Wednesday, July 6, 2016

Creating Pins



I recently took a webinar on creating pins for Pinterest. I didn't even know you could make your own pins! As I listened to the hostess, I couldn't believe this wasn't something I've been doing all along. Since I found Canva several months ago, I've been creating my own posts. You may have seen several of them on Facebook and Instagram. But I never knew I could create pins! How fun.


Now, I won't lie. It is a bit tricky to figure out exactly how to pin them properly, but I learn as I go. I created my first pin to advertise my newsletter to new and future readers. I created what I wanted on Canva, went to my Pinterest account, selected "upload an image" from the Pin icon, and selected the image. Now, here's what threw me: When I selected "view pin," I saw a blank pin. But, now I know to refresh the page and I'll see my latest creation. I then, added the URL I wanted the pin to link to. It's so much fun!

Here are a few tips I learned about creating pins from the webinar:


  • Choose the type of headline you want to use
  • Choose the image format you want to use
  • When creating product pins (these are what I create), pick your layout, add a human element, add an inspirational quote, demonstrate how the product can be used.
  • Think outside the box.
Here are the two pins I've created so far:






If you're interested in learning more about creating pins, check out the webinar.

Have you created your own pins? I'd love to see them! Post them in the comments, and I'll give them a like.

Tuesday, July 5, 2016

Grammarly



Several months ago, I discovered a wonderful new online site/app called Grammarly. If you're not familiar with it, Grammarly works with all of your online content, whether it's a blog post, social media update, email, or shared document. As you type, the app will show you when you've made a grammar or spelling error. It's a wonderful tool to use for all of your posts to help them look clean and neat.

You can sign up for the free editor and browser extension which corrects over 150 types of errors. There's an online community to ask and answer questions about English writing, a handbook with grammar and style explanations, an online dictionary and thesaurus, and, of course, a Facebook community, Twitter page, and blog. So many places to get the help you need when creating your content!

Then, there's Grammarly Premium. This paid upgrade looks for over 250 grammatical errors, includes suggestions to enhance your vocabulary, detects plagiarism, and provides citation suggestions. This is a great package for students because you can even use it on your Word docs. There are three payment plans to choose from to help find the best one for your budget.

Check out the different packages Grammarly offers and find the right one for you.

Saturday, July 2, 2016

Great Blog for College Students


I recently discovered a blog for college students, and I'm really enjoying the information it provides. As Life Grows  provides great information for college Freshman about college life, relationships, and favorite things. The website has courses you can sign up for as well to help prepare you for your freshman year and get through it with ease. Right now Samantha Kearns, the blogger, is offering a preparation class for freshman students who are starting in the fall called "Launch into Freshman Year." 

Of course, you don't have to sign up for the courses. They are a bonus of the website if you feel you want to take them. But there's plenty of free information, as well. Take a look at the posts and you'll get an idea if the blog is right for you. You can sign up to receive Samantha's newsletter, which provides more tips and tricks. She has put a lot of thought into the information she provides, and I think it's a great resource.

While you're touring the blog, be sure to register to receive free printables, including an ebook, organization tips, studying tips, and so much more. 

I love researching blogs for my readers, and I hope you enjoy As Life Grows. Let me know if you check it out, and if it's useful to you.

Wednesday, June 15, 2016

Bullet Journaling



I've recently discovered the art of bullet journaling. Basically, it's a daily, weekly, and/or monthly journal where you write down anything you need to keep track of over time. You can use it for your daily schedule, meal plans, track appointments, birthdays... The sky is the limit!

It took me a few days to put one together that works for me. While in the creative process, I kept going back-and-forth as to whether I really wanted to keep one or not. I was trying to make it much more difficult than it had to be.

Finally, I just decided to keep it simple. One page per day with everything I wanted/needed to do that day, split up into sections. I used a different colored pen for each section to keep it organized and make it pretty.

For now, my one-page-per-day is perfect for me. As time goes by, I can add more information, or even more sections. I can also see myself getting a bit more creative with colors, stencils and stickers. Oh, what fun!

Is bullet journaling right for you? Check out Sarah's Chapter blog post on starting a bullet journal to find out, and get some great tips on putting one together. Enjoy!

Do you have a BuJo? Post a pic in the comments.

Tuesday, June 14, 2016

Book Release | Delivered by Angels by Emerald Barnes

Delivered by Angels
by Emerald Barnes

Determined to escape her abusive father and drunken mother, Lexi Johnson turns to the blade to numb her pain, but it isn’t enough to end her misery. She’s convinced that not even God could save her now.

Roxy Taylor is the new girl in town, and Lexi doesn’t trust her, especially when she teams up with DJ Tucker to try and break down the barriers that Lexi has put in place.

Little does Lexi know, there are greater forces battling for her life, and as Lexi begins to open up to both Roxy and DJ, she’ll see that she isn’t alone in this world.

In the heart-pounding sequel to Entertaining Angels, everyone’s favorite angel, Zach Taylor, is back, and he’s there to make sure that Madison and Chase Sanders are on the path that God has chosen for them, a path that could deliver Lexi from the demons who want her soul.

Purchase Delivered by Angels on Amazon today, available through Kindle Unlimited as well! 

From Emerald

As teens, it’s easy to feel alone and unloved, and so often, that can lead down dangerous paths. It’s easy to want to fit in, to make sure that you’re popular or whatever. But the best advice I can give you is to be yourself. Be true to who you are as a person. And if you do feel unloved and alone, know that you aren’t alone and that you are loved!

I wrote a book, Delivered by Angels, to show others that God loves them and that He would do anything to show others that love. And that’s what I hope you know. That even when you feel at your lowest, there is always someone who loves you.

As a teen, I know that I felt unloved. I felt like such a loser. I had friends, and I was semi-popular, but I wasn’t blind to the mocking of my peers behind my back. I was never good enough for the people I went to school with, and I have lived with that to this day. (I’m about to turn 29.) It’s hard, especially as a kid, and there are people who deal with similar pain, bullying, and more, such as abuse, on a daily basis. There are kids who have to live with things they shouldn’t have to, and it’s not easy on them. They don’t know how to escape their pain.

I’m not saying I have the magical cure. I don’t. Even as a Christian, I know that life isn’t all rainbows, but I do know that I don’t want people hurting. I encourage anyone going through difficult times to talk to someone, even if it’s finding a support group or counselor. You don’t have to do this alone. There are people who will be happy to talk to you.

Take it from me, I bottled in most of my emotions. I didn’t like talking about the things that bothered me, and it wasn’t good. I should have talked more, opened up, trusted more people because I wasn’t alone. I had family who loved me, and they would have done anything to help me. There are people who feel that way about you, even when you don’t think that’s true.

You are not alone. Whatever you’re going through, know that God loves you, and He is there for you no matter what.

If you need to talk about something, or just want prayer, you can message me through the prayer request page on my website.



About Emerald Barnes:

Emerald Barnes graduated with a B.A. in English with an emphasis on Creative Writing at Mississippi University for Women. She resides in a small town in Mississippi and has the accent to prove it. She’s an auntie, a Whovian, a little bit of a nerd, a reader, a writer, and a family-oriented person. God is number one in her life, and she thanks Him continuously for His love and favor.

Connect with Emerald online:

Twitter: @emeraldbarnes
Pinterest: Emerald Barnes


Email: emerald_barnes@yahoo.com




Sunday, June 12, 2016

Book Review | A Charming Ghost by Tonya Kappes

A Charming Ghost (Magical Cures Mystery, #8)A Charming Ghost by Tonya Kappes
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I always love reading about June's new adventure, and this one had a double dose. There was a new murder mystery to be solved, of course, but the mystery of the ghost boy from A Charming Death (do us part) was also explored. June had a lot of running around to do in this book, which allowed readers to get a wonderful look at Whispering Falls.

I loved watching June solve two puzzles at once, and even getting a chance to look back on her past while doing so. I can't wait for the next one!


View all my reviews

Thursday, June 9, 2016

The Morning Light



My husband was running late this morning and asked me if I minded making his breakfast. It was just after 7 am, and though that is extremely early for me (I usually sleep 'til 11), I didn't mind getting up to help. I let the pups out the back door and discovered the beautiful morning. The sun was out, the sky was a beautiful blue and there were no clouds. A perfect morning.

So perfect that I decided to stay up. I sat quietly on the couch with a cup of coffee, grabbed my iPhone and began playing with my apps. When I got to Pinterest, I found several quotes to pin to Spoken from My Open Heart. When I was done pinning, I looked at the board and enjoyed the mix of quotes, stories and pictures I've collected over the last four months since starting the board. I was really happy with what I saw.

It's amazing how relaxing and inspiring it can be to get up earlier than normal. The quiet and the view make it a peaceful way to start the day. Try it sometime!

Tuesday, May 31, 2016

Book Review | A Charming Death (do us part) by Tonya Kappes

A Charming Death (do us part) (Magical Cures Mystery #7.5)A Charming Death (do us part) by Tonya Kappes
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I enjoyed this novelette in which Oscar and June finally got married! There was just enough of a mystery to whet my appetite for the next book, but it was the beautiful wedding storyline I enjoyed most. I've been rooting for this couple for what feels like years, and I'm so happy they are finally married! This book was a wonderful mix of mystery and romance, which was just what I needed to get me back to reading.

View all my reviews

Sunday, May 29, 2016

Why Bother?



Earlier today, I was cleaning my kitchen, again. It seems every time I think it's clean, suddenly more dishes stack up and the counters are full of crumbs again. The same thing happens in the bathroom: I clean it, only to see soap scum build up quickly, water all over the counter, and hair all over the floor. Why bother?! It takes a lot of my energy to clean up just one or two things around the house, and I always have to rest afterward. So when I see that it doesn't last long, I get so frustrated. And it's not because I have a messy household. My husband and I do the best to clean up behind ourselves, and there are no kids making their own mess. It's just life. Life is messy. And you have to deal with it.

But I don't always feel like dealing with it. For the past several months, I've been feeling tired, depressed, and stressed out. I have no idea why. I keep trying to think of why, but I don't come up with any answers. I think maybe it's from not getting any work done. I haven't touched my draft in months. But when I think about picking it up to work on, my stress increases. It seems my body and mind just want a break. Which is OK, but it still bothers me. Why? I don't have a clue.

Do you ever get the moody blues and don't know why? What do you do to figure out the problem and fix it? Me, I try to write a list of what's bothering me, even if it takes me a while to come with something, and even if that something is ludicrous. Right now, it's that I'm bored. I'm bored with writing, frustrated even. Yes, I want to finish my book. but I know when I do, I have a lot of work coming for editing and formatting it for publication. Yikes! That just freaks me out right now. So, instead, I do nothing. And nothing seems to make things worse. And so it's an endless cycle. 

What I really want to do is find another hobby that will fill my soul while I take a break from my writing. But I have no idea what to do. So, I thought I'd ask you. What are your hobbies? What would you suggest I do to get my creative energy flowing again? Thanks in advance for your help!

Saturday, May 28, 2016

Book Review | The Stone Key by Natasha Brown

The Stone KeyThe Stone Key by Natasha Brown
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Nimrod and Pepper's second adventure was even more incredible than their first! When I met them in The Novel Adventures of Nimrod Vale Book 1, I got to know Nimrod fairly well. But I feel like I got to know Pepper a lot better in this adventure, and I love her! The two make an incredible pair.

The second adventure was more thrilling than the first. The world they find and explore is so imaginative and beautiful. The author used a lot of scientific words and phrases to discuss events and clues they were following, but I found myself following along very easily, and even trying to guess at things here and there. I loved it!

The secondary story, which of course is Nim and Pepper's actual lives, focused more on Pepper this time, which is why I feel I know her so much better. There is so much more to her character than I realized. I'm so glad it was included in this story. I hope both Nim and Pepper's characters continue to grow with each new adventure they take.



View all my reviews

Tuesday, May 3, 2016

Come Celebrate!



Are you looking for a new book website? Well, stop looking. YA Insider has officially opened!

This website has "the inside scoop on YA books." You'll meet new authors, discover great books, read and post reviews, and share your love  of YA. During the month of May, YA Insider is celebrating their Grand Opening with a month-long party and giveaway. Each day, you'll have a chance to answer questions from participating authors, including Moi, for a chance at winning one of their books. There's also a Rafflecopter with plenty of chances to enter to win the big prize: a $20 Amazon gift card!

So stop by, look around, and enter the sweepstakes. Check out new releases, and learn how to post your own reviews. Have fun!

Tuesday, April 26, 2016

Finding the Human Spirit



I found a link to an amazing article on FB today. My cousin works for a company called Growing Bolder. Growing Bolder is, "An attitude. A mission. A passion. A team of people who believe in the power of hope, inspiration and possibility." Over the last several years, I have seen them do amazing work, sharing wonderful stories about people and humanity, and how much the human spirit can affect everyone around you.

Today's FB link led to a guest blog post on Growing Bolder's site written by a follower who is working hard to get back into shape. She joined a gym based on raving reviews of one of the spinning instructors, Kris Shanahan. She raves about how wonderful Kris is as an instructor, and how much better she feels after working with her for a while.

But the article isn't about the blogger's journey with Kris. It's about Kris' journey. She has overcome some very hard obstacles in her life and has worked hard to get through them. During her journey, she was able to use her story to inspire others. Take a look at the article. It's beautifully written and very inspirational.

I love hearing stories like this. One of the main reasons I wrote My Open Heart was to inspire my readers who are growing up with heart disease or other chronic illnesses. I never realized how much hearing back from some of them would inspire me. Once again, it's the mystery of the human spirit.

Sunday, April 17, 2016

Book Review | The One by Kiera Cass

The One (The Selection, #3)The One by Kiera Cass
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

What an amazing ending to this epic trilogy! I loved The Selection series, and how it built up to The Elite, and finally The One. There were so many twists, turns and turmoil throughout the storyline, and it kept it moving right along.

Things really heated up in The One, as not only relationships between Prince Maxon and the four remaining Elite heated up, but things really heated up in the world around them. I had no idea how much of a political thriller this series would become, and the author did an amazing job of tying the two storylines together. The One was so much more emotional than the rest of the series, and I found myself in tears in a few places.

This series has been a wonderful adventure to take, and the characters will always remain close to my heart. I look forward to reading more about them in the next part of the storyline. Kiera Cass is definitely an author on my TBR list now!


View all my reviews

Saturday, April 16, 2016

Inspiration



I found some cute dragon pictures while pinning today, and decided to look the artist up. Randal Spangler does beautifully animated fantasy paintings! His work is truly inspiring, and I will definitely be visiting his website often for inspiration.

Inspiration comes from a variety of sources: art, music, movies, TV.... When I need to feel inspired, I know I have several sources I can tap. I often find myself needing some inspiration when I'm feeling down or tired, unsure of what to do next, or feel blocked in my writing. This is very frustrating, and I often just walk away and hide.

But I'm really trying to break this pattern, and I'm hoping some inspiration will help me do that. So, thank you, Mr. Spangler, for your help.

Where do you find your inspiration?


Friday, April 8, 2016

Spread Some Indie Love Contest Winner


Hello readers. I hope you all enjoyed the blog hop. The giveaway officially ended yesterday, and I have selected a winner today:

Stella Eromonsere-Ajanaku! Congratulations!

I will be in touch via email regarding you free eBook.

Thank you everyone who stopped by during the hop. I hope you enjoyed my new blog for teens, and will be back to see my future posts.

Reach for the stars, and make your dreams come true.

-Andrea

Sunday, April 3, 2016

Welcome Spring



At last! We had a beautiful spring day today. The temp even got up to 81 degrees! I sat on the back porch for hours, enjoying the sunshine and fresh air. It felt great. Spring is my awakening season, and it feels great to be awake.

I don't know how long it will last right now. I can't wait until we have several days like this back-to-back. We have so many great outdoor activities I'm looking forward to, especially visiting the Arboretum. I love strolling around and looking at the fresh blooms.

What's your favorite part of Spring? Has Spring sprung by you yet?

Thursday, March 31, 2016

Spread Some Indie Love Blog Hop

Spread Some Indie Love Blog Hop 2016
31st March to 7th April

Welcome to the 2016 Spread Some Indie Love Blog Hop! I have been an Indie author for over 5 years, and I love it! I love the freedom it gives me to write what and when I want to write, set up my own publishing schedule and design my books the way I want them to look. It has been one of the greatest accomplishments of my life.

Another benefit I love about being an Indie author is meeting other Indie authors and reading their work. One of my favorite YA Indie authors I have gotten to know over the years is Natasha Brown. Natasha has written one of my favorite series: The Shapeshifter Chronicles.




The series features an eighteen-year-old girl who is growing up with heart disease, just like me. When she moves to a new town, she meets Chance, and her life is changed forever. I love this incredible YA fantasy series. Be sure to check out all of Natasha's books, including the first book in her second series.

Natasha also designs book covers, and has designed the beautiful covers of three of my books:

Destiny



Fate



My Open Heart







I am giving away a free eCopy of one of my books, winner's choice. Comment below the name and author of your favorite YA book or series. Winner will be selected after the hop.

Thank you for stopping by, and enjoy the rest of the hop!



Wednesday, March 30, 2016

Wordless Wednesday

Today, I'm displaying some wonderful artwork by author Sheenah Freitas.












If you'd like to showcase your drawings for Wordless Wednesday, let me know!



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