Icing, Locusts & Life at publisher--It's Catch Up Time

The time has come. My 2nd book, "Icing, Locusts & Life," is now with my publisher. The trauma of writing my own story was more difficult than I anticipated.  So many things to consider. A week or so after finishing my story, Kellie McGann wrote an article entitled "How to Write About Your Family… Without Getting Disowned." I had to laugh, because the emotions and thoughts expressed in the article were exactly what I experienced. My book is not all about my family, but, because it is my story, they are certainly a part of it.  Thankfully, it is over, at least for the moment--until the publisher begins sending me change requests and suggestions.

In the meantime, I have a file folder completely filled with writing articles that must be read (to make me a better writer.) I have totally neglected LinkedIn contacts, and have taken scarce notice of Twitter followers (or those I follow myself.)  My social networking sucks right now.  But, the book is completed :)  I found it almost impossible focus on both important activities.

As you can see, we also renovated my website. How does it look?  Give me your feedback. I am excited to now have a great vehicle for sharing my own experiences, as well as experiences, books, and articles from other writers, speakers and special individuals. I'm open to discussing just about any topic. I will comment on news and important updates, and will post regular information on #"The Changing Brain." Not only am I going to share information and perspectives on CAA (cerebral amyloid angiopathy), but I am now joining with the Alzheimer's Association to brings better information and encouragement to patients suffering from brain-related dementia. I would enjoy receiving articles and comments from both patients and the loved ones suffering from the unique hardships they must endure while caring for patients. 

If you would like to be part of the website, just e-mail me. I am looking for guest bloggers to submit articles on just about any topic (well, you know what I mean--not literally "any" topic.) Take a look at my tabs and join me.

I will place other writers' books and articles on the site.  If you are interested in advertising on my site, let me know. Or, if you would participate in any of the tabs, just let me know.

Thanks to my fabulous webmaster, Ben Hassell (Sugar Rock Graphics.)  He is really amazing...and very patient.

I almost have this blogging address thing down.  Have not been able to access and blog this past month.  Good timing, though.  I am almost finished with my completed first draft of "Icing, Locusts & Life." 

Hope to get it to the publishers within next couple of weeks.  Want to get general review completed first, so that my best effort hits the publisher's desk.

I am in the process of updating  my front page of the web site to allow me to insert segments of the book, as well as inspirational and helpful articles/quotes/information as I come on them.

I will begin adding information every few days from now on.  Tell your friends and family about my site.  Lots of "stuff" going on that I will post on this site.  Follow me on Facebook also and get a more personal  look at what I read, enjoy and am willing to fight for.

www.facebook/rhonda.walker.3367

I am excited about my progress writing Icing, Locusts & Life. It not only gives me reason to return to stories presented in my first book, Beyond the Shadows is Tomorrow, but an opportunity to look into my own past and realize some things I learned along the way. It has been both hurtful and exhilarating. I gain perspective regarding some events in the past, and rejoice at the blessings resulting today from experiences along the way.

Don't get me wrong. This book is not about me. It is about life, the things that happen to all of us, and the blessings and wisdom gained from past experiences. It is about learning to use past hurts and joys to learn how to more fully appreciate the blessings God showers us with today. 

Stay tuned as I share brief thoughts and stories along the way.

Hooray! Working with the publishing group, JLB Creatives. Excited to be working on my second book:"Icing, Locusts & Life." I will be posting excerpts of the book, and other writings, as I go along.
I thank God for His grace and awareness of my desire to write. May it always be His time and not Mine.

Thanks and talk with you again soon.

Rhonda

Learning more about my brain, and yours, too

Last week, I was asked to complete four posts on the brain related to children's learning.  Now, I have a rather deep interest in matters of the brain, so I happily began my research.

The first book I dragged off my shelf was "The Brain That Changes Itself.: Stories of Personal Triumph from the Frontiers of Brain Science" by Norman Doidge, M.D.  A neurologist recommended the book to me last year, and I've referred to it several times.  It is a fascinating journey into why humans act and react as they do.  Most of you probably learned along the way that the left brain performs specific logical, technical functions and the right brain is the base of emotion-related experiences.  This books goes far beyond that, in an interesting and logical manner, easily understood by the "common man."  You do not have to have a science degree to learn about your fascinating brain and why you learn and react as you do.

As the New York Times stated:  "The power of positive thinking finally gains scientific credibility. . .Straddles the gap between science and self-help."

I am getting ready for my third reading of the book.  Each reading provides me with greater understanding of why I am the way I am, and gives me much greater insight into why others act/react the way they do.

I highly recommend this book.  It's actually a fun read, and you can take it a chapter at a time and not lose a thing.

I began work on my newest book a couple of weeks ago.  Hopefully, I will write that which uplifts God and enriches the readers' hearts. The work is slow, because I need to balance telling a story, while carefully respecting each person's reality, as they experienced the events in our common lives. The intent is to show how God's grace and mercy deals with everyone, regardless of background, religious beliefs or biases. I will include a few of the stories from my first book, "Beyond the Shadows is Tomorrow," because there is so much wisdom and peace to come from their experiences.

As the writing goes forward, I will be putting slices of the book in blogs and on Facebook. Probably will insert a line or two in my Tweets also. Hopefully, each piece will bring at least one person a sense of peace, or tug on that person's heart to help him or her examine their life to find God's purpose in that life.

The book is entitled "Icing, Locusts and Love." I look forward to sharing bits of it along the way, and completing a book that is pleasing in God's sight. It is only by His grace that I can today share my small measure of ability. Not for myself, but for God's glory.

Be blessed in 2015.

rhonda

New Year, New Hope, same person trying to do better

It may be raining outside your window, as it is mine, but what a beautiful day God has given us to begin a new year. We all still have the same old habits, look at the same person in the mirror each morning, and will still make New Year's resolutions we won't keep.

That is a given.  The one thing that can truly change this year for me is my attitude and service to God and others. I have the gift of yet one more day, and am promised no more.  However, how I approach each day in this year is entirely up to me. It can be a day covered with white icing when it is dark and stormy outside. Or, I can allow myself to be covered with a coat of dark icing, which blocks the possibilities and sunshine given to me for enrichment by God.

This year, it is important for me to improve my attitude toward myself and others; to give each day over to the Lord for handling; to love those who sometimes appear unlovable; to believe in myself more deeply so that I may utilize the gifts with which He has favored me; and to pray more deeply and diligently each day than I have in the past.   These are not new year's resolutions. They are simple expectations of God for me, as His child.

Each day is icing on the cake of my life. Today it is white. Tomorrow it is whatever I choose it to be.

What color is your icing?

Be blessed     Rhonda