My Journey with MS week #2

I have to say this week has been rough... to say the least. I'm back in the full swing of writing, editing, formatting, promoting, blogging, insta-twitter-facebooking (I made that word up! Yes, you can use it and you are welcome, lol), making graphics, networking with other authors, doing the mommy and wife thing, plus getting ready for Christmas. Whoo! I'm tired again just thinking about all I've done! And I've done it all while dealing with this bitch they call MS!!

Everyday is a struggle. I know that I need to rest, but I also don't want to disappoint you guys again. So, my happy medium is to work from bed most of the day, and when I feel a bit stronger I head downstairs (most of the time sliding on my ample bum) to take care of things that need to be done there. I'm quite proud of myself. I refuse to give up. My resolve is an inherited trait from my parents, and I'm embracing it. But I have to say, I'm one of the lucky ones. When I went to see my neurologist for the first time, my husband went with me of course. As I sat in the waiting room trying desperately to hand write legibly all of my medical information on the forms, my phone rang and the waiting room door opened. My dad was calling and Bryce's mom walked in the waiting room... both just wanting me to know that I had their support no matter what. The doctor told me that lots of MS patients don't have the network of family, friends, love, and support that I do. 

That's the moment that I knew, I would make it. It's a hard road to endure and not one that I willingly signed up for, but I'll take on the burden and instead of looking at my glass half empty, I smile to myself and say, "I say, looky there... I have a glass full of love, sunshine, and smiles!" Yeah, I'm gonna make it.

MS is such a debilitating disease, and I haven't told you guys EVERYTHING that it's done to me because it's personal. I've been asked if I would write a book about my journey and struggles. Maybe. I never say never, but right now I'm just happy decorating for Christmas, baking, writing again, talking to friends and family and just flat out living life. I'll be back next week with my weekly update, but until then... I think the graphic below pretty much sums it up!

Tune in next Saturday to see what adventures MS takes us on! LOL!

As always, until next time...

What's on the agenda, Kymberlee?

Hey everyone! Just keeping you guys in the loop :) I've been in the batcave writing, editing and working on graphics. My PA, Jeni has been super busy for me getting things ready for the Zomtoberfest and the annual Four Horsemen Spooktacular! Wait until you guys see the prizes <3 Head over to my fanpage to join the events <3

As always, until next time...

Narratives. What's the big deal?

Narratives. 

That tiny word can evoke fear from writers and readers, alike. And, I am no exception to that fear. 

Recently, I embarked on a joint writing endeavor with fellow authors, Jennifer Malone Wright and Willow Cross entitled Beary Tales. After countless hours of discussion, mapping and planning-- we decided that this particular story needed to be told from a third person omniscient point of view. 

Naturally... I freaked. Yes, I know I said we agreed this P.O.V. was necessary for the story, but it was also my very first time writing in that P.O.V. and all of my fears bubbled up to the surface. 

I guess maybe I should backtrack a little first... some of you out there might not understand the subtle and not so subtle differences in P.O.V.'s. 

I'm going to give you a shortcut to the definitions of all them. :) On Grossmont College's edu site, Creative Writing Instructor, Karl Sherlock posted THIS article explaining them. Take a few minutes and peruse that piece and then come back here.

Back? Awesome! Okay, now allow me to tell you why I freaked. Typically I write in a first person subjective/limited point of view. And, always in a past tense. Which means I write from one characters point of view-- what he/she feels sees, experiences, thinks, and smells is how my story is told. At the time that I'm writing that story... I AM that character. For me, it lends to the credibility of my story, the character's story. It also allows the reader to connect with our main hero/heroine because the main character is talking to the reader like a friend would speak to them. 

When you write a story from a third person point of view, the narrator is an all seeing God of sorts. The narrator tells us the story-- our narrator tells us what each character feels, sees, hears, smells and experiences... but also... their own observations as well. For me it's harder to connect with our m/c(s) and if not done properly, it's confusing as hell!

Personally, I also have a difficult time connecting with characters that are written in the present tense (I pick up the..., I look at the..., etc). THIS is an awesome article on the pros and cons of past/present tense writing. I found it extremely helpful and you may also.

Willow, Jenn and I are well into our story now, and I've learned so many helpful tips, tricks and methodologies in writing third person from them. I will be forever grateful. Because of this, I've expanded my writing abilities and have grown as an author. And, that's what all of us strive for, right? :) Feel free to post a comment about your favorite narrative and why in the section below!

Don't forget you can also follow me on these sites:

Website

Facebook

Twitter

Goodreads

Amazon

As always, until next time...