Writer Wednesday - ’Twas the Month Before Christmas

’Twas the Month Before Christmas

By Liz Flaherty

There are people out there who have their Christmas shopping done. They are the same ones who bought all their wrapping paper, Christmas cards, bows, and tinsel last December 26. 

They also keep all their Christmas shopping receipts in a separate place, like a little green and red folder, and they know at all times where that folder is located. If they have real Christmas trees, they remember to water them every day and they take them out of the house before all the needles fall off and embed themselves in the carpet.

These people's tree ornaments match each other. The ethereal angels or brilliant stars they use do not cause the trees to lean drunkenly. There are never full strings of non-working lights on the trees and the lights all twinkle at the same speed or they chase each other merrily around the branches.

Their Christmas cookies and candy are made and frozen well ahead of time and they have plenty of decorative tins and baskets on hand so that all they have to do is add a pretty handmade bow and they have an instant gift for the unexpected guest.

I decided many years ago, on a Christmas Eve when I was sewing the last ruffles on my daughter's Christmas dress at two o'clock on Christmas morning before she and her brothers rolled out at five, that when I grew up, I was going to be one of the people I've been talking about.

My first step in that direction was to buy wrapping paper the day after Christmas for the following year. Then we moved to a different house. It just seemed foolish when we were already moving 10 times as much stuff out of the old house as we moved into it to also move 12 rolls of paper and 50 bows, so I gave them away instead of moving them. Then, two weeks later, I went out and bought all new because we moved in November, for heaven's sake. (Moving is not good for one's thought processes. While I did not move the wrapping paper, I did move several boxes that remained unopened in the attic until we emptied it of its contents 40 years later.)

My next organizational move was to buy and address Christmas cards as soon as they hit the shelves, which was somewhere along about July. I even addressed them in green ink to make them look properly Christmas-like. Then I proceeded to lose them, along with the complete list of addresses I'd called all over the country to compile.

My sister-in-law Lynn, bless her cold little heart, found them long after Christmas had passed, nestled behind the microwave oven. I'm still telling her it's none of her business how often I clean behind my appliances. Or if I do.

Then there's shopping.

Occasionally, I start it in August. More often, I start in October and now and then in November. I've discovered that it doesn't matter when I start Christmas shopping, I finish it on Christmas Eve. Last year my husband and I were only two of the 3000 people in Walmart at 11 o'clock on Christmas Eve morning and we decided we would never, never do such a foolish thing again.

At least until this year.

Because, all advice I've given freely and unasked notwithstanding, I've given up.
I'm never going to be one of those people who have Christmas organized. I will always be a day late and a dollar short and my favorite Christmas tree ornaments will still be the ones my kids brought home from the first grade. My treetop will still be crooked and I'll always have needles embedded in my carpet even though we have an artificial tree. The cookies and candy will always be made at the last minute if they're made at all and eaten warm off a dish towel lying on the kitchen counter.

What it amounts to is, at least as far as Christmas is concerned, I am like Peter Pan: I won't grow up.

I hope you won't, either. I hope you have fun shopping and wrapping and decorating. And don't forget the giving. It's the very best part of it all.

Wishing you all the joys and blessings of the season.

©2022 Liz Flaherty All Rights Reserved
Retired from the post office and married to Duane for…a really long time, USA Today bestselling author Liz Flaherty has had a heart-shaped adult life, populated with kids and grands and wonderful friends. She admits she can be boring, but hopes her curiosity about everyone and everything around her keeps her from it. She likes traveling and quilting and reading. And she loves writing.  http://lizflaherty.net/

Writer Wednesday - The Accidental Birth of a Character

Hocus Pocus and All That

By Maureen L. Bonatch 

 The Accidental Birth of a Character

Next time you’re in a public area look around until you can visualize a stranger. Take a good look at that person. Now describe them. Most likely you’ll use descriptive terms related to their age, hair color, weight, attire and other things that you can visualize. Now describe a close friend or relative. If you’re anything like me the description will be very different. I might start with something like, “She’s really funny.” Or “He’s the nicest guy.” Because after a while, I think we all go a little blind to the obvious, because we’re not just looking at physical characteristics. We’re looking a little deeper. 

No Method to My Madness 

Because my characters are more like a close friend or family member my character description is usually rooted in their personality. They’ve been living in my mind for so long, that their physical description might be incorporated, but usually it’s last, almost an afterthought. In fact, in one book I forgot to identify the color of the hero’s hair and had to go back and add in that information. My method might also be because my characters tend to arrive in my imagination and tell me how this whole story thing is going to go. 

Many authors will tell you that before they start writing they will work up detailed profiles of their character’s appearance and the setting. I admire this. Because I’ve rarely done that, and if I have done it for a writing class, then I’m often left feeling like I’ve already read half the story. For me, the fun of writing is discovering the story. 

What’s Their Story? 

When my girls were younger and we went to the beach, we used to sit on a bench on the boardwalk and take “people watching” a step further. We would play a game I called, What’s Their Story. I’d single out a stranger walking by and ask one of my girls, “What’s their story?” Then they would proceed to explain this person’s backstory and what brought them to the beach. This was fabulous fun, especially because my girls enjoyed the game as much as I did— and they were really good at it. 

Creating my own characters and story isn’t much different. If I really need some additional details a few times I’ve interviewed my characters. I ask them a question and then see what they have to say. I often find out some amazing things that I had no idea about before. So how do I work up my character and setting profiles? I don’t. 

What Do You Remember Most When You Meet Someone New? 

Originally published on www.maureenbonatch.com 

© 2022 Maureen Bonatch All Rights Reserved Maureen Bonatch believes music can be paired with every mood, laughter is contagious, and caffeine and wine are essential for survival. When she’s not doing the bidding of a feisty Shih Tzu, she’s a mom to twin daughters, exploring the beautiful woods of PA with her hubby and dancing as much as possible. She writes paranormal cozy mysteries as M.L. Bonatch, paranormal romance and other genres as Maureen Bonatch, and her latest urban fantasy will be as Amber Wrath. http://www.maureenbonatch.com/

Writer Wednesday - The Care and Feeding of An Author

Hocus Pocus and All That 

By Maureen L. Bonatch 

The Care and Feeding of An Author 

Happy National Novel Writing Month? What? Never heard of NaNoWriMo?! It’s like a major holiday for me…well, one that lasts for a month while all kinds of people make a goal of writing 50,000 words during the month of November. 

I’ve been an author for years now, but I still always read the biography when I come across an author new to me. I love to experience that magical moment when they wrote that first story, or when they signed their first contract. Someone looking in from the outside might think that it happened overnight. But for the most part, that is the end result of many nights, many mornings and hours of solitude… 

No One Cares About Your Book—Like You Do

You love your characters and your stories and you want to tell everyone about them. Don’t be offended if they don’t get as excited as you, or if they don’t seem to care. Because it doesn’t matter, all that matters is that you have a passion for your story. That passion and drive will help you succeed.

Hold onto that love and passion when your story becomes a book out in the world and you get an unsavory review, or if some friends or family don’t buy it. Network and join author groups to gain support, discover a critique partner, get advice from other authors and learn from each other.

Everyone is Writing a Book
Prepare yourself to smile and nod. Instead of enthusiasm for your book, others—many others— seem to minimize the blood, sweat and tears you invested for a year, or years writing your book. They tell you that they, too, would write a book, when they have the time. You know that there’s never any extra time. You carved out the time by sleeping less and giving up activities with family and friends and making writing a priority.

You’re going to get a lot of unsolicited advice—take it with a grain of salt, but ignore most of it, and follow your heart. If you need guidance seek out authors you admire, but still realize that what worked for them might not work for you. Just like your book, you’re crafting your own story as an author and every writer’s journey is different.

Family Matters
You envisioned long days blissfully immersed in your writing. You might have some of those days, but many days it will be a struggle to snag a minute of that time. Writing takes a lot of time and energy. You realize that, but your family doesn’t. They don’t see the writing progress you’re making, and sometimes they don’t seem to care. They only notice that the laundry isn’t done, or there’s no dinner, or they act as if you’re neglecting them. It’s about crafting a balance. Taking a break now and then will make you a better writer in the long run, because living adds life to your stories.

It’s Not All About The Book
Becoming an author comes with obligations regarding marketing and developing your online presence which can take a lot of your time. Be prepared to become familiar with social media—whether you like it or not. Therefore, choose platforms that you prefer and focus on them. You don’t need to be on every media. It’s better to do a few well than do many poorly due to an inability, or a lack of the desire, to keep up with them.

Take Care of Yourself
Many people claim to have the desire to write a book, but not everyone embarks on that fabulous journey. You’re willing to sacrifice all of your time to succeed—don’t. You need that balance, and you need to take care of yourself. Long hours of sitting aren’t good for your body.

• Incorporate exercise or yoga in your day, take a walk or consider a treadmill desk (or a DIY one) http://paranormalromantics.blogspot.com/2016/12/when-you-win-nanowri-you-need-to-stand.html
• Don’t let “book butt” be the price you pay for writing, make healthy eating a priority.
• It’s okay to get up early, or stay up late to write, but make sure you get adequate sleep
• Make time for family and friends. If it’s hard to tear yourself away from writing, consider it as research for body language or describing physical characteristics

It’s a Marathon, Not a Sprint – Enjoy the Journey
Congratulations, Author!

Post originally published on the https://paranormalromantics.blogspot.com/

© 2022 Maureen Bonatch All Rights Reserved
Maureen Bonatch believes music can be paired with every mood, laughter is contagious, and caffeine and wine are essential for survival. When she’s not doing the bidding of a feisty Shih Tzu, she’s a mom to twin daughters, exploring the beautiful woods of PA with her hubby and dancing as much as possible. She writes paranormal cozy mysteries as M.L. Bonatch, paranormal romance and other genres as Maureen Bonatch, and her latest urban fantasy will be as Amber Wrath. http://www.maureenbonatch.com/

Writer Wednesday - Are You Fully Alive?

Life Coaching 

By Vicky DeCoster 

Are You Fully Alive? 

When asked, many of us might describe the majority of our days as simply ordinary. We go to work, come home, watch television, and go to bed. The next day we wash, rinse, and repeat. Although we know that every day can’t be exciting, it can still sometimes feel like we are in autopilot, methodically moving through each activity or habit without fully living in the moment. 

You have the power to transform your thinking, anytime, anywhere. 

A friend once shared that when she is experiencing something new or exciting, she throws her head back, raises both her arms in the air, and yells, “I’M ALIVE!” This fun practice is such a great reminder to not just yourself, but to everyone around you to celebrate every extraordinary life experience.

Whether you are riding a roller coaster, hiking a challenging trail, falling madly in love, traveling the world, giving a speech, taking candid photos, creating art, teaching others a skill, helping someone in trouble, or learning or trying something new, these moments in time provide an opportunity to stop, find joy in the experience, and then celebrate your existence in your own unique way.

Occasionally reminding ourselves that we are fully alive is an extremely valuable step toward realizing happiness and fulfillment.

It is possible to celebrate your life every day in small ways.

Right now, think about what are you doing when you feel fully alive. How often are you doing these activities that bring joy, make you feel proud of yourself, or build confidence? Replace one mundane habit (watching television) with a new habit (taking an art class) that pairs a concrete action step with your new pledge to live fully.

Do more of the things that make you come alive.

Life is meant to be lived, not endured.

Why are you here? I’m certain you are not here to robotically navigate through every day while wondering if this is all there is to life. What I am certain of is that you are here for an important reason – to fully live.

There’s no time to waste. Get busy celebrating life and your beautiful existence.

© 2022 Vicky DeCoster All Rights Reserved
Vicky DeCoster is a Certified Life Coach who specializes in helping her clients move past obstacles, create a plan for happiness, and cross the bridge of transition to find a new and fulfilling direction in life. To read more about her and her practice, visit: http://www.crossthebridgecoaching.com/

Writer Wednesday - Is Reading a Way to Procrastinate?

Hocus Pocus and All That 

By Maureen L. Bonatch

Is Reading a Way to Procrastinate? 

My mother is an avid reader. She taught me about the joy of books at a very young age. I have fond memories of her reading a chapter or two from novels like the Little House on the Prairie series to my sister and I before bed each night. Our cherished library cards were worn from repeated use. There was nothing better than spending an afternoon escaping to the world captured between the pages. 

It was hard for me to imagine anyone not deriving the same pleasure from a good book. But I knew those people existed. Because our household validated that there are two types of people. Readers and the non-readers. And my father fell into the second group. 

I Have Better Things to Do 

As a non-reader oblivious to the benefits of a book, my father always felt there were better things to do than ‘waste your day’ reading a book. He viewed reading as a form of procrastination to avoid doing other necessary tasks. These things usually involved extra chores since obviously we’d turned to reading as a last resort to defeat overwhelming boredom. 

It’s unfortunate I wasn’t outspoken enough to retort with many of the benefits of reading such as: 

 • Increasing your knowledge base and vocabulary with a wealth of topics and worlds to explore. 

• Improving your health by exercising your brain with mental stimulation and improving memory. 

• Reducing stress by embracing the tranquility a book can provide. 

I Don’t Have Time to Read 

I still encounter many non-readers and often hold my tongue as they insist that it isn’t that they don’t want to read, it’s just that they don’t have the time to read. We all have the same 24 hours in a day. Readers realize that there is always time to read because when you love to read you make the time. Whether it’s by: 

 • Making productive, positive use of wasted time while waiting for an appointment. 

• Choosing to read a book over watching television. 

• Bringing a book with you to capture spare minutes while your kids are in an activity or during your lunch break. 

Fight Procrastination 

Why not promote reading to try to convert the non-readers and welcome them to the wonders of reading. 

 • Social Media- Take a minute to share #amreading

 • Donate Books- Local libraries and schools often accept books. 

     o Make a book basket for a charity auction featuring either your books, your favorite authors or author friends.

 • Give a Book as a Gift- I always give a book as a gift at a baby shower and have found many people are thrilled to receive a special author autographed copy of a book. 

     o Check out an author’s website to see if they offer autographed copies. 

• Introduce them to Different Forms of Books and Genres. The glorious thing about books is that there really is something for everyone. 

     o Whatever you like to read- romance, paranormal, fantasy, crime, young adult etc. 

     o Whatever format you prefer- audiobook, paperback, ebook etc. 

Raising a New Generation of Readers 

I’ve instilled a love of reading in my girls. I’m thrilled that their gift lists are always predominantly books and the walls of their rooms are filled with their cherished treasures. 

I don’t consider reading as procrastination. I consider it a necessity. But if I did, it would be my favorite form of procrastination. 

What Are Your Suggestions to Welcome Non-Readers to the World of Books? 

Blog originally published on www.maureenbonatch.com 

© 2022 Maureen Bonatch All Rights Reserved 

Maureen Bonatch believes music can be paired with every mood, laughter is contagious, and caffeine and wine are essential for survival. When she’s not doing the bidding of a feisty Shih Tzu, she’s a mom to twin daughters, exploring the beautiful woods of PA with her hubby and dancing as much as possible. She writes paranormal cozy mysteries as  M.L. Bonatch, paranormal romance and other genres as Maureen Bonatch, and her latest urban fantasy will be as Amber Wrath. http://www.maureenbonatch.com/

Writer Wednesday - Who Are You?

Life Coaching 

By Vicky DeCoster 

Who Are You?

Photo by Vicky DeCoster

Finding and then embracing our true identity can be one of our biggest challenges in life. While trying to determine who we are and what purpose we are destined to fulfill while here, we can often feel weighed down, confused, frustrated, and in need of answers.

When feeling overwhelmed, it can be helpful to stop for a moment, retreat into nature, breathe deeply, and look around. In nature, there are no two trees alike, no two animals alike, no two plants alike, no two hiking trails alike, no two sunrises alike, and no two sunsets alike.

As you take in the gifts that nature provides every day and take note of their one-of-a-kind beauty, now is the time to remember that in the entire universe, there is no one else just like you. You are full of opinions, ideas, and love—all unique to you.

Today, I am sharing an original poem that may help you remember that just like the sun, the moon, the stars, and everything else in nature, you are exactly how you are meant to be. As you grow, develop, and bravely step outside your comfort zone, believe that everything in your life is progressing just as it should. Be open to learning, seeing yourself with compassionate eyes, and knowing that your journey is yours and yours alone.

You are the one and only you. Be proud, stand tall, and never give up.

I AM

By Vicky DeCoster

I am

like a star in the sky

that illuminates the darkness

In its own way.

I am

like the moon

that glows in all its unique glory

amid a vast universe.

I am

like a blade of grass

that blows in a gentle breeze

graceful yet resilient.

I am

like the sun

that warms the Earth

while reminding of new beginnings.

I am

like the water

that flows downstream

and helps shape all within its reach.

I am

like the sun, the moon, the stars,

and everything else in nature

just how I am meant to be.

I am me.

© 2022 Vicky DeCoster All Rights Reserved
Vicky DeCoster is a Certified Life Coach who specializes in helping her clients move past obstacles, create a plan for happiness, and cross the bridge of transition to find a new and fulfilling direction in life. To read more about her and her practice, visit: http://www.crossthebridgecoaching.com/

Writer Wednesday - The Devil’s in the Details Or...

Hocus Pocus and All That 

By Maureen L. Bonatch 

The Devil’s in the Details Or … Building Your Own Unique Characters 

Scruff enjoying a description of one of his favorite characters.

“I just met Yukon Cornelius.” My hubby tells me as he’s sharing a story from his day and a man he encountered, because he knows I’d immediately be able to envision the person he’s describing without him having to use any descriptive terms. 

I smiled as I recalled my favorite boisterous, quirky character from the Rudolph movies and a few of his plethora of quotes such as: 

Yukon: We'll have to outwit the fiend with our superior intelligence. 

Rudolph: How?
Yukon: Douse your nose and run like crazy!

But my hubby wasn’t talking about any of the personality that went along with this character, only his appearance.

Don’t Forget the Details

In making a comparison in your writing instead of describing the details of your character may end up with your reader becoming confused by your reference. Everyone might not know who Yukon was and you’d merely end up frustrating your reader. Or worse…have them step away from your story to look up this reference.

Another thing to consider is that the ready-made character you’re referencing totally overshadows the character you’re building.

Your Unique Character

It’s true, that after I observed the gentleman my hubby referred to, he did resemble Yukon in appearance, but not at all in demeanor. Although I noticed something else first...the neon green glasses he wore.

The jaunty fames seemed an unusual choice of a man of his large frame and mature age. They made him unique. I wouldn’t have thought the brightly colored glasses were subtle, but my hubby hadn’t even noticed them. To me the glasses overshadowed everything else and would be the first step in building him into my own distinctive character. One that may resemble someone else but who had a much different personality that went along with his unusual glasses.

Perhaps a warlock hid behind his quiet façade, or the glasses were a tool he utilized to maintain his human appearance…but I digress…

Don’t hit your reader over the head with overbearing or overwhelming details so that it pulls them out of the story and away from your character. Let them absorb the quirks and characteristics as unique as they are until your character stands out on their own while still fitting seamlessly into the story.

Try this simple exercise

You can describe people that you know (without revealing who it is) to see if others can identify them. By appearance, quirky habits or mannerisms that make them unique. (Now be nice…)

Or try to describe how you think others would view you and see if you are close to the mark.

*This blog originally featured on the Fantasy, Futuristic & Paranormal Blog*

Maureen Bonatch believes music can be paired with every mood, laughter is contagious, and caffeine and wine are essential for survival. When she’s not doing the bidding of a feisty Shih Tzu, she’s a mom to twin daughters, exploring the beautiful woods of PA with her hubby and dancing as much as possible. She writes paranormal cozy mysteries as M.L. Bonatch, paranormal romance and other genres as Maureen Bonatch, and her latest urban fantasy will be as Amber Wrath. http://www.maureenbonatch.com/

Writer Wednesday - Understanding and Communicating Your Perceptions

Life Coaching 

By Vicky DeCoster

Understanding and Communicating Your Perceptions 

Perception is complicated. What we see when looking at the same thing—whether it’s art, a complex problem, a crime scene, or two people having a conversation—can widely differ between us. It should not be viewed as a setback or frustration when we all don’t see things alike. In fact, when we see things differently, it can be a tremendous asset in resolving challenges. 

“What you see is not what others see. We inhabit parallel worlds of perception, bounded by our interests and experience. What is obvious to some is invisible to others.” - George Monbiot 

The Art of Perception® in New York City is an organization that educates professionals and other leaders on how to enhance their observations of visual information and then effectively communicate those observations to the outside world. 

Its founder, Amy Herman, created the four As as a simple way to help others navigate through their unique perceptions of the world around them, and then clearly convey what they have seen to others. When viewing a situation or problem, try implementing the four As to gain a clearer understanding of your own perceptions as well as the perceptions of others:

ASSESS: Stop and look. What do you really see? Take your time.

ANALYZE: What is important and not important about what you see?

ARTICULATE: How do you want to communicate what you have seen to others?

ADAPT OR ACT: What do you want to do? Change your behavior to adapt to the situation or change the situation and make a difference?

By assessing, analyzing, articulating, and adapting or acting on our perceptions, we are better able to find common ground with others around us, a path forward, and a greater appreciation of how our minds work differently to produce great ideas and solutions.

Invite in the quiet and then open your mind to viewing and sharing your perceptions in a new way. It is through this practice that we not only learn more about ourselves, but also how to understand and respect the perceptions of those around us.

“There are things known and there are things unknown, and in between are the doors of perception.” - Aldous Huxley

© 2022 Vicky DeCoster All Rights Reserved
Vicky DeCoster is a Certified Life Coach who specializes in helping her clients move past obstacles, create a plan for happiness, and cross the bridge of transition to find a new and fulfilling direction in life. To read more about her and her practice, visit her at http://www.crossthebridgecoaching.com/

Writer Wednesday - The Evolution of My Writing Space

Hocus Pocus and All That 

By Maureen L. Bonatch 

The Evolution of My Writing Space 

Scruff wants you to know he will find your writing space, no matter where it might be. 

When I decided to really focus on my writing I didn’t have a dedicated writing space. I always dabbled in some type of writing, whether it be poetry or short stories, but now I wanted to write a novel. 

I didn’t have an actual ‘space’ for writing—because we all envision having that cabin in the woods, or beach house to write our master pieces undisturbed—yeah, I’m still dreaming about that.

Instead I Got a Binder

Sure, go ahead and laugh but I bet about 50% or more of you have your own little not-so-secret obsession with office products. One of my go-to products is always binders. Throw in some dividers, and if you have one with pockets all the better!

I started off with carrying this binder around with my notes and other drafts and information when I was ready to write. When I say write, I mean type. If any of you know me in real life, you know my handwriting is just…well, it’s practically illegible by now, even to me. I blame it on years of shorthand and taking too many notes in my college years.

Break Out the Bulletin Boards

Soon after I had to expand my writing supplies outside of binder to include another favorite of mine…bulletin boards. I’d put a timeline, pictures of my characters and notes on index cards (yes I love me some office supplies!).

Unfortunately, as the years went by, so did the number of stories I was working on. I’d start one, and then another, or set one aside to wait until I was ready to work on edits. (Face it. I’m never ready to work on edits. It’s just a necessary evil, and why I had to have so many darn bulletin boards so I could keep things straight!)

By then I converted our guest room into an office (I had to put all those bulletin boards somewhere, right?), but even that did not have enough walls for all the bulletin boards of notes. My initial thought was that if I got these thoughts onto index cards and on the board they’d be out of my mind. Because as many writers might understand, those characters just start to drive you crazy after a while if you ignore their stories. Or, worse, you forget what it was you wanted to write about.

Back to Basics
Once I was completely surrounded by bulletin boards (and even threw in a wipe off board and giant yearly wall calendar for planning), instead of feeling like I was organizing all my stories, I started to feel overwhelmed. As if those board were closing in on me when I entered the office to write (and they might have been, I found those push pins everywhere! It was becoming a hazard to keep adding notes). So I took it all down and put the information for each book…into binders.

Then, fast forward to me breaking down many of the binders and moving the information onto the computer into spreadsheets. That has become my current process and is still a work in progress.

But one thing never changed, and that was that I didn’t need an actual space to write. I still add notes onto my cell phone when I get an idea, and carry little notebooks everywhere to jot down inspiration.

What should you take away from what I’ve learned in my process?

Don’t wait for the right time or place to write—write when inspiration strikes, on whatever works best for you. And don’t be afraid to change your process.

Do You Have a Dedicated Space for Your Writing or other Passions?

*This blog originally featured on Paranormal Romantics Blogspot*

© 2022 Maureen L. Bonatch All Rights Reserved Just a small-town girl, Maureen Bonatch leads a double life. She lives in a magical world as a novelist, and as a nurse leader in reality. Maureen’s first novella was a paranormal romance published when blogs were a new-fangled thing. She’s since changed her focus to writing paranormal cozy mysteries as M.L. Bonatch and urban fantasy as Maureen Bonatch. While she’s not busy writing or doing nurse-things, she’s a mom to her twin daughters, bicycling in the beautiful woods of PA with her hubby, doing the bidding of a feisty Shih Tzu, and dancing as much as possible. She believes music can be paired with every mood, laughter is contagious, and that caffeine and wine are essential for survival. http://www.maureenbonatch.com/

Writer Wednesday - The Value of Setting a Daily Intention

Life Coaching 

By Vicky DeCoster 

The Value of Setting a Daily Intention 

We are all guided by values we hold close. Just like we are all different, our values are as well. Yet even though we do our best to place importance on our values on a regular basis, we sometimes push ahead in life without remembering what they are or using them to help guide our decisions and realize goals. 

There is tremendous value in reviewing our bigger goals and then setting a daily intention for ourselves that helps us get there, one step at a time. Intentions can be set in the mind or documented through a daily journaling practice that invites us to look back whenever we want to see how far we have traveled while on our personal growth journeys. Writing down an intention for the day as the sun rises allows us to look forward to see the possibilities that await us. Every sunset provides an opportunity to review our intentions and determine whether they were valuable in helping us get to where we want to be. If not, there is always tomorrow to reset and create a better intention. 

The beautiful thing about the intention-setting practice is that you are in charge of the entire process. An intention can address your desire to take better care of yourself, it can address how you want to present yourself to the world, or it can address a specific goal. There are no rules. Setting an intention every day places you on a clear path. You are the expert of your own life. You know what you need and want. Intentions gently remind you of what you need and want and then help you get there. 

Here are a few examples: 

To be guided by joy and love in all I do today.
To let go of the sense of urgency to get everything done today.
To find and embrace the inner peace that is always within my reach.
To eat healthfully and treat my body like a sacred vessel.
To look forward, not back.
To practice gratitude for all the simple gifts life provides every day.
To just be.
To find purpose in every step I take today.
To be okay with where I am right here, right now.
To walk with confidence.
To journey in grace with myself and others.
To be okay with whatever happens today and in whatever order it comes.

 
Setting intentions is a powerful practice that can guide you to attain the life you desire. All you have to do is wait for the next sunrise to start the transformation.

© 2022 Vicky DeCoster All Rights Reserved
Vicky DeCoster is a Certified Life Coach who specializes in helping her clients move past obstacles, create a plan for happiness, and cross the bridge of transition to find a new and fulfilling direction in life. To read more about her and her practice, visit her at http://www.crossthebridgecoaching.com/

Writer Wednesday - When the End is Just the Beginning

Hocus Pocus and All That 

By Maureen L. Bonatch 

When the End is Just the Beginning

What Scruff feels like doing with his manuscript when he has to edit. 

I’m deep in editing for book 3 of my upcoming Witch Shifter Cozy Mystery Series. I wrote this blog post in 2014, but it is still so relevant today. 

When You Write the End 

You’ve just gotten to that magical place when you wrap up your first draft. You wrote the two most beautiful words…The End. 

Ahh, bask in that blissful, satisfying feeling. Enjoy it. Do something special to reward yourself because you deserve it!

Then…let your manuscript sit for a little bit…and get back in there with your red pen because you’re not done yet.
What? But I finished it, you might say. Sorry, but no, Grasshopper, you’ve finished the first draft and now you must start on edits.
Before you start to cry, and pull out your few remaining hairs after the harrowing writing traumas you’ve endured to get to the finish line let me reassure you…your story will be better in the long run.

Scoff at me; throw a few stones if you must… (I’m in cyberspace and I won’t feel the—Hey, that wasn’t encouragement to actually do it, come on!)

Please Don’t Make Me Go Back in There

My writing tip is to share a prettier way to think about editing.
(I just cringed, kind of like Fonzie from Happy Days when he had to say ‘I’m sorry’. Wait, you don’t know the Fonz’? Quit making me feel old!)

 
Compare Your Story to Building a House

• Start with a piece of ground and a blueprint. The first stirrings of your muse and the birth of your story.
• Build your house. The evil synopsis, or if you’re a panster like me…it could be your rough draft.

Your new house is everything you’ve ever dreamed of, but it feels a little… empty.

• Carpets or nice wood flooring give your rooms a little character. Maybe a touch of colorful paint and that empty room is a bit brighter. This is the start of your editing as you tighten up by getting rid of repetitive words, making your sentences snap, and tossing out the garbage. You know, those words you love to use and don’t even realize it until you’re rereading your manuscript. (Fine, I’ll go first. My name is Maureen and a few of my favorite garbage words are: something, some, had, and in fact. Do you wanna share yours? Don’t be shy, I don’t bite…remember, cyberspace.)

The rooms are beautiful, but where are you going to sit?

• Add furnishings. Contemporary? Country? Traditional? Make it a place that says a little about your personality. Define your unique character traits that make your characters stand out and your readers connect with them.

Almost done, just needs a woman’s touch.

• A throw pillow here, a fancy light fixture there or maybe a special cabinet knob. Expanding the emotions in a scene or deepen the POV subtly, to immerse your reader into the scene.

P.S. I’m not going to say it loudly…but this might take two, or even three passes through your house….err manuscript. Hey don’t shoot the messenger, I’m just sayin’.

There! I bet you found some things you didn’t even realize you were missing, but in the end you love your story even more. Now get out there with your hammer and nails… I mean red pen….and get ready to rebuild your story!

© 2022 Maureen L. Bonatch All Rights Reserved
Just a small-town girl, Maureen Bonatch leads a double life. She lives in a magical world as a novelist, and as a nurse leader in reality. Maureen’s first novella was a paranormal romance published when blogs were a new-fangled thing. She’s since changed her focus to writing paranormal cozy mysteries as M.L. Bonatch and urban fantasy as Maureen Bonatch. While she’s not busy writing or doing nurse-things, she’s a mom to her twin daughters, bicycling in the beautiful woods of PA with her hubby, doing the bidding of a feisty Shih Tzu, and dancing as much as possible. She believes music can be paired with every mood, laughter is contagious, and that caffeine and wine are essential for survival. http://www.maureenbonatch.com/

Writer Wednesday - Where Does Happiness Come From?

Life Coaching 

By Vicky DeCoster 

Where Does Happiness Come From? 

In Tanzania, the power often goes out during a rainstorm. On a recent occasion, a group of small children applauded instead of complaining about the darkness. When an adult asked them why they were so happy to be in the dark, they replied, “Now we can sit around a candle and talk about our days.” Later, the children decided to also seize the moment to dance and sing. 

Even at such a young age, these children have already grasped that happiness comes from recognizing each moment—even the inconvenient or challenging ones—as an opportunity to find joy and learn. 

Happiness comes from the moments when we are able to find joy in the little gifts that life places in front of us. It is about changing our perspective. It is about practicing gratitude for the teachable experiences that provide a valuable lesson for us to take forward in a positive way. 

Instead of lamenting about how difficult life can be at times, we choose to identify the blessings and then readjust our mindset by asking ourselves, “What do I need to do differently in this moment to feel gratitude instead of resentment?” 

Life is challenging, unpredictable, and full of change. Happiness can sometimes be elusive. Even so, it is important to remember that we have more control over how we react and feel about our experiences than we think. 

Change your perspective and invite happiness in to celebrate every teachable moment with you. 

© 2022 Vicky DeCoster All Rights Reserved 

Vicky DeCoster is a Certified Life Coach who specializes in helping her clients move past obstacles, create a plan for happiness, and cross the bridge of transition to find a new and fulfilling direction in life. To read more about her and her practice, visit her at http://www.crossthebridgecoaching.com/

Writer Wednesday - When Life Throws a Plot Twist

Hocus Pocus and All That 

By Maureen L. Bonatch 

When Life Throws a Plot Twist 

Scruff looking cute to roll with any twist life throws his way. 

Most people don’t like change, or the unexpected, in their life. We’re creatures of habit and routine. Perhaps that’s why we love them so much in a book, or at least I do. It’s a way that we can live vicariously through a character and get excited about this sudden turn in events. It’s certainly more comfortable to dissect in a character than in oneself.

Plot Twist Straight Ahead
I still recall watching the movie, The Sixth Sense, many years ago. I never saw the plot twist coming. The way it was effortlessly merged into the movie was impressive. (I won’t reveal it here, just in case someone hasn’t seen the movie.) But once the twist was revealed, I could think back through the movie and it made sense. The clues were there, if you knew to look for them.

Most recently I was impressed with the twists skillfully incorporated into the Netflix series version of The Haunting of Hill House. (Also—no spoilers here.)

Seamless Storytelling
It takes talent to incorporate an upcoming twist seamlessly through a story, especially in a book. Sometimes it’s a little more challenging to incorporate these into a story since you lose the visual in a movie. I’ve become especially adept at noticing these ‘red herrings’ (otherwise known as clues) in a movie. Unfortunately for my hubby, I tend to point them out. Then when the twist occurs, it’s only to validate what I already saw coming. Readers are meticulous like that—at least I am.

Often the author starts right when everything changes and the character must face a new normal in their life, even if they don’t want to. As readers, we’re dropped right into the action and go along on the journey as the character figures out what’s next. That’s usually what I like to write, and to read.

Destiny Calling
The story of Destiny Calling started not long after Hope faced a terrible twist in her life. We get to go along as she discovers that there’s more to the world than she realized, and that she plays a role.

Everybody Loves a Grandma
Unless she’s infected with a deadly, contagious spell…In Grandma Must Die we start off already aware of the magic that exists in the world, but we must help our heroine deal with another dilemma.

Enough of the Everyday
Any story can start with the things we do every day, but usually that’s not what we’re looking for. To have a story, there’s usually a twist, or a dilemma, that needs addressed, otherwise it’s just more of the same. But the author should do this so that the story doesn’t take a drastic turn that doesn’t mesh with the story. Or wrap it up just for the sake of ending the story with a, “they all lived happily ever after,” thrown in rather than work to tie up loose ends.

Many of us would like it if our own problems were solved so easily. But that’s us. We want to see our characters’ work for their success and their happily ever after.

Can You Name a Book, or a Movie with an Awesome Plot Twist?

**Blog previously featured on www.maureenbonatch.com**

© 2022 Maureen L. Bonatch All Rights Reserved
Just a small-town girl, Maureen Bonatch leads a double life. She lives in a magical world as a novelist, and as a nurse leader in reality. Maureen’s first novella was a paranormal romance published when blogs were a new-fangled thing. She’s since changed her focus to writing paranormal cozy mysteries as M.L. Bonatch and urban fantasy as Maureen Bonatch. While she’s not busy writing or doing nurse-things, she’s a mom to her twin daughters, bicycling in the beautiful woods of PA with her hubby, doing the bidding of a feisty Shih Tzu, and dancing as much as possible. She believes music can be paired with every mood, laughter is contagious, and that caffeine and wine are essential for survival. http://www.maureenbonatch.com/

Writer Wednesday - Being Okay with Being Yourself

Life Coaching 

By Vicky DeCoster 

Being Okay with Being Yourself

Most of us probably have felt like we didn’t belong at some point during our lifetime. Whether this event occurs on the playground, at work, or at a party, it can leave us with an unsettling feeling that, whether we realize it or not, often prompts us to question our characteristics, values, and personality traits and then wonder, “Why am I not good enough?” or “What’s wrong with me?” 

Truth be known, research studies have proven that humans are instinctively programmed with a desire to fit in, and will sometimes even alter their behavior in minor ways to do so. We all want to be unconditionally accepted for who we are, and it is our fear of rejection that often drives our need to belong. Yet, sometimes our quest to be accepted is not healthy, especially when that desire causes us to overhaul our entire personalities and become someone we’re not.

It can be exhausting to be a fake version of ourselves.

If you are feeling the need to undergo a major transformation every day to fit into a certain environment, it may be time for you to evaluate whether you are presenting your true self to the world. Here are a few introspective questions that can lead you through the self-evaluation process:

1. Who is my support group, and do they have my back at all times?
2. Is there anyone toxic in my support group who does not want the best for me?
3. Do I need to create boundaries to eliminate toxic influences?
4. Do I feel like I am a square peg trying to fit into a round hole when I am at work?
5. Is there another professional role for me that would be a better fit or is it the culture?
6. If the answer is “no” to the above two questions, what would I like to be doing instead or what kind of culture would better fit my personality and core values?
7. What is my best characteristic?
8. Am I proudly presenting that characteristic to the world every day or am I trying to push it down and being someone I’m not?
9. Who am I really? (List all your characteristics and then circle how many you are currently exhibiting to the world on a daily basis.)
10. What is one thing I can do today that will lead me down a better path to being my true self, everywhere and all the time?

Think of it this way. Chemistry is important in every relationship and in nearly all situation in life. When we feel the right chemistry either with those around us or in any environment, we feel accepted, appreciated, and encouraged to be ourselves. No one can really explain chemistry. It’s a feeling. A nudge. A flutter in the gut. It’s either there or it’s not. Pay attention to the chemistry in your relationships and environments. If it’s not evident, move on.

In the future, if you find you’re acting like someone you’re not the majority of the time, then ask yourself this powerful question: Is this my ideal life, or am I living someone else’s?

Then begin the self-evaluation process. It’s an insightful and extremely important step to ensuring you are being your authentic and unique self, always and forever. It’s really about accepting yourself and all your special qualities, isn’t it? There’s no one else exactly like you. Be yourself, love who you are, and you’ll be a magnet that attracts your best life.

© 2022 Vicky DeCoster All Rights Reserved
Vicky DeCoster is a Certified Life Coach who specializes in helping her clients move past obstacles, create a plan for happiness, and cross the bridge of transition to find a new and fulfilling direction in life. To read more about her and her practice, visit her at http://www.crossthebridgecoaching.com/

Writer Wednesday - That’s For The Birds

Hocus Pocus and All That 

By Maureen L. Bonatch 

That’s For The Birds 

Scruff: Facing down a baby bird through the window.

May 4th is Bird Day. Who knew? Not me, but then again, I’ve never considered myself a ‘bird person’. I’m not a bird watcher, even though it’s a popular hobby enjoyed by all ages—or am I? It seems the word is out with the feathered species that they have an uninterested party in the vicinity and they’ve made it their mission to convert me. 

As a child my grandmother always had a pet parakeet, and it was always named Babe. 

That’s right, when one Babe met his or her demise, another Babe would take its place. I have no idea how many Babes there were, it could’ve only been two but since I was young I found the idea of seamlessly replacing a pet a little odd. I was also traumatized by being dive-bombed when she’d let Babe fly around her apartment—and by her story of how Babe liked to perch on her glasses and once fell into her cereal bowl while doing so.

Despite my decision to remain uninterested in the avian species, in the years that I rose long before the sun to write I’d crack my window in the spring when the birds woke. The volume at that time of the year, for that brief time in the morning, is nothing like the rest of the year. It made me feel better to know ‘someone’ else was up with me in the wee hours of the morning.

But, I digress. Back to the bird watching.

The birds around our home seem to really want to ensure that I watch them whether I want to or not.

They’ve come ‘knocking’ on the window a few times in the last few years to torment Scruff. He’s always been fascinated by birds. When they swoop past him on the deck they are one of the only things that causes him to bark rather than just huff. He desperately wants to be their friend and from this visitor, and others, it seems as if the feeling is mutual.

The birds ensure they erect multiple nests crowding so close to our house as if they’re vying for a room inside. We had to remove the wreath from our front door since they always put a nest there and wouldn’t permit anyone to enter or exit without a huge fuss. Last year we had two on the trees near the front porch and one on the back. So far this year, I’ve found there is one right outside our laundry room window when I peered out this morning and got a beady stink eye right back.

They tend to like to sit in the gutter right outside my office where I work all day so they can repeatedly startle me as they swoop in or dangle their tail down from their perch.

So maybe I am being somewhat morphing into a bird watcher as they vie for my attention as I used to do with my Mom by saying, “look at me” while I did cartwheels through the yard. Who knows, maybe one day I’ll have a parakeet named Babe?

Blog previously featured on Paranormal Romantics Blogspot.

Speaking of changes, I have some exciting writing stuff coming soon. Sign up for my newsletter, to hear more about my new Paranormal Cozy Mysteries coming out in a few months! That, or I can do some cartwheels through your yard—although I think the newsletter would be a little less uncomfortable for me now.

© 2022 Maureen L. Bonatch All Rights Reserved
Just a small-town girl, Maureen Bonatch leads a double life. She lives in a magical world as a novelist, and as a nurse leader in reality. Maureen’s first novella was a paranormal romance published when blogs were a new-fangled thing. She’s since changed her focus to writing paranormal cozy mysteries as M.L. Bonatch and urban fantasy as Maureen Bonatch. While she’s not busy writing or doing nurse-things, she’s a mom to her twin daughters, bicycling in the beautiful woods of PA with her hubby, doing the bidding of a feisty Shih Tzu, and dancing as much as possible. She believes music can be paired with every mood, laughter is contagious, and that caffeine and wine are essential for survival. http://www.maureenbonatch.com/

Writer Wednesday - Is the Endless Search for Purpose Easier than You Think?

Life Coaching 

By Vicky DeCoster 

Is the Endless Search for Purpose Easier than You Think? 

Searching for our purpose in life can seem like an overwhelming task that requires constant thought and life-changing decisions. Sometimes the daunting question, “What is my purpose?” can send us on a decades-long quest for the answer, to no avail. 

Left seemingly without hope, we trudge back into our comfort zones where we mistakenly consider ourselves noncontributors to the world. To really make ourselves miserable, we then take a tour through hundreds of lives on social media and lament that everyone else is living their dream but you. Sound familiar?

What if switching your mindset is all you need to put this endless search to rest?

It’s as simple as this: we are all here to make the world a better place, one day at a time. Rather than searching for a larger purpose for decades, why not pursue your universal purpose every day? Viewing purpose with this simpler approach allows you to take the pressure off yourself to find an immediate answer and instead focuses on creating an empowering path forward where you take control to realize a life of courage, service, and consistent personal growth.

What are you going to do today to help fulfill your purpose of making the world a better place?

Here are a few ideas to get you started:
Plant a garden.
Help a friend.
Make a pot of soup to share with a neighbor.
Smile at a stranger.
Write a poem.
Feed the birds in your backyard.
Read a good book and then gift it to a local assisted living facility.
Encourage someone who needs a boost.
Volunteer at a homeless shelter.
Rescue an animal.
Pick up trash while on a walk.

Remember, no one is going to fulfill each of these tasks exactly the way you do. Although your purpose may be universal, your perspective and approach are unique. There is no one else exactly like you.

When you relax, refocus, and revamp the way you look at life and your overall purpose, you will no longer have the time or inclination to compare your path to that of others.

Every day that you inch your way outside your comfort zone by doing something to make the world a better place, you are fulfilling your universal purpose and becoming a better person in the process.

It’s just that easy.

© 2022 Vicky DeCoster All Rights Reserved
Vicky DeCoster is a Certified Life Coach who specializes in helping her clients move past obstacles, create a plan for happiness, and cross the bridge of transition to find a new and fulfilling direction in life. To read more about her and her practice, visit her at http://www.crossthebridgecoaching.com/

Writer Wednesday - Not Your Usual Signs of Spring

Hocus Pocus and All That 

By Maureen L. Bonatch

Not Your Usual Signs of Spring 

Scruff looking dapper with his bow tie to welcome the warmer weather. 

It creeps upon us. A few degrees over freezing, a moment of being mesmerized by the round, orb in the sky until our frozen minds realize it’s the sun considering emerging from hibernation…and suddenly spring is on it’s way. 

Most notice the longer days, and that they might actually travel to and from work without the moon for company. Others comment on the budding flowers, but here in PA, I find other not so obvious signs spring may be upon us...and no, I’m not talking about the Groundhog. 

You might be from Pennsylvania if these signs of spring sound familiar: 

• My obsession with the Schoolcast website has lessened. One morning I realize I’ve started my day without the routine of refreshing the school closings and delays a bajillion times, only to have the cancellation roll in moments before waking the munchkins. 

• I realize I’ve not checked the weather for a day or two, and have not conversed with friends and families about when the next winter storm is about to descend (I.e.: when to avoid the grocery store at all costs, seriously how much toilet paper do you need?) 

• I look in my closet and discover 90% of my choices are black or grey…and suddenly I have an urge to add a little color. 

• The initial excitement has long faded and I don’t know if I can stand to wear my salt encrusted, dry rotting, boots…One. More. Day— I dream of open-toed shoes and painted toenails. 

• Fretting begins about the eventual hibernation of the sweat pants I’ve come to love and cherish—one aspect of winter I resist with all my might—despite doing very little sweating in them. 

• That rack I’ve intentionally avoided, ignored and scowled at, has been full of bathing suits since January— and some crazy people have been buying them, so the pickings are getting sparse. 

• The state flower has began to make an appearance. No, not the Mountain Laurel Flower (who knew we had so many PA state symbols-- there's even a proposed state toy!) but the orange construction cone should be the PA state flower, because they start budding everywhere at the first sign of spring. 

• Potholes appear out of nowhere as if an asteroid has hit the earth, leaving gaping holes big enough to lose small animals in. 

• In my novel Destiny Calling, another not so usual sign of spring is the emergence of motorcycles even though the snow has yet to finish melting. I haven’t seen any out yet, but it won’t be long— and I’m sure there would be if we had any Oppressors in residence… 

So tell me what do you consider the first sign of spring? 

Blog previously posted on www.maureenbonatch.com

© 2022 Maureen L. Bonatch All Rights Reserved Just a small-town girl, Maureen Bonatch leads a double life. She lives in a magical world as a novelist, and as a nurse leader in reality. Maureen’s first novella was a paranormal romance published when blogs were a new-fangled thing. She’s since changed her focus to writing paranormal cozy mysteries as M.L. Bonatch and urban fantasy as Maureen Bonatch. While she’s not busy writing or doing nurse-things, she’s a mom to her twin daughters, bicycling in the beautiful woods of PA with her hubby, doing the bidding of a feisty Shih Tzu, and dancing as much as possible. She believes music can be paired with every mood, laughter is contagious, and that caffeine and wine are essential for survival. http://www.maureenbonatch.com/

Writer Wednesday - How to Persevere Through Change and Obstacles

Life Coaching 

By Vicky DeCoster 

How to Persevere Through Change and Obstacles 

While participating in a school track meet, a ten-year-old boy accidentally ran right out of one of his sneakers. In a split second, he made a choice that would dictate how he would navigate through his life from that point forward. Instead of stopping to pick it up or put it back on, he quickly adjusted his mindset, left the shoe behind, kept running, and beat all his competitors to win the race. A few years later, that same boy went on to secure two gold medals in the Olympics. 

“Perseverance is not a long race; it is many short races, one after the other.” –Walter Elliott

Perseverance is critical to achieving our goals, navigating through change, and enduring unforeseen challenges. Even though we all understand the importance of perseverance to help us stay focused while on a journey through change or to find contentment or success in life, our inner-critic often attempts to override our best intentions to keep at it by telling us, “You can’t do this,” or “You’re not good enough,” or “You will probably fail.” As a result, this fixed mindset ultimately holds us back from achieving our dreams, learning, and experiencing life in its fullest form. Although this fixed mindset can feel comfortable and safe, it most likely leaves us feeling stagnant, miserable, and hopeless. The good news is that a fixed mindset is a habit that can be changed.

“Perseverance is a choice. It’s not a simple, one-time choice; it’s a daily one …” –Margaret J. Wheatley

 
In order to persevere through challenging times or even routine everyday experiences, it is possible to make decisions, even in seconds, that push us to continue on, if for no other reason than to see what’s around the next corner. By changing our internal dialogue from “You can’t do this,” to “You can try and see where this leads you,” we are making a conscious decision to alter our perspective to a growth mindset, a belief that encourages us to change the course of our lives through action.

“It always seems impossible until it’s done,” –Nelson Mandela

The next time you are facing a seemingly insurmountable obstacle or a change that terrifies you, think about the story of the ten-year-old boy who made a split-second choice to persevere, readjust his mindset, and finish the race strong.

By setting small action steps every day that move you forward, quiet your inner-critic, guide you around obstacles, and help you press through change, you too can persevere to achieve great things.

© 2022 Vicky DeCoster All Rights Reserved
Vicky DeCoster is a Certified Life Coach who specializes in helping her clients move past obstacles, create a plan for happiness, and cross the bridge of transition to find a new and fulfilling direction in life. To read more about her and her practice, visit her at http://www.crossthebridgecoaching.com/

Writer Wednesday - Memorable, Forgettable & Annoying Character Traits

Hocus Pocus and All That 

By Maureen L. Bonatch 

Memorable, Forgettable & Annoying Character Traits 

I love a good pair of socks. I can’t describe exactly what makes them ‘good, but I know when I find them, or when I wear them. So the only person who really knows this about me, is me. Close friends and family probably know that I always have my Blistex and that I can’t get enough water, read as much as I can and/or that I’m rather introverted until it’s time for dancing.

I love music, and my favorite artist as a teen and for years after was Prince (even through his time as a symbol and as the artist formerly known as Prince). I was heartbroken when he died but more shocked at how many people reached out to me on social media from the present, and way-way in the past, because they remembered that I loved his music.

   

Character Traits 

You might say these are things that might be identified as my character traits. These are things that other people might notice and remember more than saying I have brown hair or my height—because I’d bet there are a lot of five-foot seven brunettes walking around and unless someone is standing by a ruler, I’d be hard pressed to narrow down their exact height.

Think about how you might describe yourself, or how others might explain how to identify you. It might be something a little more subtle, or not-so-subtle like my hubby. More than one person who didn’t know his name has referred to him as, ‘that big, loud guy.’

These are also things that help make the characters in a story memorable, whether you’re reading the story, or writing it. Character traits are what bring me back to a series to revisit those characters I love, or what stops me from reading further because I can’t relate to them, or they annoy me.

Memorable Characters 

As a reader, I love to find a new favorite character and then discover that they have an ongoing series. Just like hanging with a good friend, I want to visit them again and again.

As a writer, it can be challenging to craft that character that is memorable and that a reader can relate to. In addition, when you’re writing a series, you have to want to stay with that character for a long time so it’s helpful to like them and enjoy their company. I still recall the very first novel I wrote (still in a ‘drawer’, suffering through many edits, but still may never see the light of day). When someone reviewed that story for me they said that my hero sounded like an a$$hole. Umm…not much of a hero, lol.

Sadly, their assessment made sense, but I was grateful that they shared that because it really helped me understand the importance of fleshing out a character—and that sarcasm doesn’t always come across well.

Speaking of characters, let me introduce you to Marissa 

I’ve been spending a lot of time with her as the protagonist of my Charmed Cocktail Cozy series. Her pink hair might make her memorable in appearance, but I’m hoping her kind heart, quirky sense of humor and dogged determination to overcome her lackluster spelling abilities make her a character you want to get to know better.

Curses, Cats & Corpses in the first in the Charmed Cocktail Cozy series. Here’s a little bit about it:

Hi, I’m Marissa Hale. I took a summer job at a nightclub in Florida to escape the cold Pennsylvania winter, and to visit Gran. Although staying with Gran at the retirement condo with a bunch of nosey witches becomes the least of my worries when I stumble upon a corpse in the club freezer.

I can only hope to avoid making this a permanent vacation in the slammer by solving this murder mystery with the help of Gran, a talking cat, and a demon with a real devil-doesn’t-care attitude.

What Are Your Character Traits?

  

*Post originally featured on Paranormal Romantics Blogspot 

© 2022 Maureen L. Bonatch All Rights Reserved Just a small-town girl, Maureen Bonatch leads a double life. She lives in a magical world as a novelist, and as a nurse leader in reality. Maureen’s first novella was a paranormal romance published when blogs were a new-fangled thing. She’s since changed her focus to writing paranormal cozy mysteries as M.L. Bonatch and urban fantasy as Maureen Bonatch. While she’s not busy writing or doing nurse-things, she’s a mom to her twin daughters, bicycling in the beautiful woods of PA with her hubby, doing the bidding of a feisty Shih Tzu, and dancing as much as possible. She believes music can be paired with every mood, laughter is contagious, and that caffeine and wine are essential for survival. http://www.maureenbonatch.com/