyn and Frank in this pic. Notice all the people? Wow! Hi Katie and Brenda. |
 |
| Nice pic. Jen. Hey Radon, Kathryn, Lynell, Lonica, and Aubrie |
 |
| Nice line! |
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| A kiss for good luck into the author drawing |
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| The other awesome authors who partied with me- Bruce Newbold, Josi Kilpack, Julie Wright, and Mette Harrison. Where's Gary Hansen?  Thank you to my most amazing author friends who helped make this possible. And to you, my old friends, new friends and fans-you're amazing! Thank you for not letting me have a moment to myself.  |
Go to my Watched blog to see more pics. tomorow.
Toilet paper and Trouble-Breaking the Rules for Elana J and "Possession"
I used to love to have sleepovers. It was a different world back then. We'd head up to the local 7-11, a good mile away, in our pajamas, nonetheless, and spend our precious pennies on a Slurpee or some candy. No one worried about something bad happening to us. And by the way, the 7-11 was the only store open at that time of night and I lived in a big city. (Really, I'm not that old-times have just changed quickly)
This particular night, my brother cajoled us little ones-I think I might have been 10-to toilet paper a particularly scary person in our neighborhood. (A definite no-no, which made it all the more fun.) While toiling away, throwing those rolls as hard as we could into some brain-numbingly tall trees very close to the house, I heard a voice. It wasn't from Heaven, either.
"I'm calling the police, now," a firm, menacing voice called from the window ten feet above our heads.
Like a bomber plane flew only inches above us, we fell to the ground, our thundering hearts threatening to give out.
It took several minutes before my brother dared stand and whisper, "Let's get out of here." My heart still galloped away.
He didn't have to say it twice.
You'd think that would have been the end of the story. It wasn't.
We just couldn't leave it alone. We NEVER got caught on our little vandalism escapades and we just had to finish the job. We returned to the scene of the crime about 3 AM to finish the job.
And finish it we did. The white wonder that billowed in the slight breeze before us was magnificent.
A work of art.
Have you ever broken the rules and ended up with a work of art?
Maybe you should break one today....Skip work and pick up Elana's fab debut novel-Possession
And don't forget to hop around all the awesome blogs celebrating with Elana here
This particular night, my brother cajoled us little ones-I think I might have been 10-to toilet paper a particularly scary person in our neighborhood. (A definite no-no, which made it all the more fun.) While toiling away, throwing those rolls as hard as we could into some brain-numbingly tall trees very close to the house, I heard a voice. It wasn't from Heaven, either.
"I'm calling the police, now," a firm, menacing voice called from the window ten feet above our heads.
Like a bomber plane flew only inches above us, we fell to the ground, our thundering hearts threatening to give out.
It took several minutes before my brother dared stand and whisper, "Let's get out of here." My heart still galloped away.
He didn't have to say it twice.
You'd think that would have been the end of the story. It wasn't.
We just couldn't leave it alone. We NEVER got caught on our little vandalism escapades and we just had to finish the job. We returned to the scene of the crime about 3 AM to finish the job.
And finish it we did. The white wonder that billowed in the slight breeze before us was magnificent.
A work of art.
Have you ever broken the rules and ended up with a work of art?
Maybe you should break one today....Skip work and pick up Elana's fab debut novel-Possession
And don't forget to hop around all the awesome blogs celebrating with Elana here
Moist, Tasty Banana Bread
The Eats by Cindy
Banana Bread
Simply delicious
Banana Bread
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees
- Put 1/2 C. shortening, 1 C sugar, and 3 mashed bananas into a mixing bowl and mix well.
- Add 2 eggs, one at a time. Mix well.
- Add 2 Cups flour, 1 tsp. baking soda, and 1/2 tsp. salt. Mix just until it is incorporated.
- Stir in 1/2 c. pecans if you want
- Pour into sprayed or greaesd loaf pans.
- Bake for 1 hour or until center is set
Simply delicious
ACK! Watched Launch Party-TODAY 6:30-8:30
The day has arrived!
It's just crazy. I can hardly believe it. It will be so much fun to celebrate with all of you tonight at Barnes and Noble in Layton. I think 6:30 will be here before I know it. I hope my thundering heart doesn't give out on me. Check out this review.
It's just crazy. I can hardly believe it. It will be so much fun to celebrate with all of you tonight at Barnes and Noble in Layton. I think 6:30 will be here before I know it. I hope my thundering heart doesn't give out on me. Check out this review.
Lexi S. 16 year old honor student at Davis High in Utah Avid reader
I loved the entire book! Quickly after reading it, I became obsessed! I found myself wide awake and still reading at midnight. I took it everywhere; I read it in bed, at the table while eating breakfast, even during during biology (my biology teacher didn't like that too much), my only regret is that books aren't water-proof, otherwise I'm sure I would have read it in the shower. I was constantly wondering what would happen next. The plot was thick and juicy and the characters, to die for. I definitely think there should be a second book!"
What the Heck and It's Sunday-Tomorrow's the Big Day for "Watched"
What the Heck by Cindy
I looked out the window and what did I see?
Two ducks swimming in the water on the cover of my pool...
It's June for crying out loud and it's been way too cold to even peek under the cover.
The sun was out today, but was it just teasing us again? Please come again tomorrow.
And
As promised, here is another little review of Watched.
Tomorrow's the big day.
I looked out the window and what did I see?
Two ducks swimming in the water on the cover of my pool...
It's June for crying out loud and it's been way too cold to even peek under the cover.
The sun was out today, but was it just teasing us again? Please come again tomorrow.
And
As promised, here is another little review of Watched.
Tomorrow's the big day.
Christy wants to create a new life while in Washington, D.C.--a life where she fits in. Her roommate gets her off to a good start with a make-over, but not until she witnesses a murder is she really noticed by the one person she wants to notice her, Alex. She now has to deal with the the bad guys, who want to know what she knows, the FBI who want to protect her, and not just the attentions of one boy, but two. She finds out that if she can't help the FBI uncover the truth about the bad guys, she will lose her life, along with her new friends.
I can't wait for the sequel. It was a fun and interesting read. Realistic view into the life of a teenager. I felt like I was a teenager again.
by Jenny Moore
The Countdown to Watched Begins
Amazon Link
This is it. Only two days before the launch of Watched, my young adult suspense novel. Can't tell you how fun this is. To celebrate, I'll be posting a review of the book each day. Enjoy.
Nonreader on Amazon.com wrote:
"I am a non-reader and selected this book a couple of weeks ago. The writing is so vivid and descriptive, I felt like I was there with the kids in DC. Romance, murder, overcoming insecurities, what more do you want in a book? When is the next coming out?"
Thanks Nonreader!
By the way, I just finished the second book. No joke. I've even written part of the first chapter of the third book...I just can't stop. It's too much fun.
I just found out I'm in the newspaper.Click here to see the article
Happy Reading!
Touching the Mast of a Sunken Ship
Tidbits from my Travels by William
Can you imagine getting tired of lying around on the beach and swimming in Aruba ? That’s exactly what happened to us. We needed some excitement and it came in the form of an awesome sailing and snorkeling excursion-which, we got for a pretty good deal since we were there on the off-season.
As our sail boat prepared to leave the dock, our Dutch Captain and his two first mates introduced themselves and told us what we had in store.
Our first stop was a family friendly spot to snorkel. The water was shallow and clear. The fish were plentiful and the water temperature comfortable. This was no doubt a favorite snorkeling spot as there were several other boats already there.
Our second stop was at a sunken WWII freighter. Although the water was much colder since we were in deeper water, the wow factor was now higher and we didn’t mind the chillier water. We even got to touch the mast. How many people get to say they were able to snorkel around a sunken ship?
Sandwiches, fruit and drinks were part of the package deal. Even though it really wasn’t enough food to fill you up, it was sufficient since it’s hard to eat on a sail boat.
This sailing/snorkeling excursion was one of the highlights to our Aruba trip. If you’re ever on the fence about the decision to take one of these excursions or not, just remember, my wife doesn’t really care for boats and water and she loved it. Don’t wait until there’s nothing else to do to join a Dutch Captain for a sail—you never know what you’ll find.
How to Illuminate your Characters according to Larry Brooks
Writing-the Craft-by Cindy
Larry Brooks writes about 7 key characterization variables. Take your main characters and see if you can see all seven in your character.
How well have you been able to manipute variables 1-6 to create characters that make believable decisions, do believable things and behave in a believable way?
Larry Brooks writes about 7 key characterization variables. Take your main characters and see if you can see all seven in your character.
- Surface affectations and personality. It's what the world sees about a character.
- Backstory. What happened to the character before the story begins. A lot of backstory will only be known by the author and never written into the story
- Character arc. How the character learns lessons and grows.
- Inner demons and conflicts. What holds the character back and defines what he does, thinks and believes.
- Worldview-the manifested outcome of the character's backstory and demons
- Goals and motivations. What drives the character.
- Decisions, actions and behaviors. The ultimate decisions, actions, and behaviors that are the sum of all the others
How well have you been able to manipute variables 1-6 to create characters that make believable decisions, do believable things and behave in a believable way?
Shiver by Maggie Stiefvater-a review
Shiver is about a girl, Grace, who gets mauled by some werewolves but is then saved by one who has some kind of a connection with her. Grace later discovers this werewolf, Sam, turns into a boy when it's warm. When they finally meet, it's love at first sight. The challenge then becomes how to keep him from turning into a wolf once Summer is over.
This book is a slow moving study of the relationship between Grace and Sam. At times I wondered if anything was ever going to happen and then little, lovely things would. It wasn't until the last fifty pages that I couldn't put it down.
This book is told from both Grace's and Sam's point of view and I had a hard time knowing who's point of view I was in while reading. Stiefvater tries to make sure you know by telling you in the heading of each chapter, but these two characters were so alike, I'd forget in the middle of a chapter. Not good. I really like both characters, but I need something to happen other than normal life to keep me engaged.
I have the second, Linger, and will give it a shot. Hopefully, it will continue to move fast, like the end of Shiver, but if I have to make myself read, it's going to be abandoned.
This book is a slow moving study of the relationship between Grace and Sam. At times I wondered if anything was ever going to happen and then little, lovely things would. It wasn't until the last fifty pages that I couldn't put it down.
This book is told from both Grace's and Sam's point of view and I had a hard time knowing who's point of view I was in while reading. Stiefvater tries to make sure you know by telling you in the heading of each chapter, but these two characters were so alike, I'd forget in the middle of a chapter. Not good. I really like both characters, but I need something to happen other than normal life to keep me engaged.
I have the second, Linger, and will give it a shot. Hopefully, it will continue to move fast, like the end of Shiver, but if I have to make myself read, it's going to be abandoned.
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