Camp NaNo Wrap-Up

Check out the details on the book I was working on for Camp NaNo.

My word count goal: 50,000
Necessary words per day to reach that goal: 1,667

My total: 20,767
Average words written per day: Not nearly enough. (It's a bit embarrassing.)


My stats graph:

As you can see, I started off strong.  Actually, this was the best start I've ever had to a NaNo project.  I was so fired up and determined that this time, I would win!  I was ahead at least a day's worth for several days in a row.  It was great!  My cabin was totally awesome and supportive, too.  In fact, you can go visit them at their respective websites and blogs, if you like.  There's Katelyn, Bethany, and Sarah, all of whom I already knew.  C.F. and Elliot are new friends - C.F. is a fellow homeschooler (well, graduate), and Elliot has totally awesome fantasy drawings, including one of a griffin!

I powered through the first three chapters of my story, and then I reached a main plot point.  See, with my book being about a mermaid and girl switching bodies, the tone and style of the book shifts a bit after the switch.  That's when I realized I had no idea what to write next.

Writers are familiar with crazy lifestyles, and military families (as well as others) know Murphy's Law like they know their best friends.    Well, I experienced a writer's-version of Murphy's Law.  The week I hit what felt like my biggest block ever, I started to fall behind in school a little.  That also happened to be the week of prom and a junior/senior Six Flags day... at the same time my family closed on our new house.  So, naturally, the next week my grandparents visited and we started new-to-us house fix-ups and moving in.  Of course, lots of things popped up in cyberspace that I just had to participate in too - serious things like the Gosnell tweetfest and fun stuff like Rock the Drop.

Writer's Block + Prom + Six Flags + School + New House + Moving + Grandparents Visiting + Cyberspace = Nothing I both can and want to take out of the equation, but not really enough time to figure out my story.

So it's back to the drawing board and a return to camp in July.

DIY Party Diva: Rapunzel Slumber Party {Favors}

Rapunzel Slumber Party

{Favors}

Theme: Disney's Tangled; Guest list: Girls, ages 2-8

Rosebud Hairbands

What you'll need: Green felt, pink or red or other flower-color felt, cloth ribbons, hairbands, hot glue gun and sticks

What to do: Cut a sort of very pointy heart shape to resemble two leaves, one shape per hairband.  (I free-handed it.)  Then cut two long, thin strips of your flower-color felt.  Gluing as you go, roll these up to resemble roses.  Then glue them side by side onto a leaf shape.

Cut two equal lengths of the same ribbon and fold the ends close to each other around a hairband, gluing in place.  Then glue the back of the leaf shape on the hairband and ribbons, where the ribbons are attached to the hairband.

Pascal Party Blowers

What you'll need: Pascal party blower template; green foam for normal face, red for angry, and blue for sad; White and yellow foam for eyes; Sharpie; hot glue gun and sticks; and pink party blowers (I bought Barbie ones and pulled the paper circles off the blowers)

hat to do: Print and cut out the template.   Trace and cut the foam pieces, multiplying each piece's instructions by the number of guests.  Make sure to use your first head piece instead of the template when making the second piece; that way they'll match up when put against each other.  For the red and blue Pascal blowers, Trace an extra eye using the same color as the head, then cut in half - voila!  Eyelids!

Hot glue the irises of the eyes to the whites, then glue the eyes to the heads.  Draw a pupil, smiles or frowns, and eyebrows with the Sharpie.  Then lay one head piece face-down and glue the blower with the tube on the foam, pointing the same direction as the point of Pascal's face (like a sort of arrow).  Align the other head piece face-up and glue in place.

I also bought Tangled party bags and, since I actually went to Disney while planning this party, grabbed some coloring and activity sheets from the park.

Tune in next week for more party photos and the wrap-up!

Blog Tour: Rescuing Hope {Human Trafficking Information and Statistics}

Trafficking Myths (from the FBI's human trafficking prevention page)

"Myth: Trafficking must involve the crossing of borders.
Fact: Despite the use of the word “trafficking,” victims can actually be held within their own country—anti-trafficking laws don’t require that victims must have traveled from somewhere else.

Myth: U.S. citizens can’t be trafficked.
Fact: They can and they are.

Myth: Victims know what they are getting into or have chances to escape.
Fact: They’re actually duped into it and may not even think of escaping because of threats against them or ignorance of the law.

Myth: Victims are never paid.
Fact: Sometimes they are paid, but not very much.

Myth: Victims never have freedom of movement.
Fact: Some victims can move about, but are coerced into always returning, perhaps with a threat against their families back home."

The same page offers tips for identifying human trafficking victims - which could be of any age and nationality.  Also, it's good to remember that, while the majority of trafficking victims are trafficked for sex, many are trafficked for free or cheap labor.  The Columbus Dispatch has a very clear and eye-opening article on how trafficking covers a broad scope.

For answers to basic questions on human trafficking, read the FBI's Human Trafficking Intelligence Report.  This page talks more about foreign adults trafficked into America.  It answers the following questions:

• How big is the problem?
• How are victims "recruited"?
• What kind of work are victims forced to do?
• How are victims controlled?
• What about the traffickers? (Who they are and how they work.)

Finally, two infographics on trafficking:

{via}

{via}

Blog Tour: Rescuing Hope {Taking Action}

Update: Since writing this post, I've discovered a website called Slavery Footprint that lets everyday people take up the fight against modern-day slavery.  Check it out today!

Yesterday, I posted a review on a little book called Rescuing Hope by Susan Norris.  While all of the below information can be found on her website and in the back of that book, I felt like I should share some organizations you can join with to fight human trafficking.  I am trusting Susan Norris here and cannot personally vouch for all the links.  This is a sensitive and gritty subject, so browse with caution.

I highly recommend that anyone interested in educating themselves on or taking action against human trafficking start by reading Susan's book, Rescuing Hope.

• Wellspring Living’s "mission is to confront the issue of childhood sexual abuse and exploitation through awareness, training, and treatment programs for women and girls. Wellspring Living’s vision is to serve locally, influence globally."
• Out of Darkness runs "a 24/7 hotline with volunteers trained to answer rescue calls.  Those volunteers will then activate responders who are trained to make contact with and offer rescue to trafficking victims.  Victims will be offered a safe place to stay until they can transition to appropriate restorative services."
• Resolution Hope has a vision "to stop domestic minor sex trafficking and exploitation in the United States; to educate, inspire and call to action those who are willing to stand with us to bring this human rights violation to an end."
• "Not For Sale fights human trafficking and modern-day slavery around the world. Through international work on the ground and in mainstream supply chains, we proactively target the root causes of slavery while engaging and equipping the movement for freedom."
• A Future. Not A Past. is "spearheaded by the nonprofit youthSpark (formerly known as the Juvenile Justice Fund)"  It "is a campaign to stop the prostitution of children" and "is addressing the issue through our four-tiered strategy of research, prevention, intervention and education."
• "Street GRACE mobilizes community resources – financial, human and material – to help individuals and organizations effectively fighting CSEC through advocacy, prevention and restoration. It is the goal of Street GRACE to create a powerful movement that unites Christian churches with a wide array of public, private and non-profit entities in order to bring about the end of commercial sexual exploitation of children."
• "Polaris Project is one of the leading organizations in the global fight against human trafficking and modern-day slavery.  Named after the North Star 'Polaris' that guided slaves to freedom along the Underground Railroad, Polaris Project is transforming the way that individuals and communities respond to human trafficking, in the U.S. and globally."
• "NightLight is an international organization committed to addressing the complex issues of commercial sexual exploitation through prevention, intervention, restoration, and education.  NightLight’s mission is to do 'whatever it takes' to effect change within the global sex industry.  Our local offices in Atlanta, Bangkok, Branson, and Los Angeles build relationships with victims of commercial sexual exploitation and those who are at-risk and provide hope, intervention, rescue, and assistance by offering alternative vocational opportunities, life-skills training, and physical, emotional, and spiritual development to those seeking freedom."
• "The A21 Campaign stands for Abolishing Injustice in the 21^st Century.  When confronted with the horrific statistics surrounding human trafficking, it is easy to agree on the fact that 'someone should do something.'  The A21 Campaign was born when the decision was made to raise our hand and be that 'someone.'  It was a decision of ordinary people who decided to take responsibility regarding the issue of human trafficking. Our website is full of resources that will equip you to raise your hand and become that 'someone' willing to do 'something' to help abolish injustice in the 21st Century."

To Susan's list, I'd like to add one group I heard of through Do Hard Things.  They're not your normal organization; in fact, they're a campaign of school-age kids and teenagers.  On their website, they explain that "Loose Change to Loosen Chains is a campaign led by school kids from kindergarten through high school to rescue victims of modern day slavery. The campaign was launched by a seventh grade student from Christian Fellowship School in Ashburn, Virginia who believes one person can make a difference. Inspired by the work of Dr. Martin Luther King, William Wilberforce, Mother Teresa, Gary Haugen and others who have fought for equality and justice, Zach Hunter wanted to do something about the problem of oppression and slavery today."

Blog Tour: Rescuing Hope {Book Review}

To my younger readers, please note that this book and therefore this review is considered PG-13 and should be read with caution and parental guidance.

Rescuing Hope by Susan Norris
Hope is as familiar as the girl next door.  Like any young girl, she has dreams for her future, none of which include being trafficked.

Amazon Page
GoodReads Page
LibraryThing Page
Author Website



Amazon Summary:

Every two minutes, evil strips innocence from a child and sells her into slavery for sex. Not in a third-world country, but in the United States of America. Before you take another breath, the next victim will be tricked or taken from her family by a profit-hungry criminal. 

She could be a neighbor. A friend. Your sister. Your daughter. You.

At fourteen, Hope Ellis is the all-American girl with a good life—until the day she tries to help her mom with their cross-town move by supervising the movers. When they finish, one of the men returns to the house and rapes her. Held silent by his threats, darkness begins to engulf her. But the rape proves to be the least of Hope's troubles. In a gasping attempt at normalcy, she succumbs to the attention of a smooth-talking man on the subway. He promises acceptance. He declares his love. He lures her out from under the shelter of her suburban life.

Hope's disappearance sets a community in motion. She's one of their own. They determine to find Hope, whatever the cost, before she's lost forever.

Will you?

 My Thoughts:

This book is hard to describe.  Its story is gripping and powerful.  Its truth is harsh and sickening.  Its message of both despair and the hope that is still out there propels a reader to action.

The writing, honestly, was not the greatest.  There were run-ons, typos, minor head-hopping, and lots of other little things.  Pacing seems to be a struggle, as some scenes are rushed through while others are more well-balanced.  Dialogue is choppy and the layout of the book was messed up in several places.  And honestly, the ending was great but felt like it was missing a few pieces and was cut off too soon.

Still, this story doesn't need great writing to stand up and catch attention.

Immediately the cover art proclaims that this book is strong.  It's powerful, dark, and edgy.  It's real, gritty, and never sugar-coated.  But it deals with an evil that, for some reason, is almost never dealt with in American conversation or media.  Rescuing Hope brings that issue to light with the balance between being real and being sensitive that so few message-centered books achieve.  I give it four stars.

I don't recommend this book for just anyone.  It was written to be PG-13 and readers are warned of the cruel realities found in the pages.  But I do recommend this for all older teens and adults.  Whether or not you think this book is a good idea - read it.  You might love how it sheds light on a crime that needs to be confronted.  You might hate how it makes you squirm or feel sick.  You might not want to give up your comfortable bubble.  I didn't either - in fact, I closed the email offering this book the first time.  Finally, though, I gave in to the voice inside that told me I shouldn't shy away from truth, no matter how ugly it is.

Sometimes your personal world needs to be shaken before you can see the real world around you.  There are people just like Hope Ellis, whose lives have been destroyed.  Only you and I on the outside can help them.  But will you?

I received this book for free from Glass Road Public Relations in exchange for this review.  All opinions expressed are entirely my own.

DIY Party Diva: Rapunzel Slumber Party {Activities}

Rapunzel Slumber Party

{Activities}

Theme: Disney's Tangled; Guest list: Girls, ages 2-8

Pin the Pan on Flynn

What you'll need: a blindfold, Flynn Rider Wanter Poster (found here), frying pan cutouts (I printed wallet-size shopping images off the internet and cut around them), tape (preferably double-sided) or sticky tack

Prep: Print out poster and frying pans; cut out frying pans and put tape or sticky tack on the backs; hang up poster.

How to play: Players take turns.  On her turn, blindfold the player, spin her around a few times, and then guide her to the poster, letting her try to stick her frying pan on Flynn's nose.  The winner is the girl whose pan is closest to Flynn's nose.

Find Pascal

What you'll need: 3D Pascal printable, colored pencils or crayons, glue or tape

Prep: Print out and assemble Pascal according to the instructions found with the printable.  Hide Pascal in a designated room.

How to play: Tell the guests Pascal is lost/hidden in the designated room and the first person to find him wins.  If you prefer team-oriented games, this could easily be modified to be team vs. team or simply a rescue operation.  Depending on how long it takes for the guests to find Pascal, you may want to re-hide him and play this game several times.

A Crown of My Own

What you'll need: Crown template (I drew my own), adhesive rhinestones, scissors, pencil, tagboard or cardstock, crayons and any other decorating materials you want, tape or stapler

Prep: Trace and cut out as many crowns as you have guests (you may want to make an extra or two, as well).  Decorate with adhesive rhinestones.

How to play: Give each guest her own paper crown to color and decorate however she wants.  Once the crowns are complete, tape or staple them to fit each guest's head.

And, of course, watch Disney's Tangled!

Tune in next week to see the party favors!

OneWord365: When You Fall Short

This year, my lovely readers, many of you have watched as I set out on a brand new journey: OneWord365.  I picked one word - dream - to focus on and live out for all of 2013 in place of New Years' resolutions, which often make us discouraged or overwhelmed.

I posted all sorts of things at first - What To Do With Your One Word, My OneWord365 Journal, Why I Love OneWord365, How To Keep Your Word Alive, and lots more.  I've been thoroughly enjoying this new approach to life!

But even with this streamlined method of changing our lives and bettering ourselves, I've discovered there's still room for failure.

I don't like messes.  I'm an organizer, a perfectionist.  I'm not OCD, but sometimes I feel pretty close to it.  Disorganized papers, piles of books to be put away, dusty dresser top, personal items strewn about - all of these can be found in my room at some point or another.  But they really drive me crazy and bother me until I do something to make everything neat and tidy.

Guess what?  I failed.  I left a mess in my life.  It doesn't seem like a big deal or even a small one to most people, I'm sure.  But I set out to do something, and I forgot about it.  I didn't update my OneWord365 Journal for two months.  That, to me, feels like failure.  I fell short of a goal I set for myself, and a simple one at that.  I enjoy writing things down.  I shouldn't have forgotten!

Then I realized something.  OneWord365, as simple as it is, isn't always easy or neat.  It requires us to be transparent about both the good things and the not-so-pretty things that come about as a result of our participation.  It forces us to learn, to grow, to be flexible... to leave our clean, organized comfort zone.  While forgetting a journal for a while may not be a big deal, it was to me.  I didn't want to admit it, but here it is.  And this is what I learned.

I'm participating in Melanie's Monthly One Word Linkup Party.  Join us!

Camp NaNo: About My Book

Cover Image:

Again created by the amazing Ruth Ackiv!

Description:

Kaimalie hates her new life as the rich kid, so when she meets a real mermaid, she jumps at the chance to trade feet for fins.

Word Count Goal:

50,000

Main Character:

{via}

Kaimalie Palakiko, quarter-Hawaiian athlete living in Hawaii with her half-Hawaiian dad and her Wisconsin born and raised mother.

{via}

She enjoys running and swimming, she collects seashells, and she's working on getting better at her biking.  Her dream is to be in the Ironman Triathalon one day.  Her family, with her father's job as a groundskeeper, was pretty average until a helicopter accident.   Her father saved a prominent politician before the wreckage went up in flames, making them famous from the news coverage and rich from the man's reward.  Now Kaimalie is miserable in her family's new life.  Then a cruise vacation brings her path across someone she never would have expected, and her life is changed forever.

INSPY Book Awards

Have any of you, my lovely readers, heard of the INSPY awards?  They're awards given to one book each in five categories every year.  INSPY is short for "inspirational," and is focused on finding good quality, faith-driven fiction.  The five categories include romance, young adult, general fiction, speculative fiction, and mystery & thriller.  Each category has three judges, and yours truly is one of the Literature for Young Adults judges this year!

I'm so honored and excited to be a part of this.  You can read more about the INSPY awards at the website, http://inspys.com/  Today the short-list novels - five books in each category that are 'competing' for the award - will be announced!

Kermit Goswell and the American Holocaust

Those of my lovely readers who have been here for a while might remember the days I would post about abortion.  I haven't done so in a long time, mostly because I really didn't have anything new to say.  The facts haven't changed.  My opinions haven't changed.  The best ways to help this war - and it is a war - haven't changed.

This week, I found out about something that's been going on for a while - and yet has somehow managed to bypass every major news outlet.

Heard of Kermit Goswell?  I did, vaguely, a while back when this whole trial business started.  I didn't know then what I learned this week.  This man - this monster - is the abortionist behind the House of Horrors.  The news article I read stated, "accusations of babies having their heads severed — a major human rights story if there ever was one — doesn't make the cut. [of being on the front page] You don't have to oppose abortion rights to find late-term abortion abhorrent or to find the Gosnell trial eminently newsworthy. This is not about being 'pro-choice' or 'pro-life.' It's about basic human rights."

I'd go into my thoughts and feelings on this sick, twisted, disgusting matter, but yesterday I read a blog post that really sums it up a lot better than I could.  I'd highly recommend that all of you go read it.

DIY Party Diva: Rapunzel Slumber Party {Decor}

Rapunzel Slumber Party

{Decor}

Theme: Disney's Tangled; Guest list: Girls, ages 2-8

Paper Lanterns

What you'll need: Scrapbook paper, scissors, glue or double-sided tape, craft wire, pen or pencil

What to do: For two mini lanterns, cut the scrapbook paper in half.  For a tall lantern like the middle one in the top photo, use a whole square sheet.  Fold the long edges in a little, like hemming in sewing, and glue or tape in place.

Fold the paper width wise, not quite in half.  You want enough extra sticking out to tape or glue later.  Fold the extra over the end of the paper and crease both folds.

Now unfold the paper and fold both ends - the end of the paper and the crease marking off your tape extra - to the middle fold and crease again.  Unfold.  Match the crease for the extra with the edge of the paper and tape or glue in place.

You should now have a freestanding lantern.  All you have to do now is carefully poke a hole in two opposite sides of the lantern using the pen or pencil.  Make sure not to get too close to the edge and keep the length from the edge the same on both sides.  Keep the hole small - just big enough for the end of your craft wire to slide through.  Now cut a length of craft wire, slide one end through one hole, and tie or twist it to keep it from pulling back out.  Repeat with the other end and other hole.

Voila!  Your own royal birthday lantern!

Rapunzel's Braid

What you'll need: A skein of pale yellow yarn (about 650 feet, actually); purple ribbon; at least two assistants (I had four)

What to do: Have an assistant hold the skein of yarn while you measure out an 18-foot piece.  Yes, 18-foot; that's 6 yardsticks.  Cut and repeat twelve times; set aside these pieces.  Make two more 12-piece clusters, same length.

Now, use a scrap bit of yarn to tie the clusters together with a six-inch or so tail.  Have an assistant hold that end while you and the rest of your assistants braid the three clusters.  The original tutorial said one person held the end while two others braided.  I found it helped immensely to have one person per cluster (three people braiding) while another person held the end and Mom watched the actual braiding.  There were a few times when the strands got twisted or a 'bump' (if you've ever braided real hair, you know what I mean!).  Mom would point that out so we could fix it without having to undo a lot of braiding.

Once you have about six inches left, tie off the braid with another scrap of yarn.  Tie a pretty purple ribbon bow over the scrap on each end.  All done!

Tune in next week for party activities!

Camp NaNo Pinspiration

Feel free to drop by and check out the Pinterest board for this book.  If you like what you see, come follow me! :)  To see what this is all for, go visit campnanowrimo.org.

Click each image to see its pin.

Camp NaNo!

Good morning, my lovely readers!  Remember this past November, when my blog was taken over by Pinspiration for and discussion of my NaNoWriMo book?  Well, this month I'm going to keep the writing/non-writing posts a bit more balanced, but right now I'm participating in a similar month-long challenge: Camp NaNoWriMo!

Today, I'll let the officials from camp tell you how the program works.  Then on Thursday, I'll share a bit of my Pinspiration for this project.  Don't worry, Saturday will be a non-camp post.

"Based on November’s National Novel Writing Month (NaNoWriMo), Camp NaNoWriMo provides the online support, tracking tools, and hard deadline to help you write the rough draft of your novel in a month… other than November!

Camp NaNoWriMo was established in 2011 as a project of the Office of Letters and Light, the parent 501(c)(3) nonprofit to National Novel Writing Month and the Young Writers Program. 2013 Camp sessions will take place in April and July."

Participation is key.  Community is a strong part of this event - you get assigned to a cabin with 4-6 great supporters, and you can discuss anything and everything you're working on in the NaNo forums!  You can set your own word goals, and you can even use an already-started story.  *gasp*  You NaNo rebel, you!  (Traditional NaNoWriMo requires that you not start the actual story until 12 AM November 1.)  I think my favorite parts are my cabin (with several people I requested and already know well) and the novel page on my profile.  I'm a simple, easy-to-please person.  Give me a spot for my story description and the gorgeous cover Ruth Ackiv so graciously made for me (again).  I'm one happy Camper. ;)

New Saturday Series: DIY Party Diva!

I've decided, for however long it takes, to replace The Pinterest Report with my new series, DIY Party Diva!  It's similar in that it shares projects that (usually) I've found on Pinterest, with pictures, instructions, and my thoughts.  It's different in that it focuses on parties I've planned/hosted and will not include a focus on the pins and original links, although I'll do my best to link back to original sources of everything.

To kick things off, next week I'll share projects from a Rapunzel Slumber Party I planned for two sweet little girls I used to babysit.  :)  Meanwhile, check out this post from a year or so ago explaining my party-planning process.  It'll make things a bit clearer as I share my party skills throughout the series.


A Talent of Mine {originally posted May 2012; edited here}


Planning a party really isn't that hard.  All it takes is a theme - a favorite movie, book, activity, or color.  Most of my own parties come from movies or movie characters the guest of honor loves, like Rapunzel from Tangled.  My own sweet sixteen came from my love of the new Alice In Wonderland movie.  My brother's party was inspired by Jumanji and a board-game party featured in a magazine.

Time eras make great themes, too.  Victorian teas, 70's-themed sleepovers, and Wild West birthday parties can all be lots of fun.  Keep in mind the number and age of guests, where you're having the party, and the type of party: all-day, an afternoon, a sleepover.

Once you have a theme, all you really need is Google.  Just type in your theme (example: Tangled Rapunzel party) and list all the ideas you find that would work for your party.  I usually make these lists: food, decorations, activities, entertainment, invitations, and favors.  Make sure to bookmark any tutorials or photos you might need later.  Narrow your lists down to one invitation, a few activities, one or two 'entertainment' ideas, a few favors if you want them, and a reasonable amount of food and decorations.

Now you're ready to actually get started.  Most of my parties are very DIY - and, yes, you can tell that many things are homemade.  But it saves money and makes the party more fun and personal for me.  Make a list of everything you'll make and another of everything you'll buy.  Then make a separate list of the supplies you'll need for homemade stuff.  I generally make everything over the course of two weeks, working in the evenings before bed.  Often I play a movie or an audiobook on my computer while I work, although some more involved projects may require full attention (and/or Internet help.)

If your party involves a lot of people, you may want to recruit some friends to help prepare.  The first thing you should focus on is the invites, so you can send them out a couple weeks in advance.  Once everything is made or purchased, make a schedule for the party.  It doesn't have to be set in stone - just some basic ideas of when things need to happen to ensure you get to do everything you have planned.  Sometimes I don't even write down times, just the order of events.  Plan to arrive at the party location early enough to set up the food, decorations, and anything else that needs setting-up.  Again, a few friends will make this go a lot faster.

When the guests arrive, relax and enjoy your party!  Make sure someone's around with a camera so you'll have photos of the party.  Try to follow your schedule, but don't stress if problems arise.  Remember, parties are intended for having fun!

The Versatile Blogger Award

My lovely readers, you know that I absolutely love blogging.  Why else would I still do it three times a week after two years?  But some days, I really, really love blogging - and every time I am nominated for an award or referenced by a blogger inspired by or helped out by my post(s) is one of those days.

Today I'm finally sharing the nomination from a couple weeks back by the wonderful NerdyWordyBirdy.  I've seen this award around the blogosphere, and I am so honored to now be receiving the Versatile Blogger Award!

This award simply asks that recipients nominate 15 other blogs and then share seven facts about him/herself. However, I've already told you all the state of my blogroll, so you'll understand that my nominations will, sadly, have to take a rain check.

Without further chatter, seven things about me:

1. I am using CLASS high school curriculum, and I love it.
2. There's a little paper TARDIS I made with a free printable this past Thanksgiving sitting on my desk.  The tabs on top won't stay closed right, so I use it to store things like candy or money periodically.
3. My Uncle Dan lent me a movie nearly a year ago that I still haven't watched yet.  Bad Emily, I know.
4. I get excited over sales on baby names books and pocket dictionaries.  I'm a writer; what can I say?
5. Tuesdays and Fridays I work at a lady's house, cleaning - you know, laundry, mopping, vaccuming, dishes, etc etc.  The pay's great. :)
6. I no longer have a favorite color, because deciding between seven awesome main choices with countless subdivisions is impossible and paralyzing and way too limiting.
7. My future wedding Pinterest board has surpassed 400 pins... so I've started a future home board to help me organize my obsession a little better.

Bonus!  I have an ebook coming out sometime this year, and I'm super excited, and I can't wait to share tidbits and interviews and cover art with y'all!

Go Teen Writers Ebook Giveaway Winner

Sorry this is a little late, my lovely readers.  I forgot the giveaway was ending today.  Shame on me.

Anyway, the winner of an ebook copy of Stephanie Morril and Jill Williamson's Go Teen Writers is...

*Drumroll!*

Strength Darrow!

Congratulations!  I'll be sending you an email today, and Stephanie or Jill should get with you soon to discuss  format.  Thanks to everyone who entered!

Book Review: Christy Miller Volume One

Christy Miller {Volume One} by Robin Jones Gunn

Whether you're meeting her for the first time or have known her for years, Christy is a Forever Friend.

Amazon Page
GoodReads Page
LibraryThing Page
Author Website

Amazon Summary:

Bestselling author Robin Jones Gunn packs each one with enough action, romance, and drama to keep you reading and wanting more. It all starts the summer Christy vacations on a California beach and meets two friends who change her life forever. But after moving across the country with her family, Christy must begin her sophomore year of high school uncertain where she’ll fit in. A red-headed new best friend, a try at cheerleading, a job at a pet store, and expectations for the prom fill Christy’s high school years with a string of laughter-and-tears moments. Fireball Katie keeps everyone guessing what she’ll do next, and surfer Todd keeps showing up while popular Rick has determined to get her full attention! As these memorable years unfold, Christy and her God-loving friends find out what it means to be a “peculiar treasure.” Follow Christy Miller as she stays true to her identity in Christ, drawing closer to God for help in realizing her dreams and dealing with her disappointments.

My Thoughts:


To be up front with you, my lovely readers, this is not my typical book review.  I actually first read this series as a thirteen-year-old and completely fell in love with the older-and-cooler-than-me Christy Miller, who was so totally lucky to have rich Aunt Marti spoiling her and the amazing Christian friends Todd and Katie, not to mention the attention of two great guys at once!  Then, a few years later, I re-read the series - and discovered that, while I still loved the books and the characters, I had definitely grown (both in life and as a reader) since first reading the books.  Now, as I read them again at seventeen, it's amazing how growing up with Christy and reading the books several times has affected my life.

The first time I read the books, I loved everything - characters, setting, emotions, writing, everything!  Ten stars out of five!  This was the best author ever and I just had to get the Sierra Jensen and College Years books that came next!  (Now there's also the Katie Weldon books, which personally I love the most.)

The second time, I still loved it.  I noticed a few things about the writing style that didn't quite sit right with me, although they were grammatically correct.  I had grown as a reader, so I knew my preferences in how books were formatted.  I also noticed a few things I hadn't before that dated the books - the lack of cell phones and email, the abundance of scrunchies and sweatshirts and perms, the slang and speaking style used.  Nothing huge.

Now, the third time, I've noticed how Christy can be a little too whiny and/or insecure at times.  As a thirteen year old, I thought fifteen-year-old Christy was uber-mature and totally cool.  At fifteen myself, I related to her so well.  Now at seventeen, I can look at some things that scare/upset Christy and smile remembering when it happened to me; other times I can see just how immature I (and all preteens/teens) can be, thinking in the moment that something's a big deal and realizing later that I blew it out of proportion and adults really do know what they're talking about.  It really makes me look at the big picture.

My favorite part about the re-readings is knowing how things end up, how everything works out, and sort of laughing at, sympathizing with, or being super happy with Christy.  Sometimes I even get frustrated, because Christy gets so worked up over things I know don't end up mattering at all!  It makes me feel a lot closer to God, because I've learned a bit of how He feels watching us live in the moment and worry about things when He knows exactly what's ahead for us and what He wants us to do in every situation.

I still think some of the writing formatting and 80's remnants from the first publication of these books (1988-on) could use a little facelift.  Other than that, though, these books are unlike any others and probably the number one books I would recommend for girls ages 12-18.  I have absolutely loved growing up with Christy and her friends, and it's an experience I won't want my future daughters to miss out on, either.

I give this book 4.5 stars and am thoroughly enjoying re-reading the rest of the series as well. :)

While I already owned this book, I received a free copy from Blogging for Books in exchange for this review.  All thoughts expressed are entirely my own.