Capturing a Moment - Laurel Lake

Yesterday, we went swimming and canoeing at one of our local lakes. I decided to do
another "Capturing a Moment" entry. Here is the original writing prompt:

Writing Exercise: Capture a moment in time. Write about it in any way you wish. My response is below.
 

Capturing a Moment - Camping, Part 8

We went camping last weekend with two other families. I wrote several short segments about our great camping weekend. This is the last short segment on camping!

Capturing a Moment - Camping, Part 8

Dumpster Diving
dumpster
bears
picnic
mess

(On Saturday morning, we found the camp dumpster had been ransacked. The park ranger, Jim (also my brother-in-law), says they are often visited by a mama bear and her two cubs. Glad they didn't decide to raid our site!)

And, how was your weekend?

Capturing a Moment - Camping, Part 7

We went camping last weekend with two other families. I wrote several short segments about our great camping weekend. I'll post one segment a day.

Capturing a Moment - Camping, Part 7


Sounds of the State Park
Breaking twigs
Rushing water
Crackling fire
A basketball dribbling
Kids yelling from far off
Adults talking
A dog barking
Bicycles whizzing by
Jump rope smacking stones
Girls singing "Cinderella Dressed in Yellow..."
Children giggling from the next site
A car driving by on pavement

Capturing a Moment - Camping, Part 6

We went camping this past weekend with two other families. I wrote several short segments about our great camping weekend. I'll post one segment a day.

Capturing a Moment - Camping, Part  6



Exploring
The kids go running through the woods.
Exploring, they find chipmunks and turtles.
When they return, they are breathless.
Their excitement is contagious.
They are covered in mud and smiles.

Capturing a Moment - Camping, Part 5

We went camping this past weekend with two other families. I wrote several short segments about our great camping weekend. I'll post one segment a day.

Capturing a Moment - Camping, Part 5
 

Nothing
I was hoping to walk around the lake today.
But my feet feel like lead.
My body feels so tired.
I just want to sleep.
I’m thankful for camping.
It gives me time to relax.
It gives me time to do nothing.
I can take a nap or stare into the fire.
Doing nothing can be very nice sometimes.

Capturing a Moment - Camping, Part 4

We went camping this past weekend with two other families. I wrote several short segments about our great camping weekend. I'll post one segment a day.

Capturing a Moment - Camping, Part 4

Scavenger Hunt
A boy started the idea.
He asked Patti for an egg.
He was on a scavenger hunt.
Now the girls want their own adventure.
On a piece of paper, I made them one:
*Get a Park Ranger signature
*Count all the tents in the campground
*Make a toilet paper headband
*Collect 5 different napkins
*Collect 1 paper plate
*Collect 1 paper bowl
*Count all the dogs that are camping
*Get a signature of a boy
*Get a signature of a girl
Then, I sent them on their way.
Maybe they’ll be back by dark.

Capturing a Moment - Camping, Part 3

We went camping this past weekend with two other families. I wrote several short segments about our great camping weekend. I'll post one segment a day.

Capturing a Moment - Camping, Part3

Coffee Addict
Dave brought his coffee
but forgot his coffee maker.
He goes for a whole day
until he finally breaks down
and begs us for a Cup O’ Joe.

Capturing a Moment - Camping, Part 2

We went camping this past weekend with two other families. I wrote several short segments about our great camping weekend. I'll post one segment a day.

Capturing a Moment - Camping, Part 2

Nap
The tent is quiet
a breeze blows through
the family is napping
a wasp buzzes against the screen
all is peaceful till the wasp finds his way in

Capturing a Moment - Camping, Part 1

Writing Exercise: Capture a moment in time. Write about it in any way you wish. My response is below.

We went camping this weekend with two other families. I wrote several short segments about our great camping weekend. I'll post one segment a day.

Capturing a Moment - Camping, Part 1

 

Fire
Campfire crackles
Smoke and sparks
Peaceful night
Lost in thought
mesmerized by the flickering flames

 

Blog Chat

Last night, my writing group (well, three of us) met for a blog chat to share what we've discovered in the past several months about blogging. Here are some highlights:

• Why did we decide to blog? Reason: to write more.   It was not to get followers, not to get stuck in a rut, and not to feel obligated to comment on 100's of blogs. It was a relief to discuss this and to realize we don't have to run ourselves ragged. We just need to re-focus and write!

 

• How do we feel about blog awards? Well, some have been meaningful, but others are like chain letters (ex. to get this award write 50 things about yourself and then give the award to 50 other people...OK, I exaggerate a little bit.). Awards in the traditional sense are very special. Not everyone gets one. I realize that by writing this I will probably never get another award, but that is OK too. Awards should be earned (like my A to Z one)!

 

• How do we manage time? Well, that is a tricky one. We want to work on our manuscripts, have family time, blog, and visit other blogs. Whew! We know we will have to prioritize and maybe cut back on some blogging/visiting.

 

• Help, we feel trapped by our blogs! Most blogging experts tell you to narrow down your blog to one topic. I chose "writing exercises" and Pam chose "Christian Writing". We both are feeling too constrained by our topics. Now Brianna, on the other hand, felt hers was too broad "running, motherhood, writing, blogging", but I think she's more on the money. Anyway, in the end, we decided we will write about what we want to write about. They are our blogs! Hooah! 

The three of us really like blogging. It does motivate us to write. We also like getting together to talk about blogging. So, please don't think we're complaining. We just wanted to discuss some observations and try to find our blogging groove. 

Let's continue the blog chat via the Comments Section. Write what you like/dislike about blogging and the challenges you face.

 

Writing Junk

Trying something new today. Sometimes I feel like my blog is too sterile...too on-topic. I love doing the writing exercises, but sometimes I want to share more about myself, but because I feel like I have to stick to "writing exercises", I don't. I love to read blogs that share honest feelings and personal stories; Blogs where you get to know the writer and a feeling of friendship emerges.  Can my blog be like that too?

So, today. It's just me. No writing exercise. 

I'll begin.

Hi, I'm Dawn (hmmm...this is awkward).

Ok, I'll try again with a title and a photo of myself (maybe that will help).

Writing Junk (my title...I think this will work)

It's me, Dawn. I'm just going to write some junk about me. It might will be random (my daughter loves that word). 

This is my funny four eyes photo. Above my head is one of my favorite words, "dream". Under the word (and behind me in the photo) is my bookshelf. Dreaming goes with books, don't you think?

 

I love books that take you to a far-away or magical places. I just finished the most wonderful book, Bloody Jack by L.A. Meyer. It is about a girl who goes to sea disguised as a boy.  I was happy to be sailing with little Mary "Jacky" Faber! Can't wait to read his next book, The Curse of the Blue Tatoo! Good stuff to dream by!

So, what books do you like to read and why? 

Write in New Places

We took a long weekend to N.J. and Boston, Mass. I had a few opportunities to write.

Writing Exercise: Write somewhere new. How does the new setting affect your mood and your writing?  

My response is below.

I began writing in the car on the way to N.J. With an idea, the juices started flowing.  

I continued to write at my aunt's house in her front yard, I enjoyed the warmth of the sun and the variety of birds that visited her bird feeders. I wrote until the gnats began eat me for breakfast.

In the airport, I put away my manuscript and began to document my airport experience (from airport security to people waiting in the airport). 

I would have liked to write on the "T" (Boston's subway) if there had been more time. The people were very interesting to look at.  

It is a different feeling when you write in a new place. You notice the scenery, smells, and sounds. I resolve to take my notebook everywhere I go!

Blog Break

Unfortunately this didn't post as scheduled last Thursday! BTW, I did get a chapter done!

Hi Friends,

I'll be taking a short break from blogging. I hope to have one more chapter of my book done by week's end. I'll post again May 16th.

Blessings!

Dawn

Research Publishers

I want to write new devotions for publication, so for today's exercise I'll be looking for Christian publications.

Writing Exercise: Look on-line for publishers in your genre. Target only those who fit your work. If you are looking for periodicals, make sure you check out the publication's writing guidelines and follow them exactly for the best chances at getting published!  
My research is below.



Some of the Christian Publications I'm looking at:
http://www.utmostchristianwriters.com/markets/wrpubs.php

http://www.upperroom.org/subpages/writers.asp

http://www.becomingfamily.com/guidelines_set.html

http://www.boundless.org/2005/boundlessAuthorGuide03202007.pdf

http://truthmedia.com/team/writeforus/

http://www.christianitytoday.com/ct/help/guidelines.html

http://www.creationillustrated.com/article.php?id=8

http://www.billygraham.org/DMag_WritersGuidelines.asp

Stuck? Ask Questions!

Ever been stuck in your writing, unsure of what comes next? That's where I was yesterday, so I decided on this exercise to help me focus.

Writing Exercise: Stuck? Use questions to help you determine where your writing needs to go. My response is below. 


Questions:
 
How will the group react when they find out who the man is?

What will D. tell Mr. B. about how they got there?

How did Mr. B. get a message from G.?

What will Mr. B tell the group to do?

What will M.D. do?

What will happen in the next chapter?

Interview Your Antagonist

Antagonist - Person opposing the main character. The antagonist may also represent a major threat or obstacle to the main character by their very existence, without necessarily deliberately targeting him or her. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Antagonist

Writing Exercise: Focus on your antagonist today. What makes him tick? What makes him so bad? Get to know him better by interviewing him. (Yes, this should be fiction. If you can really interview your antagonist, I suggest you call 911). My response is below.

Interview of Malcolm Destrair
By Dawn M. Hamsher

DMH: Today we are speaking with Malcolm Destrair, unofficial ruler of all the lands of Traboltia. Wow! Malcolm, you are nothing like I pictured. I thought you’d have dark hair and features, but you are very much the opposite and quite good looking. Not the monster I’ve heard about.  

Malcolm: (looking amused) Hmmm…sometimes looks can be deceiving, eh?

DMH: Umm..yes, let’s get to the interview. I hear you brought down an entire kingdom?

Malcolm: Yes, what of it?

DMH: Well, that’s quite a feat. How did you do it?

Malcolm: It was easy, really. I played on their fear, confusion, and weakness. It was like taking candy from a baby. The old king was too trusting, too good. When his people turned to me, wanting new things, wanting change…Well, I just planted the idea and watched the kingdom fall.

DMH: Why didn’t you stay to rule in Traboltia’s palace?

Malcolm: I never wanted just Traboltia. I wanted bigger. I built my place up north and prey on all of the kingdom when I want something.

DMH: I’ve heard about your demons.

Malcolm: (smiles) Yes, my pets. They’ve been known to get me what I want. (He leans in) I can guarantee that you wouldn’t want to meet one on a dark night.

DMH: (feeling a little intimidated, changes the subject) Um…speaking of pets, you also have some pet animals…dogs, right?

Malcolm: (sits back up) Yes, I have three black wolfhounds. They usually go with me everywhere. Did you know that dogs are the most loyal of creatures? They’ve lived longer than some of my men.

DMH: Oh. (leans in) So, is it true that you can’t die?

Malcolm: (laughs) Several have tried. I can wager that you wouldn’t be able to kill me.

DMH: No, I wouldn’t want to. I uh, they say that the key to your longevity is in the gem that you wear around your neck.

Malcolm:  Oh, this bauble. Hm. Let’s just say that this is my good luck charm, a gift from good, old King Osiah. (sly laugh).

DMH: What about your personal life? You once had a wife?

Malcolm: (face clouds) We will not be discussing her.

DMH: Oh, sorry. OK, Um…next question. What are your future plans?

Malcolm: (relaxing) I’ve been bored lately. I’ve heard rumors that King Osiah had some riches that I didn’t know about. I intend to do some treasure hunting and no one is going to stand in my way.

DMH: No, I don’t expect they could. Thank you, Malcolm, for joining me today. Tune in next time, when we talk with Malcolm’s right hand man, Mustren.

A to Z Writing Exercises in Review

If you didn't get a chance to hit all my writing exercises for the A to Z Challenge, I have them all here.

"A" is for Active Voice

"B is for Blog Tips

"C" is for Creative Writing

"D" is for Disease

"E" is for Editor(s)

"F" is for Favorite Foods 

"G" is for Genre

"H" is for Healthy

"I" is for Interesting

"J" is for Jokes  

"K" is for Know

"L" is for Limerick 

"M" is for Monster 

"N" is for Name

"O" is for Out loud Editing

"P" is for Poke 'Em in the Eye - Blogs that Get Attention! 

"Q" is for Curly Q’s

"R" is for Rejection

"S" is for Short Words

 

"T" is for Title

"U" is for Unidentified

 

"V" is for Verbs

"W" is for Writer's Block and Webbing

"X" is for Xing into Podcasting!

"Y" is for Yourself 

"Z" is for Zzz...Writing Sounds

Special Announcement - Published!

I just got word that one of my devotions will be published! 

"Sharing the Bible for Parental Dummies" will appear in Vista by Wesleyan Publishing House in May of 2012!

I'm so excited!

A to Z Blogging Challenge -- Reflection Post

My reflections:

1. BLOGGING, A NEW WORLD -- This was like a door opening to a new world. I learned a lot about blogging itself (why people blog, what they blog about, etiquette, tips), which was one of my goals. I was very excited to find other writing blogs and writers that are kindred spirits!

Here is my favorite blogging tip (by Sue at Traverselife):
How to Make a Hyperlink Signature in Blogger


2. ON POSTING -- I was never stressed about posting because I did most of my posts in advance (in draft). I had a great time coming up with writing exercises, researching supporting information, and writing responses to the exercises.

3. ON VISITING -- I was stressed about visiting 1200+ blogs. I did visit them all, but did not explore each one in depth. I came back to ones that I found interesting.
Here are some of my favorites:

Lucy Adams                                                  Write With Pictures              
Pocketful of Playdough                                   Melissa T. Liban Illustrations
Encouragement for Christian Writers              Style is Not Just a Black Suit       
...then she writes                                          Writercize


4. ON "FOLLOWING" -- Since I am a new to blogging, I wasn't sure about the whole "Following" thing.
I decided to follow blogs if:

     a. I liked the content and wanted to be a regular visitor.
     b. I posted a comment on the blog (due to interesting question or funny post).
     c. I liked what the blogger had to say and wanted to encourage him/her. 

5. ON COMMENTS -- I loved the interaction through comments (on my blog and on others). My only complaint is that if you leave a comment on someone's blog, you have to return to it later to see if they responded.  Is there a widget out there or something that addresses this problem?

All, if you have any feedback on my blog, I'd love to hear it. Blessings! Dawn