Leaps of Faith and World Domination

I don't know about the rest of you, but lately I feel like every part of my life has become a giant leap of faith.

And by that I mean jumping off a cliff with no idea what I'm doing, but screaming, "Oh hey, I think this looks fun, let's try it and I hope I don't die!"

We bought a house today. A nice house that I love. And I am very excited and nervous and worried and anxious and ... I've owned houses before. I've been in debt for like, EVER. Like the majority of people in the world. This is not a new thing for me. But after moving back to Utah from Texas this last summer, I feel like every thing we do, every choice we make (as a family) is an enormous undertaking. And that's not wrong.

Every day that passes is a day that we will never get back. And every choice is one less that we get to make tomorrow. Sometimes those choices are made using a great deal of thought and calculation. And other times it's a total guessing game. Those are the times when I try to go with my gut, and my heart. Because those two--when they're on speaking terms--tend to know what they're doing.

I try to apply this to my writing too. I suck at outlining, and to be honest, I rarely stick with them. Instead, I get to know my characters and let them take me on the journey that belongs to them. Because isn't that what we do in reality anyway?

My point is that it's okay that we can't see the future. If we could, life wouldn't be nearly as interesting. And neither would the stories we are here to tell.
 
Every minute and every story is just one more little leap of faith. Today I jumped back into home-ownership. Tomorrow maybe I'll finish another book. The next day ... well. World domination is always an option.

The Power of One

It only takes one person to make a difference.

One voice to change the way someone thinks.

One thought to fuel another voice.

One ounce of strength to draw that first breath.

One agent to say yes to an author.

One publisher to stand behind a book.

One ounce of anger to start a war.

One mean word to destroy a friendship.

One misplaced intention to affect a life.

It only takes one person to make a difference, for good or for bad.

What kind of person will you choose to be? How can you make a difference?

Blown Away--The Beyonders Launch Party

Last week I had the opportunity to attend one of Brandon Mull’s highly acclaimed launch parties. This one for his newest book, The Beyonders.

I’ve never been to one of Brandon’s launch parties before, because rarely have I known about them enough in advance to get a ticket—since these events are widely attended. So. I went with the esteemed Elana Johnson and Ali Cross, fully expecting Brandon to get onstage and talk about his new book, maybe read some pages or a chapter.

But what I saw was so much more. It was an entire show, people! With sets and actors who did skits wearing costumes, and cameos from lots of other authors, and music and free glow sticks and a slideshow. This was definitely not a typical launch party.

It was so much more. No wonder so many elementary students love Brandon. He makes them excited to enter into the worlds offered on the pages of books. His show even made ME excited to read—and I already love books.

That is the kind of author I want to be when I grow up. Except in a me way, rather than a Brandon way. Know what I mean? Of course you don’t. I don’t even know what I mean. Just. Wow. That’s all. Wow.

The Value of Words

For some reason, the subject of words and the way we use them has been coming up for me a lot lately. I’m not just talking about in writing, although, our style of word usage in writing has the potential to make or break us, depending on our choices. What about in other things? In conversation, vocal thoughts, arguments, emails, text. Blogs.

Sometimes when I blog I’ll have good friends question my words. Why did you blog about this? What’s going on in your life that would make you think about passion / obsession / emotion (etc)? These questions tell me that I’ve written something thought provoking to the person who is asking. Something that has hit a nerve or sensitive spot in that particular person and makes them go, hey, I can identify with that and now I wonder…

But not only that, when people ask me about particular blogs, I have cause to take a step back and wonder how the world views my words differently from how I mean them to be taken. Sometimes it can be for the good, sometimes for the bad. But the truth is words are rarely taken at face value.

The things we say or write—much the same as in the choices we make—affect other people. I think, for the most part, I try to write things that will help others or at the very least contribute something of value to blog readers everywhere. And then, I try to live by those words. You know, the whole clichéd practice what you preach thing.

In this process, I often end up helping myself as much as anyone. Huh. Imagine that. So, not only have my words become a value to others, but they’re also an asset to me.

What are your thoughts about the value of words?

Don’t forget to check out the contest in which I’m giving away tons of fun prizes.

Also, if you’re looking for where to buy my latest book online, click here.

Drawings, Winners, and Changing the World

By Nichole Giles

Last week, I asked my readers what they would do to help change the world. I love all the thoughtful comments, and am sad that I only have one prize to give away. The drawing was done by random generator—lest any of you think I believe you won’t be able to change the world exactly the way you hope.

I believe you all have the power to do exactly what you’ve said. In case you didn’t read the comment threads, here are some great examples of what we can do daily:

“Live a good, honest life and follow the promptings Heavenly Father sends my way…I’ll help many people, most importantly my family. And from there begins the ripple effect…” ~ Danyelle

“I’ve always tried to say a nice thing to everyone I meet, but of course, that’s being used. If I could write a scene in a book that touched hearts, and if that book was read by everyone, it would change hearts and make the world a better place.” ~ Keith

“This year I’ve decided to be happy. There’s so much to be unhappy about, that it would be easy to frown and be upset. You can either choose to laugh or choose to cry. And I choose to laugh.” ~ Elana

“I hope to simply love people, give them the benefit of the doubt, assume the best, and emphasize the positive.” ~ James and Lindsay Lattin

“I’m trying to change the world right around me by teaching my children.” ~ Jenn

“I want to teach my children a love of reading. I know being taught early to love books has changed my life for the better, so I can only hope my kids inherit that as well.” ~ Jason, Alicia, and Addie

“I’m trying to change the world by improving myself so I can give my best self to others. In this way I hope to be a better mother, wife, neighbor, friend, sister, daughter, and stranger. And, therefore, being an influence for good.” ~ The Fox’s

Thanks everyone for your thoughtful comments and suggestions. As for me, I believe I can affect the world by serving others. Everyone needs help in one way or another now and then, and I believe it’s good karma to jump in and offer assistance. Very often it is the small things we do for which we are most appreciated, loved, and remembered.

And now the big announcement. I'm giving away an autographed copy of The A-MAZE-ing Book of Mormon by Arie Van Degraaff (who is a GUY, despite my late-night-typing-finger-blunder) to all those who commented on my changing the world post. And the winner is…(drum roll please)

Keith Fisher

Cheer, dance, clap, clap, clap, clap, clap, whistle, clap, cheer. Yahoo, Keith!

I’d instruct you to send me your mailing address so I could get this awesome maze book in the mail, except I’m pretty sure I’ll be seeing you before I’ll see the guy at the post office anyway. Plus, I already have your address. Enjoy!

For those people who are dying to get their hands on this book, you can find it at your local bookstore, or click here to buy it online.

*Don’t forget to scroll down and leave a comment on my review of Illuminations of the Heart by Joyce DiPastena. Each time you comment, you’re entered into the drawing for an autographed copy or one of three gift cards. This is a great opportunity, so don’t miss out!

Until next time, write on!

Nichole