Writing

This Life We Live

It seems that people that are creative are usually creative in many different areas. For example, if you play a musical instrument, you may also sing. If you can draw or paint, you probably have a good eye for photography or landscaping. Of course those are general observances. In my opinion, your brain just works along certain lines. That doesn’t mean that you aren’t able to appreciate music, art work or photography if you only sing in the shower, and color at the kindergarten level.

Sometimes it’s been hard for me to narrow down what I wanted to do with my life. When younger, I loved to draw and I loved art. I talked about this in another post. I also wanted to be a  ballerina, a famous singer, famous artist and maybe dabble in photography. As I grew older, modeling appealed to me and then an interior decorator seemed the way to go. At one point I even thought of being an architect.

So, I became a wife and mother! At times through the years, I thought of all those exciting careers and lifestyles I could have had. Of course I would have been extremely successful with all of them. Because in your dreams…you always are! That’s what’s fantastic about dreaming…you can make it whatever you want.

But you know what? Because I became a wife and mother I was able to do all of the above. I played the piano for church and sang in the choir. Our children and I had a singing group for awhile and we were asked to sing at several places. I’ve ‘designed’ and decorated so many of our homes over the years. Landscaping our yards was always fun. I’ve created an English garden at our current home…on a bleak Kansas driveway. I’ve had the privilege to attend several balls, wearing the gowns that I designed and made. My children have endured me singing to them at night, and dancing with them around the room. I’ve fulfilled all my dreams.

Have I been successful? Well the score is still out on that one. I have one more child at home and several grandchildren. And yes, they will have to endure all my interests. Someday, I will stand before my Heavenly Father and I hope to hear, “A job well-done, my good and faithful servant.”

Life isn’t about the career you choose or all the goals you set. You can have a career and have goals. But life is what you do along the way…the life you live. Have a Blessed Sunday!

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Writing

Saying Good Bye

My eyes are gritty, and I feel as though I haven’t slept in days. I went to bed very early last night, looking forward to a walk at the lake with my husband, our youngest and our second oldest’s dog, Buddy. This walk was suppose to take place at sunrise, when the air is in the upper seventies and a bit muggy. Rather than later when it’s in the nineties and unbearable to breathe.  And then I laid there for hours, conversations going through my head, reminding myself of things my characters needed to do.

Finally, I got up, at almost two in the morning and I wrote for two hours. The words came fast and furious…yes, just like the movie, and I accomplished much. My mind was purged of all those conversations. I went back to bed and laid there for another hour before falling into a deep sleep. The kind of sleep I look forward to and rarely achieve. So, no walk for us…or at least all of us. My husband and Buddy still took a stroll, so all was not lost.

Now, I’m out of sorts and trying to get back on track. I’m at 66,000 words on my last book in my Rubyville series…and I’m sad. These books are all around 64,000 words, so you can see I’m having a bit of a problem letting go. I’ve been with this family for a year and a half now. I’ve argued with them, cried with them, laughed at their faux pas and watched them all grow up and…die. It’s very similar to sending a child off to college, watching them get married, or saying good bye to someone you’ve loved your entire life. It hurts, and it makes you sad. If you don’t write, you will think I’m crazy. If you’ve read  a great, all-encompassing book…you know what I’m talking about.

So, off to write, through another emotionally exhausting day. Maybe today will be the day I finally say, “Good bye to Rubyville.”

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Writing

Newest Arrival in Rubyville

I don’t usually post in the evening…but I couldn’t wait to share the news. My newest book, the third in the Rubyville series is now available on Amazon! You may purchase it right here:https://www.amazon.com/Rubyville-Place-Deborah-Ann-Dykeman/dp/1533528810/ref=sr_1_4?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1469147741&sr=1-4&keywords=ru

All my books are available in paperback and kindle editions. Happy reading everyone! And as always…please leave a review. It is very much appreciated!

Writing

It Ain’t Just Talk: 3 Crucial Elements of Great Dialog

I’m sharing this great post on dialog for all you writers out there. Enjoy!

She’s baaaaack. Well, sort of. Today I have an extra special treat. This is going to sound super conceited but whatever, it is MY blog 😛 . But first lemme caveat with this. I feel I DO have …

Source: It Ain’t Just Talk: 3 Crucial Elements of Great Dialog

Writing

EC Quote Friday

I loved this quote! It is so very true and why I’m so very thankful for Julia Ryan! www.DesignByJulia.com She has done a fantastic job on my covers. So…you can eat a sandwich while you read my book! Have a great Saturday!

Reblogged on WordPress.com

Source: EC Quote Friday

Writing

Are You Botching Your Dialogue?

This is a great post for you writers and editors out there. Really made me think, and I know I have to work on this in my own writing! Enjoy and learn!

Today we are going to talk about dialogue. Everyone thinks they are great at it, and many would be wrong. Dialogue really is a lot trickier than it might seem. Great dialogue is one of the most vita…

Source: Are You Botching Your Dialogue?

Writing

Why Readers Stop Reading a Book.

Another fantastic post to share for you writers and editors. I’ve learned so much from reading these! Hopefully I will put them into practice as well! 😉

 

Recently, we here at LitWorldInterviews.com conducted a survey, “Why do you put a book down?” and through the assistance of the writing community we had a very nice response. Now it’s time to share…

Source: Why Readers Stop Reading a Book.

Writing

What Exactly is Poor Writing?

Attention all writers and editors! This is an excellent post…and I wanted to share it with you. A lot of great pointers to keep in mind…scrapbook-1345381__180

 

 

 

 

Any of you who have editing experience can back me up when I say that it is a very tiring process, especially when the piece you are reviewing is poorly written. And while the perceived quality of …

Source: What Exactly is Poor Writing?

Writing

An Early Start

I’m a creature of habit. Each day, I sit down in front of my computer and I have a list of ‘chores’ I do before  I allow myself the privilege to write. Some days, these ‘chores’ take so long that the writing never materializes. Maybe not a great way to go about my day…but I do have a sense of accomplishment when I have these ‘chores’ done. Throw in a bit of household chores like laundry, dishes, and cleaning…and yes, some days I even cook…and writing starts to take a seat on the back burner.retro-1291608__180

Every now and again, I have something that I have floating around in my head and I have to get it down on my computer. It drives me crazy until I do…and I love this kind of writing…those kind of days. The words come fast and furious and need very little editing, (in my humble opinion) and it’s usually pretty good. These days usually start fairly early in the morning because I can’t sleep until I get all those thoughts out of my head and through my fingers. If you are a writer, you understand what I’m saying. keyboard-621830__180

So now what do I do? The last few chapters came to me while I was waiting for my husband and daughter in the local grocery store. I love to sit in the parking lot and people watch. I’ve mentioned this before. So, the ending chapters were there…and my computer was not. For two days now those visions have been running through my mind…and I haven’t had a chance to put them to use. So, this morning I was up at 3:30 am. Do I have my list of ‘chores’ finished? You bet I do! Now it’s just before 7:00 am…those visions are pounding to get out. I think it’s going to be a great day! I pray your’s is as well! Happy Monday!

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Writing

Spring Rain…Again!

It’s raining…again! I love the cool breeze and the birds are singing happily…but I miss the sun! Everything is so green and the flowers are lovely, but some sunshine would brighten my soul.

I also need tech help! I actually made a video of my yard, and I took some pictures to share on here. But I guess it was too green for the camera as well. It won’t send the file to my e-mail. It says it’s too big.

Help!

I was able to send it to my Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/groups/216963165342784/ so I guess you will have to watch it on there if you are interested.

So, I just wanted to say ‘hi’ before I started ‘working’ today. I’m nearing the end of my third book in my Rubyville series. My goal is to finish it next week…early next week to start the editing process. Have a wonderful Friday everyone!