Don't Give Up

“Things will get easier, people's minds will change, and you should be alive to see it.”

― Ellen DeGeneres

Bullying does not build character. Bullying builds fear.

For those bullied:
life is not easy
and life is not fair
to be yourself in a teenage group
has challenged most generations
have courage to see past today and
believe in a better tomorrow
please reach out for help
you are not alone in this world

For those bystanders:
It's up to you to stop standing by
and stand up
for the kids being treated like crap
you have to try
help a hurting kid to stand back up
bring them into your group of friends
or speak when their voice
can not be heard

For those bullying:
we are all different
different is neither good or bad
accept don't hate
understand don't belittle
if you're unhappy
then ask for help
putting others down
will not make you happy

We must end the abuse together.

Angles on Lincoln

Tower of books on Abraham Lincoln stacked in DC's Lincoln Museum across from Ford's Theater.

The life and death of Abraham Lincoln has been the basis of thousands of books. 

How is it possible for authors to continue coming up with new angles on President Lincoln? 

Do writers use similar adjectives to describe Lincoln's features, character, decisions, family and time period?

If you wrote a book on Lincoln what adjectives would you use? 


Share your thoughts by clicking on comments.

What if . . .

What if a monkey jumps through a hoop held by his owner? Picture taken in New Delhi, India by Manju.

Freedom is a tricky deal as a teen. You can choose what your parents expect you to do or rebel.

As a teen, I didn't rebel against my parents because I wanted the same things for myself. I wanted good grades, to graduate from high school and college, and to stay safe. But what if . . .

I dread the what ifs as a parent, but as a writer that's what makes a story interesting. What if my character overhears a conversation that changes his or her life forever? What if that same teen makes the decision to runaway instead of facing that life changing event? What if . . .

Thirteen-year-old Samantha Springs is the main character in my middle grade novel, TRIPLE B. Born into bad circumstances, Samantha feels determined to find a way out. But what if . . .

Now That's Different!

Here's another Albert Einstein quote: "Everyone should be respected as an individual, but no one idolized."

As a teenager the desire to fit in often strips away that which makes you unique. It's hard to "Just be yourself" if your peers are mocking you for (in their eyes) being "different." 

In those times you need to step back and think "I'm okay. The Slipper Lobster Larva, now that creature is different!" 

And smile. 

Lobster larva is on display in the National Museum of American History in Washington, DC.

Picture taken by Manju.

Alfred Neuman for Pres

Political display in Washington, DC.'s Newseum.

What we choose to believe 
is our version of the truth.

Einstein said, "Common sense is the collection of prejudices acquired by age eighteen."

Teens form their beliefs through parents, teachers, media and peers. Good or bad, these truths are core of who they become.

Thinking for yourself means a willingness to listen to numerous sides of an issues. It's easier to label our beliefs as common sense. But the TRUTH may get lost.

I miss the ability to trust the source of a story. When Walter Cronkite anchored the evening news, my family trusted his words to be true. After all Cronkite signed off every broadcast by saying, "That's the way it is."