Giving Thanks as a Way of Life

Thanksgiving is almost here, and we are in the festive and thankful mood.  We are planning celebrations, big and small, and we all feel thankful for something, despite the challenges some of us had to endure this year.  But let’s go beyond the dinner table and adopt a meaningful way of life.  Read on.

 http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/2426550/giving_thanks_beyond_the_dinner_table.html

 

Writer’s Wisdom 44

Save your Rubbish

How many times have you crumbled that piece of paper and aimed it to the waste basket?  How about deleting that file?  Hopefully, not that many times.  Think twice before deleting or throwing away content that is not passing your approval at a particular moment.  Save it.  Yes, save that Rubbish!  It may not be useful now, but it may become inspirational material for future writings.

We are not in the same emotional wave all the time.  Our emotions shift from day-to-day, or moment to moment.  What may not appeal to you today, may become useful material later – inspiration for an idea for a story, for a character, an article, or even a poem.  Right now, it may seem horrible to you, but it may contain the roots for a good piece.

So before you throw away your rubbish, give it a second chance – in the future.

About Automatic Writing

Not much has been said about automatic writing/dictation.  The same goes for Angel speak.  For many spiritual leaders and authors they go hand in hand.  A practice that has been in existence and available to our race for many centuries is not being used to its greatest potential.  Read on.

http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/2413692/talking_to_your_angels.html

 

Writer’s Wisdom 43

The man behind the curtain

Yesterday I talked about characters, and how crucial it is to care about your characters – the quality of your writing depends on it.  Sometimes, there is a character out there, hiding, that has not come to light yet or has not jump into the story.  You know he/she is lurking, but not ready to shine yet.

Other times, that character was planned a way, by you, but he/she refuses to exist that way, and leads you in a different direction.  It may come as a surprise to you, and twist to your story.   

Ultimately it is up to you to listen to the man (or woman) behind the curtain – you are the writer – but if I was you I would listen carefully. 

This piece is dedicated to the man behind the curtain.

http://authspot.com/poetry/the-man-behind-the-curtain/

 

More Groceries for Less Money

Families, big and small, are looking to get more food for their money.  Somehow, the supermarkets specials are not enough in this tough economy.  After many job losses, our families are looking for ways to feed their members while stretching the dollar.  Here are ways to get more food for your family while spending less.  Read on.

http://gomestic.com/personal-finance/ways-to-get-more-food-for-your-money/

 

Writer’s Wisdom 42

Getting to know them

Getting to know who?  Your characters.  Your characters are more than names and descriptions on a page.  They move in with you for a while, and they have lives, feelings and situations.  You write them, but sometimes, they will surprise you and write themselves.  

In an Borders interview best-selling author Linda Howard (Ice) said that “it is important to  get to know these people and what happens to them.”  She added that she pays attention to “whoever shows up in her imagination and starts talking.”  She expressed that she doesn’t plan anything – she writes “whatever story appeals to her at whatever moment.”

This is because she is very attuned to her characters and what they are saying and doing, and to the ones that have a small voice, but have not pop in yet.  While writing your book or novel, keep your ears and mind open to what your second family has to say.  It will only help you with your writing.  Care about your characters and they will take care of you.

Holiday Gift Giving in a Budget Friendly Way

The Holidays are almost here and we are carefully watching our pockets.  After what most of us have been thru this year, a penny save is a penny earned!  Give from the heart and give what you can honestly afford.  Think of the recipient and personalize your gift.

The Owl, Book and Candle has a variety of unique and vintage items that will appeal to many.  The prices are budget friendly and you get personalized friendly service and carefully packaged items. 

At The Owl, Book and Candle you can find books, vintage items, jewelry, The Cat’s Meow collectibles, baby items, and much more.  Items are in quantities of one, so when it’s gone – it is gone!

Give from the heart and enjoy the holidays!  This is a season for love and sharing.

Writer’s Wisdom 41

Creating balance

As a writer, it is important that you balance your schedule and workload, but also your writing.  When writing a piece, consider how everything works together:  characters, plot, age issues, environment, secondary story lines …  All should balance well together to keep your reader’s attention.  My sister is a tough reader; if at some point in a book, something just doesn’t make sense or doesn’t feel like it belongs to the story, she will stop reading, close the book and never go back to it.  I have met myself such reads, unlike her, I have forced myself to finish the book, but at the end, wished I hadn’t – my sister was right.

So balance your act (writing) and keep your readers doing what they love to do:  read – they will come back for more.

 

Recycle Old Holiday Cards

Have tons of old holiday cards lying around the house?  Expect tons this year?  Don’t throw them out, give them a second life.  These 10 easy to do ideas will help you reuse and recycle them and at the same time helping Mother Earth.  Read on.

http://quazen.com/recreation/crafts/thrifty-ideas-for-old-holiday-cards/

Gift Ideas for Teens

Have tons of teens in your christmas list this year?  Are you cash-stressed this Holiday Season?  Check out these budget-friendly gift ideas for teens.

http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/2379886/budgetfriendly_gifts_for_teens.html