Communicating the Old-Fashion Way is So Much Better

February 18, 2018February 18, 2018 / Sheila McIntrye Good, Author / 9 Comments

If you read nothing else, read Duck-Face for the Deceased by kalanleitch.

A Friend and often guest blogger here in the Cow Pasture takes an honest look at how we communicate condolences on the day of tragedies, whether a local, state or worldwide event.

I realize people mean well, but so often we get caught up in the social media bombardment of the moment. We feel bad. We want to do something, offer our expressions of concern, sympathy, or comment on the “trending sentiments”.

But, stop for just a moment and think before jumping on the bandwagon. Is there a better way? Could you send a personal, hand-written note? Call and ask what they might need? Donate? Send flowers? Take a dish by, or call and have a real conversation?

Social media has taken the place of personal interaction, real communication, and emotions. It becomes so easy to hide behind an emoji, Twitter handle, or other distance and impersonal handle. So, take a second, check out kalanleitch‘s post, Duck-Face for the Deceased and rethink that next social media “Like,” condolence, or Tweet.

We are first and foremost people who thrive on personal interaction, touch, eye-contact, the much-needed shoulder or a hug.

Just my two cents and thanks to kalanleitch for sharing.

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

For Every Action

February 12, 2018February 19, 2018 / Sheila McIntrye Good, Author / 6 Comments

If you remember much from your school days (which is getting harder by the year for this fence jumper) you’re familiar with Newton’s Third Law of Motion – For every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction (a force when an object interacts with another interaction).

For example, if I throw a rubber ball against the wall in anger, the wall is gonna push back and one of several things will happen: 1) I’ll catch it; 2) I will miss it and it will crash into my antique lamp; or 3) it will fly back and sock me in the nose (the most likely scenario). That’s a silly example, but you get the drift. Now, think about writing and how this law relates to your characters and their dialogue.

Dwight V. Swain, author of Techniques of the Selling Writer discusses how to identify “the code of efficient prose, Motion-Reaction Units (MRU); and, in her post, Motivation-Reaction Units: Cracking the Code of Good Writing, K.M. Weiland breaks it down even further by providing excellent examples.

Simply put, something motivates your character to react. An action, deed, event, conversation, impulsiveness, or fear, to name a few. The possibilities of what that motivation is depends on your character, and your story. The list of motivations can be long, winding, and provide depth to your story. Whatever it is that motivates a character to action, the reactions will help propel the story forward, introduce complications, the ante, and used to reveal.

A Few Things to Keep in Mind When Using MSU’s:

Motivations, the actions and reactions must run in a logical manner. They have to make sense to your reader. Introducing a reaction before the cause or motivation sows confusion.
According to K.M. Weiland, MRU’s typically are divided into three parts: feelings/thoughts, action, and speech.
Not all three of these elements are always necessary; well-written dialogue can reveal a lot about the characters reaction.
Reaction doesn’t always mean a physical reaction; sometimes, it’s mental or emotional. It should, however, be clear to the reader.

Using MRU’s is a tool which we can use to bring our scenes, characters, and dialogue to life, making them feel real and authentic to the reader. Check out K.M. Weiland’s post, Motivation-Reaction Units: Cracking the Code of Good Writing and tell me what you think. Do you use this technique or something different? Share it with the Fence Jumpers, we’d love to hear all about it.

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Man Tantrum

February 8, 2018 / Sheila McIntrye Good, Author / 7 Comments

Photo Prompt: Friday Fictioneers @ rochellewisoff

PHOTO PROMPT © Rochelle Wisoff-Fields

Meg, angry for letting things get so heated, threw the dishcloth on the counter. She pulled the curtain aside and watched the intensity in which her husband attacked the tree; wielding his new chainsaw like a magic wand. Her heart softened as she watched the muscles in his back tighten and glistening beads of sweat plastered his shirt against chiseled features. A more hardheaded man didn’t exist, but then, there wasn’t another man alive who worked harder or loved her more. She grabbed two cold bottles from the fridge and stepped outside; their stupid argument already forgotten.

Want to know more about Friday Fictioneers? Check out Rochelle Wisoff-Fields-Addicted to Purple.

This Too Shall Pass

January 26, 2018January 26, 2018 / Sheila McIntrye Good, Author / 12 Comments

Brutal, cold winds have blown across the Cow Pasture. Scattered patches of dry, brittle grass crunch beneath my feet of a once glorious green landscape. The cows, their heads bent linger underneath trees stripped bare of beautiful canopies, and drink from the trickling frozen stream. Strong and resolute they huddle together and wait patiently for a Spring they know will come.

It has been a difficult month for me. As one of the millions who suffer from a chronic disease, pain has been as much a part of my daily life as brushing my teeth. Unable to take pain medications I’ve had to learn to live with it – most days. Unfortunately, the cold, brittle winds of Winter have taken its toll. Pain once managed have taken me to my knees, robbed me of my daily routines, sleep, mobility, and worse, joy. At times, it’s made me question medicine altogether, my sanity, and God; but, I am not alone.

“According to data from the 2012 National Health Interview Survey (NHIS), 11.2 percent of American adults (25.3 million people) have experienced some form of pain every day for the past three months. The study also found that even more people — 17.6 percent ( 40 million ) of American adults — suffer from “severe levels” of pain… Whether the pain originates from an injury or an infection (or some unknown cause), chronic pain often lasts far too long — and can impair a person’s ability to function in and enjoy their daily lives.”

“The number of people who suffer from severe and lasting pain is striking.” Dr. Josephine Briggs, director of NCCIH

I have always been a strong and determined woman. From the time I was a girl, I looked adversity in the face and kicked. My mantra became, “this too shall pass,” and I persevered.

I am just one of the millions and I’m certain others fare far worse than I. Perhaps, you are a kindred spirit or know someone close to you. If so, I offer my prayers for comfort, relief, and compassion.

“Be kind, for everyone you meet is fighting a hard battle.” Ian MacLaren – Click to Tweet

It has been a cold, brutal Winter in the Cow Pasture, but I shall not let this define me. Like my gentle companions, I know a new Spring is on the horizon. I will find my reserve and kick.