I just finished Dan Brown's book "The Lost Symbol." I couldn't lay it down. I would love to write a book so riveting. I wonder if he understands the impact his book is going to have. It's one of those stories that makes you want to Google every bit of information he dished out. Often, I found myself wondering, "Could this be true?"
How much in his book is true about the Freemasons? It makes me want to find out. I'll bet a lot of other people will want to too. It also makes me wonder about the Bible and what we find there. I already believe humans are gods in embryo and that our thoughts have the power to transform matter. I know it's true. I don't know if there is really a science called Noetics, but I wouldn' t be surprised. (I haven't googled it yet! =) I already knew this power exists. I think most people are afraid of it--of what it means.
I have always been fascinated with the unknown, because I don't believe anything remains that way. We use only eight percent of our brain. What is the other 92% for? Hmm. I have my suspicions.
Whatever you want to call it...energy, priesthood, mystical power, magic. It is the same thing. The power and knowledge to change matter with thought. The secret is that we don't know how to use it. God has tried to teach us, but even then, we don't understand. We don't get it. We fear what we don't know. We call what we don't understand evil, or Satan. Not everything out there that isn't preached by your religion is from the devil. (Just my opinion)
Dan Brown is right on one point. Look at all the religions of the world. They are full of symbolism. Including my own. Our temple has many rituals and rites that others don't understand and think are strange. I think they are beautiful and enlightening. A gift from God to help us understand, and yet, we don't. Every time I go, another layer of the onion is revealed. Milk to meat. No matter how often you study the scriptures, you learn something new. Why is that? Milk to meat.
I'm so glad Dan wrote this book (whether his facts are true or not) It will make people search and study on a quest to find truth, because they'll be curious. And like he said in his book, truth resonates in all of us. We recognize it. It blossoms inside. Anything that is a catalyst for that kind of movement is a good thing. Every personal revelation we receive is because we searched, asked and pleaded for clarity. Think about that.
Monday, December 28, 2009
Thursday, December 24, 2009
Family
Happy Christmas Eve! I can't believe another year has gone by. It really flew!
My sisters came up to hang out and let the cousins play. I love it when that happens. It put the cabash on any writing or editing I should have been doing, but I get kind of obsessive/compulsive on the computer anyway and need those forced breaks! We played Settlers. It was so nice!
Normally, we all meet at Sarah's because she's the one with a theater room, pool table, ping pong, air hocky, foos ball, swimming pool, massage room and everything else! We love going there. It's an atmosphere of happiness and fun. Thank you, Sarah, for all you give.
The thing I loved most was that my neice wanted to read the sequel I'm working on, The Celestine Sword. It's still in raw form, but she sat here and read 91 pages! Wow! Fast reader. Of course, she says she loves it. It makes me feel great that she would want to keep going, and going, and going! And let me just say . . . she's a READER! So a compliment from her is a big thing. She also said she fixed a few mistakes along the way. Good little editor! Thank you so much, Hannah!
This also makes me sit back and think about family. There have been a few times when I was ready to right them all off. Everyone's had that happen, I'm sure. But I can never stay mad. I love them too much and they are ALWAYS there for me. I had many friends say the were coming to see my play. None of them showed up for what ever reasons, but my sisters did and they had to drive a long way . . . in a huge snow storm! They knew how much it meant to me.
So, there you have it. What it all boils down to is family. Every family is dysfunctional. Every family has problems. Every family argues, but when push comes to shove, there's always a hug involved too.
And finally, I just want to say...Love your family. Your WHOLE family. Not just your spouse or children. Love that crazy aunt or annoying mother in law. Love that alcoholic uncle who ruins every activity, love that sister who can't cook, but thinks she can. Love that awful nephew who never shuts up, and the brother who never quits teasing. But most of all, love yourself. Love yourself enough to let it spill out of you and surround those who are close. That's why we're here, folks--to learn how to love. How well are you doing? (I may need to work on a few areas!)
My sisters came up to hang out and let the cousins play. I love it when that happens. It put the cabash on any writing or editing I should have been doing, but I get kind of obsessive/compulsive on the computer anyway and need those forced breaks! We played Settlers. It was so nice!
Normally, we all meet at Sarah's because she's the one with a theater room, pool table, ping pong, air hocky, foos ball, swimming pool, massage room and everything else! We love going there. It's an atmosphere of happiness and fun. Thank you, Sarah, for all you give.
The thing I loved most was that my neice wanted to read the sequel I'm working on, The Celestine Sword. It's still in raw form, but she sat here and read 91 pages! Wow! Fast reader. Of course, she says she loves it. It makes me feel great that she would want to keep going, and going, and going! And let me just say . . . she's a READER! So a compliment from her is a big thing. She also said she fixed a few mistakes along the way. Good little editor! Thank you so much, Hannah!
This also makes me sit back and think about family. There have been a few times when I was ready to right them all off. Everyone's had that happen, I'm sure. But I can never stay mad. I love them too much and they are ALWAYS there for me. I had many friends say the were coming to see my play. None of them showed up for what ever reasons, but my sisters did and they had to drive a long way . . . in a huge snow storm! They knew how much it meant to me.
So, there you have it. What it all boils down to is family. Every family is dysfunctional. Every family has problems. Every family argues, but when push comes to shove, there's always a hug involved too.
And finally, I just want to say...Love your family. Your WHOLE family. Not just your spouse or children. Love that crazy aunt or annoying mother in law. Love that alcoholic uncle who ruins every activity, love that sister who can't cook, but thinks she can. Love that awful nephew who never shuts up, and the brother who never quits teasing. But most of all, love yourself. Love yourself enough to let it spill out of you and surround those who are close. That's why we're here, folks--to learn how to love. How well are you doing? (I may need to work on a few areas!)
Friday, December 18, 2009
Anyone need to puke? he he
"There's an awful lot of gagging and retching in this story."
This is what my editor wrote on my corrected manuscript. I laughed out loud. How could I not? Of course there's puking! This is a boy's story, after all. I love her notes. They kill me.
Kristin is super cool, very straight forward and to the point. As for editing . . . I'm catching on now. I get it. I can delete whole paragraphs without a second thought. I used to writhe in pain with each correction. Now, I'm a surgeon, a scalpel in both hands.
I love how my story sounds as I go along, hacking and cutting. Kristine tells me I use too many adverbs, my paragraphs are wordy and awkward, and I'm sure she wonders why I don't know the difference between its and it's. I do. It's just a habit to add that dang apostrophe!
I'm so grateful WiDo could see past the amateur to the message beneath. You guys are going to love the finished product! Thanks for being strict, Kristine. This book will be awesome because of you!
This is what my editor wrote on my corrected manuscript. I laughed out loud. How could I not? Of course there's puking! This is a boy's story, after all. I love her notes. They kill me.
Kristin is super cool, very straight forward and to the point. As for editing . . . I'm catching on now. I get it. I can delete whole paragraphs without a second thought. I used to writhe in pain with each correction. Now, I'm a surgeon, a scalpel in both hands.
I love how my story sounds as I go along, hacking and cutting. Kristine tells me I use too many adverbs, my paragraphs are wordy and awkward, and I'm sure she wonders why I don't know the difference between its and it's. I do. It's just a habit to add that dang apostrophe!
I'm so grateful WiDo could see past the amateur to the message beneath. You guys are going to love the finished product! Thanks for being strict, Kristine. This book will be awesome because of you!
Thursday, December 17, 2009
Cat eyes
I have a sister who loves the mystic side of things. I think these things are fun too, but have never put much stock in them. Take numerology, for example. A long time ago, when I was first married, I took a numerology test.
I came back with double ones. I still remember. That supposedly meant I was not only creative, but doubly creative. At the time, I'd just had a baby, was exhausted, felt fat and had no talents I was aware of except music, and I was only average at that.
I remember thinking how dumb my score was because I didn't scrap-book, I wasn't artsy and I had never felt any more creative than any other average joe blow. Isn't it funny what life throws at you? Maybe the numerology was correct. Maybe I am very creative. Just look at my life now. Maybe we only need time for our talents to be revealed. I think so now.
I have been reading my sequel, The Celestine Sword, because I needed to remember what happened before I could keep writing. I have a terrible memory. Anyway, as the saying goes . . . I couldn't lay it down. How is it possible that this story came from me? I am still amazed every day that these words poured from my brain. When did I become so creative? Was it always in me and I just didn't know it?
What makes some of us want to be actors, musicians or writers? What is it inside that has to come out on paper? Why do writers feel such a desperate need to tell stories and why do we want people to read them so bad? And most of the time, for very little pay?
I'm not sure what the drive is. I was talking to a lady at the post office yesterday who always asks about my book and if it's published yet. She mentioned that she would like to write a book some day. Why is it always "someday?" What is it that makes some of us actually do what others want to do someday, but never get to?
Maybe it is those double ones after all.
I came back with double ones. I still remember. That supposedly meant I was not only creative, but doubly creative. At the time, I'd just had a baby, was exhausted, felt fat and had no talents I was aware of except music, and I was only average at that.
I remember thinking how dumb my score was because I didn't scrap-book, I wasn't artsy and I had never felt any more creative than any other average joe blow. Isn't it funny what life throws at you? Maybe the numerology was correct. Maybe I am very creative. Just look at my life now. Maybe we only need time for our talents to be revealed. I think so now.
I have been reading my sequel, The Celestine Sword, because I needed to remember what happened before I could keep writing. I have a terrible memory. Anyway, as the saying goes . . . I couldn't lay it down. How is it possible that this story came from me? I am still amazed every day that these words poured from my brain. When did I become so creative? Was it always in me and I just didn't know it?
What makes some of us want to be actors, musicians or writers? What is it inside that has to come out on paper? Why do writers feel such a desperate need to tell stories and why do we want people to read them so bad? And most of the time, for very little pay?
I'm not sure what the drive is. I was talking to a lady at the post office yesterday who always asks about my book and if it's published yet. She mentioned that she would like to write a book some day. Why is it always "someday?" What is it that makes some of us actually do what others want to do someday, but never get to?
Maybe it is those double ones after all.
Wednesday, December 9, 2009
Writer's interview
I was tagged by Tamara Hart Heiner today! It's a short interview, but always lots of fun. She's an up and coming author and adorable! Check out her blog.
1. What's the last thing you wrote? What's the first thing you wrote that you still have? The last thing I wrote isn't finished. It's the sequel to The Eye of Tanub. It's called The Celestine Sword. Very fun. You'll love it! The first thing I wrote is called The Gatekeeper. I'd have to re-vamp it to make it sell-able.
2. Write poetry? Sometimes. Mostly as songs. My Gram and Mother were the true poets.
3. Angsty poetry? Sometimes.
4. Favorite genre of writing? fantasy, paranormal, adventure.
5. Most annoying character you've ever created? Lauren, from The Eye of Tanub. She's Zach's snotty, spoiled sister. LOVE her!
6. Best Plot you've ever created? That would be the same as above. The Eye of Tanub. I'm a beginner. Remember?
7. How often do you get writer's block? Never have . . . yet.
8. Write fan fiction? Nope. I'm my own fan! lol
9. Do you type or write by hand? Type.
10. Do you save everything you write? Yes.
11. What's everyone else's favorite story that you've written? Hello? I'm barely getting my first book published! It better be this one!
12. Ever written romance or angsty teen drama? Tried to. Just don't have the romance writing ability unless someone dies! And there's plenty of teen drama in The Eye of Tanub.
13. How many writing projects are you working on right now? Two
14. Have you ever won an award for your writing? Yes, yes, yes! As a matter of fact, YES!
15. What character have you created that is most like yourself? Probably Lauren, sad to say. he he
16. Do you favor happy endings? Yes, please!
17. Are you concerned with spelling and grammar as you write? Nope. Isn't that why someone invented spell check?
18. Does music help you write? Yes! Absolutely. Depending on my mood, I'll listen to Nickelback or new age. But then there are times when I need it quiet.
19. Do your dreams inspire your writing? Yes, sometimes. I get great ideas from my dreams. They are like going to free movies every night! lol
20. Quote something you've written. Whatever pops into your head.
I had something from my new book typed here, but then got worried about posting it. I'm under contract and don't want to get in trouble! You'll just have to by the book!
1. What's the last thing you wrote? What's the first thing you wrote that you still have? The last thing I wrote isn't finished. It's the sequel to The Eye of Tanub. It's called The Celestine Sword. Very fun. You'll love it! The first thing I wrote is called The Gatekeeper. I'd have to re-vamp it to make it sell-able.
2. Write poetry? Sometimes. Mostly as songs. My Gram and Mother were the true poets.
3. Angsty poetry? Sometimes.
4. Favorite genre of writing? fantasy, paranormal, adventure.
5. Most annoying character you've ever created? Lauren, from The Eye of Tanub. She's Zach's snotty, spoiled sister. LOVE her!
6. Best Plot you've ever created? That would be the same as above. The Eye of Tanub. I'm a beginner. Remember?
7. How often do you get writer's block? Never have . . . yet.
8. Write fan fiction? Nope. I'm my own fan! lol
9. Do you type or write by hand? Type.
10. Do you save everything you write? Yes.
11. What's everyone else's favorite story that you've written? Hello? I'm barely getting my first book published! It better be this one!
12. Ever written romance or angsty teen drama? Tried to. Just don't have the romance writing ability unless someone dies! And there's plenty of teen drama in The Eye of Tanub.
13. How many writing projects are you working on right now? Two
14. Have you ever won an award for your writing? Yes, yes, yes! As a matter of fact, YES!
15. What character have you created that is most like yourself? Probably Lauren, sad to say. he he
16. Do you favor happy endings? Yes, please!
17. Are you concerned with spelling and grammar as you write? Nope. Isn't that why someone invented spell check?
18. Does music help you write? Yes! Absolutely. Depending on my mood, I'll listen to Nickelback or new age. But then there are times when I need it quiet.
19. Do your dreams inspire your writing? Yes, sometimes. I get great ideas from my dreams. They are like going to free movies every night! lol
20. Quote something you've written. Whatever pops into your head.
I had something from my new book typed here, but then got worried about posting it. I'm under contract and don't want to get in trouble! You'll just have to by the book!
Friday, December 4, 2009
Do you "get" me?
I have to laugh. I admit it. There a few things I do that are trademarks to my writing. And not good trademarks, mind you. Today, I burst out laughing when Kristine, my editor, wrote, "Please, no more mouths hanging open!"
I have noticed (because she marks them all) that everyone in my story has a jaw dropping moment at one time or another. Once would probably be fine, but I'm seeing how I use it too often. I never noticed it before. I try not to feel embarrassed.
Isn't that how life is? We get comfortable doing something and want to continue on, not realizing how irritating it is to others. I'm not just talking about writing here, but life in general. It makes me wonder what else I do repetitively that just isn't working in my life.
I also love how often she marks whole paragraphs as "wordy and awkward." I really do think it's funny. I laugh out loud. This one makes total sense though. So often I say something that someone else takes wrong because I assume they "get" me. I don't think I'm that different from other people, so it's no wonder there's so much confusion in the world.
Anyway, it has been a pleasure working with Kristine. She's honest, witty and forthright. I love her ideas and suggestions. I use most of them. At least 95% of the time.
On with another week. On with more revisions and more laughing as I sit here. What a fun job.
I have noticed (because she marks them all) that everyone in my story has a jaw dropping moment at one time or another. Once would probably be fine, but I'm seeing how I use it too often. I never noticed it before. I try not to feel embarrassed.
Isn't that how life is? We get comfortable doing something and want to continue on, not realizing how irritating it is to others. I'm not just talking about writing here, but life in general. It makes me wonder what else I do repetitively that just isn't working in my life.
I also love how often she marks whole paragraphs as "wordy and awkward." I really do think it's funny. I laugh out loud. This one makes total sense though. So often I say something that someone else takes wrong because I assume they "get" me. I don't think I'm that different from other people, so it's no wonder there's so much confusion in the world.
Anyway, it has been a pleasure working with Kristine. She's honest, witty and forthright. I love her ideas and suggestions. I use most of them. At least 95% of the time.
On with another week. On with more revisions and more laughing as I sit here. What a fun job.
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