diyMFA Book Club, Prompt #9: Try a New Technique, Part 4

This was the second week and I thought I failed. Read on and you'll see that I was wrong. Not so much as stuff got in the way, but life got in the way. See my blog post, Prompt # 2 diyMFABook Club. I knew it was coming and had adjusted the goal sheet to accommodate my expected surgery. I thought I'd made adjustments that considered problems, etc. This is where I failed.

My plan for last week was Monday's update. (That was accomplished) But that was the end of that. My INR (blood clotting indicator) came back high (5.9)  in my pre-op bloodwork. A lot happened at once. My biggest worry? My surgery, the surgery I've been needing, wanting, waiting for, since November 2016 was on the chopping block. I had to go in Tuesday for repeat testing. (they couldn't find the order and I was there for what seemed like forever, as they tried to find it or get another.)

After my bloodwork, I had a gastroenterology appointment. The next step in regaining my heath and understanding the changes that are going on in my body. (I was a healthy person until October 2016. Haven't been since)  The doctor requested two tests, an MRI of my abdomen with and without contrast triple phase and a PIPIDA Nuclear Scan with Gallbladder Ejection Fraction (also known as a HIDA Scan). A week later, I'm still waiting for these to be scheduled. (update: both are scheduled next week)

I came home, distraught the pain in my chest was possibly not getting fixed that week and what was I going to do. I'd been suffering from it for so long and losing the chance to eliminate the pain was more than I could handle. I curled up with a book, TruthStone by Mike Shelton and waited. for the results.

Tuesday evening, they called and said the results were safe enough to do the surgery, so it was done. Still, don't know the second results. But that's of no concern. I was looking forward to my needed surgery. The surgery on the other hand...

Pre-op went great. Somewhere between the prep room and the surgical room I was out. I woke from the surgery in great pain. Pain the pain pills didn't help with once their concoction wore off. I couldn't move without extreme pain and as time continued it became difficult to breathe, talk, and eat. I stopped eating and talked as little as possible. Breathing was shallow and worried me because I had pneumonia twice in the past. (Been coughing since removal of the tube, but lungs are clear. [I know this because yesterday I went to the ER, on recommendation of the nurse, based on symptoms])

They tried to get me out of bed, but it was so painful I had to immediately return to the bed. I even tried to use the bathroom during the night. (I was hoping I would be better since it had been more than 12 hours since the surgery) No go. The pain was too much. (I hate using the bedpan)

Thursday morning they talked about sending me home. I told them I refused to go home until they could stop the pain.  When the doctor came by, he said the pain could be from the drainage tube and that would be removed later in the day.

Thursday afternoon, they removed the tube and it was like night and day. I could breathe, move around, and use the bathroom. I was happy to go home. I was tender, but pain meds worked. (Big smile to no pain)

The cyst was not what the doctor expected and he warned me the removal may not end my chest pain as expected. It's too soon to determine. But, pain meds in the past didn't help and right now, they're helping. I have an appointment next week and expect to find out its cancer status. (always have to worry about this as cancer and heart disease are my genectic nemesis)

I did not fail #9 as I first thought. I was able to Write with Focus, Read with Purpose, and Build my Community. I may not have hit specific goals but I did hit each category. I missed the Top Priority goal: Publish Blue Rose. I didn't touch the manuscript last week. My goal this week is to resume Prompt #9 and get back on track. To fight for my reality and push all interference away. Setting goals now, despite the? Pain. Discomfort. Confusion. Desire for normalacy. (normalacy of a 20 year old? 30 year old? 50 year old? my age? Working on that)

This week I will work toward continuing Prompt #9 so I can move onto Prompt # 10 and so on. I'm eager to continue with the diyMFA bookclub, Word Nerds Unite. You can too. It's never too late. This can be done at any time in your writing career but should be done ASAP to keep you from making many of the common mistakes. Want to join 500+ authors on Facebook as we 'Word Nerds Unite' and participate in this challenge? It's never too late. Even after the fact. Click here.  While you're here, check out the live, and not so live, broadcasts.


On your way, please stop by and friend my FaceBook pages Ten Little Gator Eggs, Botanical Aquaponics and Second Chances: Blue Rose


Reading:

Truth Spell, The TruthSeer Archives Book 2 by Mike Shelton

diyMFA by Gabriela Pereira, Jacquelyn Mitchard
Time and Again by Jack Finney

Recently finished:

TruthStone, The TruthSeer Archives Book 1 by Mike Shelton

Strike by D.J. MacHale (this series holds a special place in my heart. The character Tori Sleeper is my daughter.)

 Storm by D.J. MacHale (this series holds a special place in my heart. The character Tori Sleeper is my daughter.)

Sylo by D.J. MacHale (this series holds a special place in my heart. The character Tori Sleeper is my daughter.)
Dark Witch by Nora Roberts

Just Having Fun

The next prompt for the diyMFA Book Club requires me to do, at least, one of the exercises in the "diyMFA" book by Gabriela Pereira and Jacquelyn Mitchard. So today's post is just some fun. (I'm not procrastinating. I'll have more time later in the week to accomplish prompt 9)

Today, Sunday is a bit of a sad day. I started the second week of my return home after living in North Carolina for the past, almost, four years. No, this isn't the sad part. The sad part is taking my husband to Miami International so he could fly to Atlanta and take a five-day class for work and then return to an empty home. The house is big and lonely. Three dogs, two cats, Betta fish, and a pico saltwater tank don't make up for my husband, or children.

Our oldest is married. Doesn't live far, but doesn't live with us either. Our second oldest is married and lives across the country. Our third oldest just moved out of the house this month. And our fourth and fifth oldest, (guess that makes them the youngest) are still in North Carolina living with Grandma.

I returned home, crying, changed into my Sunday best, and attended church. It was uplifting and felt great to be among friends. Alas, I had to return home. I started a fire in the pit and text our oldest letting her know I'd be cooking dinner and she and her husband were more than welcome to join.

I chopped up what was left of a butternut squash and three baking potatoes and cooked them in my favorite pan, with olive oil, over the hot coals of the fire.

When our daughter called to let me know they were on the way, I put the smoked brats on.

When they left, our son said he was on his way to visit. So I made homemade brownies. In my favorite pan. And we ate them with vanilla bean ice cream. All in all, not a horrible day. Just a sad one.

Now I'm sitting outside next to the pit and enjoying the smokey smell and the glow of the final log. I'm tempted to put another log on the fire, put out the dog, and bring in the cat, but it's getting late and I have a full day tomorrow.

Actually, a full week. I need to:

• continue my scripture study (The Old Testament and The Book of Mormon)
• format three chapters of my work-in-progress (they were edited Thursday)
• clean the house
• start on the yardwork
• plant my garden
• take my medical tests (MRI, Mammogram, Cardiac Pet)
• and take care of our pet needs

What are you doing this week?

Don't forget to add going to and friending  Ten Little Gator Eggs, Botanical Aquaponics and Second Chances: Blue Rose

Presently reading:

diyMFA by Gabriela Pereira, Jacquelyn Mitchard
Time and Again by Jack Finney

Storm by D.J. MacHale (this series holds a special place in my heart. The character Tori Sleeper is my daughter.)

Recently finished:

Sylo by D.J. MacHale (this series holds a special place in my heart. The character Tori Sleeper is my daughter.)

Dark Witch by Nora Roberts
It Cannoli Be Murder by Karoline Barrett
Conquering Hope by Kionne L. McGhee
The Host by Stephanie Meyer

diyMFA Book Club, Prompt #8: What's your favorite story type?

The first thing I did with this question was to find out what was meant by story type. The authors of "diyMFA," Gabriela Pereira and Jacquelyn Mitchard give us some ideas in chapter 11 of their book. The authors believe a story is about power or conflict with three choices/options for the struggle:

• The protagonist confronts an antagonist with more power-underdog story (even if only portrayed as such)
• rags-to-riches story
• pygmalion-type story
• The protagonist confronts an antagonist of equal power-this type always pits the protagonist against another character (who may not, necessarily, be evil but does cause conflict)
• The protagonist confronts himself-not a novel length story in itself, but an important part

For more detailed information about story type, read chapter 11 in the diyMFA by Gabriela Pereira, Jacquelyn Mitchard.

When I'm in the mood to read just for reading sake, I tend to turn to the underdog story. Most often it's the millionth time I've read that book. I know the story, it's an easy read, and the best part is I learn something new. About the characters, the situation, or pick up something about how it is written. (When I realize this, I pray it's not because I have Alzheimer's)

So now I have another question to answer with this prompt:

What kind of conflict or power play is at work in your current work-in-progress?

Blue Rose, a Second Chances novel is the second type--the protagonist confronts an antagonist of equal power with a little bit of the third type--the protagonist confronts herself.

Kate, the protagonist in Blue Rose, is madly in love with her husband and is bonded to Theodore, an alien from the planet Autocritas. Kate struggles to remain faithful to her husband despite her desire for Theodore through the bond. She agrees to take a short trip in his spaceship, a life-long dream, and fights within herself to keep her marital vows. This internal struggle creates conflict between her and Theodore. This is the third story type.

The second story type is evident from the first moment Kate realizes Theodore is present. Thinking her love for her husband will continue to protect her from the bond, Kate agrees to leave Earth with Theodore. This part of Blue Rose, the protagonist confronts an antagonist of equal power and covers the "hate to love" romance.

Want to join us 500+ authors on Facebook as we 'Word Nerds Unite' and participate in this challenge? It's never too late. Even after the fact. Click here.  While you're here, check out the live, and not so live, broadcasts.

Don't forget to stop by "Ten Little Gator Eggs" and Botanical Aquaponics on your way.

  

Presently reading:

diyMFA by Gabriela Pereira, Jacquelyn Mitchard
Time and Again by Jack Finney

Storm by D.J. MacHale (this series holds a special place in my heart. The character Tori Sleeper is my daughter.)

Recently finished:

Sylo by D.J. MacHale (this series holds a special place in my heart. The character Tori Sleeper is my daughter.)

Dark Witch by Nora Roberts
It Cannoli Be Murder by Karoline Barrett
Conquering Hope by Kionne L. McGhee
The Host by Stephanie Meyer


Preparing for thoracic surgery as I learn more medical terms and conditions and learn to live in this aging body. Fighting high cholesterol, 268mg/DL, with Plexus MegaX 1 twice a day or essential oils: 1 drop Cassia Essential Oil and 2 drops Lemongrass Essential Oil in veggie caps twice a day or 2 drops Cassia Essential Oil and 4-5 drops Lemongrass Essential Oil in the veggie caps once a day. (Ensure the essential oil is safe for ingestion. Before injesting, discuss your plans with your Doctor. Cassia Essential oil is a blood thinner and it's use, even in small amounts must be considered against this risk. Cinnamon Bark Oil may be a better choice for those more sensitive to Cassia's blood thinning effects.) Cassia and Lemongrass essential oils can be used, 30 drops (15 drops each if mixing the Cassia and Lemongrass oils) mixed with an ounce of a carrier or fractionated oil, such as Fractionated Coconut Oil and rubbed into belly twice a day before a significant meal. Rub in a clockwise motion. This helps with digestion and circulation. (Never apply essential oils directly on the skin. For those with sensitivities, apply in a small test area before applying to the belly.)

MRI, Cardiac Pet, and thoracic surgery scheduled.Now to get everything accomplished in the next three weeks.

diyMFA Book Club, Prompt #7: What's your favorite supporting character archetype and why?

The first thing that needs to be discussed here is what general characteristics make up a character archetypes. The authors of "diyMFA," Gabriela Pereira and Jacquelyn Mitchard give us some ideas in chapter 8 of their book:

• The Protagonist-the most important character, of whom, the story centers around. The author's said, "Without one you don't have a story, just a newsreel or series of facts. (So true. I once read a book I wondered why it was published. I felt like the author took a piece of time and wrote what happened. I could not connect with any of the characters.)
• Comes as the ordinary Joe or Jane
• or the larger-than-life hero

• The supporting Cast
• The Villain/Antagonist-the character that does evil things, but believes his actions are justified.
• The Love Interest-can be part of the central conflict of the story or a subplot.
• The BFF or Sidekick-complement the protagonist's strengths and makes up for his weeknesses.
• The Mentor-imparts wisdom and advice to the character.
• The Fool-often the voice of reason in the story. 

For more detailed information about character archetypes, read chapter 8 in the diyMFA by Gabriela Pereira, Jacquelyn Mitchard.


As a writer, I thoroughly enjoy bringing out my character's good, and bad, sides. I work hard with my character to prevent a goody two shoes. I want them to be their true selves. And, Lord knows, I'm not perfect and not always good. So why should my character be perfect? And not all evil is purely evil. So why not show their good side. And some "evil" is only a character chosing what they think is positive and good. But for whom? This is why I must say my favorite supporting character archetype is the villain.

I love looking for, and finding, the good in people. I'm slow to look beyond what's in front of me, but I will eventually find the sunshine. The same goes for character archetype. I'm slow to add the balancing characteristics, but will eventually balance out my characters.

To help me do these I have a questionaire I go through as I create each character. I also have the reference book, "45 Master Characters Mythic Models for Creating Original Characters" by Victoria Lynn Schmidt. 

Now I ask you, what's your favorite supporting character archetype? Why?

Want to join us 500+ authors on Facebook as we 'Word Nerds Unite' and participate in this challenge? It's never too late. Even after the fact. Click here.  While you're here, check out the live, and not so live, broadcasts.

Don't forget to stop by "Ten Little Gator Eggs" and Botanical Aquaponics on your way.

  

Presently reading:

diyMFA by Gabriela Pereira, Jacquelyn Mitchard
Time and Again by Jack Finney

Sylo by D.J. MacHale (this series holds a special place in my heart. The character Tori Sleeper is my daughter.)

Recently finished:

Dark Witch by Nora Roberts
It Cannoli Be Murder by Karoline Barrett
Conquering Hope by Kionne L. McGhee
The Host by Stephanie Meyer
Prophecy of the Dragon by Mike Shelton (waiting for his next book)




Preparing for thoracic surgery as I learn more medical terms and conditions and learn to live in this aging body. Fighting high cholesterol, 268mg/DL, with Plexus MegaX 1 twice a day and essential oils: 1 drop Cassia Essential Oil and 2 drops Lemongrass Essential Oil in veggie caps twice a day or 2 drops Cassia Essential Oil and 4-5 drops Lemongrass Essential Oil in the veggie caps once a day. (Ensure the essential oil is safe for ingestion. Before injesting, discuss your plans with your Doctor. These oils can be used, 30 drops (15 drops each if mixing the Cassia and Lemongrass oils) mixed with an ounce of a carrier or fractionated oil, such as Fractionated Coconut Oil and rubbed into belly twice a day before a significant meal. Rub in a clockwise motion. This helps with digestion and circulation. (Never apply essential oils directly on the skin. For those with sensitivities, apply in a small test area before applying to the belly.)

Scheduling an MRI and a Cardiac Pet. Three days in a row and still fighting the, "I sent it to them yesterday," syndrome and the, "I'll call you back." (Just don't want the surgery pushed back due to the difficulty getting the needed tests done. Was supposed to have the surgery last June 2017, and the doctor decided to postpone it for a year. Seven months later, the cyst doubled in size, so the surgery is, once again, on.)