Fun Facts

Below are a number of fun facts about my new WIP that takes place in Poland during and after WWII.

One of the main characters is named Lidia. She was named after the tour guide of the group I was in. This woman was extraordinary; she was a walking encyclopedia.

Another character is named Ewa. She was named after Eva Mozes Kor; she was a Mengele Twin, she survived the war and started the C.A.N.D.L.E.S. Museum. Eva is a remarkable woman, who has publically forgiven the Nazis and encourages others to forgive, as a way of sowing seeds of peace.

The C.A.N.D.L.E.S. Museum hosts an annual tour of Auschwitz-Birkenau and Krakow. I went on their 2015 tour, because it had been a dream of mine and I was doing research for my WIP.

Image made by my sister, Seanna Acey

The WIP is tentatively titled, “The Judgement of Solomon.” It was inspired by the passage in the Bible: 1 Kings 3:16-28. Two women approach King Solomon, each claiming that a boy as their own. King Solomon offers to cut the child into two that way they will each have him. The real mother backs off, hoping that the boy will be spared. This is a running theme in my story.

My WIP primarily takes place in Krakow. Although they are not featured in my story, historical people such as Oskar Schindler, Amon Goethe, Dr. Mengele, Cardinal Hlond, Hans Frank are mentioned.

Some of the places shown in the story are St. Mary’s Basilica, Main Market Square, Podgorze Ghetto, Wawel Castle, Gestapo Headquarters, Kazimierz District, and Auschwitz-Birkenau. 

The story spans from 1941 to 1946.

The first draft took nearly four months to write. And then when I revised it, I had to rewrite a lot of Part Three.

Rejection

Rejection just plain sucks. No matter who you are, putting yourself out there is hard, and then to hear, “No, not interested” can be heart wrenching.

Rejection plays a big factor in the pursuit of a literary career. You pour your heart and soul into a story or a novel; perhaps you’ve spent years on it, perfecting every detail. You know it’s good; you know you have something special. You’re certain of it. You’re not mistaken; this time it will work out. You know you shouldn’t view your creation as your baby, but you do. In a sense you gave birth to it, nurtured it, groomed it, coddled it and now it is time to send it out into the world, for it to spread its wings.

You jump through all of the hoops, pay special attention to the guidelines, whisper a prayer and you send it off. You send it to multiple places. You try to distract yourself with a new project, because that’s what a writer does. They write. The second you finish one story, you start on another. There is no “The End” for us. But that’s fine, because it’s all part of the process.

Weeks pass, maybe even months. You haven’t heard a peep out of the literary agent or the publisher. You check your e-mail every five seconds and you stalk their twitter feeds and blogs. One part of you fears that the submission never reached them, that it was lost in cyberspace. The other part of you holds out hope that perhaps they haven’t read your submission. Or they have and they are so mesmerized, so in awe of your masterpiece. Hope springs within you.

And then an e-mail is delivered. Either it says “No, not interested” or “Thank you for sending ------- but we do not feel enthusiastic enough to represent your novel. Best wishes, etc.” Authors must bend over backwards to pique the interest of a literary agent or a publisher, but the professionals can get by with form rejections.

It’s tempting to throw in the towel, especially after you’ve received a couple hundred of these. But at this point, can you quit? Can you stop creating? This Magnificent Obsession has become so ingrained into who you are. You don’t know where it ends and you begin. If you quit now, you would be denying part of who you are.

So tomorrow, get up and try again. 

Home Away From Home

Yesterday my family and I gathered to celebrate my aunt's birthday down at the old house in the country. This house was the house my maternal grandfather and his family built in the 1920's/1930's. The story goes that they had bought fifty acres worth of land and the family of nine lived in there through out the Great Depression and into the 1950's. By then most of the children had moved out, married and started their own families.

Art tends to imitate life. The old house wound up in my Great Depression novel. My heroine lives there after she marries her husband. Many of my grandfather's tales of Prairieton and Prairie Creek are also featured in there. Hopefully my story has done the house and the past justice.

The Write Process

A few weeks back I was asked what my writing process was. How I went about writing my novels. I became tongue-tied and couldn’t articulate a good response. Any other writers out there have that problem? Being able to write a decent piece of prose but sounding like a babbling idiot when you talk?

Every writer has a method to their madness. Some are seat of their pants writers. They sit down at the keyboard and just write whatever. I used to do that when I was younger… it was not an effective process for me. Plots would change on a whim, dialogue took forever and often sounded cheesy, and the lack of planning showed up in the story. The quality was poor. If I don’t have an idea of where I need to start or where I am going, then I had better stop before I get in too deep.

Finding a certain subject can be tricky. I’ve had my share of false starts. These are the stories that just fizzle out after the first few chapters and you know it’s better to forget about what you’ve written and start on something else. Usually my subjects of choice find me. For an example, my current WIP is set during the Great Depression in Indiana. It is probably no coincidence that I focused on Indiana so near its bicentennial. It must have been on my mind. Also, the past, history, my grandparents are often in my thoughts. My grandparents lived during the Great Depression, so it is only natural that at some point in my life I write about Hoosiers and my state. It was the Deep Calling Unto the Deep.

I usually write a detailed synopsis of an idea and then on notebook paper I write outlines of the scenes and dialog that will end up in the story. I put all of these notes on the computer and then go over them twenty or thirty times, trying to improve upon it. I separate the scenes into chapters and go from there. That’s when the real writing begins.

It takes me two or three months to write a very crappy first draft (and believe me, all first drafts are crappy). But then again, I’m a slow writer, averaging at 1000 to 1500 words (if I am very lucky) a day. My mind is only good enough to write twice a day, after lunch and in the evening. Otherwise my brain turns to mush.

If I can give any advice to any other writers out there, here it is: don’t write formula fiction. It’s a waste of time. I’ve tried it, just to get my foot in the door. Unless you have your heart is in your project, then there is no point. Better to write something you are truly passionate about than waste what talent you do have on subpar stories. Also, do not limit yourself to one story. I made the huge mistake of devoting myself to one novel for several years, and nothing came of it. Be sure to have a Plan B. And then a Plan C. And after that a Plan D. That is my two cents’ worth, take it for what it is. 

Now What?

Okay, so, I’ve completed another draft on the Great Depression novel. It was a small one; just some minor suggestions that my sister gave me. This is quite possibly the longest thing I have ever written. Maybe too long… not quite sure about that. It’s not ready for an agent to look at. This WIP needs a few more drafts, at least. Polishing, mostly. Of course I’m at a loss as to what to do with it now. Fleshing out, character development, back stories, historical facts- that is never my problem. It’s cutting the unnecessary scenes and whatnot. I never know what is not needed.

Once upon a time, I belonged to a writer’s workshop…for senior citizens. I was an honorary senior citizen at twelve years old. It was a family affair, really. My aunt led the group and she invited me to join, then my grandmother started to attend. One time a cousin of ours visited. I think my Mom and sister sat in on one of the meetings. It was great; I learned a lot from the women and men there. Some of the stories they told inspired this novel (they were part of the Greatest Generation). Now, my sister and a friend of mine reads my various projects and they offer great critiques. For the most part I’m skittish about showing anyone my WIP’s. I worry that they’ll think I’m odd or strange or nuts for writing this or that. Or worse, they may not like it at all and like many writers, I take criticism personally.

But with the Great Depression story, I want to show my friends and family and get their feedback. Perhaps because many of them inspired this story too. They had a hand in it without knowing it. Still, it’s frightening to be so public about a project of mine, because there is always that underlying fear that the agents and/or the publishers won’t want it. Then I’ll be embarrassed for talking up this story.

Sometimes being a writer just plain sucks.

“I hate writing, I love having written.” Dorothy Parker. 

Long Time, No See

It’s been awhile since I updated this blog. I got busy with the holidays and then catching up, and then with writing. I’ve completed my second draft on the Great Depression novel and am letting it sit for a bit before I tackle it again. Not really sure where to go from here; it needs more drafts to be sure. And I am trying to prepare for the next WIP. It’s a never-ending, vicious circle.

One of the subjects in my Great Depression WIP is abusive marriages. Not to give away too much, due to desperate times, my heroine is married off young to a man much older than she is. Then the marriage becomes abusive. It happened back then, it still happens today. Unfortunately in the 1930’s – and before and long after- abused women had nowhere to turn to. Friends and family may have been well-aware of the situation, but nothing could be done really. The church offered no answers really; divorce was considered a sin by many Christians.

Indiana has an interesting history when it comes to divorce. While frowned upon by most of society – and I am sure most Hoosiers- in the 1830’s Indiana passed a bill making it easier for women to obtain a divorce and keep the children. That was monumental for the 19^th century! It was so easy to obtain a divorce in Indiana, that Heinrich Schliemann, the man who rediscovered the lost city of Troy, came here to obtain one as well. Of course while it was helpful to have such a liberal law, the majority of women did not make a beeline to the Hoosier state to free themselves of their husbands. Divorce carried a social stigma- if you were a divorced woman you were considered immoral and the blame of your failed marriage was laid at your feet. By the 1930’s divorce was too expensive that many couples opted to remain married because they could not afford to separate.

My heroine wants a divorce but various circumstances prevent her from obtaining one. Her story is partially modeled after that of a woman’s in my family. She was shackled to a violent man and was only freed through his death. While I believe in making marriage work and for better and for worse, I am grateful to live in an age where women can break away from their abusive spouses if they can. 

Passport to Poland

Okay, so I’ve talked a little about it and hinted around here and there. But I’ve postponed making any official declarations until it was 100% certain. Here it is:

I am going to Poland.

I received my passport a few weeks ago and the money has been put down.

I am to join Eva Mozes Kor and the C.A.N.D.L.E.S. Museum on their tour of Auschwitz-Birkenau and the city of Krakow. Eva Mozes Kor and her sister Miriam were Mengele twins, meaning Dr. Joseph Mengele ran experiments on them as little girls. The C.A.N.D.L.E.S. Museum is the only Holocaust museum worldwide that advocates forgiveness against the Nazis and every other perpetrator of genocide. As a Christian I believe in forgiving my enemies, but what Eva and the museum practices is beyond my comprehension. Such love and forgiveness can only come from God. 

Not only is this a dream come true for me, visiting the country I am writing about (WIP “Hidden Places”), I am taking a big step. As a former (or continual, depends on what’s going on in my life) agoraphobic, it is an extraordinary thing for me to go out on my own in an unfamiliar place. Maybe on this trip, I can learn from Eva and the other Holocaust survivors. Not only is this an adventure for me, I am viewing this as a spiritual journey. I think I’ll come back a different person, a better person.

It is barely three months until I head off. At times I can hardly believe it, but then I feel something that helps me admit that this is reality.

Until next time…

Still Around

Yeah, I’m still lurking around the web. I’ve just been too busy to update or do any creative posts. My poor little blog has been neglected. Between babysitting, doing projects around the house, learning how to drive and writing, I haven’t had the time to give this blog the attention its due.

Yes, I did say driving. That probably sounds strange to most of you, considering you know I am in my later 20’s. Most people learn in their teens. What can I say? I am a late bloomer. Well, that’s not exactly true. If you knew me ten years ago, you would understand why. My nerves and anxiety was so bad that I could barely leave the house. I still have far to go in regards to driving; its hard teaching this old dog new tricks.

Been juggling three (sometimes four) different writing projects: My YA WIP (and its sequel); a historical romantic novella; and another historical romance. Then I am currently plotting out a future story that I hope to start next year. These ideas come like shooting stars, bright and beautiful; but I have to get them down before they die out on me. Sometimes I get enthusiastic about a certain prospective idea, only to lose interest later on.

I have sent out forty-some-odd queries for my YA WIP. No nibbles, really…until yesterday. One agent requested to see the full manuscript. I imagine it will be rejected, but hey, I may get some feedback. Which is what I’m really looking for. I fear the ending might be a stumbling block. There might be too much of a cliff-hanger. If that’s the case, I know what needs to be done to fix it. But I guess I hope that the agent(s) will like it as it is. (LOL!) Anyway, at least I know my query letter is good.

Can’t think of much else to report. Well, I am involved in this reading program at my local library. I am to read a book a week (which is a cinch) and am entered into a weekly drawing. Fun. 

My Writing Process

Okay, I stole this from Rachel Pudelek, young adult fantasy author, and adapted this Q & A for my blog. The rest of you may steal this just as I did. :~)

1. What are you working on?
I am currently laboring on a YA Historical novel called, “Hidden Places,” which is set in Poland during WWII.

2. How does your work differ from others in your genre?
Well, much of the young adult fiction out there on the Holocaust is told from a Jewish perspective. For the longest time I thought it might be interesting to tell a story from the POV of a Catholic Polish girl and how she copes with the Nazi occupation.

3. Why do you write what you write?
I don’t know. Most likely out of compulsion. Ever since I read Anne Frank’s diary, I have been obsessed with the Holocaust. I have been writing since I was a kid so it was only natural that I would eventually write about the Holocaust.

4. How does your writing process work?
Uhh, there is a process? I know there is much hair pulling and chocolate nibbling, but a process? Just kiddng.
Usually I read a book or watch a movie and am drawn to a certain person/character. I create a story for this character, secondary characters, situations and scenes. Then comes the research, which includes reading hundreds of books and articles, watching documentaries and movies. Next, I write a freakishly bad first draft. After that there is a two week rest period and then months and months of revision. Then I get it into my head that my WIP is ready and send off a barrage of queries to literary agents. Following hundreds of rejections and two years of addictive labor, I must come to terms with the fact no one wants it, go into a period of intense mourning, set it up on the proverbial shelf and then start all over again with a new project.

Small Updates

Haven’t updated this blog in months. It has just become a place for me to dump my thoughts and progress (or lack thereof) on writing. There is no theme to it, nothing special to attract a real audience. I’m too busy to revamp it or invest any real time in it. I don’t want get rid of it and may come here from time to time to update, but it’s a little sad, because I had originally envisioned something else for it. Oh well.

I did start a second blog, one dedicated to the YA WIP that I am working on. It is centered on the Holocaust, Poland and WWII. It’s what I know, so maybe I will garner an audience through that. It isn’t ready to show off yet; maybe in another month.

I’ve been working on another WIP, hopefully for the Christian market. It is small, simple and sweet- a nice break from the Holocaust. Whenever I need to get away from WWII and that dark period, I drop into another, quiet world based in Indiana in the 19^th century. It’s small enough that I can just submit it straight to the publishing company. No agents required. Just hope that this one will get picked up.

Hit the 200lb mark a couple weeks back. That was a wakeup call for me. So I have gotten serious about diet and exercise. Have already lost a teensy bit and am glad to be on the right track.

Winter is driving us all crazy. It warms up for a few days, then the temperatures drop and another snow storm hits and we get at least five inches- if not more. The weather service is predicting an ice storm/blizzard this Sunday. 

Nothing New Under the Sun

The title alone sums up this entry. 

My computer’s hard drive crashed not long after my last entry, so I haven’t had much time for writing or blogging. Still plugging away on my YA WIP. Needs some fleshing out, but I guess it’s going well. Am trying to come up with a writing project for next year. Naturally I want to dive straight into my YA’s sequel, and I probably will. However, I want to get going on something completely different that way I have a back-up plan in case my YA falls through. I guess I’ll come up with something eventually, likely at the last minute. That’s usually how I roll.

Trying to lose weight yet again. Hopefully this time it works out. We have one of those Bow-flex tread-climbers. In one week’s time I’ve lost two pounds. Whoop-dee-do. The trick is keeping those two pounds off and shedding more weight. I pooped out of last night’s workout, so I pray that tonight turns out better.

The government has closed down. What can I say? I think 90% of the goofballs in office need to be voted out. I hope that they quit messing around and get their act together while the government is on hiatus, but I doubt it. Likely they’ll just make the situation worse. It’s what they do best.

All for now!

As Time Goes By

The last month has slipped by so quickly. I feel like I have lived in limbo since the couple days of April. We all have really. And yet April 28^th (the last day Dad was alive) seems like years ago. Mom, Sean and I have drawn closer, but the family is incomplete now. We don’t laugh as hard as we did before or enjoy the moments. Nothing makes sense. If I didn’t have faith I’d be a lost cause. Last Saturday we saw his grave for the first time since his funeral. My mind cannot fathom that my Dad is buried there. This seems wrong to me. My Aunt told us all something that has stayed with me. My Grandma was 15 years old when she lost her Daddy and she never really got over it. I totally understand. She had it harder than I do though. She was only a kid and it was during the Great Depression. But I get it, why she never got over it. Her Daddy was only 44 when he died whereas mine was 60. Still, I don’t think anyone is ever prepared to lose their parents, no matter how old they are. Grandma was braver than I am. She probably confided in her brother and sisters, but she never felt sorry for herself and never burdened anyone. My only hope is that I can live up to the example that she left me. If she survived all of that, somehow we will too.

Just when we think things might settle down a little bit, something else happens. My sister Sean has been in traction for the last month. She’s been having stomach problems for a while now and since we lost Dad, it has increasingly gotten worse. The doctor did some tests and learned that her gall bladder is not functioning at a normal rate. She is to have it out tomorrow. Sean is looking forward to it because it has given her nothing but misery for two years now. I can’t wait to see her back to her old self.

In regards to my writing: The Harper Lee article I wrote for the May/June issue of Femnista is now available at charitysplace.com. I wrote an article for the July/August issue about “The Wizard of Oz,” book and movie. I still have one article for the September/October issue that I haven’t even started on. Very excited because it is to be about someone I admire very much: Sophie Scholl. Can’t wait. I never did get around to submitting a story in for the Writer’s Digest Contest. I found another contest that would suit the story better so I may try to submit it there. We’ll see. It needs some tweaking here and there. Also there is a story I am working on for Chicken Soup for the Soul book. Not sure if it will be accepted. Time will tell. In the mean time I am revising WIP #1. An agent asked for it exclusively for the next three months. So psyched about this that it almost seems too good to be true. I’m afraid that I’ll wake up and all of it will disappear.

Again, thank you to you all who have been praying for us. I so appreciate it. Love to you all! God Bless!

Crazy in Indiana

Yeah, what else is new? Life is crazy as all get-out. For the last month or so I have juggled like five different writing projects. I love it! I am feeling more productive than ever. A couple of months ago, I had read an old copy of Family Circle and learned that they held an annual writing contest. So, I wrote a story for it and sent it off, with my eyes, fingers and toes crossed! Then, I read that Writer’s Digest also has an annual contest and wrote a story specifically for that. There is an entry fee of $25.00 and I heard on a writer’s forum that in 2009, that at least 8,000 people competed. It’s all very daunting. I go back and forth on what to do. I don’t want to see my money wasted, but if I place, it will all be worth it. Decisions, decisions… The deadline is May 15th. I’ll probably stew about this and on the 14th send it out. That’s how I usually operate. Then I visited one of my favorite websites, charitysplace.com and on the back page of her latest issue of Femnista, there were two openings left to write an article about a favorite literary heroine and the creator. I took a chance and asked if I could write one of the articles, and listed three heroines and their respective authors. Finally, I settled on Scout Finch and Harper Lee. And what do you know, for a first attempt at a biographical piece/essay, I nailed it. The article will appear in the June/July issue of Femnista. Super excited!!!! Happy, happy, joy, joy!!! And, as I speak (or should I say, write) an agent is looking over WIP #1. At first she rejected it out right, but after I asked her why, she suggested I revise it and then send it to her again. And I did. So, I am on pins and needles. I try not to slip into the abyss of false hope and keep my expectations low. Other than that, I don’t have much to report. Well, last Tuesday I attended a banquet for the Crisis Pregnancy Center. I had never been to a benefit before. Very awesome and I did really well there. In the past I had chronic anxiety attacks and new places/big buildings tended to make me nervous. I still do have anxiety attacks, but for some reason, I can control them better (or have a better reaction). The panic started to build as I entered the Hulman Center, but once I was seated, I calmed down. So that’s a huge praise. It’s nice to finally live life and not be confined by nonexistent boundaries. Anyway, that’s it for my monthly update. Until next time!

Pity-Party Post

Disclaimer: As the title implies, this is a pity-party post, so you might want to skip this if you would rather not listen to whining, complaints and lamentations. But then what is a blog for if not that? Anyway, here it goes.

Last July I sent my current WIP to an agent and received what I thought was constructive criticism and encouragement. Agent told me that my work needed polishing/revisions but that it was lovely, it had potential and it could be unique and that after I did some more, to feel free and resubmit it to her. I was really appreciative and bursting with excitement. Therefore I spent the last six months laboring over my WIP and I have to say, it is much improved. It still may not be ready, but it is far better than it was. I decided to take Agent up on her word and resubmitted it. She replied that she did not remember me and did I possibly send it to one of her co-workers? She said that she would be willing to look over three chapters and a synopsis. My feelings were a little hurt, but I reminded myself that Agent probably receives thousands of queries a year and doesn’t recall all of them. I sent her the chapters and synopsis and her response was that there is now too much “telling” for her and that nothing really happens until page six and then it is a little later until there is more action. Ah, but there is good news, she continues. There are several publishers out there that do not require an agent and she mentions a few and offers her best wishes…blah, blah, blah.

As I have said, I can accept criticism and actually embrace it. If the first six pages of my chapter one are dull, I can improve it and rearrange it. What irks me is how she just brushed me off. I mean, what she said to me in July, was that just a generic reply that she sends to all aspiring authors that she is not interested in? If she really wasn’t interested, then she didn’t have to lead me on. I’m the kind of writer (and person) that when someone throws me crumbs, I pick up each and every crumb and gobble them down as fast as possible.

So now I feel like I’m back at square one. I’ll probably do a little more revising and then maybe by February I’ll have worked up the courage to send if off to some agents. We’ll see. I guess what depresses me most about this was that I thought that this was it. That maybe I really found someone else out there that likes my work too. I just feel like I can’t catch a break. I take two steps forward and get knocked five steps back.

The End of Yet Another Year

I always suffer from the end-of-the-year blahs. I look back on the last twelve months and there are always some successes, but on the whole I feel like a failure. This pity-party doesn’t last long though. By the beginning of January, I feel rejuvenated and ready to take on the New Year.

There have been a couple of developments in my life since I last wrote. My family and I are attending a new church. It’s nice, and bigger than what we are use to. I can’t say I have any major complaints about it, it’s just missing something, but it will suffice for now.

Today is my 25th birthday. I think I have finally entered into the stage of my life where I feel like a full-fledged woman, rather than a girl. Still, I am left feeling lacking. When I was younger, I had thought that by the time I was 25 years old, that I would have a career and have done something worthwhile. Well, as you can see, the blahs are eating me up inside. Anyway, today I went to Wal-Mart to buy a couple of dresses and a skirt and then out to eat with my family. We took a trip to the mall, where I had my ears pierced for the first time. Then we stopped at the Christian bookstore and I bought a new Bible. All in all, its been a good birthday.

The one novel I have been laboring on for the last two years might be finished in another draft or two. Maybe by February it will be completed and I can contact the agents again. As for my second novel, the one set in the 1840’s, it will take some time before I show it to anyone, but I am extremely proud of it.

Can’t Think of a Title for This One Either

Yes, here is another personal update on my so-called life.

The crazy neighbors are still up to their old tricks. The two dogs we were concerned about were dumped somewhere and thankfully they haven’t taken in any more (knock on wood) but now they are neglecting their poor pitbull Dallas. One morning, a couple of weeks ago, he was left out for four or five hours, without any water or food. No matter how many times we call on them, they don’t seem to get it that they are doing wrong. So please, still pray for this situation.

Jury duty was canceled, so I never did have to go. I think I have up to a year where they could call me up again. We’ll see. I was a little disappointed because I was getting psyched up for it, but my motives were all self-serving and its probably for the best that I didn’t go in.

Still working on my manuscript. It is about 500 words shy of being 75,000 words. I have read somewhere that from that point and on, a work of that length is considered a novel. So that’s good news. Another draft and it should be long enough to be officially novel length. So, yay! Right now my parents are in the midst of reading it. I want their thoughts, opinions and criticism, that way my WIP can be improved upon. I was raised listening to their stories about Indiana and the past, so it is only right that I have their input. I wish my grandparents were alive to read it. My story takes place in 1915, and three of my grandparents were born just after that. Well, I like to think that they’re looking down from heaven on us all and watching us live our lives. Anyway, while my parents are critiquing my WIP, I am about to start another draft on my 1840’s novel. Where the 1915 story is lighthearted and (hopefully) comedic, the 1840 story is a drama and far edgier.

I have yet to see “The Help” in theaters, so we will probably wait for it to come out on DVD. The book and movie has done so much for me. Not just creatively, but personally too. Growing up, the only stories I heard about the Civil Rights were that of Martin Luther King Jr. and Rosa Parks. I love hearing about Rosa Parks, but unfortunately I didn’t properly respect MLK. It was only this last year or so that I have grown to like MLK and appreciate all that he did. As a kid and teenager, I couldn’t see how making speeches, demonstrating or marching was effective. It is only as an adult I have realized that Martin Luther King, Rosa Parks and every other brave soul of that era were staring death straight in the eye and didn’t blink once. “The Help” has increased my interest in the Civil Rights era and all that had occurred then, and opened my eyes to all of the injustices. God bless those brave men and women for taking a stand, and God bless Kathryn Stockett for her own inner courage.

Bits and Pieces of My Life

Ah, time for the monthly update of my life. Everything has been so crazy lately that I haven’t been able to give proper attention to my blogs and my writing has suffered a bit too. I hope that in a couple of weeks that things might slow down… or maybe it won’t.

For the last two months or so, we have been feuding with are neighbors. We were actually quite close to them and if you had told me a year ago that we’d be up in arms, I wouldn’t have believed you. It began when the neighbor girls took in this German shepherd pup named Zooey. At first they treated it decently, but then they stumbled upon another puppy and Zooey was pushed aside. They stuck Zooey out in the backyard, in a pin, when it was like 90 degrees out. The poor thing knocked over her water dish, so her food; water and feces ran together. They ignored her and would make her stay out there for hours on end, at night too. When the girls went back to their dad’s house, their mother and stepfather left Zooey out on the front porch and rarely let her inside. Whenever someone on the block would leave in their car, she would chase after and risk being hit. Our house is just too full, or else we would have been more than willing to take her in. My family and I were going to take her to the humane shelter, thinking that she would be better off there than with these people. Then Zooey just disappeared, so we can only assume that they dumped her somewhere. When the girls came back from their dad’s, they were told that she had been stolen.

Since then we have withdrawn our friendship from them. I know that I am nobody’s judge, because I certainly make plenty of mistakes. I can put up with just about anything; loud music, parties, stolen parking places, shout-fests, foul lanuage, etc… but animal abuse is unacceptable. God may have given us dominion over the animal kingdom, but with that comes accountability. As God governs over us and shows us compassion, we must govern over the animals and show them compassion. Am I right?

Well, within the last two weeks, the neighbor girls have acquired two new little dogs. This is not counting that they already have a permanent family pet, a pit bull named Dallas. Dallas is constantly pushed aside and ignored. The poor thing adores this family (why, I have no idea), because it is the only real family he has ever known. Anyway, the two little dogs… one of them was shoved out in backyard at night (in that same pin), until my sister called the police complaining about the howls and cries. It was our only way to ensure that the animals would be brought inside. After two police visits, the dog was allowed inside. Now both little dogs are kept in a laundry room off by themselves and only taken out (like toys) when the girls feel in the mood to play with them. Last night the owner of the apartment visited and the little dogs were once more exiled to the backyard. A thunderstorm hit and they were naturally frightened. This time, however, my sister took pictures and called animal control. No results. Then this morning I called them and they actually came out.

Whether it makes a difference or not, I don’t know. What is sad to say is that no one else in the neighborhood seems to care.

Today in the mail I received a jury duty summons. Naturally I’m nervous, because I have never done it before. I don’t mind doing it; it’s a civic duty and a privilege, but still I am worried. I have chronic anxiety attacks. I’ve been doing well as of late, but I fear that this might be more than I can handle. Or maybe it’s the precise challenge that I need. If you all could pray for me, I’d be appreciative.

Tomorrow the movie “The Help” premieres. I want to see it so badly, but the movie theater is just so expensive these days, we can’t justify going. Alas, I must wait until it comes out on DVD. ::frowny face:: Oh well. I actually read the book (I rarely read recently published fiction anymore) and loved it. The author, Kathryn Stockett’s story is so inspiring. She was rejected sixty-some times before she found an agent. That is some definite perseverance. I surf the net scrounging for information on her and the book, and the new book that she is working on. Her current WIP is set in the south during the Great Depression. I hope that she continues and doesn’t do what Harper Lee did and disappear. If only there were more authors out there like Harper Lee and Kathryn Stockett.

I have been slowly, but surely revising my novella. Last week I didn’t do any writing, but today for some reason I felt like I could. The cobwebs of my mind have been brushed away and I can now function creatively.

All for now.