Thursday, January 31, 2013
Sunday, January 6, 2013
What to write in a dedication
This
can either be an easy one or a difficult one for some. However I have to say
this is not the time to get petty or revenge. This is your passion, your
legacy, your work of art. A dedication is something to thank those who were
either positive or helped you in some way to either write, make your dream come
true or simply encourage you to work on your dream.
I
admit it is tempting to tell someone who wronged you or possibly said the worst
thing that might have mentally scared you for life to bit your fuzzy little
ass, look at what you accomplished. But that doesn’t make you look good, it
only helps you feel better for a second. Personally not mentioning those who
had no faith in me or thought the worst of me was revenge enough. They were not
worth my time or stress level to bother with.
I
might not be able to thank everyone who deserves it or simply made an impact on
my life but I do make sure those who are in my dedications truly are meant to
be there.
A
dedication in a way a reflection of you, something or someone, a point in time
that means something to you. I always read the dedication pages from authors.
Some are simply thanking family, friends or a family pet. Others are more
detailed where they started or simply thanking a computer virus for losing
their work so they had to find tune it more which is what I have done.
Either
way, whatever you decide to write as your dedication. Take your time and think
about what you want to have written and why. Short and sweet is always best and
try to stay away from the long two page dedications otherwise sometimes these
will be written up as an author’s note more than a dedication.
I
wish you the best with your writing and future dedication and remember, enjoy
the journey of being a writer.
Wednesday, December 26, 2012
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!
Sunday, December 16, 2012
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.
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.
Thursday, December 13, 2012
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/
- What’s your favorite color?
A: I love
the color red and my second would be emerald green
- What’s your favorite food?
A: Italian
food with Chinese a close second
- What’s your favorite dessert?
A: Apple
cheese cake with caramel drizzle
- 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.
- 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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Are you married?
A: Yes I
am, August 14th, 2009 is our anniversary date.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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,
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- What are some things that make you really happy?
A: My
family, pets, writing, definitely in that order.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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!”
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- What kind of vacations do you like?
A: I love
to shop, see sites and explore when I’m on vacation.
- 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.
- 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.
- What do you like least about yourself?
A: This
might sound strange but my toe nails.
- 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.
- If you could try out any job for a day, what would you like to try?
A:
Astronaut
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
- If you could learn one random skill, what would you learn?
A: Calligraphy,
right now my hand writing looks like chicken scratching’s
- Are you an introvert or an extrovert?
A: I would
say I’m a little bit of both.
- What’s the first thing you notice about people?
A: Their voice
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Do you think any kind of afterlife exists?
A: Yes and
no
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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?
- 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.
- 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.
- What are some of your favorite websites?
A: Myspace,
Facebook, Youtube, Goodreads and Tumblr.
- What’s the biggest turnoff in a man/woman?
A: Argumentative
temper
- 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.
- 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 ;^)
- 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.
- 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,
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- What do you think is one of the most undervalued professions right now?
A: Nurses,
they work incredibly hard and many times understaffed.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
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
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