Classics Challenge: "Little Women"

The end of the month is upon us, and I've finished "Little Women."
Actually, I finished the book in the middle of December, I've just waited to do this post.
If you've never read "Little Women" before, let me give you some quick facts in the form of Goodreads' summary:
"Classic novel of 19th-century family life during and after the Civil War, in a household with four sisters. Alcott based the March family largely on her own real-life family."
Furthermore, "Little Women" is broken into two parts: the girls' childhood and the girls' adulthood. I have to say, my favorite part was when the girls were younger. Something about them growing up and getting married felt very bittersweet to me. There was a great loss, as if I were losing cherished friends.
Okay, maybe I was tying in my own three sisters into this story. It was inevitable!
But aside from my personal sadness and disgruntlement, I really loved "Little Women." The story was so warm and inviting. Despite the poverty of the March family, they were rich in what truly mattered. The girls heralded distinct and enjoyable personalities. I found myself relating to each one of them in their own regard.
And Laurie, ah, Laurie! How could I not fall for the boy with sweet, endearing charm. I am still to this day (two weeks after finishing) still displeased he didn't end up with Jo. And I don't think I'll ever come to terms with the idea that he married Amy.

Oops--spoiler! Sorry.
Alas, my romantic heart had to settle for the much older Professor Baer for Jo. At least I was prepared for this, having seen the movie.
Ah, the movie vs the book. The century old debate. Which was better?
The book--obviously!
Other than that, December is over and January is blowing in. Up next, Wuthering Heights!

Momentary Setback

In case you've noticed (or in case you haven't), writing hasn't been a huge topic around the blog lately. Mostly because I haven't been doing much of it. 
After I completed SECOND-HAND SCAVENGERS, I hit a major rut. We're talking at least six feet deep here. It wasn't a "writer's block" rut. I'm not going to be writing for awhile--I've got too many books waiting to be edited!
I've been extremely (and quietly) discouraged. I've questioned question my talent, ideas, and if my voice even needs to be heard.
The thing is, guys, my books are just a few in a infinite shelf of books. 
Which led me to the inevitable: What's the point?

Since I crashed into this rut--more like a pit--I've stayed away from all things writing. Sometimes a break helps gain perspective. I am happy to say that I miss writing and my characters a lot. The time away also helped me come to one major conclusion as to my down-in-the-dumpsness.
I'm lazy.
Seriously! Part of what has me so "blah" is the fact that my books need major work. And I don't want to do it. I want them to be 101% perfect from idea to keystroke. Unfortunately I'm human, so they're not.
I'm working to get over this aspect. The "infinite shelf of books" thing? Well, that's something I'll just have to accept as part of the writing world.
Time to yank myself up by my hypothetical bootstraps and get to work.
If you're feeling discouraged about your work, here's a message just for you.
You can do it. Your voice matters. I want to read your story.

Christmas Eve

Christmas books abound, from Dickens' A Christmas Carol to Clement Moore's A Visit From Saint Nicholas ('Twas the night before Christmas...).  But as we celebrate and anticipate the joys tomorrow will bring, it's important to remember a true story. The greatest story ever told.

Luke 2:1-20

In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world. (This was the first census that took place while Quirinius was governor of Syria.) And everyone went to their own town to register.
So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child. While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no guest room available for them.
And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.”
Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.”
When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.”
So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told.

As you enter the joy of Christmas Day, filled with presents, good food, and family/friends, keep the reason for our celebration close to your hearts.

With that, I bid you adieu, borrowing from Clement Moore's Santa Claus:

Happy Christmas to all and to all a good night!

Double Dipping

If you ever hop on my website (or my goodreads) at any given moment, you might find I've got two books on my "Currently Reading" list.
I'll admit, that title is deceptive. Why? Well, yes, one of the books I am reading. 
But the other I am listening. 
I'm actually an ardent fan of audiobooks (see me confess my love here). Which is why I usually read a book and listen to a book at the same time. 
Unlike reading two print books, I don't get confused on plot/characters. Maybe because it's two different mediums, I'm not sure.
Side note: if you can avoid it, don't read two print books at the same time. Speaking from someone who has, it involves a round of high-cardio mental aerobics to piece out which plot string goes where and which character belongs to whom.
I won't delve into my praising of audiobooks--since I've done that already. But I will mention that if you're reading a print book and getting a little tired of it, consider listening to an audiobook to break up the monotony (or vice versa). 

One thing I've noticed while reading a classic novel and listening to a modern audiobook, is how differently our stories are told today. Back then it was either all dialog or large chunks of description. Whereas in the 21st Century we meld them together into an attention-grabbing conglomeration of words.
Very interesting. Very interesting, indeed.

ELEMENTALS, Chapter One

Christmas Traditions

"Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign: The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel." ~Isaiah 7:14

Christmas day is fast approaching. The radios have been blasting Christmas-y songs. "Just hear those sleigh bells ring-a-ling..." Christmas presents have been purchased--or are still being purchased--and wrapped. And, most importantly, the story of Jesus' miraculous birth is proclaimed in the form of sermons, nativities, and music.
It's truly the most wonderful time of the year.
Especially for my family! The Layne Family has lots of much-anticipated traditions throughout the month of December. 
In honor of the season (and the reason), I figured I'd deviate from my normal writerly posts and dish on a few of my family's favorite traditions. You don't mind, do you?
1. Decorating. We're not too specific on the when of decorating. Sometimes we manage the beginning of December or the middle (this year we had everything up before December, woot!). But four things are always the same. We put up our nativity scene, stockings, my mom's Christmas village, and then the Christmas tree. Decorating the tree is filled with laughter and reliving memories. This year I did a timelapse!
2. Baking. Usually we only manage to squeeze this in a few days before Christmas, but this year we were on top of it! Just this weekend my talented sister Becky whipped out her mixer and helped us make delicious gingerbread cookies (a new tradition!). Sugar cookies are next on the menu!

3. Chinese Food. That's right. Christians buying Chinese food for Christmas. This has been a Christmas Eve tradition for as long as I can remember. Maybe it comes from my dad's Jewish heritage, or maybe it's because Chinese food is inexpensive, yummy, and open on Christmas Eve. Either way, we love it. This year we're going to try a healthier, half-homemade alternative. I make a mean fried rice, guys!
4. "The Nativity Story." This is probably one of the most emotional moments of the Christmas season. With Chinese on our plates and snuggled on the couch, we watch "The Nativity Story," a adaptation of the story of Mary and Joseph. 
5. Exchanging Gifts. Christmas morning! After my dad reads us a portion of scripture, it's time for presents. Since the days of Santa are long past (my youngest sister being 15), my family has started a new tradition. We all buy gifts for each other. My parents have always done this, but now us girls have hopped on the bandwagon. The best part is the anticipation leading up to and the excitement when the recipient tears open the wrapping paper! I'm super excited for my sisters' and parents' gifts this year!

So, those are a few of my familial Christmas traditions. What about yours?

Mid-Month Update: "Little Women"

It's officially the 15th of December, which marks the halfway point of my Classics Challenge.
How's it going you ask?
Wonderfully! I'm right on track and enjoying every page. It's so embarrassing that I've owned Little Women for years and am just now starting to read it. Kid Emily must've thought classics were boring and dumb.
She was very, very wrong.
Mind you, I haven't reached the already spoiled, much debated Certain Someone love rejection *hint, hint*). So that might spoil things for me. We'll see.

Something I didn't know, when I first started, is that Louisa May Alcott wrote Little Women in two parts. The girls when they're young, for a span of about a year. Then there's a three year gap between sections. It made me sad that the March girls are growing up, but also excited to see what life has in store for them.
One of the things I love most about Little Women besides the four sisters (I'm one of four--the eldest. That'd make me Meg.), is that the book is so quotable. In fact, I've been blowing up my Facebook Page the last few days with Little Women posts.
But just for the sake of you and convenience, here are a few of my favorite short quotes:

"The more you love and trust Him, the nearer you will feel to Him, and the less you will depend on human power and wisdom. His love and care never tire or change, can never be taken from you, but may become the source of lifelong peace, happiness, and strength." 

“Love is a great beautifier.”

“Every few weeks she would shut herself up in her room, put on her scribbling suit, and fall into a vortex, as she expressed it, writing away at her novel with all her heart and soul, for till that was finished she could find no peace.” 

“When you feel discontented, think over your blessings, and be grateful.”

"The best of us have a spice of perversity in us, especially when we are young and in love." 

Have I convinced you to start reading yet? It's not too late. Go at your own pace! Take the entirety of 2016 to read Little Women. But you must, must, must read it!

Especially if you have little girls/sisters at home!

You Don't Have What?

The modern age has spoiled us writers. And also created endless ways to feed our procrastinator minds. 
By why not take advantage of the good (and procrastinate a little)?
This is where I ask you a simple question, but an important one.
Do you have a Pinterest?
If your answer is no and you're a writer--what are you doing?! You're missing out on prime inspiration and organization. Let me lay it out for you.
I use Pinterest constantly before/while planning my books. I honestly don't know how I managed in the Dark Days prior to it. The pins help me to visualize characters, places, and objects--while keep it organized on one special board.
See Exhibit A: Second-Hand Scavengers Board.
If you prowl around my page a bit more, you'll stumble upon other boards I've created. Seeing a trend here? All of the books I'm proud enough to put on my website have a Pinterest board. Coincidence? I think not.
So, writer, what are you waiting for, sign up for Pinterest. Trust me, you won't regret it!
Besides, where else would you find cute gifs like this?

Foxes are totally my favorite animal, by the way...

*Cringe*

I'm venturing into embarrassing waters.
I'm traveling back in time.
I'm probably going to regret this.
Commencing Friday, December 18, I'm starting a new vlog series that will last for...quite awhile. Okay, you might be thinking: Why so many series? You're already doing the Classics Challenge. (Which you're free to take part in, by the way)
Well, dear, this is on an entirely different platform. Plus, it's going to be a fun experiment. For you, at least. I'm pretty sure I'll die of mortification before it's over.
Introducing: Elementals: A First Novel Dramatic Reading.
In case you don't know, Elementals was my first ever full-length, finished, queried book. *Cringe*
I haven't read or even touched the manuscript in at least three years, maybe more (I wrote it back in 2010) so you'll get my first-hand reaction to newbie Emily's blunders.
Just to whet your appetite, scrolling through (without reading), and clicking on random lines produces the following teasers:
“Anna, get yourself together.” He shook my shoulders, pulling me out of my semi-conscious state. 
I unhooked the bow from its binding and held it up triumphantly. “Bristan, look, I can use my bow.”
She looked like she had died not five minutes ago…then why was her dress so rotten?
Oh, my. This is going to be worse than I thought...
Make sure you subscribe to my YouTube page so you don't miss one embarrassing post.

Vlog #22: Blind-Sided Book Review, "Stung" by Bethany Wiggins

The Writer's Raincloud

Every once in awhile I get what I now call The Writer's Raincloud. Like this week, for example.
What is The Writer's Raincloud? Allow me to illustrate:
It's this:

And this:

And also this:

Get my drift?
In non-gif format, The Writer's Raincloud is period of time where you (a writer) feels like:
1. There is no point to writing; the odds of being successful or even getting published are tinier than--well, you're too melancholy to be creative enough to think of something "tinier than."
2. All of your books are terrible. Awful, even.
3. There are so many amazing novels and novelists out there, you're just a sneeze at a concert.
What triggers The Writer's Raincloud? Maybe a mental recovery period from NaNo-ing? Or the realization that tons of work (editing and query-writing lies ahead)? I have no idea. I just know it takes awhile to get over.
And that's okay.
Though my mental timeline had me start editing this week, I'm going to push it off until my fervor returns. That's what writing is supposed to be after all: fun! 
Once my self-esteem recharges, I know it will be again

Classics Challenge: Louisa May Alcott

"Money is the root of all evil, and yet it is such a useful root that we cannot get on without it any more than we can without potatoes." ~ Louisa May Alcott
Today is December 1st which marks the start of my year-long Classics Challenge. To kick things off, I'm starting with a book I own (but have never read) Little Women by Louisa May Alcott.
Who counted Henry David Thoreau and Ralph Waldo Emerson as family friends?
Ms. Alcott.

Yes, miss. Louisa never married. Instead, she devoted her life and love to her writings. Though she wasn't always serious about her literary career. In fact, she dabbled in the published world for awhile, using pen names like Flora Fairfield and A.M. Barnard. It was the account of her experiences as a nurse in the Civil War that fortified her love for writing.
And Louisa May Alcott, the author, was born.
Louisa's most famous works are Little Women, Little Men, Eight Cousins, and Jo's Boys. She tried her hand at adult novels, but they didn't garner as much attention as her other writings. 
She lived to be 55 years old, dying almost the same day as her father.
Writerly Things to Learn from Louisa May Alcott:

1. Writing as a career can work, even for a woman in the 19th century.
2. Switching audiences is a difficult task for any writer, i.e. YA to Adult (and some are more successful than others).
3. Our lives make great fodder for our writing. The character Beth in Little Women was based of Louisa's sister, Elizabeth Alcott, who died at the age of 22. In an even broader spectrum, Little Women was Louisa's idealized version of her family. 
4. After death, every famous writer's works will be published. In other words, if you don't want some manuscripts to ever see the light of day, either burn them or put it in your will with capital letters. Louisa's first novel, The Inheritance, based strongly off Jane Eyre was published after someone discovered it posthumously, wherever Louisa had hidden it. I wonder if she'd be happy about that!
I look forward to reading Little Women for the first time. Hopefully watching the movie won't spoil it for me.
You're welcome to join in! Classics Challenge is fun, impromptu book club for all. See you at the end of December!