How do you write a story?

I've been asked this many times, how do you write a story? Where and when is the best place to write?  My usual answer to this, there is no one way or best way to do any of this. Every person asked these same questions no doubt will give the same answer.

Each writer is different, the story, genre and purpose for writing in the first place. we have all heard about the writers who spent their time in either a bar or coffee house. Some have to write at night or during the day. These fortunate writers have found what worked for them. Personally I can write any time of the day and pretty much anywhere except crowded places. I don't like to be watched when I'm writing otherwise I'm too busy watching everyone around me.

Some choose busy places because of the interaction they see with others. Some get inspired for their characters this way or are simply there because of the free refills and instead of having to leave their writing they are brought their drinks, one less distraction. If you’re anything like myself, the slightest things distract me. It can be from a sound, my kids, the garbage truck or simply a fly that lands on my monitor. Personally I need the minor distractions. Not the type where someone talks to you for a while, then I lose interest in writing at that time and might get back to it another day. My distractions are little ones like getting my littlest one a drink, getting a meal ready, changing music I play in the background, talking to my cats or dogs. I might be distracted but I'm running the next part of my story through my head and I'm ready to write it down when I get back to my keyboard.

Right now I don't get a lot of time to write because I'm busy working with my company or my family. I squeeze in writing wherever I get the chance. I have been asked, "How can you pick up where you left off after being gone from it for a while?" This for myself is easier. I'm always thinking about stories or running something through my head. I usually know my characters and where I left off with them. I usually leave off somewhere I already know where the next scene is heading or what conversation is going to be said next. This helps me delve back into the story. If you don't know your story well enough to start writing it again after leaving it for a day, then feel free to try another story or re-read the last one you had and maybe you'll be able to start again.

The main point is to find a time and place your comfortable writing. If that means balancing your laptop on your lap while you sit on the couch or chair, sitting at a McDonald's or some bar. Make sure it’s not somewhere you’re wishing you hadn't been. I've even written while in the car or waiting for someone in the mall and then I add that little bit I've written on a pad of paper to my computer. I always back up my information now since I've lost my work so often. I have bits and pieces of it however I've had to piece it together again or just plain re-write it.

I love having some sort of music in the background to listen to. This helps me with certain moods that I know I want to stay in. As far as the original question, "How do you write?" This really could mean anything. I think about the types of stories I like to read, what I would like to see in a book. What interests myself mainly and hope it’s something others will be interested in also. Some will write out an outline, some have general points they want to make or like myself, I simply write as I go. I don’t always know how the story is going to end and I’ve surprised myself with direction changes the characters take. There are times I thought I was going to write about something when I come to know the characters better and I know they would not do or say that action. This changes my writing quite a bit.

I’ve read so many books and I’m used to seeing the format they were printed in. I’ve learned a lot of my writing style simply from the books I’ve read. As I write I correct my work and by the time I’ve finished my first draft, much of my story has already been corrected or smoothed out. Many need to edit after or find they edit too much. If you find you’re an over editor it might be best to edit when you are finished to make sure later your story flows well. Personally it drives me crazy to leave something unfinished or unfixed when I know later in the story or a part I’m at that it won’t make sense.

If you question whether or not you’re writing is any good for others to read? First make sure you are writing because it’s what you enjoy doing. Second, have a friend or someone you trust that will give you an honest answer. Their criticism of your writing can help you work on areas that need more development.

So simply grab a piece of paper, manual typewriter or keyboard. Whatever you prefer to write on and simply jot down a story. Not all stories need a title right away. I’ve found I change my titles many times. If you need more to work on then simply pick two characters, why are they involved with each other or not, pick a place and situation and find out how they handle it. If you’re like me I like to run the story like a movie in my head and then I just sit and write. Mainly find what works for you, every writer is different. And most importantly, have fun with your writing!

Gun control

Whether or for or against there are a few facts about guns, majority of the crimes are committed by those who steal it and if guns were not available for criminal minded or sick individuals they would simply resort to using another from of weapon. Knives, bombs, swords or even forks can be used. It’s not the gun that’s the problem. It’s the sick individual who has chosen to use it in a way that it was not intended.

I personally grew up in a home where there was not a gun. I’ve known friends who grew up with them. We were never allowed to see or know where the guns were unless of course a few that were obvious but then those were locked up so we could not accidently touch or trigger any of them. It thoroughly sickens me that someone would attack and kill innocent children. But then you think, these individuals were incredibly sick and no doubt nowhere near thinking sanely and sadly majority of them are not around to suffer like we are. They tend to take their own lives.

"The laws that forbid the carrying of arms are laws of such a nature. They disarm only those who are neither inclined nor determined to commit crimes.... Such laws make things worse for the assaulted and better for the assailants; they serve rather to encourage than to prevent homicides, for an unarmed man may be attacked with greater confidence than an armed man."

- Thomas Jefferson (quoting 18th century criminologist Cesare Beccaria)~

Responsible gun owners have been able to better protect themselves having one however perhaps there needs to be a better way to make sure no one is able to steal it from them. It’s hard to do this if they are in a situation that requires them to grab it and it’s made too difficult for them.

A friend of mine, Jam Wills, summed this up quite well,

“Of course i am sad and outraged about the murders in CT. I am also sad and outraged when i hear about innocent children being murdered on the south side of Chicago. This is an EVERYDAY occurrence, sometimes twice a day in summer! I hate to bring race into this, but it seems to me that we (including our President) react differently when this happens in a "good/nice" area. ALL children are important and should have the same PROTECTION. Instead of talking about gun control and what to do (Politicians are now planning how many votes they can get by attacking the 2nd Amendment) we should be talking about how and why our society has come to this, HATRED abounding everywhere. Our political system has become so full of hatred for each other, that we the Citizens have also come to hate each other if we do not think exactly alike. We are suspicious of each other and we build walls and become so unreasonable that we cannot even debate without nastiness. We are ALL AMERICANS, whether we are black, white, brown, gay, disabled, old, young, male, female, thin, fat etc etc. We should work together to solve this hatred. Our government wants us at each other's throats; we are controlled and passive this way. When UNITED we are people of love, goodness and kindness. Take back America, start today!”

COLUMBINE STUDENT’S FATHER 12 YEARS LATER !!

Guess our national leaders didn’t expect this. On Thursday, Darrell Scott, the father of Rachel Scott, a victim of the Columbine High School shootings in Littleton, Colorado, was invited to address the House Judiciary Committee’s subcommittee. What he said to our national leaders during this special session of Congress was painfully truthful.

They were not prepared for what he was to say, nor was it received well. It needs to be heard by every parent, every teacher, every politician, every sociologist, every psychologist, and every so-called expert! These courageous words spoken by Darrell Scott are powerful, penetrating, and deeply personal. There is no doubt that God sent this man as a voice crying in the wilderness.. The following is a portion of the transcript:

“Since the dawn of creation there has been both good & evil in the hearts of men and women. We all contain the seeds of kindness or the seeds of violence. The death of my wonderful daughter, Rachel Joy Scott, and the deaths of that heroic teacher, and the other eleven children who died must not be in vain. Their blood cries out for answers.

“The first recorded act of violence was when Cain slew his brother Abel out in the field. The villain was not the club he used.. Neither was it the NCA, the National Club Association. The true killer was Cain, and the reason for the murder could only be found in Cain’s heart.

“In the days that followed the Columbine tragedy, I was amazed at how quickly fingers began to be pointed at groups such as the NRA. I am not a member of the NRA. I am not a hunter. I do not even own a gun. I am not here to represent or defend the NRA - because I don’t believe that they are responsible for my daughter’s death. Therefore I do not believe that they need to be defended. If I believed they had anything to do with Rachel’s murder I would be their strongest opponent

I am here today to declare that Columbine was not just a tragedy — it was a spiritual event that should be forcing us to look at where the real blame lies! Much of the blame lies here in this room. Much of the blame lies behind the pointing fingers of the accusers themselves. I wrote a poem just four nights ago that expresses my feelings best.

Your laws ignore our deepest needs; Your words are empty air. You’ve stripped away our heritage, you’ve outlawed simple prayer. Now gunshots fill our classrooms, and precious children die. You seek for answers everywhere, and ask the question “Why?” You regulate restrictive laws, through legislative creed. And yet you fail to understand, That God is what we need!

“Men and women are three-part beings. We all consist of body, mind, and spirit. When we refuse to acknowledge a third part of our make-up, we create a void that allows evil, prejudice, and hatred to rush in and wreak havoc. Spiritual presences were present within our educational systems for most of our nation’s history. Many of our major colleges began as theological seminaries. This is a historical fact. What has happened to us as a nation? We have refused to honor God, and in so doing, we open the doors to hatred and violence. And when something as terrible as Columbine’s tragedy occurs —politicians immediately look for a scapegoat such as the NRA. They immediately seek to pass more restrictive laws that contribute to erode away our personal and private liberties. We do not need more restrictive laws. Eric and Dylan would not have been stopped by metal detectors. No amount of gun laws can stop someone who spends months planning this type of massacre. The real villain lies within our own hearts.

“As my son Craig lay under that table in the school library and saw his two friends murdered before his very eyes, he did not hesitate to pray in school. I defy any law or politician to deny him that right! I challenge every young person in America, and around the world, to realize that on April 20, 1999, at Columbine High School prayer was brought back to our schools. Do not let the many prayers offered by those students be in vain. Dare to move into the new millennium with a sacred disregard for legislation that violates your God-given right to communicate with Him. To those of you who would point your finger at the NRA — I give to you a sincere challenge.. Dare to examine your own heart before casting the first stone! My daughter’s death will not be in vain! The young people of this country will not allow that to happen!” - Darrell Scott.

Hitler never wanted people to own guns, it make it easier for him to control others. Places raise in crime instead of the intended purpose of lowering it when there are stricter gun restrictions. It's not the type of gun, its the person who is misusing them. personally I would happy to visit a therapist or psychiatrist before owning a gun of any kind however making it harder for those who are legally attaining guns doesn't help when the majority of guns used to kill innocent ones are stolen.

Think of this one for a moment, would you take away everyone's vehicles because of a view drunk drivers killing others while being intoxicated behind the wheel? Would you have all animals put to death because some have been incorrectly raised for animal fights or mauled an innocent person? Most likely you would say no unfortunately our amendments rights are being attacked. It's not just gun control but also our we live our basic lives. It might be accepted by some who would like the government to regulate everything but its against everything the constitution stands for. The right to be free of government. However instead we see Obama care which is not helpful in the long run, those he said would not be taxed are getting taxed. Companies having a harder time supplying jobs due to taxes, hospitals being taxed, dentists are taxed also on something as basic as braces. There is talk about taxing the obese, the government assumes people are only obese because of over eating. People simply need to learn to be responsible for their own actions and not expect the government to tell them what they can or cannot do, what they can't own, how to raise their children, what they can eat, where they can eat.

I will probably never personally own a gun however I do own other weapons to protect my own family. I would never deny someone their rights to defend them self and their family.  Who knows maybe if there had been some one armed, the shootings at columbine, Newtown Conn, or any other area that sadly hasn't been afflicted with such a horrible event. Until people change this will continue to happen. People have become incredibly desensitized to violence. There's to much anger, lack of loyalty, lack of respect for life, lack of patience and empathy.

I love writing about vampires and beings with special gifts however I feel responsible to my readers so I have been very sensitive to any suggestion of violence in my books. I prefer to value life and show the alternative choices life brings us.

About the Author

I thought it would be nice to say a few things about myself to help others get to know me better except I had no idea where to start. So I did the best thing I could think of. I had my daughter ask me the questions she thought others might like to know. The questions get quite in-depth as they we talk more. 83 questions total. If your reading this from goodreads.com it's not coming across correctly but mashed together. To read it better check out or open another page to http://rebekahmcclew.blogspot.com/

1. What’s your favorite color?

A: I love the color red and my second would be emerald green

2. What’s your favorite food?

A: Italian food with Chinese a close second

3. What’s your favorite dessert?

A: Apple cheese cake with caramel drizzle

4. What was your favorite subject in school?

A: I loved art class, it gave me a chance to be creative, my second would have been library time because I loved and used to read so many books when I was younger. I still do.

5. What are some of your favorite books?

A: Little Women by Louisa May Alcott, Buick 8 by Stephen King and Interview with a vampire by Anne Rice are just a few

6. What are some of your favorite movies?

A: I don’t have one. There are so many movies that I’ve enjoyed like Lord of the Rings, Alice in Wonderland, Transformers, Harry Potter series, When Harry met Sally, The Goonies, Night at the Museum and The Librarian series. I’m sure there are more that I’ve really loved watching but these are the first ones that come to mind.

7. What kind of music are you into?

A: I listen to a little bit of everything however I find myself lately listening to more pop music. I tend to listen to these particular ones the most. Mariah Carey, Katey Perry, Selena Gomez, Taylor Swift, Avril Lavigne, Bridgit Mendler, Carly Rae Jepsen, Christina Aguilera, Colbie Caillat, Demi Lovato, Jeannette Mccurdy, Jessie J, Lady Antebellum, Leona Lewis, Lykke Li, One Republic, Paramore, The Script, Timbaland, Reba Mcentire.

           8. Are you writing any books right now?

          A: Although I already have eight books finished in the Family Secrets series, I’m making a few changes to the last book. I also have Mortal out and I am writing a new story that is a little different than what I normally write. It involves a little more mystery and of course I love having romance in all of my stories.

9. What accomplishment are you most proud of?

A: I would have to say being a mom, I am most proud of that. My second is that I finally went to college, something I never felt I was able to do before.

10. Are you married?

A: Yes I am, August 14^th, 2009 is our anniversary date.

11. How did you meet your spouse?

A: We had both worked at a newspaper plant and I met him there, we were first friends. We had lost touch with each other for a while until I started working at another job and he was being trained as a manager there. We had started up our friendship where we left off and later we were fortunate enough to fall in love. 

12. Do you think it’s better to get married when you’re young or better to wait a while?

A: I would say it depends on the people involved. One thing I’ve noticed when a person gets married when they are younger their goals and ambitions may not be the same as they get older. Their priorities might be different and people take this growing up or change as a growing apart so changes like this can make being married when you’re younger harder but then also being together at a young age you have so much more to share with each other. I can’t really say the age is what makes the difference but it does help experiencing life a little before getting married.

13. Do you have any kids?

A: Yes, I am fortunate to have 3 amazing children. Currently my oldest son is 15, my daughter 13 and my youngest is 16 months. I had medical help to get pregnant with my first two and the third was a wonderful surprise.

14. Have you ever thought of adopting?

A: I used to think about it all the time, I still do at times. I think someday I will adopt however right now for us is not the right time.

15. When you were a kid, what did you want to be when you grew up?

A: I wanted to be a writer. I loved writing stories and my passion for it never went away. I’m fortunate enough to have that dream be a reality.

16. How did you get into writing?

A: at first my husband and I had been both writing just for fun. We had been looking for a company we could run together and we had tried out a few things we enjoyed. First we made our own perfume and soaps made primarily from soy. Although we liked doing it, this wasn’t what we wanted as a regular business. 

Then we decided that we were both passionate about writing we would get our writing published. We had met so many who either self-published, some experiences had been alright and the majority were nightmares that we heard about. We didn’t want to be self-published but then we also wanted more control over our own books instead of leaving it up to a publisher. There were things we wanted done that traditional publishers just don’t do anymore. Also waiting to be accepted by one could take years and lots of submissions to different ones and I will be the first to admit, I’m not patient.

We loved the concept of a small publishing company because they stay in better contact with their authors and can better serve them individually instead of risking being one of those who simply get picked up but lost in the shuffle of all those others who also were accepted by the larger publishing companies. We started publishing a few authors, using our own writing as experiments before we worked with others. We studied intensively to find out what we needed to do in order to make it successful. We’ve also taken college classes to help further our education in the business. First we started out taking classes to be teachers for a well-rounded education and then switched to the different ones we are in now.

We’ve been operating for a few years now and are having a great experience with it. As a bonus we have been fortunate to have our own writing be successful also.

17. Would you recommend a writing career for other people? Why / Why not?

A: If you love writing then I would say yes. There are so many fields that need writers. Magazines, newspaper articles, satire magazines, celebrity publicists, public speakers or if this isn’t the angle you like. Then by all means write a novel and make it your goal to get published. While you’re working on your goal, keep writing.

18. What do you do for fun?

A: Depends on the time of the year, usually in the winter I spend more time inside. My favorite is spending time with my family. Either attending medieval events, the theater, watching a movies, reading a book, playing with my animals, writing, knitting, 

19. Do you like traveling?

A: I love traveling. It’s one thing to hear about something but so much better when you get the chance to see it yourself. I fell in love with Australia when I had gone there for two weeks and if I had the choice I would have stayed longer. The United States is amazing, the Rocky Mountains, palm trees in Florida, the ocean, Big Sur and the Petrified Forest of California, Michigan and its beautiful fresh water lakes, Mackinaw Bridge, Mackinaw Island. There are so many other states that I could just keep going on about the places and how amazing the people are. I’ve gone to Cancun Mexico and loved it there. I always loved traveling, no matter how impressed I was with the places I went I was always happy to come home and things around me just felt fresh again.

20. If you could visit any country in the world, where would you go?

A: My goal next time is to visit Scotland, my dad’s family originated from there even though some day I wouldn’t mind visiting Russia or Germany where my mother’s side comes from.

21. Who are some people you’d like to meet someday?

A: There are a few people that I would love to meet. Selena Gomez, Taylor Swift, Katey Perry, Jennifer Aniston, Tom Selleck and my favorite comedian John C Riley.

22. If someone asked you to give them a random piece of advice, what would you say?

A: Spend your time wisely and smile. You never know who you might cheer up by simply smiling.

23. What are some things that make you really happy?

A: My family, pets, writing, definitely in that order.

24. What are some things that make you really sad?

A: When people hate you, treat you or others with disrespect and have nothing to back it up with.

25. Do you like to plan things out in detail or be spontaneous?

A: A little bit of both. I do like having plans however they are open enough that if something else comes up then they can be changed.

26. Are you a religious person?

A: I grew up in a religious home and have read the bible many times. I’ve studied other religions and beliefs. However personally I don’t really consider myself a religious person.

27. If you could go back in history, who would you like to meet?

A: I wouldn’t need to go back to far, I would love to go back and meet my grandmother. As far as public figures I would pick Eleanor Roosevelt.

28. Would you rather live in the country or in the city?

A: Both have their benefits except I prefer the country. There’s so much more privacy. I have lived in the city and I love places that are open 24 hours or just being closer to places but in the country it’s so quiet unless you are unfortunate and end up next to the freak who cranks up their music because they are in the country.

29. What was your life like growing up?

A: I spent a lot of time with my parents. I was fortunate to have both of them around or at least my dad worked not far that I could ride my bike to his work and visit. I walked to school or my mom drove me there. We went to church on a regular basis and studied the bible. We played outside the majority of the time, hung out with friends. It was a pretty much relaxed life and I was fortunate enough to have.

30. Do you have any brothers or sisters? How many?

A: I always wanted more siblings. I have one brother. I also consider another person to be my brother. We’ve known him for so long and he’s been a huge part of our lives. So blood related just one brother and emotionally I would say two.

31. Who in your life has influenced you the most? How did they do it?

A: I had met Dave at a wedding when I was 16. He gave me the best advice. If you admire someone, never put them on a high pedestal because even the best people fail and if you base too much on that person you will end up devastated when it hits you they were only human. No one is perfect.

32. What’s your favorite joke?

A: Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson go on a camping trip. After a good dinner and a bottle of wine, they pitch their tent and go to sleep. Some hours later, Holmes wakes up and nudges his faithful friend. "Watson, look up at the sky and tell me what you see.”

"I see thousands and thousands of stars, Holmes,” replies Watson.

“And what do you deduce from that?”

After thinking for a moment, Watson replies: “Well, astronomically, it tells me that as there are billions of galaxies and potentially billions of planets, others may now be looking at their sky. Astrologically, I observe that Saturn is in Leo. Horologically, I deduce that the time is approximately a quarter past three. Meteorologically, I suspect that we will have a beautiful day tomorrow. Metaphysically, I can see that we are a small and insignificant part of the universe. What does it tell you, Holmes?”

Holmes is silent for a moment. "Watson, you idiot!” he says. “I deduce someone has stolen our tent!”

33. Have you ever tried sushi? (Did you like it?)

A: I tried it, some kinds I don’t mind. I liked Maki Sushi with avocado. 

34. Do you like spicy food?

A: I love Indian and Tai foods but not if it’s too spicy. I can handle some spicy foods but not if it’s too much.

35. Do you have a favorite number? Any particular reason why you like that number?

A: I’ve always liked the number 13. I never did understand why some consider it bad luck or taboo. It’s always been a good one for me.

36. If you were a type of animal, what would you be and why?

A: An eagle, it’s federally protected and I would love to soar and see everything below, travel anywhere I wanted. My second choice would be a cat. They are able to be independent but also very affectionate. Personally I’m very affectionate.

37. What’s one of the strangest things you’ve ever done?

A: I took my kids into McDonald’s at 3am to get frappes, nuggets, burgers and ice-cream cones wearing our pj’s.

38. What kind of vacations do you like?

A: I love to shop, see sites and explore when I’m on vacation.

39. What are some of your major goals in life?

A: I’ve been fortunate to meet my goals already so now my newest one is simply to have all my books published or at least 14 by the time I’m 50.

40. What are some of your smaller goals in life?

A: Just to be happy, spend time with my family as much as possible. To have my own home and help a few charities.

41. What do you like least about yourself?

A: This might sound strange but my toe nails.

42. What embarrasses you?

A: Nothing anymore, after giving birth and having to many see me at my worst from the other end. Nothing verbally or physically is really embarrassing anymore.

43. If you could try out any job for a day, what would you like to try?

A: Astronaut

44. What’s your earliest memory?

A: The day before kindergarten I was in the car with my mom. I don’t remember the make or model of the car except it had been a white roof and red car. I was telling my mom I was nervous about going to school and she was telling me I would be alright. We were heading to Arby’s to pick up my dad’s lunch. I always had the beef and cheddar with lemonade to drink.

45. What’s the best decision you ever made?

A: That would be hard to pinpoint to just one thing. My best decision ever was to have my kids, to marry my husband Justin, work on our publishing company and to get our books published.

46. Who’s your best / closest friend?

A: I’ve had many friends to different degrees over the years. The last time I had a best friend it would have been back in grade school. Otherwise the closes person to it would be my mom. I hope to continue having a great friendship with my daughter as she gets older

47. If you could learn one random skill, what would you learn?

A: Calligraphy, right now my hand writing looks like chicken scratching’s

48. Are you an introvert or an extrovert?

A: I would say I’m a little bit of both.

49. What’s the first thing you notice about people?

A: Their voice

50. Do you think people can control their own destiny?

Absolutely. Some may have it harder than others because not everyone has the same opportunities available to them but it doesn’t mean they can’t do or have the same things. It just means they have to work harder to make their dreams happen.

51. Do you think all people are equally valuable, or do you think some people in certain situations might be more valuable than others (say, a severely retarded patient vs. a doctor who could potentially save hundreds of lives)?

A: Just the simple fact they are living and breathing makes them important. Yes it is great if someone can save lives but those who have fewer skills are capable of making extreme impacts. I think of Motivational speaker Nick Vujicic the man who was born with no legs or arms. He has not only made a positive impact on other’s lives but he’s also influenced others to be their best. There isn’t one type of person who is better, just different packages they come in and ability to make a difference.

52. Do you think people are basically bad or basically good?

A: I think they are good people unfortunately other things affect their choices. Tempers, jealousy and bad choices can make a person bad. I do admit I agree there are some who just seem to have a criminal attitude and those would be child molesters, killers, ones like that I couldn’t begin to explain why they are that way.

53. Do you think morals are universal or relative to the beliefs, traditions, and practices of individuals or groups?

A: Morals are certainly different from each person and I do believe they are great affected by where they live, how they were raised.

54. Do you think God exists?

A: It would be nice to think he does but over the years I’ve lost hope in that one. I see god as more of a tradition that has been passed down in stories, no different than the Easter bunny or Santa. It might have been modeled after someone’s life and made a bit larger than life.

55. Do you think any kind of afterlife exists?

A: Yes and no

56. Do you vote? Why / Why not? If you do vote, how do you usually vote?

A: I do vote however there needs to be changes to the voting system to be correct. It’s sad when a person can win the popular vote; it’s who everyone wants as a president however because of electoral votes the person will win by a technicality. I used to vote Democrat but after being stuck with Obama I voted Republican. I share more of their views except I am very open to gay marriage and equality.

57. Do you think gay people choose to be gay? Do you think straight people choose to be straight?

A: I see it as liking vanilla or chocolate pudding. Some flavors you tend to be naturally inclined to however you can always chose which one you want. I believe you can chose to be gay however who you’re physically attracted to may just be stronger one way or the other.

58. Would you kill an innocent person if you thought it might mean saving a dozen other people?

A: If I had to kill an innocent person I would hope it was my own life. Rationally yes you would be saving so many others but then to that one person their life is also just as important.

59. What’s the most money you’ve ever given away?

A: No conditions or strings attached, nothing expected and the person not knowing who gave it to them. I gave away $3,000. I had been saving it for a long time but they needed it more than I did.

60. What’s the biggest personal change you’ve ever made?

A: The way I view myself. I’m much more cautious. After being used and finding out some were only friends because of what they could get from me or being manipulated and put down emotionally. I had been verbally abused by some I trusted and since then I’ve made sure never to put myself in that situation again. I have a much more positive view of myself and my own self-worth. My life and how determined I am has only gotten better.

61. What’s the stupidest thing you’ve ever done?

A: I started dating immediately after my first divorce instead of giving myself time to myself and time to heal. I made a lot of stupid mistakes until I finally caught myself and broke myself out of that bad habit.

62. What do you think would be one of the best steps we could take toward ending poverty around the world?

A: Increase education. The better educated people are then the better they can help themselves and others. Otherwise how can you make the best decisions if you don’t understand all of your options?

63. What do you think we could do to best improve the education system?

A: It’s not easy because parents are incredibly busy working hard. However just as in the past and any century to come, we need parents to be a proactive part of their children’s lives. I’ve always felt that education starts at home and teachers nurture and amplify it. I learned the most from my parents and had teachers who nurtured that.

64. In general, what do you think about art?

A:  love art, it affects everything. Whether its life itself, the way we decorate our home affects our mood. We can learn about history and about where our future is going from art.

65. What are some of your favorite websites?

A: Myspace, Facebook, Youtube, Goodreads and Tumblr.

66. What’s the biggest turnoff in a man/woman?

A: Argumentative temper

67. What’s the biggest lie you’ve ever told?

A: I had told a person I loved their singing. I actually hated it and their voice was not only off key but cracked. I didn’t want to crush their enjoyment of singing so I rationalized to myself and told them the lie.

68. What’s something most people don’t know about you?

A: There are a lot of things and even now they still won’t know ;^)

69. What’s something you wish everyone knew about you?

A: That I am very passionate about people, as long as you are not trying to fight with me I’ll be your strongest ally.

70. What are some of the first things you do in the morning?

A: First thing I do is wake up with my son and get breakfast ready,

71. What’s the worst thing that’s ever happened to you?

A: This is mainly for my readers, we do not know each other well enough to share this.

72. Do you cry easily?

A: I did after I had given birth to my youngest. Before I could sit through a very sad movie and not shed a tear. I had reasons to hide emotions like that and learned not to let others know when they hurt me or not to cry in public for any reason.

73. How do you feel about public speaking?

A: I love speaking publicly; it’s the greatest way to interact with others. You see their reactions to what you’re saying immediately whereas with this, it may be read but there’s not always comments left. 

74. Do you like to talk on the phone?

A: Not really, I prefer talking in person but if they are not where I can do that than just hearing their voice is very important to me.

75. If someone were to make a movie about your life, who would you hope would play you?

A: I wouldn’t want my life as a movie so I’ve never thought about who I would want to play me.

76. Would you ever sky dive or bungee jump?

A: I’ve already tried bungee jumping and I loved it but then it helped feeling secure in the holster. I’m not quite ready to free fall without some sort of security. I have to many worries about sky diving and I know myself to well that I would panic

77. Have you ever been in a fist fight?

A: I’m not an aggressive person and thankfully haven’t been in that position where it’s happened. I know some who have wanted to start a fight trying to provoke me however it’s not in my personality to be aggressive or want to harm another person that way.

78. What’s the best prank you’ve ever pulled?

A: I haven’t pulled a prank in a long time. The last time I had, I filled a friend’s bathtub with cherry Jell-O and put their car keys at the bottom of it.

79. What did you do on your 16th birthday?

A: Growing up I hadn’t celebrated holidays or my birthday. It was like any other day except I do remember getting ice cream.

80. What do you think is one of the most undervalued professions right now?

A: Nurses, they work incredibly hard and many times understaffed. 

81. How would you explain your basic life philosophy?

A: I’ve always like this part of the Wiccan Rede, do no harm” I feel as long as you do your best not to have any regrets, don’t harm anyone along the way to getting what you want and that includes yourself. My main focus is simply to enjoy life, be happy and enjoy my family’s time.

82. Would you rather be hated or forgotten?

A: It would depend on why I was hated or why I had been forgotten. If I’m forgotten I don’t feel hurt by that concept. Those who were truly important to me I would never be forgotten by. As for being hated if it was for putting my family first, voicing my opinions or not caving into bully’s then by all means hate me all you want.

83. If you knew you would die tomorrow, would you feel cheated today?

A: I’ve been very fortunate to have lived the life I have. I love my husband and children. I don’t regret anything. If someone needed me or I felt something needed to be done then I did. I’ve let people know my entire life know if I was proud of them or how I felt about them. I’ve done more than many people. There will always be something I wish I had one more minute for but over all I’m satisfied with my life. Whenever it is that it ends then it will just be my time to go. The only thing I would feel cheated of is that I would love to spend more time with my family.


All of my books are available on the kindle or traditional format through Amazon. They can also be purchased through www.c1books.us Trade back $14.95 Kindle $7.95

Family Secrets, book one: Secrets of the Night http://www.amazon.com/Secrets-Night-Family-Rebekah-McClew/dp/0983002215/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1355731018&sr=8-1&keywords=rebekah+mcclew

Family Secrets, book two: Obscured Darkness  http://www.amazon.com/Obscured-Darkness-Family-Secrets-ebook/dp/B00AC498WU/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1355731018&sr=8-4&keywords=rebekah+mcclew

Mortal  http://www.amazon.com/Mortal-Rebekah-McClew/dp/0983002274/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1355731018&sr=8-2&keywords=rebekah+mcclew