What Defines You?

This is a great quote:

"Two things define you. Your patience when you have nothing, and your attitude when you have everything."

What defines you?

Are you an A type personality? Do you have a set schedule and a routine? Do you live by the clock?

Are you more laid back and relaxed? Do you let the worries of the world worry about themselves and you live carefree?

Or, maybe you're a bit of both?

I checked the Internet about "what defines you" and I was amazed at the number of quotes there are from various people about defining yourself and what defines a person. I thought I'd share them with you.

"Don't let other people define you. It's not their life; it's not their story. Live your own life, and write your own story. Define yourself."

"Smile despite the circumstances and laugh throughout the pain. Life is full of hardships but it is how you deal with them that will, in the end, define you." -- Nishan Panwar

"Don't ever let a negative past define you, let it be a lesson that strengthens you and leads you on the right path to a positive, better and brighter future." -- Rashida Rowe

"Be able to define yourself at all times. Do not wait for someone else to come and define you. Accept and embrace your individuality. Be inspired to be the BEST YOU and never let no one get your self esteem down."

"It's not who I am underneath but what I do that defines me." -- Christian Bale

"It's not what you achieve, it's what you overcome. That's what defines your career." -- Carlton Fisk

"What you invest your tie in defines who you are." -- Todd Duncan

"Life experience is what defines our character, if it means getting your heart broken or being lied to. You know, you need the downs to appreciate the ups. Going on the adventure or taking that risk is important." -- Nev Schulman


So, what defines you?

Five Minute Friday - Story

It's time for the "Five Minute Friday" blogging post. The inspiration comes from Lisa Jo Baker. 

What you do is set your timer for five minutes and write whatever you want according to the prompt Lisa places on her blog every Friday. Then you go back, link your blog and give support to those who posted before you. And, we connect on Twitter with #FiveMinuteFriday.

Ready.

Set.

Go.

Story.

I don't know how my life story is going to play out. That's God's plan. And, I'm okay with waiting to see where my journey through life takes me.

I used to have to have to plan everything. Right down to the tiniest detail. I don't do that anymore. More times than not, my plans needed adjusting along the way. I wasn't perfect. And, I'm okay with that.

Now, I live my life day by day. I feel more fulfilled knowing I only have to get through today. I don't have to worry about tomorrow or next week. My story unfolds in front of me one day at a time.

In all God's glory, He knows I can only handle one day at a time. I am comforted knowing that God is writing my life's story and that He has special plans for me.

I'll be patient. I'll wait. I look forward to living my life's story, God's way. Following His path in my life's journey.


STOP.

Five Minute Friday - Ordinary

It's time for the "Five Minute Friday" blogging post. The inspiration comes from Lisa Jo Baker. 

What you do is set your timer for five minutes and write whatever you want according to the prompt Lisa places on her blog every Friday. Then you go back, link your blog and give support to those who posted before you. And, we connect on Twitter with #FiveMinuteFriday.

Ready.

Set.

Go.

Ordinary

God's word lives within me

I used to think I was ordinary. Just a student. Just a mom. Just a writer. Just a grandma. Just a Christian. But, after going to Bible Class and learning about Living Stone faith, I no longer consider myself "ordinary". I am Extraordinary! I am loved by God. Jesus sacrificed His life for me. How amazing is that?

I'll never think of myself as "ordinary" again. Not when I walk with Jesus every day. Sharing my triumphs, my defeats, my troubles and my blessings. God is good. God is great. God made me extra"ordinary" in every way.

Sharing this with you is important to me. I didn't feel extraordinary so long ago. I fell into a deep depression, one so dark, I attempted suicide. God was there. He pulled me out. He saved me. And, now, I believe in Him with all my heart. He showed me the right path to follow. He actually put me in a position to see the sign for my neighborhood bible class. It was then and there I made the decision to walk in and join. God did that.

I am forever extra"ordinary" in every way. In God's way. I follow His path, His plan. He is writing a new story with me for me. My words are His words.

Stop.

Click on the Five Minute Friday logo below and see what others have written for their prompt. Have a great day.

Five Minute Friday

Latest Review for GOOD INTENTIONS

I couldn't keep this information away from you. It's too good not to share. I received a review for my book GOOD INTENTIONS that really made my day.

I hope that you like it as well. It comes from Philip LoPresti author of BORN AGAIN OPINION 

"Philip LoPresti, formerly proprietor of Phil's Shoe Service in Waldwick, New Jersey, is now a local truck driver in New Jersey. At one time he specialized in fixing worn down soles on shoes. Now he specializes in uplifting the other kind of soul."

This is what Philip LoPresti had to say about GOOD INTENTIONS:

              "This is a true to life story about a family of seven with parents who have a lot of love to give.  The book revolves around a 14 year old girl who is both homeless and pregnant. The story is told through the eyes of the mother, Tracy Reynolds. The young pregnant teen named Megan has no family and no clue as to who her real mother was. She went from one foster home to another. No one wanted to adopt a troubled teen. Then she became pregnant. That is when she met Tracy Reynolds, a nurse at her hospital. Tracy fell in love with her at first sight and secretly wanted to adopt her and her future baby. The story goes on from there like a wild ride on a roller-coaster.

                  The day to day detailed story will keep your mind waiting for what’s to happen next. I completed chapter 26 before I realized it was a book I was reading! The detailed description of what was occurring was like watching a movie in my mind. I think Vicki Taylor is an exceptional writer, and “Good Intentions” is a book anyone can read and enjoy. I learned a lot about what it’s like to be a woman and to be pregnant as well! Something I know I will never experience in my lifetime! You will remain riveted to the book and always waiting for that shoe to fall. The shoe I’m talking about is Megan, the unpredictable one. Will she flip out? Will she run away from home? Will she get pregnant again? Will she leave her baby unattended? You just never know what to expect.

                    I recommend this book to anyone who enjoys reading. If you don’t enjoy reading, you will once you pick up this book!" 

You can find GOOD INTENTIONS at any local bookstore. If it's not on the shelf just ask Customer Service to order it for you. If you prefer to use Amazon or Barnes and Noble online, they carry it as well, in trade paperback and e-book format.

Thank you, Philip LoPresti for your kind words,

Everything I learned about writing by reading Stephen King

I have to tell you, my all time favorite author and my "mentor" is Stephen King. I have read and re-read so much of his work that it has taught me nearly everything I know about writing. Every writer should have his book ON WRITING sitting on their desktop or close at hand.

• Show the story.
• Use the reader's imagination.
• Give few details, let the reader fill in the rest.
• Streamline your story.
• Always leave your readers wanting more.

Show the Story:
It doesn't get more straightforward than this. Show vs. Tell is a topic every writer should be aware of and must understand the basics before they can write. Use action verbs. Stay away from adverbs. Be flawless in your writing and the readers will notice.

For example, I received this quote for my latest book, GOOD INTENTIONS.

"Flawlessly written and heartbreaking, you won't soon forget this story."
Sammie Callahan


Use the Reader's Imagination:
Draw a vivid image inside the reader's imagination using the words you create. Let the reader free flow along with you as you create your story. Use your words to give the reader the chance to see the images in their mind and create the "movie" inside their head.


Give few details, let the reader fill in the rest:
Don't go overboard on description and background information. Don't fill pages with words the reader will probably skip over, anyway. Stephen King is the master at this. He uses a few words, a bit of detail and all of a sudden, you, the reader have the entire description inside your head. It may not be the same for the next reader, but that's okay. It works for you. It works for them. Make it work in your next writing project.


Streamline your story:
Keep your story lines fluent and easy to follow. Don't get all convoluted and try to be tricky. Write a good story and your readers will appreciate you for it.

For example, I received this quote for NOT WITHOUT ANNA.

“Ms. Taylor's writing style is clear, without frills, and so streamlined that her story flows and flows and flows, without taking a break, to its satisfying conclusion. ”Maeve of Tara 


Always leaving your readers wanting more:
End your stories with a bit of a question still floating in the reader's mind. Give the reader only what you want, never more. Have them come back to you and ask, "Yes, it ended, but what about...?" That's the sign of a good story. Always leaving the reader wanting more.

For example, I received these quotes for my novel FOREVER UNTIL WE MEET.

“It is one of those stories that you just want to keep going and going - even after the last page has been reached. ”Kristie Leigh Maguire  
“I look forward to seeing more of this author's writings. ”Linda Strong    

"The art of a good storyteller is giving the reader what they want and knowing what not to give the reader so they can use their imagination." -- Vicki M. Taylor
Happy Writing,

Why do Writers Write?

It's a question as old as nearly time itself. Why do writers write? What does it gain them? How are they enriched? What could they actually be getting out it?

I've been around writers and authors a good amount of my adult years. And, that's a LOT of years. I've heard every answer from:

"I want to be a best-selling author."

to

"I write because I can not write."

And, everything in between. A blogger by the name of Mia Hoddell has succinctly displayed on her blog what I think are the most perfect answers to the question, Why do writers write?

I will tell you some of the reasons why I write:

I enjoy writing.
I love to create.
I have so many ideas and inspirations that I must get them all down.
The characters in my head insist I tell their stories.
Writing is as essential to breathing and eating to me.
I love telling stories.
Writing is what I do best.


So, tell me, if you are a writer, why do you write?

--
Vicki






Image credit: willypd / 123RF Stock Photo