tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36604054633472682024-03-04T23:34:46.482-05:00life of a writerlife as a teen Christian writerAbigail Lockharthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14600574783853670363noreply@blogger.comBlogger19125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3660405463347268.post-17249156408352489442013-12-11T21:07:00.001-05:002013-12-11T21:07:07.760-05:00Happy Finals Week!I love December.<div>
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Christmas season has to be the best, with all the decorations and cookies and parties. It's always a fun time for me and my family, and I enjoy it every year.</div>
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<br />But there's one part I don't enjoy - finals. I took my last test this morning, and I have to admit, it was not a fun last three days. So, since my classes end a week or so before everyone else, I thought I would take a minute to wish everyone luck.</div>
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As much as I do like school (because I'm weird like that, no shame), tests aren't fun. For anyone. So, if you're taking finals over the next week or so, feel free to leave a comment and I'll pray for you. Cause we probably all need some prayers this time of year...right?</div>
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I'm hoping I can start posting more once my break starts at the end of this week! I know I haven't been the best lately...since it's been about four months...life gets in the way, I suppose. So frustrating.</div>
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Abigail :)</div>
Abigail Lockharthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14600574783853670363noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3660405463347268.post-76131579917323786952013-09-12T19:59:00.002-04:002013-09-12T19:59:44.067-04:00Random Grammar PostWhich looks right?<br />
<br />
A. I didn't know who I could trust.<br />
<br />
B. I didn't know whom I could trust.<br />
<br />
<br />
The first looks right but the second is actually grammatically correct.<br />
<br />Go figure.Abigail Lockharthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14600574783853670363noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3660405463347268.post-45376270149952898292013-05-31T11:45:00.000-04:002013-05-31T11:45:03.537-04:00What Star Trek Taught Me About Science FictionNote: no movie spoilers will be included in the following post. And if you don't enjoy science fiction, feel free to skip over this post :)<br />
<br />
So I went and saw Star Trek: Into Darkness with my dad a week or so ago. It was great and I really enjoyed it, so if you haven't seen it and enjoy action movies, I would definitely recommend it.<br />
<br />
But it got me thinking. Most good movies do, because I like to take my opinion of it and, as a writer, use it to my advantage. Simply put, if I enjoy a movie, I try to pinpoint <i>why </i>I enjoyed it, and use those strengths and ideas to improve my writing. If I didn't like or, or didn't like some aspects of it, I'll figure out why those scenes or ideas damaged the overall plot, and I'll try not to bring that out in my writing.<br />
<br />However, this movie got me thinking for a whole other reason. Before I launch into my explanation, let it be said that I'm a die-hard science fiction fan. I <i>love</i> it. It's probably my favorite genre to both read and write.<br />
<br />
There are multiple science fiction series out there that have succeeded, and all for a good reason. The main series' that come to mind are Star Wars and Star Trek. These two major series have had tons of books and movies and TV episodes that stemmed from their basic concepts. I thought it for a while, and realized it's just because there's so much to tell.<br />
<br />
For example, Star Wars is about an entire galaxy. Sure, it generally follows the life of the Skywalker family, but it can be easily expanded. With an idea and concept that big, it's not difficult for hundreds of books to be written about it. But each book doesn't tackle every character and every conflict. No, instead it narrows down to smaller plots - usually with one main villain and one main objective.<br />
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Science fiction concepts are so large, but books have to narrow down the plot. It's tempting, while writing scifi, to try to describe what happens to everyone in the world. That's why I think the most important thing to remember when writing is tell what needs to be told to move the story along, and <i>nothing</i> more. The viewer/reader doesn't need to know everything - just what's important.<br /><br />At the same time, you can't underexplain. I had no previous knowledge of Star Trek before seeing the two new movies, and I was able to completely understand most of the movie.<br />
<br />
I guess what I'm trying to say is that you have to find a balance. If you tell too much, the story will get too complicated and confusing, and if you tell too little, it will be too confusing in a while different way.<br />
<br />
Balance is extremely important in writing, and I guess that's what I'm learning through this whole process :)Abigail Lockharthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14600574783853670363noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3660405463347268.post-51509158308062729592013-05-11T17:44:00.001-04:002013-05-11T17:47:27.861-04:00Random Blogging - Gas Stations<br />
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<a href="http://media.agricharts.com/sites/14/images/Gas%20Pump.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" id="irc_mi" src="http://media.agricharts.com/sites/14/images/Gas%20Pump.jpg" style="margin-top: 0px;" width="187" /></a><br />
Uh, yeah, please excuse the random title. It was all I could think of while trying to write a blog post because I really really need to blog more...But instead of trying to make excuses for how crazy life is or whatnot, I'll just try to come up with something worth reading. And that may contribute something to your day, but I know that's a long shot.<br />
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<br />
First things first, I had my first experience at a gas station in my car by myself. It wasn't as much scary as humiliating because I honestly had no clue what I was doing. Well, I mean, I knew how to pump gas because I've done it before, but as far as all the logistics and everything else about a gas station? Yeah, well, my attempt was most definitely a fail.<br />
<br />
I forgot which side of the car the gas tank was, and when I realized that I had the wrong side, after I'd already turned the car off and gotten out, people had already noticed. Yeah. I'm sure I looked amazing, searching the wrong side of my car...<br />
<br />
So, after pulling around the station about ten times, I finally found a spot with the tank on the right side. But after I swiped my card and attempted to pump gas, letters flashed up on the screen saying that this pump was out of gas, which I didn't even know was possible.<br />
<br />
So I was onto my third pump, hoping this time I'd finally get it right. But of course it couldn't be that easy. Even thought it worked, the latch on the handle of the pump was broken, and I had to stand there holding the trigger down the entire time. Finally, I had filled the tank with gas. Then my receipt wouldn't print, which I guess isn't that much of a big deal, but it frustrated me. So when I was fumbling around trying to find the "print" button, I accidentally hit the "assistance" button for handicapped people. By this point I was running twenty minutes late, so I got in my car and hurried off before causing myself to become victim to any further embarrassment.<br />
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And because of this ordeal and traffic, I got home a half-hour late, thus making myself late to my soccer game. Yeah. Guess I'm just that amazing, that I can't even go to the gas station without having a problem.<br />
<br />
And I'm sure this will be funny someday, but it sure wasn't two days ago when it all happened.<br />
<br />
Too bad real-life experiences don't translate well into writing, right? Because this story, as hilarious as it may be, probably wouldn't be that entertaining in a book. Oh, the irony...<br />
<br />
Anyway, since I had so much fun writing this post, I'm going to start a new thing just called "Random Blogging" where once a week I just get on and talk about whatever is going on, whether it's a funny life story or something that I want to talk about. I don't even know. Guess the only way is to try it and see what happens, right?<br />
<br />
- AbigailAbigail Lockharthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14600574783853670363noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3660405463347268.post-45015718483432874512013-05-06T16:27:00.001-04:002013-05-06T16:30:24.525-04:00Team Novel Teen Blog Tour - Storm by Evan Angler<b>In a future United States under the power of a charismatic leader,
everyone gets the Mark at age thirteen. The Mark lets citizen shop, go
to school, and even get medical care—without it, you are on your own.
Few refuse to get the Mark. Those who do . . . disappear.</b><br />
<br />
<b><a href="http://www.jillwilliamson.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/Storm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="http://www.jillwilliamson.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/Storm.jpg" border="0" class="decoded" height="320" src="http://www.jillwilliamson.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/Storm.jpg" width="208" /></a></b><br />
Logan Langly went in to get his Mark, but he backed out at the last
minute. Ever since, he’s been on the run from government agents and on a
quest to find his sister Lily, who disappeared when she went to get her
Mark five years earlier. His journey leads him to befriend the Dust, a
vast network of Markless individuals who dissent against the iron-grip
rule of the government. Along the way to the capital to find Lily, the
Dust receive some startling information from the Markless community,
opening their eyes to the message of Christianity and warning that
humanity is now entering the End of Days.
<br />
<br />
In <i>Storm</i>, Logan and his friends are the leaders of the
Markless revolution. But while some Markless are fighting Chancellor
Cylis’ army, the Dust is busy trying to find a cure for a horrible
epidemic sweeping through the Marked. And it’s difficult for them to
know who to trust, especially when they aren’t sure if Logan’s sister
Lily, one of the commanders in Cylis’ army, is on their side or not. And
all across the nation—and the world—the weather has become less stable
and a storm is brewing that bigger than any of them could have ever
imagined.<br />
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<br />
<br />
I really did enjoy this series, and I felt that this book was the best of them all. The multiple points of view didn't distract me in this one, as I felt that the author only wrote about the characters most important to this story. In fact, it was neat to get inside several of the character's heads and see what they thought about everything.<br />
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The best part about the final book is how much the characters have grown and changed. It's always great to look back at book one and see the differences in personality and actions. Many questions I had from the previous book were answered and that was satisfying.<br />
<br />
There were several things that I didn't care for, however. One was the backstory from all the different characters. My opinion of it was that if I already heard it from one person, I didn't need to hear the same story again. The other thing is that the book just....<i>ended</i>. I guess there was a resolution, but it felt like I needed more answers! I needed a sudden turn of events. Maybe it's just me, but that annoyed me more than anything.<br />
<br />
But in conclusion, this is a great book and I really enjoyed it. I know the Swipe series is written for middle-grade readers, but I'm a teen and it still captivated me, even though the characters were all about thirteen. If you haven't read this series yet, pick it up and give it a try! You won't be disappointed.<br />
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Fun stuff:<br />
Evan Angler's blog: <a href="http://www.evanangler.com/">http://www.evanangler.com/</a><br />
Book Trailer: <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=78DHtGhR3Rw">http://www.youtube.com/watch?&v=78DHtGhR3Rw</a><br />
Buy Storm on Amazon: <a href="http://www.amazon.com/dp/1400321972/ref=as_li_ss_til?tag=wwwteenageaut-20&camp=0&creative=0&linkCode=as4&creativeASIN=1400321972&adid=13HW5VK9C4FEWQX56JFN">http://www.amazon.com/dp/1400321972/ref=as_li_ss_til?tag=wwwteenageaut-20&camp=0&creative=0&linkCode=as4&creativeASIN=1400321972&adid=13HW5VK9C4FEWQX56JFN</a><br />
Link to my review of book one, <a href="http://shadowwriterworld.blogspot.com/2012/07/swipe-by-evan-angler-review-for.html">Swipe</a><br />
Link to my review of book two, <a href="http://www.shadowwriterworld.blogspot.com/2012/09/sneak-by-evan-angler-team-novel-teen.html">Sneak</a><br />
<br />
Other reviewers:<br />
<a href="http://addlibrarian.wordpress.com/" target="_blank">ADD Librarian</a> • <a href="http://www.bloomingwithbooks.webs.com/">Blooming with Books</a> • <a href="http://www.thebookfae.wordpress.com/" target="_blank">The Book Fae</a> • <a href="http://booknook4you.blogspot.com/">Book Nook 4 You</a> • <a href="http://bookwormreading.blogspot.com/">Bookworm Reading</a> • <a href="http://christianbookreviewblog.blogspot.com/">Christian Book Review Blog</a> • <a href="http://christianbookshelfreviews.blogspot.com/">Christian Bookshelf Reviews</a> • <a href="http://www.ctfdevourer.com/">CTF Devourer</a> • <a href="http://www.jillwilliamson.com/?p=8246" target="_blank">Jill Williamson</a> • <a href="http://labornotinvain.blogspot.com/">Labor Not in Vain</a> • <a href="http://katelynthekreative.blogspot.com/">The Life of a Teenage Writer</a> • <a href="http://themaniacalbookworm.blogspot.com/">The Maniacal Bookworm</a> • <a href="http://www.ohrestlessbird.com/">Oh, Restless Bird</a> • <a href="http://www.ramblingsbybethany.blogspot.com/">The Ramblings of a Young Author</a> • <a href="http://realmofhearts.blogspot.com/p/book-reviews.html">Realm of Hearts</a> • <a href="http://shadowwriterworld.blogspot.com/">Shadow Writer World</a> • <a href="http://sierrasbooklist.blogspot.com/">A Slightly Nerdy Bookworm</a> • <a href="http://christianteenbooksandreviews.blogspot.com/">Who YA Reading?</a> • <a href="http://worthy2read.wordpress.com/">Worthy2Read</a><br />
<br />
Team Novel Teen is a group of bloggers dedicated to spreading the word about clean teen fiction. Check out other posts about <i>Sneak </i>by Evan Angler by clicking on the links above, and check out <a href="http://www.novelteen.com/" target="_blank">www.NovelTeen.com</a> for
more information about Team Novel Teen. I received this book free from
Thomas Nelson Publishers, however, the opinions expressed are entirely
my own. <br />
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<br />Abigail Lockharthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14600574783853670363noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3660405463347268.post-41213382963758477452013-03-11T21:42:00.004-04:002013-03-11T21:42:51.389-04:00Chasing Jupiter by Rachel Coker - Team Novel Teen Blog Tour<br />
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<img alt="ChasingJupiter" height="320" src="http://www.jillwilliamson.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/ChasingJupiter.jpg" style="border-width: 0px;" width="211" /></div>
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Quick blurb:<br />
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<span>Scarlett Blaine’s life in 1960s Georgia isn’t always easy,
especially given her parents’ financial struggles and the fights
surrounding her sister Juli’s hippie lifestyle. Then there’s her
brother, Cliff. While Scarlett loves him more than anything, there’s no
denying his unique behavior leaves Cliff misunderstood and left out. So
when he wishes for a rocket to Jupiter, Scarlett agrees to make it
happen, no matter how crazy the idea might be. Raising the rocket money
means baking pies, and the farmer’s son, Frank, agrees to provide the
peaches if Scarlett will help him talk to Juli. The problem is, Scarlett
really enjoys her time with Frank, and finds herself wondering if,
someday, they could be
more than friends. Just as she thinks everything might be going her
way, Cliff suffers an accident that not only affects the rocket plans,
but shakes Scarlett’s view of God. As the summer comes to an end,
Scarlett must find a way to regain what she’s lost, but also fulfill a
promise to launch her brother’s dream.</span><br />
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<br />
<span>I loved this book. Rachel Coker is an incredibly talented teen author. Her first book, Interrupted, was excellent, and I found this one maybe even better. </span><br />
<br />
<span>The characters were excellently crafted. I wasn't sure at the very beginning, but within the first three chapters, I feel in love with Cliff. He was so sweet, so innocent. It was obvious that he wasn't just a normal child, but in the same way, he wasn't too abnormal to be unrelatable. It was easy to fall in love with his character, and he definitely made the book so great.</span><br />
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<span>I also have to hand it to Coker for creating the climax and dark moment at the end. It was definitely a shock, but it stirred some real emotion. It was a wonderful story. A sad story, but a wonderful one.</span><br />
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<span>Another great success from my favorite teen author :)</span><br />
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<span>Buy this book on Amazon: </span><br /><span><a href="http://www.amazon.com/dp/031073293X/ref=as_li_ss_til?tag=wwwteenageaut-20&camp=0&creative=0&linkCode=as4&creativeASIN=031073293X&adid=1CA582E42YYCB9E90CYY" style="color: #a8366a; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">http://www.amazon.com/dp/<wbr></wbr>031073293X/ref=as_li_ss_til?<wbr></wbr>tag=wwwteenageaut-20&camp=0&<wbr></wbr>creative=0&linkCode=as4&<wbr></wbr>creativeASIN=031073293X&adid=<wbr></wbr>1CA582E42YYCB9E90CYY</a> </span><br />
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<span>Rachel's Blog: </span><br /><span><a href="http://www.rachelcoker.com/" style="color: #a8366a; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">http://www.<wbr></wbr>rachelcoker.com/</a></span><br />
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<span>Other Reviews:</span><br />
<span><span></span></span><br />
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<a href="http://addlibrarian.wordpress.com/" style="color: #a8366a; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">ADD Librarian</a> • <a href="http://becomingmorelikeyou.tumblr.com/" style="color: #a8366a; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Becoming More Like You</a> • <a href="http://booknook4you.blogspot.com/" style="color: #a8366a; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Book Nook 4 You</a> • <a href="http://www.bloomingwithbooks.webs.com/" style="color: #a8366a; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Blooming with Books</a> • <a href="http://bookwormreading.blogspot.com/" style="color: #a8366a; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Bookworm Reading</a> • <a href="http://christianbookreviewblog.blogspot.com/" style="color: #a8366a; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Christian Book Review Blog</a> • <a href="http://www.ctfdevourer.com/" style="color: #a8366a; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">CTF Devourer</a> • <a href="http://ofbattlesdragonsandswordsofadamant.blogspot.com/" style="color: #a8366a; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Gillian Adams</a> • <a href="http://www.jessicalaurie.com/" style="color: #a8366a; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Jessica Laurie</a> • <a href="http://www.jillwilliamson.com/?p=8246" style="color: #a8366a; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Jill Williamson</a> • <a href="http://labornotinvain.blogspot.com/" style="color: #a8366a; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Labor Not in Vain</a> • <a href="http://www.rachellerea.com/" style="color: #a8366a; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Rachelle Rea</a> • <a href="http://www.ramblingsbybethany.blogspot.com/" style="color: #a8366a; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">The Ramblings of a Young Author</a> • <a href="http://sierrasbooklist.blogspot.com/" style="color: #a8366a; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">A Slightly Nerdy Bookworm</a> • <a href="http://shadowwriterworld.blogspot.com/" style="color: #a8366a; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Shadow Writer World</a> • <a href="http://surrenderingallofme.blogspot.com/" style="color: #a8366a; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Surrendering All of Me</a> • <a href="http://worthy2read.wordpress.com/" style="color: #a8366a; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Worthy2Read</a></div>
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<br />
<span><span>Team Novel Teen is a group of bloggers dedicated to spreading the word about clean teen fiction, <a href="http://www.jillwilliamson.com/novel-teen/team-novel-teen/" style="color: #a8366a; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank" title="Team Novel Teen">click here</a> for more information. </span> I received this book free from Zondervan Publishers in exchange for writing a review. However, the views and opinions expressed are entirely my own.</span><br />
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<span> </span> <br />
<br />Abigail Lockharthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14600574783853670363noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3660405463347268.post-23146119359722340992012-12-21T12:42:00.001-05:002012-12-21T12:42:12.204-05:00The New Recruit by Jill Williamson - Team Novel Teen Book ReviewArgh. This post was supposed to go out a long time ago, but due to a bunch of junk, it didn't happen. But here it is, nevertheless.<br />
<br />
<em>The New Recruit </em>(The Mission League, book 1 of 4)<strong><em></em></strong>
<br />
Mission 1: Moscow<br />
<i>by Jill Williamson</i> <br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.jillwilliamson.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/NewRecruit1-662x1024.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" class="wp-image-9115 alignright" height="320" src="http://www.jillwilliamson.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/NewRecruit1-662x1024.jpg" title="NewRecruit" width="206" /></a><strong style="color: black;">Back cover copy:</strong>
<br />
Forced to choose between military school and a Christian spy
organization, skeptic Spencer Garmond signs on with the Bible geeks. But
before he even boards the plane for Moscow, Spencer realizes this is no
Bible club.<br />
<br />
These guys mean business.<br />
<br />
Stumbling onto a case involving a gang of homeless boys, a chilling
tattoo, and the always beautiful Anya Vseveloda, Spencer struggles to
find the faith needed to save the Mission League from enemy
infiltration.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
To start off, I thought it was a nice twist on the traditional teen-kid-becomes-spy cliche. Okay, maybe it's not so much a cliche, but unless it's done nicely, it's a little bit dull and lifeless.<br />
<br />
This book was not that. By throwing in the whole Bible-club aspect, it made it different. Christian, without stuffing it down your throat. No one likes having religion stuffed down their throat, and I'm glad to say this book did not do that. Jill is very good about adding faith to books without making it...preachy...<br />
<br />
The plot moved pretty quickly, the main character was quirky and likeable, and I easily read it in a few days. The one thing I would have liked is a bit more action, but that's probably just me, being an action/adventure fan.<br />
<br />
All in all, it was an enjoyable book, perfect for kids or teens. It's definitely a book my younger brother would enjoy. <br />
<br />
I think <i>The New Recruit </i>deserves 4 out of five stars :)<br />
<br />
<span style="color: black;"><strong>Here is the link to Jill Williamson's website:</strong></span> <a href="http://www.jillwilliamson.com/">www.jillwilliamson.com</a><br />
<span style="color: black;"><strong>Link for The Mission League Series website:</strong></span> <a href="http://themissionleague.com/">http://themissionleague.com/</a><br />
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<i>I received this book free from Jill Williamson in exchange for writing a book review and helping promote the book. However, the opinions expressed are entirely my own.</i> <br />
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Abigail Lockharthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14600574783853670363noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3660405463347268.post-7116286205199567392012-12-02T18:34:00.001-05:002012-12-02T18:38:06.599-05:00Snippets of WritingI wanted to post something today, but I really had no idea what...So I decided on good old writing snippets.<br />
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These are from my Nano novel, so it's not fully edited and stuff :)<br />
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<br />
--<br />
\\<i>it's a flashback</i>\\<br />
<br />
I lay on the grass, gazing up at the starry sky, my father next to me, giving me warmth and security.<br />
<br />
“How many stars are in the sky?” me childish voice asks.<br />
<br />
“No one has ever counted. Maybe because there’s too many to count.”<br />
<br />
“Daddy?”<br />
<br />
“Yes, Hadyn?”<br />
<br />
“Why
did those men kill Sari’s entire family today? She didn’t do anything
wrong, and neither did her little brother. Why did they kill them
also?”<br />
<br />
“No, Sari didn’t do anything wrong, but her parents did.
Her father broke the law and that’s something we must never do. Those
laws have been put in places to protect us, and we need them.”<br />
<br />
“Why?”<br />
<br />
He
thinks about that for a minute. “Because men in power put them there to
keep us safe. You’re only eight; I don’t expect you to fully
understand yet.”<br />
<br />
“I get it. But I have one more question. What makes those men in power better than us?”<br />
<br />
“Nothing,
they are just men, like us. And no man is perfect, no matter how hard
they try. But you, Hadyn, your name means ‘little fire’, and someday
you’re going to share that fire with the world in an amazing way. I
don’t know how, but it’s in here.” He gently touchs my heart. “Use it
wisely, my sweet angel. Promise me that.”<br />
<br />
My lips curl into a small smile. “I promise.”<br />
<br />
I
fall asleep there and his strong arms pick me up and carry me to my
room. He sets me down on my bed gently, as if he was setting a thin
piece of glass on nails. He kisses my forehead and brushes the golden
strands of hair back from my face.<br />
<br />
“Goodnight, my little fire.”<br />
<br />
I,
having never been truly asleep, open one eye and watch my father
leave. I had never felt so safe in my life. My dad was there, and he
was never leaving me.<br />
<br />
Four years later, I stand by the window in
my room, my face pressed against the frosty pane. My mother sits on the
front porch, weeping, as Dad rides off in the distance, alone. The
only steady force in my life is leaving and I never had felt so alone.<br />
<br />
--<br />
<br />
“What happened to your mother?” I gently ask.<br />
<br />
“I don’t want to talk about it. I'm sorry. Maybe someday I'll tell you, but not today. Or soon. It’s a very fresh wound.”<br />
<br />
“Even
though it happened years ago.” He looks confused, and I decide to
explain. “You know, three years when I met you in the forest. You were
sitting there, crying. I think our pain on that day was what connected
us.”<br />
<br />
“I remember.” He gently takes my hand in his, but I don’t
pull away. The attitude has shifted and we’re no longer yelling. It’s
sweeter, kinder. “You weren’t crying, though.”<br />
<br />
“I never cry. It shows weakness.”<br />
<br />
“But we’re all naturally weak.”<br />
<br />
“I can't be.”<br />
<br />
“But we all are. It’s human.” Damon brings my hand closer to his chest. “It’s natural for us to need someone to rely on.”<br />
<br />
“I
don’t need anyone.” The words fall out, but they’re all lies. I can't
lie to him anymore. No one is listening. I can afford to be vulnerable
for once, can't I?<br />
<br />
“Hadyn.” He lets go of my hand and gently brushes me cheek, looking into my eyes with warmth and compassion.<br />
<br />
All
of the emotion bursts out of me. All the pain I've been dealing with.
My mother’s death. My father’s betrayal. I fall into his arms,
letting just one tear slip out of my eyes. “I can't do this alone.
You’re my best friend in the entire world.” A knot catches in my throat
and I struggle to continue. “I love you.”<br />
<br />
“I love you too, Hadyn.” He holds me close and doesn’t let go for a long, long time. <br />
<br />
--<br />
<br />
Hopefully tomorrow, I'll actually have something to say. Besides lousy snippets :P <br />
<br />
-AbigailAbigail Lockharthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14600574783853670363noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3660405463347268.post-42177920959835592652012-11-29T22:27:00.001-05:002012-12-02T18:26:18.762-05:00NanoWrimo - Over!Such an exciting month of pounding crazy amounts of words out for NanoWrimo. But good news:<br />
<br />
It ended tonight for me! At 50,023 words, I'm finally done.<br />
<br />
And it feels so good - and weird.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZbRpBT66XR6f7WY9JYTyBuybkSmdM54R_apV_26qesfuSBctby8PN7tm_W__KuhkvMPGby6wYYtYsUZlNs9Ts3iaiUoJZrjrw0L1auAC94ywhFIRfRHIBgaIMP8HeVDl6pXPr1dx9mLA/s1600/Winner-180x180.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZbRpBT66XR6f7WY9JYTyBuybkSmdM54R_apV_26qesfuSBctby8PN7tm_W__KuhkvMPGby6wYYtYsUZlNs9Ts3iaiUoJZrjrw0L1auAC94ywhFIRfRHIBgaIMP8HeVDl6pXPr1dx9mLA/s1600/Winner-180x180.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
I'm so thrilled. This was a truly awesome month. Can't wait to finish this manuscript!<br />
<br />
...and then begins the editing....<br />
<br />
<br />
-AbigailAbigail Lockharthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14600574783853670363noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3660405463347268.post-45667309568194678822012-11-22T11:00:00.000-05:002012-11-22T11:02:36.787-05:00I'm ThankfulFirst off, Happy Thanksgiving everyone!<br />
<br />
But honestly, I think a lot of the time we overlook the meaning of this holiday. It's not just the day before Black Friday or about a month before Christmas. It's not about pigging out on tons of delicious food. It's about being thankful for what we have.<br />
<br />
Not what we want to have. Let me explain.<br />
<br />
In this day and time, Thanksgiving often gets overlooked. Partly because Christmas is more of an "exciting" holiday. I mean, who wants to spend time eating food and talking with boring relatives about how thankful we are. When in actuality, most of us want more. Actually, all of us want more. It's human nature. And at Christmas, so much more excitement happens. Decorating the house. Buying special presents for people you care about. Celebrating Jesus's birth. With all of this excitement just a month away, it's easy to forget about a simple little holiday at a time where many of us are busy with school or work and are just trying to survive until Christmas break.<br />
<br />
And who can forget Black Friday? Don't get me wrong, I like Black Friday; it's a lot of fun. I just wish that it wasn't the day after Thanksgiving. Only in America, people literally trample others for things that they're convinced they need, mere hours after being thankful for what they already have.<br />
<br />
It's hard for everyone to not get swept away in the Christmas rush and just forget about this holiday. It's not big. It's not widely anticipated. But is it important? Yes. Because everything - commercials, advertisements, magazines - is trying to convince us that we need more than we already have. We just need to slow down and take the time just to remember that we're so fortunate to have what we have, because we are. Chances are, if you're reading this you have a phone/computer and internet access. That's more than half the world has.<br />
<br />
I wanted to take time to say that I'm thankful for what I have. A lot of times, it's easy to forget that God has blessed me and my family. I'm thankful for my house, my wonderful yet sometimes annoying family, and all of my great friends. Sometimes life is hard and you think nothing good has happened to you. But although not every day is good, there's something good in every day.<br />
<br />
Happy Thanksgiving, everyone.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
AbigailAbigail Lockharthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14600574783853670363noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3660405463347268.post-25949779074954192502012-11-14T20:08:00.001-05:002012-11-14T20:09:46.290-05:00Writing Playlist for the DayMusic has inspired many great things, especially writing. It can provide the perfect background to just about any scene. So I thought I'd share my favorite writing songs for today:<br />
<br />
<i>Wrapped in Your Arms</i> by Fireflight<br />
<br />
<i>Safe and Sound</i> by Taylor Swift<br />
<br />
<i>All I Wanted</i> by Paramore<br />
<br />
<i>I Almost Do</i> by Taylor Swift<br />
<br />
<i>Stop the World </i>by Demi Lovato<br />
<br />
<i>Nobody's Home </i>by Avril Lavigne<br />
<br />
<br />
And lastly, here's a snippet of my writing for the day.<br />
<br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span><span style="line-height: 200%;">The
funeral is short but sweet, and although I don’t cry, pain does tug at my
heart. I've never felt so alone. I have no one older than myself to ask
advice. No one to take comfort in. I can't talk about my problems with
Honey. Even though she’s mature for
thirteen, she’s still only a child.</span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span><br /></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span><span style="line-height: 200%;">She
stands sobbing by my mother’s grave for minutes, and I know that I can't help
her. I'm never one to sympathize with
others and I've often been called insensitive because of it. I have feelings. I just know how to hide them when I need to.</span></span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span><br /></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span><span style="line-height: 200%;">But
now, I need someone. And I wish Damon
was here.</span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span><br /></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span><span style="line-height: 200%;">Just
a minute later, I turn my head and notice that he’s standing just a few feet to
my left. He doesn’t move or even yell at
me like I figured he would. Instead, he says,
his words soft, “I came as soon as I heard.
Are you okay?”</span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span><span style="line-height: 200%;">I
don’t reply. If I would of, it would
have been a lie and he would have seen right through it. Instead, I run to him and find myself tight
in his arms. “I’m so sorry,” I whisper, but I know that he has already forgiven
me.</span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span><span style="line-height: 200%;">Damon
gently brushes the loose strands of hair on my back as he holds me close. He doesn’t say anything, but he doesn’t need
to. I know he’s glad that I'm not mad at
him and I’m thankful that he’s kind enough to forgive me for the terrible things I said.</span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span><span style="line-height: 200%;"><br /></span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span><span style="line-height: 200%;">Got to get back to writing, but enjoy :)</span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span><span style="line-height: 200%;"><br /></span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span><span style="line-height: 200%;">Abigail</span></span></span></span></div>
Abigail Lockharthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14600574783853670363noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3660405463347268.post-4598982889368016752012-11-10T13:58:00.000-05:002012-11-10T13:59:59.343-05:00The joys of November - NanoWrimoI've debated about doing NanoWrimo for the past two years, and have decided not to each time, for a variety of reasons, all of them pretty lame. <i>I don't have enough time</i> or <i>writing that much in a month surely won't be fun</i>.<br />
<br />
Those excuses were put to rest this year and I decided to try, at least. Once I started, I realized just how much fun this would be.<br />
<br />
For those of you who don't know, in NanoWrimo, you try to write 50,00 words in 30 days. In November. It's a genius idea and it really motivates you to let go and just write.<br />
<br />
As I shared in my last post, I'm a perfectionist when it comes to writing. Or...about anything. Except cleaning my room. But during Nano, I've learned to shut off the internal editor, and not think about how lame that blurb of dialogue was, or how many times I used the word "look" in a paragraph. (My record is 5. In 6 sentences. Very, very sad, but I have learned not to care while writing a rough draft.)<br />
<br />
It's a challenge. Here are my stats: <br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhksJslbLzCJKPmQQo0c4q1q3GHdicCPvANO3xmYFUi1PHx4a4kFCeurtlHCrTibaBKjBdHN2j-ZP0cWEfU6lq_k_6runRy50rqGb5tB69dBYKbNnyq0KO8OuzIguFP6wqWQMB8tE-okKI/s1600/nanowrimoagain.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="283" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhksJslbLzCJKPmQQo0c4q1q3GHdicCPvANO3xmYFUi1PHx4a4kFCeurtlHCrTibaBKjBdHN2j-ZP0cWEfU6lq_k_6runRy50rqGb5tB69dBYKbNnyq0KO8OuzIguFP6wqWQMB8tE-okKI/s320/nanowrimoagain.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I know today's is low, but I haven't started writing yet today :P</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
Against my better judgement, here's a snippet from my writing. Not the best, but hey, it is a rough draft.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
I'd have to conform to their standards. I'd have to pretend to admire the ways they treat normal citizens.<br />
<br />
A
group of soldiers walk down the street, pushing people out of their way
and shooting anyone who objected. It doesn’t surprise me. I've seen
it my entire life. Those men, foolishly drawn in by the idea of glory
and riches, think that they are better than anyone and everyone.<br />
<br />
I'm
taken off the train and escorted through the chaotic streets. The
military men “protecting” me, from what I do not know, are shoving
people away, since I must be so important. It makes me sick. <br />
<br />
A
mother drops her bags of hard-earned food as they shove her aside, and
she doesn’t move, but bends down to pick them up. They yell at her, but
she doesn’t run off, as most would. While holding her young child’s
hand, she tries frantically to scoop up her groceries. She can't afford
to leave them. Finally, one of the men kicks her to the ground and
shoots her in the head, right in front of her little boy.<br />
<br />
My
hands clench into fists and I look over my shoulder at her, my face
contorted in an expression of horror and outrage. Her child is
screaming, calling his mother’s name. They murdered her, in cold blood,
simply because she stopped to pick up fallen groceries. What has the
world come to? <br />
<br />
<br />
It's a Dystopian story, currently untitled, but I'm hoping a title will present itself to me during the writing process :)<br />
<br />
Oh, and to anyone also doing NanoWrimo, good luck and have fun!<br />
<br />
<br />
Abigail :)<br />
<div style="text-align: right;">
</div>
Abigail Lockharthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14600574783853670363noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3660405463347268.post-89489757871290839632012-10-14T16:15:00.001-04:002012-10-14T16:16:55.661-04:00Productivity of Terrible WritingFirst off, sorry for the lack of posts. Life is insane with homework, sports, music, and church and I'm trying my best to squeeze my writing in. As of now, I'm going to try to update my blog at least once a week. Maybe more. Who knows? Life is typically unpredictable.<br />
<br />
The idea for this post came to me right now as I sit here, working away on a much-disliked history paper. I've never been a history fan and I do not care for compare/contrast essays. Give me a persuasive essay any day...<br />
<br />
Anyway, I realized this as I sat and, with much difficulty, tried to write the introduction paragraph:<br />
<br />
<i>I'm too much of a perfectionist when it comes to writing first drafts.</i><br />
<br />
I'm not trying to brag by stating this. It's true, and it's not a good thing. You can never finish a first draft in a short amount of time if you're determined to make it perfect the first time.<br />
<br />
I have to finish this paper by this evening because I have plans tonight, and this paper is due tomorrow. Meaning, I only have a few hours to write it. I have to be efficient, and efficiency is not maintained by making every sentence perfect the first time. Because you know what? Even when I edit-as-I-go, it's still not perfect enough and will need to be edited again. Meaning, I just wasted a whole lot of time for nothing.<br />
<br />
I just wrote a paragraph in two minutes flat. I took my page of notes and typed out my thoughts into short, choppy, nasty sentences. It's far from perfect. But that's okay. Why?<br />
<br />
Because I'll go back and edit it later. And it won't take as long as that "perfect" first draft would take.<br />
<br />
The same is true with creative writing. We have to let ourselves make the first draft terrible. No matter how hard we try, the first draft will <i>never</i> be perfect. Instead, we will have just wasted a lot of time writing a draft that will still need every bit as much editing.<br />
<br />
It's easy for some and hard for others. For me, it's incredibly hard. But I'm trying just to force the writing out without caring how great it is. Because the first time will never be perfect.<br />
<br />
And it takes work to accept that. To let go, and just write, without getting caught up with commas and adjectives and bland verbs.<br />
<br />
That's what a second draft is for.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Abigail :)Abigail Lockharthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14600574783853670363noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3660405463347268.post-21534161976387830382012-09-10T20:48:00.000-04:002012-09-10T20:48:12.673-04:00Sneak by Evan Angler - Team Novel Teen Blog Tour<a href="http://www.jillwilliamson.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/Sneak.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-8695" height="320" src="http://www.jillwilliamson.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/Sneak.jpg" title="Sneak" width="209" /></a><strong>In a future United States under the power of a charismatic
leader, everyone gets the Mark at age thirteen. The Mark lets citizen
shop, go to school, and even get medical care—but without it, you are on
your own. Few refuse to get the Mark. Those who do . . . disappear.</strong><br />
<br />
Logan Langly went in to get his Mark, but he backed out at the last
minute. Now he’s on the run from government agents who will stop at
nothing to capture him. But Logan is on a mission to find and save his
sister, Lily, who disappeared five years ago on her thirteenth birthday,
the day she was supposed to receive her Mark.<br />
Logan and his friends, a group of dissenters called the Dust,
discover a vast network of the Unmarked, who help them travel safely to
the capital city where Lily is imprisoned. Along the way, the Dust
receives some startling information from the Markless community, opening
their eyes to the message of Christianity and warning that humanity is
now entering the End of Days.<br />
When the Dust finally arrives in the capital, it seems that all their
careful planning is useless against a government that will do anything
to bend its citizens to its will. Can the gentle words Logan has found
in a tattered, banned Bible really stand against the most powerful
military the world has ever known? Can Logan even sacrifice his own
freedom, choosing to act through faith alone?<br />
<br />
<br />
Wow. Book one was amazing. Book two is even better. I love the Dystopian world the author created. The government and setting in itself is enough to make this book great. But what really set book 2 of this three-part series apart was its historical and biblical references and allegories. My personal favorite was an allegory of the Underground Railroad - it was well done, and added and enriched the plot.<br />
The characters were also excellent. I wasn't really in love with Logan's character in the first book, but this book made me understand his personality more. My other favorite character was his grandmother - a character that can easily become clinched but in this excellent book, was not.<br />
<br />
All in all, I'm in love with this series and am eagerly awaiting the third book. Good job, Evan Angler! :) This book deserves 5 out of 5 stars.<br />
<br />
Evan's Blog: <a href="http://www.evanangler.com/">http://www.evanangler.com/</a> <br />
Link to the <em>Sneak </em>book trailer on YouTube: <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G-8YiWa8p3M">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G-8YiWa8p3M</a><br />
Buy this book on Amazon.com!: <a href="http://www.amazon.com/dp/1400318424/ref=as_li_ss_til?tag=wwwteenageaut-20&camp=0&creative=0&linkCode=as4&creativeASIN=1400318424&adid=0B5A7A9AGDN4BNMZW7MZ">http://www.amazon.com/dp/1400318424/ref=as_li_ss_til?tag=wwwteenageaut-20&camp=0&creative=0&linkCode=as4&creativeASIN=1400318424&adid=0B5A7A9AGDN4BNMZW7MZ</a><br />
<br />
Team Novel Teen is a group of bloggers dedicated to spreading the word about clean teen fiction. Check out other posts about <em>Sneak </em>by Evan Angler by clicking on the links above, and check out <a href="http://www.novelteen.com/" target="_blank">www.NovelTeen.com</a> for more information about Team Novel Teen. I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishers, however, the opinions expressed are entirely my own.<br />
<br />
Other reviewers:<br />
<a href="http://addlibrarian.wordpress.com/">ADD Librarian</a> • <a href="http://www.bloomingwithbooks.webs.com/">Blooming with Books</a> • <a href="http://www.thebookfae.wordpress.com/" target="_blank">The Book Fae</a> • <a href="http://booknook4you.blogspot.com/">Book Nook 4 You</a> • <a href="http://bookwormreading.blogspot.com/">Bookworm Reading</a> • <a href="http://christianbookreviewblog.blogspot.com/">Christian Book Review Blog</a> • <a href="http://noahsreads.blogspot.com/">Heavenward Reviews</a> • <a href="http://www.jillwilliamson.com/?p=8246" target="_blank">Jill Williamson</a> • <a href="http://labornotinvain.blogspot.com/">Labor Not in Vain</a> • <a href="http://themaniacalbookworm.blogspot.com/">Maniacal Bookworm</a> • <a href="http://www.ohrestlessbird.com/">Oh, Restless Bird</a> • <a href="http://theravenquill.blogspot.com/2012/01/replication-by-jill-williamson-review.html">The Pen and Parchment</a> • <a href="http://www.reviewsbyjane.blogspot.com/">Reviews by Jane</a> • <a href="http://shadowwriterworld.blogspot.com/">Shadow Writer World</a><br />
<br />
-Abigail <br />
<br />
Abigail Lockharthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14600574783853670363noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3660405463347268.post-46437543269797862862012-07-05T22:57:00.002-04:002012-07-05T22:57:46.313-04:00Swipe by Evan Angler - Review for NovelTeen<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhV6Sm5ph2Fz75gXXxmJ7DNlZNloPDdo3HzwFoUdvNECpuQAo7xLCmosBa6OOYQ_ThXrlfjzSY4NoUPkILqGYO6w48mTtjfngs_XMjoFs3J6iOdeD7tKb30hAUJu9sFsyjJAp5lRgWqYdc/s1600/swipe-195x300.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhV6Sm5ph2Fz75gXXxmJ7DNlZNloPDdo3HzwFoUdvNECpuQAo7xLCmosBa6OOYQ_ThXrlfjzSY4NoUPkILqGYO6w48mTtjfngs_XMjoFs3J6iOdeD7tKb30hAUJu9sFsyjJAp5lRgWqYdc/s320/swipe-195x300.jpg" width="208" /></a></div>
<strong>Everyone gets the Mark. It gives all the benefits of
citizenship. Yet if getting the Mark is such a good thing, then why does
it feel so wrong?</strong><br />
<br />
Set in a future North America that is struggling to recover after famine and global war, <em>Swipe</em> follows
the lives of three kids caught in the middle of a conflict they didn’t
even know existed. United under a charismatic leader, every citizen of
the American Union is required to get the Mark on their 13th birthday in
order to gain the benefits of citizenship. <br />
<br />
The Mark is a tattoo that must be swiped by special scanners for
everything from employment to transportation to shopping. It’s almost
Logan Langly’s 13th birthday and he knows he should be excited about
getting the Mark, but he hasn’t been able to shake the feeling he’s
being watched. Not since his sister went to get her Mark five years ago .
. . and never came back.<br />
<br />
When Logan and his friends discover the truth behind the Mark, will
they ever be able to go back to being normal teenagers? Find out in the
first book of this exciting series that is <em>Left Behind</em> meets <em>Matched</em> for middle-grade readers.<br />
<br />
<br />
First off, I loved this book! It was excellently paced with action and mystery. It had a simple, easy to follow plot that neverless kept readers intrigued. I read it in a single day. <br />
<br />
It did set you up well for book 2 and I will definitely be getting it when it comes out. Most of the loose ends were tied up though I feel the ending could have been a bit more explained. I suppose it leaves more mystery for the next book.<br />
<br />
In all, Swipe was an excellent book, deserving of a 4 out of 5 stars.<br />
<br />
Other reviewers:<br />
<a href="http://addlibrarian.wordpress.com/">ADD Librarian</a> • <a href="http://www.bloomingwithbooks.webs.com/">Blooming with Books</a> • <a href="http://www.thebookfae.wordpress.com/" target="_blank">The Book Fae</a> • <a href="http://booknook4you.blogspot.com/">Book Nook 4 You</a> • <a href="http://bookwormreading.blogspot.com/">Bookworm Reading</a> • <a href="http://noahsreads.blogspot.com/">Books I Recommend</a> • <a href="http://christianbookreviewblog.blogspot.com/">Christian Book Review Blog</a> • <a href="http://www.ctfdevourer.com/">CTF Devourer</a> • <a href="http://www.fictionfire.blogspot.com/">Fiction Fire</a> • <a href="http://www.jillwilliamson.com/?p=8246" target="_blank">Jill Williamson</a> • <a href="http://labornotinvain.blogspot.com/">Labor Not in Vain</a> • <a href="http://themaniacalbookworm.blogspot.com/">Maniacal Bookworm</a> • <a href="http://mystoryshelf.blogspot.com/">My Story Shelf</a> • <a href="http://www.daughteroftheking89.blogspot.com/">Oh, Restless Bird</a> • <a href="http://theravenquill.blogspot.com/2012/01/replication-by-jill-williamson-review.html">The Pen and Parchment</a> • <a href="http://www.reviewsbyjane.blogspot.com/">Reviews by Jane</a> • <a href="http://shadowwriterworld.blogspot.com/">Shadow Writer World</a><br />
<br />
Evan's Website:<br />
<a href="http://www.evanangler.com/">http://www.evanangler.com/</a><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
I reviewed this book for Team Novel Teen and I received the book free
from Thomas Nelson Publishers. The opinions expressed are entirely my
own, however.<br />
<br />
Abigail :) <br />
<br />
<br />
Abigail Lockharthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14600574783853670363noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3660405463347268.post-23536342443532126662012-06-16T18:52:00.000-04:002012-06-16T18:54:40.653-04:00Guest Post by Evan Angler<div>
<br /></div>
<br />
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<b><span>Why Differ?</span></b></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: 10.0pt;">by Evan Angler</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span>We live in a world where things can be easy.
Tablet computers that fit in our pockets and make calls for us and tell us
where we are. Globalized digital networks that connect us effortlessly, all the
time. Modern medicine that works wonders. News that arrives the moment it
happens. Food that stays fresh forever. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span>This isn’t science fiction. This is reality. And
in the American Union, all you need—for any of it—is the Mark.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span>So what’s wrong with that? The Pledge unifies us,
does it not? Just as its Mark protects us? </span><span>No one could argue that
it hasn’t brought us together, that it hasn’t created peace . . . that our
allegiance to the Chancellor hasn’t bound us and given common ground from which
all our ideas and ideologies may grow. Together. Compatibly. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span>After the years of slaughter, after the decades of
political and environmental devastation that forced more and more of us to
fight over less and less land, water, food . . . was this unity not a welcome
change for all of us?</span><span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span>It isn’t even compulsory. No one <i>has</i> to Pledge. But who wouldn’t? In the
years since its implementation, the Mark has rightfully become the capstone of
a childhood well spent, the crowning achievement in a young man’s or woman’s
life, the opened door to citizenship, adulthood, independence . . . </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span>Every schoolchild knows that in the wake of the
Total War, this Mark has become the very symbol of our commitment to patriotism
and peace. It is the constant reminder of our loftiest intentions. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span>To be Markless is to reject these ideals. To be
Markless is to be different.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span>So why would anyone <i>choose</i> to be different? In a world of absolutes, of black and
white, of right and wrong, why would anyone <i>choose</i>
“wrong”? </span></div>
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<span> </span></div>
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<span>My name is Evan Angler. I may have answers to
these questions. But I can’t risk writing them. Not here. Not on the Internet,
for anyone to see.</span></div>
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<span> </span></div>
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<span>And you wouldn’t risk reading them.</span></div>
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<span> </span></div>
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<span>But if </span><span>you are determined . . . if you are <i>determined
</i>to learn the truth, no matter the cost, then what I can tell you is this:
I’ve put what I know onto paper. Old-fashioned, obsolete</span><span>—</span><span>paper. Where it can’t be </span><span>copied and pasted with the stroke of a stylus,
where it can’t be sent around the world at the press of a button, where it
can’t be recorded and stored forever in a million irretrievable pieces across cyberspace
and time for any watchful eye to see. Paper is intimate. It is between you and
me. It is fragile. It can be destroyed. </span></div>
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<span> </span></div>
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<span>And when you find it, <i>if</i> you find it . . . once you’ve read it . . . I do encourage you
to destroy it.</span><span></span></div>
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<span> </span><span></span></div>
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<i><span>Swipe</span></i><span> is the first volume in </span><span>the chronicles of Logan Langly, Erin Arbitor, and the Dust. Their account
is dangerous; the information within it is forbidden. </span></div>
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<span> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span>I wrote their story for everyone. But if you are
not yet thirteen, if you have not yet Pledged to the Chancellor in exchange for
his Mark of citizenship, if you have not yet made that choice to conform to
given definitions of what may be easy and what may be “right” . . . then I have
written this story especially for you. </span></div>
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<span> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span>For I’m not ashamed to tell you that I’m still
afraid of the dark. And if you too have ever turned out the light only to feel
that tinge of panic, that inkling that someone, somewhere, might possibly be
watching . . . I’m here to tell you that they are.</span></div>
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<span> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span>At its heart, <i>Swipe</i>
is a book about friendship against the odds. It’s a book about a group of boys
and girls who stick together to stand up for one another and for what they
believe in.</span><span> </span></div>
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<span> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span>But why would they choose to be different? Why
would they choose “wrong”?</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span>Are you ready to learn the truth?</span></div>
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<span> </span></div>
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<span> </span></div>
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<span> </span></div>
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</div>
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</div>
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<i>Evan Angler is the author of Swipe, which is a wonderful book! I will be posting a review for it along with the Team Novel Teen blog tour group on June 25th, so stay tuned :)</i></div>
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</div>
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<i>Abigail </i></div>Abigail Lockharthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14600574783853670363noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3660405463347268.post-483624142763587692012-04-18T18:32:00.002-04:002012-04-18T18:36:22.735-04:00Making Your Idea UniqueMost writers run into this problem at one time or another. Thousands of books and published each year, with their own plot, so sometimes it seems like every idea in the world is taken.<br />
<br />
Even if you come up with a new idea, when you sit down to write it, it starts to follow book you've read. Or the plot elements are the same. Or setting is the same. Or the characters act alike. Or...<br />
<br />
<br />
The question is:<br />
What makes <i><b>your</b></i> story different? And how can you make that evident in the story?<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhy9iJVAgf6aFLwl-Ex4RhSuWOWk2blifLokweEWVAomNst-aL7aMmLn5OAbYynVp4PIv140OQr7xDZWImHmMYjpTWm06mnnbTvIB5qKn_Fj4nPffSs2XUn96MJwLRS6jHkB6dPLT9VsNQ/s1600/notebook%2520and%2520pencil.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhy9iJVAgf6aFLwl-Ex4RhSuWOWk2blifLokweEWVAomNst-aL7aMmLn5OAbYynVp4PIv140OQr7xDZWImHmMYjpTWm06mnnbTvIB5qKn_Fj4nPffSs2XUn96MJwLRS6jHkB6dPLT9VsNQ/s320/notebook%2520and%2520pencil.jpg" width="280" /></a>I've run into this problem before. When I finished the rough draft of my book The Golden Pegasus, I sent it out to several people. Almost everyone liked it, but one of the main responses was "this book is too much like ___". I struggled for a while trying to think of how I could make it different. I knew my idea was different. My main character was different and her challenges in life were different. The setting was a different, but there were a few details that kept it from being completely my own story.<br />
<br />
But before you can make a story different from what people think it is similar to, you need to do a few things.<br />
<br />
1. Re-read the book that your story is being compared to. Find how it is alike your story and why.<br />
<br />
2. Identify what needs to be changed in order to make your book completely unique. Then change it.<br />
<br />
3. Don't be afraid to change the plot or setting or characters in order to make your book stand on its own, without others' ideas influencing it.<br />
<br />
4. It's always good to have someone else (besides you) read over it and tell you what they think. Truth is, you'll always find how your book is different. Others reading it will probably find how it is similar. Critique can be hard to handle, but it's always valuable.<br />
<br />
Most of all, keep writing. Some ideas might not be the best, but more ideas will come. Comment and let me know how you try to make your idea original and unique :)Abigail Lockharthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14600574783853670363noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3660405463347268.post-18864160733115987362012-04-15T17:44:00.000-04:002012-10-08T17:23:45.387-04:00When to PauseSo I've finally done it. I've hit the wall mid-way through the third book of the series. Usually, I don't hit a wall this hard and fast, but this time it was dead on.<br />
<br />
The plot was rising and falling perfectly, characters were developing and conflict was arising. Basically, the entire book was coming alone perfectly and then, bam, the wall appeared and I ran right into it. Usually I can tell when it's coming. My progress will slow down or I'll write without plot. This time, however, I thought it was doing great. And it was- until now.<br />
<br />
My point by all of this is that, as a writer, we need to know when to stop on a WIP (work in progress). Yes, we should push ourselves and work hard to finish what we've started. But, if we push too hard, we burn out. Burning out is much worse than pausing for a little while to catch your breath before you keep working. So what do you do when you hit the wall?<br />
<br />
1. Take a break from writing. This sounds kind of lame and quitter-ish, but it helps sometimes. When you do this, it helps to read a lot of good books, especially ones in the same genre. They can help you think up new ideas to continue that WIP.<br />
<br />
2. Start something else. Sometimes getting new ideas from your head and into writing helps clear your head when you get back to writing that WIP.<br />
<br />
There are a lot of other things you can do, but I think those work the best for stepping back and starting to climb the wall. One thing that you don't want to do it go back and edit. It just depresses you more, to see how bad the first draft of a book really is.<br />
<br />
So what do you do when you hit a wall? Push through it? Take a break? Leave a comment and let me know :)Abigail Lockharthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14600574783853670363noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3660405463347268.post-62372271216937584852012-02-25T17:14:00.000-05:002012-10-08T17:23:21.590-04:00My WorldI decided to make this blog because I love to write and I want to share that with the world. No, I'm not published but I don't think it matters because I haven't given up. And I won't until I accomplish my dreams.<br />
<br />
So who am I? Well, I like to play piano and guitar and write. And write. And write. I usually don't suffer from writer's block. My problem is not having enough time<br />
<br />
I'll try to share some of my tips and ideas for writing on this blog, but it will mainly just be me, blogging about my journey through life and the writing world...<br />
<br />
Thank you for taking time to read this post and remember- don't hesitate to write and share your ideas with the world :)Abigail Lockharthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14600574783853670363noreply@blogger.com0