Bucket List!

About a year-and-a-half ago, I was able to mark a big item off my bucket list. I was able to hike the Inka Trail to Machu Picchu!

I have wanted to see this spectacular area since I learned about it in elementary school. My sister took me there as a gift (great sister, huh?)! The Inka Trail (yes, that’s the correct spelling) was an arduous hike on uneven and slippery rocks. See the photo. That’s what we hiked on for three of the four days. We slept in tents and our porters (best ever!) cooked for us and carried a large percentage of our load.

I couldn’t have made it all the way to Machu Picchu without their help!

When I look through my (thousands) of photos from the trail, I can remember how amazing and how difficult it was to hike on those rocks, with my loaded pack, at that altitude.

It was one of the most difficult, and rewarding, things I have ever done.

I hope you have a chance to challenge yourself and cross something off your bucket list! Sonja

How I Do It

When I write longer chapter books, as opposed to the illustrated easy-to-read books, I need to keep track of characters, settings, and scenes. The ‘Fairies of Carlow’ series v. ‘The Voyage’ or the ‘Guinness the Therapy Dog’ series is a good example.

I keep a journal for each book with sections for characters, settings, chapter summaries, and events. This way I can map out rooms, homes, gardens, etc. to make sure my writing is consistent.

Since I like to write series’, I keep notes on the characters so when I revisit them in another title I can stay consistent with who they are and what they look like.

Consistency is the key when creating a world, which is what each book does.

I don’t have journals for the Guinness the Therapy Dog series since they are shorter and less complex. Also, I have the real thing laying at my feet so I don’t need to go far for inspiration or to see exactly how the white blaze goes from nose to the top of his head.

Let me know your tips and tricks for keeping track of details! Sonja

Kudos!!!

(c) 2020

The reviews for ‘The Voyage’ are in!!!

Read the illustrated easy-to-read book that has been given 5 stars!

“Everyone in the Wing Family should read this book.”

“Nicely written.”

“Has a very nice story and beautiful pictures.”

Click on The Voyage link in the left margin of this web site for the paperback or the ebook.

Leave a review on Amazon.com so I can see what you think! Sonja

#MLKday

Photo by The New York Public Library on Unsplash

Today marks the day that Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr was born. January 20 was made a national holiday in his honor in 1983 by President Ronald Reagan.

The holiday was initially supported by labor unions during contract negotiations. It wasn’t until 2000 that all 50 states began to observe the holiday.

MLK was known for his involvement in the Civil Rights Movement that reached its crest in the 1960s. He advocated for nonviolent activism against racial discrimination in federal and state law.

Several countries observe, or have observed, MLK day: Canada, Japan, Israel, and the Netherlands.

MLK was assassinated at a motel in Atlanta in 1968.

I hope you remember the reason for the holiday. Sonja

#SaturdayMorning

(c) 2020

This fine Saturday morning I will be taking a walk with Guinness the Therapy Dog. We try to take a walk every day. He loves all the smells and the cool air. I love the walk. Soon, I’ll take him to the mountains to play in the snow.

I’ll post pictures!

Have a wonderful Saturday doing whatever it is you want to do. I hope you spend a little time with a book and then with someone you love. Sonja

I Appreciate You!!!

Photo by Estée Janssens on Unsplash

Since today is ‘Get to Know Your Customers Day’, I wanted to say hello!

I hope you are able to take a look at my books and can see a little of yourself in the story or in one of the characters. I know I do!

I think the best books are based on real-life emotions and I try to add that to each character’s thoughts and actions.

Tonight is also pet therapy night with Guinness the Therapy Dog! We’ll be playing with a group of kids as a part of Gabriel’s Angels, which is an organization that links up therapy teams with at-risk kids.

We get so much out of these visits!

I hope you have a chance to meet-and-greet with your favorite people today! Sonja