Books
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Persephone: Chapter 10
I am slowly learning that written is better than perfect. I’m starting to focus on getting this book written instead of trying to perfect it. Yes, these early drafts will be rough, but it will be written. After it’s written, I will go fix everything and make it all shiny and pretty. In the mean time, I’m having fun sharing this process with you! Read the first chapter of Persephone here. Chapter 10Persephone Mother and I crossed vast meadows, forests, rivers, and mountains. Everyday was a new place. Was this really how much she usually traveled? Was this why I sometimes didn’t see her for days at a time? I…
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Persephone: Chapter 9
Trauma brain isn’t a fun thing, and when you’re in survival mode, it’s hard to access the creative part of your brain. Fun fact: survival mode reduces blood flow to the creative center of your brain, instead prioritizing essential life functions. After of year off, I’m finally back behind my keyboard and writing again! Read the first chapter of Persephone here. Chapter 9Hades It wasn’t hard to track them down. Wherever Persephone stepped, things tended to blossom beneath her feet. (Did she even notice?) I followed the trail she left behind—flowers ranging from exquisitely bright to sad and dull, as I’d noticed happened as her moods shifted. But I would…
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The Under-Qualified But Overly Opinionated Weirdo’s Guide To Finding Happiness When Life’s Lemons Bury You: Chapter 2
I could just be rambling and making no sense at all…. I always wonder when about this sort of thing when I write. Please understand that this is the very first draft and completely unedited. Chapter 2 The Book is Always Better Than The Movie Ever wonder why, with very few exceptions, the book is always better than the movie? The easiest explanation is that you’re comparing apples to oranges. Books are written to be read and enjoyed as a reading experience, and that’s hard to transfer to a different medium. Imagine taking a painting and trying to turn it into a sculpture (or vice versa). Now, it might turn…
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The Under-Qualified But Overly Opinionated Weirdo’s Guide To Finding Happiness When Life’s Lemons Bury You: Chapter 1
I know you all were just waiting for me to start another book before my others are finished, but here we go anyway…. I don’t know much, but there are a few things I’ve learned so far. Please understand that this is the very first draft and completely unedited. Chapter 1 Diagnosing Your Problems Life isn’t exactly like a box of chocolates. Sure, you never know what you’re gonna get, but in many ways, if you’re paying attention, you can often predict exactly what you’re gonna get. No, I’m not saying you can predict the future or know everything that’s going to happen in your life, but, generally speaking, life…
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The Time I Got To Meet Lois Lowry!!!
How much more do I need to say? I mean, LOIS FREAKING LOWRY! If you didn’t grow up reading Number the Stars or The Giver, I am so sorry for your deprived childhood. There’s still hope for you, don’t worry. *wink* I actually enjoy these books even more as an adult! When I heard that our keynote speaker at the Storymakers Conference in 2022 would be Lois Lowry, I just about lost it! She has been a hero of mine since childhood, and listening to her speak, I was NOT disappointed. She made me cry. Seriously. TWICE. (The person next to me, whom I had just met, even started patting my back, probably thinking I was…
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The Ethics of Mentorship in The Lord of the Rings and Harry Potter
First, I’m excited to announce that I literally just finished my first semester back in school in almost 10 years, and my first IN PERSON class since high school! WAAAAAAHOOOOO! Wow. That was a hard semester, but so amazing. Especially my Philosophy 2050 (Ethics and Values) class, which I 1 million percent did NOT expect. I’m so happy they made this a required course at UVU. It was lifechanging! We learned more about viewing issues from multiple perspectives, what shapes our own morals and ethical values, about different religions and cultures, and so much more. For our final, we were assigned to write a paper on any topic we wanted,…
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Well-Being Challenge Giveaway
Our 30 Day Well-Being Challenge is at 20 days and going strong! Enter giveaway here or at the end of this post. Since we started our challenge on July 4th, we’ve seen some great things. Read more about the challenge here. Participants have reported in daily on Facebook with at least one thing they did to improve their well-being. There’s been a huge variety of activities—focusing on physical, mental, and spiritual health. One of the most rewarding parts of this 30 Day Well-Being Challenge has been watching everybody come together as a community to encourage and support each other! The Watchers Seriesby Deirdra Eden Author Deirdra Eden has been a close friend and mentor for more than 10 years. I’ve always…
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Persephone: Chapter 8
It’s really hard to function when it’s 90+ degrees and your air conditioning isn’t working. I thought this week would go so much easier. Guess that’s what I get for bragging about being so far of my deadline last week! Read the first chapter of Persephone here. Chapter 8Persephone My relief at Hades’ peaceful departure was short lived. Artemis dragged me by the wrist, through the forest, to where her attendants waited. The maidens bowed in unison. “Mistress,” a maiden with a small coronet said with a fist crossing her heart. “Shall we prepare for battle?” “No, Atalanta,” Artemis replied shortly. “I must return this babe to her mother’s side…
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Persephone: Chapter 7
I think this chapter was the most fun I’ve had writing! It was a hard week, but writing this helped me get through it. What helps you get through hard times? Read the first chapter of Persephone here. Chapter 7Persephone I need to admit something. Yes, I love horses, but that time, when I ran to Hades’ chariot, it wasn’t for them. They truly were wonderful creatures, but I needed something to hide behind while Hades was with me. I felt too exposed, too vulnerable—not that he would hurt me or anything—no matter how tall and imposing he was. I just… When he looked at me, I felt like I…
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Persephone: Chapter 6
My kids have been such good sports giving me feedback as I write. I was reading this chapter aloud to my daughter while my son played video games in the same room. I didn’t think he was listening until he started asking questions about parts he’d missed! Read the first chapter of Persephone here. Chapter 6Hades Cerberus’ growls resonated in three different tones—one from each head. I closed my eyes, and my shoulders dropped. Couldn’t people just leave me alone? My feet dragged as I entered the throne room and sat heavily on the overly large ebony throne. Why did I even bother with that thing? It was cold and…
