I finally saw Cinderella (thanks Mom!) and some of you have asked me what I think of it. Well, here are my thoughts.
Until next time, word nerds!
4 Ways to Help Motivate Yourself
Motivation is hard.
There, I said it! I’m sure I’m not the only one who thinks so, right? I have a hard time making myself be productive sometimes. And by sometimes, I mean a lot. My excuses can get quite ridiculous. If they even exist.
For example, I blog on Tuesdays (obviously). I came up with a topic last night. I knew what I wanted to say. But despite the fact that I’ve been up for almost twelve hours, I am only now writing this post. No, I did not have any other things to do. I was sitting on the couch all day on my iPod. I will admit to being lazy. There were multiple points throughout the day where I thought “I should write that blog post and just be done.” Then I would return to whatever mindless activity I was doing.
Another example: I am working on a novel. Well, I should be working on it. I find myself avoiding it for the sole reason that the main character is a complete brat. It’s first person point of view, so I dislike getting inside her head. I know she has redeeming qualities and she gets a lot less bratty, but I don’t like working out of order, so I don’t have any good scenes to write yet.
I will admit that part of the reason I haven’t been productive over the past few days is because I’m on spring break and wanting to relax and spend time with family. So hopefully the rest of my week will be better spent, time-wise.
Unfortunately, there’s really no one-size-fits-all trick to motivate yourself. You have to know what works for you. For the most part, it will simply be the strength of will. But here are some helpful tips:
-Know if you are intrinsically or extrinsically motivated. Do you find satisfaction in meeting your goals or in rewards? This article goes into more depth about the two types.
-Know when to write. Do you work better at certain times of the day? If so, try to work during those times.
– When setting goals, figure out what works best for you. Do you prefer hitting a certain word count every day? Working for a set amount of time? Do you prefer long or short term goals?
-Cut out distractions during writing time. I know it’s hard, but it ups your productivity immensely.
None of these are problem solvers: it’s ultimately up to you to get things done. But they’re steps in the right direction.
How do you motivate yourself?
I should note that, in the process of writing this blog post, I managed to waste about 45 minutes on YouTube. *bows* Practice what you preach, eh Kate?
Word With Kate: Spring Break Edition!
My latest video, a Q&A! A little longer than normal, and largely unedited. Hooray for improv!
Do you like Q&A videos? Want to be the one asking questions next time? Let me know!
Until next time, word nerds!
Bookworm or Chameleon?
Dear Fairy Godmother,
I have a hard time fitting in at my high school. I’m a nerd and I don’t have many friends. Most people just don’t seem to get me. Should I try to be more like the other kids to fit in?
Sincerely,
A Bookworm
Dear Bookworm,
No matter what, do not change who you are for the sake of gaining friends. True friends embrace you fully, quirks, interests, and all. Instead, look for friends who have similar tastes. You say you are a bookworm? See who else frequents the library. Look for others who don’t seem to fit in with the “in” crowd. You’d be surprised how many people feel the same way you do.
Don’t forget, the best way to make friends is to try! You won’t make any friends by sitting alone wishing for friends.
Your Fairy Godmother
Words About Suzanne Collins
A recommendation of one of my favorite series of all time.
Until next time, word nerds!
Extra! Extra!
Today I guest blogged for my friend Nichole, who was kind enough to write this post for me.
If you want to find out whether “stalking” is romantic or just plain creepy, head over to Nichole’s blog to see my thoughts!
http://nicholeparks.com/2015/03/20/guest-post-prince-stalking/
Until next time, word nerds!
The Spell for a Fairytale Romance
Today the blog gets a visit from my good friend and fellow classmate Nichole Parks! In honor of the new Cinderella movie, Nichole shares about the ingredients of a successful fairy tale, using Cinderella as an example.
In whatever land you travel, there will be bedtime stories. They are whispered like prayers and as delicate as smoke from a smoldered candle. They open with a beginning which transition to a middle. But if you listen close, you will find they never really end.
Fairytales we call them. Fair, indeed.
For while living forever in a castle with a prince may encapsulate the hopes of a reader, I’m afraid the potion to writing a fairytale romance lies in the very potent never factor.
Never can Cinderella regain her social standing as a maid.
Never can Cinderella attend a royal ball dressed in rags.
Never can Cinderella gain the affection of a prince.
Lock away all dreams in the attic. Throw away the key. Dash every hope but the last. Then start building the forever on the five basics of a fairytale romance.
Love at first sight
Usually, one or both fairytale characters experience love at first sight. From the moment the hero and heroine gaze upon the others face, their connection is instantaneous. This deep, abiding love presents itself in the most innocent way during the first days of their tender romance.
It may not be a fiery passion. But meeting one another ignites something inside that compels the hero that they must see this girl again.
Think of Prince Charming’s dedication to find Cinderella.
Social class differences
Cinderella slept near the cinders.
Prince Charming stewed in the castle.
Time and time again, the hero and heroine fight for acceptance. Sometimes they resort to trickery in order to prove their worth. Perhaps that’s the reason for so many masquerade balls.
Nature
Fairytales deal with the rawest parts of humanity—the glow of hope inside each and every one of us. That with a little faith, hope, and pixie dust we really could fly. Those vulnerable parts are so virile and ripe, it’s no wonder that nature plays such a significant role.
Pumpkins, mice, and birds aren’t magical. They do, however provide a solid organic connection for a story so riveted with supernatural elements.
Magic must end before true love’s test
The clock must strike midnight before a timeless ever after occurs. Because, if you are going to have magic up your sleeves, then your heroes are going to have to roll up their sleeves to work for their heart’s desire.
If the magic never fades, who’s to say true love isn’t a spell?
Princes may dance with the prettiest girl, but it is the heroes who fights for the prettiest girl.
Don’t cripple love with magic. Love is more. A sacrifice will always be stronger than a spell—Beauty and the Beast proves that.
Happily ever after
In whatever land you travel, there will be bedtime stories. They are whispered like prayers and as delicate as smoke from a smoldering candle. They open with a beginning which transition to a middle. But if you listen close, you will find they never really end.
About Nichole: Nichole Parks majors in dark humor and dark chocolate at Taylor University. She makes her headquarters at Zondervan Library where she works remotely as Associate Editor of Splickety Love, blogs at nicholeparks.com , and perfects her application for The Bachelor.
Links:
http://nicholeparks.com/
Words About Disney Princesses
In which I rant about Disney princesses. Partly inspired by a recent blog post by my friend Amy Green, and partly by my thoughts on Strong Female Characters.
What do you think? Share your opinions below. I’d love to hear your thoughts!
Until next time, word nerds!
A Not so Small World
Dear Fairy Godmother,
The world is such a big place. It makes me feel so small sometimes. I want to see all that is has to offer, but travel is expensive. How can I expand on my little corner of the world?
Thumbelina
Dear Thumbelina,
The world is indeed large, but that’s not a bad thing. There aren’t any ways to make it smaller, and I certainly agree that travel is often out of the question, but there are things that you can do to make your small portion of it bigger.
1. Act like a tourist in your own hometown. See what your city has to offer those who don’t live there. You might stumble across some hidden gem you never thought to explore because it’s always been there.
2. Grab some friends, get in the car, and spend a day on the road. You’d be surprised how many new things you’ll find if you look for them.
And that’s the most important piece of advice I can give you: look for new and exciting things. You’ll find more than you thought. It’s all about attitude!
And remember, never stop dreaming!
Your Fairy Godmother
Words About English
While they speak the same language, Europeans have a different way of saying things.
Until next time, word nerds!
Kate G. Jameson 