Category Archives: Behind Locked Doors

Week 26 – #WritingWednesday Challenge

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Today is the 26th Edition of #WritingWednesday!!!

Remember, #WritingWednesday is an EASY, STRESS-FREE, weekly writing challenge.

  • Read the writing prompt below,
  • Spend 5 minutes writing (in your own voice or the voice of a character you’re writing) whatever comes to mind,
  • DON’T EDIT what you write! IT DOES NOT HAVE TO BE PERFECT!

The goal is 5 minutes of creativity.

Today I am writing in the voice of Stella, one of the characters in the novel I am currently outlining. I’m not sure if this will be a selection in the novel, or just part of my character development journal.

Today’s writing prompt:

Complete this thought: “I wish an alarm would notify me whenever…”

I wish an alarm would notify me whenever it was time to wake up and go to school. I’m twelve years old and I haven’t been to school in almost two years.

I miss it.

It’s funny, when I was going to school every day, I hated it. Sure, I liked seeing my friends and recess of course, but sitting in a class, listening to the teacher talk all day… I can’t say I enjoyed that.

But now, I miss it.

I guess you always miss the things you can’t have; the things that are taken away to early.

You see, where I’m from, if they find out you have powers that can be useful to the government, like mine, you’re carted away to the Operation Atlas headquarters. I’m one of four watchmen with the power of telepathic perception. Basically, it is the ability to receive information from another mind. It’s more complicated than that, but you get the picture.

I have alarms that wake me up, tell me when to eat, when to leave for work, when to sleep, and just about everything else. My movements are monitored and I can’t do anything out of order or without permission. For once, I’d love to sleep late, skip a meal, play outside, or just go to school.

There are times, first thing in the morning before I even open my eyes, that I forget where I’m at. I forget about the ten-foot by ten-foot whitewash room they keep me in. I forget that I’m not just another normal kid. Those first few seconds of the day are my favorite. But lately, they’ve been happening less and less. I think I’ve started to forget… forget my past, my friends, even my family.

© 2019 Nina Soden

Alright, now it’s your turn. I’d love to see what today’s writing prompt inspires in you. So, if you are willing, go to the comment section below and start typing. Take 5 minutes and let’s see what you come up with! 

Complete this thought: “I wish an alarm would notify me whenever…”

What books have made your August reading list? Check out the New York Times bestsellers for August 2019 by CLICKING HERE!

Are you an author who is looking for ways to stay organized and on track with all your writing goals? Check out my author workbooks below. They are full of all the tools I use in my writing process!

Order It Here

Want help meeting your writing goals? Check out JUST WRITE: The Ultimate Author’s Bullet Journal

Order It Here

Are you working on a manuscript, but need a little help getting organized? Check out SO YOU WANT TO WRITE A BOOK ~ An Indie Author Guide to Outlining and Planning Your Next Novel

Did Anyone… by Nina Soden

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Image by Johannes Plenio from Pixabay

Did anyone ever tell you how wonderful you really are? Did anyone every tell you how deep your emotions are?

Did anyone ever show you all that you can do? Did anyone ever show you that you can be somebody too?

Did anyone ever tell you how special you make them feel? Did anyone ever tell you how you always seem so real?

Did anyone ever show you how to let your feelings go? Did anyone ever show you how to let your feelings show?

Did anyone ever tell you what they think of you? Did anyone ever tell you that you make each day feel new?

All these things to me are clear. All these things, just because you are near!

Dedicated to my baby girl and little boy. Mommy loves you.

(c) copyright 2008 ~ Nina Soden

For more poems, check out by collection on Amazon: Private Words Unspoken

Week 24 – #WritingWednesday Challenge

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Today is the 24th Edition of #WritingWednesday!!!

Remember, #WritingWednesday is an EASY, STRESS-FREE, weekly writing challenge.

  • Read the writing prompt below,
  • Spend 5 minutes writing (in your own voice or the voice of a character you’re writing) whatever comes to mind,
  • DON’T EDIT what you write! IT DOES NOT HAVE TO BE PERFECT!

The goal is 5 minutes of creativity.

Today I am writing in the voice of Austin, a character in the novel I’m currently writing.

Today’s writing prompt:

Write about a souvenir you have bought or received!

Let me start by saying I don’t journal and I think this is a waste of time. I work, a lot. Usually seven days a week and a lot of double shifts. That doesn’t leave a whole lot of time for souvenir shopping, as I’m sure you can imagine.

Although, I do camp. I suppose that’s something. There aren’t many shops out in the woods, or any for that matter, but there are people. I meet some interesting people out in the woods. One overly nice young lady I met, April was her name, gave me a lovely gold necklace with a solitary diamond hanging from it.

I suppose that should count as a souvenir I received, although I didn’t keep it. It was to delicate and pretty for me to wear. I ended up giving it to my girlfriend, Sophie. I’m not sure she fully appreciated what I went through to get it for her. I suppose I couldn’t really tell her all the gory details, now could I?

© 2019 Nina Soden

Alright, now it’s your turn. I’d love to see what today’s writing prompt inspires in you. So, if you are willing, go to the comment section below and start typing. Take 5 minutes and let’s see what you come up with! 

Write about a souvenir you have bought or received!

Are you an author looking for inspiration or even guidance? Click on the images below for some great writing tips and guides from authors who have been where you are!

Are you an author who is looking for ways to stay organized and on track with all your writing goals? Check out my author workbooks below. They are full of all the tools I use in my writing process!

BUY IT HERE

Are you working on a manuscript, but need a little help getting organized? Check out SO YOU WANT TO WRITE A BOOK ~ An Indie Author Guide to Outlining and Planning Your Next Novel

It isn’t just for indie-authors. I have filled it with all the tools I’ve learned over the years and use on a regular basis with each book I write.

Want help meeting your writing goals? Check out JUST WRITE: The Ultimate Author’s Bullet Journal

BUY IT HERE
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Week 22 – #WritingWednesday Challenge

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Today is the 22nd Edition of #WritingWednesday!!!

#WritingWednesday is an EASY, STRESS-FREE, weekly writing challenge.

* Read the writing prompt below,
* Spend 5 minutes writing whatever comes to mind, &
* DON'T EDIT what you write! No need for perfection!

The goal is 5 minutes of creativity!

Today I am writing in the voice of Stella, a character in a series I’m currently writing. 

Today’s writing prompt: 

What is the first thing you do when you wake up every morning?

My name is Stella. Every morning I wake up, in my ten-foot by ten-foot white room, to the sound of an alarm blaring just outside my door at precisely 5:45am. I have fifteen minutes to go to the bathroom, brush my teeth and hair, and change into a freshly cleaned uniform.

At 6:00am the guards open my bedroom door and escort me down a long corridor to the stairwell. We don’t take the elevator; they say the exercise stimulates active brain function. No, we take the stairs down seven floors into the sub-basement of the corporate offices of Operation Atlas. Once there, and only for about ten minutes while we change shifts, I get to see one of the other watchmen.

There are four of us, four watchmen. We work in shifts of six-hours at a time. I’m the youngest, so I start at exactly 6:30am and end at 12:30pm on the dot. They never leave any of us hooked into the system longer than six hours. They don’t say why, but I have a feeling I wouldn’t want to know the reason anyway.

At 12:20pm the next watchmen comes in and they start the shift change protocol. I’m out of the room at exactly 12:30pm and escorted back up the staircase and back to my room.

© 2019 Nina Soden

* * * * * 

Alright, now it’s your turn. I’d love to see what today’s writing prompt inspires in you. So, if you are willing, go to the comment section below and start typing. Take 5 minutes and let’s see what you come up with!  

What is the first thing you do when you wake up every morning?

* * * * * 

Would you like more sources for daily writing inspiration and prompts? Click on the images below for great writing journals and/or prompts I think you’ll really love!

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* * * * * 

Are you an author who is looking for ways to stay organized and on track with all your writing goals? Check out my author workbooks below. They are full of all the tools I use in my writing process!

Are you working on a manuscript, but need a little help getting organized? Check out SO YOU WANT TO WRITE A BOOK ~ An Indie Author Guide to Outlining and Planning Your Next Novel

It isn’t just for indie-authors. I have filled it with all the tools I’ve learned over the years and use on a regular basis with each book I write

GET IT HERE!

Want help meeting your writing goals? Check out JUST WRITE: The Ultimate Author’s Bullet Journal

Track your project progress along with daily and monthly word count goals/actuals. Plan your writing and publishing goals, maintain your personal/business to do list, never miss another deadline or appointment again, keep track of writing ideas, schedule and log social sharing and blog post ideas, keep a record of books you’re reading or want to read, maintain a running playlist, etc.

GET IT HERE!

My Car To Your Door by Nina Soden

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Image by Peter H from Pixabay

The walk is a little long, but I don’t care. Thinking of what I might say when I get there.

The wind blows through the trees and on my face. With each step, I speed up my pace.

Anticipation begins to boil deep within. Hold back, I cannot, this grin.

I know I should just turn around. But then your voice, I remember the sound.

I picture you there standing proud. My mind wants to scream out loud.

For a moment I stop, still in the night.

Go forward, turn back! My mind begins to fight.

Reluctant I turn and head back to my car. Knowing the house was not nearly as far.

I remember the way you listen. Then, again my eyes glisten.

Toward your door I hurry on to see. Once there what will become of me?

Up the stairs I slowly go. Are you home? I don’t even know.

I knock on the door and my heart begins to race. Then, all of a sudden everything stops when I see your face.

The walk is a little long, but I don’t care. Thinking of what I might say when I get there.

Dedicated to my amazing husband. I love you today and always.

(c) copyright 2008 ~ Nina Soden

For more poems, check out by collection on Amazon: Private Words Unspoken

Week 21 – #WritingWednesday Challenge

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Today is the 21st Edition of #WritingWednesday!!!

Remember, #WritingWednesday is an EASY, STRESS-FREE, weekly writing challenge.

  • Read the writing prompt below,
  • Spend 5 minutes writing (in your own voice or the voice of a character you’re writing) whatever comes to mind,
  • DON’T EDIT what you write! IT DOES NOT HAVE TO BE PERFECT!

The goal is 5 minutes of creativity.

Today I am writing in my own voice.

Today’s writing prompt:

What are you feeling, right now!

I'm drunk ~
Not on alcohol or even love.
I'm drunk ~
Grief pulls me under and rattles my shell.
I'm drunk ~
It's not a tipsy sort of dizziness.
I'm drunk ~
It's a heavy, sinking feeling sweeping over me.
I'm drunk ~
Hollow... Senseless... Desperation
I'm drunk ~
Vacant... Void... Agony
I'm drunk ~
Plummeting... Falling... Sinking
I'm drunk ~
It's the sting of your loss pulling me under!
I'M DRUNK!

Dedicated to my Uncle Dan (Danny Tapaninen Feb. 19, 1955 – June 24, 2019) You will forever be in my heart!

© 2019 Nina Soden

Alright, now it’s your turn. I’d love to see what today’s writing prompt inspires in you. So, if you are willing, go to the comment section below and start typing. Take 5 minutes and let’s see what you come up with! 

What are you feeling, right now?

Are you an author who is looking for ways to stay organized and on track with all your writing goals? Check out my author workbooks below. They are full of all the tools I use in my writing process!

Are you working on a manuscript, but need a little help getting organized? Check out SO YOU WANT TO WRITE A BOOK ~ An Indie Author Guide to Outlining and Planning Your Next Novel

It isn’t just for indie-authors. I have filled it with all the tools I’ve learned over the years and use on a regular basis with each book I write

BUY IT HERE

.

Want help meeting your writing goals? Check out JUST WRITE: The Ultimate Author’s Bullet Journal

BUT IT HERE

CHECK OUT MY YOUTUBE CHANNEL HERE AND DON’T FORGET TO SUBSCRIBE!

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCpT3nSZ13WwQ0KFDroYj_kg

About to Cry by Nina Soden

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If I should cry, my eyes would know, all the feelings I didn’t let show.

If I should cry, my eyes would see, all of the things I neglected to be.

If I should cry, my heart would hear, all of the secrets I hold dear.

If I should cry, my heart would feel, all of the things that can never be real.

Dedicated to my family, those alive and those lost.

(c) copyright 2008 ~ Nina Soden

For more poems, check out by collection on Amazon: Private Words Unspoken

Someone Should Have Told Me ~ by Nina Soden

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The phone rang.

My Uncle is in the hospital.

He’s been there a month.

A MONTH and no one told me.

The phone rang.

My hands are shaking.

I can’t get the tears to stop.

A MONTH and no one told me.

The phone rang.

I may be far, but I’m still family.

Distance doesn’t make it easier.

Distance doesn’t mean I don’t still love.

A MONTH and no one told me.

The phone rang.

He has a week, maybe two.

It isn’t long enough.

I need him to breathe… to live… to fight.

A MONTH and no one told me.

The phone rang.

Miles between us and my voice betays me…

How do you say goodbye, when the words won’t come?

How do you say I love you when words aren’t enough?

I’m hurting… I’m angry.

A MONTH and no one told me.

The phone rang.

I have a phone; someone should have called.

I have email; someone should have written.

My heart is broken.

A MONTH and no one told me.

It isn’t right. It isn’t fair. SOMEONE SHOUD HAVE TOLD ME!

Dedicated to my Uncle Dan ~ I will love you always~

(C) Nina Soden 2019

For more poems, check out by collection on Amazon: Private Words Unspoken

#MindfulnessMonday 5/27/19 – Mindfulness isn’t magic!

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Today’s #MindfulnessMonday Tip: Don’t take mindfulness to seriously… It isn’t a competition of who can be more mindful. It is about being present in the moment and enjoying life as it comes.     

Check out today’s #MindfulnessMonday video to discover a secret about mindfulness. You can check out the video by clicking HERE!

Today’s Mindfulness Exercise:

Mindful Reading!

Reading is a huge part of our daily lives. So much so that we often take it for granted. from text messages to emails to social media posts we are constantly staring at our phones, tables, computers and other devises. Find some time during the day when you can put down your electronic devises and focus on reading something in print… a book, a magazine, a newspaper (yes, they still print those). Allow yourself 5-10 minutes each day, when you can let go of all your other responsibilities to just get lost in the written word. You just might find that 10 minutes turns into 20 and 20 turns in to 30. I will warn you, there are some side effects to quiet reading which include…

  • Getting lost in a book and becoming attached to the characters you meet,
  • Learning something new,
  • Reduced stress,
  • Enhanced mental health and function,
  • Increased self-control,
  • Decreased anxiety, depression, and worry, and
  • A feeling of peace and comfort

Mindfulness Journaling Prompt:

Choose a poem you like and read through it very slowly. If you don’t have a favorite poem, do a google search for popular poetry or ask your Google Home, iPhone Siri, Alexa, or other smart device to tell you a poem about nature.

What do you like most about it? What images does it conjure up for you? What do you think about the words the poet chose to use?

Mindfulness journaling can be very private. However, if you are willing to share your experiences with me and my readers, I would love to invite you to comment below and let me know what poem you selected and how it made you feel.

* * * * *

Check out my #MindfulnessMonday YouTube Series and don’t forget to click subscribe so you never miss an episode!

EPISODE 21 ~ Mindfulness isn’t MAGIC!

* * * * *

Would you like to take the 52-week challenge and experience a more mindful existence? Check out The Invisible You ~ 52 Weeks of Meditations, Activities, and Writing Prompts to Help you Discover You!

I’m certified in Holistic Stress Management and Mind/Body Fitness. I’ve been practicing Mindfulness for 10+ years and am passionate about helping others in their pursuit of a more mindful existence.

Photo by: Mikel Healy

Week 16 – #WritingWednesday Challenge

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Today is the 16th Edition of #WritingWednesday!!!

Remember, #WritingWednesday is an EASY, STRESS-FREE, weekly writing challenge.

  • Read the writing prompt below,
  • Spend 5 minutes writing (in your own voice or the voice of a character you’re writing) whatever comes to mind,
  • DON’T EDIT what you write! IT DOES NOT HAVE TO BE PERFECT!

The goal is 5 minutes of creativity.

Today I am writing as if I were writing in the voice of Molly, a character in a children’s book I’ve started.

 Today’s writing prompt:

You are a children’s book writer. Write the first few lines of your new book.

Hi, I’m Molly. I’m eight, so I know a lot about the world. My little brother, he’s only six, he doesn’t know very much at all. That’s why I have to teach him. Mom says to be patient; he will learn as he gets older. I try, I really REALLY do, but it’s hard. When we’re in the woods and the Droplops come out, he doesn’t understand that he has to run away. He thinks it’s funny when their drool and slobber lands on him and makes him all wet and sticky. To be honest, I don’t even think he sees the Droplops. If he did, he wouldn’t laugh. He’d probably run away, screaming and crying.

There was this one time, I was up in my treehouse and Timmy came out and was climbing up the ladder calling for me, “Molly,” he yelled. “Molly, open the hatch. I want to come in.”

I was trying to be really quiet, so he would think I wasn’t there and he would go back inside. It didn’t work. I think my mom told him I was up there. Finally, I had to just let him in.

So, we were sitting in the treehouse and I had the windows open. They aren’t real windows, like in a house-house. They don’t have glass or anything, but my dad did put shutters on them so I could open and close them. Anyway, the shutters were open and I was staring out at the sky across the field and the clouds were getting really dark. I told Timmy we needed to go back in the house because the Droplops were coming.

He just laughed. He actually laughed.

I wasn’t going to stick around. I climbed down the ladder and told Timmy to come with me. I knew he would because he wasn’t allowed to be up in my treehouse without me.

As I was running back to the house, a huge glob of Droplop slobber landed on my forehead. I wiped it off with the back of my hand and turned back to see where Timmy was, but he wasn’t there. The only thing I could see was the tall, slime covered Droplop standing next to my treehouse, reaching in through the window with his big green arm. I could hear Timmy, still up in the treehouse, but I had no way to get to him. The ladder was blocked and if I tried to climb the tree, the Droplop would see me.

I stood there, watching, when suddenly…

© 2019 Nina Soden

* * * * * 

Alright, now it’s your turn. I’d love to see what today’s writing prompt inspires in you. So, if you are willing, go to the comment section below and start typing. Take 5 minutes and let’s see what you come up with! 

You are a children’s book writer. Write the first few lines of your new book.

* * * * * 

Would you like more sources for daily writing prompts? Click on the links below for great writing prompt journals I think you’ll really love!

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642 THINGS TO WRITE ABOUT

This collection of 642 outrageous and witty writing prompts will get the creative juices flowing in no time. From crafting your own obituary to penning an ode to an onion, each page of this playful journal invites inspiration and provides plenty of space to write. Brimming with entertaining exercises from the literary minds of the San Francisco Writers’ Grotto, this is the ultimate gift for scribes of every stripe. CLICK TO LEARN MORE!

Are you working on a manuscript, but need a little help getting organized? Check out SO YOU WANT TO WRITE A BOOK ~ An Indie Author Guide to Outlining and Planning Your Next Novel

Want help meeting your writing goals? Check out JUST WRITE: The Ultimate Author’s Bullet Journal