Wonderful World of Boys - Traveling with Boys

Traveling can be fun, and traveling with boys can be . . . well . . . wonderful, interesting, and fun!!

A few years back, the boys and I took a trip out West to Yellowstone and the Grand Tetons.  The trip was challenging at times, but overall fun.  Our memories of that trip are some of the best because while we may not have appreciated some of things that happened at the time, we can go back and laugh at it all.

Here's some of my favorites:

1. I like watching you sleep.
            (middle child said to youngest - creepy, but funny)
2. I'm not liking this.
           (youngest one to Grandpa while on an uphill bike ride)
3. EEEEE, you ate all my food.
             (me said to Grandpa while jumping up and down)
4. Quit hogging all the covers.
           (sleeping youngest {who had all the covers} to middle              while hitting him)

5. I'm up, I'm up, I'm up.
                       (middle child when hotel alarm clock randomly went off in the middle of the night)
6. Chief Gassy Butt.
                       (middle child's nickname by other two)
7.  Mom, what are you feeding him?
                         (oldest about middle child's excessive gas during first 2 days of trip )
8.  I like listening to you pee.
                          (not sure who started this one, but variation on I like watching you sleep)

The list could go on and on, but what's the point?  Well, for someone writing with boy characters, traveling with boys can be gold!  So next time you take a trip, remember to bring a journal - especially if you are traveling with boys!

Happy Travels.

Write What You Know

I've recently read articles that have actually advised against the ever famous phrase:  write what you know.

Wait, what?
 Why?

Why would anyone tell you not to write about what you know?  Because that advice actually limits a writer's imagination.  Hmm?!





The most recent article I read by Jason Guts can be found at bigthink.com/write-what-you-know-nil-the-most-understood-piece-of-good-advice.

The point of that article was not to draw upon what you know and write about events, but to draw upon what you know and write about feelings.  Good stuff, eh?!  Use your own emotions (or those you have witnessed) and give them to your characters.

 Readers like that stuff, right?!  I know I like a book that can express feelings in a way that come across as real.

So once again, write what you know,  just put a little emotion into it.  I know, I know.  Easier said than done, but it will be worth it!!  Happy Writing and keep it real!