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

How Journaling Can Improve Your Writing

Journaling is something I’ve always tried to stick to. I’ve bought journal after journal thinking something fresh and cute (like my latest in the photo) will finally get me into the groove… but, nothing! When I have journaled, I have found that it can lead to great inspiration for writing! It helps you come up with unique, raw material. Are you having a conflict with a friend or family member that can lead to a great drama? Are you full of angst and anger after getting your heart broken? Use that emotion and put it all into a great plot with exciting characters. Looking back through a journal can rustle up some emotion and it can pour into your words. I’ve taken people of my past and based characters off of them to help get rid of those emotions. So, if you’re a little stuck on ideas, go to that journal and find your inspiration!

Harley Lyn

Rainy Day Writing

Besides my desk, one of my other favorite places to write and work is outside. I love the sounds of the birds, the passing cars, and most of all, rain! It’s a rainy weekend here in Michigan and right now, my favorite spot is the front porch. The sound of the heavy rain is so relaxing; the perfect environment to get those creative juices flowing! Where is your favorite writing spot on a rainy day?

Fundraise Friday: Shelter Pets & Writing

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!)

Save The Lives of Shelter Pets in North America

Your donations will help pay for shelter, vaccines, food, toys, training, and more for shelter animals across the U.S., Canada, and Mexico! Click on the link above to learn more and donate!

Enhance Lives of 100 Tribal Children With Writing

This one really jumped out at me! Donations to this cause will provide writing materials to underprivileged children. This will help them succeed in school and reach their full potential in their communities. Click on the link above to learn more and donate!

Harley Lyn

18 Things You Didn't Know About Harley Lyn

I began writing my first book in the third grade. It was inspired by my favorite books at the time; American & Michigan Chillers!

I love to travel. That’s why most of my writing is set in some of my dream vacation destinations.

I have watched the entire series of Lost 3 times!

I have a love for peacock feathers and ladybugs. You can find both hidden in my stories and on the covers of my books!

The ally where the main characters of Serendipity meet Lucas is actually based on a place near my home in Michigan.

I love wearing my cowboy boots!

I am obsessed with my bucket list and I take it very seriously! Every Thursday, I’ll be posting a couple items from my bucket list that I haven’t completed, and I’ll share one item that I have!

When I was about five, I wanted to be Shania Twain when I grew up. Seriously… I was determined!

My all-time favorite movie scene is the ending to Hope Floats.

Jamie McGuire, Simone Elkeles, and Michelle Leighton are just a few of my favorite authors.

I am a HUGE Detroit Lions fan. You can find me in my jersey every Sunday during football season.

Elephants are my favorite animal!

Jamaica and Honduras have been my favorite places I’ve ever traveled so far!

I’m still a college student at Southern New Hampshire University.

I have two dogs; a Pomeranian and a beagle! My lab recently passed away.

I plan to go backpacking through Europe in the spring of 2017.

I’m in the (VERY slow) process of learning French!

The character of Lucy’s best friend, Khloe, in Serendipity, was inspired by my real best friend, Kendra!

Harley Lyn

How To Treat Your Writing Like A Job

After a full day of class, a full time job, or taking care of your family, the last thing you probably want to do is put every last ounce of brain power you have into writing. I get it… you’re tired! On the other hand, if that continues day after day, you’ll never finish that book you’ve always dreamed of writing. 

I had that problem for years. I would start book after book, push out a few thousand words, and then get too busy to bother looking at it again. 

“I’ll get to it later!” 

“I don’t have time!”

Finally, I realized that if I make the time, maybe I could actually finish a novel. I started taking it more seriously and believing that it could actually happen! 

I decided I was going to go slow. I just had to keep moving! I started slow at only 500 words a day and that worked for me! Whether it was early in the morning, on a lunch break, or after work, I just had to manage 500 words. That’s it! It became a necessity every day and before I knew it, it became a habit. 

I made the time for it, and now, if I’m home, I’m writing, editing, researching, or working on a blog, or social media. I’m constantly working on something that can improve and further my writing career. I might be tired after an eleven or twelve hour shift at work, but one of my favorite things to say is… that book isn’t going to write itself!

Encourage yourself with mini goals and before you know it, you’re going to have a finished novel in front of you and you will be so proud!

On the other hand, if you’re really not feeling it, don’t force yourself. It’s good to push yourself, but don’t cross any lines. If you do, your writing will feel forced and that will be very obvious to your readers ( I know from experience!) I can definitely tell the difference in the flow of my own writing when I push myself too far. 

My biggest piece of advice… if you’re enjoying yourself, you’re doing something right! If you’re not, take a break, whether it’s an hour or a week! Treat your writing like a job, but don’t make it feel like one!

Harley Lyn