To Lighten Your Mood

November 10, 2016November 10, 2016 / Sheila McIntrye Good, Author / 7 Comments

I understand many are feeling dispirited while others are jubilant. I will be the first to admit, this long cycle of vitriol has been a huge source of stress for me, but I think we can all need a little amusement.

So, here’s my small attempt to say smile, lighten up – this (anxiety) too shall pass.

I’d love to hear your comments. Talk to me. Tell me your story and look for me on Facebook at SheilaMGood, Pinterest, Bloglovin, Twitter@sheilamgood, Contently, and Instagram. You can follow my reviews on Amazon and Goodreads.

WORDS HAVE POWER

October 31, 2016October 30, 2016 / Sheila McIntrye Good, Author / 8 Comments

I’m pulling this post from the archives (with a few revisions) because I believe the message is an important and timely one. You be the judge.

I’ve always believed words had the power to move people. Spin them the right way, target the right audience and they have the power to sway a nation. As tempted as I am, that topic is for another day.

Which brings me to the topic I wanted to discuss – writing and the power of our words. Isn’t that what we want our stories to do? Sway our readers?

Stories move us to tears, anger, make us gasp in horror, keep us up at night,or our bellies hurt from laughing.

A story can cause pain – dredging up ghosts or trauma of the past. Those stories are hard to read and even harder to write.

I’m 40,000 words into my first novel.Certain scenes are proving difficult to write because it requires me to dig deep into emotions I’d rather not feel again. I could sugar coat my words but every time I choke on the false words that ring so hollow.

I read a post today by Mary Jaksch at Write to Done that struck me right between the eyes. How to Bond With Your Readers: The Pain and Glory of Writing.

“Face the Pain and work through it.” Write to Done. Tweet This.

So, I have two options- I can dig deep and work through the pain or let my story gather dust.

It’s our job as writers to tell the best story we can with words that reach from the pages, grab our readers by the throat or the hearts.

So, make it count. Words have Power.

Friends, We’re in A Dilemma

September 27, 2016October 22, 2016 / Sheila McIntrye Good, Author / 2 Comments

DAILY PROMPT – Write a new post in response to today’s one-word prompt – Dilemma

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I’ve followed politics since my thirties but never as fervently as I have since 9/11. I remember the long, months after the terrible terrorist attack on our country.

As a nation, we were grief-stricken, angry, and scared, but everyone came together; race, ethnicity, or gender never entered our minds. Although shaken, we were united as one nation, determined to survive and come out stronger. And, we did – for a while.

Unfortunately, we didn’t stay united. Over the last eight years, our nation has become more divided than ever – people of all races, ethnicities, gender and economic status are being pitted against each other. Jobs have been lost, cities decimated, crime has increased, and in some areas, is out of control. Instead of pulling together as a nation, we’ve allowed anarchy.

Universities and our schools have turned into kindergartens, catering to overly sensitive students who, unable to handle differing points of view, demand “safe places.” Rather than teach critical thinking, we’ve allowed the grievances of some turn into riots and lawlessness – calling it free speech. We accept excuses rather than discipline and allow people to throw out labels like confetti, rendering others silent.

Today, even our law enforcement must not only defend themselves on the job but also for doing their job. And, before someone gets offended – I get it – sometimes the police get it wrong, really, wrong – so don’t start. As imperfect as it is, we have a justice system – let them do their job.

People rage about inequality, but no one is willing to step up, lay responsibility where it belongs, make the necessary changes or hold the lawless accountable; including those in high places who believe they’re above the law.

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We are in a dilemma. Change is never easy and when it happens not everyone will be happy. An amazing number, 66% of the country, believe our nation is headed in the wrong direction; so, what are we going to do about it?

Stick with the status quo or make a change? We are on the precipice of which I believe there is no return. We are, indeed, in a dilemma, my friends.

Personally, I’ve had enough of the status quo. Choosing change may make us nervous, but I’ll take my chances.

Pixabay

Darkness has Descended

July 8, 2016October 21, 2016 / Sheila McIntrye Good, Author / 12 Comments

DAILY PROMPT: Darkness

Darkness has descended on our nation, but it didn’t arrive on its own accord. The horror that happened in Dallas last night is a new low for our country, and now we find ourselves more divided as a people than every before.

I want each one of us to stop and think for a moment – What would our world look like without the brave men and women who wear the badge and walk the beat every day to keep each one of us safe? I can tell you, without police officers, the world we know would turn into chaos and anarchy.

I’m not minimizing the concerns of officer-related shootings. I understand people are upset and want answers about the shootings in Baton Rouge and Minnesota, but we don’t know what happened. It’s time to reserve judgment and let the investigation and the facts speak the truth.

Darkness has indeed descended on out country. We have a choice, to buy into the dishonest rhetoric, blame it on guns, or band together as citizens and support those who run toward the danger so we might stay safe.

I stand with every officer and first responder. I pray for the families who lost a mother, father, sister, brother, son, daughter, husband, or wife. I stand with each officer during this dark time and say, thank you for your service. Thank you for keeping me and my family safe. You are my hero.