Official Review Of Guardian Of The Gauntlet.

Official review of Guardian OF The Gauntlet by Lenita Sheridan

The Guardian Of The Gauntlet is a story about two sisters who are thrown into a crazy situation which all started with a prince named Denir. These two princesses undergo some strange occurances, due to a mysterious gauntlet, and throughout their adventure they get to encounter even more mysterious creatures. 

In my opinion, this story shouldn't be set as a young adult novel, but instead as a children's chapter book geared toward ages 6-13. Both of my daughters enjoyed me reading it to them since the writing came off as someone telling a story vs. experiencing it. The length of the book also compliments that age group over young adults.

This is a great way to teach children to believe in themselves, and that they can do what they set their minds to. I think the basic outline was nice, and if a few things were fixed it could become a very popular book for young children. 

For me, the story could benefit greatly from a editor. There were a lot of technical mistakes, and contradicting sentences. In a story of that size, only pertinent information should be explained. There was a lot more stagnation then progress in the story. Then when there was progress, it seemed be over very quickly.

Also, I really didn't not like the promotion for another book half way through the first chapter. "If you wish to read more of ........, and now it's time to get back to the princesses and their castle." It completely broke the story in my opinion.  Again, an editor would be able to fix such things for the story to come out in the best way possible. 

I had a hard time familiarizing myself with the characters and what drove them throughout the story. They seemed almost flat, which can lead to people feeling like they are horribly shallow.  I often felt myself thinking "why" in regards to motivations. The only character development from any of them came at the very end of the book with Camari , and even then it was random. Nothing let up to her change except that she said she had for some reason. 

I believe the story has promise. It could become a beautiful story. It is in there, I read it, it just needs to be polished. In my opinion, a writer creates a story, and an editor projects it. Without both coming together this story might not reach the heights it could. 

The Official Review Of The Janus Mask

Official Review Of The Janus Mask by Richard A Knaak

Baron Mandrol is the ruler of Medecia who shows his many triumphs over his foes in the form of his death masks. His greatest rival, Vikor Falsche, is one such mask. In an attempt to showcase his triumph, Vikor was granted one last chance to finish what he started. Unfortunately for Vikor, his mask was not designed to last forever. 

For me, I was quite worried at first. The beginning  with the alchemist and the farmer, coupled with the description of the book made me assume he was going to cut someone's face off. I have read several of Mr. Knacks books and his descriptive sentences made me believe that this part would be as descriptive as it could be. My stomach was much obliged that my assumption was wrong! 

I personally enjoyed the book. It enthralled me throughout the story, and there was never a boring moment for me. I was pleasantly surprised at his ability to explain the death masks without me imagining a bloody piece of skin. It is actually nothing like that at all! My preconceptions of the book were completely wrong. The death masks were almost a tribute of sorts. Like an interpretation of that person more then their actual face. It was somewhat poetic to me.  

I would recommend this book to the fans out there that enjoy sci-if and fantasy. The action, adventure, unexpected moments, and twinge of forbidden love will make any avid reader enjoy this book. I was very happy to have this chance to review The Janus Mask. 

As always, Mr. Knaak did not disappoint with this book. 

To find this book and any others he has written go to : 

Www.richardaknaak.com

http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5369.Richard_A_Knaak

A special thanks to Mr. Knaak for the opportunity to officially review one of his amazing books. 

To my blog followers: stay tuned in the upcoming months for one last taste of what he has to offer his fans!! 

Want your book reviewed?

Welcome to the book review page for Anything Or Everything.

If you have a book you would like to have reviewed please fill out the contact form on the bottom right of the blog. Some people in the mobile version may not see it, if that is the case simply switch to the desktop view or comment below and I will get ahold of you.

You can also go to my facebook page which is available on the right side of my blog. Simply click it and follow it to facebook.

Or follow:  www.facebook.com/anythingoreverythingblog

Currently I am reading a book and have two other books in the ready to review as well. If you don't mind the wait then by all means get in touch with me.

I do not get paid to write reviews therefore they are completely, sometimes brutally, honest. Keep that in mind when you want me to review your book.

An Interview With Richard A Knaak

     Do you know World Of Warcraft, Diablo, or Legends Of The Dragonrealm? If so, then you know  New York Times Best Selling Fantasy Author, Richard A Knaak. He has written over sixty books throughout his career. Some of the more popular ones include: Six novels for Blizzard Entertainments Diablo series, ten volumes for the Warcraft universe, ten volumes of The Dragonrealm books, five Dragonlance books (as well as a few short stories), and many more. 

I was given the opportunity to interview this iconic figure in the sci-fi/fantasy community. In this interview I got to ask some of the questions that his fans have been dying to know. The best part is, this is only the first insight I am giving you. Make sure to stay tuned to find out what else is in store for Richard A Knaak fans.

Writing Questions

1. What made you start writing?

From the first moment I was able to read, I wanted to create my own stories.  I enjoyed leaping into worlds created by others, but soon began crafting new ones.  I just enjoy storytelling.

2.Do you outline your books, or do you let the story create itself as it goes?

A combination of both.  It's good to have some sort of synopsis or outline, but for the story to live, you have to let it guide you as work.  Often, it'll head in a far better direction than you intended.

3. On average, how long does it take you to write a book?

It varies from a few months to a year, usually.  Depends on the project and whether it's one of my stories or written for someone else.

4. Besides your upcoming book, Black City Saint, are you currently working on anything else?

My latest Dragonrealm novel  --- The Horned Blade --- is just out.  I'm working on a new Pathfinder novel, more Dragonrealm, plotting a possible sequel to Black City Saint, and other things I can't mention at this time.

Book Questions

1. What inspired your novel Black City Saint, which is coming out March 2016?

I've always been fascinated by the legend of St. George and the Dragon and as someone who grew up near Chicago, I was also very familiar with the era of Al Capone and Prohibition.  At some point, the two interests crossed and I began putting together the story.

2. Can You give us a small hint on what we can expect from Black City Saint?

Nick Medea plays ghostbuster in 1920s Chicago, but he is in reality the reluctant guardian of the gateway between the mortal plane and Feirie.  That means making certain that elements from both sides of the gateway --- especially the Wyld, the worst of the Feiriefolk --- do not upset the balance and bring both worlds into jeopardy.  Of course, that in some ways is among the lesser of Nick's concerns.  There is the newest reincarnation of the woman he loves, the woman whose life he has failed to save each time she's reappeared.  There's an old evil stirring in the midst of the bootlegger wars.

And worse, there's the dragon.  The dragon Nick slew long ago, not realizing it was actually the guardian of the gateway.  The dragon he slew when he was but the Roman officer who would later be known in legend as Saint George.

But wait!  There's more...in the book. 

3.You have many world within your books, some even hold multiple worlds. Which world is your favorite?

I can't really say I have any favorites, although obviously the Dragonrealm is dear to my heart.

Why?

It was there in the beginning and has been a part of my writing throughout.  Fourteen novels and seven novellas thus far, with more on tap.

4.According to some websites, The Legends Of The Dragonrealm are your top rated books. Why do you think that is?

The Dragonrealm has really touched those readers who enjoy high fantasy.  It has a number of characters who are fan favorites, such as Darkhorse, Cabe Bedlam, The Lady of the Amber, and the Gryphon, plus the Dragon Kings, naturally.

Informative Questions

1.Do you plan on adding any more books that follow The Legend Of The Dragonrealm story line?

The third book in the Turning War, which actually deals with Cabe Bedlam's grandfather, is just out.  Now I'm working on the beginning of KNIGHTS OF THE FROST, the first in the Dragon Throne Trilogy.  This returns us to Cabe Bedlam's timeline.  It features old faces, new faces, and unexpected threats that will change the Dragonrealm.

2. How many books are there all together?

As mentioned above, 14 novels, 7 novellas.

3.Do you accept fan art on any of your sites?

It's always interesting to see art based on my work.  It's always good for readers to email me first, just in case.

4.Where can all your fans find you?

WEBSITE

www.richardaknaak.com/welcome.html

CONTACT

raknaak@sbcglobal.net

FACEBOOK

www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=246792848679824&tsid=0.3503892626196&source=typeahead

TWITTER

@RichardAKnaak

GOODREADS

www.goodreads.com/author/show/5369.Richard_A_Knaak 

AMAZON AUTHOR PAGE

www.amazon.com/Richard-A.-Knaak/e/B000AP5ZFA

Personal Questions 

1. Do you personally respond to each fan?

It's not possible, but I try to answer many.  I do read all my email, though.

2. Which book holds your favorite cover?

Too many favorites

3. Which book was your favorite to write?

Are you asking me to choose among my children?  I'll admit that beyond the Dragonrealm, I'm definitely looking forward to Black City Saint coming out.

4. What advise would your younger self if you could?

Write harder, damn it!

A big thanks to Richard A Knaak for accepting my interview, and taking the time to answer all of my questions!! 

If any of his fans have comments or questions leave them at the bottom, or follow the links above to talk to him directly. As stated before, make sure to stay tuned to this blog for more exciting information I will have on Richard A Knaak's upcoming novel- Black City Saint.

Review Of Online Book Club

I wasn't sure if this website was all I had read about. The fact was that I love to read. I also have an author friend that let me review some his books. That made me realize how much I would love to be able to review books, and even interview the authors who wrote them. That is the main reason I began to google" book reviewer" in the first place.

When I found onlinebookclub.org I was iffy to say the least. After all, I am an inspiring writer and not an official book reviewer. I learned real quick that almost everyone who posts on the forums aren't official book reviewers so to speak. They are regular people who have a love for reading and enjoy writing their opinions on said books.

After a little while I reviewed my first book-Holding Fire. I was nervous about the whole thing. I was hoping that after the first review I might actually be able to be paid to review more books. It wasn't until I read the entire website through that I realized it goes by a certain score.

This score is actually a brilliant idea. They don't want poorly written reviews, and they don't want anyone who isn't actively participating in their website to get money for it. They want professional standards and well written, HONEST reviews.  If I paid someone to review a book, or even get a $5-$20 book for free, I would want the same thing. Otherwise it would be a waste of money.

I am currently "up-ing" my score so I can get better access to more books. I can't wait to see what else they might have in store for me. If you have any questions, or want to know how my journey with them is going, feel free to comment below and I will get back to you.

To check them out yourself go:

onlinebookclub.org

PTSD

PTSD, (Post Traumatic Brain Disorder), holds a special place in my heart. Over the course of eight years my husband has gone through the good, the bad, and the extremely ugly parts of that condition. I can be difficult to handle it, and all the many trials that come with it.

That is why I wrote this article I am sharing at the bottom of this post. I hope it can help a lot of people the way it has helped him. There are few things that people should know about PTSD, and this article tells you what that is.

Like it, Share, it, Send it to someone who might benefit from the information.

http://www.top10listland.com/top-10-things-you-should-know-about-ptsd/

Official Review Of Holding Fire: Short Stories Of Self Destruction

 Holding fire: Short Stories Of Self Destruction

I rate this book 3 out of 4 stars

   My rate of 3 is based off the fact that the number four rating is saved for books I feel are perfect. Shakespeare, Charles Dickenson, Harper Lee, are  saved for a four star. This book got a 3 because I believe it was a very good book with very good stories.

   This book has ten short stories compiled together. Each with its own story, but all  with a common theme- self destruction. "The self destructiveness of vengeance and hate", was a contest where hundreds of writers sent in their stories in the hopes of winning. This book holds the top ten favorite stories that were hand picked by a panel of volunteer judges.

   Short stories are great for people who want to read, but don't have the time to dedicate a lot of time to do it. I know so many people who have told me that they want to read, but often leave a book half finished. The problem with that is often times they have to reread something that they let sit because they don't remember what the book was about. With a book comprised of short stories you can get to the end of the story much quicker.

   These short stories, for me, were pretty good. Most of them gave me an "ah ha!" feeling at the end.  By some twist of luck, most often the fate for another was destined for themselves. I personally like those sort of stories. It really boils down to common things we all can identify with. Stones at glass houses, reap what you sow, and treat others the way you want to be treated.

   Now not all of the stories inside the book were like that, they were just the ones I preferred over the others. Now that, again, is my personal preferences. All the stories in Holding Fire were very good, and the information after each story gave me a brief insight into the author that wrote it. You will find that you like some stories better then others as well, but that is to be expected. Everyone is as different as the stories they read.

If something like this sounds like something you might like the follow this to find it:

http://forums.onlinebookclub.org/shelves/book.php?id=11070

Letter To My Future Self-writing promp

Dear Published Author,

     I addressed this letter to published author because I am certain that at some point in the future you will be. I am determined to learn what I can in order to become what I hope to be. I am not foolish enough to believe I am as good as any of the greats, but I know eventually I might be at least good enough to  be published. My dream is to have at least one book on the New York Best Seller list, BUT I am NOT getting my hopes up.
 
     When you read this I know you will be thinking back to the day you sat in the living room during naptime. You think about hollering, and being interrupted by the latest sibling rivalry as the laundry by Tim's chair reminds you that there is other work to be done. Times like this I really wonder how I can keep my train of thought. It can be frustrating trying to remember what was in my head right before one of the kids asked me something.

     If I could picture you now, I would see a woman with a notebook and computer sitting in a coffee shop ignoring the world so she can write a whole chapter in one day! The children will all be in school, and you will get a call from your agent saying that your third book was a hit! You will smile and continue writing so you can get your work done in time to start dinner for when your family gets home.

(OKAY SO IT MAYBE A LOT OF WISHFUL THINKING HERE!)

   I don't want much in life, and thankfully Tim doesn't expect much from me. There is something special to be said about a guy who lets me try to pursue my dreams.  Especially considering I  make $0.00 unless you count the $50 a month when I do random articles for someone. He doesn't hold the lack of income against me, and he doesn't run out of patience. His support is why I know I will be published one day.

     I know I am not the perfect writer. I make mistakes, and my writing needs some work. I also know that one day that will change. The more I write the better it will get. The harder I try, the easier it will become. I will never give up on the one thing that I could do for the rest of my life. I don't just write stuff. I am a writer, and one day I will be an author.
  
    Dragon wish is going to soar! I can feel it. That story has so much potential. The story line, the romance, and the magic gets you sucked into it constantly.  No matter how many times you read, rewrite, and change it your still immersed into the book. This is your story. The story you have always pictured in your head. It will go places. Don't give up on it.

     I hope you are where you want to be in the future, but if you aren't then don't worry. You will be happy as long as you keep writing. I know I will be okay because I don't write for money or fame. I write for the stories. They deserve to be written. It makes me happy. It makes you happy.

    Sincerely,
      wanna-be writer 
   

Manipulation

You Know Who You Are,

     Your girlfriend works tirelessly to ensure she is the only one there for you. Your family is at a distance, your children are gone, and your so-called-friends are a serous let down. Have you ever sat there and wondered why that is? Does her voice ring in your head telling you she is the only one who cares? Do you feel as if you would be alone if you didn't have her? Is she REALLY the only one who gets you, or is that what she has made you believe?

     There is a word for what she has done- Manipulation. The definition- to manipulate is to control or influence  (a person, or situation) cleverly, unfairly, or unscrupulously. The definition of psychological manipulation is a type of social influence that aims to change the perception or behavior of others through underhanded, deceptive, or abusive tactics.  As an overview, there are two things that primarily contributes to psychological manipulation. Concealing aggressive intentions and behavior, and knowing the vulnerabilities of a person well  enough to know what tactics are most likely to be the most effective weapon against them. This is most often accomplished through carefully veiled and subtle acts that are not easily detected by the person.

     Manipulators often have significant disturbances of character such as little to no conscience and sensitivity. They can be deceitful, controlling, compelling, self-conscious, paranoid, enjoys a good fight, holds grudges, and are emotionally unpredictable or numb. They can use tactics similar to playing the victim, shaming, anger, denial, diversion, confusion, evasion, gaslighting (a form of psychological abuse used to manipulation events in order to confuse, and cause a person to second guess themselves and others), lies of omission ( telling the truth but withholding parts in order for something to seem other then what it was),sexual gratification, projecting the blame, loss, and rationalization mostly coupled by guilt tripping to wind up evoking sympathy. 

     As I am sure you have realized that most of that sounds familiar. The type of people they tend to prey on are people who like to see the good in everyone, people who forgive others, and who give the benefit of doubt. The core reason they prefer these people are because they can easily be forgiven using the tactics above. This ensures their place with the one they want to manipulate. When there are other people who influence the person they quickly devise ways to get rid of them. They give things (children, gifts, love, security, ect.) to a person and take it away making the person believe they alone are essential to that persons happiness.

     The more you think about everything the more you will see that you wouldn't of chosen the path you are on now. You wouldn't be where you are now. It explains why you are different when you are in jail, a place she can't get to manipulate your choices. Would you have forgiven anyone else for the things she has done? Who are you when she isn't around? Who are you when she is? Is there a difference? Truly think about it, and make your decision without her input.

     This is your life, and no one else can live it but you.You know deep down inside what she really is. The only thing that has ever stopped you from getting rid of her was because she somehow made you feel like you needed her. As if without her you would have no one, but that not at all true. You will have your entire family back, and most importantly- freedom.

     Don't let her tell you this letter is anything other then what it is. Information is all I am providing you. A true manipulator will try to discredit, or destroy this so you won't believe it. The number one thing a psychological manipulator does is convinces a person of the choice they should make without the person even knowing. Don't let her make your choice about this letter.

A Tiny Peek At My Book Dragon Wish

     " No time Rose I have been here long enough. He took his claws and began to scratch the carvings on the ceiling above him. He dug for a long while without a break until they both heard a roar above them. Rose smiled and knew it was Greylin.

      " Friend of yours?" He asked as he returned to his digging.

      Rose felt energy return to her body. She closed her eyes as her body returned to normal. The stone carvings above them were finally broken. The dragon before her closed his eyes as well, basking in the feelings of rejuvenation. She watched as vines and roots of trees grew quickly toward the ceiling to finish crumbling the stone above them. The dragon grabbed Rose with his claws and held her to his belly. He left through the hole in the ceiling, and she watched as walls collapsed around them. He roared as he burst through the top of the building and began to fly higher in the sky.

      The whiplash from the dragons quick take-off made Rose want to vomit, but she held it in. This was nothing like the ride she took on her blue dragon. This was more frightening, and so she held onto his claws for dear life as he rose farther in the sky.

      " I believe this belongs to you blue dragon." He roared capturing Greylins attention. " Be gentle friend, the humans injured her."

      He extended Rose out before him, a clear indication for Greylin to take her. Dragons can be very territorial with what they believe to be theirs. If anyone's, Rose was Greylin's. The two dragons stared for a moment, which only upset Rose more. If she slipped out of his grip, instant death for her and the unborn child would follow. She braced a foot on the bottom claw, and tried to find something more stable for her hands to grasp. His grasp was the only thing Rose had around her. It was the first time she truely felt like a small being. These two huge dragons could fit her in the palm of their hands.

      Well, more like their sharp, scaly claws, she thought.

      She looked down and saw a large drop underneath her feet. She glaced at Greylin pleading him to get her out of this dragons grasp. His eyes met hers, and he instantly knew what she wanted, and so he took her immediately to fly away. The air was so cold she could almost see her breathe. They landed on the outside of the wall, and Greylin shifted to his human form.

      He ran up to her and picked her up. His arms, normally so comforting, squeezed her back causing pain to pulsate throughout her. She wailed in pain making Greylin instantly release her. He turned her around to see what caused her such pain. His face froze as instant rage coursed through him. Someone hurt what was his. The woman he swore to protect. She was bleeding through her cloths in almost perfect lines across her back. She was whipped repeatedly, and he knew someone would pay for what they did.

Why do woman "Let Themselves Go"

Woman can be fickle creatures. One of the most confusing things to men is why woman let themselves go after a certain time in a serious relationship or marriage. It confused a man when she no longer shaves, plucks, primps, applies, and pretties herself up. I am here to answer that questions.

In my opinion, as a woman who has "let herself go", I believe it has to do with a few things. The number one reason I no longer actively wear make-up, and no longer do my hair, is because I am no longer searching for male attention. As a woman, we do those things in an effort to rise above the rest of the woman looking for male attention. It can be boiled down to basic animal instincts. It's like a peacock showing how pretty its feathers are so they can gain the notice of a prospective mate.

 As we get into a relationship we no longer need to win the attentions of other men. We also feel secure enough in our position with our man that we actually learn to feel just as pretty without those things as we do when we have it on. This, is all your fault. I say that, because you work very hard to make your woman feel pretty. You compliment her, and build her up to the point to where she no longer feels the need to add to herself in order to be attractive to you. She knows you love her for who she is, and not what she puts on. That alone makes her feel beautiful. Therefore, her need to "look pretty" is gone when she is already pretty to you.

Some other reasons are what is commonly known as: Stay At Home Mom Syndrome.  If your significant other spends the majority of her time at home, then why wouldn't she be in comfortable clothing. No one is going to judge her at home, and there is no good reason to stain her favorite shirt with baby spit-up when her comfy pants and oversized t-shirt are already stained. Comfort at home is a must when you are a stay at home mother. After scrubbing the floors there is no point in nail polish either. Sorry to say, but nail polish is for the girls who don't do dishes multiple times a day, and scrub all the many surfaces. She is lucky if she doesn't have odd shaped nails more often then not.

There is also the fact that shaving, plucking, applying, blow drying, styling, and designing is no longer worth it. The tight restrictive cloths we somehow shimmy ourselves into loose their appeal as well. When we clean, cook, tend to the children, shop, and all the many other things we do, tending to ourselves is longer worth the time and energy. Why would I spend the time making myself appear as something other then what I actually look? Why bother when my family loves me just as I am? Why make myself look different for a man who thinks I'm beautiful as I am? Why waste the time I could be spending doing any other number of numerous things?

I don't need to make myself look better in an effort to attract a man. I don't need to make myself "look beautiful" to feel beautiful. I already feel that way because of my significant other. I no longer need to do any of it, because I don't have a good enough reason to do it. That, in a nut shell, is why woman let themselves go. 

Good Content Writing

If you are reading this then you are curious enough to check out my writing capabilities, or trying to improve your own. There are a few way to showcase writing abilities when writing articles for people online.

Some of these ways include but are not limited to:

-Writing lists 

       + Writing lists can be tricky since most of the time people who look at online lists are known for skimming through them. It is important to grab their attention quickly, because people want to see the information that brought them there in the first place.

-Keeping readers engaged 

        + This is one of the most important things when writing. No one wants an article half read before it gets boring which  makes you loose a potential follower to a site, or blog. Make the content engaging, upbeat, and entertaining. 

- Keep your content "short and sweet"

        + The reason for this is that most of the time  people read the first two sentences of a paragraph before moving on to the next. Of that on average, viewers will look over the first three paragraphs and then decide if the material is worth finishing.  At that moment they will decide if the page they  are on is even right for them. This is a key point for search engine optimization. 

-Search Engine Optimization (SEO) 

        + The closer your article is to what they are searching, the more likely they are to read it in full. Great back links, keywords, and choosing the right headline are important. Using search engine optimization can make a website one of the top on the list when people use Google, Bing, and Yahoo search. 

Understanding search engine optimization (SEO), keeping content short, having readers engaged, and lists can be very benificial when showcasing what type of work you can do for people who own websites, or blogs looking for the right writer for their specific needs. 

Freelance Writing

I recently began Freelance writing in an effort to gain a little bit of extra cash doing what I love. I must say I fell in love quickly. There are a few sites I am looking at to expand my options. I must admit there is something thrilling about getting an E-mail saying “Congratulations your article has been accepted.” As a writer you don’t get to hear that too often.
Starting Out
I began writing small $0.80 articles to test the waters. They were short and easy so I began to move up from  those to bigger assignments. Now, keep in mind I do not make that much money writing these articles. Just starting out means you do not have the qualifications or experience to get paid very high.
Once your work begins to showcase you will find yourself climbing up to higher paid articles. For example a person starting out would get paid almost $1.00 for 100 words. When you move up you might get paid $2.00 for 100 words. Move further still and you could make even more. I saw a top rated article go for $40.00 for 700 words about SEO (search engine optimization). I wrote an article for same topic and got $5.00.
As you can see there is a latter of progression in freelance writing, but it doesn’t happen overnight. As a primary income I wouldn’t suggest Freelance writing until you progress enough that you make the bigger bucks.
Benefits
The benefits of Freelance writing goes further when you realize it can significantly improve your writing. Think of them as good writing exercises. When taking a creative writing class they often give you writing prompts to get you to write all kinds of things. The more you write the more you improve so why not get paid to practice your craft.
Another benefit is that it can be an added experience to put into query letters if you are a novelist just starting out. Most publishers and literary agents want to see some history of your work. Proof that your writing is good enough is a great way to start. New writers don’t have published work, and so being able to put something is better then nothing.
Websites
I can’t give a decent review on two of the sites I started on since I literally just started with them. I have yet to write an article for Odesk and iWriter. They seem like great sites I just haven’t found an article to write yet.
Textbroker is the site I fell in love with. You have 24 hours to write the article you choose. It’s great for a person like me since I have four small children and can’t always sit for 2 hours straight. With them I can choose an article and complete it during naptime then choose another and do that one at bedtime. If I can’t get to the article by naptime it’s okay too since I have 24 hours I can do it later.
Love What You Do
The first $5.00 I made I literally jumped for joy because I was getting paid to write. I couldn’t believe it. In a matter of two weeks I wrote fifty articles anywhere from 100 words to 1200 words. The best part about it is that you can choose which ones you want to write.
The fact of the matter is in life a person is happiest when they are doing what they love. If you are trying to make a living with your writing, but don’t know how then maybe Freelance writing is something to look into. It won’t make millions but some money is better then none. 

I'll Always Wait For You

        I can loose all possessions,
        I can loose the house,
        I can loose my friends,
and be as worthless as a mouse.
But all that wouldn't matter for all I want is you,
and that's why you should know I'll always wait for you.
        I can have another,
        I can have myself,
        I can have a separate life,
or have sex with someone else.
but all that wouldn't matter for all I want is you,
and that's why you should know I'll always wait for you.
        I can only be a friend,
        I can only be a wife,
        I can only be a mother,
and that's perfectly alright.
because THAT is all that matters for all I want is you,
and that's why you should know I'll always wait for you.

 **Dedicated to my husband during his deployment**

im yours by ashley

What You Could have been

“Mommy I just love to paint! Can I paint at home, and not just in school?” A beautiful seven year old girl asked her mom when she came inside from the bus stop. She had art class today, which was her favorite part of school.

“We don’t have the stuff you need to paint, and we don’t have the money to get it.” Her mother replied.

“ I’ll ask for it for Christmas and maybe Santa will get me some. Then could I?”

“ Sara darling I’m on the phone.”

Christmas came and went and to her surprise she got paints from her grandma. Her curls danced happily around her face as she jumped up in down. She waited a few days to ask her mommy if she could paint. Anytime it was busy mommy always said no to her.

“Mommy can I paint?”

“No it’s far too messy, and I don’t feel like making sure your little brothers don’t get into the paint.”

She asked at least once a week for a while, but eventually as the paint brushes sat and the colors were left unopened, the little girl stopped asking.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------

“Monica I know you love to wear your tutu and dance around the house, but with my work schedule I can’t take you to a ballet class. As it is I work two jobs and ballet is expensive.” Monica’s father replied.

He did work a lot, and with the divorce his ex-wife was taking even more money he needed. He would love nothing more then to indulge every whim of his daughters, but he couldn’t see spending so much money on something she will get bored of in a few months.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

“Billy, quit destroying everything in my house to build these things! My sweeper is now garbage!”

He knew he shouldn’t have done that, but he couldn’t help it. He had all these cool ideas in his head about different things he could built.

“I’m so tired of getting yelled at I should just give up.” He muttered to himself.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Sara sat in the lunch room with her work friends Monica and Billy. They all hated their jobs, but stayed year in and year out. Each of them regretted Mondays, and couldn’t wait till Fridays.

“I would try to search for another job, but honestly I don’t think I will be much happier anywhere else.” Sara grumbled.

“I know what you mean. It doesn’t matter where I work. A job is a job.” Billy added.

“ I wish we were like other people who had dreams in life.”

“Like a famous painter.”

“An inventor..”

“Or maybe a ballerina.”

Why People Do Not Know I’m A Writer

I have been writing since I was around thirteen or fourteen. At that time it was poems, or short stories about my friends. Nothing impressive enough to show anyone.

 The reason why I starting writing was mostly emotions I couldn’t cope with.
My mom got into a bad accident by a drunken driver. All these emotions were running haywire inside of me, and the only way I could process them was on paper. It was the first time in life that writing had helped me. It soothed my aching heart, and by the time I was finished with something I felt better. It was as if what I felt inside moved onto the paper, stayed there unburdening me until I was almost free.

One day, I was at my great uncles house showing him a scrapbook I made. My great uncle ran across my poems as he flipped through it at the bar in his basement. He grabbed the first one I had ever wrote and then looked at his small fourteen year old great niece in almost a shock. 
This is what my much younger self wrote:

What do you do when all hope is gone?
What do you do when things come undone?
What do you do when life feels unbearable?
What do you do when everything is terrible?
What do you do when your only escape is sleep?
What do you do when feelings run more then skin deep?
What do you do when no one notices good deeds?
What do you do when no one hears your pleas?
What do you do when you just feel cursed?
What do you do when things get worse?
What do you do when you think of suicide?
What do you do when you always hurt inside?
I guess the only thing to do is to give up, or suck it up. Believe that sooner or later things get better.

“This is how you feel? Why didn’t you talk to anyone about it?” He asked.

I got embarrassed when he asked if this is how I really felt. I shrugged nand asked him not to tell anyone about my poems. I didn’t want anyone to make fun of me. He never did, because no one ever knew that I liked to write.

My point in all that is that writing, for me, became a comfort. It was what got me through things, and I didn’t want people to see who I really was. Poems that have such raw emotions, no matter how good or bad they are, can make a person see right into your soul.

After I went from poems to stories I remained private. I may not have been exposing my soul as much, but I was afraid someone could take my writing away. If I was told it wasn’t good then I wouldn’t be a writer. After all, a writer who sucks at writing isn’t really a writer. I was wrong.

Writing isn’t about how good you are at it, or what others think. It isn’t about how many books you write, or how much money you make. Being a writer isn’t even about being published or unpublished (though it is a big part of it).

It’s about a story inside of you that needs to be written. Without you to write it then it would never be told. Those characters, their story, and screams for life would disappear forever.

If I never get published, and not a single person reads my work I will still be happy. The reason is because I still wrote it, and I am still a writer. I still got the comfort from the pages, and I still felt the emotions of my words. Nothing else really matters.

It is only now that I have finally realized no one can take it away, that I began to look into publication. Anyone who knows the life of query letters, publishers, and literary agents knows it’s hard to get published without previously published work.

I bought The Writers Market, and it gave me some really good tips. A blog and social media presence is important to get work noticed. The idea frightened me, and still does a little, but I made this blog and my page anyway.

Even now as I share what I write, and my heart beats wild with every new view I am still happy being hidden. I still don’t like to admit I’m a writer, and to be honest, most of my family still doesn’t know.

Why do people still not know I’m a writer?
My work should speak for itself. The world will find out eventually i'm sure of that, but let them find out from something that I write. Let them read the words, and know the meaning. Let them see my writing instead of me.

My Disney Experience

There are a few things I wish I had when I went to Disney the first time. It's not to say it wasn't an awesome time it just wasn't as good as my second trip. That being said I decided to offer a bit of my opinion in the hopes that someone who reads it could have an even better time for their first trip.

                           **First thing first is to recommend the hotel on the park.**

1- If you only take one thing from me let it be this tip. Mydisneyexperience.com offers an amazing way to view rides, maps, shows, and the times each are open.

** A hotel on park means you can upload your reservations to the site, view your park hopper, water park choices, choose which days you want to go to which park, and even see which parts are open earlier or later for hotel guests only.**

2-  An itinerary. You don't have to stick with it, but it's a great way to know what you would like to do at each park. We all know the minute you get there you forget the things you were dying to try.
   The worst part of a trip to Disney is realizing you forgot to meet Elsa (for example) which was the one thing that you wanted to do most.

** If you have a hotel on the park they print it for you when you arrive.**

3- A map showing your itinerary. You are going to use a map or wish you had one. Its a big place with a lot of walkways with all kinds of things. Nothing is worse then walking around in zig zags trying to find what you wanted to ride. Then again, scrolling through a huge map to find what is on your list could be. Take it from me and make a pretty map with the top 10 things you definitely want to do being highlighted. You won't regret it, and if you don't end up using it then no harm no foul.

**hotel on park also has maps, or you can go online and print one out yourself**
 
5- It sounds weird, but plastic baggies. Use them for snacks, water proofing wallets, loose change, little souvenirs, and organizing your bags so dirty laundry doesn't mix with clean laundry.

6- Color code your family for each day. Now I know that no one wants to be that kind family, but there are a lot of people and it's hard to pick each other out of a crowd. Color coding helps more then you think when it comes to small children.
7- Key chains, temporary emergency tattoos, or something for each of your children to have on them at all times in case they get lost.

8-Disney gift cards from giant eagle for spending money. The gift cards help you from loosing money, swiping your card ten times a day, and gives you fuel perks if you plan on driving.
   
**Give each persona gift card (with an amount for the whole trip) so they get to buy something, and you don't have the urge to over spend on souvenirs. Gift cards will save you more money then you think.**

9- Give yourself one day from your trip to NOT go into the park. Either the day you arrive in Florida or the day before you leave. Relax in the pool, rest up, and enjoy your hotel. You paid for more then just a bed after all.

**While relaxing I suggest Epsome salts in the bath to ease the aches from walking all day.**

10- Last tip I can give you is to let it go(no pun intended).
   If your husband doesn't want to wait in line to see Cinderella, and your son sees the buzz light year line then let them go.
   If your in a big group for a grand family vacation, and everyone wants to go every which way then let them all go.
   Your in a good spot for the parade, and your excited because you didn't get good pictures of it last time. You saved that spot for an hour, and someone sits right in front of you. Let it go.
 
**It's every family's grand vacation**

Writing nothing for everyone

   It’s always hard trying to figure out what to write on a blog that people will want to read. Something that they might search for in an effort to get more viewers. Most do top five things, promotions, or gimmicks. I don't have many of those.
   I have a big mouth until it comes to talking about myself. I don’t like the attention, and so I prefer my blog to remain hidden. It hit one hundred views, and I shrank a bit. Until of course I thought : “Those were probably just me”.  I may run away when I get my first comment.
   To have people view me, and see me can be scary. I think that is why I enjoy writing the most. I give people someone else to see. I can be the person behind the character. I can make that person vulnerable, flawed, and heroic. I can make someone that everyone wants to see, or believe. I am perfectly content to stay in the back of the book.
    I don’t have published work (not that I’m not trying), and I don’t mind that much either. If my work was out there in the world then my name would be on it. They would see me for who I really am. It’s a frightening concept when you think of it. To be seen and judged based on something I wrote.
   My inner skeptic rises from the shadows in my mind to tell me it’s not good. What if someone else agrees? What if I am just fooling myself into thinking I am a writer when I am not? What would happen if my worst fears were confirmed, and I made as ass of myself? At least while I am hidden no one can do that.
  I don’t want fame for writing. I don’t even want acknowledged for it most of the time. I couldn’t imagine being popular and always having eyes on me. Ekk ….no way!  That being said I am perfectly content with writing everything for no one, and for writing nothing for everyone.