"New Year's Day is every man's birthday!"
Gina McKnight, Monday Creek Publishing Author, Freelance Writer, Equestrian, Blogger, and Poet! Welcome to my international blog about horses, writers, authors, books, cowboys, equestrians, photographers, artists, poets, poems, and more horses. As seen in #FloridaEquineAthlete, #ArabianFinishLine, #HorseGirlTV, #LivingRuralTV, #AmericanHorsePublications, #trueCOWBOYmagazine, #HayNetUK, and #GirlGab.com...
Thursday, December 31, 2020
Sunday, December 27, 2020
Milliron Monday: A Letter to Obama 12 28 2020
Five Ways to Avoid Writer’s Block by Matthew Caracciolo
Five Ways to Avoid Writer’s Block
by Matthew Caracciolo
It happens to the best of us. One minute you’re
Hemingway, churning out page after page of inspired writing that excites you.
The next, you’re in a creative desert unable to find even the next word. What
you do write isn’t what you want, and the whole process stalls out of
frustration. Writers block is a real bummer, and it’s unrealistic to think that
you can avoid it completely. However, just as healthy practices such as washing
your hands decreases your chances of contracting the flu, there are some best
practices to preserve your creative health. In general, writing begets writing:
these suggestions will help keep the words flowing.
Keep to a routine
If you already have a writing routine, good on you. If
you don’t have a routine and are tired of writers saying you should have one, I
get it. I didn’t have one for a while. I thought “when do I have time?” The
answer is you don’t have time for everything you want to do in life, but if
writing is important to you, you’ll make time. Wake up earlier. Sacrifice
another hobby. It’s not always pretty, but the hope is to flex your writing
muscles as often as you can, even if it’s just 30 minutes every other day.
Routines set the expectation that you have something to accomplish, and allows
you the space to accomplish it. They also act somewhat as mini, self-assigned
deadlines. Deadlines produce urgency which produces the impetus to write.
Assign yourself tasks
Rather than sit down and hope your fingers know where
to go, tell yourself “today, I am going to write ____.” This can be as
ambitious as a chapter or as specific as a character description. Remember,
nobody said you have to write in chronological order from start to finish. If
what occurs next is what’s getting you stuck, write something else that you
know will appear later, or revise something that you’ve already written that
you aren’t satisfied with. You can always come back to what may currently mire
you in writer’s block.
Work backwards
On that note, if you feel yourself drifting toward
writer’s block because you’re not sure how to write the next part, try thinking
backwards as a mental exercise. Do you know how you wish to end? What happens
just before the ending? And just before that? And that? Write those parts
instead.
Engage your brain somewhere else
If you feel yourself starting to overly criticize or
think too hard with little in return—sure signs of oncoming writer’s block—then
put your brain to work somewhere else, preferably in another creative or a
physical endeavor. Write another assignment, draw, build something. Exercise
isn’t a bad idea either. Then return to the computer to write.
Put off for tomorrow what you could probably do today
This is counterintuitive, but I’ve found that if I’m
writing and still excited about what I’m writing about, I should save something
to do for tomorrow. That way, I know that at least tomorrow I won’t have
writer’s block because I’m already looking forward to what I have to work on. For
example, if you know the next three steps in the plot, write the next two and
save the third for tomorrow. If you have small children, it’s a little like the
“keep them wanting more” mentality when taking them to museums or zoos—don’t
overstay their excitement. Don’t overstay yours either.
With luck, these tips will stave off writer’s block as
much as possible. What techniques have you found useful in the past?
Image by Steve Johnson from Pixabay
Matthew Caracciolo is a freelance writer and author of The Waygook Book: A Foreigner’s Guide to South Korea from Monday Creek Publishing. He also maintains his own travel blog, Travel is Fatal, on his website. To find out more about The Waygook Book or Travel is Fatal, please visit matthewcaracciolo.com.
Telly Tales: The Best of Telly Owl & Friends! by Paul David Powers
Telly Tales: The Best of Telly Owl & Friends! (15th Anniversary Edition) Paperback – February 19, 2019
by Paul David Powers (Author)
Telly Tales is the three part Trilogy of the Life and Times of Telly Owl, who like Jesus watching over His Sheep, Telly's job is to watch over the creatures of the swamp! Book One Tales of the Swamp Creatures was released in 2003, Book Two, Telly Tales, Adventures, Telly has Passed on, the mantle falls on Son Thomas Telly Owl and his struggle following in his Fathers Footsteps. (2010). Telly Tales III, Telly Owl, Family and Friends, now Telly Tales, Best of Telly Owl & Friends concludes the Telly Owl Trilogy with the 15th Anniversary release commemorating Thomas Telly Owl's Coronation and Marriage! Telly Tales II is available through B&N and Amazon.Com. For Bookings etc, write PaulDavidPowers@Yahoo.Com!
About the Author
Saturday, December 26, 2020
A German Excursion in Columbus by Matthew Caracciolo
German Village, Columbus, Ohio |
A German Excursion in Columbus
by Matthew Caracciolo
Like much of the Midwest, Ohio boasts significant German heritage throughout the state. All the major cities have their own German restaurants and even German-tinged neighborhoods (Cincinnati’s Over-the-Rhine comes to mind) but nowhere in Ohio quite compares to Columbus, with its ample German eateries, biergartens, and the quaint German Village neighborhood. If a trip to Europe isn’t in the cards any time soon, put together an afternoon and/or evening in these haunts throughout Columbus to scratch that Bavarian itch.
Schmidt’s Sausage Haus
If you’ve lived in or have family in Columbus, this one will strike you as fairly obvious. If not, Schmidt’s Sausage Haus und Restaurant has a history dating back to the 1880’s and is a landmark institution in Columbus. Famous for its Bahama Mama sausages, cream puffs, and Autobahn buffet, Schmidt’s is as popular as ever and boasts a lively atmosphere in a historic building. The company’s food trucks and concession stands make regular appearances in area festivals and, most notably, the Ohio State Fair. The restaurant has appeared on Travel Channel and the Food Network as Columbus’ main restaurant representative.
Valter’s at the Maennerchor
If Schmidt’s comes off as a little ostentatiously German,
you’ll find Valter’s a more
subdued counterpart. This relative newcomer again offers an authentic German
menu but with the added bonus of a solid beer selection as well, including some
German imports. Sitting in an old 1907 house, Valter’s feels more like a
neighborhood haunt than an attraction, and its weekend brunch is both
phenomenal and relatively inexpensive. The restaurant is also the home base of
the Columbus Maennerchor, founded over 170 years ago and the nation’s longest
continually running men’s German singing club. Check out maennerchor.com for when the Maennerchor will be
singing.
Gemüt Biergarten
Opened in 2019, Gemüt Biergarten
occupies a former firehouse in Olde Towne East and offers a biergarten, patio,
and dining room with German-style beers and menu. The most unusual feature are
the stunning stained glass windows depicting figures from Norse mythology, all
themed with their beers. Relaxed and family friendly, this brewpub is perhaps
the most unique brewery in Columbus.
Hofbräuhaus
Affiliated with the original biergarten in Munich, Columbus’ Hofbräuhaus is a
giant restaurant and brewery filled with live entertainment and good-natured
fun. The beer list is simple, the menu is authentic, and the performers and
silly competitions maintain a convivial spirit throughout the night. The place
is perfectly family-friendly during the day, though slightly less so in the
evening. A beer mug is the perfect souvenir, and one you could conceivably pick
up in Germany, to call your German excursion in Columbus complete.
The Book Loft |
German Village
The name says it all. Settled by German immigrants in the
mid-19th century, this cozy neighborhood just south of downtown is
comprised of red brick streets and historic houses in a tight grid. Mostly
residential in nature, the neighborhood nevertheless boasts some of the city’s
most popular restaurants and shops, which are sprinkled throughout rather than
on one main drag. On a Germany-themed day, you’d likely spend most of your time
here walking along the well-maintained homes and stopping in for lunch or
dessert. Schmidt’s and Valter’s are both located in the neighborhood, for
starters. For some bookworm browsing, look no further than The Book Loft, an independent bookstore
with 32 rooms, hallways, and nooks stuffed with books. Schiller Park is good
for a post-meal stroll (it’s only a block from Valter’s) and features
landscaped gardens and a handsome statue of poet Friedrich Schiller. Exploring
the residential streets is always a treat and rewards visitors with
meticulously-kept gardens and neighborhood bars and cafes off the radar. For
more on German Village, visit germanvillage.com.
With plenty of food, beer, and even some music to put you in the Bavarian spirit, Columbus has what you need for a pretend day in Germany.
Matthew Caracciolo is a freelance writer and author of The Waygook Book: A Foreigner’s Guide to South Korea from Monday Creek Publishing. He also maintains his own travel blog, Travel is Fatal, on his website. To find out more about The Waygook Book or Travel is Fatal, please visit matthewcaracciolo.com.
Friday, December 25, 2020
Merry Christmas 2020!
Wednesday, December 23, 2020
Anxious in Love: Say Goodbye to Anxiety in Relationships by Amanda Palermo
by Amanda Palermo
Many people go through life feeling anxious and inadequate for no concrete reason. Let me ask you:
- Are you plagued by relationship anxiety?
- Are you anxious in love?
- Do you worry about your worth and value in a relationship?
- Do you worry your partner might leave or abandon you?
- Do you fear you are incapable of having a fulfilled, meaningful, and romantic relationship?
- To look at the problem of anxiety for what it really is.
- Why and how anxiety can be good for you.
- To look at yourself the way you should.
- To love and respect yourself first.
- To become the best version of yourself in love and romance.
- How to change your thoughts for your own benefit.
Believe me, if I can do it, anyone can! And YOU definitely can. Why? Because you are proactive and already looking up ways to find solutions to your problems. That is the first, and perhaps the most important step in your journey.
Order your copy now and harness the power it promises.
Amanda Palermo is an author who specializes in self-help.
Her first book, “ Anxious in Love Say Goodbye to Anxiety in Relationships. If I Can do it, YOU Can Too!”, explores the complicated topic of overcoming anxiety, insecurity, and jealousy in relationships.
“Anxious in Love Say Goodbye to Anxiety in Relationships. If I Can do it, YOU Can Too!” is a masterpiece that is based on thorough research and personal experience. In this instructional book, Amanda provides advice to her readers that they can apply to their life to overcome anxiety. Professional psychologists and counselors who specialize in relationship anxiety strongly support her methods and techniques.
One of the reasons that Amanda started writing on this topic is because she herself suffered from anxiety and insecurity in her relationships. Throughout the years she went through a string of toxic and negative relationships that all fell apart from anxiety.
Today, it’s a different story for Amanda. She has overcome her anxiety problems and now enjoys a healthy and balanced relationship.
As an author, Amanda is a trustworthy and experienced voice. Everything that she dives into is thoroughly researched. This methodical approach allows Amanda to provide a strong and reliable message to her readers that will help them to radically change and improve their lives.
Amanda is currently working on new projects that explore relationships, psychological issues, communication, mental health and practical techniques to improve self-esteem and positivity.
In her work, Amanda is passionate about encouraging holistic well-being and mental health. In this fast-paced and stressful modern society, writers like Amanda are vital change-makers as they create works that help people to cope with daily stress and live well.
Health, love, and family are the cornerstones of Amanda’s writing.
On top of this, Amanda is also interested in discovering different ways to empower women and offer them inspiring ideas to improve all aspects of their lives.
In her spare time, Amanda enjoys going to the cinema, dancing, and eating good food and wine with her close friends.
Monday, December 21, 2020
Milliron Monday: Johnny 12 21 2020
June 16, 1938 - February 22, 2010 |
Welcome to Milliron Monday where every Monday we celebrate the legacy of Pete Smith, D.V.M., and Milliron: Abbott “Pete” Smith, D.V.M. The Biography (Monday Creek Publishing 2017). A graduate of Colorado State University and a well-known veterinarian in southeast Ohio, Dr. Smith continues to motivate and inspire.
"When Jesus was born, it was in a stable. And the first things to lay eyes on him, except his mama and his papa… The uh, first things to lay eyes on him, was the sheep and the goats and the cows and all the other animals that lived there. All dumb animals. But they were the first ever to see Jesus’ face. And ever since that night, animals all over the world wait up… and at the stroke of midnight they kneel down and they pray and speak in human voices."
A thoughtful tale of animal love, we ponder the scene; the creatures worshipping the Creator. My parents would not let me go to the barn to see if Johnny and his herd knelt and prayed. I think they did. I believe. Do you?
Friday, December 18, 2020
Letters from Larry: The "W" in Christmas
The "W" in Christmas
Each December, I vowed to make Christmas a calm and peaceful experience.
I had cut back on nonessential obligations – extensive card writing, endless baking, decorating, and even overspending.
Yet still, I found myself exhausted, unable to appreciate the precious
family moments, and of course, the true meaning of Christmas. My son, Nicholas,
was in kindergarten that year. It was an exciting season for a six year old.
For weeks, he'd been memorizing songs for his school's "Winter
Pageant."
I didn't have the heart to tell him I'd be working the night of the production. Unwilling to miss his shining moment, I spoke with his teacher. She assured me there'd be a dress rehearsal the morning of the presentation. All parents unable to attend that evening were welcome to come then. Fortunately, Nicholas seemed happy with the compromise.
So, the morning of the dress rehearsal, I filed in ten minutes early, found a spot on the cafeteria floor and sat down. Around the room, I saw several other parents quietly scampering to their seats. As I waited, the students were led into the room. Each class, accompanied by their teacher, sat cross-legged on the floor. Then, each group, one by one, rose to perform their song.
Because the public school system had long stopped referring to the holiday as "Christmas," I didn't expect anything other than fun, commercial entertainment - songs of reindeer, Santa Claus, snowflakes and good cheer. So, when my son's class rose to sing, "Christmas Love," I was slightly taken aback by its bold title.
Nicholas was aglow, as were all of his classmates, adorned in fuzzy mittens, red sweaters, and bright snowcaps upon their heads. Those in the front row- center stage - held up large letters, one by one, to spell out the title of the song. As the class would sing "C is for Christmas," a child would hold up the letter C. Then, "H is for Happy," and on and on, until each child holding up his portion had presented the complete message, "Christmas Love." The performance was going smoothly, until suddenly, we noticed her; a small, quiet, girl in the front row holding the letter "M" upside down – totally unaware her letter "M" appeared as a "W".
The audience of 1st through 6th graders snickered at this little one's mistake. But she had no idea they were laughing at her, so she stood tall, proudly holding her "W". Although many teachers tried to shush the children, the laughter continued until the last letter was raised, and we all saw it together. A hush came over the audience and eyes began to widen. In that instant, we understood the reason we were there, why we celebrated the holiday in the first place, why even in the chaos, there was a purpose for our festivities.
For when the last letter was held high, the message read loud and
clear:
"C H R I S T W A S L O V E"
He still is.
Christ is born, Alleluia! Have a Blessed Christmas!
Much love from the beautiful Smoky Mountains
Larry
NOTE: This letter is sent to anyone interested in receiving these
inspirational notes. There is no charge and you are encouraged to forward these
to anyone you think would benefit from reading them. If you would like to
receive them direct, just send an email to me at larryperry@att.net and request
to be added to the Letters from Larry list. If you press the UNSUBSCRIBE
button, you will be permanently unsubscribed from receiving these letters.
Monday, December 14, 2020
Monday Creek Publishing Digest December 2020: Featured Author Mark M. Dean
December 2020
Featured Author
Mark M.
Dean
Mark M. Dean Amazon Author Page
Mark M. Dean Twitter + Facebook + YouTube
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