My Favorite Writers

I decided to like their FB pages this month. Really like what I see on my hectic timeline. Pics of my favorite writers altogether.

[Review] After (Luc dan Aku) by Francis Chalifour

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I like this kind of books. You know, the books that talk about pain, about how one deals with death and stuff. Especially, it’s a teen book. I don’t know why, but I enjoy reading books talking about teenagers. About how they deal with life and everything.

I have a certain feeling about death. It always gives me such a deep emotion. Either it’s family or friends. I need days, weeks, months, or even weeks to understand the fact that someone I know, care about, or love, pass away.

That is why, I understand completely how Francis might have felt. Especially since his Dad chose to die by suicide. Shocking.

It’s a great book for those interested in how people deal with death. Not only is there Francis’ story on how he sees his father’s passing, but also his Mom and Luc, his younger brother.

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I Love You, Ronnie: The Letters of Ronald Reagan to Nancy Reagan by Nancy Reagan

Reading this book, I learn a lot about how to maintain a relationship, a marriage. Couples must support each other, and be expressive about how each feels to his/her spouse. Knowing that your loved one cares about you so much and think of you a lot helps you survive the relationship, no matter what.

Well, Nancy and Ronnie were so much in love, which is a great base for all relationship. But, they were also able to maintain the love. It’s what more important. Because, many couples start with such a big amount of love but they forget to keep the love alive.

Reading this book, I feel like sending my hubby a letter, the way I used to before we got married. By the way, he kept those letters and handed them to me after we got married. Now, I am the one keeping them all. Men are not good keepers. Well, it’s okay, as long as he keeps his love for me, forever.

Writing with, for, and about Sam

I always love writing. When I write, it feels like being on the set and I am not me. Similar to reading.

I am currently writing a novel about a man named Sam. I asked a few friends to read the first chapter. So far, their comments were positive.

I am on the 146th page now. Yet, I feel like the whole story needs more gimmicks. So, that’s why I haven’t asked those friends of mine to read the other chapters. It still needs touches here and there.

At first, I knew where to send this not-yet-completed novel to. I mean which publisher. But, a little discussion with a dear friend made me rethink about it. And, now, honestly, I don’t know where to send it.

Another self publishing? I don’t think so. I don’t have the fund. Plus, other reasons I can’t share here.

So? What?

Hm…now I am supposed to continue the novel. But, as I said, I needed to do something about the story. And, now, I still have no idea what to do. So, I guess, I’d just let Sam sleep for a while.

Why I thought that Sam and his story need more touches here and there anyway?

Guess what, I have just read book reviews on GoodReads.com. That’s the reason why.

Some reviewers mentioned about how flat a book is. And, I have a certain worry that Sam’s story might be a little flat at the beginning. Because, at this 146th page, I haven’t brought out the conflict yet. Because, I thought, I still needed to create a complete basic story to finally end up into a big climax at the end.

Yet, I now consider that I might be wrong about it. Some little conflicts must be taken out earlier — a lot earlier. So, I’ll be working more on the story anytime soon. (Actually I have just got a slight idea on how to do it.)

We’ll see.

Do I Sweat the Small Stuff?

Probably. Don’t know. I guess so.

I’m a person who feels and thinks too much. I know, it’s killing me. But, changing is not that easy.

Hubby is an easy-going kind of person. Somehow, he has been influencing me. Yet, things are getting rough lately. So, I’m kinda back to how I was.

A friend asked me to help him find a book for his friend. A self-development book. I did help him search on the net. I couldn’t find what he was looking for. Yet, I found a book that I thought would be perfect for me.

“Don’t Sweat the Small Stuff” by Richard Carlson. Since I couldn’t get the book in an instant (right now). I googled it. And found these lines:

“The solution here is to catch yourself when you fall into your habit of insisting that things should be other than they are. Gently remind yourself that life is okay the way it is, right now. In the absence of your judgment, everything would be fine. As you begin to eliminate your need for perfection in all areas of y…our life, you’ll begin to discover the perfection in life itself.”

Oh my…exactly what I need. Not that am a perfectionist. It’s just, lately, I’ve been thinking that things should be other than they are. And, my mind would wander. Full of imagination.

After reading that particular line, I knew right away that I have fallen into the habit of insisting that things should be other than they are. And, I have to catch myself.

Hopefully, soon I can stop sweating the small stuff and live this life happily, no matter how it is.

Picture belongs to nj.com.