http://hubpages.com/hub/Remember-the-Time-Thirty-Days-of-memoriesmaybe-more-Day-8?doneI have discovered that to write and to write well, it's necessary to have experienced many adventures along life's way. I've often been asked what parts of my novel Moon Dance are fact and what parts fiction. I usually just smile and offer, "It's partly truth and partly fiction, and I'm not tellin' which is which." I like to keep a few secrets to myself. The historical setting and certain public incidents did actually take place, although I did use creative license as I wrote. I wanted the storyline to flow smoothly and the characters to become real to the reader. I'm now working on the sequel to Moon Dance, and I really can't say when it will be completed. I would love to have it finished already, but in writing historical fiction I also need to make sure I've used both primary and secondary resources to create a realistic presence within a work of fiction. This takes a lot of time and I often get lost in the research itself because I find it so intriguing. I am working hard and would love to have it through the publishing process by sometime next summer. It took between two and a half to three years to research, write, and complete the publishing process of Moon Dance.
Many of my readers have told me the characters in Moon Dance are so realistic, and they truly feel as if they know them personally. Many readers have commented on the depth of emotions the book's characters portray, and one reader even asked how I could create such an intense feeling of romance and passion without including the "graphic" scenes found in so many romance novels. Moon Dance is a romance, it's full of all the strong emotions that one goes through when they fall in love. It is also a story of struggle, faith, family, and of working together for the benefit of all. It is a Christian historical romance that reaches out and touches the depths of our souls. At least, I hope to create this experience in all my readers.
The title of this hub, Memory Makers, came to me at my book signing today at Borders Books. I love to meet all the new wonderful people who come into bookstores, as well as share time with friends who drop by to lend me support as I "move on" in this new and exciting journey. Today's "Memory Maker" came about as I talked with numerous folks who dropped by my little table to browse through the pages of Moon Dance, ask questions about the book, or to purchase their own copy. I talked about Moon Dance, the setting and the characters, as well as offered little historical facts that can be found within it's pages. This sparked memories within the readers' hearts as well, and they shared their memories of people, places, and times with me. I always cherish these moments whether the person purchases a copy of my novel or not. It is the personal interaction, the recollection of memories, and sharing between two souls that tells us all we matter, we are all the same, and we all have a story to tell.
It is not often we have the opportunity to share our own inner being with complete strangers. Although when you open the door to "memories", a kind of magic happens. No longer are you strangers; you have become friends.
Blessings,
Susan
on August 16, 2010 on 5:54 am
Beautiful article Susan! I can tell by the WORDS of your article that you are a very caring Author, Teacher and Person. You are so right about the impact that words have. Everything we perceive and think about can have either a negative or postive affect. It is wonderful that you are wanting to bring out pleasant emotions. As people we are challenged daily on to how we react to various situations….either positively or negatively .Your kindness allows your readers as well as your pupils to take the high road and receive healthy ,positive and enlightening messages.This will have a profound impact on their day! Thanks for sharing!
on August 16, 2010 on 7:05 am
Thanks Lorraine…your WORDS of encouragement and support mean a lot to me and I’m sure Susan feels the same!
on August 16, 2010 on 9:17 pm
Thank you Lorraine! I’m a little late checking in today as this was my first day back at work, and the students come back next week. I pray that I will make a positive impact in the lives of my students and that my words will encourage rather than discourage them in their future pursuits.
Susan
on August 16, 2010 on 8:35 am
Thank you Susan, for sharing your deep feelings about “words”! I agree with you about the importance of words and how careful we must be especially around young people! I recall many times as a young girl feeling inadequate and insecure because of harsh words spoken so I can certainly relate. I loved the way you started this blog and how comforting you felt in your home as the rain was falling and I hope you enjoy my poem “Rain” which I will be sending to Dolores in the near future!
on August 16, 2010 on 8:45 am
Thank you Shirley for your positive comments. It is so true about the power of “words” and the lasting impression they can have on us both as children and even as adults. I look forward to receiving your poem “Rain”. I imagine it will be as comforting as its title.
on August 16, 2010 on 9:35 pm
Hi Shirley, Thank you so much for sharing your thoughts with me. It touches my heart that my words can evoke memories in others hearts. I appreciate your kind words and support, and I really look forward to reading your poem “Rain”.
susan
on August 16, 2010 on 9:22 am
Thank you Susan for your thought provoking article on words. I’m sure many of your students will blossom and move on in life with confidence because of your careful usage of words.
The Lord bless you
on August 16, 2010 on 9:39 pm
Thank you, Mary! I feel very blessed to have this opportunity to share my thoughts with y’all. And I do pray that I can and do touch lives in a positive way every day.
Susan
on August 16, 2010 on 11:08 am
Wonderful article. You are right. Words can be the sweetest sound there is or cause the deepest wounds. We must be very careful how they are used as they often can’t be taken back. Thanks.
on August 16, 2010 on 9:43 pm
Thank you Fred! I agree completely with you. I wrote a little blurb years ago that has stuck with me all these years and I try to remember and follow my own “advice” as I walk into the classroom or anywhere actually. I’ll share it here… hopefully it makes sense to others… “Guard carefully the words you speak, other ears may truly seek compassion from you, and then find a shallow soul dwelling within your mind.”
Susan
on August 16, 2010 on 1:55 pm
Excellent, Susan. I see you and I have much in common. I, too, earn my living as a teacher, and my passions are reading and writing. I write from my heart and soul. Blessings to you and yours and thanks for sharing such a heartfelt piece. Barb
on August 16, 2010 on 9:51 pm
Thank you Barbara! It sounds like we do have a lot in common, and I truly appreciate your kind words. As this new school year begins, I hope you have a truly blessed year.
Susan
on August 16, 2010 on 2:53 pm
I agree…Excellent article- words have the pwer to hurt or heal. It is our choice to use them lovingly!
on August 16, 2010 on 9:55 pm
Thank you, Barb! I agree that it is our choice each and every day to use the power of words in a positive, loving way or in a way that is detrimental to others and ourselves. Today I feel very blessed by all the words of kindness I have received from all of you!
Susan
on August 16, 2010 on 5:56 pm
Thank you Mary, Barbara, Barb, and of course you too Fred, for stopping by and reading Susan’s post and for leaving such supportive and positive comments!
on August 16, 2010 on 6:37 pm
Susan,
Your article is right on. I know in my educational career, I had teachers that were dismissive and teachers that were encouraging. The years that I had an encouraging teacher my scores, my self esteem , my curiousity etc. just sored.
There were some cutting words from some adults in my life, that still haunt me, that I still battle. It is just amazing how powerful adult voices are to kids. Kids, especially little ones, so just want to be please. I just spent a couple of weeks with a few little kids and they were so thrilled everytime I noticed something of fussed about something… it was awesome to see.
great article … very thought provoking …..
I’m so glad you are one of the teachers that invests today in the way your voice will sound in the future. It definitely will become part of your students self talk… good for you!
on August 16, 2010 on 10:06 pm
Thank you hope_rising! It is very hard to heal from harsh words. As you have, I have struggled in childhood and in my adult life to overcome the “cutting” words. It isn’t an easy task, and I know there will be some that will haunt me all my life. I am very grateful to all the teachers, friends, and family in my life that have encouraged me. I am also feeling very encouraged by all the kind words I have received here today! I’ll leave you with another little blurb… not quite poetry and not really prose, just a thought I wrote long ago… ” Sometimes when you least expect it your life is touched by kindness… don’t be afraid to reach out and absorb the warmth… for if you do, then your life may touch someone else with kindness, too.” Have a blessed evening!
Susan
on August 16, 2010 on 6:51 pm
Hurray for the new (and working) blog button! It looks awesome! : )
on August 16, 2010 on 10:07 pm
It’s a really cool button!
Susan
on August 16, 2010 on 9:08 pm
Thank you all for your caring comments. It is a true blessing to me to read each of your thoughts regarding my “Words”. I greatly appreciate each one of you and offer a huge thank you to Dolores for giving me this opportunity to share this article with you all.
Blessings Always,
Susan