Life As Of Now

HI Y'ALL. Long time no see! (If you didn't even notice I've been absent, tbh I'm not gonna be offended, haha)

So, I started off this post so many times but failed, so let's just skip the introduction and jump right into the life update, shall we?

2019 was a year of firsts.

First public school experience (to take my ACT. It made me glad I was homeschooled, m'kay?).

First time publishing a book.

First time going to a summer camp.

First time mowing the lawn.

First time going to a concert as a VIP (Michael W. Smith is da bomb).

First time meeting Brooklyne in person (which was AMAZING).

First time actually making legit money on my cover design business.

First time visiting the ARK Encounter + Creation Museum in Kentucky.

First time getting Instagram. (Bookstagram is a blast, y'all. *grins*) You can find me @katetheauthor if interested. ;)

There's probably a whole lot more that I'm forgetting but meh.
Ya know, I think every year is a year of firsts. Each year we step out and do new things. But for some reason, 2019 just stood out to me that way.

But anyway. Now that that's all talked about, what's my 2020 looking like so far?

A few random happenings . . .

-My dad & brothers built me bookshelves to surround my walls at the ceiling! *happy sigh* So beautiful.

-I made mozzarella sticks for the first time and they were DELISH.

-I've been taking sooooo many #bookstagram pics...

-Kordell's cows had their babies! And they're so cute!! (I really need to go see them again . . . )

-I bought so much yarn, haha! I've got projects, lots of projects.

So, then, there's the big question: how am I doing during COVID-19??

Honestly? Nothing has really changed for us, hehe! I work at home, we don't go very many places anyway, and since half of my family is made up of introverts, and we see each other all the time . . . we're doing pretty good. ;) The question is, how are you doing? My extrovert sister is about to die, not being able to go anywhere . . . and I know a lot of y'all are the same way. You can do this, y'all!

If you're going stir-crazy, try

-working out (it's actually kinda enjoyable when you do it with someone)

-having an impromptu dance party, even when you're by yourself (because music + dancing makes everything better, gives you exercise, and helps you not be so stir-crazy)

-writing a book (keeps your mind occupied)

-blogging (because, honestly, there's so many posts that you could write that could keep you busy for days)

-starting a journal (getting your thoughts on paper, about anything, definitely helps relieve stress/tension!)

-studying your Bible (if we spent as much time studying the Bible as we did sitting around complaining of boredom, our faith would be so much bigger)

-playing games (*gasp* PLAYING A GAME! What a novel idea! Honestly tho, this could take so many forms—from board games to your own private olympics)

-playing with your hair (might as well learn to look good for when you're out in public again)

-work (yeah, y'know those lil' chores around the house that have been staring you down? Do it today)

See? The possibilities are endless. ;)

Also, random note—anyone else here wear jeans around the house all the time bc they're comfortable?? I see on social media that people are saying "Who would wear jeans when you can wear leggings?! They're so uncomfortable!" Um, sorry, y'all. Not feeling it. xD

So, anyway.

How has your 2020 been so far??

Anything exciting happen for ya?

(Also considering doing monthly life updates again so I don't have to keep doing year-end recaps . . . )

2019 Goals Recap {+ 2020 Goals}

Anyone else feel like 2019 got impatient in October and finally said "OKAYYY LET'S SKIP TO THE NEW YEAR!"

*Sigh* So, yeah, now's the time of year that everyone's looking back over the past year and makes resolutions for the new year. Well, you might know that I like to set goals rather than resolutions. There's just something about them that makes it feel like a work-in-progress that I can fail at a few times before getting the hang of it, whereas resolutions give me the impression that if I mess up once,  I've completely blown it. And then I'll give up.

So.

I did a post like this last year, and thought I might do it again this year. But first, let's see how I did with my 2019 goals! (I honestly forgot about most of these, oops xD)

1. (Tentatively) Publish Beloved.

Gooooaaaaallll!! I did publish! September 10, 2019, will be a date that I'll never forget. Faith Potts and I co-released our books on Suicide Prevention day! You can find Beloved on Amazon and Goodreads.

2. Exercise at least 4 days out of every week.

Heh. Heheh. Eh, no. I started out really well . . . but it went the way of all good things, as my father would say, and didn't last very long. I would say that I exercised more this year than I have previously, though, so that's a plus!

3. Read at least 60 books.

NAILED IT. I'm working on my 82nd book currently! If I were asked what my top five books of the year were, though, I'd have to say . . .

-Freedom by Faith Potts

-Monday Night Jihad by Steve Yohn & Jason Elam

-In 27 Days by Alison Gervais

-Fallen Angel by Jeff Strueker & Alton Gansky

-The Divided Nation by Angela Watts

4. Blog consistently.

*Cackles* Well, um, y'all could probably figure this one out. I tried?

5. Write at least 50,000 words.

Check! I wrote about 30,000 for Camp NaNo in April, over 10,000 in Camp NaNo July, about 26,000 in NaNoWriMo, and not to mention the sporadic writing I did in between.

6. Create a 2019 playlist.

Welllll yeah but no. I started it, but when I went months without adding to it . . . I deleted it. *cries* But hey, it only had a few songs on it, sooooo

7. Finish reading through the Bible.

Um . . . no. Honestly one of the goals I forgot about. xD I did get a good bit read, but between lack of perseverance and a ladies' Bible study I participated in at church, it didn't happen.

8. Memorize at least 20 Bible verses.

Again, one that I kinda forgot about. (Wow, I need to check back on these mid-year, don't I?) And I don't know, with all the memorizing I did, I might've? I didn't really keep track, but my guess is that it was somewhere shy of 20.

Okay. Now, 2020 goals . . . oh boy.
I'm gonna try not to set huge goals 'cause it looks like the new year is gonna be insane, but who am I kidding? I'm probably gonna look back on these goals and say "those were really dumb" xD

1. Become more serious in my prayer life.
Anyone else have this problem?

2. Exercise at least three days out of the week.
I know it's not much, buuuut I failed my four-days-a-week goal last year, so I'll lower the bar a liiiiitle bit. If I can work up to five or six days a week, that would be amazing. ;)

3. Read at least 60 books.
I know better than to set my goal at my total books read this year. Sadly. *cries*

4. Blog consistently.
Am I going to continually set this as a goal until I achieve it? Why yes, yes, I am.

5. Memorize at least 15 Bible verses.
If I could do more than that, that would be fabulous . . .

6. Write at least 40,000 words.
If I would actually finish another book, that would be amazing.

So, I've seen a lot of people do 'words of the year.'

I always thought it was kinda weird. I mean, they gave the coming year a single word and I guess saw how it actually played out? Weird. But it was also neat to see how, when they looked back after a year had passed, realized how well that word fit the year.

Or how it didn't.

So, this year, I'm going to try it. I'm going to give 2020 a word of the year.

Grow.

I want to grow. Grow in my walk with Christ, grow in wisdom, grow in maturity, grow as an adult, grow in courage.

So, 2020, here's to you.

2019 was a bit rough. Maybe you'll be better, but maybe you'll be worse.

Either way, may God help me grow.

The 10 Book Questions Tag {Feat. Kara}

Yep, another tag. And a bookish one, too. Doesn't get much better than that, right??

So, anyway, I was tagged by Brooklyne at Showers of Blessings for this tag (actually I thought it looked really cool so I commented on her post and she tagged me . . . minor details) for what's originally called the 20 Book Questions Tag, buuuut there's only 10 questions. So, without further ado, I present . . .

The Rules:

-Thank the person who nominated you. (Thank you, Brooklyne!)

-Answer the questions you were asked.

-Nominate at least 5 bloggers.

-Give them 10 questions to answer! 

So, before we get to the questions, here is where I will allow Kara to pop in and say hello!

Hey guyssssss!

Okay, now that formalities are over, the questions!

1. What genre do you read the most?

Originally I'd say historical fiction, but recently I've branched into contemporary quite a bit. I'm finding it hard to pick between the two anymore. ;)

I read mostly historical fiction, but I have read several contemporary series that I loved. I'll read pretty much anything with horses! ;P

2. Do you prefer books that are in a series?

Oh, yes. Especially if I love the first book. I mean, who doesn't want to read more books about the characters they fall in love with? I especially love it when the main character in one series becomes a side character in a different series by the same author, or vice versa.

Definitely. Absolutely. Completely. I love series, because you can get to know the characters better. Honestly, I'll be in the middle of a series, and I'll just start lecturing one of the characters for something they do or say in the book. Like fighting with a sibling, or complaining about something one of the other characters did— I'll just be like, "They did that to help you, ya know! Just stuff it!"... Yeah..... I have problems.

Yes, you have many problems.

3. On average, how many books do you read a month?

Ummmm . . . I used to read probably 7 or 8 books in a month . . . but lately it's probably been closer to 4 or 5. Or less. Which is a very, very sad fact. But I just joined NetGalley last month (it's amaze, y'all), and I've been reading a bit more since then.

Probably around 4 to 6, depending on how much I like the book. Once I read a series that I  totally loved, I ended up reading about 1 a day... but the books were pretty short!

. . . pfft, you never read that much. I read more than you; how do you read more books than me?!

Your books are about twice as long as mine, and I had a lot of extra time during that week, and you've been writing more than me. Satisfied? :D

Mmm . . . for now.

4. What is the last book you rated 5 stars?

*Checks Goodreads* Guyssss *cries* I haven't rated a book 5 stars since February! The closest I've come is 4.5 stars. Hide and Seek by Jeff Strueker and Alton Gansky was soooo amazing. I don't give many books 5 stars. ;)

I have never physically rated anything, but in my mind... I would have to say Price of Truth by Susan K. Marlow! *Heart eyes with drool running down my chin* This book is SOOO amazing! Guys, I just can't describe!

5. First person or third person? Past or present narrative?

Ohh man . . . I don't know! I think my favorite to read is 3rd person, past tense. But Beloved is 1st person, present tense, so I obviously love writing it. So, I mean, that's pretty close up there. ;)

3rd person, past tense. But then again, I haven't read much 1st person, or present tense.

6. What book do you relate to the main character the most?

I honestly can't think of anyone right off the top of my head except Andi from the Circle C series. Our likes/preferences are pretty much opposite, but our personalities are so similar it's almost scary. ;)

Definitely I would say Sadie from the Sadie Rose Adventures by Hilda Stahl. I'm also a lot like Andi, but I would almost say I'm more Chad. 

*Smirks* Most definitely. Pretty sure you talk more than Chad, though. Probably more than Chad and Sadie combined.

:P

7. What is the most over-used plot twist that drives you crazy?

Ughh, when two characters who hate each other and end up falling in love. Can't stand it.

Same. Especially when they fall into a life-or-death situation and realize that they can't live without each other. *Shudders*

8. Name three books that you absolutely love the cover design.
Chosen by a horse by Susan Richards, is my favorite cover. SO BEAUTIFUL! I started the book, and didn't care for it, but then again I didn't get very far into it.

From Ashes to Honor by Loree Lough. I've never read it, but I fell in love with the cover when I saw it!

I actually read From Ashes to Honor . . . not really recommended. ;P

Seek by Angela R. Watts is just... WOW!! It's simple but SO AMAZING! 

Yessss, I'm currently reading Seek and it's so good so far!!

It was hard for me to choose between Seek, As in Olden Days by Jesseca Wheaton, Dandelion Dust by Faith Potts, and Beloved by Kaitlyn Krispense... Yes Kaitlyn, your cover is beautiful.

Dawwww, thanks ^-^

Don't let it go to your head. ;P

Mmkay, sure. Anyway, now for my three favorites! (This is my favorite question of the whole tag ^-^)
First of all, we've got Fawkes by Nadine Brandes. It's so, so gorgeous, y'all. Liiiiike . . . *alllll the heart eyes*

Next up—Gunner's Run by Rick Barry! Like, seriously, what's not to like??

If they have 1. American flags 2. horses or 3. bullets or guns... they have to be beautiful!

As evidenced in your favorite covers, of course.
Now, for my third cover . . . so hard to pick! But I choose Unblemished by Sara Ella. It's so . . . well, for lack of a better word . . . beautiful. You, Squirt, might call it too frilly. I mean, it doesn't have guns or flags on it. But it's still super pretty. ;)

Or horses. Can't forget the horses.

Mmm, yeah, sure. Can't forget them.

There is just one thing that all the covers are missing that would totally blow them off the chart though. It would make them bestsellers all over the world!

Oh?

My face. :D

No comment.

9. What book series would you recommend to your best friend?
That is like asking a mother which of her kids is her favorite! I could narrow it down to—in no particular order—Horses and Friends by Miralee Ferrel, Sadie Rose Adventures by Hilda Stahl, Winnie the Horse Gentler by Dandi Daley Mackall, Circle C Adventures by Susan K. Marlow, and last but not least, Phantom Stallion by Terri Farley!

I agree with Kara. It's awful to pick just one! But, since her too long list has the series I would've said (Circle C Adventures/Milestones), I'll say the Sgt. Major Eric Moyer series by Jeff Strueker & Alton Gansky. If you follow me on Goodreads, you've heard me talk about this series more than once, and you'll hear me talk about it again. Intense. Clean. Faaaabulousnesssss.

10. A book that you liked a side character better then the main character.
Tyler from Live Without You by Sarah Grace Grzy. Seriously, y'all, I liked Ezra and all, but Tyler needs love. And I shall give it to him. XD

I'm only on my second book, but from the one I'm currently reading and the one I already read, in Sisters in Time I like side characters way better.

I hope y'all enjoyed the tag fullllll of books. Books make me happy. *grins*

I tag:
Megs
Molly
Angela
Liz
Lilian

Kara has helped me come up with questions for you:

1. What are three of your favorite book covers?
2. What is one of your favorite book series?
3. Do you prefer new books or the classics?
4. What is your least favorite book cover?
5. On your physical bookshelf, what is the 17th book in line (if you have that many)?
6. What is your favorite genre to read? If historical, which era?
7. Do you prefer paperbacks or ebooks?
8. Do you prefer matte or glossy covers?
9. What is a book on your shelf that you'll probably never read?
10. In your opinion, what object or color just really improves a cover?

If this tag looks fun, drop me a comment and consider yourself tagged, too! ;)

Tagged Twice {the #AwesomeBlogger Award}

As you can obviously tell by the post's title, I've been tagged twice! So, I figured I'd better actually do it this time. ;) Thanks to Molly and Brooklyne for tagging me with the #AwesomeBlogger Award!

The rules:

-Tag your post with #awesome blogger award (done!)

-Answer all the questions given to you

-Nominate at least 5 bloggers and inform them of their nomination

-Give them 10 new questions to answer

Molly's questions:

1. Do you like NASCAR? If so, who is your favorite driver?

Uh . . . no? XD I honestly hardly watch NASCAR at all, soooo I couldn't even begin to tell you who the drivers are.

2. Have you ever been pulled over? If so, why and did you get a ticket and who paid for the ticket?

Again, no. Wow, these answers are starting to get boring . . .

3. What is your least favorite musical instrument?

Um . . . probably the recorder. Unless it's played right. But basically the only experience I've had with the recorder wasn't very enjoyable, soooo

4. What is the silliest/most embarrassing thing you did when you were a kid?

Oh goodness, this is hard . . . I'll have to come back to this one.

*finishes other questions*

Okay, after enlisting the help of my mom and sister . . . I fell off chairs. Really. I'd balance on them wrong, and just fall off. My dad and brothers never let me forget that chairs used to buck me off. ;P

5. What do you do when you're stressed?

Try to keep calm. While giving myself gray hairs a few years early. (well okay, I don't have gray hairs. Yet.) If possible, I like to make out a list of things I have to get done, and it makes all the tasks seem less overwhelming.

6. What was the biggest/most expensive thing you bought that you regret buying?

Well, keep in mind that I'm very much a penny pincher—my father instilled that in all his kids, and some—like me—picked it up more than others (really, the only thing I really spend much money on is books). So I've got two things I regret buying: origami paper and a piano book. I used like, 4 sheets of the 20 in the box, and I quickly advanced out of the piano book.

7. How many houses have you lived in?

Like, as a visit or as in, lived lived? Assuming this means that I actually dwelt in this house for more than five days . . . one. One house. I know, another boring answer, buuuut it's true. And I love this house. ;)

8. What is the item that you most regret getting rid of?

Um . . . I honestly can't think of anything...except my siblings and I got so upset at my grandma for getting rid of our favorite toy. (I mean, it was for little kids, and we were too old for it. But still.) Yeah, I know, it technically doesn't answer the question, but hey, it'll work.

9. Who is your favorite author?

Uggghhh . . . why must these be so HARD?! I'll give you two, because I really don't have just ONE favorite—the struggle is real, y'all. Jeff Strueker and Susan K. Marlow. Now, I've got SO MANY favorite authors, but these two take the cake. (And yeah, I'll probably read this post later and think, why didn't I mention THAT AUTHOR?? But it's okay, I like these two.)

10. Do your siblings stalk your blog and discover who comments on it before you do? (mine do) ;)

Sometimes, actually. But I get email notifications for each one, so usually I catch them before my siblings. But yes, they often check my blog for comments, especially if it's a post they really like.

Brooklyne's questions:

1. What is one thing that makes you sparkle? (what you get excited about...)

Okay, I'm going to sound contradictory and say people. Because while I'm an introvert (an introvert that plays extrovert to make people comfortable, so if you ever meet me and I'm super bubbly, it probably means I'm trying to make the conversation less awkward), I still do need people. I love camaraderie, I love being a part of a group. I don't really like always being the quiet person that gets ignored, but I definitely don't like being the center of attention.

2. After a long day, would you rather watch a movie with your family or read a good book?

Oh, goodness, I guess it depends. Sometimes all I want to do is shut myself away from people and just read. But, other times, I want to laugh my head off with my siblings and watch a movie with everyone.

3. Have you ever tried writing backwards or upside down? Or both at the same time? 

Actually, yes. Backwards for sure. Upside down? I think so . . . both? Don't remember, actually. It's been awhile. ;)

4. What is one sport that you are really good at?

Well, I'm not really good at sports, but I've grown up playing football with the guys, so I'm not too bad at it. I can throw, I can catch, and I can punt. Tackling depends on the person. *smirks*

Actually, now that I think about it, I'm a pretty fair roller skater. ;) I mean, I'm not too bad at bowling either, but that doesn't really seem like a sport to me . . .

5. What is one sport that you better sit out on?...or else things could be disastrous.

Baseball. I love watching it, but honestly, I'm pretty awful. And not knowing all the rules really makes it more difficult.

6. What is one book that you could read over and over again and never tire of it? And what makes that book so memorable?

Punchinello and the Most Marvelous Gift by Max Lucado. It's a children's book, but when I was younger, each of us children could pick a book for our parents to read to us. Kordell and I both always picked this one, and we just loved it so much. I still love reading it!

7. What is a life lesson that God has taught you through a difficult time in your life? 

People are not gods. You can't depend on others for things which they were never created. Your fulfillment comes through Christ, and when you put your trust in anything less than God—especially people—you're gonna end up lonely and confused. Never forget the One who created and loves you, y'all.

8. What is a book in the Bible that you rarely ever read? 

Song of Solomon. Need I say more? ;)

9. What do you love about blogging?

I love interacting with others, and having my little corner of the world. Yes, y'all, even if I never take the time to reply, I read each and every comment, and I appreciate y'all's support. <3

10. And a fun one, if you could create a dessert that has never been made before, what would you create?

I don't know . . . something chocolate. *scratches head* OH! This has probably been made before, but like, a layered shortbread cake with chocolate ganache and strawberries between each layer, and on top, and smothered in whipped cream. *heart eyes*

If you actually read all that, well done! I'm impressed. ;)

I tag: Livi, Tabby Anne, Faith G., Rebekah A., and Hosanna.

Your questions:

1. What is one thing that make you sparkle? (Something that you get excited about)

2. What is your favorite musical instrument?

3. If you could visit any place in the world, where would you go?

4. What is your 'theme song'? (This could be an all-time favorite, or a song that describes your situation)

5. What's your favorite thing about blogging?

6. Of all of your hobbies, what is your favorite and how did you get started on it?

7. Who is your favorite author, and which of their books is your favorite?

8. Which is your favorite book of the Bible, and why?

9. Which of the four seasons best describes your personality?

10. What is one thing that God has taught you recently?

You Might Be a Farmer's Daughter If...{Spring Edition}

Wow, it's been a long time since I've done one of these posts. About time I wrote another!

You might be a farmer's daughter if . . .

. . . rather than everything smelling fresh, spring rains make your yard smell like manure. Very wet manure.

. . . when you hear the words "it's time to start planting corn," you know the relaxed, slow days of the year are gone until winter. (That lil' thing called Summer Vacation? Yeah, we don't do that)

. . . driving in the dark and seeing fire on the horizon isn't horrifying—it's beautiful, and that means pastures are being burned so that fresh, clean growth can spring up. (pun unintended, but you can go ahead and laugh.)

. . . trucks & trailers are a common sight on the road outside your house, hauling cattle out to the pasture.

. . . the perfect place to read is outside with a breeze that doesn't tear your pages.

. . . nearly half of the meals you cook need to be taken outside.

. . . sometimes you think summer has arrived because it's just as hot and busy.

. . . the end of school is bittersweet because on one hand, YAY SCHOOL IS OVER, but on the other hand, days are getting suuuuper busy.

. . . baby animals are one of the best things about spring.

Could you relate to any of these? ;)
(Also how's that for entertaining, Chowboy?)

Family Diversity {feat. Kara}

GUYS SPRING IS FINALLY HERE. Kansas has been clinging to Winter for far too long, and I was beginning to thing that we'd skip Spring altogether and jump right to Summer! But joy of all joys, it's here and I'm so happy about it.

So yeah, after that random intro about Spring's arrival (YAY! Have I mentioned that I'm so glad it's here?!), I will now introduce my little sister, whom you might remember from the ridiculous post I did with her last. We're hopping in as a part of Brooklyne's Family Forever Month.

Heya, Squirt (nope, only I'm allowed to call her Squirt, 'kay? You, fabulous people, may call her Kara)!

Hello Kiki

...Wow, it's been awhile since that nickname has been used. And actually, that's a good transition to our topic today: family diversity. Every family is different and unique. Some families are tall, some are short, some like sports, some like sushi . . . but diversity within the families is what really makes things interesting. Like nicknames, for example.

Ohhh I get it, like your annoying and I'm perfect right? *Halo* ... Ok uhh... Don't answer that

. . . I never know what's going to come out of your mind. And no, that's not what I mean (does that even deserve a response?). Such as . . . you're Squirt and I'm, well, Kiki, as you said. Or, as Kordell likes to call me, Pugs (I don't even know why).
There's also other ways that we're different. Such as, even though we're twins, Kordell hates reading (except Hank the Cowdog, ugh) and loves pretty much any animal, whereas I love reading (never would've guessed, would ya?), yet I'm not as much of an animal person.

Man, you sure are talking a lot for the quiet one of the family... talking is my job. But I get your point... Like I'm super extraverted and you super introverted. So much for introverts not talking a lot *Smirks deviously*

Hey, this is my blog. Of course I'm gonna talk a lot. I'm supposed to talk a lot. Besides, like I said in my post about introverts, just because I'm an introvert doesn't mean I don't like to talk. It just means that I generally don't talk a lot around people I don't know very well. Besides, you still talk twice as much as me. Ask our family.
But, I mean, talking online is a whole different ball game.

Hey hey hey, as I said earlier that's my job. And wait a minute I just realized, all those times you say, "I have nothing to say to that." or "I'm speechless." it's not because you're an introvert?! WOW!

Oh heavens no. Usually you just do render me speechless, regardless of my personality.

I tend to have that effect on people... I just take their breath away! 

Yeah, something like that. Anyway, moving on . . .
You and I both love reading. That's one thing we have in common. I, however, loved reading as soon as I learned how, and I love intense books or feelsy books (yeah . . . two different extremes, I suppose. Depends on my mood). It took me years, though, to get you into reading, and now all you want to read about is horses.

That's because not much else is worth reading *halo* and it wasn't you that got me into reading, it was myself. 

Those . . . those be fightin' words. And yes, I most certainly did! But I'll let it slide . . . for now.

We are also alike in that we like writing, but you like killing characters. I on the other hand, like resurrecting them

WHAT! I do not kill them! I only maim them . . . a little . . . but I've only killed one or two out of dozens, maybe even hundreds!

Yeah I guess... BUT STILL I only almost kill them, you make sure you get the job done

Again, I've only killed one or two. And that was yearssss ago. I'm nice to my characters now. So far.

Maybe, but I can see it in your eye, your planning another assassination 

. . . all you see in my eyes are pupils.

Actually I see some pond scum color in the center, a really cold almost white icy blue in the middle, actually it's almost a grayish color, then on the outside you have kind of almost a metallic looking deep grayish dark blue

Wow, I've never heard my eyes described in such detail. And I've never been quite so . . . creeped out by a person studying my eye from an inch away.

Author is as author does... Sometimes you need to get up close to what your doing research about (no I am not officially an author, sorry I know you were all wanting my autograph)

Good grief, Squirt, I think we need to start talking about something else.
Music! That's a good topic. We tend to have very different tastes in music. I love bluegrass (I looooove instrumentals), I don't really like country music (yeah, I know, a farmer's daughter in the country that doesn't actually like country music . . . ), and my favorite singing group is The Ball Brothers. But, I mean, I love Celtic music as well (bagpipes, y'all!), and gospel (Gaithers, anyone??), and . . . yeah. I kinda love music. A lot.

I mostly go for worded music. Andy Leftwich, 2CELLOS, and the Piano Guys [epiiiiic choices, though you should really add Craig Duncan in there . . . ] are about the only instrumentalist I really like, (although non worded soundtracks [YES LIKE MOVIE SOUNDTRACKSSSS] are amazing) Country music (specifically Country Christian) is AMAZING!!!! And I really like a lot of modern Christian music, and a lot of doo-wop. Some of my favorite bands (I have most likely only heard a few from each band) are Home Free, The Gaithers, For King and Country, Crowder, Alan Jackson, Steven Curtis Chapman, Danny Gokey, Aaron Watson, Alabama, MercyMe, Josh Turner, Rescue, and some TobyMac, the Flying W. Wranglers, and the Statler Brothers. *Currently dancing to Home Free*

. . . good grief. You have a lot of favorites. I mean, I do too, but still. I'll leave my list alone on the about me page, thanks.

Sadly, you don't have an about me page for me... so I have to say them all on here, isn't that right peeps?

Um, sure. But anyway, I'm not a huge fan of any of your favorite bands, Josh Turner (one of the very few country singers [and the best bass ever, along with Tim Foust from Home Free] that I like), the Gaithers, and Rescue being exceptions. If only you liked The Ball Brothers. *sigh*

So, all this to say . . . diversity within families can run rampant. But you know what? God made us that way. Pretty genius, huh? I mean, imagine if we both loved TobyMac! *makes face* I'll take my Ball Brothers playlist, thanks. So we praise God that He made us different, and we try to get along in the meantime. ;)

Eeek, you can have your Ball Brothers, they're too jazzy for me they only have two songs I like. (one's their only countryish song of course!) But yes God made us all unique, just ask my siblings, I'm living proof of that! ;D

Mhmm. Definitely. So, to borrow VeggieTales' words . . . God made you special, and He loves you very much. G'byyyyyye!

Things to Understand About Introverts

Sometimes, introverts come across as rude or condescending. Sometimes even boring or stuck up. But the truth? Well . . . let's explore some things, shall we? Being an introvert myself, I can assure you that sometimes even just the thought of talking to people can make introverts shake in their boots.

So first of all, when we stare at the floor or keep quiet during a group's conversation, there's probably one of four things going through our heads: 1) we don't feel like we have anything intelligent to add to the conversation and we just feel stupid if we open our mouths, 2) we feel rude if we butt into the conversation, 3) we don't want attention, or 4) we're tired and want to go home.

If an introvert acts like they want to go home, do not take it personally. It's not that they don't like you—it's just because introverts get utterly exhausted by people, and in order to keep from becoming grumpy and trollish, we have to go home and sit in silence for about 18028 hours (sliiiight exaggeration, I guess. Maybe.) to recharge and be ready to face the world once more. Again, it's not personal. Sometimes we even get tired of ourselves.

If an introvert stiffens when you give them a hug, again, do not take it personally. Well, I mean, if they just don't like you, that could be the case, but sometimes introverts just really, really like their personal space, and they don't like it invaded. I personally love hugs (not sure if I'm in the minority here), but some people don't. And getting hug after hug from someone I don't know well? Ehh . . .

If you meet an introvert online before you meet them in person, you may be kinda shocked at how quiet they can be in person as opposed to online. Do they have two personalities? No! Now, I can't speak for all introverts, obviously, but in my personal experience, if an introvert acts like an extrovert online, it's because we really feel more comfortable being ourselves when people aren't right there staring at us.

*gasp* Introverts are bubbly on the inside?

Actually, sometimes, yes. It's just a lot harder for us to open up and be ourselves face-to-face with real people. So when we act bubbly online as opposed to in person, it's often because we feel so much more confident when people can't actually see us. If that even makes sense.

So, sometimes when we seem to be super stuck-up or condescending, it's not because we actually are (I mean, sometimes, maybe, I guess, but everyone has their moments . . . ). We just feel really uncomfortable and out of our comfort zones, and don't know what to say, do or act. We feel conspicuous just by sneezing in a crowd. So next time you spend time with an introvert . . . be patient, 'kay?

Well, I hope that gave you a bit of insight into why we introverts are the way we are. Introverts: can you relate? Extroverts: does this help you understand us a bit more? ;)

The Rising Authors Tag Revisited

Back in the day, I was tagged to do the Rising Author's Tag (you can see it here). Wow... reading through it recently, I realized how differently my writing style/habits have changed. So, I thought it might make a fun post to redo the tag, having both the old answers, and the new.

What's your favorite writing style? 

Old answer: Hmm… probably 3rd-person. And some 1st person.

New answer: Wow . . . since writing Beloved, I've grown to love 1st person. Yet I also love 3rd person. So, there's really not just one answer to this.

Where's do you usually sit to write? 

Old answer: Anywhere—the dining room, schoolroom, kitchen, etc. I'm not picky. I'm currently on the patio. :D

New answer: Still the same, haha! I mostly prefer the kitchen table, though, or an easy chair with a lap desk.

If you write for long periods of time, does it bother your fingers/wrists/hands?

Old answer: UGH, yes.  Mostly my wrists, but my hands get writer's cramp too.  Which really doesn't help at all with school. ;)

New answer: Mhmmmm. It's awful.

Do you snack while you write? If so, what's your favorite snack?

Old answer: Every once in awhile.  But when I do, I just LOVE Cheese-It's and Mediterranean Herb Pita crackers.  (Yes people, I am VERY specific.) ;)

New answer: Um actually, I probably snack even less than I used to. But yeah, my favorite snacks are probably still the same. If you add strawberry Twizzlers to the mix.

Are you published? If so, best publishing advice you've received? If not, do you want to be? 

Old answer: Nope.  And… I don't really know.  I think it would be fun to be published, but… it's not a priority.

New answer: Pretty sure y'all know the answer to this one! ;)

Writing/publishing wise, where do you see yourself in five years? Ten years? 

Old answer: Umm… I really have no idea. ;P  Maybe still just sharing my stories with my friends?  Or maybe even posting them… ;)

New answer: Well, having Beloved published, obviously . . . but in five years? I really don't see myself publishing again anytime soon. In ten years? That's up to God, folks.

Do you listen to music while you write? 

Old answer: Not often.  I get distracted REALLY easily.

New answer: Hahahaaaaa, yeah, things have changed. I listen to music all. the. time. while I write.

What's your opinion of editing? 

Old answer: Well, I know several people who would say, "I HATE it!!", but I really can't say as I dislike it that much.  Of course, I haven't really edited enough to be sure. :P

New answer: It . . . has it's place. I enjoy it, when there's nothing major I have to change. If there's a lot of research to be done, I'll always be nervous that I've got the facts wrong, which makes the editing process more difficult.

Do you enjoy research? 

Old answer: Yes, I do; at least, when it comes to writing.  For school, not so much. ;P

New answer: My opinion of it is dwindling . . . much like I said in the last answer, I'm always scared that I don't have my facts right.

Do you fiddle with the font style and size of your works? 

Old answer: Nope.  Maybe the title, but… I've never tried it with everything else.

New answer: Some, yeah. I like to make my font super small, then after I've written for what seems like forever and it doesn't look like a whole lot, I change it to 'normal' size and see just how many pages I've written. ;)

And lastly, what's your thoughts on writerly tags? B-) 

Old answer: I love them.  That's all there is to it. B-)

New answer: I like 'em.

150-word story-snippet request: Can I see a piece of your writing? 

Old answer: Absolutely! :D  This is an excerpt from a story I wrote called Katie's War:

Mom looked up in surprise.  “Katie, I thought you were doing homework in your room.”
“I finished it.  Now, what does the telegram say?”
Mom slowly opened the telegram, unfolded the paper inside, and her face blanched.  “I-I have to sit down,” she said faintly.
Katie’s eyes widened with fright.  Something’s happened.  Dad or Jerry are dead.  Oh, God, please, no, no!  She squeezed her eyes shut to keep the tears in, placing her hand on the back of her mother’s chair.  “Shall I get Joey?”  
Mom nodded absently.  “I believe he’s in the backyard studying.”
Katie walked quickly through the house and opened the backdoor.  “Joey,” she called.
Josiah looked up with a smile that quickly vanished at the look on Katie’s face.  “What’s wrong, Kate?”
Katie bit her lip and swallowed hard.  “We... just got a telegram.  Mom didn’t tell me what it says, but Joey, a telegram…”

New answer: Mmkay, if you insist. This is from, you guessed it . . . Beloved.

I stop at a corner, waiting to cross, reaching the curb just before a woman and her little girl. The mother glances at me, narrows her eyes, and grabs her daughter’s hand. When the light turns green, she rushes ahead of me, adding credence to my theory that everyone is bigoted against anyone different from themselves.

My feet move almost without my bidding. Down the street, walking, walking . . . always walking. Never looking back. Crossing streets, dodging thieves. Not that I have anything worth stealing anyway. A person with no one to love, and no one to love them, isn’t worth anything to anybody.

Believe me, I know.

Well, I hope that my writing has improved some . . .

******

Well, how was that peek into my writing life? I hope you enjoyed my humiliation . . .