 Guest post by Paula Borba Christmas Blues: What is it, and how can it be overcome?You've probably heard that some people feel a sense of sadness during the Christmas season. Is it a natural occurrence, or does it indicate an emotional disorder? To answer this question, we need to explain that the feeling of Christmas Blues can stem from various reasons. It could be of religious origin, memories of family stories like childhood reminiscences, negative memories of stressful life situations, or unpleasant occurrences during the holiday season. However, an exciting and common aspect for many people is that the end of the year is a time for life reflection. People ponder over things they couldn't achieve, the goals they set for themselves, and the mistakes they made, leading to a sense of sadness and frustration. Consequently, individuals associate the year-end festivities with a personal reflection, especially Christmas, which seems sad due to family gatherings, reconnecting with long-lost relatives, and engaging in self-disclosure. Similarly, other occasions like birthdays can evoke similar feelings for some people for the same reasons. In these cases, Christmas Blues may be a natural experience for specific individuals without being clinical depression. However, if it causes any harm, seeking professional help is advisable. So, can this Christmas Blues feeling affect people's lives? Typically, it's a period of emotions that tends to fade naturally once the festivities conclude. However, some individuals may refuse to participate in celebrations, isolate themselves socially, and indeed experience mood changes, impacting their daily performance or relationships with others, including work. What are the most common symptoms of Christmas Blues? One may notice increased sadness, a sense of distress, a lack of joy during the holidays, and even discomfort with others' enthusiasm about celebrations and gifts. It's because the person feels uncomfortable with the festive period. Some people may experience changes in appetite and sleep, anxiety, decreased interest in previously enjoyable activities, or a decline in daily performance. How can one overcome these feelings? If the impact on a person's life is significant or if these feelings recur year after year, it would be beneficial for the individual to understand the real reasons behind their sadness. Discovering these reasons can bring relief and provide a better way to cope with the emotions during the Christmas season. Seeking help from a mental health professional, such as through psychotherapy, can be a constructive step. It's crucial not to hide or escape from feelings through isolation or confrontations with people who enjoy the holiday season. The key is understanding oneself and respecting each person's thoughts and opinions. So, embrace the end of the year as a period in the life cycle where you can replan, motivate yourself for new goals, complete pending tasks, and renew your ideas and dreams. Dates are critical temporal milestones that help us measure the progress of our lives, inspiring people to set goals and challenges. They function symbolically as a starting point to drive individuals to seek improvements in their personal and professional lives.
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A Maryland native, she and her husband are living the dream in their modern-day money pit with four children, a spoiled aussiedoodle, and one not-so-fire-breathing dragon. When not writing, working, or wrangling pets, she can be found hiking local trails or escaping in a book at her favorite café, iced latte in hand. She’s a sucker for quirky romance, is addicted to audiobooks, and finds herself most drawn to flawed characters, raw honesty, and life’s cringiest moments. You can visit her online at www.stephaniathompson.com or find her on Twitter @stephthmpsn and Instagram @stephtwrites. Interview with Stephania ThompsonThank you, Stephania, for taking the time to chat! When did you know you wanted to become an author?I always knew I wanted to be an author, but it took several decades for me to take my passion seriously. When did you first consider yourself a writer?After my first book signing in Barnes and Noble–a life long goal by the way–I finally felt comfortable calling myself a writer. Who is your biggest inspiration?My dad is my biggest inspiration. He battled cancer three times before succumbing to it in 2012. Never once did I hear him complain, or ask why, or consider giving up the fight. He worked, he exercised, he took care of his family, and he kept his faith. And he always, always encouraged and supported my dreams. How do you come up with your ideas?Most of my ideas come from real life experiences or stories I’ve heard others tell. I take these ideas and then think, what if…??? Are your characters inspired by or based on real-life people?None of my characters are based on a specific real-life person, but they all have bits and pieces of people I’ve met or know well. Some even have little pieces of me. What comes first, the plot or the characters?Characters. Always. With an idea of the plot, but the characters are the ones who dictate where the story goes. What would you say is your most interesting writing quirk?I’m not sure this is a quirk, but I have to edit my writing by listening rather than reading. Once I nail a chapter, I listen to it over and over, tweaking the words as I go. How did publishing your first book change your writing career?Writer’s block is the worst, and it happens to all of us. You just have to keep writing. I know some people recommend taking a break, or changing things up, but I find the more I stray from writing, the harder it is to get back. Have you ever gotten writer's block? How did you work through it?Writer’s block is the worst, and it happens to all of us. You just have to keep writing. I know some people recommend taking a break, or changing things up, but I find the more I stray from writing, the harder it is to get back. What are you working on now?I just wrapped up my second book (Tangled Charm City Threads Book Two). This is a standalone novel that picks up where my debut, Woven, left off. We’re in the editing phase now, and hoping for a release later this year. I’m also working on books three and four in the series. I have a self-published poetry chapbook coming out in February titled Unveiling Love. This is the second chapbook in my unveiling series. The first book is titled Unveiling Chaos and is available on Amazon. In addition, I contribute regularly to multiple publications on Medium with poetry, short stories, and short form articles on writing, health and wellness, and relationships. What advice would you give aspiring authors?Write. Don’t just think about it, plan for it, fantasize about “someday”...actually write. Surprisingly, that is the hardest part, but once you get started, the words come. Also, write for the right reasons. Write because you have to, not for someone else, or to fit some genre or subgenre…write the book that’s on your heart. Your audience will find you :) What do you like to do when you're not writing?I have four kids. They occupy most of my non-writing time, which is fine by me–they’re my favorite people :) Aside from them, I enjoy jogging, reading in quiet cafe corners, exploring new places, and binging on podcasts. What are three things that are unique about you?Hmm…let’s see…I have an excellent writing companion named Todd. He’s a Bearded Dragon who thinks he’s a human, eats better than most humans, and lounges on a couch all day. Okay, what else? Well, I’m living proof that office meet-cutes are a real thing. My husband and I met at work years ago. We now have four kids, and far too many responsibilities…but we’re still madly in love. Check out How I Met My Other: True Engagements, Forever Love for the full story. And finally, how about something fun? I held many jobs in college, but the most memorable was when I dressed as a Planters Peanut at a local wholesale club opening.  Arielle Haughee Market research is an essential step of the book creation process no matter how you publish. It is basically seeing what is already out there in the market and how your book will (or will not) fit in. Luckily for us, we live in the age of Amazon, so you don’t have to spend hours at a bookstore picking through different titles. If you are working to be published traditionally, you will often have to list what are called “comps,” or comparable titles, in your query letter. If you are self-publishing, you will need to know how to promote your book. For both of these, you need to complete market research. What To Look ForStart your market research by finding comparable titles published within the last five years that are the same genre and a similar story line. The recency of titles is important, as you want information about the current market, not what sold well ten or twenty years ago. Find at least five books similar to yours that are moderate to top selling. A quick note about using comps in query letters—it is considered arrogant to list a mega best selling book as a comp. I always analyze the best of the best for my own research purposes, however. If you are going traditional, you will also want to make sure you are looking up traditionally published books for comparisons. Here is an example of a comp for one of my own books:
Grumbler is a grumpy character who keeps getting love stuck to him and (spoiler alert) goes through a transformation. For people who are not in the kids’ book industry, I tell them it is similar to The Grinch so they get the gist of the story. It’s not a good comparable book for market research, though, because of how long ago it was published. Industry standards have changed since then. My favorite, best selling comp is Mother Bruce. It’s about a grumpy bear who gets stuck with a bunch of goslings who think he is their mom. After trying to get rid of them, he goes through a transformation. This book was only four years old when mine was published, it’s in the same genre, and a similar story. Great comp. What Details To Get From Book CompsComps are a wealth of information for all kinds of things. So once you have your list, keep those titles handy. Here are some of the most helpful things I get from comp titles:
Differentiating Your Title From Book CompsThe most important thing to take away from market research is not just about how your book can fit in and sell, but how it can stand out. How is your title different from what is already out there? What is your new twist on the story/information? You are trying to spot a hole in the market that your book will fill. For Grumbler, there were a lot of books featuring grumpy characters who become nice. And I mean A LOT. So I knew it was something people enjoyed that would sell. My book is different because love itself is represented as little heart characters that get stuck to him, and every time he tries to give them away, they come back even more. There is a hidden angle in there about how love grows the most when it is shared. That’s not in the other books. Another great trick for getting your title to stand out or fill a gap in the market is to—steel yourself—read the negative reviews of your comps. Is there something more or different people wanted from the story? For nonfiction, was something missing or left out? You can use this information during the revision process to add in or adjust your book so that it meets those needs. When To Do Market ResearchThere are two different school of thought as to when you should complete market research. Some say you should do this before you write one word of your book. Others counter that it can hinder the creative process. For nonfiction books, I agree that you should explore the market before you start writing. That way you can determine what angle your book will have that is different. For fiction, I personally think you should focus only on writing your story when you begin. You can always revise later and make necessary adjustments. You may not even need to change your story, just figure out what to emphasize when marketing. As you can see, market research is a very valuable tool for anyone wanting to publish a book, traditionally or indie. Don’t be deterred or intimidated by having to look for books similar to yours. There are multitudes of similar books on the market for a reason. People buy more of what they enjoy. Your job is to figure out how yours will be similar but offer something new and different. Then you will be 100% prepared to tackle that market.
Interview with Cheryl WestThank you, Cheryl, for your time! When did you know you wanted to become an author?I doubled major in college, for Chemical Engineering and Creative Writing. That was in 1969. When did you first consider yourself a writer?2017-publication of my first book Who is your biggest inspiration?Mrs. Bailey, my high school English teacher. She taught me not only to read the story but to understand what the story meant, including all the intricate details which the author included. She loved the English Romantic poets so I learned not only poetry but the history, culture, and lives of the writers which were embedded in the poets. How do you come up with your ideas?This is a difficult question as so many things give me ideas for my stories and poems. I collect glass negatives from the late 1890s and early 1900s. I try to find ones with dogs but I want people in the negatives as well. The pictures I see tell me about these people. Although everything is fiction, I still imagine what their lives were like, what was important to them and how they lived their lives. Then there are the random thoughts--something pop into my head, or maybe a sight as I am driving. From these come, stories. Are your characters inspired by or based on real-life people? Mostly fictional, some real-life for background and development. What comes first, the plot or the characters?Characters, especially with the glass negatives What would you say is your most interesting writing quirk?I tell the story in my head, including detail conversations between characters. I joke that it would be nice if these characters invited me to join them. How did publishing your first book change your writing career?I knew I could do it. I learned more about writing, editing, formatting, marketing, etc., and continued to write more stories and poems. I also gained experience in working with others, from the first book written with two other authors, to anthologies, as well as books written solely by me. Each brought its own challenge but taught me valuable skills and lessons. Have you ever gotten writer's block? How did you work through it?I give myself a deadline. I work better under pressure. What are you working on now?Two books. One is a compilation of short stories inspired by the glass negatives which I have collected--over 160 and adding more. The other is a children's book of my poems, illustrated with AI generated art. Talk about a learning experience in computer technology, as well as ensuring that the poems are at the level for children that I am hoping to reach. What advice would you give aspiring authors?Definitely write but while you are doing that, try to learn more about the various aspects of your craft. Even if it is a genre you may never write, learn how the authors crafted their stories, what is important and and why. Sharpen your skills when it comes to dialogue, plot, etc. And if you ask for advice, listen to what people say, without trying to justify why you did something a particular way. Remember the old saying of God gave us two ears and one mouth for a reason. What do you like to do when you're not writing?Reading and spending time with my animals What are three things that are unique about you?The more I am around writers and poets, the more I feel I am like them, strange as they may be. The first item would be that I was an engineer by profession and a writer in my spare time, more time now that I am retired. This gives me an analytical mind, with an equal portion of creativeness. The second is that I have been involved in the Samoyed (dog) breed for over 40 years--lots of stories there. The third may be that I have always been telling stories in my mind, even as a child. Perhaps Walter Mitty was my mentor. 
Tonya writes fiction under the pen name Tia Marlee. Tia is the author of several sweet, small-town romances featuring all the swoon with low to no heat. Her series Piney Brook Wishes can be found on Amazon. Currently, you can find Tonya at her website www.anovelchoicellc.com or on Instagram @anovelchoicellc or Facebook. Find more about Tia Marlee at tiamarleeauthor.com Interview with Tonya SpitlerThank you, Tonya, for taking the time to chat with me. When did you know you wanted to become an author?I fell in love with reading very young, and shortly after I started making up my own stories. I'd handwrite or draw pages and pages of my own creation. I think I've always wanted to be a writer in some capacity, I just didn't always know it was possible. When did you first consider yourself a writer?Not until I published my first book. Even now, I sometimes deal with imposter syndrome. Who is your biggest inspiration?My biggest inspiration are the other authors I know! Their dedication to their craft is definitely inspiring. My daughter is my biggest motivator. She's always pushing me to be my best. How do you come up with your ideas?Sometimes, they are inspired by things I see or hear. Sometimes they come to me when I'm washing my hair. Just depends. Are your characters inspired by or based on real-life people?Some of my characters deal with things I've experienced or witnessed in real life, but the characters themselves are unique. What comes first, the plot or the characters?For me, it's usually the story line that comes to mind first, then the characters tell me all the ways I'm wrong. What would you say is your most interesting writing quirk?I usually have at least two drinks beside me. How did publishing your first book change your writing career?It validated that I can do it! Gave me the confidence to keep pushing, even when it's hard. Have you ever gotten writer's block? How did you work through it?YES!! UGH! I will try and call an author friend and brainstorm or go on a walk. Spending time in nature is so essential for me. What are you working on now?I'm currently working on a sweet romcom with the multi author project The Coffee Loft. Next up, a brand new series featuring life on Apple Blossom Ranch What advice would you give aspiring authors?Never quit. Find a writing group and plug in. Work on your craft. Be a student of the industry. What do you like to do when you're not writing?I like to spend time with my family. I have three teenagers, and I'm soaking up the memories before they're adults and out on their own. What are three things that are unique about you?
 Arielle Haughee Why do I sell fewer books |
 | Previously an elementary teacher, Arielle Haughee (Hoy) is a multi-genre author living in Florida. She has a serious reading addiction, fantasy romance her absolute favorite, and loves nothing more than good conversation paired with a good wine. She is surrounded by males at home—a husband, two sons, and an energetic dog—and tries to integrate as much purple and flowers in the house as possible. Arielle is an editor, speaker, and owner of a small press. Learn more about her at www.ariellehaughee.com or www.orangeblossombooks.com. She is also on Facebook and Instagram (@orange_blossom_books). |
 | Dawn Bourdeau Milstrey is the author and illustrator of The Stone Angel Society, an illustrated middle grade ghost novel (Orange Blossom Publishing, September 2022). First in a series, the book is a collection of spooky short stories with just the right amount of ghosts for young readers. Dawn has been illustrating picture books since 2008 and loves helping other authors bring their words to life with her art. |
When she isn’t writing and illustrating, Dawn enjoys painting large scale landscapes and teaching art and illustration at the local college. Dawn lives in a small town in rural New Jersey where she and her husband raised their three amazing daughters. The family shares their home with two cocker spaniels, a pair of birds, several fish...and a few ghosts!
Interview with Dawn Bourdeau Milstrey
Thank you Dawn, for taking the time to chat with me!
When did you know you wanted to become an author?
As far back as I can remember I was jotting down story ideas and drawing pictures to go with them. I wrote and illustrated my own book in elementary school and then bound it with a handmade hardcover. Holding that finished book in my hands was an incredible feeling!
When did you first consider yourself a writer?
The first time I sat down to write a story. You are a writer even if it is only for yourself!
Who is your biggest inspiration?
Young readers...I love the possibility that something I create could help a child to become a better reader. Books open up endless worlds to kids and help them grow healthy imaginations!
How do you come up with your ideas?
My imagination tends to run wild, so everything I see and hear triggers "What if..." and sometimes that blossoms into an idea!
Are your characters inspired by or based on real-life people?
They are inspired by the many ghosts in my life. I have lost people that I miss so much and it is a comfort to imagine that their "ghosts" are still hanging around.
What comes first, the plot or the characters?
The plot...I build on "what if" in outline form and then the characters sort of arrive on the scene and take their place.
What would you say is your most interesting writing quirk?
When editing a story, I like to read it out loud with emotion to feel the action in the words. My dogs are great listeners!
How did publishing your first book change your writing career?
Publishing gives you confidence. I had written for decades, only sharing my stories with very few people. Now, I feel good that everyone and anyone who wants to read my work is able to do so. It has opened me up to having some wonderful conversations about my characters.
Have you ever gotten writer's block? How did you work through it?
Oh yes, and the cure for me is to walk away. I go off and do something totally unrelated to the story and then I return to my work with fresh ideas!
What are you working on now?
I am relaxing after getting The Stone Angel Society Journal Three ready for its August 13th release.
What advice would you give aspiring authors?
Let your imagination run wild! Sit down, close your eyes and let your thoughts play out in your mind like a movie...your characters will take it from there.
What do you like to do when you're not writing?
Family is first of course, but I love to paint landscapes with expressive clouds. I also teach art classes at the community college.
What are three things that are unique about you?
1. I love to bake using old family recipes.
2. I have been a vegetarian since I was ten years old.
3. I believe in ghosts :)
2. I have been a vegetarian since I was ten years old.
3. I believe in ghosts :)
The Secret to Organic Storytelling
Writers are often told their stories need to be organic. Sounds like something that makes sense when you hear it. But identifying elements that are inorganic, and even more challenging, trying to fix them, can be elusive. It can also be frustrating when you need a certain plot point for the progression of your story and it sounds like someone is telling you that you can’t have it. Let’s back up and define what organic means in terms of storytelling. An organic story is one where the plot reads natural and realistically makes sense within the story world. Inorganic elements seem out-of-place, forced, or coming out of nowhere. The plot isn’t believable. It’s jarring for the reader and pulls them out of the story.
So how can we write organic stories? Or fix something when we’re told it’s inorganic?
Put on your nerd glasses and let’s dive into some literary theory to get these answers.
So how can we write organic stories? Or fix something when we’re told it’s inorganic?
Put on your nerd glasses and let’s dive into some literary theory to get these answers.
The Growth of a Story
The genesis of a story begins in the mind, long before words take shape on the page. Something comes to the mind of the creative, perhaps a character, an interesting setting, or even lines of dialogue. It is in this nebulous state that the seed of the story is planted. Now the writer must water it properly to make it grow. That means building the story world and the characters before starting to write. Taking the time to develop this “understory” that gets peppered into your plot gives firm ground for everything else to come.
Some people have a writing style where they go straight to the page without any planning (pantsers). Everyone writes differently. However, if you have issues with your stories flowing organically, take some time to try the method discussed below to see if it helps improve the overall flow of your storyline.
Some people have a writing style where they go straight to the page without any planning (pantsers). Everyone writes differently. However, if you have issues with your stories flowing organically, take some time to try the method discussed below to see if it helps improve the overall flow of your storyline.
Start with Character
Focus on your main character and go deeper than things like eye color and hobbies. Keep asking them why they behave a certain way or make specific choices. Jot down childhood events that formulated their beliefs about the world and themselves. Get to deep levels of motivation. For example, Lydia Bennet wants attention. If Jane Austin stopped there, it would just seem silly that Lydia flings herself at soldiers. Why does Lydia want attention? Because she doesn’t stand out in her family and get attention on her own. Why doesn’t she stand out? Because she has older sisters who are more beautiful and clever than she is. At this point, we realize it’s Lydia’s insecurity that drives her, so it is an organic event when she runs off with the questionable Wickham, trying to secure her place in the world.
Taking the time to keep asking why, why, why will allow you to build a complex character and make their choices genuine to their disposition.
Taking the time to keep asking why, why, why will allow you to build a complex character and make their choices genuine to their disposition.
Then Build Your World
It doesn’t matter what genre you write, taking the time to construct a layered setting is essential to having an organic story. Genuine conflict must arise from the world of the story you’ve created. This not only includes the physical location of the story, but the social norms and histories as well. What is this place, and who lives here? Drawing a map is one of the easiest ways to grow conflict from your world, even if it’s a contemporary setting. Think about things like: Who lives next door? What is considered the nice/not-so-nice part of town? What resources come from the river and who owns them? Include physical and human elements on your map. Pretty soon you’ll have tons of ideas for potential conflict. Another tip is to imagine the setting as a character itself—not only do characters react to the setting, but the setting reacts to the characters. It is a back and forth relationship where both shape each other.
Putting It All Together with Conflict
Organic storytelling occurs when conflict (1) is in direct opposition to a character’s motivation and (2) arises from the character interacting with the setting and the living beings in it. In other words, it is the interplay between authentic character motivation and natural circumstances arising from the environment. The character arc is the journey from old stasis to new stasis in the search for equilibrium in this world.
Another example with another classic: The Grinch despises Christmas and wants to take Christmas away from the Whos. Why? Because he wants everyone to be as miserable as he is. Why? Because he doesn’t know how to be happy. Why? Because he’s never experienced true joy. The world of the Whos is built, and they are Christmas enthusiasts, the happiest of happy people and the exact opposite of the Grinch. Think of all the wonderful worldbuilding with everything they have down in Whoville. This is excellent, organic conflict that is in perfect opposition to our character’s motivation. He interacts with the setting and people when he tries to steal Christmas with all the Who-pudding. He goes from old grouchy stasis while searching for equilibrium (stopping this whole thing from coming) to new loving stasis on his character arc. His revelation occurs when he witnesses the Whos experiencing true joy and realizes he can feel that way, too. That is from the deep dive of his motivation
Spending the time to build complex characters and a layered setting before writing is the key to having genuine conflict. When conflict, motivation, and setting interplay together, a story is organic. But what do you do when you’ve already written something and have been told an element is inorganic? Have no fear, you don’t need to toss your story out and start over. But you do need to go back to those roots of your story to justify why something is happening. You may need to add in more about the character’s past experiences, or a little about the social history of the area, or something else related to the character and worldbuilding. You may also need to adjust elements of an event to match the setting better and make the conflict come more realistically from the story world.
Writing organic stories takes time, practice, and most importantly, good feedback. Make sure your editor or critique partner tells you specifically what it is that seemed out-of-place to them so you can figure out how to address it. If you’d like more resources to help, check out these other articles below:
Creating Unforgettable Characters: Who Are They?
Place As Character
The Seven Types of Narrative Conflict
Another example with another classic: The Grinch despises Christmas and wants to take Christmas away from the Whos. Why? Because he wants everyone to be as miserable as he is. Why? Because he doesn’t know how to be happy. Why? Because he’s never experienced true joy. The world of the Whos is built, and they are Christmas enthusiasts, the happiest of happy people and the exact opposite of the Grinch. Think of all the wonderful worldbuilding with everything they have down in Whoville. This is excellent, organic conflict that is in perfect opposition to our character’s motivation. He interacts with the setting and people when he tries to steal Christmas with all the Who-pudding. He goes from old grouchy stasis while searching for equilibrium (stopping this whole thing from coming) to new loving stasis on his character arc. His revelation occurs when he witnesses the Whos experiencing true joy and realizes he can feel that way, too. That is from the deep dive of his motivation
Spending the time to build complex characters and a layered setting before writing is the key to having genuine conflict. When conflict, motivation, and setting interplay together, a story is organic. But what do you do when you’ve already written something and have been told an element is inorganic? Have no fear, you don’t need to toss your story out and start over. But you do need to go back to those roots of your story to justify why something is happening. You may need to add in more about the character’s past experiences, or a little about the social history of the area, or something else related to the character and worldbuilding. You may also need to adjust elements of an event to match the setting better and make the conflict come more realistically from the story world.
Writing organic stories takes time, practice, and most importantly, good feedback. Make sure your editor or critique partner tells you specifically what it is that seemed out-of-place to them so you can figure out how to address it. If you’d like more resources to help, check out these other articles below:
Creating Unforgettable Characters: Who Are They?
Place As Character
The Seven Types of Narrative Conflict
| | Arielle Haughee (Hoy) is a seven-time RPLA-winning author, editor, speaker, and publisher. She is the owner of the small press Orange Blossom Publishing and was previously the Executive Vice President and Marketing Chair for the Florida Writers Association. She was honored with the President’s Award from FWA in 2020, and in 2021 Pling’s Party was awarded Children’s Book of the Year. She is also the recipient of a Purple Dragonfly Award for Piper and a Moonbeam Children’s Book Award for Sixth Sunday. She has a serious reading addiction, fantasy romance her absolute favorite, and loves nothing more than good conversation paired with a good wine. She is surrounded by males at home—a husband, two sons, and an energetic dog—and tries to integrate as much purple and flowers in the house as possible. |
 | Carissa Turpin lives in Louisville, Kentucky where she teaches fifth and seventh grade language arts. Her first novel, Doomsday Dani, was published in March of 2023 and went on to win first place in the Moonbeam Children's Book Awards in the category of Best First Chapter Book. |
Interview with Carissa Turpin
Thank you, Carissa, for taking the time to chat!
When did you know you wanted to become an author?
I've been obsessed with storytelling for as long as I can remember. I loved books as a kid, of course, but I also loved stories on television, movies, stories I overheard my family telling at gatherings, etc. I don't know that I ever really made a conscious decision--storytelling is just a part of who I am.
When did you first consider yourself a writer?
I really struggled with imposter syndrome for a long time and, to be honest, I still do. I don't think it was until I was in the midst of my MFA program and actively writing and editing my work that I began to see myself as a working writer.
Who is your biggest inspiration?
Author-wise, I love Rainbow Rowell. To me, she can craft characters that worm their way into readers' hearts much better than any writer I've read. I miss her characters after I finish her books, which I think speaks to her characterization abilities. As a middle grade author, I'm always inspired by my middle grade students. It's such a pivotal but difficult age, and I feel fortunate to have the opportunity to guide them through this stage of life.
How do you come up with your ideas?
Much of my inspiration comes from my experiences as a teacher, especially if I'm writing for a younger audience. I also draw on my own experiences as a young person. Some of my ideas just come out of thin air--I'm not even sure how I thought of it, but once I get an idea, it's difficult to shake.
Are your characters inspired by or based on real-life people?
I mostly find that my characters are a hybrid of different people I've known--the guidance counselor in Doomsday Dani, for example, was a hodgepodge of me, teachers I've known and worked with, etc.
What comes first, the plot or the characters?
Definitely characters. When choosing something to read, I'm always drawn to books with complex characters and quiet plots, and that's what I try to emulate as a writer, too.
What would you say is your most interesting writing quirk?
I need to write in complete silence--I am easily distracted, so noise from music or from the television will stifle the amount of writing I'm able to produce.
How did publishing your first book change your writing career?
It gave me confidence. I began to believe that I had stories to tell that people actually wanted to hear. It's also allowed me to meet and network with other authors. Honestly, there's just nothing cooler than seeing your name on the cover of a book!
Have you ever gotten writer's block? How did you work through it?
I have writer's block pretty frequently. Usually the most effective remedy is to separate myself from the work--take a couple weeks or months off and work on other projects and then revisit it feeling refreshed.
What are you working on now?
I am working on another MG novel about small towns and reality television. I'm also hoping to start a MG short story collection very soon!
What advice would you give aspiring authors?
Find a writing group to read and critique your work--if you're the only one who ever reads it, you'll never grow as a writer.
What do you like to do when you're not writing?
When I'm not grading papers, I love to spend time with my family in Eastern Kentucky. I'm a big fan of drag queens, so I love attending brunches and drag shows. I also love to travel when I have both the time and the money to do so.
What are three things that are unique about you?
- I have a miniature schnauzer puppy named after my celebrity crush, Leonardo DiCaprio.
- As a former Arizona resident, I'm obsessed with cacti. If it has a cactus on it, I'll probably buy it!
- I'm a proud adult Swiftie--I've seen her in concert many times and I was lucky enough to attend The Eras Tour this summer!
Guest post by Samantha Blakney
The Root of All Evil:
How Not Having Money Can Destroy Us
Money is the one thing that almost everyone desires and strives for. It is the driving force behind many of our decisions and actions. We work hard to earn it, spend countless hours managing it, and constantly worry about not having enough of it. But have you ever stopped to think about the true impact that money has on our lives? Many believe that having no money is the root of all evil, but is it true?
Where did the phrase originate?
Let's first understand the phrase "the root of all evil." It comes from a biblical verse that says, "For the love of money is the root of all evil" (1 Timothy 6:10). This verse emphasizes the negative consequences of obsessing over money and valuing it above all else. It is not money itself that is evil, but rather the love and attachment to it that can lead to destructive behavior.
Having no money can certainly cause hardship and struggle in one's life. It can create barriers to necessities such as food, shelter, and healthcare. It can also limit access to education and opportunities for personal growth. These struggles can lead to feelings of desperation and hopelessness, causing individuals to resort to unethical and even criminal actions to survive.
Having no money can certainly cause hardship and struggle in one's life. It can create barriers to necessities such as food, shelter, and healthcare. It can also limit access to education and opportunities for personal growth. These struggles can lead to feelings of desperation and hopelessness, causing individuals to resort to unethical and even criminal actions to survive.
Is it accurate?
But is it fair to say that having no money is the root of all evil? The truth is that having money or not having it does not determine a person's moral character. Money, or lack thereof, is simply a tool that can amplify one's true nature. If someone already has malicious intentions, having more or less money will only provide them with more resources to carry out their desires.
On the other hand, those with kind and compassionate hearts will use their wealth for the betterment of society.
Having an excessive amount of money can also lead to negative consequences. The pursuit of wealth can consume individuals and blind them from seeing the value in relationships and experiences. It can create a sense of entitlement and superiority, leading to a lack of empathy towards those who are less fortunate. This is often seen in the behavior of the ultra-rich, who may hoard their wealth and refuse to use it for the greater good.
Moreover, the unequal distribution of wealth and the societal pressure to attain it can also lead to envy and resentment. This creates a vicious cycle of greed and competition, where individuals are constantly striving for more money, never feeling satisfied with what they have.
This can drive individuals to engage in unethical and immoral actions, all for the sake of achieving financial success.
It is also important to recognize that money itself is not the root cause of evil, but rather our perspectives and values. In a world where success and status are often measured by material possessions, it is easy to fall into the trap of valuing money above all else. We are bombarded with messages of consumerism and are led to believe that having more money will bring us happiness and fulfillment. However, this mindset only perpetuates the cycle of greed and corruption.
On the other hand, those with kind and compassionate hearts will use their wealth for the betterment of society.
Having an excessive amount of money can also lead to negative consequences. The pursuit of wealth can consume individuals and blind them from seeing the value in relationships and experiences. It can create a sense of entitlement and superiority, leading to a lack of empathy towards those who are less fortunate. This is often seen in the behavior of the ultra-rich, who may hoard their wealth and refuse to use it for the greater good.
Moreover, the unequal distribution of wealth and the societal pressure to attain it can also lead to envy and resentment. This creates a vicious cycle of greed and competition, where individuals are constantly striving for more money, never feeling satisfied with what they have.
This can drive individuals to engage in unethical and immoral actions, all for the sake of achieving financial success.
It is also important to recognize that money itself is not the root cause of evil, but rather our perspectives and values. In a world where success and status are often measured by material possessions, it is easy to fall into the trap of valuing money above all else. We are bombarded with messages of consumerism and are led to believe that having more money will bring us happiness and fulfillment. However, this mindset only perpetuates the cycle of greed and corruption.
So, what can we do?
So, what can we do to break this cycle? The key lies in shifting our perspective towards money. Instead of viewing it as a goal, we should see it as a means to an end. Money can provide us with security and comfort, but it should not define our worth or happiness.
We must also learn to appreciate the things that money cannot buy – love, relationships, experiences, and personal growth. These are the true sources of happiness and fulfillment in life. When we prioritize these over material possessions, we can break free from the grip that money has on us.
Additionally, as a society, we must strive towards creating a more equal distribution of wealth. This means addressing systemic issues such as poverty, education inequality, and social mobility. By providing equal opportunities for all individuals to succeed, we can reduce the pressure and desperation that comes with the pursuit of money.
In conclusion, having no money can certainly cause struggles and hardships in one's life. However, it is not the lack of money itself that is the root of all evil. It is our perspectives, values, and actions that determine the impact of money on our lives. We must shift our focus towards valuing things that money cannot buy, and work towards creating a more equal society.
Only then can we break free from the destructive cycle of greed and materialism and find true happiness and fulfillment in life. As the saying goes, "Money may not buy happiness, but it can certainly make misery more comfortable." Let us not let our pursuit of wealth overshadow the things that truly matter in life.
We must also learn to appreciate the things that money cannot buy – love, relationships, experiences, and personal growth. These are the true sources of happiness and fulfillment in life. When we prioritize these over material possessions, we can break free from the grip that money has on us.
Additionally, as a society, we must strive towards creating a more equal distribution of wealth. This means addressing systemic issues such as poverty, education inequality, and social mobility. By providing equal opportunities for all individuals to succeed, we can reduce the pressure and desperation that comes with the pursuit of money.
In conclusion, having no money can certainly cause struggles and hardships in one's life. However, it is not the lack of money itself that is the root of all evil. It is our perspectives, values, and actions that determine the impact of money on our lives. We must shift our focus towards valuing things that money cannot buy, and work towards creating a more equal society.
Only then can we break free from the destructive cycle of greed and materialism and find true happiness and fulfillment in life. As the saying goes, "Money may not buy happiness, but it can certainly make misery more comfortable." Let us not let our pursuit of wealth overshadow the things that truly matter in life.
 | Samantha Blakney is a short fiction, non-fiction and poetry writer for different anthology, from Free Spirit Publishing. (This was a Mistake) and (The Zeitgeist Exists). She has also been published in Along the Shores of Grief by Orange Blossom Publishing, (The Loss of my Mother), A forthcoming anthology by, Wingless Dreamer Publisher, Christmas Cheerios. (The Burning of the Christmas Yule-Log) poetry. Also, by Wingless dreamer Publisher, My Sanskriti Teal (Diversity of the Dark Color of Women). |
Author
Arielle Haughee is the owner and founder of Orange Blossom Publishing.
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