Comparing Lives

It's natural to compare your life against other people's lives - that doesn't make it healthy.

 

from my middle grade novel, 
Poem by Samantha Springs

            Myers’ side is greener

                                                                                       Pit’s side is meaner

            Robin has a loving family.

                                                                                       I do not.

            Elliott plays high school football.

                                                                                       Brad did not.

            Her mother is always home.

                                                                                       My mom is not.

            Her dad is always sober.

                                                                                       Pit is not.

            Robin’s house is safe.

                                                                                       My room is not.

Mom sounds like a Dragon

A massive Dragon welcomes visitors within the Tower of London. Picture taken by Manju.

As a Mom, I have learned that my words are heard as emotion. If I say, "Go take a shower." It's the tone of my voice that my children hear. Various emotions are contained in my words, depending on the context. Matter-of-fact, Hopeful, Annoyed, Frustrated, Tired . . .

As a writer, I share the emotions of my characters not just their words. I need to show the reader through the character's actions, instead of simply tagging dialog with an adverb. This means describing Mom's body language or actions. Instead of writing - "Go take a shower," Mom said, gleefully.

One Cool Dog

Our Westie puppy loves the Whoosh! of wind in his face as a back seat rider. Picture by Manju.

Pretty good even GREAT moments happen during our teen years. There's a natural ebb and flow to life. Everything doesn't stink. And everyone isn't against us.

As a writer, I give my characters depth by injecting humor. Readers close the book on constant anger and misery. Samantha, the main character in my novel TRIPLE B, shares her feelings through humor.

Tearing Down Walls

A section of the Berlin Wall is on display in the Newseum, Washington. The wall was strong enough to stop tanks, but not secret communication. Words not weapons eventually lead to tearing down the wall. Picture taken by Manju.

This week, reach out to someone who needs help breaking down their wall.