Hungry Minds Must Be Fed…
Just finished ordering the review copies of Prelude to a Hero in print, due Monday morning (hope that extra $20 for shipping is actually worth it). Then Kathilynn and I can sit down, separately, and mark up the copy–make sure it’s all pretty for you and printable. Looking forward to seeing the final, physical copy!
Also had some challenges when it came to Smashwords. NOTE: make sure to follow their guide, no matter how much you’re convinced of your own cleverness…or you’ll have to do it all over. Resubmitted work, epub checked it (successfully) and now we wait once again. It’s all very annoying, but I’m glad this process is in place: making sure you get the best book possible.
So what now? Other than taking a small breath and perhaps trying to get some exercise?
It’s time to write again. The plotting, the outlining, the expansion of histories and even some game creation with Evan. He’s got an incredible idea for a card game that I’m excited about.
The focus is now upon the Chronicles of a Hero series. The first novel due this fall (2011). Kathi thinks I’m crazy, the kids think it’s cool and the readers need to have their hungry minds fed as soon as possible when it comes to the adventures of Wendell. So I’m working with speed and diligence.
Having gone through this process [writing with Kathi] was a great learning experience, and now I feel like running at full speed–following the carefully outlined course set for this story, and I hope…truly hope, that you’ll be an intimate part of that adventure.
I’m looking forward to answering questions, creating side stories to expand on your interests, creating merchandise you’d actually love to have–instead of creating ‘stuff’ and throwing it at you.
I want to have fun…with you and everyone you know.
Read MoreThe Zoo…and Animals That Visit Them.
So, I’m 41 today.
Don’t say Happy Birthday, tomorrow can’t get here soon enough for me.
I did however get taken to one of my favorite places: The Zoo. You know, see the sights, visit the relatives.
The joy in the zoo comes from the reactions of the smaller kids. Carley (2) looked at the bats and cringed, sticking out her tongue and saying ‘gross’. The funny thing about walking the grounds and observing is you quickly notice there are far more animals OUTside the cages than in them. Short tempered parents who are screaming and even using foul language with their little ones. These small, inquisitive minds are simply trying to take in all of the experiences.
Why for heavens sake, would you go to such a place when you’re in a foul mood or can’t take a moment and live through your kids?
Tip: If your going to act like an animal, stay home and lock yourself in a room. You’ll save yourself a pocket of cash and you’ll keep your kids safe from a mood you’d be ashamed of if you looked in the mirror.
Read MoreDad The Monster Killer
If you have little ones, you will most likely have the opportunity to defend them from the great beasts of the imagination.
Its a personal challenge I live for.
Simon is one of the most creative 3 years olds I have ever met. His 10 siblings would agree. He also has an imagination second to none. I’m just waiting to convince Kathi to let me do a string of YouTube videos on the kid, just for laughs.
His biggest challenge: monsters.
Here’s some tips that has proven to be the best solution for my son and his sisters when they feel afraid of the big bad beasts.
- Smile as you talk to them. Kids react to the degree you do. Smile so they know this is fun and they should not worry.
- Tell them they are in charge and they need to warn the creatures that dad now knows they are in the house.
- Tell them monsters are afraid of you, because you hunt them, catch them…and eat them. This is key.
- Have a BBQ and let the kids eat some monster. Chicken works well as the cheek and hindquarters, seasoned steak is great for the arms and legs. Make a big deal about eating the meat with the kids and smile big when you tell them THIS is why monsters fear you.
Trust me on this. We don’t have monster problems at my house anymore. We do, however, have some great BBQ’s.
Read MoreWhat the…manners?
I saw something last Saturday that made me laugh so hard my sides hurt.
Took the children to T-Ball and cheered my guts out. During the game, two children, a boy and a girl on the opposite team had the ball drop right smack between them. Everyone’s screaming and pointing at them as my daughter runs to first base. Yet these two paused each time the other bend down to pick up the ball. I could hear their faint voices above the roar as I sat on the side lines.
They were offering the ball to each other!
My daughter made it to first base without a hitch and the grownups around me screamed in frustration as I stopped laughing.
Those sweet little kids actually had manners. True blue, honest to goodness manners!
That stuck with me for the rest of the day and up to now a I pondered and smiled, realizing that there are still parents out there (at least two families I know of now) that are still committed to teaching their children the importance of manners and good social graces. Hey, we won’t always be playing baseball, but I assure you those two little kids will always be impressing the parents.
Read MoreChildren Learning: Calm Accountability
I’m getting slower and developing more patience the older I get. Not slower moving, though that seems to be creeping up, but rather slower to anger. My mind sees more, understands more and when I talk with my children, I find myself a councilman more than laying down ‘The Law’.
Kids (the non-goat type) get to a certain age where no matter what you tell them, there’s a break in the wiring between their ears and brains. It somehow reconnects itself as they mature, but for a few years you’re left with a virtual rebellious/semi-retardation stage.
Well, I found a neat little system that seems to work on bringing a child’s attention to their monstrous behavior. It’s called calm accountability. Here’s how it works.
Your kids argue. Calmly, quietly, ask them to stop arguing. At least in my house, the arguing will come to a climax and most kids will seek for favoritism of a parent to back their position of bad behavior. This is when you simply ask them questions. Have them enact/repeat what they have done and then ask one, simple question:
How does acting that way make sense?
I found it forced their little rebellious minds to contemplate and blow out the lazy cobwebs between their ears and look at themselves in a light they don’t always like, but they have to admit.
Try it on your kids. It may not work perfectly…but it is fun to use as a parent.
**grin**
Read MoreMy Latest Book
