Saturday, June 29, 2013
Amanda Hocking
Amanda Hocking is a terrific example of how self confidence and perseverance can lead you to achieve your dreams. She is a self published author of young adult paranormal romances, and despite the over saturation of vampire and zombie stories in the world today, she has successfully sold over a million of her nine books. This is almost unheard of from self published authors! She inspires me....what more can I say. To have so much confidence and go it alone like she did is awesome. She deserves our respect. You go girl!
Friday, June 28, 2013
Thursday, June 27, 2013
Wednesday, June 26, 2013
My first blog ever
My young adult novel "The Cat That Went to Homecoming" is being published by Fire and Ice Young Adult Books in February 2014 and I am so exited to share my story with the world. Before I queried publishers and agents, I asked several family members and friends to "edit" my manuscript for me. Their advise and criticisms were greatly appreciated and helped me to get the point I'm at now. A special shout out of thanks to my Mom, Barbara Parrott, my BFF Kathy Schulz, and my good friend and grammar nazi Sharon Hust!
The question I got the most from these "editors" of my work was, "How much of this story is about your life?"
Many of us have experienced bullying in one form or another. I am no stranger to the effects bullying has on a person and how it shapes their lives. I am a 46 year old woman, and I STILL could not get out on the dance floor at my stepson's wedding on May 25th 2013 because I still fear that people will laugh at me. My life long struggle with low self esteem started in grade school and because I never stood up for myself, I never overcame my insecurities.
I had weight issues all of my life, that was the biggest reason my classmates bullied me. It isn't fair to judge a person based on their dress size! I think its wrong for employers to charge people with high BMI's more money for their insurance premiums, and I think the BMI charts are all bogus to begin with!
I underwent gastric bypass surgery in January 2010. I made the decision and went for it and I am a happy and healthy example of gastric bypass success. I had no complications, and lost over 120 pounds. Not everyone who undergoes this surgery has as easy a recovery as I did. To say I "took the easy route" is completely wrong! There was nothing "easy" about it! Despite having lost 120 pounds, I'm still the same person. The dress I wore to my stepson's wedding is the smallest size I've ever worn in my life, but I still couldn't bring myself to dance in front of people.
I'm also a registered AAT handler with Pet Partners. My cat, Bear, and I work with hospice patients. We do other work, such as visiting college students during finals to help "de-stress". I find my work with Bear to be so rewarding and good for my soul.
In answer to the question, "How much of this story is about your life?" I'd have to be honest and say "Parts of it are based on true events". But it's just a story I made up, a work of fiction that I hope will help any young girl who reads it to find their self esteem, to stand up for themselves so that they can one day dance at their child's wedding with no inhibitions.
The question I got the most from these "editors" of my work was, "How much of this story is about your life?"
Many of us have experienced bullying in one form or another. I am no stranger to the effects bullying has on a person and how it shapes their lives. I am a 46 year old woman, and I STILL could not get out on the dance floor at my stepson's wedding on May 25th 2013 because I still fear that people will laugh at me. My life long struggle with low self esteem started in grade school and because I never stood up for myself, I never overcame my insecurities.
I had weight issues all of my life, that was the biggest reason my classmates bullied me. It isn't fair to judge a person based on their dress size! I think its wrong for employers to charge people with high BMI's more money for their insurance premiums, and I think the BMI charts are all bogus to begin with!
I underwent gastric bypass surgery in January 2010. I made the decision and went for it and I am a happy and healthy example of gastric bypass success. I had no complications, and lost over 120 pounds. Not everyone who undergoes this surgery has as easy a recovery as I did. To say I "took the easy route" is completely wrong! There was nothing "easy" about it! Despite having lost 120 pounds, I'm still the same person. The dress I wore to my stepson's wedding is the smallest size I've ever worn in my life, but I still couldn't bring myself to dance in front of people.
I'm also a registered AAT handler with Pet Partners. My cat, Bear, and I work with hospice patients. We do other work, such as visiting college students during finals to help "de-stress". I find my work with Bear to be so rewarding and good for my soul.
In answer to the question, "How much of this story is about your life?" I'd have to be honest and say "Parts of it are based on true events". But it's just a story I made up, a work of fiction that I hope will help any young girl who reads it to find their self esteem, to stand up for themselves so that they can one day dance at their child's wedding with no inhibitions.
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