Showing posts with label Writing. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Writing. Show all posts
Reading Quote
The Ghosts of Ravencrest by Tamara Thorne & Alistair Cross ~ Book Review
Darkness Never Dies ...
Ravencrest Manor has always been part of the family. The ancestral home of the Mannings, Ravencrest’s walls have been witness to generations of unimaginable scandal, horror, and depravity. Imported stone by stone from England to northern California in the early 1800s, the manor now houses widower Eric Manning, his children, and his staff. Ravencrest stands alone, holding its memories and ghosts close to its dark heart, casting long, black shadows across its grand lawns, through the surrounding forests, and over the picturesque town of Devilswood, below.
Dare to Cross the Threshold ...
Ravencrest Manor is the most beautiful thing new governess, Belinda Moorland, has ever seen, but as she learns more about its tangled past of romance and terror, she realizes that beauty has a dark side. Ravencrest is built on secrets, and its inhabitants seem to be keeping plenty of their own - from the handsome English butler, Grant Phister, to the power-mad administrator, Mrs. Heller, to Eric Manning himself, who watches her with dark, fathomless eyes. But Belinda soon realizes that the living who dwell in Ravencrest have nothing on the other inhabitants - the ones who walk the darkened halls by night … the ones who enter her dreams … the ones who are watching … and waiting …
Welcome to Ravencrest ...
Who is the man digging in the garden beyond Belinda’s bedroom window? Who - or what - is watching her from the vents? From ghostly screams and the clutching bony fingers of death in the indoor pool, to the trio of gliding nuns in the east wing who come at Belinda with black blazing eyes, to the beckoning little girl in the red dress who died more than two centuries ago, Belinda is thrust into a world of waking nightmares where there is no distinction between the living and the dead, and there are no limits to the horrors that await. Witchcraft is afoot at Ravencrest and as unspeakable terrors begin to unfold, Belinda realizes that her beautiful new home is a keeper of tragedy, a collector of souls. And it wants to add her to its collection …
"The Ghosts of Ravencrest delivers on every level. Delicate, creepy, detailed, and beautifully crafted, this reinvention of the gothic ghost story into a sexy, sleek modern chiller is a marvel of suspense and atmosphere. A knockout of a horror yarn!"
-Jay Bonansinga, the New York Times bestselling author of The Walking Dead: Invasion, Lucid, and Self Storage.
"Ghostly secrets abound. Tortured spirits wander the hallways. Star-crossed lovers walk the paths of time. Servants connive, and the heroine faces an uncertain future …Run, do not walk, to get The Ghosts of Ravencrest. Tamara Thorne and Alistair Cross take the reader on a delicious journey of twisted family secrets, troubled dreams, and barely-concealed passions. Wrap yourself in the silken robe of this story and escape to Ravencrest."
-- Sylvia Shults, author of Hunting Demons: A True Story of the Dark Side of the Supernatural
by Alistair Cross was born in the western United States and began penning his own stories by the age of eight. First published by Damnation Books in 2012, Alistair has since published several more novels. In 2012, he joined forces with international bestselling author, Tamara Thorne, and as Thorne & Cross, they write the successful Gothic series, The Ghosts of Ravencrest. Their newest novel, The Cliffhouse Haunting, is an Amazon Best Seller, and this summer also sees the release of Alistair’s solo novel, The Crimson Corset.| Length: 378 pages | amazon |
- Similar books to The Ghosts of Ravencrest (The Ravencrest Saga Book 1)
Kris
On Writing: A Memoir of the Craft by Stephen King ~ Audio Book Review
“Long live the King” hailed Entertainment Weekly upon the publication of Stephen King's On Writing. Part memoir, part master class by one of the bestselling authors of all time, this superb volume is a revealing and practical view of the writer's craft, comprising the basic tools of the trade every writer must have. King's advice is grounded in his vivid memories from childhood through his emergence as a writer, from his struggling early career to his widely reported near-fatal accident in 1999—and how the inextricable link between writing and living spurred his recovery. Brilliantly structured, friendly and inspiring, On Writing will empower and entertain everyone who reads it—fans, writers, and anyone who loves a great story well told.
Purchase a copy on Amazon.
About the Author:
Review:
I am reviewing the audio download of this book, read by Stephen King himself. As a lover of books, I read as many as I can squeeze into my time, I have always loved to learn how and why someone does what they do. Reading memoirs are a great place to start to get to know someone a little better. I love that the first few chapters we are taken down memory lane with King. We learn more about his time growing up as a kid and where his writing started. He was so young when he first started writing stories.
Chapter 4 to the end is the bag of novel tricks from the writing master. Listening to the audiobook was like sitting down with Stephen King, talking over a coffee about how to write well. King is to the point about what he does to make his novels how they are, not adding any fluff to make it a longer book. He is straight to the point and tells the reads this is how he has become successful.
Do you know that writers should have a tool box? What should go in there and in each level? This is all explained to a tee and makes a lot of sense when you hear King talk about it. I found this novel to be great for all readers, not just people who want to write. I think this would be great for bloggers and book reviewers alike. It gives you an idea of story, narrative, characters, dialogue and so mch more that you can really use that when critiquing your next book for review.
I devoured this novel over a few days and I am sure to listen to it again soon. I am actually going to pick up a paperback copy to have on hand to go back through. If you are a Stephen King fan you will also love the memoir part of getting to know your favourite writer a bit better.
I give this book a 5 out of 5 stars and also a 5 out of 5 stars for the narrations by Stephen King.
~*Disclaimer: This post was written by Genuine Jenn. All opinions are honest and my own.*~
Writing Wednesday ~ Short Story ~ Love at First Sight
This weeks story was inspired by a writing prompt in a Goodreads group I am part of. The prompt was to write a scene in a driveway and include a blue scarf. Keep on reading to see what I came up with. Would love some feedback if you are enjoying these post. Please leave a comment below.
Title: Love at First Sight
Word Count: 1031
Written by: Jennifer Levac
"Mommy, when will Daddy be home?" Annabelle asks her mother for the millionth time.
"He will be home in twenty minutes," Vivian tells her five year old daughter, Annabelle. Mark, Vivian's husband works many hours each week. He also does a lot of traveling with his big cooperate job. Vivian doesn't enjoy the times Mark is away but she knows they couldn't enjoy the life they live without this job. Mark wants his ladies to enjoy life without any worries.
Vivian is a stay at home mom to just Annabelle, that is at least for the next seven months. Vivian is due with bay number two, a little boy by June. When Mark gets home, he and Vivian will be telling Annabelle about her little baby brother. Mark also has another surprise for Annabelle, one that Vivian is quite excited to see.
"Mommy, I can't wait any longer! I want to see Daddy and get my surprise!" Annabelle said jumping up and down while looking out the big picture window.
"I know sweetheart, twenty minutes is a long time at your age. Why don't you go play and Mommy will call you when Daddy arrives, okay?" Vivian runs a hand down Annabelle's silky soft brown locks. She has a petite frame just like her mother, but she bares Mark's facial features and brown hair. She looks just like her Daddy.
"But Mommy I want to see Daddy right away!" exclaimed Annabelle.
"Okay, you can hang out here. Mommy is going to go put the chicken in the oven for dinner. I'll be in the kitchen if you need me," making her way to the kitchen.
Annabelle stands looking out the window silently wishing for her Daddy to hurry up and come home.
"MOMMY!! DADDY'S HOME!!!" Annabelle squeals and runs for the front door, grabbing her winter coat and boots before rushing out of the house.
"Don't forget to do up your coat Annabelle, its cold outside," Vivian calls to Annabelle, as she wipes her wet hands the dishtowel and heads for the front hall to meet Mark.
#
Mark looks over the edge of the brown cardboard box on the passenger seat beside him at the sound of whimpering. He smiles at the big brown eyes looking up at him from inside the box. His daughter, Annabelle will be so excited to see what he has as a surprise for her. Mark has been on the road for the past week with work but promised Annabelle a surprise when he returned home. Vivian and Mark had come up with the idea of a new puppy a about a month ago when they thought it was about time to give Annabelle her own pet and a bit more responsibility.
Mark turns onto Maple Steet and can see his driveway from the corner of the street. Annabelle is likely waiting at the window in their living room, this has become her ritual when Mark is traveling for more than a day at a time. He can't wait to get in and see his family, it has been a long and exhausting week.
"Almost there little one, you will soon meet the best little girl that will love you to pieces," Mark says as he pats the puppy on the head. The pup affectingly starts to lick at Mark's hand with its big wet tongue.
Putting on his right flasher, Mark turns the car slowly into the driveway, noticing the curtains in the front window falling back into place. Mark smiles to himself as he sees Annabelle opening the front door and charging down the steps as she is trying to do up the zipper on her big puffy winter coat.
Mark puts his car in park and looks quickly for something to wrap the new puppy in to keep it hidden. Spying one of Vivian's scarves in the back seat, he reaches for the dark blue fabric. Wrapping the puppy in the Vivian's scarf, Mark reaches for the door handle and gets out of the car. Mark gently holds the puppy in his arms, bending down to Annabelle's height as she approaches her father.
"Daddy! I am so happy to see you," Annabelle says with a huge smile on her face, showing off her sweet dimples.
"Come quietly, Annabelle. I have something special for you," Mark says and pulls back the dark blue scarf revealing the tri-coloured beagle puppy, watching Annabelle's face light up with excitement.
"Oh Daddy, she is so cute!" Annabelle exclaims as she puts her face right up to the puppies black wet nose. The tri-coloured beagle gave Annabelle's a sloppy wet kiss all over her face. Annabelle started to giggle, "Can I hold her Daddy, can I?"
"Sure but you need to be very careful and quiet with her as she is just a puppy and getting to know us," Mark replied.
Annabelle reached out her tiny little arms and Mark passed the tiny puppy to his daughter.
Hugging the puppy close to her tiny chest, Annabelle looked up as Vivian approached them in the driveway.
"Mommy, looked what Daddy gave me! Isn't she soooo cute? I think I will call her Molly. She will be my bestest friend ever, I just know it! I can't wait to tell Sarah about her. Mommy, can Molly sleep with me tonight? Can she, PLEASE!!" Annabelle squealed as she tried to stay still with her new puppy in her arms her excitement rising with every word.
"Sure, she can sleep with you tonight, Annabelle," Vivian said as she reached down to pet the new puppy. Annabelle headed back to the house with her new best friend, Molly.
Vivian smiled at Mark and said, "Looks like it is love at first sight."
Mark reached for Vivian, giving her a tight hug and a gentle kiss. They headed into the house behind their daughter holding each others hand.
~*Disclaimer: This post was written by Genuine Jenn. This is a work of fiction. Copyright of Genuine Jenn. *~
Writing Wednesday ~ Stream of Consciousness Short Story ~ Katie's Blind Date
We did a unit lesson on Stream of Consciousness in my creative writing class and I had a lot of fun with it. I am thinking this is a great way to get into the characters mind and have fun writing. This is the first time I have done this and plan on doing this a lot more. Just too much fun! My writing prompt was thoughts of someone waiting for a blind date to arrive. Hope you enjoy the workings of Katie's thoughts as she waits for her blind date.
I wonder if this outfit looks okay? I really should have chosen the purple blouse, instead of this pink one. I still can’t believe I let Sarah set me up with this guy. I hope he is at least a bit good looking and can carry on a conversation with some intelligence. If not, I am totally out of here and Sarah will not get away with this! Oh, I hope it isn’t that guy coming in right now with that ugly red sweater, OH. MY. GOD. That is too ugly to even think that she would set me up with someone that would go out of the house in that. If it was actually December and closer to Christmas that guy could wear that to an ugly sweater party, haha. Thank god, he walked right one by my table. Maybe I should have sat a bit closer to the door so I can make a fast break if need be. Hmm, maybe this is him... Oh, nope not him. Why am I even on a BLIND date? Oh! That has to be him.. Oh, nope not with that girl its not. God, my hands are sweating, I wish he would just get here so I can leave already. I just know he’s going to be...
“Katie?” A husky voice sounds from behind me. I turn around to see a tall dark and handsome guy, in a nice navy blue t-shirt and dark denim blue jeans. Now this guy is HOT and speaking to me!
“Yes, I am Katie. Are you Matt?” I ask in reply.
~*Disclaimer: This post was written by Genuine Jenn. This is a story of fiction written by Jennifer Levac. It has copy rights to the author. All opinions are honest and my own.*~
Writing Wednesday ~ Short Story ~ Tom and Ben's First Date
I recently joined a few writing groups on Goodreads and follow a few blogs that have writing prompts. I have decided this is a great way to get ideas flowing and also step outside of the normal things I would write about. I also decided that I would choose to share at least one writing sample each with on the blog. It might be a micro, flash or short story, a chapter from a novella or novel or just some ramblings. Lets call it Writing Wednesday!
This is a short story that was a December writing prompt in a group where they share a picture and a few things to make sure to include or keep in mind. This one was of a young teen laying on a frozen pond with one hand on his chest. I would share the photo but I don't know who to credit. The story needed to be YA-appropriate and some LGBT content.
This is a two male gay teens go on their first date, the one teen, Tom, has never dated a guy before but has known that he is gay for awhile.
Title: Tom and Ben's First Date
Word Count: 1762
Written by: Jennifer Levac
Genre: YA, LGBT
Ben leans forward, making Tom take one step back. Putting his left hand on the tree trunk up by Tom's face, he leans forward and with a fierce passionate need, places his lips against Tom's. Tom can't believe what is happening but kisses Ben back with so much hunger it surprises him. Tom has been waiting for Ben to show some sign of feelings towards him for a long time. Ben's right hand comes up to Tom's face and cups his cheek. The warmth of Ben is making Tom lose himself in more than just the kiss -- he can feel himself hardening at his groin.
Ben drops both of his arms to his sides and takes a step back from Tom. The passion and need are written all over his face. He is panting hard.
"I..umm..I am sorry," Ben finally says to Tom as his eyes dart to the snow-covered ground.
"What? You don't need to be sorry, I have been hoping you would kiss me for months now," Tom replies, stepping closer to Ben. "You didn't do anything wrong, I have just been too nervous to make a move on you first."
Ben looks up with those dark brown eyes, staring at Tom before saying: "I needed to finally make the move. This tension between us has been too much for me to even concentrate on anything lately."
Tom is beyond happy that Ben feels the same way he does. "Want to grab a burger tonight?" Tom asks shyly.
"Sure, meet you at The Grill at seven?" Ben says as he steps closer to Tom, shifting his weight from left to right, showing how nervous he really is. Tom thinks Ben looks really cute when he is nervous. Tom smiles at Ben.
"Sounds good to me," Tom says as Ben closes the gap between the two boys and gives Tom a quick hug, turns quickly and heads out of the woods, leaving Tom standing in the middle of the frozen pond.
Tom drops to the ground, landing on the pond and laying on his back looking up to the sky. The sun is starting to drop, and the moon is making its appearance, Tom thinks to himself with excitement, he actually likes me. Tom has had a crush on Ben since Ben arrived at Woodward High a couple months ago from Huston. Ben is tall, with wavy dark brown hair and the most deep dark brown eyes. He is the first male that Tom has been attracted to since he realized he wasn't into girls. Jessie and Tom were together for about eight months before he decided he couldn't just date her to make his family or anyone else happy. He just wasn't feeling it. They were only best friends – nothing beyond. It broke Jessie's heart but she has since come around.
Tom slowly gets up from the ground, wiping the snow off and heads home to get ready for his first date with Ben.
#
Ben arrived at The Grill first and found a quiet spot in the back of the restaurant for dinner with Tom. He really wanted Tom to like him. Moving away from Huston had been really hard on Ben, especially leaving football and all his friends behind. Everyone at his old school knew Ben was gay and didn't have a problem with it. Even his parents have been cool with it but with moving to Woodward, he wasn't sure it would be as easy. This is a small, old-fashioned town.
Ben spotted Tom as soon as he walked through the door at. There is just something about Tom, Ben thought as he stood up and waved. He is a bean pole with these piercing blue eyes and his smile. He is smart, always has his head in a book or playing video games, not like Ben who lives, eats and breathes football. Tom likes to read, mainly graphic novels or sports magazines. Being 16, most of their friends are chasing girls or partying. Tom isn't like that at all.
Tom heads through the restaurant as he sees Ben waving to him from a table in the back. "Hi Ben, have you been waiting long?" Tom asks as he takes off his backpack and jacket, sliding into the booth across from Ben.
"No, maybe five minutes if that," Ben says as he shifts in his seat. Ben can feel his palms getting sweaty as he tries to relax. "So, what is good to eat here?" Ben asks.
"Straight up beef burger and fries, but their pizza is really good too," Tom says as he pushes his menu to the end of the table. "Want to split a large pizza?"
"Sure, pepperoni good?" Ben asks and places his menu at the end of the table on top of Tom's.
"Sure," Tom says with a nervous grin. Tom is nervous for this first date but doesn't want Ben to know. Is it even a date? Tom thinks to himself.
"Are you guys ready to order?" asks the waitress.
"Ya, we want a large pepperoni pizza and two colas," Ben says looking to Tom for assurance. Tom nods in reply.
Tom and Ben's conversation continues about class, football and video games until the pizza arrives. Neither one of them knows how to bring up the question they both want answered: are they a couple?
"So, I heard you were dating Jessie last year, the girl in our English class," Ben finally says between bites of pepperoni.
"Ya, we dated for most of last school year," Tom replies.
"Umm, so what happened?" Ben is trying to himself not sound too eager for the reply.
"It just wasn't for me. Jessie is a great girl, we get along really well but you know..." Tom's sentence trails off and he takes another bite of his pizza.
"No, I don't know man, that's why I asked," Ben says with a laugh.
"I am not attracted to her," Tom says and looks up at Ben to see his reaction. Ben is now looking at Tom and waiting to learn more.
"You mean, not attracted to Jessie or not attracted to girls?" Ben reaches for his soda and takes a huge gulp.
Tom stops and puts his pizza down onto his plate and looks up at Ben. "Not attracted to girls," Tom says and smiles at Ben, hoping he will change the subject.
"So, I was wondering if maybe, umm, well, I know we have only known each other for a few weeks but I don't know," Ben is stumbling over his words and getting more frustrated with himself for being so nervous. "Want to go out with me?" Ben finally says to Tom.
"Yes," Tom says and knows that his grin on his face must look like the goofiest grin around. He can't believe Ben has asked him out. His first boyfriend.
"Cool, so lets’ get out of here. My parents are out for the night, want to hang out at my place?" Ben asks Tom.
"Sure, let me just call home to tell my mom I won’t be home," Tom replies. #
Ben pulls his fathers Chevy truck into the driveway and cuts the engine. He is happy his parents are away for the weekend as he can tell Tom is nervous with all this. Ben decides he will take things slow with Tom as this seems like a whole new thing for him. He can't wait to cuddle up on the couch with Tom and watch a movie.
Both Ben and Tom get out of the truck and head up the walkway to the front door, where Ben pulls out a key to unlock the house. As they enter, Tom hears light footsteps from upstairs, "I thought your parents were away tonight?"
"They are, that is Molly, our dog," Ben takes off his jacket and throws it on the bench in the front hall. "Let’s grab a drink and head to my room to watch a movie,"
"Cool," Tom says as he removes his coat and shoes, following Ben into a spacious kitchen with a center island with stools. He slides up onto one when Ben heads to the fridge.
"We have soda, juice, water, and beer," Ben offers.
"I'll have a soda," Tom says.
"Coming right up," Ben reaches into the fridge and pulls out two cans of soda, placing one if front of Tom and the other in front of himself at the island.
"Thanks, what movies do you have, man?" Tom asks as he pops open the soda top. He can feel the sexual tension rising. He wants to touch Ben so badly, but he also doesn't want to mess this up on the first date.
"Let’s go see, I have lots of war and some horror movies," Ben says and leads the way to his bedroom, down a long hallway off the kitchen into the back of the house.
"Make yourself comfortable on the bed or couch, just make sure you leave room for me," Ben says, walking over to the TV stand. He starts flipping through movies on the stand, pulling out a DVD case, and turns around to face Tom. "War and horror, fight the zombie apocalypse, ya?"
"Sure," Tom says as he makes himself comfy on the one end of the couch.
Putting in the movie and grabbing the remote Ben plops down beside Tom, "Don't be shy now, just cause you know I like you," Ben teases Tom in a playful way, moving in closer to Tom.
Tom can feel himself getting red in the face. He has never felt this way about anyone before. He is a little bit embarrassed that he is acting so shy around Ben.
"Man, I am not being shy," Tom replies and puts his arm on the back of the couch around Ben.
"Good," Ben says and moves in closer so that he and Tom are almost touching with their noses together. Ben can feel the heated tension between them and quickly places his lips on Tom's, taking in his scent. He lets his hands wander to Tom's chin and holds him close while kissing him deeply. After awhile Tom and Ben break away and take in some air.
Tom smiles at Ben. "This is nice,"
Ben decides to be forward. "Want to spend the night?"
"Sure," Tom says and leans in to start kissing Ben again. He can't get enough of this man’s lips. He can only wonder how the rest of the night will go.
~*Disclaimer: This post was written by Genuine Jenn. This is a work of fiction and copyrighted. All opinions are honest and my own.*~
Short Dialogue Story ~ Miranda and Brad deal with a tough unexpected event
Miranda slowly opens the bathroom door that adjoins her bedroom. She looks over to the bed where Brad is sitting, waiting patiently for her to come out of the bathroom with news.
“It’s ready,” Miranda whispers. She has a hard time holding onto the little white plastic stick in her hand, which is shaking and sweating profusely. Slowly walking across the room, she stands in front of Brad, her boyfriend of six months.
“So, what does it say?” Brad asks, looking at Miranda and motioning for her to sit beside him.
“I’m not sure, I didn’t look at it yet. I wanted you to look with me,” Miranda replies as she sits down beside Brad, leaning in close to him, so close she smells his musky cologne. Miranda isn’t ready for this but flips over the little stick in her hands and looks down.
“Oh my God, it’s positive” Miranda says with tears in her voice, even though she doesn’t want to cry.
“It’s okay,” Brad reaches his arms around Miranda and pulls her into a tight embrace. “We will handle this together, Miranda.”
“Are you sure?” Miranda asks Brad, looking up to his eyes from their embrace. “I am super scared, Brad.”
“Yes, I am one hundred percent sure, I know we haven’t been dating long but I won't leave you to do this on your own,” Brad says as he leans in and gently places a kiss on Miranda’s forehead. “We will take it one day at a time.” and in that moment Miranda knew that Brad would be right there by her side through all of this.
Too be continued....
~*Disclaimer: This post was written by Genuine Jenn. All opinions are honest and my own.*~
I will be sharing my own Short Stories & Creative Writing in 2016
I have recently decided it was time to try my hand at some writing other than writing reviews on the blog. I have enrolled in an online creative writing course and I have picked up a few books on writing. A few author friends I have met online have also been super supportive, along with family and friends. I would like to post some of my personal work on Genuine Jenn, short stories and writing prompts that I take part in, I hope you will look forward to them and enjoy reading what I write.
Thank you for all the support over the last five + years and hope you will continue to enjoy your visits to Genuine Jenn!
~*Disclaimer: This post was written by Genuine Jenn. All opinions are honest and my own.*~
Your 5 Senses Right Now ~ Day #6 Challenge
I did a couple loads of laundry, read half of a review book and now I decided I should write this post before the kids get off the school bus.
My 5 Sense right now...........
Hearing ~ I am listening to some upbeat music. Right now it is Timber by Pitbull. I also hear Miss Molly dragging her food dish across the kitchen floor in her way of asking for more food even though she knows she wont get anything until the kids get in.
Sight ~ I am looking at my netbook as I write this with a cat in the kitchen window and snow falling endlessly. I hope it quits soon as I need to drive to work tonight. It does look nice when there is fresh white snow out there instead of all the dirty slush. I am ready for spring though and really ready for summer and all the fun it will bring this year.
Smell ~ Right now all I am smelling is my hot caramel apple cider. YUM!
Taste ~ I am enjoying a very tasty hot caramel apple cider before heading out to get the kids. It tastes so smooth and sweet. Hot enough to have to sip but not too hot to enjoy every sip.
Touch ~ My fingers tapping on the keyboard. Pushing buttons on the tablet to listen to another song or petting Molly when she comes over to nuzzle her head on my lap. While I touch I look at my fun Jamberry nail wraps :)
~*Disclaimer: This post was written by Genuine Jenn. All opinions are honest and my own.*~
10 Songs I love right now ~ Day #5 Challenge
These are not in any specific order just wrote them down as I thought of them.
- Timber by Pitbull featuring Ke$ha
- Brave by Sara Bareilles
- Roar by Katy Perry
- Say Something by A Great Big World & Christina
- Wrecking Ball by Miley Cyrus
- The Fox (What does the Fox Say) by Ylvis
- We Can't Stop by Miley Cyrus
- Radio by Darius Rucker
- Watching Airplanes by Gary Allen
- Is that a tear by Tracy Lawrence
What are your favorite songs right now?
~*Disclaimer: This post was written by Genuine Jenn. All opinions are honest and my own.*~
What are you afraid of? ~ Day #4 Challenge
This challenge had me thinking as there are the easy to come up with things that I am afraid of. I was thinking about the more common fears like how about being afraid of snakes? I am super afraid of snakes! Even those I know they wont hurt me because the ones in our woods are not poisonous. Snakes also do not jump from tree. They more or less fall from the tree. I learned a lot about snakes last summer when we were camping. They had a little demo in the evening about endangered animals in our area and Canada.
I am also afraid of flying even though I have know flown twice. Both times in 2012 and to go to blog conferences. My fear of planes isn't the common fear that it will crash and I'll die no my fear is my ears. I have had numerous issues with my ears for the last few years after being exposed to some environmental hazards. I fear my ears filling up and rupturing. Yes, I know how silly that sounds but it is my fear to go deaf from flying.
So my question now to you is - What are you afraid of?
~*Disclaimer: This post was written by Genuine Jenn. All opinions are honest and my own.*~
20 Things About Me ~ Day #2 Challenge
Today's writing challenge is 20 Things About Me. I tried not to give away too much about myself yesterday in my Introduction post so that I can give you 20 facts today. Here are somethings you may or may not know about me.
- I am a crafter and have tried my hand at sewing, quilting, paper crafts, beading, rug hook, plastic canvas, knitting and now crochet.
- I am a Peanut Butter addict
- I used to figure skate
- I am a Independent Jamberry Consultant
- I am an introvert
- I am a soccer mom
- I have light blue eyes but want to get contacts to make them brighter
- My favorite Hockey team is the Ottawa Senators
- I have been inside the TV show Cheers bar in Boston
- I drive a minivan and love it!
- I don't like to be bored - I love to always have tasks to do (reading, blogging, crafts, baking, etc)
- I love to bake
- I love to walk especially with our dog Molly
- I have only been on a plane twice in my life and both times where in 2012
- I cut 14 inches off my hair in 2011
- I want to live in the country
- I love watching the TV show Bizarre Foods in America with Andrew Zimmern
- I secretly hate kids toys that make sounds
- I would rather read than watch TV
- I work overnights and have a horrible sleep schedule now
~*Disclaimer: This post was written by Genuine Jenn. All opinions are honest and my own.*~
About Me ~ Day #1 Challenge
 |
| This picture is the best more recent one but it is still a yr old. |
Today's challenge is an introduction and recent photo. I will admit one thing I do not like are photos of myself. I have a feeling these challenges are going to have me stepping outside of my comfort zone. That is okay through as I am trying to become less introverted and try to be less shy.
My name is Jennifer and I am in my early 30's. My birthday is December 19th. I am a mother of two, P & A who are 7 & 6 years old. I am with my best friend & high school sweetheart. We are not "officially" married but we are common law and might as we be married as neither of us intend on going anywhere until death due us part. I work full time overnights in a group home for developmentally disabled adults. I went to school to become a Developmental Services worker in 2000 and graduated with Dean's Honors in 2002. It is amazing thinking back now as I have been working in this field since I was in high school, about 15 years. I have been blogging for almost four years and love all the opportunities that have come with it and all the fabulous people I have meet because of blogging and social media.
Tomorrow is 20 Things about Me. I will stop here as I will tell you more about myself in tomorrows post and throughout the month of February.
~*Disclaimer: This post was written by Genuine Jenn. All opinions are honest and my own.*~
Writing Challenge for February 2014
With my goal in mind for writing more during 2014 I hit up Google over the weekend. When searching 30 day challenge I decided to check out the image section and you would be amazed with all the different challenges there are out there - fitness, photo, writing, blogging, organizing and so forth. I will start with a blog writing challenge but some of the others seemed interesting for sure!
The challenge I found that I liked the best for my first month is actually a 31 day and yes I know February has only 28 days this year. I will try and write an extra on a couple days. This is an old challenge but I don't mind trying it out before I link up to an active challenge.
~*Disclaimer: This post was written by Genuine Jenn. All opinions are honest and my own.*~
I am a reader not a writer
I just never considered myself a writer. I have always been horrible with spelling and grammar and would curse the English language as a child. Why does there need to be so many different ways to spell one word? I mean I know they have different meanings but really why do they need to have different spelling? Witch which is which? haha.
I remember when I was having a hard time spelling one of my elementary teachers told my parents that I should read more. Little did she know that I already read daily and more than my peers. This I think was when the "book list" came about.
One summer I read 100 books. Did it help me with my spelling and grammar? No. Even after writing a blog, being social on social media and still reading tons of books hasn't helped. I have gotten better. I have also never been one to write my own stories but I would like to change this. I would like to "write" more on my blog. I would like to share more of my thoughts without it being in a review. I love to review products and books but I would also love to learn how to share more of my ideas and thoughts on my blog. I think that I am more afraid to open up and be criticized for my writing style.
I have decided to work on blog writing challenges and reading memes. Each week I will aim for a personal post of some sort. I hope you will continue to stop by my blog and maybe share your thoughts in the comments below.
Happy Monday!
~*Disclaimer: This post was written by Genuine Jenn. All opinions are honest and my own.*~
