Friday, September 22, 2017

Tie Died by Kathryn Elizabeth Jones

I have enjoyed getting to know Kathryn through this blog post. Her book looks amazing. She's a practiced writer and enjoys her craft.

Kathryn was born in Redwood City, California, but moved to Utah when she was little. She’s lived in Utah most of her life. She has a very supportive husband and three daughters that are grown. She loves spending time with her grandchildren.

She wrote her first story when she was pregnant with her first daughter. At the time, she thought it was a great story. As she’s grown in her writing profession, she now knows that story was just a beginning. She says she still has it to remind her of how much her writing skill has grown.


Tie Died is a YA Mystery.

                When 18-year-old Brianne James discovers a murdered young girl at Montgomery Park – a 15-year-old who has been left for dead in the icy snow – there is only one thing she can do: search for the killer.
                Brianne has a nose for sleuthing. She can connect with people; even scary people like Jordan Elspie. She has the smarts to solve even the most underhanded crime, and she can solve it with or without the help of the police or her parents.
 When it comes to Conner Ryan, however, his unrelenting assistance is quite another story. When you’re in love with one of the hottest guys in school – who in the heck cares?

It took Kathryn about six months to write this book. She’s able to finish a project faster than she used to.

The main character, Brianne isn't a professional sleuth, but she might surprise you. Her parents are both detectives, so she has been a part of detective work for a while now. Still, Brianne has her own way of solving a crime, and doesn't take any lip from those who think she's not qualified.

Of the two main characters are Brianne James and her boyfriend, Conner Ryan, Kathryn says her favorite is Brianne because she’s sort of quirky, and has a pretty good head on her shoulders.

Here are the links to her blogs and the purchase of her book.

                http://www.ariverofstones.com 

                http://www.ideacreationspress.com 




Kathryn loves going to schools to give presentations on book writing. She currently does two different classes. The first class takes everyone through the main elements of writing; i.e., characters, setting, plot, and, after an hour, they have an outline for their book. The second takes multiple weeks, where the kids get to create their own picture book.

Enjoy Kathryn’s mystery. It’s just right for a cold winter day, a soft couch, and a cup of steaming hot chocolate.


Tuesday, September 12, 2017

Growth Mindset

Growth Mindset is the new buzzword traveling around our world today. It’s got me thinking:

Does one develop a Growth Mindset?
Is one born with a Growth Mindset?
Does it come from living through adversity?
Can it be developed from education?

What are your thoughts on this?

I think all the above can come into play. I’m working right now with a group of women dealing with addiction. Some of them think in a growth mindset pattern. It’s just their nature. Maybe they have developed it over the years as they lived through adversity. Maybe it came from their education.

We can’t answer all these questions, but the principle I do know is this:

People with Growth Mindset influence the world they live in.
People with Growth Mindset can bring good to the world with their positive influence.
People with Growth Mindset get things done.
People with Growth Mindset are, for the most part, successful.

Here are some books I have read this past week about people who made the world a better place:







Dave the Potter, Artist, Poet, Slave created artistic works that blessed the lives of many. Some are still around today.










Sojourner Truth preached at revivals, stood up for women’s rights, and freedom for African-Americans. She always found a way to solve the problems of her difficult life.










E.B. White gave us Charlotte’s Web. It took him years to get his manuscript just right, but he worked until he reached his goal.



Jan and Antonia Zabinski saved over three hundred Jews from Hitler’s destruction. Life was scary and bleak in Poland, but this couple persisted in bringing light to the world.




Growth Mindset is in all our lives. It surrounds all our goals, service, relationships—all we do.

Think of Growth-Mindset people who have impacted your life.


How will you encourage your own Growth Mindset today?

Tuesday, September 5, 2017

You Are Worth It by JoLyn Brown

You Are Worth It, Eternal Perspective for Young Women
By JoLyn Brown



This delightful book is a gentle, inspirational read for young women. The stories are moving and support each concept the author suggests. At the end of each section are scripture prompts and conference talk reminders, along with temple goals, daily prompts, and journal suggestions.

I highly recommend this book to young women everywhere. It’s also a tender read for adults as well as youth to keep our spiritual focus on Heavenly Father and the Savior. The book is full of love and Christ-like examples. Pick up a copy and enrich your life.


Book Synopsis: Each of us comes to this world with a divine worth and strength. Yet every person will experience times of doubt and darkness when we need comfort and encouragement. You Are Worth It features thoughtful lessons that will inspire a young woman to honor, love, and nurture herself and others. In a down-to-earth way, author JoLyn Brown teaches about faith and obedience, hopes and dreams, family and friends, and Christ-like service.





JoLyn Brown was raised alongside a peach orchard where she worked with her family. Some of her favorite memories are of listening to stories told by her relatives. These stories and her own experiences provide inspiration for her writing. She’s published two LDS teen novels Run, and Break. Her non-fiction published works include A Circle of Sisters, Home Evenings for Newlyweds, Values-Centered Activities for Young Women, and You Are Worth It: Eternal Perspectives for a Young Woman. JoLyn is currently working on a fantasy novel. She lives in Utah with her husband and two children. When she’s not writing, she sews, scrapbooks, gardens, reads, and spends time with her family.