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Jumping Back into the 1980s
One of my favorite parts of writing What Happens Next was jumping back into the 1980s while in Heather’s point of view.
Here are a few of my own memories that came back to me during the writing process:
- Candy low on the shelf of our local grocery store that could be purchased for small coins
- Bikes with banana seats
- Banana clips
- Phone booths
- Frogger
- All the hairspray
- Phones with very long cords
- Recording music off the radio
- Drinking pop from bottles
- Scratch and Sniff stickers
What fun memories do you have from the 80s? Share in the comments.
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Season of Caregiving: Life’s Influence on Fiction
One of my favorite picture with my dad For most of us, there will be a season of caregiving in which we put aside our typical days, weeks, months, or even years to attend to the needs of a loved one. Years ago, when my oldest four children were small, my grandmother moved onto our farm. She was in her nineties and experiencing failing health. That time with her is something I treasure, an honor to have been able to give a little something back to the woman who gave her all for me. But the aging process is not always so beautiful. My father passed away a few years ago after a battle with Parkinson’s, especially struggling with Lewy Body Dementia. The time I was able to spend with him was sometimes sweet and other times, devastating.
When I put a story together, I often think about the struggles you may be facing in your life. I want my words to speak to you in your hard times, to encourage you in your joy, and to help you better understand the trials faced by those around you. It’s because of this, I felt it was important to share a story that evolves around a season of caregiving.
In writing Shaped by the Waves, I drew from my experiences with both my father and my grandmother, then added a mystery for fun. I wanted to share some of the deep blessings that are possible during end-of-life care, while never shying away from the heartbreak and need for support. I chose Parkinson’s Disease because there are so many aspects of this terrible illness I hadn’t expected, the top of those being Lewy Body Dementia.
For my dad, this sometimes meant he was back in the horrifying experience of Vietnam. On other occasions, he suffered from paranoia and hallucinations. It was heartbreaking and I felt like there was nothing I could do to ease the pain. There are so many ways our loved ones can slip away, but when the mind goes before the body, it can feel like you are losing them not once, but twice.
It’s too much to do alone. In Shaped by the Waves, Cassie must learn how to share her burden. For some of us, this is a powerful challenge. And yet, we are not meant to live life alone. We are blessed with community through our friends, churches, and support groups.
Sitting on the other side of my losses, I see the beauty brought into my life by my grandmother and my father, as well as those who stepped up with support during those seasons. And though I still miss them both, I am grateful for the blessings they left with me. We can get stuck worrying about the end, but let’s not forget to celebrate the now with love and laughter.
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Reading Fiction Matters: Four Reasons to Read Novels
In a world bustling with information and non-stop connectivity, the importance of reading fiction often gets overshadowed by the allure of quick fixes and instant gratification. Yet, delving into an imaginary world is not just a leisurely escape; it is a journey that can profoundly impact our minds, emotions, and perspectives.
Empathy:
One of the most compelling reasons to choose fiction is its ability to increase our empathy. Through the characters we encounter and the stories we explore, we step into the shoes of individuals with diverse backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives. Fictional narratives create a bridge that connects us to other human experiences, enabling us to understand and relate to the joys, struggles, and triumphs of others. This is truly why I write about some tough topics.
Cognitive Stimulation:
Reading fiction stimulates our brains in unique ways. As we navigate plots and character arcs, our brain functions are challenged and enhanced. Research suggests that regular engagement with fiction can improve our cognitive flexibility, problem-solving skills, and even emotional intelligence. Think of reading stories as a workout for your brain.
Stress Reduction:
Life can be demanding, and the ability to escape is a gift. Fiction allows us to take a break from the stresses of reality so we can be rejuvenated. No matter the genre, fiction provides a haven where we can temporarily set aside our worries and immerse ourselves in story.
Imagination:
Fiction ignites our imaginations. Stories challenge us to think beyond the confines of our everyday reality. They encourage creativity, innovation, and the ability to envision possibilities that extend beyond the boundaries of the known.
Don’t be fooled. Fiction is not purely for entertainment. Through story we grow into better humans who understand the world and people around us at a deeper level.
Keep reading!
Christina
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Why I Write
My sales might be higher if I wrote stories that didn’t take readers to hard places, but I’d be denying the healing I’ve received in my own journey.
Many of us know what it feels like to be broken. I want my readers to experience the beauty that comes from healing those broken places.
In the last couple of months, I’ve been reminded that personal rejection does not mean I am unlovable. I’m learning to focus my heart on the places I belong and the people who love me even in my brokenness. And this is what drives me to the keyboard.
Reader, you are so loved!
