In this section I share some of my personal thoughts and feelings drawn from a variety of life experiences that inspired me to write about them. These experiences often indirectly shape my writing style and subject matter but don’t necessarily apply to the act of writing.
If you woke up this morning,
And you are feeling blue
Don’t give up!
If the day is really gloomy,
And there is nothing you can do
Don’t give up!
If your car is overheating,
And your service overdue
Don’t give up!
If your boss pouts when you are late,
And finds a mistake or two
Please, please Don’t give up
The best will come to you
WHAT IS A RED HERRING?
A red herring is a misleading statement, question, or argument meant to redirect a conversation away from its original topic.
Authors use this form to keep readers in suspense while writing a mystery. In the Hound of the Baskervilles, the obvious suspect is the butler. One of the important clues is the murderer has a beard as does the butler.
In “The DaVinci Code”, Bishop Aringarosa is the red herring. The author implies that the bishop is the mastermind behind the plot of the book, and readers suspect him the entire time.
You can use the red herring technique when writing in any genre. It is useful in political debates, where one candidate changes the topic to distract the opponent. It is successful in advertisements to convince the reader to purchase the product. It is the choice of defense lawyers to draw attention away from the main point. Using misleading techniques can create continual suspense for the reader, until the last page.
In all of these instances, the red herring is a misleading, false clue, aiming to draw the attention of the reader away from the current point of view that is the main plot of the story. This information is available on- line if you want more examples of the technique. Try it! Paula
Did you know that the New York Unions, launched “Labor Day” in the year 1882?…Why?
At that time, working conditions were not good. Manual labor was hard on the working class, having to press on for hours and hours. Even children, who were part of the workforce, were required to labor, twelve hours per day, six days a week.
The Unions wanted to celebrate all working members for their dedication, and decided to sponsor a PARADE TO HONOR THEM.
It was not until 1887 when Labor Day was made a Federal Holiday, giving every worker the day off. From that time forward, we Americans, observe Labor Day on the first Monday in September, of each year.
In September of this year (2022), we will observe Labor Day on September 5th to honor, and recognize the contributions of all laborers.
Unfortunately, September 5th is considered, by most, the last day of summer. However, it is still over 80 degrees, and some of us (me included) may try to enjoy Labor Day on the beach or in the pool. Then, we will look forward to the Season of Autumn and the falling leaves of red, gold, and brown shades, followed by October’s Halloween trick or treaters. Winter brings Thanksgiving, and delightful; soft snow for skiing, sleighing, and skating.
All our seasons are beautiful, in their own way, but for me, the best holiday of the year comes in December, when all families get together to share their happiness, love and devotion to each other, and their Creator.
ENJOY YOUR DAY OFF- Paula
Please go to page listed as BOOKS, where you will find information on my newest novel, STEERED BY DESTINY.
THIS APOLOGY IS A LONG TIME COMING TO YOU, MY FOLLOWERS. To make up for the delay, I am offering a FREE copy of the Book, when published. Read details on that page. Thanks for your loyalty. Paula
A PRAYER FOR ASPIRING WRITERS Believe in yourself in all you do Deep faith will always see you through Today may be your sunny day Do not give up and run away You may feel sad and dismayed at times When hard work leads to wasted lines Believe in yourself in all you do Trust that success will come to you Paula
The style of writing about public figures using, made-up characters, was defined by French novelist, Madeleine DeScudery, in the Seventeen century. She wanted to write about public figures, so she disguised them with made-up names; and altered personalities. She also altered all actual events by writing events that resembled the original happenings. This style became known as “The Roman a’ Clef,” translated from French meaning, “novel with a key”.
If you are considering writing characters inspired by real people, here are a few helpful tips to avoid anyone recognizing similarities, that may result in a lawsuit.
Good Luck! Paula
DAD We cherish all That you are to us Father, friend, advisor, and confidant There will never be Anyone like you, Who offers love, understanding, courage And strength Because of you, we can accept what challenges life has to offer and believe that every day brings a new opportunity HAPPY FATHER’S DAY! Paula
On May 30 2022, we honor those who gave their lives in protection of the United States of America. Beginning with the Civil War, Americans, young and old, take this day to remember our fallen Heroes in many ways.
Most proudly display the American flag, our token of a free country, to honor the fallen.
Some visit Battlefields, where American soldiers fought and died, and Cemeteries’ place small American flags on every grave.
Many attend Memorial Day parades where veterans march proudly, honoring their comrades.
Families assemble for a moment of silence, before an outdoor gathering, paying tribute to a family member who did not return home.
There are pictures on the walls of our homes, we look at each day, and they are there to remind us of their sacrifices.
Americans, will never forget those we honor today!
Paula
The beginning of Mother’s Day was the project of ANNA JARVIS, who, in 1905; the day her mother died, wanted to honor her, and held a public memorial in Grafton, West Virginia, her mother’s hometown. Ms. Jarvis continued to campaign for an annual holiday, acknowledging parents, and it was first observed nationwide on May 10, 1908. Mother’s Day is always on the second Sunday of May each year, as an acknowledgment of the contributions made by all parents in America.
A little Prose in honor of Mothers:
To MOM:
It is wonderful to know that our family
Is held together by a chain of love
That is so strong it will never be broken
Because you are the Strongest Link
HAPPY MOTHERS’ DAY TO ALL MOMS
PAULA
April Fools’ day, also known at All Fools’ Day is thought to have begun in 1582 when France switched from the Julian Calendar to the Gregorian calendar, and/or in 1563, when the Council of Trent began calling it April Fools’ Day. The English in 1700 started the popular tradition by playing practical jokes on one another. It spread throughout Britain during the 18th century and then to Scotland who made it a two-day celebration.
There are many funny quotes about April Fools’ Day. I thought I would share a few and hope you find them funny also.
“LET US BE THANKFUL FOR THE FOOLS. But for them the rest of us could not succeed:” MARK TWAIN.
“A fool flatters himself; a wise man flatters the fool.” EDWARD G. BULWER-LYTTON
“Fool me once, shame on you, fool me twice, shame on me.” (Chinese Proverb)
“The fool doth think he is wise, but the wise man knows himself a fool.” WILLIAM SHAKESPEARE
“The greatest lesson in life is to know that even fools are right sometimes” WINSTON CHURCHILL.
“The trouble with practical jokes is that very often they get elected.” WILL ROGERS
“Wise men talk because they have something to say; fools talk because they have to say something” PLATO
Happy April Fools’Day, Paula
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