Photo by Barr Photography/Copyright 4/2016
Top Ten Tuesday
Today’s Top Ten Tuesday as suggested by The Broke and the Bookish is “Ten Books I Feel Differently About After Time Has Passed” and we are to share whether we love the books more or less or have complicated feelings about them.
So, to preface my list, I will say that some of the books here are ones I love less because in the home I grew up in, my books, music, t.v. and movies weren’t really monitored. However, my husband and I have strong convictions about what we believe our children should and should not be exposed to, and because of that, I have learned to love many of these books more and some of them less.
- All of the Curious George books. I have to say that I love them less because George always gets into a mess of trouble, but never really gets a consequence. Instead he usually gets some type of reward.
- The Berenstain Bears books — I love more because the children are taught lessons, they have consequences and yet, their parents show them unconditional love.
- Amelia Bedelia books — I love more. These books are just so much fun! Amelia takes everything so literally, and it’s fun to share with my children how complicated our language can sound.
- The Chronicles of Narnia by C.S. Lewis. I have come to completely LOVE these books, so much so that I read them over and over again. They have wonderful messages like unconditional love, consequences for choices and actions and the fact that these consequences don’t always just affect the person who made the choice or committed the action but those around them as well, and sacrificing for others.
- To Kill A Mockingbird by Harper Lee — I love more because as a parent, I now not only love the lessons that Jem and Scout learn, but I love the example that Atticus sets before them;how he teaches them to stand for what they believe in and to think for themselves and not just do what others do, and that every person matters.
- I know this may be more of a movie item than a book item, but I used to have some of these in storybook form as a young girl — The Disney Princess stories. I love them much less because they are so unrealistic and they set up little girls for heartbreak and struggles in real life. I loved these stories as a child, and when I grew up and got married and realized that not everything is “happily ever after” and my “Prince Charming” isn’t always going to be “Prince Charming”, I struggled because things weren’t always the way I wanted them to be. Fortunately, I was also taught that my marriage vows need to be taken seriously, and I learned that marriage is work — work on the part of both the man and the woman.
- Stephen King’s horror stories — I don’t love at all anymore. As an adult, I now find horror stories disturbing and I do not enjoy them at all. I find many of King’s horror stories too graphically gruesome as well.
- Dean Koontz’s suspense novels — I love more because they give me the heart-pounding suspense and action that I used to like about King’s books without the graphic gruesomeness. Some of them also hint at the paranormal, which I still have a fondness for. (Yes, I am an X-Files fan).
- Winnie the Pooh books by A.A. Milne – I love more because they are sweet, innocent stories that involve a wonderful cast of lovable animals, who aren’t perfect but who stick together and help one another whenever needed.
- Make Way for Ducklings by Robert McClosky – I love more because I learned that it is based on fact – a police officer really did stop traffic to allow the mama duck and her babies to cross a busy Boston city street safely. Then we vacationed in Boston not long after I had read the book to our oldest son, and when walking through Boston Commons saw the statues that are in the park that represent the mama duck and her ducklings. It’s a wonderful memory, and we took a photo or two of our son with the statues.
I realize many of these are children’s books, but that is because those are the ones that came to my mind for this topic. Besides, for the past almost twenty-three years, I have been reading what I consider much more appropriate reading material and I could give you a whole list of books that I totally LOVE now. Actually, that may have been a topic on a past Top Ten Tuesday, or something like it.
How about you? Are the books you love more or love less than years ago from your childhood, teen years, or adulthood?
Some Great Writing Tips
This past Saturday, I attended the Lancaster Christian Writers’ monthly meeting. Laurie J. Edwards, who also writes under many pen names – one of which is Rachel Good, gave us some great information and had our minds churning about our current WIPs.
Three resources she suggested for writers are: Inside Story by Dara Marks, Wired for Story by Lisa Cron, and The Anatomy of Story by John Truby.
Laurie shared that the two most commonly missed elements missed in novels are: Character Arc and Theme (Moral Argument). She shared that even fiction that is not specifically “Christian” should include a theme, otherwise a book may be popular for a while but it will eventually fade away. She mentioned about current popular series for kids/teens that have great story lines and action; they keep the readers turning the pages, but at the end of the book, there’s no real takeaway because they lack a good, strong character arc or they lack a theme. That’s why in about ten years or so, they will fade away; their popularity gone.
Laurie pointed out that all good stories should have the following pieces:
Premise: logline, one sentence; essence of the story — every decision is based on this decision.
Theme: Moral vision of how people should act in the world. Express through action and story structure to surprise and move readers.
Central Conflict: Who fights whom over what?
Fundamental Change in Character: could the character at the beginning of the story do what he/she does at the end? How and why is he/she different?
She shared the following from John Truby’s book, The Anatomy of Story:
Seven Steps of Story Structure
- Weakness or need – moral and psychological; hero unaware of these flaws.
- Desire – Story goal; must be intimately connected with need.
- Opponent – not preventing hero from goal; wants the same goal.
- Plan – defeat opponent and reach goal.
- Battle – confrontations escalate until final conflict.
- Self-Revelation – hero recognizes weakness
- New equilibrium – fundamental and permanent change.
*Psychological Need: a flaw that only hurts the hero. *Moral Need: a moral weakness that hurts others.
Her talk was filled with lots of great little tips and advice that had my friends and I really thinking about things we need to change in our current WIPs (work in progress) to make them better, or things to do to make our stories “unputdownable”.
Laurie has lots of experience as an author, speaker, and editor. You can find out more about her and her books at https://lje1.wordpress.com/
How about you? Have you heard or read any great writing tips or advice you’d like to share?
Flash Fiction Friday: Fear to Flutters
Cara jogged through the park just like she did every evening. But today she had gotten a late start and shadows were falling. She tried not to rush to the end of the trail though her nerves were tense. She imagined that a threat lurked behind each bush.
Was that the sound of someone jogging behind me? Is it just another jogger or something more sinister? I didn’t encounter any other joggers along the path this evening.
There it was again. Cara sprinted looking over her shoulder. She didn’t see anything.
“Uff!”
Cara had run into someone, a male someone. He held her arms against his broad chest, which was in her direct line of sight. She lifted her head until she could see his face, meet his eyes.
“Cara, is that you?”
“Jerrod?” He worked on the same floor of the office building she worked on. She had seen him walking across the floor several times. He was the best looking guy in the company with his coal black hair, deep blue eyes, strong jawline and dimpled chin.
Great. The hottest guy in the office and I have to run into him when I’m dressed in shorts and a t-shirt, my hair in a sweaty ponytail.
“It is you. I didn’t know you were a jogger. Do you jog here often?”
“I jog here every evening but I’m usually finished by now.”
“Are you okay? You seemed a bit frightened and in a hurry when we bumped into each other.”
“I think I was just letting my imagination get away with me because of the shadows.”
“May I escort you to your car?”
“I would appreciate that,” said Cara.
“I come here to jog when I’ve had a stressful day. It helps me to unwind.”
Cara noticed that Jerrod was wearing sweat pants and a t-shirt.
“So, you live in this area?” Jerrod asked.
“Yes, I do. I usually walk from home, jog through the park and walk home again, but tonight I drove since I was running late. How about you?”
“I live about two blocks from here on Park Street. Listen, would you like to have dinner sometime?”
Cara looked at Jerrod. Was he interested in spending time with her or was he just trying to be nice because she had run into him? Did it matter? She hadn’t had a date in a long time.
“I’d love to.”
“How about this Friday night?”
They had reached Cara’s car. She unlocked the door, took out her purse and retrieved a pen and notepad. She wrote down her address and phone number and handed it to Jerrod.
“It’s a date.”
Poem: Sun
Sun
by Kelly F. Barr
I miss your warmth
And your bright glow.
You tease me
As you peek through the clouds;
Only to duck behind them again
As they spill their raindrops
Upon my head.
Rain, rain day in and day out
Makes me want to scream,
“Sun, sun come back again
So we may dance and play
Within the reach of your rays!”
Wordless Wednesday
Photo by Kelly F. Barr/Copyright
Top Ten Tuesday
Today’s Top Ten Tuesday list as per The Broke and the Bookish is “Ten Books I Picked up on a Whim”. Therefore the following list is a list of books I picked up at a bookstore, yard sale or used bookstore, without prior knowledge of the book, just because the book jacket print made me want to read it or because I found the cover very intriguing. However, I rarely pick up a book solely based on the book cover, even on a whim.
I found this book on the Bargain Book rack in a book store. I was intrigued by both the cover and the back cover print. It sounded like a strange and unusual story, which it did, indeed, turn out to be. It also is the first book in a trilogy. I liked this story, but it wasn’t a favorite, and I’m not sure that I will read the next two books in the trilogy.
2.
I found this book at a used book store, and I loved Raggedy Ann as a little girl, so I bought this book on a whim based on some favorite memories. I have not read it yet.
3. 
I purchased this book at a yard sale. The front cover print above the title reads “The Forgotten Story of One of the Most Influential Figures in American Music”. That intrigued me. So, a rarity for me, I based my decision to purchase this book solely on the words on the front cover. It is still on my To Be Read list, and I may read it with my youngest son this year for school for part of his music education.
4. 
and 5. 
I purchased these two books just because I recognized the author’s name as someone I connected with on Facebook. I do not know Alice J. Wisler. I only know of her from what little I have seen her post on Facebook. These books are also still on my TBR list.
6. 
I bought this book at a used book store because of the front cover and the fact that I have always had a soft spot for teddy bears.
7. 
I purchased this book simply based on the author’s name. I was sure that I had read a book some time ago that was also written by Patricia Sprinkle and was sure that I had liked it, and that was why I bought this book. Still on my TBR list.
8. 
I purchased this book at a bargain book store because it is a light mystery. It is part of a series called “A Seaside Knitters Mystery” and I have always enjoyed a good mystery. Many of my favorites are light and charming mysteries solved by unusual characters, not detectives. This book is also still on my TBR list.
9. 
I purchased this book at a bargain book store because of the title and the fact that it says at the top of the cover that it is “A Novel of Ireland”. As a writer, I am always interested in stories, fiction and nonfiction, about storytellers or writer/authors. I also have come to love stories of Ireland after reading several of Maeve Binchey’s wonderful novels. This is also still on my TBR list.
10. 
This one was also published at a bargain book store, and of course, because it is a fictional story about writers. This book also remains on my never ending TBR list.
I thought this list would be difficult to put together. I didn’t think I picked up many books on a whim, but when I started digging through my books, I found out that I do a lot more purchasing books on a whim, if they are bargain priced, than I thought. Of course, what do you expect from a bookaholic? 😀
How about you? Do you purchase books on a whim?
Flash Fiction Friday: An Unlikely Love to the Rescue
He walked into the saloon. All sound stopped – no more talking, no more piano, not even the sound of a beer bottle being set on the bar. Every eye turned toward this stranger.
Dixie was the first to move. She was always the first to approach the men who entered the saloon, but not this time. Lily stepped in front of her and took hold of her arm.
This could be my ticket out of this awful life. He’s handsome, not too old and looks like he’s got some money. “I’ve got this one, Dixie.”
Dixie stood watching, her jaw slack, as Lily approached the handsome stranger.
The piano player resumed playing. Everyone began talking again.
“Good afternoon, handsome. You must be new in town because I’ve never seen you before.”
His deep green eyes appraised her. “That’s right. I’m a gambler. I’ve been hearing this town has some tough gamblers and I like a challenge.”
“Fine looking gentleman like yourself, I hope gamblin’ ain’t all you’re interested in.” She smiled, put her hand on his arm and leaned toward him.
“I wouldn’t mind getting to know you better, Darlin’. What’s your name?”
“Lily.”
“After a beautiful flower.” He leaned down and placed a soft, short kiss upon her lips.
Lily felt a tingling sensation from her lips all the way down to her toes.
“And what’s your name, Handsome?”
“Jaxon. Jaxon McDaniel.”
* * *
Jaxon had been in town for a month by the time the other gamblers got a taste for his blood because of the flogging they took from him at the gambling table. The gamblers played every day in the saloon. Lily was a permanent fixture at Jaxon’s side during the games. Every night found Jaxon in Lily’s bed.
Lily knew that Jaxon would be moving on soon. In the evening as he held her in his arms, she said, “You’ll be leavin’ soon, won’t you?”
“Yes, I’m afraid I’ve worn out my welcome at the gambling table here.”
The silence between them was heavy. Then Jaxon turned on his side, faced her and propped his head upon his hand. He ran his fingers down the side of her jaw and kissed her deeply. She was afraid to hope that the kiss expressed a deep love for her.
When he broke the kiss, he spoke in a husky voice, “Lily, I want you to leave here with me tomorrow. You don’t belong in a life like this. You’re young, beautiful. You deserve to experience love and a man who will respect you.”
She was sure the small smile she offered showed her uncertainty. “Could you really respect me, Jaxon, knowin’ what I’ve been? Knowin’ that I’ve had other men? You deserve better than me.”
Jaxon chuckled. “My dear Lily. My chosen lifestyle isn’t exactly a respectable one, and to be honest, you aren’t the first woman I’ve shared a bed with, but you are the first woman who has captured my heart.”
He took her hand, placed the palm of it against his chest. “Do you feel my heart beating? It’s beating hard and fast because I’m afraid you’ll turn me down. You, with your black curls and chocolate brown eyes are the most beautiful woman I’ve ever met. You have devoted yourself to me this entire month, not spending time with any other man.”
“You paid for me. Besides the men around here disgust me. Most who have come seeking my bed are old, dirty and married. I never wanted this life. I was trapped into it when I arrived here young, naive, alone. You see, I ran away from home when I was seventeen because my pa wanted me to marry a fat, bald forty-year-old man. Pa said it would be a good marriage. The man could provide well for me. The man leered at me and when he touched me with his sausage fingers, I cringed. So, I ran away and ended up here. Crazy, ain’t it? I didn’t want to marry a fat, bald, old man but I’ve given myself to worse, more times than I can count.”
Jaxon kissed her fingers. “My sweet Lily, that settles it. You’re leaving here with me tomorrow.”
“Jake won’t let me go easily. He makes a lot of money off a me.”
“I’m sure I can strike a bargain with Jake.” Jaxon lay back down and pulled her close again.
* * *
The next morning, Jaxon left Lily upstairs dressing and packing while he went to talk with Jake.
“Mornin’ Jake.”
“Jaxon.”
“I’ll be leaving today and I want to take Lily with me.”
Jake stared at Jaxon long and hard. “Well now, I don’t see how’s that possible. You see, Lily belongs to me.”
“Lily works for you. She doesn’t belong to you. I’m willing to pay you generously since you’ll be losing an employee.”
“Is that so? How much you figurin’ on payin’?”
“Well, you’ve charged me $10 a night to spend with her this entire month, and I figure she doesn’t usually have just one gentleman in an average evening. So, if I was to pay you $20 a night for three months, that’d be $1,800. I’m willing to make it an even $2,000. What do you say?”
Jake’s eyes grew round. His lower jaw appeared to come unhinged. After a few minutes he managed to say, “You got yourself a deal.”
Jaxon shook Jake’s hand, paid him cash and hurried upstairs for Lily.
She looked startled as he burst through the door. He picked her up, swung around, brought her down and gave her a long, passionate kiss as her tears washed over his face.
“Sweetheart, why are you crying?”
“I can’t believe it. I’m really leaving here with you?”
“You certainly are, but we gotta go before Jake tries to squeeze more money out of me. Now where are your bags?
Lily pointed to the floor by the bed at one small satchel.
“That’s it?”
“I don’t have many respectable clothes.”
“We’ll take care of that. Now let’s get out of here.” He took her satchel in one and and picked her up in his arms. He carried her down the stairs, out of the swinging saloon doors, and neither he nor Lily looked back.
Sometimes I Can’t Help But Wonder
Life is full of twists and turns;
some caused by circumstances
others caused by choices we make.
Stupid choices made when we were young;
wiser choices made from experience.
Some choices will come back frequently to haunt us;
some we will never revisit.
When I said some caused by circumstances,
I was thinking of circumstances
outside of our control.
You know, things that happen because of
the decisions of others around us or
with authority over us.
Sometimes I think if I had made
a different decision when . . .
then I would be living a different life.
Would that life have been happier?
Would it have been sadder, harder, more of a struggle?
It’s a fruitless exercise,
thinking on these things.
What is, is what was meant to be.
But, sometimes, I can’t help but wonder.
written by Kelly F. Barr 5/11/2016
Kelly F Barr 