Saying Goodbye

Today I’m taking advantage of a day away from the office to enjoy some me time. The pups got me up at 6 and instead of rushing around; I made some coffee and sat outside in the cool morning air. The sky was just starting to lighten and the stars were fading back into the atmosphere. The sound of birds tweeting in the trees that line my back fence filled the, air and I couldn’t help but smile. It was so nice to take a few minutes to soak up the beauty that surrounds me.

Today I’m working on book three, brainstorming the end of the book. But honestly it feels like more than just closing out Lyla’s adventure; it feels like I’m deciding a path for me too. Writing these books has been the biggest personal project I’ve ever undertaken and I’ve become attached to the storyline. I love getting emails from my readers suggesting plotlines, egging me on to kill this character or bring that one back, but this final journey is proving to be a solitary one.

Last week I was in NYC roaming through Central Park and just getting lost in all the people and movement of the city. As I wandered through the chaos, I couldn’t help but find myself wondering how the Mercer Legacy will end. What will be Lyla’s Legacy? Will she fight? Will she win? Who will stand with her? Some of the readers want more action, some are asking for more history; what’s the right mix? And how will it end? Harry watched his son get on a train; Bella saved her family; Katniss survived; Wendy ruled a kingdom; Tris triumphed to truth…but what will Lyla do?

Closing her story is proving much more difficult than I expected. Maybe I baked too much of own spirit in her character, so I don’t know how her tale will end. Perhaps I’m struggling to let go because I fear that the end of her story will be the end of this phase of my life. I was buried in busy for more than 15 years, working to become something more than what I was, more educated, more successful, more mature. But when I finally delved into what I loved, when I picked up my laptop and retreated into the magical realm of a fictional teenage girl named Lyla, I found more excitement and happiness than all of those other things combined had given me.

So today, I will spend some time with Lyla and together we’ll figure out how she will end, but also, I’ll figure out how I will continue on without her; and where my next path will lead.

I am 150 pages into book 3 and working to finish the story in the next month or so…

Holiday Wishes

It is the time of year for sharing secrets, planning surprises, wrapping and unwrapping wishes. Tiny white lights are twinkling on my Christmas tree and illuminating my backyard. The air is cold and crisp on my daily walks, and I smile into the sunshine when it peeks out from behind a bank of clouds. There is so much to be happy about, so much to anticipate, so many friends, relatives, and traditions to enjoy.

But this year I have to pause, just for a moment, before I celebrate. This year I have to acknowledge, that while I am counting down the days until I arrive at my parents’ house, many families on the east coast are struggling to piece their lives back together. I am not a political person so my message is very simply this...

This year I will be thinking of those families who have lost so much, those whose homes and loved ones were taken away, those who endured and survived storms and attacks, and always those people who are fighting to make the world safe again.

Happy Holidays, safe travels, and best wishes for the New Year.

 

Giving Thanks

So every year much like the rest of the country I try to take a moment to acknowledge those things for which I am most thankful. This year my list, my cup, my life, is full of wonderful things and people. Very simply, I am grateful for a loving family, caring friends and a great job. I know that I am fortunate to have these things and I try not to take them for granted.

Tomorrow morning I’ll be up early, hoping for some sunshine in the autumn sky as I take on my very first 5K Turkey Trot. Then I’m off to spend the day with family and friends so I wanted to share my list a little early.

This year I am thankful for:

·        My parents who have survived 35 years of not seeing eye to eye and still gave us a loving home

·        My sister who brings out the best in me, is brave when I’m afraid, and holds our mom’s hand when I’m too far away to reach

·        My brother who makes me laugh, sees the world differently than most, and reminds me to take time to relax

·        My husband who is devoted to making our life together filled with love, endless memories, and amazing experiences

·        My amazing friends and family who invite me to their table when I might otherwise be dining alone

Happy Thanksgiving everyone, have a wonderful day.

The Final Chapter

In 2008 I read all four Twilight Saga books over the course of about a month, about a book a week. That’s pretty fast for me since I like to get lost in the words of the book I’m reading. I like to linger on the phrasing and meanings of the words the author chose. I say names aloud to hear what they sound like in the real world. And I think about great characters even after the end of the last chapter, sometimes they linger in my mind, and walk through my day with me.

The emotion that Stephanie Meyer wove into her tale between Bella and Edward captivated me. I had never read a book or seen a movie about a vampire before; it was not a genre I had an interest in until Meyer’s characters came to live inside my mind. Love them or hate them, Edward and Bella changed me as a reader, expanded my world to include lots more Young Adult fiction, especially fantasy, and regenerated my desire to read again.

But more importantly, reading Stephanie Meyer’s books revitalized the writer in me. I mean this in the very best way; her commonness reminded me that greatness was possible by anyone, including me. Her ability to pull readers into her world, to breed loyalty and ignite passion for these imagined characters inspired me to create my own characters.

After years of keeping myself busy with keeping busy I finally picked up a laptop and started writing. I always knew I wanted to be a writer, to create my own space in this vast world and live through a character or two. As a kid, I relished trips to the library with my mom, choosing a stack of different stories to take home and escape into. We were never wealthy, but my imagination was rich with colors and characters and adventures. Being a kid in Middletown Ohio, I thought I could only dream of going to the exotic places and doing the amazing things I’d only read about.

Thirty years later, I realize that I’m no Blume, Tolkien, Rowlings, Meyer or Austen but after reading their books, I’ve finished two of my own. And I’m working to wrap the third book of the trilogy. A Marked Past changed me from a dreamer to a believer, A History Renewed taught me to keep living my dream, and this third book will complete my fantasy. It will transform me from one of those people that I’ve read about to being one of those people I always admired – an author.

Cupcakes and Candles

This morning I woke up early to the sound of a daschund whining, made coffee, had some breakfast, and now I am taking a few minutes to think about what I have done in 36 years of existence. My life is small compared to some; I have not saved lives or funded industry changing concepts. I have not studied to the point of PhD or sung in public for a fee but I am happy most days. I have been a joyful kid, a bossy older sister, a loving spouse, and a trusted friend.

I left home but always love going back for a visit. I adore my family, whisper with my mom, laugh with my dad, and cherish my siblings. I know what I come from and respect how that has shaped who I am today. I’ve created a home of my own and love everything that lives inside those walls. I put out positive and friendly in hopes that it will come back to me. I work hard, look to the future, encourage others and always continue to dream.

I don’t have a bucket list because I want to do it all. I stand up and admire what is before me. Nature inspires me so I take moments to enjoy a deep breath of cold air in the morning, I gaze into the sky and smile at the moon, and I reach my hand into the sunlight and absorb its warmth. Honor and patriotism humble me so I work every day to support our country and armed forces. I thank veterans, and shake the hands of military retirees – they gave me freedom.

I’m not perfect but I think I’m ok with that. I am a full figured woman with a few lumps and lines here and there. I have a temper that I have to curb, a tongue that I have to bite at times, but I try to remind myself to live freely, seek happiness, and walk away from the negative in the world. I watch family movies, remember things like when a baby laughs a fairy gets her wings. I live by the words of The Hobbit “never laugh at live dragons.” I read slowly, relishing the meaning of passages and emotion in prose. I write often, nearly every day, I dream overtly, on paper, and put it out for all to see.

I chase my dreams until I stretch high enough to reach them. I am thankful for what I have, try not to be envious for what I want, and live happily. I’ve written two books, am working to finish a third and have ideas for a few more. I have a great job, great friends, an amazing family, and a husband that brings me more happiness than I could ever imagine.

Have my 36 years been perfect, nah. Would I have it any other way….never.

Apples, Pumpkins, Moons, and Stars

My favorite time of year is now. I love everything about autumn, the rush of cool air, the yellowing leaves, keeping the windows open, the smell of damp grass and the sound of leaves rustling down the sidewalk around my house. I crave apples and pumpkins and hot lattes on cool mornings. I take long walks and sit on my back steps watching the bright white moon hanging in the sky secretly wondering if I will ever see a witch silhouette cross it.

I enjoy every moment of fall, layered in sweaters and jeans, wrapped in scarves and jackets. I love the sound of rain on decaying leaves. My family teases me; they call it my catnip, and they’re right. I come to life with the dying of the foliage. I wear my hair long and dig out my argyle socks, and enjoy every moment of fall.

And today my autumnal celebration just got a little better - 5 star reviews are rolling in for A History Renewed!!!

Guest Blog and Free Giveaway!

I've just completed a Guest Blog for one of my devoted readers and pal Sarita L. She is an avid YA reader and reviewer. Jump over and take a look, I offered some advice on how to get published. Specifically I annotated some of the adventure, pitfalls, and excitement along the way that I experienced.

 

Sarita’s also hosting a giveaway for A History Renewed running until 8 September, so join in!  

http://www.ajscrazymommy.blogspot.com/2012/08/guest-post-giveaway-leslie-deaton.html