Writing Prompt #157: “‘Celebration Party’ January WIP Writing Challenge!”

celebration party

Image found on Didi Oviatt’s blog.

If you haven’t checked out Didi Oviatt’s AWESOME, and, frankly, kick-ass blog, do it!

Here’s the link to her challenge post:


Before I got to the end of Didi’s post, I knew which characters I wanted to use!

So, without further ado, please enjoy my “Celebration Party” scene!


Fireworks weren’t illegal to purchase in Maine. Every summer, like clockwork, the camp counselors were able to fill their cars and SUVs at the ready. The closest firework stand to Camp was only ten minutes away.

Not everyone approved of the idea, however. Emily, the Camp nurse, was naturally uneasy. Belinda Barnes, the Camp director, never thought it was the best idea. But, as long as everything was done safely, that’s all she cared about.

The counselors wanted the fireworks to be a complete surprise. Most summers, the Bangor fireworks spectacular could be witnessed in full from certain areas of Camp. Sadly, this year’s spectacular had been cancelled due to severe thunderstorms in the area – The first cancellation in quite a few summers. Camp’s atmosphere on Independence Day was just as stormy, with disappointed and grumpy campers. It had rained and stormed five out of the last six days, and rainy-day activities were running out of steam. So was a lot of people’s patience.

July 6th dawned sunny and beautiful, and everyone’s spirits naturally lifted. The day was full of lake activities, nature hikes, and a bit of mischief. Kristin and Brennan bent the rules a little, and stole away to their secluded picnic table spot for some hanky-panky. Counselors Andy and Melissa almost went skinny-dipping in the lake. And Ashley and Stephanie enjoyed their first true romantic moment together, which felt like fireworks to both of them.

As the sun dipped below the horizon, one of the most spectacular sunsets stretched out across the sky. Everyone was in awe, which gave Andy, Melissa, and a few other counselors enough time to set up the surprise.

The crickets started chirping, and everyone tuned in to the bullfrogs along the lake. They knew a surprise was being revealed, and everyone waited with bated breath.

Andy and Melissa shared another kiss right before the fireworks show was about to begin. All safety measures were reviewed and checked. The spot along the lake shore was perfect, and they couldn’t wait to see the camper’s faces light up.

Andy, the oldest counselor, was in charge. The first three fireworks were disappointing duds. But, Emily, of all people, kept the crowd hyped. The fourth firework finally shot off with a brilliant burst, and hearing the crowd’s cheers and whistles made it all worth it.

Melissa, right by Andy’s side, winked. “Let’s give them the best show ever.”

Andy nodded. The next 30 minutes felt like Camp had their own fireworks spectacular. Fireworks of every shape, size, and color were shot off in rapid succession. The noise across the lake only increased, and the counselors felt incredible. It was a great celebration all its own.

Minutes after the grand finale, through the hazy smoke the counselors could still hear the cheers and whistles. Kristin and Brennan were dancing in ankle-deep water of the lake, and so were Andy and Melissa. Ashley and Stephanie shared a kiss, not caring who saw. Everyone was celebrating in their own way, and it felt great. The atmosphere of Camp that night turned completely around. All thanks to roughly $1,000 of fireworks.


So, there you have it!

Thanks, Didi! Looking forward to February’s challenge!


Until the next headline, Laura Beth πŸ™‚

Getting Personal #151: “The Drain House, Drain, Oregon” (Reblogged)

Image Credit: Just Wunderlust

I love sharing inspiring posts from Just Wunderlust. The photos are incredible!

I’ve been thinking of Oregon a lot recently. Mainly because my best friend, Melissa, and another friend, Brittany, live there. But, I’m in awe of the beauty of the state. This photo is no exception.

Seeing the mist and the trees behind this house makes me think of the story I wrote and illustrated in fifth grade. I called it “Electro Girl,” and I set it in the forests/mountains of Oregon. It’s definitely writing from my 10-year-old self, but seeing this photo makes me think of that story. Also, that story was recognized as a Young Authors book, and going to the ceremony and reception that year was where I got to know and love Melissa!

The colors of the house make me smile, too. It looks like a doll’s house.

I did some research, and learned that Drain is located in Douglas County, in the southwestern part of the state. The last population count, in 2017, was 1,169. The town is named after town founder and politician Charles J. Drain. It’s a prominent example of Queen Anne style architecture. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places on December 12, 1978.


What do you see when you look at this photo? Let me know your thoughts in the comments. Have a great week!


Until the next headline, Laura Beth πŸ™‚

Writing Prompt #156: The ABC Book Challenge (The Letter M)

The ABC Book Challenge - L


Memorable Books that Start with the Letter β€œM”:

Image result for macbeth play book

Macbeth

  • We studied Shakespeare in high school. This one was significant to me.

Madame Bovary 1857 (hi-res).jpg

Madame Bovary

  • I believe this was assigned reading when I was a senior in high school.

the_man_in_the_high_castle_c4

The Man in the High Castle

  • I’d wanted to read this one for quite a while, and finally did in the summer of 2017. It sparked my interest in not only the author, but in alternate reality, as well.

Image result for mansfield park novel

Mansfield Park

  • I need to re-read this, but I’ve read most everything that Jane Austen wrote.

Misty of Chincoteague cover.jpg

Misty of Chincoteague

  • I read this one several times as a kid. I live about three hours from Chincoteague!

Books I’d Love to Read Starting with the Letter β€œM”:

Higgins cover-jpg.jpg

M. C. Higgins, the Great

  • I remember seeing this book in the school library, but I’ve never read it.

PKD-The-Minority-Report.png

The Minority Report

  • I knew this short story was adapted into a movie (2002) and a TV series (2015), but I didn’t know until much later that it was written by Philip K. Dick.

Image result for les miserables novel

Les Miserables

  • Β Despite having seen the most recent movie adaptation (2012), I’ve never read the novel.

Stephen King Misery cover.jpg

Misery

  • I vaguely remember parts of this book, so I think it deserves a re-read.

TheMosquitoCoastNovel.jpg

The Mosquito Coast

  • I’ve been interested in this novel since I heard about the movie adaptation (1986). I haven’t seen the movie yet, and I don’t plan to until I read the book.

What books have you read, or want to read, that start with the letter M? Let me know!


Until the next headline, Laura Beth πŸ™‚

Writing Adventures #3: Finishing The First Draft of My 2012 WIP

finish-line-900

Image Credit: Cottonwood Creek

Welcome back! I haven’t posted any new Writing Adventures posts for several months, but I’m excited to get back to it now.

Here are the links to my previous posts:


I’m very excited to be *this close* to finishing my first draft of my 2012 Work in Progress (WIP). I set a goal earlier this year to finish the first draft before December 31, 2018. I’ve mentioned before that my best friend, Melissa, has offered to edit the first draft for me. But, I have to finish it first!

Reading the last two Writing Adventures posts made me so proud of myself. I’ve made so much progress on this piece just this year!

In June, right before the second Camp NaNoWriMo session of 2018, here were my observations about “Experiences From Camp”:

  • I started this during NaNoWriMo 2012, which was my first-ever NaNoWriMo. I wrote around 10,000 words by the end of that month.
  • In March, I signed up for Camp NaNoWriMo for the very first time, thanks to Madi’s encouragement.
  • During Camp NaNoWriMo April 2018, I exceeded my goal and won Camp! My goal was 20,000 new words. On April 30th, I surpassed my goal with approximately 20,256 new words! Yippee!
  • June 2018 monthly goal: Write 1,000 new words.
  • Sign up for Camp NaNoWriMo July 2018 before the end of the month.
  • Set my Camp NaNoWriMo goal before the end of the month.
  • Current word count: 34,130 words.

In August, I posted my Camp NaNoWriMo July 2018 recap.

  • Before Camp started, my word count was 34,719 words.
  • In 31 days, I added 11,916 words.
  • I was so excited to add almost 12,000 new words!

Now, as of today, December 8th, here’s where I stand.

  • Current word count: 46,646 words.
  • Countdown to 50,000 words: 3,354 words.

I feel so confident that I will reach 50,000 words, or more, before the end of the month. I can feel it!

In fact, I think I’ll end this post now, so I can get back to it!


What about you? Are you writing anything special?


Until the next headline, Laura Beth πŸ™‚

Getting Personal #150: NaNoWriMo 2018 Recap

NaNoWriMo 2018

Image Credit: The Reedsy Blog

NaNoWriMo 2018 is in the books!

Here’s the link to my kick-off post:


Day 1

Today: 418
Total: 418

Not a bad start!

Day 2

Today: 199 + 880 = 1,079
Total: 1,497

Two writing sessions, on a Friday? Yes, please!

Day 3

Today: 741 + 1,364 = 2,105
Total: 3,572

Two more writing sessions today, both more successful than yesterday? I’ll take it!

Day 4

Today: 630
Total: 4,232

Not bad for a busy Sunday.

Day 5

Today: 934 + 780 = 1,714
Total: 5,946

Two productive writing sessions, and crushed the daily word count again!

Day 6

Today: 930 + 278 = 1,208
Total: 7,154

Continued productivity!

Day 7

Today: 602
Total: 7,756

Decent writing today, which I made time for the morning. I’m so glad I did – I got home around midnight after an AMAZING concert!

Day 8

Today: 128 + 163 + 967 = 1,258
Total: 9,014

A little bit of a midnight writing session before my laptop battery died. A few more minutes in the morning after a few hours of sleep. A much longer writing session after work. It feels good!

Day 9

Today: 731
Total: 9,745

I wasn’t able to do a writing session this morning, but I took some time this evening to get some more on the page.

Day 10

Today: 493
Total: 10,238

I plugged away after breakfast.

Day 11

Today: 141 + 882 = 1,023
Total: 11,261

I wrote a bit in the afternoon before headed to church for an afternoon workshop. After finishing dinner andΒ Pitch Perfect 3, I got on a roll! I felt a bit of a slump earlier, but I got my mojo back!

Day 12

Today: 0
Total: 11,261

No writing for me today. Between getting back to the gym for the first time in two months, a full day of work, and my monthly P.E.O. meeting, I barely had time to breathe today.

Day 13

Today: 523
Total: 11,784

I took the opportunity to write in between dinner with Al and a church training session, so I was pleased.

Day 14

Today: 0
Total: 11,784

Today was our third wedding anniversary, so no writing!

Day 15

Today: 0
Total: 11,784

Nothing today.

Day 16

Today: 0
Total: 11,784

Nothing today.

Day 17

Today: 0
Total: 11,784

Nothing today.

Day 18

Today: 0
Total: 11,784

Nothing today.

Day 19

Today: 0
Total: 11,784

Nothing today.

Day 20

Today: 0
Total: 11,784

Nothing today.

Day 21

Today: 1,245
Total: 13,029

My writing slump is finally broken! I was able to come home early from work due to the Thanksgiving holiday. After I finished preparing the traditional chocolate mousse, I was able to knock out a solid writing session this afternoon. Hooray!

Day 22

Today: 0
Total: 13,029

Nothing today.

Day 23

Today: 0
Total: 13,029

Nothing today.

Day 24

Today: 0
Total: 13,029

Nothing today.

Day 25

Today: 0
Total: 13,029

Nothing today.

Day 26

Today: 1,692
Total: 14,721

I felt really good today! I feel like this final push will be awesome!

Day 27

Today: 0
Total: 14,721

Nothing today.

Day 28

Today: 0
Total: 14,721

Nothing today.

Day 29

Today: 0
Total: 14,721

Nothing today.

Day 30

Today: 1,357 + 403 = 1,760
Total: 16,481

I’m really happy, overall. I made a really good effort! Plus, I have 16,000 more words than I started with.


Final Thoughts

It’s a decent effort for a crazy, busy month! I’m thrilled to have finally gotten this story idea out of my head, and the beginnings of a good first draft!

I can’t wait to participate in the next Camp NaNoWriMo in 2019!


Have you done NaNoWriMo in November before?

Have you done Camp NaNoWriMo before?

Let me know what you think!


Until the next headline, Laura Beth πŸ™‚

Writing Prompt #155: The ABC Book Challenge (The Letter L)

The ABC Book Challenge - L

Here’s the link to Tiana’s post:


Memorable Books that Start with the Letter “L”:

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A Light in the Attic

  • Shel Silverstein is a household staple.

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Little House in the Big Woods (Little House #1)

  • I absolutely loved Laura Ingalls Wilder’s books when I was younger.

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Little Women

  • I had to read this for a project during my freshman year of high school, and ended up falling in love with it.

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Lock and Key

  • Each one of Sarah Dessen’s books has made an impact on me.

Looking for Alaska

  • I was introduced to John Green by way of this book, in my Young Adult Literature class in the spring of 2011. It’s one of my all-time favorite books.

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The Lorax


Books I’d Love to Read Starting with the Letter β€œL”:

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Life As We Knew It

  • I’ve read other books by Susan Beth Pfeffer, but not this one.

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Little Children

  • I want to read everything that Tom Perrotta has written.

Little & Lion

  • This book’s cover looks beautiful. Plus, I’m always interested in books that have mental health representation.

Little White Lies

  • Like Tiana, I don’t know much about debutantes, but I really want to read this book!

7604

Lolita

  • I’ve always wanted to read this!

 


What books have you read, or want to read, that start with the letter L? Let me know!


Until the next headline, Laura Beth πŸ™‚

Writing Prompt #154: The ABC Book Challenge (The Letter K)

Here’s the link to Tiana’s post:


Memorable Books that Start with the Letter “K”:

104378

Keeping The Moon

  • Sarah Dessen is one of my favorite authors!

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Kristy and The Snobs (The Baby-Sitters Club #11)

  • I loved everything Baby-Sitters Club (BSC) when I was younger!

Books I Wish to Read that Start with the Letter “K”:

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Kids We Were

  • I want to see if my library has this!

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The Kitchen House

  • This looks so interesting!

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The Kite Runner

  • I’ve heard really good things about this one, for years!

What books have you read, or want to read, that start with the letter K? Let me know!


Until the next headline, Laura Beth πŸ™‚

Blog Awards #22: Sunshine Blogger Award – Number Five!

Thank you, Simon, for nominating me!

Here’s the link to where I was nominated:


The Rules:

  • Thank the person who nominated you and provide a link back to their blogging sites.
  • Answer the questions.
  • Nominate 11 other bloggers and ask them 11 new questions.
  • Notify the nominees about it by commenting on one of their blog posts.
  • List the rules and display the sunshine blogger award logo on your site or on yourΒ  post.

Simon’s Questions:

1. Which country do you come from?

  • The good old U.S.A.!

2. Who was the family member you remember most from your childhood and why?

  • Great question! My Grandma Grace, who was my mom’s mom. She was so loving, sweet, soft-spoken, and one of the strongest Christian women I’ve known. She taught me so many things, like frozen Oreos taste better, lamb is delicious, how to cook in general (and enjoy it), playing Scrabble, reading, visiting the library, and doing crossword puzzles. And there’s more. She died peacefully at the age of 96 in 2013, and I think of her every day!

3. What is your dream destination?

  • Hawaii!

4. What is your favorite movie?

  • Forrest Gump (1994)

5. What is your hobby?

  • Besides blogging, I love to write, read, enjoy my six American Girl dolls, paint with pastels, and spending as much time as possible with my husband, family, and friends.

6. What is your greatest strength?

  • Determination with a hint of stubbornness.

7. What is the meaning of love to you?

  • Being kind to others, with a mix of sympathy and empathy.

8. Who is your best friend?

  • Melissa. We’ve been best friends since fifth grade.

9. Do you believe in God?

  • Absolutely.

10. Can you live without your smartphone for one day?

  • Probably.

11. If you could change anything in the world – what would it be?

  • Everyone would have consistent food, clean water, and shelter. As the motto of a local charity goes, “Safe, warm, and dry.”

My Questions

  1. Do you have siblings?
  2. What’s your favorite TV show from the 1980s?
  3. What’s your favorite flower or plant?
  4. Do you have a favorite color?
  5. If you have Netflix, what’s three things on your list?
  6. What are your thoughts regarding the Internet, and it’s effect on the world?
  7. How do you consume your news?
  8. What are you talented at / in?
  9. Do you have a favorite genre of literature / books?
  10. Have you ever played the lottery?
  11. Do you have a favorite type of junk food?

Tag – You’re It!

  1. Astro Guidelines
  2. More Travels with the Reads II
  3. booksandbakes1
  4. Uninspired Writers
  5. daily(w)rite
  6. What Remains
  7. Libre Paley
  8. Willow Croft
  9. bereavedsingledad
  10. joannethegeek
  11. Petal Hugs

As always, please don’t feel obligated to do this post! Participating is completely optional!


Thanks again, Simon!


Until the next headline, Laura Beth πŸ™‚

Getting Personal #144: NaNoWriMo 2018

NaNoWrIMo 2018

Image Credit: BookBub

After four years of not participating, I decided I wanted to commit to NaNoWriMo 2018!

After my success with both Camp NaNoWriMo sessions earlier this year, I wanted to try the November event again. I’ve also published excerpts of my most recent NaNoWriMo attempt from 2014.


I’ve dropped a few hints, here and there, about an idea I’ve had percolating for a fourth novel.

So, for NaNoWriMo 2018, I want to finally put my fingers to the keyboard and start fleshing this out!

Working Title: “Tunnel Vision”

Synopsis: On her way to her milestone birthday party, Nicole, a dedicated Newport News, Virginia police officer, gets stuck in traffic at the Monitor-Merrimac Memorial Bridge-Tunnel. As the tunnel stoppage unfolds into a true mystery, Nicole finds herself reflecting on her career, family, friends, acquaintances, and the criminal justice system. Can she help solve the mystery in one night?

I’m excited to dive into Nicole’s world, and help tell her story!


What about you? Have you ever done NaNoWriMo?

Come back around the beginning of December to see my results!


Until the next headline, Laura Beth πŸ™‚

 

Writing Prompt #153: The ABC Book Challenge (The Letter J)

ABC Book Challenge - J 2

Here’s the link to Tiana’s post:


Memorable Books that Start with the Letter β€œJ”:

Jacob Have I Loved

  • Written by Katherine Paterson, author of Bridge to Terabithia, this is a great historical fiction novel.

James and the Giant Peach

  • Roald Dahl is one of my favorite authors. If you haven’t seen the movie adaptation (1996), I highly recommend it.

Jane Eyre

  • It took me a long time to be able to digest and appreciate Jane Austen, but Jane Eyre is one of her books that hold a permanent place on my shelves.

The Joy Luck Club

  • I resented reading this in high school as assigned reading. I actually want to re-read it at some point.

Jumanji

  • Chris Van Allsburg is another one of my favorite authors. The movie adaptation (1995) is one of my all-time favorite movies, and the recent sequel (2017) was also, surprisingly, well-made.

Just Listen

  • Sarah Dessen was a defining author throughout my high school and college years. I’m pretty sure this book is one of the first of hers that I read.

Books I Wish to Read that Start with the Letter β€œJ”:

Jamaica Inn

  • I want to read more from Daphne du Maurier!

Jaws

  • I’ve seen the movie (1975), but I want to satisfy my curiosity by reading the book.

Jellicoe Road

  • I was very intrigued by the synopsis of this one!

The Journal of James Edmond Pease, A Civil War Union Soldier, Virginia, 1863

  • I love collecting the Dear America and My Name is America series!

Jurassic Park

  • Same story. I’ve seen the movie (1993) and sequels (1997, 2001, 2015, 2018), but I’ve never read any of Crichton’s work.

Just Between Us

  • I’ve read quite a few books by Susan Beth Pfeffer, but I don’t remember reading this one. Hopefully my library will have it.

What books have you read, or want to read, that start with the letter J? Let me know!


Until the next headline, Laura Beth πŸ™‚