Have you heard?
Come Celebrate The Conflict Thesaurus Vol 2 Book Release (& Maybe Win Something Awesome!)
I always get a bit excited when a book I’m waiting for finally releases, so it’s great to finally share that The Conflict Thesaurus: A Writer’s Guide to Obstacles, Adversaries, and Inner Struggle (Vol. 2) is now out!
This SILVER EDITION is the twin of the GOLD EDITION, and continues to explore all the ways we can better leverage the conflict in our story.
If you are new to these “thesaurus” books, each one is part writing guide, part brainstorming tool.
The first part of this book dives into how conflict powers your plot and is the golden threat that weaves your inner and outer stories together. It also digs into how to craft great villain clashes, character agency, how to maximize tension, what goes into a satisfying story climax, and more.
The second part of the guide is a mother lode of conflict scenarios (115 to be exact) built to get your imagination thrumming with ideas. You must see it to believe it.
I’m part of Angela & Becca’s Street Team, and I have news:
Writers Helping Writers is hosting a Writing Contest!
A book about conflict needs a FIGHT CLUB Story Contest, right? Exactly! So if you want to show Angela & Becca how good your conflict-writing skills are, check out this contest and see what you can win.
GIVEAWAY ALERT!
Angela and Becca are also hosting a must-enter giveaway. They’ve filled a vault full of their favorite writing books and are giving away some digital 5-packs, winner’s choice!
So much fun. Make sure to head over and enter, and good luck!
It’s That Time of Year Again
Going over what is in my To Be Read pile
I usually start the new year with a pile of books that I can’t wait to read, but 2022 is a little bit different. I’m starting out the year with a pile of books that are to be read – that have been there for quite some time.
At the end of 2021 I hit a reading rut. I had created a decent habit of reading a little bit every night at bedtime. It would calm me and settle me down. And then I stopped. I’d read here and there. I’ve been working on the same book since September, maybe August.
It’s very sad.
I tend to go in reading phases. I’ll knock 60 books out in a year. Or, before 2017 when I started tracking my reading, I’d gone YEARS without picking up a book. I don’t want to get back to that – not reading at all – so a goal of mine for 2022 is to make it a good habit once again.
The books I have in that dusty pile from 2021 are:
Essence by Mandi Lynn
This is the first of Mandi Lynn’s books I’ve read and I truly do love it. I feel bad that my “reading rut” hit while I was in the midst of this one. The book tells the story of Amelia (Emma) who dies and becomes and Essence and her journey of learning that that means.
Mandi is a self published author that I look up to and admire. I found her on YouTube and grabbed this book off her website. I hope I can dig out of this rut so I can finish this and move on to more of her books. Her writing grips you in the moment and her book cover design is epic!
Heartbreak Bay by Rachel Caine
This is the last book in the Stillhouse Lake Series by Rachel Caine. I’ve had this book in this pile since it released in March 2021. The author passed away before this was released, so it’ll be the last book in the series. I hate goodbyes and endings, so knowing there will be no more is going to be a hard pill to swallow. The series follows Gina Royal and her fight to seperate herself and her children from the horrendous acts of her ex-husband and his psychotic followers. It’s a fantastic read and an absolute page turner. Once I’ve read the entire series, It’s one I see myself reading over again to relive the suspense. It’s that good.
Breakthrough by Joyce Smith (also released as The Impossible)
This one is based on a true story and has been made into a movie, which I’ve seen already. I’m a sucker for a good true story. This one is heart wrenching. Joyce Smith tells the story of her son who fell through the ice of a pond and essentially died and was resurrected. It’s a faith based read as well, so if that’s not your thing, skip it, but otherwise, I’m really looking forward to this one. The movie was great but I feel like the book on which the true stories are based have just a little bit more information and meat in them.
Craven Manor by Darcy Coates
I have lists of books everywhere that I want to read, and this one has been on that list for a while. It’s been in this dang to be read pile nearly all of 2021. As I’m typing this, I can’t even remember the premise of the book, but it’s got to do with a rotting, old, probably haunted mansion and that’s right up my alley. Creepy, huge old houses falling apart with some kind of marred history. Yes, Please. I can’t wait for this one!
Her Best Friend by Sarah Wray
This was a Christmas gift so it’s on the top of that 2021 pile. I felt like I’ve read a Sarah Wray novel before, but I can’t find it in all my lists, so I guess not. The author just seems so familiar. I’m not positive what this one is about either since it was a gift, but it sounds great by the tag line. Would I do anything to save my Best Friend? I’d like to think so … or would I?
There they are, the first five books for 2022 (or the 2021 leftovers, however you want to look at it). The thought of reading is starting to feel exciting again so I’m praying these don’t end up on a 2023 list.
I Can Do That – Cricut Vinyl Decals
This new blog series will share crafting and DIY projects I’ve been inspired to try on my own – the good, the bad and the ugly.
I bought a Cricut. I’ve been terrified of the Cricut machine for ages. It seemed so intricate and above my level of comprehension. But my curiousity won out and I bought one. And I’ve made some stuff with it. And surprisingly, it’s not as bad as I thought it would be.
So far, I’m mostly trying my hand at vinyl decals and quotes. I’ve done quite a few and I think I have this down pat. The above are the very first projects I did. These were simple (I really like simple) and took just a few minutes. The Cricut Design Space takes some getting used to and I’d suggest watching a YouTube video or eighteen before you start to familarize yourself with it. I also took notes and each type of project I anticipated doing and put them in that nifty Today I Cricut notebook.
This was another of my first projects.
So, to do these you’ll need a Cricut machine – I have the Maker, but there are other models available. You’ll also need several Cricut accessories (cutting pad, vinyl, weeding tool, transfer tape). I do kind of feel like most people are at least aware of the magic a Cricut possesses and I was just very late to the party (not surprising).
These little cards were made with cardstock and a Cricut writing pen. These particular project took a little more research to figure out. And I didn’t get it right the first time. I measured wrong, my cards were cut too big and off the actual cardstock, which was fun. I’m learning.
These little buckets I got at Dollar Tree and cut these cute quotes. I’m using these are trash bins in various locations in my office. 10 Points to anyone who recognized the Harry Potter quote in the HP font. You’re my people.
Super simple, but so cute! I cute this 10 with the Cricut on glitter cardstock and used it in my planner to mark my daughter’s tenth birthday! There is no chance I’d been able to cut a perfect 10 out by hand. Absoltely none. I’m already falling in love with this machine.
The moral of this story is to try new things. Even if they scare you. Whether it’s a Cricut or a different kind of DIY project. Don’t let fear rule your life. Do the thing. Most of the time, things can be fixed if need be and if they can’t, well, maybe they were supposed to be that way anyhow.
Writers, Can You Survive Danger & Death in the Conflict Challenge?
I don’t know about you, but I get a little excited when a new writing guide comes along. Today I get to spill the news that The Conflict Thesaurus: A Writer’s Guide to Obstacles, Adversaries, and Inner Struggles (Vol. 1) has hit the shelves.
This guide is about that killer ingredient our stories need: Conflict. It shows you exactly how to use conflict to raise tension, create a fresh story premise, and pull readers in. The guide also dives into over 100 conflict scenarios and how each can be endlessly adapted to challenge a character inside and out. Problems, Moral Dilemmas, Ticking Clocks, Obstacles, No-Win Scenarios…this book is plot brainstorming in overdrive!
I’m part of Angela & Becca’s Street Team for this release, and we have an important question to ask you:
Can You Survive Danger as Well as Your Favorite Protagonist?
Sure, it’s easy for you to use conflict to torture your characters and make them struggle, but what if it’s you in the hot seat instead? Will you make good decisions, or bad ones?
It’s time to find out by taking the Conflict Challenge! I dare you to become the protagonist in a special story Angela & Becca have created. And heads up, if you survive, you win some pretty cool stuff!
GIVEAWAY ALERT
While you’re at Writers Helping Writers taking the Conflict Challenge, make sure to enter The Conflict Thesaurus celebratory giveaway, too. But hurry – it’s only on for a few days.
So, take the challenge…if you dare. And don’t forget to come back and let me know how you did against Camp Deadwood!
The Conflict Thesaurus IS COMING
And they’ve done it again, you guys. Angela Ackerman and Becca Puglisi are releasing another book in their Thesaurus Series – this one all about Conflict. And the best part? It’s VOLUME 1.
If you are not familiar, Writers Helping Writers is an endless resource for any level of author out there. The website is a treasure trove of information that seems refilling everytime you check it out.
Part of their immense stock, is the The Thesaurus Series. Each book in the series dives into a different aspect of descriptive writing with guides, insights and examples.
The latest is this golden beauty – The Conflict Thesaurus Volume 1 out October 12th.
And, of course, no story is complete without some form of Conflict. It’s arguable that every author out there could use a brush up with what struggles their characters can encounter.
The time and effort that went into creating this resource is unimaginable. There are endless amounts of possible conflicts for your character to face. Conflicts that you didn’t even think possible! I love reading a good resource, doing my research and finding something that makes me think “There is no way I would have ever considered that!”
Click here for your reminder to pick up your copy of the Conflict Thesaurus on October 12th!
Come back to the blog for an in depth review of The Conflict Theasurus before it’s release!
Plan Your Writer Life
What can help keep your writer life together and organized?
THIS IS ONLY MY OPINION. I feel like I should start with that because not all authors feel the same way about organization and that’s okay.
Me? I need organization. I thrive with a structure. And if it’s pretty, that’s even better.
There are two items I’ve been using recently to keep my writer life together and I’m going to share those with you.
Item 1: The Happy Planner
It’s no secret I love The Happy Planner. That’s been well documented for the last two years on all of my social media. However, this year I really dove into tracking and planning my author life and I used a Happy Planner to do that. I tried several of the Happy Planner layouts to see what worked best for me, and for now, I think I’ve found it. Promise you won’t laugh?
I’ve been using the Disney Princess Happy Planner in a Vertical Layout. And I’ve been making each weekly layout a different Princess. Mostly Disney Princesses, because, let’s face it, they kind of have the market cornered. The layout pictured is one of my favorites and it’s the Emerald City portral of Princess Langweidiere from the Oz universe.
Some of my layouts are mostly decorated (like this one), but some are not. I love the vertical layout for my catch all planner as well, so it’s what I’m used to. Right now, my author life is kind of quiet, so mostly decorated makes me feel less like a lazy butt. When things pick up, it’s going to be fantastic. I’ve been doing WIP research and putting that in my author planner as well as any author related projects I’m currently working on.
If you’re looking for a paper planner to organize your writer life, I’d suggest The Happy Planner. Check out the different planner types and layouts and find what works best for you!
Item 2: Stone Ridge Stickers
PLANNER STICKERS FOR WRITERS FROM A WRITER. Uh, what more could you possibly want? Stone Ridge Stickers have a wide variety of different author themed stickers as well as decorative stickers for your everyday planner or specifically, your author planner!
I love these Instagram icons for social media planning. These Chapters Edited stickers are going to change my world while editing! Author Mandi Lynn has created an amazing line of author stickers perfect for your organizing, planning and tracking needs.
These are just a few of the amazing author items you can use to help you organizing your author life. If you’d like to learn more about my favorite items, leave a comment and let me know!
DISCLAIMER: Some links included in this blog might be affiliate links. If you purchase a product with the links above I may receive a small commission. There is no charge to you, at all. Thank you for all your support!
I Can Do That – Desk Mat
This new blog series will share crafting and DIY projects I’ve been inspired to try on my own – the good, the bad and the ugly.
For the first project in the series, I started off EASY. I love to craft and try DIY projects, but what I really love is easy. Too intricate and I shy away. More than a few steps? No, thanks, I’m good. However, as of late, I’ve been motivated to try and do some things to challenge myself. Some upcoming projects featured in this series will be things I never thought I’d attempt.
But, first things first. This easy, adorable and useful project – taking a simple clear, plastic desk mat and making it my own!
The hardest part of this project was the trip to IKEA to get the actual desk mat. The closest IKEA to where I live is almost two hours away. I could have ordered it online, but what’s the fun of that?
Click Here to get this sweet deal for yourself. This desk pad is sturdy and translucent and for only $4.99 it is a steal for this project.
I took a gorgeous floral gift bag that I’d been holding on to for years and cut it to the size of the desk mat. I’ve seen people primarly use wrapping paper for this project, but you can use just about anything!
I took some double sided tape and attached the foral paper to the bottom side of the desk mat. The desk mat is translucent enough to see the paper but you can not see the tape.
And that’s literally ALL IT TAKES!
I still need to trim up some of the corners, but I think it looks super adorable in this space. It also saves my beat up, much loved, wooden desk from any other cuts, scraps or damage.
Be on the lookout for more in this blog series! Some projects will be just as easy peasy as the beauty, but others will take a smidge more effort.
Anxiety – It’s not a dirty word
Most of us have felt it at one point or another; anxiety. It’s often described as nervousness, sweaty palms or a sense of dread. It’s not frequent; before a big presentation at work, before a gathering of people you don’t know that well and it usually subsides before you can ever really think about it. For most, that is the extent of our relationship with anxiety.
For others – for me – it’s different. Much, much different.
To give a little back story, I’ve always been one of those nervous people. One who worries about things that are completely out of my control. Once, when I was in high school, our area in Central Florida was under a Hurricane Warning. I packed up my entire room “just in case”. I’ve always been that kind of nervous.
In October 2018, my dad went to the hospital with chest pains. He had a history of cardiac issues. They kept him overnight for observation and released him finding there to be no new issues with his health. Around this same time, I remember vividly sitting in my office at work and having a pain in my chest. I told my friend Jeanne about and she looked at me as if I had two heads and said, “That’s not your heart.”
In November 2018, my dad had a heart attack that required he have double bypass surgery. I’ve never in my life been more terrified. My family and I banded together, we found strength in each other and my dad made it through surgery and has recovered amazingly.
On New Years Day 2019, my friend Jeanne passed away from a heart attack.
This is where my life changed.
I don’t know what exactly did it. I don’t know if it was a little bit of everything the prior three months had involved or if it was her death solely that rocked me to my core.
I broke.
I am broken now.
When shock wore off anxiety moved in. Full force, without notice and without permission. Nonstop, debilitating anxiety. Every. Single. Day anxiety maneuvers my life.
Somedays I’m really, really good at hiding it. I put on nice clothes, wear fancy earrings, put on mascara and smile, all while barely keeping anything together on the inside. Other days I give in completely and it takes all I have to just get out of bed and get to work.
Some days I break in private. At home, with my husband helplessly watching me pace the kitchen for two hours clenching my chest and trying to convince him I’m dying while he tries to convince me to breath.
Some days I break in public. At work, running out of the office and to my car where I cry hysterically and hyperventilate to the point I nearly pass out in my back seat.
If I hear of other people’s symptoms or problems, I suddenly feel like I have those too. Listening to Covid reports and symptoms has been difficult.
I’ve been to the emergency room and doctor after doctor, even a cardiologist, for what all is determined to be anxiety.
I’ve been told my heart is healthy, I have minimal heart palpitations (most people have these, but do not feel them). My overall health is good; I need to lose weight and eat better, but for the most part all is fine. I’m fine – physical health wise.
My mental health is the problem. My anxiety has convinced me that I’m in danger of dying every day. Every ache, pain, pinch, tingle sends me into panic, and I spiral. People tell me not to think about it, but that is impossible, and they don’t understand why. The anxiety rules everything.
I’ve tried several anti-anxiety meds that ended up having the opposite desired effect on me, making the anxiety kick into high gear.
I go days, weeks, months at a time doing nothing but dwell on my anxiety and what this pain, tingle or pinch can mean. Recently, I spent four days believing a tingling in my ear and face was a stroke. I cried, I panicked, I took medication and finally went to my cardiologist. He told me I had zero chance of having a stroke. My primary care doctor said the tingling was my anxiety. I realized finally, after almost two weeks, that the tingling mostly happens when I’ve got my jaw and teeth clenched.
I believe the trauma of losing Jeanne so suddenly triggered something in me. I had said, shortly before she passed, that Jeanne was a mountain, nothing could touch her, she could withstand anything. She’d overcome some many different types of obstacles unscathed and with grace, it was astonishing.
Because of what happened to my dad the previous few months, on New Years Eve, as the clock struck midnight and we welcomed 2019, I kissed my husband and said “2019 has to be better, right?” It wasn’t. I woke up New Year’s Day to this horrible, life altering news and It was the opposite of better. Now when I hear someone say anything like that, I cringe. I now say to myself “it can always be worse”.
I’ve been on this journey for over two years now. I’d like to get off this particular roller coaster ride, but it may just be a part of me from now on. I’ve started a different anti-anxiety medication and it seems to be helping so far. I’m able to feel a pain, a tingle, a clench and not immediately panic. I’m able to get up and get ready for my day and focus on many of the other parts of my life instead of waiting for the next symptom. I’m part of a Facebook support group for cardiac issues / anxiety and it’s been so helpful.
Anxiety seems to still be so taboo, and I don’t think that’s fair. I know those around me try to understand and listen, but most of them have never felt this type of anxiety – or any anxiety. My anxiety is health correlated – specifically, cardiac anxiety. I also like to worry about strokes and blood clots, but I focus on my heart the most.
Be patient with those you love with any form of anxiety. Listen to them, research their type of anxiety to better help them along their journey. Most of all, love them and talk to them. If we all do our part, anxiety will no longer be a dirty word and those of us in it’s grasp can began to heal a bit better.
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