NaNo Story

So a few Mondays ago, well actually back in September, the Fun Monday assignment was to write the first paragraph of an "unusual love story". I liked my opening paragarah, which made me wonder what else is going to happen with these characters. I've decided to participate in NaNoWriMo. I've done it the past few years, but have never won.

Since I am not allowed to write the story before November (technically, I'm not even supposed to have the opening paragraph, so that may get re-written), but I can have an outline, I want to start gathering some ideas of situations for Daton (the attractive stranger) & my yet-to-be named leading lady. Since I have such good supporters of my blog, I'm asking for some ideas. I may or may not use it, but this year I really want to hit the NaNoWriMo 50,000 word mark.

Thanks for all your help. Here's the excerpt from my story.

I wanted to run and hide due to embarrassment, but I'm afraid the smell
coming from my shirt, would give me away. My best friends Jolie and Marie talked
me into going on the Cyclone, against my better judgment. When it came our turn
to get on the ride Jolie and Marie climbed into one seat leaving me to sit in
the row behind them next to a stranger. A very attractive stranger, with bright
green eyes, a huge smile, and my barf covering his shirt.

Churched

Earlier this week I mentioned that I had reviewed a second book. this one is called "Churched" and its written by Matthew Paul Turner. I thought I would really enjoy the book since one blog I like to read is Stuff Christians Like. There were several things, that made me giggle. Page 191, talks about worrying that Jesus will come back before you get to have sex, when you're a teen. They talk about having contests to "win people for Christ" where the winner gets some sea monkeys. As a child Matthew felt like he needed to "save a seat on the bus for Jesus". Most of his stories are funny, a few are very sad. The people at his church were very well intentioned, but somehow they seemed to scare people into salvation, instead of loving them.

I found his story very relatable, having grown up in the church myself and because I attended a skirt wearing, long hair, no makeup school when I was jr high age. Still, when I reached the end of the book I was kind of disappointed. I felt like, he didn't resolve his story, but he is still a young guy and perhaps he has more for us to read.

If you want to purchase the book, you can find it here or you can leave a comment on my blog and I will mail you a copy. I only have one to give away though, so you'd bette be quick.

The Shape of Mercy

I got to review two books this week. The first one I’ll tell you about was my favorite. It’s called The Shape of Mercy by Susan Meissner. That title is clever in so many ways, that will hit you during the book. Susan Meissner did a wonderful job of creating the intertwining stories. There are two primary girls, but really you hear the lives of 3 woman. First you have Lauren who narrates the story. She is a freshman at college who is just beginning to figure out who she is. She was raised in a life of privilege, but doesn't want that to be defined by that. Then you have Mercy, whose story you learn about through a diary that Lauren is transcribing. Mercy lived in Salem during the Witch Trials. You see her feelings and thoughts about what happens when hysteria takes over a town. The final lady in this story is Abigail. She is the owner of the diary and hires Lauren to transcribe it. Through that employer/employee relationship you see these woman grow close.

Susan Meissner does a wonderful job of intertwining these stories into one lovely book. It’s the best book I’ve read in a long time. Click here to purchase this book and here to learn more about Susan Meissner.

Come back later this week for my review of “Churched” by Matthew Paul Turner. If you would like to win a copy of “Churched” leave a comment on this post.

Fun Monday - Doodle

This fun Monday is being hosted by Tracey at Nine Acres. The assignment is to make a doodle, which includes the number "9" in red. You can view the creation of mine here, but the picture itself is below. This was kinda fun, because I never consider myself an artist, but perhaps I am a decent doodle-ist.