Hi again to all you people out there in blog-land! I know my blogging is sporadic at best, and I'm sorry! Today, I'm on here to let you know that -- miracle of miracles (cue "Fiddler on the Roof" music) -- my first novel is finally published! It is titled "Precious Jewel" and can be found in print here or in an Amazon Kindle format here!
I am so extremely excited that it is finally out there for you to read! I can't wait to hear your feedback on it :)
Best of all, I now know that miracles do happen. my book is out there and I'm so excited to share it with you!
Wednesday, July 11, 2012
Wednesday, May 30, 2012
The Answers
Wow! I'm sooooo sorry I haven't written in forever! I got caught up in wedding and graduation planning. Have you ever felt like your life is completely overwhelming you? Yeah, I know the feeling.
Thankfully, I also have the solution to the problem. It's a five-letter word: J-E-S-U-S. That's right, I said it. Jesus is the answer to the craziness of life! I've learned that whenever I feel like I need to lash out or explode, I need to turn to my Jesus and ask him to calm me down. Guess what? It works! For example, my sister and I love each other immensely, but sometimes she gets really "snappy" when it comes to her wedding planning. (In our house, "snappy" usually means that they snap at you verbally). So, what do I do? I take a deep breath and decide to forgive. Then I go pray that Jesus will calm her down, too :)
So, the next time you feel SO overwhelmed by life, just lift it up in prayer to the Lord. He knows what's bothering you and He knows how to fix it. He did, after all, create you. He understands everything. I know that's hard to grasp, but you should try. Jesus is the answer, and I will always stand by that.
Now, for our fun sections!
Quote of the Week:
"Don't cry because it's over, smile because it happened."
Thankfully, I also have the solution to the problem. It's a five-letter word: J-E-S-U-S. That's right, I said it. Jesus is the answer to the craziness of life! I've learned that whenever I feel like I need to lash out or explode, I need to turn to my Jesus and ask him to calm me down. Guess what? It works! For example, my sister and I love each other immensely, but sometimes she gets really "snappy" when it comes to her wedding planning. (In our house, "snappy" usually means that they snap at you verbally). So, what do I do? I take a deep breath and decide to forgive. Then I go pray that Jesus will calm her down, too :)
So, the next time you feel SO overwhelmed by life, just lift it up in prayer to the Lord. He knows what's bothering you and He knows how to fix it. He did, after all, create you. He understands everything. I know that's hard to grasp, but you should try. Jesus is the answer, and I will always stand by that.
Now, for our fun sections!
Quote of the Week:
"Don't cry because it's over, smile because it happened."
-- Dr. Seuss
Fun Fact of the Week:
Those with a high school diploma statistically earn more money, have less health problems, commit fewer crimes and are less likely to be unemployed.
Story Starter of the Week:
Elisa's boyfriend proposes to her on the day of her High School Graduation. How does he do it?
*Don't forget to post your ideas from the story starter in the comments! Hope to see them there!
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Location:
Illinois, USA
Monday, April 2, 2012
Busy Life and Government Sites
yes, I do realize that I haven't written in nearly a month. I've been busy! Our family is planning both a wedding and a graduation (for two separate people, for you smart-alecks out there) and I have senior pictures on Sunday. On top of that, I am the maid of honor in the wedding and therefore must write a speech! EEP!
My life is also always busy with my writing. It is my passion, after all. For those writers out there, I have been very busy researching for my newest novel. Let me tell you, the Freedom of Information Act is my friend sometimes. Also, the Border Patrol website and the CIA website. They are all quite handy. In case you're thinking that I'm crazy, I'm not. I just write suspense novels. This usually includes -- oh, I don't know -- something to do with government agencies and PIs. Still think I'm crazy? Try writing a suspense novel without doing research on government websites. I'm telling you, they give you the most realistic look into the life of their agencies, agents, and protocols. So, for all you who are even thinking of writing a mystery or suspense book. Be prepared to go to the websites of the FBI, CIA, and Border Patrol AT LEAST!!!!
Quote of the Week:
"Ten percent of marriages end in divorce, but 100% of ice cream sunday bars end in happiness."
My life is also always busy with my writing. It is my passion, after all. For those writers out there, I have been very busy researching for my newest novel. Let me tell you, the Freedom of Information Act is my friend sometimes. Also, the Border Patrol website and the CIA website. They are all quite handy. In case you're thinking that I'm crazy, I'm not. I just write suspense novels. This usually includes -- oh, I don't know -- something to do with government agencies and PIs. Still think I'm crazy? Try writing a suspense novel without doing research on government websites. I'm telling you, they give you the most realistic look into the life of their agencies, agents, and protocols. So, for all you who are even thinking of writing a mystery or suspense book. Be prepared to go to the websites of the FBI, CIA, and Border Patrol AT LEAST!!!!
Quote of the Week:
"Ten percent of marriages end in divorce, but 100% of ice cream sunday bars end in happiness."
-- Unknown
Fun Fact of the Week:
Popsicles were invented by an 11-year-old boy. He left his soda and juice outside all night. It froze. He decided to sell it.
Story Starter of the Week:
Imagine yourself as a foreigner in a brand new world. You don't speak the language and you don't know how else to communicate with the "sophisticated" civilization there. How would your first day pan out. (tip: write it in the first person)
Monday, March 5, 2012
Overwhelming Life
Sooooo, my life has gotten REALLY hectic all of a sudden! It's my senior year (which, for me, means ACTs, graduation prep and lots of cramming) and on top of it all, my sister has to go and get engaged! I'm the maid of honor, so I kind of have to be in on it with her. I'm her support group right now. The bad news is, this is stressing me out. I don't need to be overwhelmed by life right now.
I found out last week that the college I want to go to in TX has to follow a new state law. I have to go get a vaccine for bacterial meningitis. Try saying that one ten times fast. Thankfully, I still qualify for a children's clinic, so the shot is only $8.00 flat. Thank heaven for that. I also still have to learn how to drive. Now, for those of you who are gasping for air right now and can't believe that an 18 year old doesn't have her license yet, take a deep DEEP breath. It's actually easier to get your license in Illinois once you turn 18 because you don't have to follow so many rules and regulations. Just the normal stuff.
Anyway, I've felt like life is overwhelming me lately, but then I realized something. Life can only overwhelm me if I lose my positive mental attitude. I have no intentions of doing that, so I should be good. God gave us joy for a reason......to get us through these times. I'm going to need to tap into that excess of joy for the next several months. Thankfully, God has it in storage for just that purpose.
Quote Of The Week:
"He went off the deep end. Because no one ever goes off the shallow end."
Fun Fact of the Week:
In Germany, their citizenship is still determined by blood relation, not by birth. It goes way back to the Nazis in WWII.
Story Starter of the Week:
Lissa stared into the dark unknown of her new High School. What would await her once she opened those doors? She didn't know, but she was about to find out. She pushed open the heavy glass doors and prepared for the beginning of the end. What she really saw surprised her.
I found out last week that the college I want to go to in TX has to follow a new state law. I have to go get a vaccine for bacterial meningitis. Try saying that one ten times fast. Thankfully, I still qualify for a children's clinic, so the shot is only $8.00 flat. Thank heaven for that. I also still have to learn how to drive. Now, for those of you who are gasping for air right now and can't believe that an 18 year old doesn't have her license yet, take a deep DEEP breath. It's actually easier to get your license in Illinois once you turn 18 because you don't have to follow so many rules and regulations. Just the normal stuff.
Anyway, I've felt like life is overwhelming me lately, but then I realized something. Life can only overwhelm me if I lose my positive mental attitude. I have no intentions of doing that, so I should be good. God gave us joy for a reason......to get us through these times. I'm going to need to tap into that excess of joy for the next several months. Thankfully, God has it in storage for just that purpose.
Quote Of The Week:
"He went off the deep end. Because no one ever goes off the shallow end."
Unknown
Fun Fact of the Week:
In Germany, their citizenship is still determined by blood relation, not by birth. It goes way back to the Nazis in WWII.
Story Starter of the Week:
Lissa stared into the dark unknown of her new High School. What would await her once she opened those doors? She didn't know, but she was about to find out. She pushed open the heavy glass doors and prepared for the beginning of the end. What she really saw surprised her.
Monday, February 20, 2012
Free Publicity for Christian Writers' Site!
Yeah, I know, it's a lengthy title. I Don't have much time to write this week, but I do have a lot to say about faithwriters.com! I love it! They are an all-christian writer website that lets you put your work out there for publishers to see as well as meet other writers and take part in their weekly challenge. Given, I am only on the lowest level since I can't afford to pay for a membership, but it's still fun! So, to any of your who want to get connected to some like-minded people, head on over to http://www.faithwriters.com/ and sign up today! (oh, wow, I just sounded like an infomercial. but, it's still a great site and you should check it out!)
Monday, February 13, 2012
Fun, fun, fun!
So, today is just a fun day. As my 4 year old cousin Alex would say, "fun, fun, fun!" (he sings it). Let's talk about the differences between modern world and one of my favorite periods...medieval times. (oooooh! aaaaah!)
Lately I have been reading (and writing) books about medieval times. You know, Robin Hood, Camelot, all that stuff. I find it is sooooo much fun to write about those times. It is especially fun to write about people with British accents. I love accents.
I am currently writing a story about two British people around the time of Robin Hood. They are amazing. Yes, I do refer to my characters as if they are real people. Anyway, I noticed a lot of differences between then and now. Like, then you could wear a floor-length dress every day and not get asked why. Now you wear a floor length dress for no apparent reason and everyone thinks you're loopy. Then people spoke with good grammar. Now......not so much. Also, back then they didn't have people wearing pants that fell off of them. NOT condemning, just saying that it is reality. On the other hand, if I lived back then I wouldn't have technology and this blog wouldn't exist. So, I guess NOW wins. You should come up with your own comparisons. Share them with me, ok?
Quote of the Week:
"The love of books is among the choicest gifts of God."
Fun Fact of the Week:
If something has been mummified for hundreds of years, it will disintegrate on contact with fresh air.
Story Starter of the Week:
Marilin loved her castle. It was the most beautiful place in the entire kingdom. One day, however, all of that changed.
Lately I have been reading (and writing) books about medieval times. You know, Robin Hood, Camelot, all that stuff. I find it is sooooo much fun to write about those times. It is especially fun to write about people with British accents. I love accents.
I am currently writing a story about two British people around the time of Robin Hood. They are amazing. Yes, I do refer to my characters as if they are real people. Anyway, I noticed a lot of differences between then and now. Like, then you could wear a floor-length dress every day and not get asked why. Now you wear a floor length dress for no apparent reason and everyone thinks you're loopy. Then people spoke with good grammar. Now......not so much. Also, back then they didn't have people wearing pants that fell off of them. NOT condemning, just saying that it is reality. On the other hand, if I lived back then I wouldn't have technology and this blog wouldn't exist. So, I guess NOW wins. You should come up with your own comparisons. Share them with me, ok?
Quote of the Week:
"The love of books is among the choicest gifts of God."
Sir Arthur Conan Doyle
Fun Fact of the Week:
If something has been mummified for hundreds of years, it will disintegrate on contact with fresh air.
Story Starter of the Week:
Marilin loved her castle. It was the most beautiful place in the entire kingdom. One day, however, all of that changed.
Monday, February 6, 2012
THROUGH not ABOUT
Hey guys! I'm so sorry I haven't written in awhile. I had the chicken pox. (to those of you who are now sympathizing with me, thank you!) That's right, folks, after 17 years of avoiding them, I contracted chicken pox 3 weeks before my 18th birthday. How did I handle them? Not too well, I'm afraid.
Day 1 was fine. They didn't itch at all and I was sure I would be able to handle them with no problem whatsoever. Day 2 they itched a little, but it was ok. I spent the day watching TV with my brothers (who also had chicken pox). Day 3 is when it all began to fall apart. It was a Sunday and my mother, father, and older sister were all at church. The chicken pox itched soooooo bad. So what did I do? I did what any self-respecting 17-year-old would do. I had an emotional breakdown and cried on my mommy's shoulder. (please note that I am being sarcastic here. No one should have as big of an emotional breakdown as I did) However, what stuck out to me in this wasn't that I was having an emotional breakdown. After settling me down and assuring me that I would live through it, my mother looked at me and said: "Megan, live above your emotions."
That did it. I realized right there that I was letting my emotions rule me. Herego, I was having an emotional breakdown. From that point on, I decided to praise God through the chicken pox.
There are 2 things to note here. 1: living above your emotions doesn't mean have no emotion at all. It simply means that you control your life. Don't let your emotions run away with you. 2: I said THROUGH not ABOUT.
God doesn't want you to praise him about (or for) the circumstance. He doesn't want credit for something he didn't do. Instead, He wants you to praise Him through your circumstance. Find the good in the world around you and praise Him for that. (e.g. "Thank you Jesus that I won't have chicken pox on my birthday!" or "Thank you that it's such a beautiful day outside", etc) So next time you find yourself facing an "impossible" circumstance (and you do have to factor in that nothing is impossible with God) just praise THROUGH it.
Quote of the Week:
"the ending never changes. I watched it twice, just to be sure."
Day 1 was fine. They didn't itch at all and I was sure I would be able to handle them with no problem whatsoever. Day 2 they itched a little, but it was ok. I spent the day watching TV with my brothers (who also had chicken pox). Day 3 is when it all began to fall apart. It was a Sunday and my mother, father, and older sister were all at church. The chicken pox itched soooooo bad. So what did I do? I did what any self-respecting 17-year-old would do. I had an emotional breakdown and cried on my mommy's shoulder. (please note that I am being sarcastic here. No one should have as big of an emotional breakdown as I did) However, what stuck out to me in this wasn't that I was having an emotional breakdown. After settling me down and assuring me that I would live through it, my mother looked at me and said: "Megan, live above your emotions."
That did it. I realized right there that I was letting my emotions rule me. Herego, I was having an emotional breakdown. From that point on, I decided to praise God through the chicken pox.
There are 2 things to note here. 1: living above your emotions doesn't mean have no emotion at all. It simply means that you control your life. Don't let your emotions run away with you. 2: I said THROUGH not ABOUT.
God doesn't want you to praise him about (or for) the circumstance. He doesn't want credit for something he didn't do. Instead, He wants you to praise Him through your circumstance. Find the good in the world around you and praise Him for that. (e.g. "Thank you Jesus that I won't have chicken pox on my birthday!" or "Thank you that it's such a beautiful day outside", etc) So next time you find yourself facing an "impossible" circumstance (and you do have to factor in that nothing is impossible with God) just praise THROUGH it.
Quote of the Week:
"the ending never changes. I watched it twice, just to be sure."
Megan Fatheree
Fun Fact of the Week:
Pandas have opposable thumbs! (so do Koalas)
Story Starter of the Week:
Melisssa had never seen such a giant weed in her life. In her eyes, it had to be at least six feet tall. Whatever would she do?
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