Fundraise Friday: Nepal Earthquake Relief Fund & Bohemian Animals

Every Friday, I post a cause that has been posted through Globalgiving.org! I’ve been donating to many different causes for a while now and I think it’s a great way to give back. I am by no means wealthy, but I know that $20 won’t change my lifestyle, but it could certainly improve someone else’s. Some of my favorite causes to donate to involve children and of course, animals! For now, I will be posting a cause I have donated to previously, as well as a cause I am donating to that day! I figure that if I have a platform to help spread the word about these causes, it’s my responsibility to use it!

(And yes, all donations are tax-deductable. Save your receipts!)

Nepal Earthquake Relief & Recovery Fund

On April 25th and May 12th of 2015, two severe earthquakes struck Nepal, devastating the country. This fundraiser (held by Global Giving) has already raised nearly $5 million, but obviously when rebuilding a nation, it still is not enough. Click the link above to learn more about this cause and donate!

Spay & Neuter 1000 Dogs/Cats in the Bahamas

One of the most heartbreaking things for me to see is an animal on the street. Last year, while I was in Nassau I actually came across a stray dog that followed everyone he could in search of food. By donating to this cause, this will minimize the number of stray animals that wander the streets in the Bahamas. Click on the link above to learn more about this cause and donate!

Harley Lyn

Bucket List #5

If you’ve read about me, you know that I love my bucket list! I take it very seriously, and it was a huge inspiration for my first novel!

I love finding new ideas to add to my own bucket list, so I want to inspire people to start their own, or maybe just add to it. Every Thursday, I post 5 items from my bucket list, whether I’ve completed
them or not. Please feel free to comment and let me know what you have on your bucket list! I’m always looking for new ideas!

21. Go to a Lion’s Thanksgiving Day game

22. Attend the Texas State Fair

23. Get a matching tattoo with Mom

24. Meet Lenny Kravitz

25. Go to a Masquerade Ball

Harley Lyn

Writing what you know... or what you don't?

One of the most common pieces of writing advice I’ve heard is “write what you know.”

I don’t like that.

I don’t like being limited to writing what I know. Do I know all the details about taking a Route 66 road trip? No, I don’t. But that didn’t stop me from writing a novel about it. It’s a dream of mine, but has yet to become a part of my reality, and that’s okay. That is one of the most beautiful things about writing – it gives you the opportunity to create these worlds where these things are made possible. Hogwarts isn’t something that J.K. Rowling “knew,” because it didn’t exist, but that didn’t stop her from writing incredible books and becoming one of the most successful authors of all time, if not THE most successful.

When you write, don’t limit yourself, or allow others to limit you. When you write, you’re allowed to play make believe and create whatever you want to create. You’ll never please everybody, so please yourself, and others will follow.

Harley Lyn

Writer Showcase

September 22, 2015

I received an offer to have an excerpt of my book shared on a popular site, “Page To Pixels.” Obviously, I jumped at the opportunity! Follow the link to check out my Writer Showcase! Thank you again to Daniel for the opportunity!

Harley Lyn

Novel Soundtracks

I don’t know about any of you, but when I write, or re-read my writing, I play it through my mind like a movie – music included… obviously! For me, there are scenes I just can’t seem to complete without music. It really sets the mood. In my writing, you’ll notice how often I add music to the scene whether it’s in the background at a noisy bar, during a crazy karaoke session, or in a small diner. I’m often referring to the music to help set the scene.

While I was poking around another author’s website, I noticed that she had a section of “Book Soundtracks.” I thought it was a fantastic idea! Soundtracks don’t need to be limited to movies! I think they help spice up the writing and give the tone of your book that extra little something you might be looking for. After the release of each book, I hope to compile a list of all the music in each one.

What songs and artists have you included in your writing?

Harley Lyn

Bucket List

If you’ve read about me, you know that I love my bucket list! I take it very seriously, and it was a huge inspiration for my first novel!

I love finding new ideas to add to my own bucket list, so I want to inspire people to start their own, or maybe just add to it. Every Thursday, I’ll be posting 5 items from my bucket list, whether I’ve completed
them or not. Please feel free to comment and let me know what you have on your bucket list! I’m always looking for new ideas!

16. Sell one of my paintings

17. Go on a picnic

18. Go to Vegas

19. Drink a beer in Mexico (Like the song!)

20. Go back to Disney World

Harley Lyn

My Writing Space

I always wonder where my favorite authors write. Some use an office, some go to a coffee shop, and some just sit on the couch. I decided an office was the best place for me, but since I don’t have access to an office, I had to make one!

I used the most open, brightest corner of my bedroom to make my own office/work space. I use it for organization and inspiration, as well. Also, I love plants so I keep my palm and bonsai tree close by!

I almost always have a candle lit when I’m working. I always choose scents that bring me to a new place. Some of my favorites include apple because it smells like fall, lilac, and pineapple cilantro because it’s tropical! Perfect for my latest piece. I also have my writing space filled with inspiration. My writing tends to take place in different settings which comes from my love of travel. Right above my space, I keep my push pin map a Route 66 road sign in honor of my first novel.

I also have a few different Eiffel Tower pieces scattered around, as well.

As I said, I love that this space keeps me so organized. On the far end of my desk, I have matching containers that are perfect for holding my stuff! I have layered trays that are perfect for organizing my papers, bills, notecards, envelopes, and other miscellaneous things. I also have a space to keep all of my notebooks and planners.

It’s the perfect space until I can have my dream office!

Harley Lyn