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Book review inspiration reading Uncategorized

Read and Review (R&R) – The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry by Rachel Joyce

A good friend of mine recommended, “The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry.” It is South Fayette Library’s community read this month. I decided to read it, and I am glad I did. This book warmed my heart.

A sweet story about second chances.

Recently retired, Harold Fry has lived a life full of missed connections and poorly communicated emotions, but that is about to change when he receives a letter from a former co‑worker, Queeney Hennessy.

A quiet man in his later years, Harold cannot find the words to express to Queenie how he feels when he reads the letter. Queenie has cancer and it is terminal. Harold jots down a few quick words of encouragement on her cancer illness and impending death and heads to the mailbox to mail it. He gets to the first box and cannot bring himself to put the letter in the mail, so he walks on to the second, and the third. Before Harold knows it, he is making a pilgrimage 600 miles from Kingsbridge to the hospice in Berwick-upon-Tweed dressed in trousers, a shirt, tie, and yachting shoes, with no maps and no cell phone. Harold believes, as long as he walks, Queenie Hennessey will live. Determined that his walk will somehow restore Queenie to health, he walks on. In doing so, he becomes a beacon of hope to people who are struggling with their own lives and problems.

This story was written in 2012 but the principles remain a true testament to the human spirit.

As Harold walks, he meets people who help him understand and restore his faith. He phones the care home where Queenie is being taken care of and tells them to tell her to have faith and stay alive until he arrives from his 600 mile walk.

Back at home, Harold has left behind his wife, Maureen, who is filled with worry that Harold is leaving her. She talks to her son, David and her neighbor who has experienced his own loss of his wife.

This unforgettable novel provides insight into the thoughts and feelings we all have in our hearts.

Written by Rachel Joyce this was her debut novel and she was awarded the “New Writer of the Year” award by the National Book Awards. It is well-written and allows plenty of food for thought.

Harold Fry manages to prove that you’re never too old to start fresh and make a change.

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cozy mysteries inspiration Uncategorized writing

2021

Like most people, 2020 started off for me with a bang. My short-story edits were going good. Then…the pandemic.

I just realized that I hadn’t posted in seven months.

What have I been doing for the last year?

Well, instead of talking about all the negatives, I will say this…

I grew as a writer last year and will continue to push forward hopeful to get my short story collection into readers hands this year. I am still editing my work with my editor, Polly Alice McCann at Flying Ketchup Press.

To improve my writing, I recently purchased a subscription to Prowriting Aid.

It was between this and Grammarly, which is an awesome writer’s tool also.

Do you use one of these aids? If so, which one and why?

May 2021 bring blessings of good health and prosperity!

May we all choose love and respect for one another this new year!

Categories
adult/new adult genre children's writing inspiration Uncategorized writing

Start A Story

Where do you get inspiration from?

How do you start a story?

I find my creative juices flow with a great opening line.

Below are some opening lines I have thought of.

Let’s hide it in here, no one has been in here for eight years.

Brandon Schmidt wanted to be popular in the worst way.

After five days of nonstop rain, the morning sun held the promise of a great day.

I’ve looked everywhere where is my guinea pig Penny?  

Feel free to comment back to me with some opening lines you have thought of or use one of my opening lines and write a short story.   If you do, I would love to hear it.

Thanks for reading this short blog and Happy Writing!

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inspiration Uncategorized writing

Inspiration

Today I will…

These three words are a part of my daily vocabulary.  I grew up in a family who made daily lists of things they needed to accomplish.  In recent years, I’ve noticed that I have passed this trait on to my children (perhaps a good quality to have?)

Where does inspiration and ideas for writing comes from?  Since I am a list maker, below is my list (not necessarily in order of significance):

1.  Family

2.  Friends

3.  Social media

4.  TV

5.  Environment/nature

6.  Online writing prompts

Since I can’t share my family and friends with you and I am sure you have enough of your own social media to keep you busy, above are a few pictures I have taken and below are several links to some of the online writing prompts that help inspire me to write.

Enjoy!

Writing prompt inspiration – –

The Writer’s Digest

Reader’s Digest

The First Line

On the Premises

I hope this post inspires you!

Where do you receive inspiration from?