The Sunshine Award

Yay! My blog has been awarded The Sunshine Award in celebration of Summer by Sarah's Story! Oh, I've also been awarded this by Becki (from Being Becki) and Brian (from Shattering the Darkness) Thanks so much, Sarah, Becki, and Brian! I am very happy!

The rules of this award are as follows:  List 10 things that make you happy and pass the award onto other bloggers.


Here goes!

Ten things that make me happy (not in any particular order.):

#1 - A good Christian Romance book.

#2 - A fast-paced Gospel song.

#3 - Talking to my BFF's via Facebook message and/or Skype video chat.

#4 - The sweet sound of soft rain thumping on the roof. 

#5 - Getting a great idea for my story, and it turns out the way I wanted it to.

#6 - Going to church.

#7 - Watching a hilarious movie that has a good moral. (Drama's are good too.)

#8 - The moment where I make a REALLY good grade on a quiz/test.

#9 - Playing the piano.

#10 - Finally, teaching one of my siblings how to do something new. 

Now, it's time for me to award this to a few other blogs!

Allison, from Allison's Bookish Life

Faye, from Labor Not In Vain
And . . . . . Emily, from Blog Of A (Maybe) Teen Author

Hope you enjoyed!!

God bless!
Galatians 6:9 KJV

One Lovely Blog Award

Hey, all!

I have been nominated by Lily, from Lily's Notes in the Margins, has given me a blog award. It is called "The One Lovely Blog Award". (I know, you're thinking, "Seriously, Katelyn? I think we figured that out.")

This award comes with three rules:
1. You have to thank the person who nominated you on their blog to receive your honor.
2. You have to tell 7 things about yourself!
3. You have to nominate 15 blogs and then tell them of their nomination!

Well, I will comply to these rules. 

So, thanks Lily, for passing this award on to me.  




So, now, for the 7 things about myself:

#1 - I became a Christian a few months after I turned four years old.

#2 - I have probably read over 400 books in my lifetime (possibly more), and one of my siblings has only read one. 

#3 - There are certain movies I have watched so much that I can recite 85-99% of the dialogue.

#4 - I enjoy killing my characters off. Whenever I get mad at one, I write a scene where they get killed, and then delete it, because it makes me feel better. (I never said I was sane.)

#5 - When I debate with someone, I don't give in easily. I have been known to debate for months and months with certain people.

#6 - I love Trixie Belden books more than I do Nancy Drew. 

#7 - Lastly (I'm glad that this is the last one, because I can't find any other random things to say about myself), I am not a very random person. Thank you.

I made it through! YES!!! 

Now, for my nominees, I don't know if I can do 15, but I can do a few. 

Becki, from Being Becki!

Rachelle, from Inspiring Daring!

Rosie, from Writings of Rosie!

Abri, from Just Your Ordinary Girl, Trying To Be More!

Emily, from Blog of a (Maybe) Teen Author!

Sarah, from Sarah's Story!

Brian, from Shattering The Darkness!

Sky, from Further Up and Further In!

Those are the only ones I can think of. Thanks! :D

God bless!

Galatians 6:9 KJV

"Endangered" cast: Cordelia . . .

Hello, all! Meet Cordelia, David's sister.

Cordelia: *waves* It's a pleasure.

Me: So, Cordelia, how have you been?

Cordelia: Considering the circumstances, better than expected. But I really do not like being abducted by a insane--

Me: Hush, Delia. We are not discussing that again. 

Cordelia: I should have a say in it. 

Me: No, you don't need a say in it. Now hush so I can get on with the question. *under breath* Characters!

Cordelia: Fine, fine. Hurry up. I think I hear him coming after me again. *wrinkles nose* He thinks I'm his--

Me: Hush!!! Okay, now, how old are you?

Cordelia: You tell me. I don't even think you came up with my age yet.

Me: Whatever. You can be. . . . . 20 years old then. Next question . . . . what do you think of David?

Cordelia: . . . . He's my brother. What do you think I think of him?

Me: *sigh* Just tell us what you think of him. Does he make you mad sometimes? Is he a good brother? C'mon, tell us!

Cordelia: Well, yes, he can make me angry at times, but all brothers are like that, right?

Me: *shrug* 

Cordelia: Um, he's a very good brother at times, he tries to protect me, but sadly he failed this time. How did he do that anyway? He never--

Me: Cordelia, stop talking about that. You'll find out. Okay? BACK TO THE QUESTIONS!! What do you think of Marc?

Cordelia: Well, he's very sweet. We've been courting, I suppose you could say. 

Me: Yeah, well don't get your hopes up. I'm not letting you marry him.

Cordelia: What!

Me: Sorry. Next question. Well, you don't know Guinevere or Breanne . . . So I can't ask you about them. You don't know about Naomi either . . . . Hmm. Fine. If you could go back in time and change one thing, what would it be?

Cordelia: *grumble* I'd never go on that stupid walk. Then I wouldn't have ended up-- Well, you know. 

Me: *Scowl* Yes, I do know. Anything besides that. Because that's basically the whole story. Without that happening, I wouldn't have a plot for the series. The whole series revolves around that!

Cordelia: Fine. I'd have married the man my father wanted me to marry, so we wouldn't be financially ruined. 

Me: Okay. Um . . . What is your biggest fear?

Cordelia: I'm afraid of spiders. And blood. 

Me: Why?

Cordelia: Well, whenever you see blood, something bad is happening. Chances are you're dying. 

Me: Not normally. Most of the time we see blood is because of a little scrape or something. 

Cordelia: You haven't seen what I've seen.

Me: Yes, I have! What you see has to come alive in my head before it can be real in your world! Now, why are you afraid of spiders?

Cordelia: Same reason you are. 

Me: Okay. Explain.

Cordelia: They're creepy and crawly! 

Me: Next question . . . . Have you ever come close to death?

Cordelia: Probably.

Me: When?

Cordelia: Well, ever since I went out for a walk and than you made my life horrible. Yeah, I was probably very close to death when I was unconscious. 

Me: You just don't stop, do you? How many times do I have to tell you that we are not discussing that right now?

Cordelia: As many times as it takes until my life is back the way it's supposed to be.

Me: You know, you and Guinevere remind me a lot of each other. And I know you're definitely David's sister. He basically said the same thing.

Cordelia: Yeah, yeah.

Me: Are you a morning person?

Cordelia: Depends on where I am.

Me: Is that a veiled mention of what I told you not to talk about?

Cordelia: Perhaps. *stops and listens* I hear him. He's looking for me. I better go before he thinks I ran away and kills you or something. 

Me: He can't. I'll kill him first, with two words. 

Cordelia: You think you could do that for me?

Me: No. Goodbye!

God bless!

Galatians 6:9 KJV

How I stay focused. . .

Around last Thursday-Friday, another teen writer from Go Teen Writers asked me, "You've been working on Endangered a while now, right? You are my role model when it comes to sticking to one story! How do you do it?" Then, a bit shocked, I answered, "Well, I just tell myself it'll be worth it when I'm finished." But I kept thinking on it. How did I stay with one story for almost a year without tossing it? Without quitting? The answer?

I didn't. Honestly, I've quit Endangered at least a hundred times. I've worn out the "backspace" key on my old computer from deleting so many words and scenes. I've pushed my computer away and told myself, "I am done with this story. I can't do anything with it!" But for some reason, I always come back. 

Don't ask me why. This story has continuously defied my every word. It has basically written itself in a way that I didn't want it written.  It has changed from cruel pirate and sweet, godly heiress falling in love, to a hurting, sarcastic merchant ship captain and hateful, rude heiress disliking/hating each other and never having anything in common. Yeah. Believe me, I'm trying to fix the mess my characters have made, but let's not kid ourselves. Characters, despite the fact that they figments of our imaginations, are very stubborn, defiant people. What they do is hard to get undone. (Can I hear an amen from other writers/authors?) 

So to answer her (person who asked me how I do it) question in a more detailed manner, I didn't. Well, I did, but not without bumps. I only kept going because my family wanted me to finish it (I don't even know how they figured it out. I never told them, they found out somehow and then I had to let them read it.), I had told other people (GTW people, for the most part) and I didn't want to look like a quitter to anyone. My BFF Becki and her sister Sarah, and her other sister, Abri (they are all BFFs ^_^) have been, and still are, inspiration to me. I started forcing words onto each page, no matter how much my characters complained. I told them, "I am the writer. YOU ARE NOT. I am writing this story, you are just working in it." True, it didn't help with their attitudes, but it helped me, mentally. I did put it aside sometimes, and let myself wander onto another project. But I knew I would always find myself back at Endangered. And I did.


So, my answer to this question is, just push through it. Push through the doubts and frustrations. Put your heart and soul into each and every chapter, every scene, every paragraph, every word. Sure, sometimes you might need to step away and say, "Okay, I need a break. I need a change of scenery. I just need time away from this WIP right now." And don't be afraid to do it. Step aside from "So-and-So" and let your brain rebuild its creative juices. When you feel you're ready, go back to it. 


I also have this hilarious story to share with you. Sunday night I was on this writer's group. I posted this blog link, and asked for them to go there. This one person did. I was talking to whoever they were and they were reading my blog. They apparently didn't realize I was the blog owner and said, "Wow, she's only 13? I wrote horribly when I was 13." I decided to play along, because I needed something to do. I said, "Yeah, I guess she does." They then said, "Whoa, this is serious stuff!" I was a bit confused and asked, "What do you mean?" They said, "This girl interviews her characters?!?!!?" I started laughing and said, "Yeah, she does. It helps her to get to know her characters better." They said, "This girl is crazy." I had a good laugh over that, and thought y'all would too. :)

Hope you enjoyed!

God bless!
Galatians 6:9 KJV

"Endangered" cast: Naomi . . . . .

Yesterday I interviewed David (the best I could, anyway), today I am interviewing Naomi, the woman who graciously allows Guinevere, Breanne, David, and Marc to stay at her house as there are no other inns with rooms.



Hello Naomi! How are you today?

Naomi: It is another beautiful day the Good Lord has made.

Me: You are the only one so far that has not had a bad attitude.

Naomi: *frown* Do you need me to deal with them?

Me: *grin* Actually, that would be wonderful. Thank you, Naomi.

Naomi: Anytime, dear. Now, you said you wanted to ask me a few questions?

Me: Yes. How old are you?

Naomi: Let us just say I am past 30, but under 50.

Me: I will take that as an answer. Okay, what do you think of Guinevere?

Naomi: *sigh* She needs some work. She feels as if she is the most important person on Earth, and thinks of no one but herself. But she is witty. She needs someone to bring her down a level. I think that someone is God. Only He can make her see.

Me: Very true. What do you think of Marc?

Naomi: He's a good man. He's very protective and loyal. But he blames himself for something, I can see it in his eyes. He needs to hand it over to God.

Me: Uh-huh. That's where you come in. What do you think of Breanne?

Naomi: She's bitter. She has a hard time letting go. She lets the past command her future. She is protective of those she cares for, but at times her protectiveness hurts others, sometimes physically, sometimes emotionally. She means well, but it doesn't always end well.

Me: I see. What do you think of David?

Naomi: He has a good head on his shoulders. A bit pushy, at times, but a good person.

Me: Okay. Have you ever caused pain to someone purposely?

Naomi: I'm ashamed to say I have.

Me: Really? Who?

Naomi: I had a spat with my beau's fiancee. I struck her, and him too. She was covered in bruises when I finished with her.

Me: Why would you do that?!

Naomi: He lied to me. We were supposed to be married. But his family didn't like me. They chose some other woman. When I saw them together, I became angry. But you needn't know the details.

Me: Actually, Naomi, I do. I need to include this in the story. Care to tell who they were?

Naomi: No.

Me: Ugh. Fine, whatever. Are there any other questions you think need to be answered?

Naomi: No, not at all. It's been fun. We should talk more often.

Me: Definitely. We should discuss this  . . . . . fiance of yours sometime. I need to add it to the story.

Naomi: Uh, sure.

Me: Well, goodbye for now! And if YOU have any questions for Naomi (or any of the others) as in the comments! They'll love to answer! I forgot to add that on all of the others. Bye!

God bless!
Galatians 6:9 KJV

"Endangered" cast: David . . . .

Hello all! Today I am interviewing Marc's best friend, David Mendes. I hope you enjoy meeting him!

Hello David! How are you today?

David: Quite well, actually. 

Me: Yay! I'm so glad to hear that. The others, so far, have been in bad moods and--

David: This won't take long will it?

Me: Um, no. Not if you answer the questions quickly. Why?

David: I must find Cordelia. I have little time for frivolous things such as answering silly question and--

Me: David, just hush. We'll be finished soon if you just let me do the asking, and you do the answering. Got it? You people are really ungrateful. Were it not for me, you would not even exist in anyone's imagination. 

David: But--

Me: No buts. Just hush. Listen. Codelia's fine. Let me worry about her. You just do what I tell you to do and everything will go smoothly. 

David: . . . . . 

Me: Now, for the questions. How old are you?

David: What if Codelia isn't--

Me: STOP TALKING ABOUT CORDELIA!!!! I'VE GOT HER UNDER CONTROL. JUST ANSWER MY QUESTIONS!!!

David: *blink* Someone's in a bad mood today.

Me: Actually, I'm in a bad mood because none of you people answer my questions like you need to. Just answer the questions, I will worry about all of problems in your life. Okay? Good.

David: Fine. I am 23 years old. 

Me: Thank you. What do you think of Marc?

David: He's my best friend. What do you think I think of him?

Me: Just answer the question. 

David: *huff* He's a good person, despite his childhood. He is loyal, honorable, and kind. He has a temper, but he is very good at keeping it under control. He's amusing, and always finds some kind of trouble to get into. There much more, but it'd take hours to list. 

Me: Okay. What do you think of Guinevere?

David: I cannot judge her character when I have spoken so little to her. 

Me: That's nice. But still, what do you think of her, overall?

David: Well, she seems to be stubborn and flighty. She is a flirt. She is frivolous. 

Me: Does she have any good qualities?

David: *shrug* I suppose. Everyone has at least one good quality, I am sure. 

Me: Can you list a few?

David: Well, she . . . . um . . . . . I think . . . .  *sigh* I cannot think of anything. I am sure she is a kind person, deep down. She just has a few . . . . issues. 

Me: *blink* I see. *scribbles down in notebook* I'll get that fixed. What do you think of Breanne?

David: She's different.

Me: *glances up* And how is that?

David: She is not afraid of anyone. Though she is a mere servant, she refuses to be intimidated by those of higher status. She has a temper, but she does not try to restrain it very often. She is kind and caring, but certain people anger her. 

Me: Okay. What do you think of the story?

David: I think you could make my life a little easier. 

Me: *eye roll* Everyone says that. Sorry. Easy lives aren't interesting. They don't get published. Sorry, but I think having your life in a complete mess is working out much better than I had originally planned. 

David: But my sister? Really?

Me: *shrug* I didn't really plan that. It sort of wrote itself there. But it's working better! And the suspense! How could you not love that?

David: Because my only sibling is in danger, and you're having fun while writing about it!

Me: But you would have never met Breanne otherwise. 

David: Next question.

Me: What do you want to happen at the end of the book?

David: I want my life to be easier! I want my life to be fixed and perfect again. 

Me: Eh, that won't happen until the end of book 3. 

David: Book 3? I did not sign a contract for that. I do not want a book 3. Can we please just finish everything in book 1?

Me: No. Series sell better. Publishers are more inclined to publish series than they are stand alone books. 

David: So my life is going to be a mess for two more books?

Me: Uh, yeah! I mean, your life can't be perfect after the first one. I mean, that would be horrible. 

David: *mutters* To you.

Me: Well, you can go now. We will discuss the publishing biz later. Okay? Great. 

God bless!

Galatians 6:9 KJV

Excerpt from "Endangered"

So, I've posted interviews with of a few of my characters. There will be more tomorrow.
But I thought, "I might as well give them a little tidbit to interest them. Be mindful, I haven't edited this yet and it's only my 1.5 draft.


This is from chapter 6, scene 2.

"Marc restrained a wince as the four of them sat in the carriage. The tension was so thick, Marc was sure he could slice it with wire. Marc watched the two women sitting across from him and David as they stared at each other, opponent to opponent.
     Marc coughed, hoping to ease the attention of the two enemies away from each other. No success. They did not even bat an eye. He slowly looked at David, wondering if he felt the tension exuding between the two ladies as well. David sat rigid next to him, his eyes darting back and forth between the females.
     Marc coughed again, this time louder. Guinevere slid her gorgeous, half-closed, emerald green eyes towards him, her blonde eyebrows raised. She crossed her arms. “Are you not feeling well?”
     “I feel fine. Perfectly fine.” At this, Guinevere returned her gaze to Breanne, who stared back defiantly.
     Marc sighed. Maybe he should forget about saving funds and give them separate rooms, unless he wanted to handle a lifeless body in the morning.
     “Ahem.” Marc cleared his throat, wondering if this was yet another futile attempt to be rid of the tension. “Breanne, I heard you might be looking for work at the factory?”
     Guinevere’s eyes widened and her face became a fascinating shade of red. Marc gulped. What have I done?
     Breanne looked at him, clearly surprised. “How did you know that? I only told Dav-Eh, Mr. Mendes-that.”
     Guinevere sneered. “David is it? I should have known. You Irish are all the same.” She smirked.
     Marc could have kicked himself. Great, you have now succeeded in giving them both one more reason to kill each other. Nice work, Marc. Marc looked at David, whose face was now as pink as the sunrise.
     But Guinevere wasn’t finished yet. Oh no. She wasn’t anywhere near finished. “Why is it that I’m the only one unaware of the fact that you are looking for more work? You are my employee. I should be told. But you just keep proving everyday how ungrateful and selfish you are!”
     Marc tried to change the subject, but Breanne interrupted. “I’m ungrateful and selfish? Oh, no. I believe you have us mixed up. You are the one who acts all high and mighty when you are nothing better than a low-down beggar!”
     Marc rubbed his temples, feeling the headache coming on. He had to stop them before they got out of control. Before-
     Before Marc could utter a sound, Guinevere sprang on top of Breanne, her nails digging into Breanne’s sleeve.
     “You are a good-for-nothing ungrateful tart!” Guinevere’s screech could be heard for miles, Marc was sure of it. He tried to pull Guinevere from Breanne, but Breanne had other notions.
     Breanne’s fingernails landed on Guinevere’s face cut through her fine skin. Guinevere cried out, and then began beating Breanne with her clenched fists. Smack! The sound of a palm coming in contact with skin resounded throughout the carriage.
     Breanne drew her hand back and went for Guinevere’s cheek again. Instead of slapping it, like Marc thought, she scrunched her hand into a fist and hit Guinevere in the eye. Guinevere then yanked Breanne’s hair, jerking her head back and forth.
     Marc grabbed Guinevere before she and Breanne could do anymore harm to each other, and gestured for David to do the same. David took Breanne by the arm, and whispered something in her ear. Instantly, Breanne settled down, only glaring at Guinevere.
     Marc looked down at Guinevere, about to give her a piece of his mind about trying to hurt her “best friend” and then he noticed the blood on her cheek and the bruise beginning to form around her right eye.
     “Are you okay?” He asked, knowing that sounded foolish, even to his own ears. He retrieved a handkerchief from his trousers’ pocket, and offered it to her.
     She snatched the handkerchief from his hand and wiped at the cuts. “What do you think?” She hissed between clenched teeth. She glanced down at the balled up handkerchief and paled at the sight of blood.
     Marc sagged against the cushioned seat. He hoped they would be at the boardinghouse soon. He did not know how much more of this he could take. "

Hope you enjoyed it! This is one of my favorite scenes. :)

God Bless!
Galatians 6:9 KJV

"Endangered" Cast: Breanne . . . .

Sorry everyone for not posting the latest interview! I've been a bit busy. Anyway, here we are with Breanne, Guinevere's once-upon-a-time friend and personal servant, now enemy. Perhaps she can shed some light on WHY they are enemies.



Hello, Breanne! How are you this exceedingly warm afternoon?

Breanne: I suppose I could be better. But I shall take what I can get.

Me: I'm not sure if that's an optimistic or pessimist view.

Breanne: I am neither. I am just a realist. Now, on to the interview?

Me: Oh, yes. Of course. Um . . . . How old are you?

Breanne: Eight and ten years of age.

Me: What do you think of Marc Barrington?

Breanne: He is a gentleman, but a bit too serious. But he does have spouts of humor, from what I have witnessed. I enjoy starring in a novel with him.

Me: What do you think of . . . . . *deep breath* Guinevere?

Breanne: *clenches fist and narrows eyes* She is a brat. A spoiled, ungrateful brat.

Me: Um . . . why do you say that?

Breanne: *jumps from chair and waves arms above her head, eyes flashing* Because she is!  She thinks that because she is a Montgomery, she can do as she pleases.

Me: How do you know her?

Breanne: Sadly, she was my employer. But when we get back to England, I shall collect my things and leave. I will work no longer for her.

Me: When did things start going wrong between you two?

Breanne: I do not know. Honestly. We were friends once, but the older we got, the more she seemed to despise me. *sits down*

Me: *nod* I see. Um . . . what do you think of starring in your own book?

Breanne: Would Guinevere be in it?

Me: Yes, but she'd have a better . . . . personality.

Breanne: I like the idea not in the least bit.

Me: Well, you will. You will star in a book entitled, "Threatened", whether you like it or not.

Breanne: You cannot force me to act out your crazy scenarios against my will!

Me: *thinking* You and Guinevere have more in common than either of you think. You two would be great friends if you tried.

Breanne: I refuse! If you have no other questions for me, I will be on my way.

Me: Wait! Okay, okay. Fine.  Do you think Guinevere and you will ever be friends again?

Breanne: I have no time for this. I have problems to tend to. *gets up and walks away*

Me: Why do you all do this to me!!!!! I am your writer!!! If you told me these problems, I could fix them!! I really do not like y'all right now!!!

God bless!
Galatians 6:9 KJV

Me, interviewed.

Yes, you read right. I have been interviewed. By my uncle. 


Here it is!

It's time to turn the tables on the curiously strange but cunning Interview Girl. What makes her tick? There is so much I could ask her, but here is the condensed version. Enjoy! ~ Interview Girl's uncle

1: If there was one word to describe you, what would it be?
 Um . . . . . dependable. I think that would describe me best.


2:  Which do you prefer? Paperback, hardcover, or e-reader?
Well, any are fine with me, as long as it's a book. But I think I like paperback the best. 


3: What is the record number of books you've read in a week in you're lifetime?
I think it was seven. Or eight. One of those. :)


4: What is your favorite book and why?
AH!!!! You had to ask me that. I have many favorites, but my absolute favorites? Um . . . . It would be a tie between "Love Finds You in Annapolis, Maryland" and "The Red Siren".


5: At what age did you officially start writing stories?
Well, I've been writing my entire life, but I started getting serious about it a year ago this August. 


6: Will you pursue writing books someday?
*smile* I already am. I plan on being an author and marketer/editor/sales whatever it was I agreed to be in the Fearsome Foursome Publishing biz.


7: What do you do when you get writer's block?
Normally I'll stop writing for awhile. I'll just read books and edit other people's stories. 


8: How much wood would a woodchuck chuck if a woodchuck could chuck wood?
Lotza wood would a woodchuck chuck if a woodchuck could chuck wood.


9: What themes do you like to read and write about? 
Christian Romance/ anything. Well, anything besides horror. 


10: As a Christian, when you get to Heaven, what questions will you have for God?
I'd like to know everything. I'd ask Him about why He created the planets. I'd ask Him how it felt to give up His only Son for people like us. I'd ask Him about everything and anything. 


Thanks Uncle Robert for the great interview!


Well, that's the end of the interview! But, I can't thank myself, so I'll just ask if you enjoyed. ;) 

"Endangered" cast: Marc . . . .

Hello all! Yesterday we interviewed my FMC Guinevere, and it was quite . . . er, interesting. So today we're here with my MMC Marc.



Hello Marc! How are you today?

Marc: 'Tis a good day to go riding. Sadly, my mount seems to be absent as of now.

Me: Aww, I'm sorry. Where did it go?

Marc: If I knew, would it be absent?

Me: Um, I guess not. Okay, so . . . . Um, how old are you?

Marc: *blinks a few times* I am 23 years of age. May I ask why?

Me: No reason, we're just letting the audience get to know you better.

Marc: I see. What other inquires might you have?

Me: What one word describes you?

Marc: That's a bit hard for me to answer. I would say untrusting.

Me: Why?

Marc: It's a bit of a long story. One I'd rather not discuss right now. You're already spreading my life problems out in this story you call "Endangered". It's quite exhausting.



Me: I'm sorry. But it's so interesting!

Marc: I still do not like it.

Me: Fine, we'll discuss that later. What do you think of Guinevere Montgomery?

Marc: She's shallow, flighty, willful, frustrating, and cares for no one but herself.

Me: Wow. Does she have any good qualities?

Marc: I suppose, deep down.

Me: What do you think of God?

Marc: *sigh* I once believed in Him, but if He is real, He's not been listening to my problems.

Me: Why do you say that?

Marc: Another long story.

Me: I see. We should discuss it.

Marc: I suppose.

Me: Why are you acting so serious? You're always humorous in the book!

Marc: I don't feel exactly humorous today. I have some problems that need fixing today.

Me: Oh, am I keeping you from doing it?

Marc: Yes.

Me: Oh, well, we'll talk more later. Bye!

God bless!
Galatians 6:9 KJV

"Endangered" cast: Guinevere. . . .

I posted Saturday about how I began to write. So now I'll introduce you to my cast, starting with the most important, to the least.


Today, we'll start with Guinevere Montgomery.

 Guinevere is a rich girl who has it all. Money, friends, beauty, everything. She lives in a mansion that rests on over 100 acres in London, known by all as "Clandestine Manor".

Clandestine Manor

To help you get to know her better, I've decided to interview her.


Me: Hello, Guinevere! How are you this fine morning?

Guinevere: 'Tis a dreadful day, not fine at all! The sun's rays bore down on me, trying to flaw my complexion!



Me: Guinevere, stop being so stinkin' dramatic.

Guinevere *gasp* I do not put off an odor! How dare you, you peasant! Do you not know who I am?

Me: *sigh* Yes, I know who you are. I made you, Guinevere. I think I should know!

Guinevere: That is Miss Montgomery to you.

Me: Guinevere, stop acting childish! Could we get on with the interview?

Guinevere: You may, but I refuse to participate.

Me: More people will know you.

Guinevere: *jerks head and smiles prettily at audience* Oh, hello, darlings! Were you there the entire time? Oh, dear. Do forgive me. I am not normally so irritable.

Me: *snicker* Whatever.

Guinevere: *glare*

Me: *cough* Okay, so, um . . . where were we? Oh, yes! Guinevere, how old are you?

Guinevere: *eyes widen* One does not ask a lady that!

Me: Ahem . . .

Guinevere: Oh, I see. I am 19 years of age.

Me: Are you engaged?

Guinevere: Engaged? In what? I am engaged in a conversation with you, but other than that I do not--

Me: No, no, no. Not that engaged. Are you . . . . *thinks for the right word* Betrothed?

Guinevere: *face lights up* Yes! To my dear Gilbert. 'Tis a shame that I seemed to have been abducted from him--

Me: Guinevere! We are not discussing that right now!!! *leans to whisper* How many times have I told you, you are not abducted. You are being led to your destiny.

Guinevere: 'Tis a horrid destiny, if I must be forever apart from Gilbert. . .

Me: Hush. You'll like the way it all turns out. Trust me.

Guinevere: I will not trust you. *shouts* I shall never be happy without Gilbert!

Me: *facepalm* Next question. What is your biggest fear?

Guinevere: *diverts her eyes and sinks lower in her chair*

Me: Guinevere . . . . .

Guinevere: Um . . . . well, I fear not being liked by others. *twists handkerchief* I do so enjoy when people seek out my company. It makes me feel . . . . special. And loved.

Me: I see. Why do you fear that?

Guinevere: Could you ask another question?

Me: Um, yeah. Sure. *flips through cards* Uh . . . . What do you consider your greatest accomplishment?

Guinevere: *thoughtful* Hmm . . . well, becoming betrothed to Gilbert. Many ladies sought after him, and yet I was the one to capture his heart. Yes, my greatest accomplishment.

Me: You do realize that sounds quite . . . shallow?

Guinevere: 'Tis not! *scowl*

Me: *sigh* Next question . . . . What is your most treasured possession?

Guinevere: This. *reveals strange necklace* I do not know where it came from, but I have had it for as long as I remember!

Me: Um, nice. Next question . . . What is the thing you dislike most?

Guinevere: Other than you?

Me: *jawdrop* Excuse me? I can kill you with a sentence, and you have no respect for me? Fine! I'm sure you'll love falling off the ship or being captured by pirates or catching some horrible disease or--

Guinevere: *raises hand* Okay, I understand. Hmm . . . . Marc Barrington.

Me: *nearly falls off chair* Why do you dislike him?!?!?! You're supposed to fall in lo--

Guinevere: *examines fingernails* He is frustrating.

Me: *eyeroll* Why? Because he doesn't fall for your charming ways?

Guinevere: Next question.

Me: That was a question!!!

Guinevere: I do not care. Next one.

Me: GRRRR. Fine! How would you like to die?

Guinevere: *gasps and looks up* What? I . . . I--

Me: How. Do. You. Want. To. Die?

Guinevere: I'd like to die of old age. Peacefully, in my sleep.

Me: Good, I'll give you the opposite.

Guinevere: What!!!

Me: Good bye everyone! See you tomorrow! Tomorrow we'll be interviewing Marc Barrington!

Guinevere: You cannot kill me! I have witnesses!

Me: Will you be quiet? *waves* Bye, everyone! Mwah!

God bless!
Galatians 6:9 KJV

How I Started Writing . . .

Hello, everyone! As you all know, my name is Katelyn, though I go by many other names/nicknames. We'll just stick with Katelyn, Kate, Kataleen, or Katie. Any of them will do.



I'm a thirteen year old writer, in 9th grade, and a Christian. And this is the story (It's a very long story, but if you read fast, it shouldn't take more than 5-10 minutes.) of how I decided to write . . . .

Let's be bold, Christians aren't exactly popular. Throw that in with quiet, book-ish, homeschooled, and a little shy towards certain people, and you've got a recipe for being unnoticed and shunned. And I went on that way, for years. Until one day, that life-changing day, on my 11th birthday, when my mother set me up a Facebook account.

Sure, I had been on the internet before. I did school on the internet! I had my own email account. I'd had a cell phone a year before that, until it broke (I'll be honest, I'm never good at keeping up with cell phones and their endless cords. I tend to lose/break one or the other.). But I never really socialized outside of my family/church. I had been a bit too timid to. Nevertheless, I joined, forbidden by my parents to add anyone to my friends list other than family, or to add a profile picture. They said the internet was dangerous (And yes, they are completely right) and adding those things would heighten my chances of something happening.

This was all before I decided to become a writer. I have been writing my whole life, but nothing too serious. Just short stories for school, an occasional story for my mom, to show her how much I loved her. But I'm babbling about random things now. Back to my story.

I was still timid, even after joining Facebook. So many people, so many things that you could do there. But what could I do? My grammar was horrible. I had never really cared much for English. My punctuation was even worse. I was bored one evening, and decided to write a story. But it was a children's story. I got bored quickly, and tossed that one to the curb. I decided story writing was not my thing. About a month later, my family and I couldn't go to church. We had no gas. I was upset. I loved church. And I had recently bought two notebooks to take notes in. I yanked one of the notebooks from my closet, grabbed a pen, and thought to myself, "We won't be able to go to church anyway. Why have two notebooks for church notes when you're not even going to use them?"

So I decided to start writing a story. I had no plot, no characters, no setting, nothing. Absolutely nothing. Just one teeny, tiny idea about a pirate and a diamond heiress. I didn't even know how to write a book. I thought it'd be easy. I mean, all you have to do is write a bunch of chapters and then have it published, right? WRONG!

But I didn't know then what I know now. So I just scribbled some scenes--they were pretty pathetic, I admit--this time it was a Christian romance. I now realize that that is what I have a passion for. Not just YA Fiction. I wanted to write Christian Romance. No, I needed to write CR. My first title for it was "A Match Made in Paradise". But I thought it too cheesy. And I wasn't sure what time period it would be. I decided to make it "Pirates, Treasure, and God". Pretty terrible, huh? Go ahead, I know you flinched when you read that. I know that I facepalm, thinking about it.

Anyway, I began to seek help--and approval--in all the wrong places. One of the only groups I was a member of, on Facebook, was a reader's group. We discussed books from a particular author. I asked them for advice. I wish I hadn't been so stupid. But I am thankful to one lady in the group who took pity on me. She read a few of my chapters, set me straight, so to speak. By that time, I was teaching myself proper grammar and punctuation. Trust me, it was hard. I read a lot of books (That was the upside), trying to figure out the difference between "they're", "their", "there" and the "your" and "you're". I memorized the spelling of big words, making sure I didn't forget them. I studied harder in English. And I did my research on writing and publishing.

But I still wondered. Could teens actually write? Could they get published? How? When? Where? One day, these questions overwhelmed me, and I googled it. And found the blog that saved my life. Well, my writing's life, at least.

Go Teen Writers.

I googled "groups for teen writers". And up popped "Go Teen Writers". I clicked on it, thinking, "This might help me." I skimmed through the words, and decided to follow the blog. Then I found out they had a Facebook group. I thought, "Cool! I can follow easier now!" When I was accepted into the group, I was immediately welcomed. They treated me like . . . . well, family. And, for once, I found the place I belonged. I found like-minded people who wanted to write and wanted to help others. We asked questions, gave advice, vented about our stories, and so much more! I slowly came out of my shell. I was no longer timid. I was ready to give my opinion,  stand up for my beliefs, and defend myself to anyone who felt as if they could beat me in an argument.

While on the GTW group, I met three very fantastic girls. Becki, Emily, and Lindsey. They pushed me in my writing journey, and we became best friends after no time at all. We realized we were all insane. And hilarious. We started a group, just for us. The Fearsome Foursome. (Click here to go to the blog) And once again, I felt as if I belonged somewhere at last.

So, that's most of my story. I'm still working on that novel, and not too long again it went under intensive re-write. It's entitled, "Endangered" and is book 1 of "The Imperiled Hearts" series. It has a plot, I have great characters, and a villain. It's no longer about a pirate, but I think there might be a pirate attack scene. I have grown with this book. The characters have grown. And I'm happy.

Thank you for reading. If you have anything you'd like to say, go ahead and comment below. I'd love to hear what you're thinking.

God bless!
Galatians 6:9 KJV