My Book- Finished

I have finally finished my book, Shaken Forever- Banner of the Lord's Army. I have been working on this since January 2, 2010 and finished today June 24, 2010. It is 207 pages long, 11 times new roman font, double-spaced. It is unedited at 63,130 words. It is shorter than I anticipated, but I am going to start on its sequel.

I sent the preface and the first three chapter in to Deseret Books on May 11. So I will give more updates on whether it was accepted, if I get a release date, etc. Cross your fingers for me. I am preparing myself for rejection, just so I'm not disappointed, but it will still be exciting if it gets accepted.

Here is the letter I sent to the publisher:

In the book of Alma in the Book of Mormon, we learn about Captain Moroni, the chief captain over the entire Nephite army. We read about his new ways of thinking and planning concerning the ways of war. I chose to write about Captain Moroni because the prophet Mormon wrote a very praiseworthy scripture on him: “Yea, verily, verily I say unto you, if all men had been, and were, and ever would be, like unto Moroni, behold the very powers of hell would have been shaken forever; yea, the devil would never have power over the hearts of the children of men." (Alma 48:17). I believe that this praise depicts Captain Moroni as a very worthy role model for today’s readers.
In the following manuscript, I have fictionalized the stories contained in Alma 43-52. Captain Moroni is an opinionated, yet brave and wise young man who has served in the army since he was only 15 years old. Orphaned just a couple years previous to the start of the novel, he has nothing to do, but put all his focus on his duties as a soldier. However, he is made a captain over the army residing in the Land Jershon, where the Anti-Nephi-Lehis are staying. He meets and eventually marries his wife (who later becomes another major character in the story) while there. When he is only 25 years old, he is chosen to become the chief captain over the entire Nephite army. While he raises a small family, he fights in countless battles. These including the battle on the River Sidon (Alma 43- 44) and the raising of the Title of Liberty (Alma 46). The main antagonist is Amalickiah.
As a sub-plot we also follow Helaman, the son of Alma the Younger as he establishes the church throughout the land. We follow him as he is prepared to become the new high priest over the land and to be given possession of the brass plates.
Moroni’s wife goes through struggles of her own as her husband is constantly away from home, leaving her alone to raise her children. We follow her journey towards total humility as she puts all her trust in the Lord to protect and guide her husband.
I’m pleased to present part one of Shaken Forever- The Banner of the Lord’s Army, a story of faith, trust in the Lord, and fighting for what is right. I will begin working on a sequel for it, about Moroni’s battles with Ammoron after Amalickiah’s death. The manuscript is complete at an estimate of 80,000 words, with the chapter notes still in progress. There may be a change in the number after I finish editing the ending.
I look forward to hearing from you.

Inner-Child

We all have the child in us come out on occasions, but mine is hardly ever hidden. I don't think that this will ever change (nor do I hope it does). I love being a kid. Now that I am only one year away from becoming an adult, I am appreciating all my childish interests more than usual. This post is an ode the my favorite kid movies.


Kung Fu Panda is the first. I can't explain it, but I love this movie. It puts me to sleep almost every night. I guess I just love Jack Black's natural hilarity and Dustin Hoffman's entirely likeable character.



Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs was one of my favorite books when I was in elementary so I of course could not wait to see the movie. I waited anxiously until it was finally released. I went and saw it with Afton and my friend Sarah. We all walked out of theater, unsure of what to think of it. It was so bizarre. I mean a guy gets eaten by a roasted chicken, then he possesses the chicken. Things don't come any more random. But I guess it's the randomness that intrigues me so much. I just love all the characters, but I especially love the policeman, Earl.



This show was my favorite in my pre-teen/early teen years. The whole general plot was clever and unique and the characters were hilarious in their own ways. The twins were so cute in this show (like pinch-your-cheek cute) and this was Ashley Tisdale's life before High School Musical. As much as I loved the main characters, it was the minor characters I loved the most. I loved Esteban the bellboy, Arwin the junkman/janitor, and Muriel the lazy maid. I certainly hope I don't have kids like Zack and Cody someday.



The Suite Life on Deck is a sequel/spin-off of the Suite Life of Zack and Cody. This time the twins are growing up and on a cruise ship for "Sea School" with Mr. Moseby as the boat's manager. I almost like this show better than the original. I like the new character Bailey, but I do miss Maddie. I like Zack much more in this show than in the original. He is a lot funnier and thinner. I still like Cody, but he is losing his charm as the nerdy twin. However, I still absolutely adore this show.



My new favorite Disney movie. I had never been so excited to find out that Disney was making another traditionally animated movie. I was so upset that I did not get to see it the day it came out. I almost did not get to see it the second day either, but I managed to convince my dad to drop me off at the theater with Brady. I loved the more modern take on the traditional story. I loved every single one of the characters (yes even the villain). I loved all the songs and the animation was definite eye-candy.



Lastly, I must mention Veggietales. I did not watch much of these as a kid. I only had Josh and the Big Wall and Ultimate Silly Song Countdown. I was reunited with the show when I was about 13, when I found our soundtrack of the silly songs. I still had every single one of the memorized. That was when I began making my first music videos. I began watching more when I went to seminary where my teacher was a big fan. Over the past year, I have watched all the videos available on Youtube. My personal favorite is Lyle the Kindly Viking. I remember when I heard about The Pirates Who Don't Do Anything: A Veggietales Movie was coming out. Excitement beyond measure! Larry is my favorite and I love the songs, The Hairbrush Song, Pizza Angel, Sippy Cup, and Larry's High Silk Hat.

Writer's Block

If you have ever attempted to write an essay, a short story, a novel, or any other type of writing project, you have most likely experienced a writer's block at least once. I have taken the definition of writer's block and put it below

writer's block: (noun) a usually temporary condition in which a writer finds it impossible to proceed with the writing of a novel, play, or other work.

A writer's block can be as short as one minute or it can last for months at a time. Believe me, I have had my share of LONG writer's blocks. My last one was for almost two months. I am currently in another writer's block. I have written very little in my book for the past few weeks. I am not sure what is the cause of my writer's block this time because I know what I'm trying to accomplish in the scene and I know how I want it laid out, but I just cannot seem to put it onto the paper. I accomplish an average of 50-100 words per day if I'm lucky. Normally I averaged about 500-1000 words per day.

Some great writers have said that a writer's block means that whatever you are about to write means that it is wrong entirely and that you should start over that paragraph, that chapter, or even the entire book itself. I have rewritten the scene I am currently struggling through thousands of times and yet I still get stuck at almost the exact same spot. I cannot change it too much because it is historic fiction, I need to put the events in order.

Sometimes the simplest things can pulls an author out of a writer's block. It can simply be a revelation given to them in their sleep. Or something they see, hear, taste, etc. gives them an idea. Sometimes, they just lack motivation so one day they could suddenly just want to write and will forcefully pull themselves out of it.

Anyways, I thought I would just throw my frustrated rant out into cyberspace for all to read. Hopefully I can pull out of this soon.

My Book

A lot of people have been asking me about my book. What is called? What is it about? How long is it? How long have you been working on it? Are any of your characters based off of anyone you know? So I am going to answer as many questions as I can in this post.

1) My book is called Shaken Forever- Banner of the Lord's Army. It is part one of two books. The second will be called Shaken Forever- For the Righteous' Sake.

2) It is about Captain Moroni. I have fictionalized his personal life as well as his famous battles and such. I have created new characters and used real historic figures such as Helaman, Pahoran, Lehi, Teancum, etc.

3) You can keep track of my progress in the length of the book by looking at the right side of the blog.

4) I have been working on this since January 2, 2010. I had a writer's block for 1 1/2 months though (Feb-March).

5) Yes, many of my characters have at least one characteristic from someone I know.
Bradley Meyer-- Captain Moroni-- because he is very open with his opinions on how he feels about the government

Shaelyn Eggers--Helaman's wife-- she is spunky, but very sweet

Mark Lindsey-- Helaman-- because he is quiet, but really smart

Afton Meyer-- Ammoron (Do not take this personally. He is not really a bad guy yet. Just confused by his brother)-- because he is very attracted to the opposite gender and acts like a professional when it comes to them. (not because Afton is a bad guy)

Taylor Lawerence-- Moroni's wife-- I mostly based the character's physical appearance off of Taylor (except the character has blue eyes)

Any other questions? Feel free to ask.

Warm-ups for Writing

Below is a few warm up paragraphs I write before I write a story or and essay. I just write the first words that come to my head. When I warm up like this, my writing is significantly better. You do not have to read it if you don't want to because it's just a bunch of nonsense. I'm just throwing this out there.

There was a time that t’would tell of a teacher whose life and love grew passionately upon the brow of my sentimental heart. As for me I cannot say he was entire hopeless, but indeed he was a bit foppish. T’would seem I’ve been listening to the Scarlet Pimpernel as I am writing in such a manner. Indeed I cannot pretense for the manner of writing essays required at this present moment. T’would seem impossible. I must write about an teacher of influence upon, but t’would seem unreliable as I am but writing any words that slip into my mind. At present moment I cannot recall where any of these should but come from much less where they go. One would think that my life is easy, but it is not so. Poetry is an art and life is a small part of it. As any dramatican would conclude in my own opinion for pleasing it was would readily say anything for the pleasant manner which surrounded him. ‘Tis not impossible as it was said above to write but a simple essay on a teacher, the problematic nature of it all comes from the style need. Impersonation is one of my finest qualities in life, but it would not appear to be so in my essays. As my sentimental values I reprimand there is a small orchard among friends. Nonsense is said and lies are but becoming of light. I’faith that there should be condemned homework on this accursed continent at all. No indeed, there should not be. ‘Tis true I rant and rave with these sentimental values which I hold, it would not be true if I were to be writing sense, is it not so? I trust all is well and take much for granted as I stroll along the keyboard letting out the depths of my very soul. It would not needs be that homework should be liberated upon our backs so as we trudge along with beads of sweat upon our brows. Why follow those rules given by any personage? It would seem only God has command, and that one should not command another whilst upon the planet created for us. Such unsentimental values should lead to laments of sonnets. I prithee that you should’st fly, fly to the stars as those before you. Can you not imagine it so? Does not seem possible no? Indeed the dull processes leading up to the execution of my laments would but arrive soon had it been that th e mother figure should approach. T’would not seem possible but for her. The pretense of these words seem to arrive spurnfully from my listening the my novels. The Scarlet Pimpernel is a delightful blend of such language as used above. can it not be a wonderful way towards happiness? The attention of ears to such promising words can lead to such words as written here. Zounds if there not be an acursed living organism who would not understand my reasons for such idionicy of raspered ways of my inventious words. No, no, t’would not seem so. As I must be a’writing about a teacher, I cannot say that it may turn out in such language as required for an education. No indeed, all reliable witnesses are far from me and praise thy lord not. La! ‘Tis not so easy! It must needs be. Can you not imagine such hopes and dreams to be shattered by such a long line of lines to reel you in? What ho! No it would not seem to be, would it? All philosophies from the four corners of the earth must stand as witnesses against these foolish traditions against an essay such as this. I laugh heartily and pity the fool who should take life in general in all seriousness. Rebellious I may be, but foppish I should not seem to be. Alas I should not!! No indeed. Were there but seven and twenty to take me away thou canst not. I in turn cannot think far past my own sufferings and afflictions. As these words which are written are thumbprints of my laments. What means this love? For he that I love cannot be near as there is none that I love. Such bodacious augments should ne’er be heard. To fail in life is as losing one’s head. To be cut off and drowned from all hypocrisy. I shall count the days of yore when I was once an author of greatness and love of life. I’faith I suspect that’s the reason for this sudden change of heart that has been of late. In consolation to my over-bearings of the mind I must conclude my wistful rave.

Where art thou dog? wherefore art a rose of mine own singing. Canst there not be a peace of mind? Tis not so. Who then can save the dragon of spells in the air t’would not be so how is there no money in the bank? a bleak stress of aggravation would seem inevitable. complicated streams of light withered through her mind. Can you not see the true form of the universe? Leaping and bouncing in the air of joy there is none other better than the mighty one of silver and gold. Violet stripes of linen spiral down to the grassy earth. Indeed, where should they travel afar? Tis impossible said she. Let us gallop into the wind. The heat of the sun on my back gave me the courage to ride against the sheer shame writhing up from the very depths of my soul. can you not see the beauty of charcoal in the eyes of a man in need the quarter of the moon shone brightly without. Who dares to cross the king of shine on in faith. Love the game of spirit. A lowly pit gauged its way in her stomach crawling up her throat. Like a spider skillfully weaves its web through storm and grief. A bed and a lamp is the only sign of life on the deserted planet of cans. Hanging from the wall was a deep purple scarf of sheer design. I cannot imagine a more promising and condemning time than the events which are about to unfold. Let boredom not overcome all other desires of your lonely heart. Deep within the grave sight of grumbles, you cannot imagine the pain of the worms. Where indeed could one as enormous as thou art sing for the life of him? A feathery sword of capable hands swung mightily through the trees. The short cancerous bit of caked mud seeped through her fingers. Hunted, feared, and unbearable. The yellow-orange breakfast of night swept under the bridge at such a pace that the heavens fell. To speak is to open one’s mouth and babble to the point of babbling and no return. Where the wild ones roam free of all rules and restriction. Shameful ways of the kingdom. He didn’t know what movie we were doing, but therefore she answer him without a notion of gerald crossing.

If there were sunflowers in the trees would the water of time be inside the fruits? Can there not be a fly of golly good babes if there is any ape of manly cantaloupe. where the bees walk and the grass hops the food is scarce. in all manner of alameda there can be heavenly hopes of joyful shopping. Chips of green flavor in sandy beaches there is red t-shirts. i don’t know is part of getting through the floundering ways of the gymnast. i’ve let go the need to know the whales’ wires. a bird could follow the sky if they fly the teacher’s lounge. a sombrero could perhaps be but a small step in time. cats from jupiter wear caps of purple spotting heads. smarts deeds forgotten can read the minds of great grandfather. Where the bee’s knees of windy city is mighty dog tired pretty. food processors presents the grand apple of grapes in the very tight yodel. angels we have heard on high sweetly singing. can we see the eyes yellow that boy. beans and cheese on a spree.

Are You Sure You Don't Want a Present?

Last night was my dear friend Angela's birthday party. She invited our prom group down to her house for food and games. (Only three guys came XD). She said that she did not want any presents because she "felt bad for taking your money". *snorts* Whatever :).

So I went and bought her a present anyway. I almost got her a pair of super cute sunglasses, but then I suddenly remembered my birthday party. We had watched The Princess and the Frog. It was her first time seeing it and she absolutely LOVED it. She jokingly said that that was all she wanted for her birthday. Well, luckily I was in Target so I put the sunglasses back and grabbed the DVD.

Later that night at her party she was opening her presents. She got some super cute bags/purses, candy, and goofy little trinkets (these are typical birthday presents amongst our group of friends). My friend Anna, gave her a dream come true... strawberries. She was so happy when she got the strawberries. Mine was the last present to be opened. She almost missed it.

She picked it up, probably expecting candy and pulled the tissue paper from the bag. She looked inside and saw that it was a DVD. She did not pull it out, but instead pushed the sides of the bag out and looked at the cover. Immediately she put her hand down and just held the bag, staring into space. I was not sure what she was thinking. I thought maybe she already had the movie and was ready to offer her the receipt. Then she did something truly shocking... she started to cry. I stared at her confused. She was crying with a smile on her face. I realized that they were happy tears. I started laughing and everyone (all of whom had not not been paying any attention at all) looked at us. Angela pulled the DVD out just to confirm that it really was what she thought it was. I had never seen her so happy about a present.

She gave me the biggest bare hug ever. "Thank you Kelsi! You are awesome!". So are you Angela :)

The Music in Me

Most of us LDS youth constantly hear our leaders tell us that what we listen to and watch can affect the way we think and act. For most of this, it blows over our heads. I have never thought that music really had an affect on me. However, a recent experiment has proved me wrong.

I have been writing a novel for the past couple months. I often get stuck at places where I don't know what to write, or how to word it, etc. A common problem I encounter is that I have trouble thinking like my characters. How would they respond to a certain situation? How would they word their sentences? If one did this, would the other do that? And so on.
One day, I was writing a scene told from the main antagonist's point of view. He is a BAD guy. He is very crafty and deceiving. He appears to be a pleasant sensible man through his lies and "flattering words", but is actually evil to the core. Anyways, the way it was set up was that he was talking to someone on the streets, very subtly trying to persuade the man to do evil. I was having the hardest time! I could not think like he would think I didn't know how to be evil! I was so frustrated. I wrote and rewrote it three times before slamming my pencil down in defeat. With nothing else to do in the school library, I put on my earphones and set my iPod to shuffle. The second song that came on was "Misery" by Trans-Siberian Orchestra from the musical Beethoven's Last Night. If you haven't heard it, it is a devil named Mephistopheles singing about how he will torture a little girl lying on the streets. He has a very sly voice and the music is sneaky and dramatic. Suddenly, I found myself picking up my pencil again and writing. With the dark music in the background, the words flowed freely from my pencil. I knew exactly what to write. The pure evil of this character was coming out on the paper. As soon as the song ended, my writing spree ended. When I started the song over, my writing started again. I kept replaying the song until I finished the scene. Right now, that scene is one of my best so far in my opinion.

I tried this music experiment several more times. I chose music that would set the proper mood for that particular scene. The parts that I listen to music with are my finest scenes I think. I have listened to "Fight a Good Fight" by BYU Singers for triumphant parts. I listen to "Love Story Meets Viva La Vida" by Jon Schmidt or "Falling Slowly" by Kris Allen for romantic scenes. "Butterfly Fly Away" by Miley Cyrus for family scenes. "

This just goes to show that music can affect the way you think. I became "evil" when I listened to Misery. I became hopeful and brave when I listened to FIght a Good Fight. I felt the love when I listened to Love Story Meets... and Falling Slowly. I could just feel the warmth of family through Butterfly Fly Away. Listen to your leaders and read the For Strength of Youth Pamphlet! They know what they're talking about.