THE END

First things first....My first 250 words are up for critique on Shelley Watters blog. I'd love it if you hopped over there and gave HONEST feed back. Not looking for praise, just good, hard critiquing :) 

Okay peeps, I'm back! I am sooo sorry I have been such a horrible blogger. I was sick for a month! That's right, 4 weeks of not being able to keep in more than a few hundred calories. And no there is no baby brewing. The x-ray machine has been broke for 2 weeks at my docs, but as soon as we can get that squared away we might can figure out this stomach stuff. I'm thinking it's one of those organs that you have no clue what it does until it quits working...like my gallbladder or pancreas. But time will tell. I'm really not worried, the worst it could be is that I need to have something removed...honestly it is no big deal for me. I just wanted you to know I'm not being a hermit...I just haven't been very well lately. As for now I have actually been able to eat for a week without wanting to vomit. Which means I have finally been able to work. AND.....DRUM ROLL PLEASE.......

I HAVE FINALLY COMPLETED MY FIRST NOVEL!!!! That's right. I have started a few novels that weren't worth finishing. And I have written a million short stories and poems, but this is my first, completed, full-length novel that I got to write---THE END at the bottom of!!!Yippee!

So I really didn't have some special post, I'm just excited to be done.

But I have been wondering...What was the book that turned you into a reader/ writer? Most of us probably began as a reader, falling in love with stories and then became a writer. But maybe it was the other way around for you. For me, my first love was, The Bridge to Terabithia.

I lived and breathed the story with every word. I was eleven and I WAS Leslie and totally in love with the Jess. I cried when I died :) 

So what was your first love?

My second love was Hatchet (age 11)....hmmm, maybe I write from a male pov, because those were my first loves....

Just one of THOSE days

Here's the scenario:

I am wrapping up my wip, editing and implementing my cp's suggestions and I hear of a contest. I figure what the hey, I'll be done in a day or two, so why not enter? By the time the contest is up and running, my ms will be done.

The cupid contest, if you don't already know, says they will accept the first 200 emails then 5 judges will select 50 of those to go through to the agent round. So I cut and paste, and triple check everything to make sure it's gold, then click send. A few minutes later I have a 'congrats your email is in the 200' reply. "Awesome!"

So now I sit and wait.  And while I wait I'm steady editing and critiquing, doing all I can to stay busy. But every few hours I can't help but check my email for that awaited 'congrats you're in the top 50' reply. But it's not there, so I think, well maybe I didn't make top 50 and they've posted the 'victims' on Cupid. (that's what cupid is calling them) So I hop on over and 'pshew' they haven't posted anything yet.

So it's back to work for a few more hours, until I can't stand it anymore and have to check my email, then when that's blank I stalk cupid. Ugh...I hate that there isn't a specific date of 'top 50 will be posted on this day'.                          


                                          A girl can go crazy you know.

Yeah I'm sure you know. I mean...anyone with a query out there has probably done this sort of thing. And then, when your email is blank you get the...Do I suck? Am I a horrible writer whose email was trashed after a few sentences with a 'what a mess' snicker from the poor soul having to endure my jumbled words?

Those writer blues will get ya every time.  Those moments of doubt when you think, Am I chasing a hopeless dream?

I think as a writer I am cursed with being a bit overdramtic.  I try to at least protect the world from my *swoons* and *screams*, but you can rest assure I am doing them, in my head.  Sorry if you came for inspiration and words of wisdom. None today. Just the ramblings of an over-dramatic, head swooner, plagued with doubt. (not the permanent kind, just the unpredictable doubt that sneaks up and puts you in a choke hold....I'll wiggle free in just a bit:)

WIP THE MOVIE- I have cast my main characters...come check them out :)

Who-hoo! How fun. The wonderful ladies Kyra and Rachel are co-hosting a fun bloghop. 
I get to cast the lead characters in my WIP for their staring role in the blockbuster hit Unyielding.  And then I get to pick a song to sum up the story. NO PROBLEM! I've already casted my characters in my head, so each time they pop up in my story I can see them clearly and how they would act/react to each situation. (I have a photographic memory, so that probably helps:) So let's get started.


My MC was hard to cast as a teen.  My original book started with him as an adult, then I decided that story should be a book 2 and I went back 20 years for book 1. Djimon Hounsou was the adult...this was the closest I could find to his teen counterpart.

Everyone meet Gabe. Age seventeen.  Tall, thin, clumsy and hot tempered. A vigorous training routine whips him into shape though.  He is a friend for life, and will fight till the end for the ones he loves.  You don't want to be on the wrong side with him. He is an unyielding force. (I have no idea who this kid is...there was no one in hollywood that fit Gabe, I found this pic on a fantasy photo website)

                      

Next is Rhet.  He's everything you love in a person.    Compassionate, selfless, strong...oh and super powerful. He does have a few secrets though that might surprise you.  (Logan Lerman)

Now for the supporting cast. Maria is tough as nails, best swords(wo)man around.  She has a soft spot for orphans and has taken these wayward misfits under her wing; her only weakness- them. (Catherine Zeta-Jones)

Next is her niece Delilah. A bit cold hearted but her and Gabe become quick friends. She is as fierce as her aunt. Ruthless. (no idea, just a character from a picture found online)

Then there is Steve. He's your class clown kind of character. A little annoying at times, but he's got a heart of gold and a joke to lighten every mood. (Jason Dolley)

And I have to introduce you to Steve's best friend Kid.  Kid hasn't aged past 10, or so...but if you ask him, he's older than 100.  (He's from another planet as many of these characters are) Kid is the biggest jerk you ever met in true Jersey style. Loud and mouthy with a comeback for anything. He doesn't give an inch and if you even look at him wrong he's all over you like a squirrel on crack. Yet somehow he's one of the good guys....I think. (sorry I couldn't find a better pic...I'll keep looking)

And Gabe's love interest is Nuri. Quiet, and mysterious.... (no idea)

My villain is Samael.  Cunning and manipulative....he loves to think he's the good guy. (Val Kilmer)

Then there's Dillon.  He's Samael's right hand man, but he develops a friendship with Rhet....two polar opposites, Rhet is pure good, Dillon is evil....their friendship is a problem. (Jim Caviezel)

And now for the song..... I literally listen to this song for inspiration.

So there you have it.

Amber

Here's another 'mommy why' poem of mine about being in a wheelchair

Well, I figured while I was at it, I'd share my other mommy why poem. This one was inspired by my friend Cheryl and her spunky daughter Summer. 

After writing my first mommy why I sat back and thought, this would be so limited. If I ever did share it, so few girls would relate to this (brown curly hair, freckles and blue eyes). I then got the idea to do a series of "mommy why's" answering difficult questions our children may ask- but in a way that shows a mother's love as well as God's love. I instantly thought of my friend Cheryl and her five year old daughter Summer. Summer was born with Spina Bifida and can't feel from her lower back down.  I wrote this for them.

I love this picture because to me it shows a unique-stand out from the crowd take on being in a wheelchair just like the poem I wrote.

“Mommy why”

“Mommy why am I in a wheelchair?

And why do my legs not move?

All of the other kids get to run and play.

Why can’t I do what they can do?

It’s just not fair that I am this way.

It makes me want to cry.

Why can’t I be like everyone else?

Please mommy, can you please tell me why?”

“Oh, you ask me such easy questions.

Come with me while we sit and talk.

Did you know that God picked you specifically?

God chose for you not to walk.

He knew you were so very special,

that a normal life just would not do.

So, God formed you perfectly in his image,

and then he chose me for you.

He placed you in my womb,

because he knew we were a perfect pair.

And you have brought so much joy into my life.

To me you are more important than air.

Yeah, those other kids can run,

but they don’t have a spirit like you do.

You are strong and such a great leader,

that those other kids all look up to you.

They can’t race down a hill on wheels,

or hit a ball and roll to first base.

They can only go as fast as their legs allow.

You could surely beat them in any race.

And let’s not even mention your arms,

because if you flex your muscles they all might run.

You are surely the strongest kid out here.

And you are definitely the most fun.

Now, I don’t know all of God’s plans,

but I do know he always has one.

For he loves us so very much,

that he sent us his one and only son.

Your life may not always be easy,

but I know that God has big plans for you.

For you are so very special,

that an ordinary life just would not do.”

Written by: Amber Mauldin

Here's a poem I wrote titled "Mommy Why"

Okay. I was feeling a little inspired today, so I thought I'd share one of my poems. I wrote this a few months back. (And yes, the syllables are off, but this was for my daughter so I wrote from the heart- not my fingers counting each syllable :)

                                   Here's what inspired it

I constantly am plagued with pity for the women who weren't told they're beautiful as a child.  I spot them everywhere. Perfect strangers, whose inner turmoil I can see a mile away. They've got on jeans so tight they can't walk, with heels taller than my foot is long, WALKING THROUGH THE GROCERY STORE. You know the one's....skin so orange they look like they slept in a Doritos bag, and yellow hair that couldn't possibly have a name because it's 'one of a kind' to pair perfectly with their orange skin.  I just want to give them a hug- followed by a make-over to enhance their natural beauty- not bury it.

I have an eighteen month old daughter who I tell daily how wonderful she is.  Her response is usually a grunt, with a 'get off me mommy- I know already' shove away. But one day she won't just accept she is beautiful, she will NEED TO HEAR WHY.  And it is my job as a mother to embrace my children for WHO THEY ARE, and encourage them to be that person- not me, not the woman in the magazine, and not the cracked out- hasn't eaten in a month- movie star.  So here is a poem I wrote for my daughter, for when she comes to me one day to complain about the way she looks. (Which is so beautiful by the way. Have you seen my pictures?)

“Mommy why”

“Mommy, why do I have freckles on my face?

And why is my hair so curly and dark?

I wish I had straight, blonde hair.

And that my face didn’t have a single mark.

The other girls are much prettier than I am.

And they laugh at me when I walk by.

Why do I have to look this way?

Please mommy, can you please tell me why?”

“What an easy question you ask me.

Why don’t we go take a look in the mirror?

I want to make sure that you see what I see,

Hopefully I can help make this clearer.

To you your hair is dark and curly.

But to me, I see hair dancing in the wind.

It is full of body and bounce.

And the dark color goes perfectly with your skin.

And don’t even get me started on your freckles.

Silly girl why can’t you just see?

God made you beautiful and in his image.

You couldn’t be any prettier to me.

All of these freckles upon your face,

are when God gave kisses to you.

Then he placed every hair on your head,

and he put you in my womb.

God made you beautiful and unique.

There is no one in the world like you.

And how could you forget about your eyes?

They are the most brilliant blue.

I love how they sparkle in the sun.

And when your mouth smiles so do your eyes.

God made you exactly how he wanted.

And believe me, God doesn’t compromise.

So listen to me when I tell you,

that you are so very beautiful to me.

There is no one else quite like you

For when God made you, he made you perfectly.”

Written by: Amber Mauldin

My hands tell the story- Plus some questions and tags

Okay. So, I'm like 1 stinking day away from completing my ms- then I will have the never ending editing to begin. I freaking can't wait to get to the end of my story, partially because I'm dying to know what happens! Yeah, you read that right. I know who will live or die in the last couple of chapters, but all of the details seem to come out when I'm writing.  It seems like my fingers know the story before my head does. Am I crazy?  Is anyone else in this same boat? I swear sometimes I look back over a chapter the next day and think, did I really write that?  Typically it's a good reaction, so I guess I don't mind if my fingers take the wheel, as long as they deliver something *insert lost boy from 'hook' screaming* BANG-ER-AYE! Okay, so enough rantings and onto some fun questions and tags :)

I received the 'sunshine' award from JADE.  Let me just say she is the best!  I love her drive.  This girl has written a dinamite ms, over 90k words, in 2 months!  Also what I admire about her so much is she doesn't let any weaknesses hold her back.  If she doesn't understand something, give her a day- she'll be teaching you by tomorrow.  She is a go getter- self educating woman who will not be stopped!!  *FIST PUMPS FOR JADE* 

Now, I usually don't tag other people, I'm just kind of lazy in that area. Plus I don't want anyone to feel obligated to do this if they are busy, but today I think I will (but you don't have to unless you want :).

So here are the questions with my answers. The tags will follow.

1. Favorite color: Blue- as a small child I was convinced I should have been born a mermaid. When I finally gave in and accepted that mermaids didn't exist, well...then I was just convinced I should have been a dolphin. I feel alive in the water!
2. Favorite animal: If I were a mermaid I would surely pick dolphins, but alas, since I am a land dweller, I'm going to say my favorite animal is a dog. (specifically Boston Terriers- love my pup) Best human companions!  
3. Favorite number: Uhhh, I have no clue! I place no value in luck- so I'm going to go with 4. Just seems like a happy number :)
4. Favorite non-alcoholic drink: Coke- and none of that diet mess. Give me the sugar- the calories- the caffeine- and the chest full of gas that I'm belching afterwards. 
5. Facebook or Twitter: Can I pick blogger? I don't know any of my blogging friends outside of the blogging community (except for my cp) and yet I get more love and support from you strangers than my personal friends and family on fb. (aww, I <3 you guys) I have never tried twitter, but I am going to learn, so I can stalk agents secretly and learn all of their likes and dis-likes.
6. My passion: That's easy- Jesus. My earthly passions are my children, writing, and missions.
7. Getting or giving presents: Giving. Without hesitation! My hubby and I are going through 'the 5 love languages' and we both scored 0 in the receiving 'gifts' category- which means we don't want to be loved with gifts :)
8. Favorite pattern: Ummm, I have no clue. The one that comes to mind is paisley just because my favorite bathing suit is paisley. I'm typically a solid kind of girl :)
9. Favorite day of the week: Friday
10. Favorite flower: Hibiscus (I have a large tattoo of one on my back) -I plan on getting a vine with a different colored hibiscus for each of my kids and my husband across my foot.

                      Okay, now for the next tag. I'm curious to see what this one is.

So here are the rules:

1. Go to page 77 of your current WiP
2. Go to line 7
3. Copy down the next seven lines or paragraphs and post them as they're written (I cheated and edited mine. I rush through my first draft so it can be messy. I didn't change any of the core, just took out some 'and's', and switched some commas and periods :) 

Here's a clip from my wip 'Unyielding'

“Okay then.”  Maria turned to Samantha.  “If it's alright with you, I’ve got a few chores for Gabe.”

Samantha’s brows rose.  “Please do.  I think some responsibilities will be good.” 

“I agree,” Josh interjected as he stood and picked Kyla up, cradling her on his side.  Kyla’s skin was the polar opposite of Josh’s, but like ying and yang they belonged together. She may not have been blood, but fate had made her his daughter. 

Maria nodded. She turned to Kid.  “You and Gabe will go to the forest and catch us some lunch.”

Kid’s shoulders slumped. Without looking back he moaned, “I’ll go get the weapons.”

Okay, my choices for tags are some followers I haven't gotten to know very well.

accidentalwriter- I think his name is Jeff, though I really couldn't find an name on the blog.
DAVID
Far away series

 Thanks for reading everyone :)

Amber

Bittersweet blog

I wanted to help spread the news.  A young blogger is getting out there with her first contest.  All you have to do is sign up, and the winner will be selected at the end of March.  The prize is a 50 page critique, so hop on over and give her some love :)   Bittersweet

Tagged by Donna- some random questions and answers :)

Okay, I know I have been M.I.A, but I was on a much needed vacation. Now I'm back and slowly getting my land legs back.  The wonderful DONNA has tagged me in a questionnaire to get to know me better, and I eagerly agreed.  I think it is wonderful how much support there is in the blog sphere and I enjoy getting to know each of you on a more personal level. So here's a bit about me :)

Question #1:Who is your favorite fictional character, and why?
Hmmmm, great question!! There are so many, it really is hard for me to choose, so I will tell you my favorite fictional heartthrob.  It has to be Jacob from the twilight series-and not the one from the movie, though he is smoking hot- I loved the character from the book. I was screaming at Bella for not picking him.  I get it, she has to follow her heart, but I would have surely picked me that sweet wolf boy :)

Question # 2: How do you come up with the names for your own characters?Sometimes I google a foreign word that sums up them or their ability. Example- Nuri is a character in my book who can spew fire. Well I found a foreign word for fire that was something like Nuria- I think, and I liked it, so Nuri it is.  Other names are picked straight from the bible/ old Hebrew. Such as Samael which is an ancient/ alter name for satan, and Gabriyel who was angel mentioned several times in the bible. Samael is my villain and Gabe is my hero. Rhet Jussics- who is my supporting mc is Jesus Christ rearranged (took me a few hours of letter playing to come up with that one :) So I do put much thought into each and every name, and some of them were changed to better suit the character as the story went on.

Question #3: What book would you pass up, even if it was offered for free?Oooh, hmmm. toughie. I love to read, and I love to read all kinds of genres.  I enjoy seeing the different writing styles and plot weaving. Hmmm, I guess the only thing I would actually say, 'no thank you to' would have to be religious books that aren't Christian. - Now I'm not talking about fiction, b/c I love it all, Harry Potter, Twilight, currently I'm loving a Hindu fiction- I'm talking about 'real' religious books meant to teach and convert.- That would be a definite 'no thank you.'

Question #4: Do you listen to music while you write?  If so, what is on your playlist?Typically I don't, I prefer silence. But my husband did turn me on to 'Knights of Cydonia' by Muse. I play that over and over whenever I am writing an intense battle scene. If my book is ever made into a movie, I will demand this song be in it! :) - not that they would care about my demands or anything :-D haha

Question #5: Do you have to make time to write, or have a set schedule; and do you have any writing quirks?I am a stay at home mom, so I have a pretty routine schedule where I get to write for 2 hours while my son is in school, and then 2 more hours during nap time.  I try and squeeze in any extra time I can get with my laptop. And my writing quirk is that I must have a drink sitting next to me.  Other than that I will write wherever and whenever I can :)

Question #6: Who is you dream agent/publisher?In truth I don't know much about the agents out there-YET.  I will do my research before I query, but this will be my first time querying ya fantasy, so, sadly I am very uneducated as of yet :( (I have queried a few pb's but it seems like there are much more choices for ya fantasy) I do know Writers House is a huge one and any agent from there would be a dream.

Question #7: Do you prefer printed books or ebooks?I'm gonna have to go with printed.  I stare at a screen enough thank you.  When I read for fun I want to turn pages and fold the corners to save my place :) I do have a few ebooks that I plan on checking out though, as soon as I come up for air from my current wip.

Question #8: What is the weirdest dare you ever accepted?Oh this is awesome!  It totally brings back a slew of wonderful/ horrible, unforgettable memories! You see, there was this game I used to play called jinga wammie (I'm sure I butchered the spelling).  Anyways, it was the regular jinga, but on the bottom of every tile was a truth or dare. Now they were fairly innocent dares, but some were just plain mean.  You had to sit boy, girl, boy, girl, so when someone picked the tile that said put your neighbor's underwear on your head, or switch shirts with your neighbor- well it was hilarious.  Big hairy guys wearing my size small t-shirts.  Let's just say some clothes were ruined in the process, but all for a laugh so it was okay by me.  (We were respectful and exchanged clothes behind bathroom walls and such.) But those were the funny/ nice dares.  Some were awful- lick the bottom of your neighbor's bare foot, or drink a glass of water with spit in it ....keep in mind, it was always a guy sitting next to me, and in Florida, where it's hot- feet get stank!!! Those are the top dares that came to mind... but in all honesty, I was a bit wild, and there might be a few R-rated dares. But I will choose not to mention those publicly   8-o


Well that about sums it up :)

As I said I am so close to finished with my wip it hurts. I am desperate to wrap it up so I can begin to enter some of these fabulous blog contests! So I promise to be a better blogger in the very near future.  Thank you to anyone who took the time to read this! You all rock!!!

Amber