Let Down Your Hair

Good afternoon!

I must confess I have just a short amount of time to give you some exciting news, for I have been summoned to the halls of history once again for a meeting!

Two new eligible books are now joining the world of literature this coming month, each having wonderful tales inside them! I have had the pleasure of acquainting myself with one already, and look forward to the future prospects of meeting the other.

Diamond and Misfortune are retellings of the classic story Rapunzel with surprising twists and turns. These are the best books to read as we are experiencing Rapunzel's isolation ourselves. Get your best frocks ready for the coming of these stories, but please introduce yourself online! ;)

Feel free to check out the authors' blogs and websites:
https://kendraeardnek.weebly.com/

https://asynesthetewriter.wordpress.com/


Ta ta for now!

Ruts in the Road of Writing

Greetings from my quarantined corner!

I do hope all of you readers are safe and not totally consumed with boredom yet. I know being cooped up in one place for an extremely long time brings you to the brink of insanity. For me, I am trying to take this opportunity of solitude to write.

Unfortunately, I've hit numerous boundaries and obstacles. Which is why I have consoled myself with a second mug of coffee (with cream - mind you. I do not prefer black coffee).

Those who don't drink coffee black are not true coffee drinkers.

Oh yes, I forgot to introduce my visitor and fellow writer: Josephine March. She happened to be passing by and stopped in for a raspberry orange tart and a spot of tea. Once I explained to her how much trouble I was having with my own book, she was willing to give me a few pointers.

Trouble indeed. I have never seen so messy a manuscript. You can barely make sense of it with all the re-writes.

Every writer has his or her mistakes. Mine are just....numerous. To get back to the point, Miss March, what are you critical thoughts on my troubles, besides my handwriting?

Well, you do seem to have trouble with creating a story line. All writers struggle with when a character comes and how. Personally, I start writing from the beginning and pursue til the end. I've heard of others who write bits and pieces then put them all together -which I think is a good possibility for you. 

Yes, I see your point. What do you do when you can't find a good crisis - or where the biggest action takes place?

I do enjoy a good crisis, one that tugs and pulls the reader to and fro. You want to surprise the reader, not let him be bored of your novel from the beginning. When looking for a crisis, it is good to think of the time period and setting of which your story is taking place in. For instance, if your novel is in medieval history, a gruesome duel or heartbreak is appropriate. Or if in, say, the early 1800s, sickness or a tragic accident seems best. Jane Austen's books, which are too full of fluff and love for me, could help you on the right track.

I have examined her writings a bit...perhaps I need to do it more closely next time. Another rut in the road is my characters. I am having a particularly hard time in tying their backgrounds together. (My book is based on the fairy tale Cinderella, and I have heard numerous readers complain about the unknown prince figure.) However, considering the times era I have picked (Victorian England), there are various things you can have happen.

My advice is don't get too carried away with their backgrounds. Fairy tales, which I have almost NO interest for, are mostly about a rich, handsome man falling in love with a poor girl. Ugh....blasted books. 

Jo, please try to keep this conversation void of any slang.

My apologies. Anyway, if you are trying to add more background info into the book, try to make it fit the era and the characters. 
My overall advice is this: Keep trying. It is good to take a break from writing once in a while, but not good to get discouraged and give up all together. KEEP WRITING, Cherry, and you'll eventually find it easier and your book will come together.

Thank you so much for your visit and advice. I have gotten discouraged quite a bit the last few weeks, but practice and mistakes are the way to learning and success.
I do hope you will come again, Miss March. Perhaps next time you can share some more of you writing tips.

My pleasure. Cheerio!

Well, I do hope this conversation was helpful to you writers out there. I agree with Jo in that practice makes perfect. If you know her, she never stops writing. I just hope one day I may be able to add my contribution to the world of literature as she has done.

Please feel free to add your own advice in the comment section.

Bonne journée!

Book Haul: White Way of Delight

Welcome back to my literary corner! Please make yourself comfortable and have some hot chocolate and a biscotti. Today's topic of discussion is, of course, books! Specifically, white-or close to white-colored ones.

My siblings and I read extensively growing up, so it is a given that we had (and still have) an expansive library filled with treasures and friends. Sadly, growing up also means moving away. So, alas, many of my friends I have had to say goodbye to when my siblings moved out or went off to college. But then there are always new books and adventures coming and going, so life is never boring or dull.

Today, I'll share a few of my favorites in white. So sit back and I'll begin the introductions.

Samantha: An American Girl by Valerie Tripp - One of my very first friends I made. I loved reading the American Girl books and I still do! It's like reliving little pieces of the past.

The Tolkien Companion by J. E. A. Tyler - All of the words, phrases, and names you don't how how to pronounce in the books by J.R.R. Tolkien wrapped into one volume. It contains insightful descriptions and background information about many characters and places. Almost like a Tolkien Handbook and Dictionary.

No Graven Image by Elisabeth Elliot - A book written by the wife of Jim Elliot, a martyr for Christ. Very interesting yet eye-opening read about the trials and blessings from being on the mission field.

God's Smuggler by Brother Andrew with John and Elizabeth Sherrill -  This has become one of my favorite books. It gives a detailed account on how one missionary reached hundreds of people with the Gospel behind the Iron Curtain of Soviet Russia.

More Stories from Grandma's Attic/Treasures from Grandma by Arleta Richardson - I just finished reading this series to my little sister. She loved them as much as I did! 

The Boxcar Children: Mystery on the Ice by Gertrude Chandler Warner - Honestly, these are some of my oldest and dearest friends. These books are so worn from numerous visits in the past as well as present.

Pippi Longstocking by Astrid Lindgren -  A fun, spunky redhead with a very active imagination and a teensy case of sometimes-not-telling-the-truth-itis. 

My America: As Far As I Can See, Meg's Diary by Kate McMullan - I love delving into the past and its adventures, so it isn't unexpected that I love most of the Dear America series.

Black Beauty by Anna Sewell - A classic tale of  friendship, tragedy, and heroism through the eyes of a black stallion. This is another favorite shared by all six of us siblings.

Derwood Inc. by Jeri Massi - Also one of my favorites. You can tell by the hot chocolate stain on page 236. :) 

Return to the Island by Gloria Whelan - A story about a young girl from Mackinac Island. I first read these a few years ago and loved them. (Little pet-peeve of mine: Mackinac is pronounced MACK-in-aw.)

The Borrowers/The Borrowers Aloft by Mary Norton -  Little people living under the floorboards of a country house. Who wouldn't like it?

The Fairy's Return and Other Princess Tales by Gail Carson Levine - A different perspective on common fairy tales. From Princess and the Pea to Cinderella, these stories are full of twists and laughs.

Charlie by Gloria Repp - Part of a trilogy on the adventures of an arctic missionary. Sled dogs, mukluks, and daring adventures in the frigid air of Alaska. (Fun Fact: I've always wanted to travel to Alaska!)

Anne of Green Gables/Anne of Avonlea/Anne of The Island by Lucy Maud Montgomery - Probably in my top-ten list of favorites. One of the very few books I almost cried while reading. I also found this awesome mug at a thrift place! 

So there you have it. The first Book Haul: White Way of Delight.  I hope you enjoy these adventures as much as I enjoy them. Comment below on your favorite "white" story books! 

Happy Reading!

"She is too fond of books, and it has turned her brain." --Louisa May Alcott

                                                    Welcome to my corner of the world!

Please sit down, grab your favorite book, and have a cup of tea. Or coffee. Whichever you prefer.
I hope you don't mind interruptions or impromptu visits from dwarves or fairies, for they often stop here for an occasional cake or roll and like to add their bit o' wit to the conversation.

 Anyway, since it's just us right now, I thought I'd introduce myself.

I go by Cherry Joy, and I am a kind-of shy, simple, old-fashioned redhead with a huge imagination. I am the fifth of six siblings, and my hobbies include baking up a storm, reading a new book, or sword-fighting. I have wonderful parents and a loving Heavenly Father. One day I hope to be able to write as well as my sister (who is a self-published author*), or at least be able to finish one of the several stories I have started over the years.

And believe me, "Of which there are several."

                                            Had to get a quote from Mr. Collins somewhere in here ;)

My purpose in this blog is threefold: discuss different books/movies, share some of my favorite recipes, and gain a better knowledge of writing strategies and literary tactics.
Overall, I hope this venture proves itself to be fun and amusing to you. If not...well, let's just hope that does not happen. I will try to post at least once or twice a month, depending on whether Anne or Peter Pan stop by with a fascinating story or bit of gossip.

I hope to make new acquaintances and forge friendships throughout this journey. But if you wish to remain aloof, I might just use you in a story as a character I don't like. Your choice. :)



Ta ta for now!














*Check out my sister's blog: https://asynesthetewriter.wordpress.com/