Sunday, April 17, 2011

Writing Prompts: Finish this sentence: The best part about writing fiction is...

I found a great site for writing prompts.  They actually sort of train writers to do freelance and get them prepped up for the big world of professional writing.  It is called the Writer’s Digest.

They give advice, writing prompts, tips and sites where they can apply as a writer.  They posts conferences and events that can help writers and build a community.  You can subscribe to their free e-newsletter to get an inside scoop about the newest and most updated trends in professional writing world.

By the way, this is one of the writing prompts posted. 


The best part about writing fiction is:
-         I write so much about a make belief story that I know could happen to me.
-         I can write any characters and make as many of them as I want.
-         I can write a scene from an unknown universe and uncharted territories that I can explore.
-         I can let my imagination go wild.  I can be a cowgirl, a doctor, an actress, an astronaut, a hunter and an adventurer in a wild goose chase. Yup! I can be anyone.
-         I can even project a really, really powerful supernatural power where I can go places I haven’t been.  I can be anywhere and yet still be at the same place at the same time.
-         I can always do the best ending I can ever imagine.


As much as I love fiction, I think I’ll stick with the non-fiction for now. :)

Thursday, April 7, 2011

Day 31: Epilogue: Write a letter to yourself

Dear Bebekoh,

Congratulations for sticking up with your writing. You have finally finished one. Keep it up.

Now that you have finished DanaCreative, you can start pursuing other topics. Keep in mind that what you are doing is to make yourself better in writing and also, to express your gratitude to God through writing. I know that you want to earn through writing and your time will come. Keep trying, keep writing.

God is always with you, every step of the way. Do not doubt yourself. When the trials come, always look upon the Lord and know that He will always be with you. There is nothing you can fear. You can make it all the way. You can succeed.

-       Try to share. What you have is from God. It is only fitting that you share. Remember what Mark Twain said:  "Keep away from those who try to belittle your ambitions. Small people always do that, but the really great ones make you believe that you, too, can become great."

-       Strive to do your best always.
“Whatever you do, work it with all of your heart as working for the Lord, not for men because you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward.  It is the Lord God you are serving.” – Colossians 3:23-24

-       Appreciate what you have and know that God will provide.
“For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." - Jeremiah 29:11

In everything that you do, always remember the Lord. Give praise and glorify Him. He will always be there wherever you are. Stay strong.

Love,
Bebekoh

Wednesday, April 6, 2011

Day 30: Someone in your family that mean so much to you

I do not want to be unfair but everyone in my family means so much to me. We are not expressive. We are not the touchy-feeling type of family but I am okay with that.

I come from a family of 5 composed of my parents and my 2 other siblings, a brother and a sister. You may say we are not close, but I know that when things get worse, I can rely on them. They will help me out, although, I do not want to be in trouble.

Among all of them, I would consider myself close to my mom. There are times where I just want to strangle her because she is getting on my nerves and I know that sometimes she feels that way towards me too. My dad was not around growing up but now we have a chance to be together, working together. I do not like the mushy moments though, but my dad is so sweet, even if I do not like it. Again, at the end of the day, we are family and we will stay that way forever.

My sister and I tend to be competitive. People tend to compare us. I sometimes feel that they favor her more than me. As we grow older, people, especially our relatives, tend to favor me more than her. I do not know why. Same with my brother, but sibling rivalry were never expressed with me and my brother.

I feel that regardless what people may think of us individually, who they tend to favor more or fond of more, it is still us. We are still family and we are stuck with each other. Every family has screw ups.

Right now, I can honestly say that I all of them mean so much to me.

Tuesday, April 5, 2011

Day 29: What WAS your biggest dream in life? (you wanted to do as a kid but no longer can)

I was always fascinated with reporters. I admire that they can execute factual information and that they get to be on TV. I already brushed the idea of becoming an actress. I know I am not that pretty, but who knows. LOL!  Still hoping.

I like that I get to be on TV even if it is just to convey something. I wanted to be popular. I tried to take Journalism as a major. That was before I graduated high school. I could have gotten the opportunity but I guess God wants me to take another course.

We are not that rich so I know that taking Journalism in a prestigious school is burdensome for my parents, especially with two more children who are also studying. So I ended up taking up business.

I did not regret taking up business. In fact, I enjoyed it. I like my classmates who are now my life-long friends, and still are. Besides, I realize that I can still do journalism, but not broadcast journalism. LOL!

I know now that Journalism does not have to be just on TV. The life of a broadcaster, reporter, and other shows are in their writers. So maybe, if my writing is impeccable and up to their standard, I may land a job on TV as a writer, researcher, editor, etc.

My dreams are just diverted. It became broader but it still directs me to my ultimate goal, which is to continually make myself better and write. I love writing and I see myself being a writer. I know, when time comes, I will become a professional writer, with God’s help , of course. :)

Monday, April 4, 2011

Day 28: What is your biggest dream in life? (What one great thing do you want to accomplish?)

I guess my biggest dream is to be rich. LOL! I mean, who does not want to be rich, being able to afford pretty much everything you like, travel around the world, and open a lot of opportunities.

There are so many things you can do but being rich kind of distracts you from what God wants you to do. I do not feel that it is bad to have something, pamper yourself once in a while, explore and travel. But I think if becoming rich has become your priority, then it becomes a problem.

Another ultimate dream I have is to work at home. I know! It is not easy. It sounds simple. But it is not easy. I like the idea that I get do still make a living even while at home. I do not want to commute everyday because it is stressful. I still get to be with friends and family, especially if I managed it properly, and I go to work even on house clothes.

I just want to support myself and my family while being with them. I know that working in an office setting also helps you and your family but I chose to be working at home, where for me, is quiet.

That is probably the reason why I like to write. I like the idea that I do something I am passionate about and make a living out of it. Again, I still have to establish myself as a professional writer but I am working on it. I know with God’s help, it will all fall into place. :)

Sunday, April 3, 2011

Day 27: What is your vocation? (Why are you here on earth?)

I am still trying to figure out what is my purpose. I know that it has something to do with glorifying God, but how? I still have to figure that out. But until then, I am still working on glorifying God in my own way.

I guess all of us have that purpose, to spread the word of God, to have a deep relationship with Him and to worship Him with all our heart. We all have purpose. At the moment, I see myself helping out my parents, be actively involved in church and work.

Oh yes. I know that God gives blessings and provisions but it does not mean, we have to be in our bums and just wait for his blessings. It may apply to others who give their lives to the Lord but for us, we still need to work. Everything that we have, we must earn. God does not want us to be lazy. That is my opinion.

But for those who do his work, He always extends his providence. He will provide for them. I always complain how we do not have much money. But now, I realize everything we have is a blessing.

God gave us strength and health. We do not have any major diseases or illnesses, which is a blessing from the Lord, a real blessing. Health is wealth indeed. We always have food to eat and even more than we can have. We have jobs. I have traveled. It is a blessing. I am not saying others are not blessed but for me, these experiences are from the Lord and He is continually gives us His blessings and I love that He does that for us.

It is only fitting that my purpose is to continually serve the Lord to the best of my ability and to be able to be faithful to Him, and always seek for His wisdom. After all, He had always provided for us and have kept us safe.

Saturday, April 2, 2011

Day 26: How do you handle / deal with both success and failure

Honestly, I do not know how to handle success and failure. I can only imagine being successful but I am not there yet.

As for failures, I have my share. I often try to forget my failures thinking it will go away. In the end, I should be thinking about the lessons from each failure, not the failure itself. Failures are part of life. Without it, we will not grow.

As for successes, I can only wish I am there. I do not consider myself successful yet. Success for me comes in achieving, for now, my immediate long term goal, and I have not achieved it yet.

My goal is to have my own business, write professionally, travel and have my own home.

-       I tried setting up a business, done it, not as successful as I want it but loved it and want to do it again.
-       Write professionally, I am currently writing in my blogs and in a couple of online writing sites. Maybe I should take more time into writing if I really want to do it professionally… lol! J).
-       Travel. Not traveled far yet. But I did. And I can say it is awesome.
-       Have my own home. This I think is the most difficult. I am currently deciding whether to buy a home or migrate. Right now, the option weighs more on the migration.

I may not know how to handle success and failures but in everything, I acknowledge the Lord. He gave the success to me and so are the failures. He can help me achieve my goals and lead me to where He wants me to go.

For He said:

“For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." - Jeremiah 29:11

Friday, April 1, 2011

Day 25: Discuss something you planned that ended up not being what you expected

Something I planned that turned out not what I have expected… hmmm.

I guess my trips to Singapore and Thailand. I thought I need to have substantial amount of money to travel. I always see that going to another place would need money, money, and what else… oh right, money! Lol!

Before the trip, I had a lot of goosebumps. Being a planner that I am, I do not want anything to get screwed. I know that God will provide and God will be there with me but it is hard not to worry. I am going to be there on my own. I wondered what will happen to me. Carpe diem (seize the day!)

Singapore is an expensive city but I got around the city pretty much okay. I do not need to have substantial amount of money, but at least enough for me to get by. I made new friends and they actually accepted me and let me stayed in their home. Of course, in return for a favor, I gave them something.

Everything was well-thought of in Thailand. I organized everything online including my accommodation. Someone had managed to meet me in the airport so I do not need to worry about how I can get to the accommodation.  Thais do not speak English well. That is why there is a great need of English teachers who are also Native English speaker.

My plans did not turn out exactly as I expect them. I try to lower my expectations and let things flow. I had great fun without costing much. It is all in a matter of budgeting and just letting things fall into place. After all, God is in control. I loved what He gave me.