April is over (Life, please slow down!)

Wait, what?! HOW CAN APRIL BE OVER?!?!?
Time is going by way too fast for me. So much to do, so little time to do it. The problem of the ages. :P But I guess that's just life. So, because I'm sure y'all are just dying to know what happened in my life this month,  here is my month-in-review-post!

Life:

Wow, life was crazy this month! First off, we attended the homeschool conference the 8th and 9th. And ... I got to meet Susan Marlow!! Who is one of my favorite authors! That conference would have to be the highlight of the month! I also got to spend two days with some very dear friends, as well as see Rebekah Morris, another favorite author. 

The Sunday after the homeschool conference, our family went downtown to visit the veterans memorial. Seriously, I have lived in Wichita for almost 12 years, and I cannot believe I hadn't gone and seen it before! It was so amazing! However, since I took close to a zillion pictures, I'll save them for another post. ;) 

The second Saturday of the month,  dad took us down to the lake. We had fun wading in the creek, and than playing by the lake. (Well, my playing was reading, but it still counts, right?) I also had fun taking pictures of the wheat/sunflower fields that we saw on the 45 min. drive to the lake. :) 

The perfect reading spot. ;) 

Of course, the weather has been beautiful! So there's been lots of bike riding, long walks down to the mail (which is at the end of our street) and lots, and lots of sunshine!! Summer is coming!! :D Which I'm so totally excited about, because summer is my absolute favorite season! 

This past week I was researching historical sites and museums for our summer trip. I was supposed to be looking around and finding out prices, places we could stop along the way, etc. One of the museums had a note that said "For groups over ten, please give us two weeks notice."  Another said "Please call for special rates for groups over eight." 

Okaayy. 

I was reminded again just how strange my family is. Apparently we are group-sized, not family-sized. xD

And yes, this was totally unrelated to this post.And yes, you read it anyway. :P

Reading:

I got a lot of reading done this month!! Which I was happy about. :) I read ...

Through the Tunnel, by Rebekah A. Morris

Heartbreak Trail, by Susan K. Marlow

The Last Ride, by Susan K . Marlow

Resist, by Emily Ann Putzke
A Night Divided, by Jennifer Nielson 

Family Secrets, by Catherine Marshal 

The Innocent, by Willowy Whisper

The Letter, by Willowy Whisper

Love finds you in Victory Heights Washington, by Tricia Goyer

Not by Sight, by Kate Breslin

A Different kind of Courage, by Sarah Holman 

The Healer, by Dee Henderson

The Rescuer, by Dee Henderson

Through Waters Deep, by Sarah Sundin

Cries of the Heart, by Ravi Zacharias 

Is God on America's side?, by Erwin Lutzer

I also Beta-read The Old River Road, by Ivy Rose. So ... all in all that brings my total to seventeen books. They were all amazing books! Seriously, I want to own them all! :D (Because most of them were library books. :P)

Writing:

Uhhh .. writing? Is that a thing? ;P 

I didn't get a lot of writing done this month. I've been editing A Question of Honor, and I really want to get the first edit on that done before I start anything new. 

I did write a little bit. Because a certain friend would have killed me otherwise.  But here's a clip for you guys to enjoy. (Or not enjoy. It's up to you. ;))

“Herr, Doctor. The Lieutenant has requested you meet him in his office just as soon as you are finished.”

Micah looked up as the tent flap was pulled back, and a cool breeze entered the operating area. Fear gripped Micah’s heart at the request, and for the moment his hand froze above the incision. The Lieutenant in charge was Lieutenant Essler. Erich Essler.

“Are you alright, Doctor?”

Micah snapped back into motion as the nurse sent him a concerned glance. “Yes, I’m fine. I’ll be there when I’m finished, private.”

The young soldier gave a quick salute, and stepped back outside.

Once he was gone, the nurse took the instrument from his hand. “You were finished with this, Doctor.”

Micah hated how preoccupied he felt. “Oh, yes, sorry.”

The nurse's eyes looked kind from beneath her mask. “I’m sure everything will be fine, Sir. You do good work, you’re one of the best Doctors here in this God-forsaken place. Surely the Lieutenant has simply noticed that.”

Micah nodded. If only she knew what Erich really wanted. She’d run as fast as possible in the opposite direction. Away from him.

Editing: 

I got a good amount of editing done this month. Not as much as I would have liked, but I'm happy with it. 

Also, I got The Silent Blade back from Abi (The Left-Handed Typist) who was editing it for me. That got me really excited! :)  

Blogging:

I hit 30 followers this month!! :D I just happened. One day I had 27, the next time I looked I had 30. You guys are all awesome. :) 

Now some of this month's notable blog posts ...there were so many amazing blog posts this month, so I had to choose only a few. These were at the top of my "favorites" list, 

To Be Complete

I honestly don't know what to say about this blog post. It was such a blessing and encouragement to me in so many ways. Shantelle has a wonderful way with words, and I cannot even say how much this post impacted me.  Just go and read it. 

The Manuscript Came

This post was just super exciting because Emily is a very good freind of mine, and she is an amazing writer. I cannot wait until her book comes out!!! 

My Journey to Editing

Deborah C. has been helping me with editing since I started writing. Here she shares her story of how she started her editing journey. 

For the Sake of Love

Another amazing post by Shantelle. I shall not say anymore, so go read it. 

Responsibilities 

Faith did a wonderful job on this post. An I think the title pretty much speaks for itself. ;) 

And ... I do believe that is all for this post! I shall (Lord willing) be back soon, since I have gotten behind on my tags. I hope you all have an amazing weekend!!! 

 

The Letter blog tour---Book review

Hey everyone! Today's post is part of a blog tour for Willowy Whisper's new book .... The Letter!

SYNOPSIS 

First it was just a letter, maybe a joke, a coincidence. Now it was more than that. Now it was a living nightmare, threatening everyone he loved, pulling his greatest fear into a reality . . . As the letters keep coming, Brock Sumner watches his world shatter at his feet. Building a wall around his heart seemed like the only answer. Is there any other way to protect the woman he loves? A drunk, with no incentive to change; a runaway, with a price on his back; a young child, afraid in the dark . . . Will the letters, perhaps, pull their lives together? Or will the killer find a way to destroy them all? 

My review:

4 stars

The Letter was a very enjoyable read! After reading the first book in the series, I wasn't quite sure what to expect from the second. I shouldn't have worried; I enjoyed it far more than the first book! 

First of all ...Quinny. His story was, in my opinion, the highlight of the book. The struggles he went through, the pain, it was all shown so clearly. I found myself looking forward to his chapters, hoping against hope that somehow things would change for him. The redemption story told through his life is such a beautiful reminder of just what Jesus wants to do in our lives. And ... yeah. I'd better not say anymore or I'd give the entire story away. ;) 

Than there was Jake. The outcast, the wanderer. In the beginning I really struggled to get understand his character. But as the story went on, my earlier opinion of him completely changed. He probably put me through the most emotional trauma as I was reading. I had to know what happened to him, I had to know how his story ended. I mean, seriously! Talk about nail-biting suspense! I won't tell you how it ended; I'll simply let you read the book and figure out the ending for yourself. B-) 

And of course there was Brock and Lacey! Their story was just so sweet, although there were times I wanted to give Brock a good shaking and talking-to. I was so glad when one of the other characters decided to knock some sense into his head. After that he was much more agreeable. ;) 

There was one thing I didn't care for. While the romance wasn't horrible, there were a few scenes that put me on edge, and there were times I found myself completely skipping scenes because of it. Don't get me wrong, there was nothing that would be labeled as inappropriate. I just don't care for all the kissing-before-marriage, and I didn't exactly appreciate how the characters attention was so focused on the physical side of things. (i.e. her lips, her skin, the way his arm felt around her waist, etc.) Again, nothing exactly inappropriate, but because of my convictions on the issues, it made me uncomfortable. 

So yeah. All in all it was an enjoyable book, and I was glad to have the chance to read it! The mystery was really well put together. I never would have guessed who the bad guy was! He completely shocked me. And his character *shudders* He was evil.

I also loved how Christ was the central figure, and even when the horrible things happened, the characters never blamed Him or turned their backs on Him. they realized that He was there with them as they walked through the trial. 

If you enjoy westerns with a bit of romance thrown in, I'd definitely say to give the book a try!

*I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for my honest review. 

ABOUT THE AUTHOR 

Willowy Whisper is a seventeen-year-old author. Living in the quiet hills of West Virginia, Willow writes novels, short stories, and blog posts. She is a born-again believer in Jesus Christ, and an incurable romantic. 

You can visit Miss Willowy's blog here! Willowy Whisper-- The pen of a writer

America, America God shed His grace on thee ...

Hey guys! I hope your week has been awesome! Mine was good! The weather has been gorgeous, and of course, finding new books to read are the best! :D

Alrighty, first off, let me just say that this is an unusual post.  I was planning on sharing something or other about writing, but as I was looking through my documents, I suddenly realized just how many poems and short stories I had written about my country, about America.

I come from what a lot of people would call a military family. While my dad has never served, I have a lot of uncles, cousins, and grandparents who have served in many of out nations most horrific wars. WWII, Vietnam, Iraq.
I have always been proud of my nation. Proud of what we have stood for, namely Justice, Liberty, and Freedom.

But now ... now instead of being proud of the country I live in, I grieve as I see just how far we have fallen.The things that are now happening under the banner of equality and civil justice are absurd! Is this truly the country that was founded on Christian principles? America has fallen so, so far. Instead of the Christian nation we used to be, we are now the same as everyone else around us. Worse, perhaps, because we still "claim" to be a Christian nation. When I look around and see the wickedness that is happening, I wonder if there is even any hope that our country can experience a revival.

2 Chronicles 7:14 If my people, which are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven, and forgive their sins, and will heal their land.

This, my friends, is the only way. Now I am not in any way trying to compare America to Israel. I realize God had a covenant with them as a nation that America has never had.
However, those who have trusted in Christ to save them are God's chosen people, just as much as the Jewish people are.
As the land around us grows darker, it only means that the light we have been given will shine brighter! So many people are hurting, and only Jesus can heal that hurt; so many people have questions that only Jesus can answer; and so many people have longings that only He can fill.

Romans 10:14 How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? How will they believe in him who they have hot heard? And how shall they believe without a preacher? And how shall they preach unless they be sent? For it is written, how beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things! 

As His people, we have a mission to spread the good news of the gospel to those those around us. We have only one life to live, and only what we do in our service to Jesus is going to last for eternity.
God has shed his grace on America, and He continues to hold back the judgment we so justly deserve. While we still have the freedom to do so, we need to unashamedly shine the light of the gospel into the darkest areas of our world. Now is our chance to show others the difference and change Jesus can bring about in single life.

Matthew 5:17 Let your light so shine before men that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven. 

Whew. That's been something that has been on my heart for a while, and it is so good to finally get it written out. To end the post, here is a short story I wrote last year for Independence day. Even though America is sadly no longer what it used to be, I still am proud of our heritage and the values we have stood for.

 Freedom

“Grandpa, Grandpa. I want to see that one!” Eleven-year old Sam  pointed across the Arlington cemetery to the Marine Corps memorial that stood  tall and silent, flag flying proudly in the breeze.

Grandpa smiled. “Alright, we’ll go and see that one next.”

Sam slipped his hand into his Grandpa’s as they began to slowly walk across the large cemetery.

“Grandpa, why are there so many crosses? So many graves?” the boy asked, glancing at his Grandfather with a questioning look.

“Those, my boy, are all the men who have died for our flag.”

“But Grandpa, why would they die for a flag? It seems silly.”

“Oh, Sam, you want to know why they would die for our flag?" Grandpa stopped and looked down at Sam. "Let me tell you. When our forefathers declared their independence, we become the first nation that had a government of the people, by the people and for the people. Do you know why that was so important, Sam?”

He shook his head. “Why Grandpa?”

“Because that meant that no longer would there be a king or a dictator telling people what they should do and shouldn't do. They were free to govern themselves, and to elect the leaders they thought would be best for our great country. And, most importantly, America had freedom of religion.”

“But, Grandpa, I thought that being free meant there were no rules and you could do whatever we wanted. There are still rules in America.”

Grandpa smiled. “I’m glad your so inquisitive, Sam. Yes, being free means you can do what you believe best, but there are also laws that are needed to protect our freedom. I mean, would you feel free if you knew someone could kill you simply because they thought it would be best?”

Sam shook his head. “That would make me scared.”

“That’s right. So, to protect our freedoms, we have laws. The laws should never tell us what to believe or how we must live, but laws are guidelines made for your protection. Sam, freedom is the ability to listen to your conscience, It doesn’t give  you a free ticket to sin. It’s just like how Jesus died for us. He forgives all our sin if we confess them and ask Him to come int our hearts, but does that mean we should keep on sinning?”

Sam shook his head. “No, because that would make Jesus sad.”

“That's right. When we love someone we don’t want to do anything that would hurt them. The same is true for our country. If we truly love ‘The land of the free and the home of the brave,’ we won’t do anything that could hurt it or tear it down. We’ll realize that the laws that are in place are meant to preserve our freedom. When our founding fathers established the country, the laws they governed it by were the same laws and rules that are found in God’s Holy Word. That’s what truly made our country great. But,” a sad look entered Grandpa's eyes, “We are turning away from those laws in our country. People who haven’t been taught why America is great, who haven’t been taught the Bible, and don’t know the real meaning of freedom are trying to make their own laws. If we aren’t careful, their laws will destroy our country. We need to pray that God can show them what freedom really is. Freedom in His Son is the only true freedom. And we need to be a witness through how we live. We need to show them what true freedom looks like.”

“Why did you fight for our country, Grandpa?” Sam wondered.

“I fought for our freedom. I fought so that you can be free to make decisions, Sam. I fought so that you can choose who to serve. I fought to give you the freedom to choose.”

“So, even if I chose to do things you don’t like, you fought for that?”

Grandpa chuckled. “I certainly hope you chose to do right, but, yes, I fought that you could have a free choice. But we must remember, whatever choice you personally make is yours alone. You can not try and force it on others. They must make their own choice, they are free to make their own choice. And they do have the right to make their own choice.”

“But, Grandpa, what about the flag? You said the men died for the flag.”

“They did. The flag stand for everything I've been explaining for you. Our glorious flag stands for freedom, liberty and justice for all. It stands for the freedom to make your own personal choice. It stands for America.”

By this time they had reached the Marine Corps memorial and Sam gazed up at the flag, “Is that why these men were trying to keep the flag up?”

“Yes, my boy. The flag must never be dishonored, must never be allowed to touch the ground. they loved America. They were fighting to keep us free.”

Sam thought for a moment, “I love our flag, Grandpa.”

Grandpa smiled. “So do I, Sam. So do I.”

And ... that's all for today. I hope you guys have an amazing weekend! God bless! And remember, stand fast in the liberty wherewith Christ has set us free! (Galatians 5:1a)

The fine print. ;) I would highly recommend reading the book "Is God on America's Side?" by Dr. Erwin Lutzer. It's had a huge impact on my life and how I view things that are going on in our nation. If you can get your hands on a copy, read it!!

The Liebster award!

Good afternoon guys! How are you all doing this Tuesday?
I was tagged by the wonderful, amazing torturous, Faith over at Stories by Firefly for the Liebster award. Thanks for tagging me, Faith!

The Rules for the Liebster award: 

Link back to the person who tagged you

Answer their 11 questions

Tag 11 bloggers

Ask them 11 questions

Let them know you have tagged them. 

And ... the questions!

1. What is your personality type? 
I am an ISTJ. It stands for. . . Introverted, Sensing, Thinking, and Judging. To borrow the words of one of my siblings, it basically means I'm "sooo boring". ;) I'm also the only introverted girl in our family, so I can get away with out talking a lot,

                     

               

2. What part of writing a blog post takes the longest for you? (Ex. In my case, it takes me longer to find/stick in links and pictures than to actually write the post.) 
Writing the actual post. Seriously, I delete parts and edit it so many times it's not even funny. The links tend to be easier for me, because I know exactly where to go and what to do. I don't have to edit them all.

3. Would you rather smell fresh-cut grass or campfire smoke? 
Campfire smoke! Because that usually means we are out f the city and at the lake. Where it's quite and peaceful. It also means we are more than likely eating s'mores and listening to my dad scare us half to death with his stories. ;) (I seriously think I inherited my story-telling/writing from him.)

4. What's the last song you listened to? (And did you like it?) 
Oh goodness! I have no idea! The radio plays in our house all day, and I hardly pay attention to the songs anymore. The last song I remember playing with the intent of listening to was "Brothers"from a movie soundtrack. And yes, I LOVE that song!

5. What's the last movie you watched? (And did you like it?)
The last movie I watched was the musical "Oklahoma". I had never seen it before, and I did like some of it, but there were a few parts I didn't like. In my opinion it was so-so movie. I did love the songs, though! ;)

6. What's the last book you finished? (And did you like it?) 
"G.I. Joe and Lillie" by Joseph Bonsell. And goodness, I LOVED the book! It was about the life of a soldier who was at Utah beach on D-Day. It followed his life from when he was born to the day he died.
Just read it. It's amazing.

7. Do you have a reading goal for this year? 
Yes, my goal is 150 books. So far I've read 53 books, so we'll see if I make it! :)

8. Would you rather use a pen or a pencil? If you chose pen, what color of ink? 
A pen, preferably gel, with either black of purple ink. They're the only 2 colors I really like writing with. And I hardly ever use a pencil for anything.

9. What's your favorite historical time period? 
Medieval, 1940s, or the time during the Great War. Vietnam era, revolutionary and Civil war times also fascinate me. Augh. Just don't ask me this question!

10. Describe yourself in one sentence. (It's almost a question.) 
I am a homeschooled girl who loves the quiet and openness of the prairie with its ever-present wind, the bright sunshine, my family, and above all my Saviour, Jesus Christ, who died that I might live.

11. Do you enjoy tags? (Or are you only filling this out because you feel obligated? B-)) 
I enjoy tags in moderation, and I'm am only filing this out because I feel obligated since Faith did tag me.

...

I shocked you, didn't I? ;) Okay. I all honesty I do enjoy tags (most of the time) and I am having fun with this tag! However I realized that everyone else who Faith tagged is saying how much they love tags and I wanted to say something different. B-)



Okidokie, now for the people I am tagging!

Rishona at Raublog
Rebekah at Rebekah's Blog
Olivia at Living for the Other Side
Deborah at Reading in June

I do realize that is only 4 people, but everyone else I know has already been tagged. :)

And your questions are ... 

1. What is your personality type?

2. Do you prefer summer or fall?

3. City or country?

4. Chocolate or Vanilla?

5. Why did you start a blog? 

6. What is your favorite thing abut blogging?

7. Favorite classic movie?

8. You've just been elected as president (surprise!) What is the first thing you do once in office? 

9. Do you have a reading goal for this year?

10. Is there a missionary or a hero from history (other than Jesus!) who has had an impact on your life?

11. What are you most looking forward to this year?

And I think that's all for now! Have an amazing rest of your week! :)

Writers Unite Writing Contest!

Hey everyone!! So ... I'm here to announce a writing contest!! (I'm quite sure that you didn't realize that by reading the title.)

Exciting, yes?

So without further ado, here are all the details!

Writers Unite Writing Contest

Dates: April 15th - May 16th

Maximum word count: 7,000

Winners announced: May 30th

Prizes:

1st Place: The Calling by Rachelle Dekker,

2nd Place Space Kitties -a collection of short stories,

3rd Place: songs: Superman- Man of steel, Legend -The Celtic Collection, What are you going to do now you are not saving the world?

--When you are finished with your entry, send it to writersunite2016@gmail.com -

*Note: Please, no inappropriate scenes or language. Preferable no magic, though powers are okay.

Even though not everyone will win, we did want to include the links for 2 free ebooks for everyone. (But you only get them if you participate! Okay, just kidding. ;))

Daughter of Light by Morgan L. Busse

Failstate by John Otte

And. . . Judges' bios! :)

The questions everyone was asked to introduce themselves were. . .

1) Introduce yourself

2) What is your favorite genre of book to read?

3) What is your favorite genre to write about?

4) When not reading/writing what are some things you enjoy doing

5) What is you favorite kind of music to listen to?

And this last one is totally optional because I have no idea who likes Marvel/DC movies

Optional:

6) Whose side are you on for Captain America? Civil War team Cap or team Iron man? whose side are you on for Batman vs. Superman? Superman or Batman?

R.J Steele  

1) My name is R. J. Steele

2) My favorite genre is probably fantasy, but dystopian closely follows.

3) I write fantasy with some futuristic.

4) I like to hang out with my friends and cousins in my free time.

5) ...Um, I listen to a lot of different kinds of music....not just one

6) I am Team Cap for the Captain America Civil War.

SMB 

1) I’m SMB

2) I loved to read Biblical and historical fiction, as well as fantasy

3) Everything! I have a ton of different stuff I am working on right now, or have plans for: fantasy, futuristic, historical fiction, and a few other things as well. :)

4) When I’m not reading and writing I’m usually either dreaming up stories, traveling and doing outdoor adventures, or on Pinterest. :)

5) I like to listen to a lot of different music. I have a playlist for when I’m writing, but for everyday life I like to listen to stuff like Jamie Grace, Moriah Peters, For King and Country, and similar artists/songs.

6) Up to this point I’ve been team Captain America for the Civil War.

Raechel

1) Raechel

2) Oh that's a tough one...I love many genres, but two of my top favourites are Christian fantasy and Biblical fiction.

3) Christian fantasy with no magic, and a sort of 'medieval' ish feel to it.

4) Well...I'm almost always reading or writing, but I also love throwing my tomahawk/knives at my log target, and just being with my family.

5)I don't have a specific favorite kind of music really...is TobyMac a genre? XD I like upbeat, exciting Christian music.

6) None? I'm not into Marvel stuff.

Sierra

1) My name is Sierra, though I also go by Sparrow a lot online

2) It depends on my mood, I read a lot of different genres. If I had to pick one, I'd probably say fantasy.

3) Again, I write all different genres. Probably fantasy is my "favorite". :)

4) I like drawing and... uh... wow I sound like a boring person. I don't do all that much besides read and write and draw. I love photography though.

5) Also depends on my mood... *hides* I'm not a consistent person. I just have a bunch of spotify playlists with groups of artists and bands together. Right now I'm listening to the TobyMac and Capital Kings one, but last week it was BarlowGirl, ZOEgirl, Addison Road, and Superchic(K)

6) Team Cap!

Faith

1) Hey, I'm Faith P.!

2) My favorite genre of books to read is historical fiction. :)

3) My favorite genre to write is historical fiction as well. :)

4) I enjoy pottery, camping, kayaking, and hanging out with my dog. ;)

5) Contemporary Christian :)

6) I'm not familiar with any of those, sorry!

Aiden

1) Aiden

2) Fantasy, Sci-Fi, and Superhero (whatever that genera is called)

3) Fantasy-Sic-Fi

4) Cosplay, Marital Art, and Parkour

5) Almost anything

6) Well team Spidey for Captain America Civil War, and Superman for Batman Vs. Superman

Jesseca

1. Hi, my name is Jesseca Dawn. :)

2. My favorite genre to read would have to be historical fiction. It's awesome. ;)

3. And, my favorite genre to write would be historical fiction as well! I love all the research that goes into it.

4. Baking, cooking, reading, sewing. Or just spending time outside. ;) 

5. My favorite kind of music is movie soundtracks! They're the best! ;) Hymns tie with the soundtracks for a favorite, and contemporary is a close second.

 Are you excited? I am! And finally, last but not least, here is your writing prompt! The theme for this contest (and ultimately your story) is; Sacrifice.

In case the picture isn't clear for some reason, this is what it says.

Rules of War.

Rule #1: Good men will die.

Rule #2: Not even "Doc" can change Rule #1.

Rule #3: For his brothers, "Doc" will die trying to change both Rule 1 &2. 

You can use my prompt, any of the prompts that the other Judges have given, or you can combine them! It's completely up to you! However, please be sure you do include one of the prompts in your story. ;)
Have fun writing and I'm looking forward to seeing all your entries. :) \

*All representation pics and the writing prompt came from pinterest.

How I write (according to pinterest)

Hey all! I hope you're having a marvelous Friday!  First off. . .did how do you like the changes on the blog? I know, it's totally different. I promise, It's still the same blog! I seriously was planning on just changing the background, but it wasn't working. So my sister and I stayed up wayyy too late Tuesday night re-designing everything. We were up so late we ended up heating up a pizza and grabbing some iced tea. It may or may not have been up till past midnight.. But we had fun. And I totally blame her for how the blog looks. ;) 

Okay, moving on . . . I really, really wanted to do a post about writing today. I mean, the name of the blog is "Whimsical Writings". 

I was scrolling through my pinterest boards the other day, and it struck me as how all these wonderful pictures, that describe my writing so well, would make a wonderful blog post. This had nothing to do with the fact that I didn't have the time I would need to devote to an honest-to-goodness writing post. So, without further ado, here is a walk through my writing journey (according to pinterest).

Ahh, yes. The great story idea! Only. .. how does it start?

Augh, finally got past that beginning. Now for that wonderful plot twist I had planned. . .Rats. I forgot it. 

But this idea is even better!! Oh, this story is going to be so awesome!

Oh great. I have lost all sense of direction in this story. Where was I even going with this???

*rereads work* Oh, this is sooo horrible! There is no way I will ever be able to finish this. I will leave it alone for a few days until I can decide what to do with it

Pinterest is awesome. Look at all these amazing story ideas! I should totally start a new one and trash that old story I'm stuck on

No! I can't do that. I will finish my original story if it kills me! (And it probably will at least threaten to do that. . . )

Look at me! I did it!! Isn't this awesome??? I got past the hard part! *rereads it* Oh. Uhh, did I seriously write this? Never mind, I don't care, I'll fix it later! Now I can write the fun stuff!

See, now this is what happens when you drink too much coffee and iced tea, and stay up to late. You start laughing at these ridiculous puns. They're not. Even. Funny.

This is amazing. Look, I wrote 3,000 words in the past two hours. I'm on a roll. I must keep going! Please, don't tell me I have to socialize. *headesk*

Siblings. I love ya all to death, but why did you not need me before I started writing?!?! But. . you are more important than my story. So I shall stop for you. ;)

I promise. Please, PLEASE don't tell me I'm horrible!! I promise, I am not trying to kill someone in real life! 

YES. Perfect plot twist. My beta readers will kill me. Mwhahah! But. . it is sad. *sniffs* I'm sooo sorry, my poor characters.

And then my critique partner gets this message from me. And then she threatens to strangle me because she loved that character.

When I take a look at my recent searches...and suddenly realize that this would look so bad if a police ever had to look at all my search history. I would be behind bars. Investigated by the FBI. All that fun stuff.

And one day. . .wow. I got to the end. This is so amazing. I just finished my story. *dances around the room*

No. Definitely not. Today I will have fun and celebrate my accomplishment! (Yes,I do realize I finished it a month ago. That's beside the point.)

No, please, one more edit before I send it to my beta readers. ONE MORE EDIT!

. . .And then at the end of it all, this is what I pray comes through my writing. Because He is the reason I write. To share His love and His truths with those around me.

So tell me, did this sound at all familiar? Has any of these wonderful things happened to you? ;) You must tell me! Then we can talk about how crazy this "thing" called writing really is. :D