Week 25 – #WritingWednesday Challenge

Today is the 25th 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 was the last thing you read or saw that really inspired you?

The last thing that really inspired me wasn’t something that I read or saw… it was a conversation I had while out in Los Angeles recently. I was visiting with an old friend and we were talking, over coffee, about all the screenplays he has written. He’s a struggling writer out in L.A. trying to make it in ‘the industry’ and he was telling me how he reads 60+ scripts a week and has written 40, 50, 60+ scripts himself. I can’t remember the exact number. I just remember thinking, WOW!

This guy, in my opinion, is one of the most talented screenplay writers I’ve ever met… yet he is struggling. It’s not easy to sell a script in Hollywood. It’s not easy to pitch ideas and get turned down again and again. It’s not easy to keep your spirits up and continue to be motivated to put pen to paper… or rather fingers to keyboard. Yet, he does it. He does it every day, day after day, week after week. He hasn’t given up and neither will I.

His drive to keep going. His determination to continue pursuing his dream inspires me to do the same.

© 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 was the last thing you read or saw that really inspired you?


Are you an author looking for inspiration? Take some advice from these amazing authors:

Ransom Riggs, author of Miss Peregrine’s Home For Peculiar Children says, Start a collection!
Cormac McCarthy, author of ‘The Road’ says to talk to people!
David Mitchell, author of ‘Cloud Atlas’ says to explore extended metaphors!

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.

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


Did Anyone… by Nina Soden

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

Accepting Your Emotions #MindfulnessMonday 7/15/2019

Today’s #MindfulnessMonday Tip: The only way to stop being trapped in the past or future by your emotions is to start accepting your emotions!  

Today’s Mindfulness Exercise:

Understanding and Accepting Your Emotions

Sitting in a quiet, comfortable space, I want you to focus on your breathing. Once you’re fully relaxed – but not sleeping – think about your day and how you’re feeling right now. What is happening in your life? Are you anxious, frustrated, stressed, upset, angry, saddened, or disappointed about anything? If not, I applaud you. If you are feeling any of these emotions lets take a few minutes to accept them.

Whatever the cause, and it really doesn’t matter, you need to understand that your emotions are natural. It’s okay to feel frustrated, angry, sad. It’s okay to feel whatever it is you’re feeling. It’s how you deal with those emotions that matter. Learning to accept them will allow you to deal with them in a healthy, non-disruptive way.

As you focus on the negative emotions you might be feeling, I want you to take long, slow, deep breaths in then release those breaths with the mantra “It’s natural to feel this way. It’s okay for me to feel this way.”

Continue this for 3-5 minutes and repeat any time your emotions start to feel overwhelming.


Mindfulness Journaling:

Keeping a journal is a great way to connect with your emotions. This could be through a joy journal, a gratitude journal, an acts of kindness journal, or even a rant journal. If you’re wondering what a rant journal is… you’re in luck, because that is today’s journaling exercise.


For five minutes, and only five minutes, I give you permission to rant… This is useful when you’re feeling upset, angry, sad, overly emotional in any way. Avoid writing down what you think is causing your emotions… avoid blame. Simply write down the emotions you’re feeling. Recognizing your emotions and understanding that it is natural to feel those things is the first step in allowing yourself to accept your emotions without giving them the power to become overwhelming.  

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

Accepting Your Emotions!

5 Signs You’re Emotionally Constipated!

Let’s Talk About Stress!

Tips to Reduce Stress and Anxiety!

What is Mindfulness?

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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

My Car To Your Door by Nina Soden

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

#Theredheadedauthor Presents the July 2019 New York Times TOP 10 Best Sellers – FICTION

As an avid reader of fiction (and an author who one day hopes to make the list) I LOVE-LOVE-LOVE checking out the New York Times Best Seller list. So, here it is… The independently ranked top 10 Fiction selections for JULY 2019!

If you’ve read any of the TOP 10 selections and recommend them, please comment below and let me know. If you see something you like and plan to pick up a copy, you can do so by clicking on the title or the (BUY IT HERE) button.


#1 Summer of ’69

by Elin Hilderbrand

The Levin family undergoes dramatic events with a son in Vietnam, a daughter in protests and dark secrets hiding beneath the surface.


ARE YOU READY FOR AMAZON PRIME DAY?

#2 Where the Crawdads Sing

by Delia Owens

TEXTIn a quiet town on the North Carolina coast in 1969, a young woman who survived alone in the marsh becomes a murder suspect.TEXT


#3 The Reckoning

by John Grisham

TEXTA decorated World War II veteran shoots and kills a pastor inside a Mississippi church.TEXT


#4 City of Girls

by Elizabeth Gilbert

An 89-year old Vivian Morris looks back at the direction her life took when she entered the 1940s New York theater scene.


#5 Mrs. Everything

by Jennifer Weiner

The story of two sisters, Jo and Bethie Kaufman, and their life experiences as the world around them changes drastically from the 1950s.


Want to read the TOP 10 on a Kindle?


#6 Before We Were Yours

by Lisa Wingate

A South Carolina lawyer learns about the questionable practices of a Tennessee orphanage.


#7 Unsolved

by James Patterson and David Ellis

A string of seemingly accidental and unrelated deaths confound F.B.I. agent Emmy Dockery.


#8 Little Fires Everywhere

by Celeste Ng

An artist with a mysterious past and a disregard for the status quo upends a quiet town outside Cleveland.


#9 The Tattooist of Auschwitz

by Heather Morris

A concentration camp detainee tasked with permanently marking fellow prisoners falls in love with one of them.


#10 Good Omens

by Terry Pratchett and Neil Gaiman

Aziraphale, an angel and rare-book dealer, and his demon friend Crowley try to circumvent the end of the world.


Murder Mystery #SundayScreening Movie Review

Would you prefer to watch the video review, instead of reading it? CLICK HERE

TITLE: Murder Mystery (2019)
DIRECTOR: Kyle Newacheck
WRITERS: James Vanderbilt
STARS: Adam Sandler, Jennifer Aniston, Luke Evans, and Terence Stamp
GENRE(S): Action, Comedy, Crime, Mystery, Romance
RUNTIME: 97 minutes
RATED: PG-13

SHOW RATING OVERVIEW

WRITING: ★★★  CINEMATOGRAPHY: ★★★ STORY: ★★★ ACTING: ★★★
OVERALL: ★★★

STORYLINE:

A New York cop and his wife go on a European vacation to reinvigorate the spark in their marriage, but end up getting framed and on the run for the death of an elderly billionaire.

MY 2 CENTS:

Writing: ★★★ The writing is really the only thing holding this film together and it wasn’t that great. It has a decent plot – a New York cop and his wife go on a vacation they probably can’t afford and they end up getting framed for the murder of a billionaire. I guess they would have motive because they don’t have much money to start with, but come on.

Alternate Ending… There were hints at the beginning of the film… Jennifer Aniston’s character commented on how her husband, played by Adam Sandler, never listens. She has wanted to go on this vacation for years. In fact, it’s their honeymoon, but they have been married for a pretty long time already. Second hint… he was reading a murder mystery on the plane – she loves them. Where, as an author, I thought the film should go was that Adam Sandler was saving money for years, planning the perfect murder mystery vacation for his wife. In the end we would find out it was all a big game, just like in the movie The Game.

Nope, that isn’t what happened. You’ll just have to watch it for yourself to see the disappointing end.  

Cinematography:  ★★★ There were some decent shots when they were in the car chase, but other than that, the cinematography was nothing to write home about.

Story: ★★★ I thing I covered this when I was talking about the writing. I would have done things a bit different with the ending to allow for a plot twist that this movie failed to give the viewers.

Acting: ★★★ I’ve never been a huge fan of Adam Sandler; he tends to yell to much in his films. However, he didn’t do that in this one. No, in fact, he was very subdued. The acting wasn’t terrible, but it could have been better.

I like Jennifer Aniston, I have since her time on Friends, but she is a lot like Brad Pitt… nice to look at but a little one noted when it comes to character development.

MY FAVORITE QUOTES:

“All women are actresses, dear. I’m just clever enough to get paid for it.”

Check out my YouTube channel and the video review below… and make sure you hit subscribe so you never miss a video.

View the Official Trailers Here!

Scene shot by shot with Adam Sandler, Jennifer Aniston, and the rest of the cast!


Other movies with Adam Sandler and Jennifer Aniston!


Are you ready for AMAZON PRIME DAY July 15 & 16?



Week 21 – #WritingWednesday Challenge

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

.

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

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

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



Ben Is Back (2018) #SundayScreening Movie Review

Would you prefer to watch the video review, instead of reading it? CLICK HERE

Title: Ben is Back (2018)
Director: Peter Hedges
Writer: Peter Hedges
Stars: Julia Roberts,
Lucas Hedges, and
Courtney B. Vance
Genre: Drama
Length: 1 hr. and 43 minutes

SHOW RATING OVERVIEW
Writing: ★★★★★ Cinematography:  ★★★ Story: ★★★★ Acting: ★★★★★ Overall: ★★★★.★ (4.25)

STORYLINE:

Ben Is Back follows the charming yet troubled Ben Burns (Lucas Hedges), who returns home to his unsuspecting family one fateful Christmas Eve. Ben’s wary mother Holly Burns (Julia Roberts) welcomes her beloved son’s return, but soon learns he is still very much in harm’s way. During the 24 hours that may change their lives forever, Holly must do everything in her power to avoid the family’s downfall.

AWARDS:

Lucas Hedges won the award for Best Performance by an Actor 23 and Under at the Los Angeles Online Film Critics Society Awards. I’m actually surprised this movie didn’t bring in more awards.

MY 2 CENTS:

Writing: ★★★★★ Let me start by admitting that I’ve never suffered with Addiction or known anyone who has, not really. Watching this film, I was moved. The truth in the scenes and the raw openness of the dialogue draws you in rips your heart out. Writer Peter Hedges, who also happened to direct this film, does a wonderful job of telling Lucas’ story. I think the message was powerful and devastating. He doesn’t sugarcoat the pain, deceit, and manipulation involved in an addict’s life.

Cinematography:  ★★★ There was nothing special or different about the cinematography in this film. It wasn’t great… it wasn’t terrible… it just was.

Story: ★★★★ I recently watched ‘Beautiful Boy’ with Steve Carell… another movie about a son who is an addict, only this time it focuses on a father-son relationship. If I had to compare the two movies, I’d say ‘Beautiful Boy’ was more realistic. With that said, I’ve read a number of reviews for ‘Ben Is Back’ stating that the story is unrealistic, the events would never happen, and that Julia’s character would never do the things she does in the film. As a mother, I will say, there is very little I wouldn’t do to help my children.

Acting: ★★★★★ Really, there are only two performances that need to be discussed; Julia Roberts and Lucas Hedges because they carried this film. Without them, there wouldn’t be a story.

I’ve always loved Julia Roberts, she gives everything to every roll she takes and with this one… she is raw, exposed, desperate, and unconditionally loving. She gave an outstanding performance and, as a mother, left me in tears.

Lucas Hedges really impressed me with his performance. Sure, he is the director’s son and it probably got him the roll, but I think he held his own. I am not at all surprised that he won an award for this performance. In this brief 24-hour glimpse into his life we are both swept away by his playful nature with his younger siblings and blindsided by the devastating admissions into his past. Hedges does a beautiful job portraying not only the victim but the instigator.   

MY FAVORITE QUOTES:

“You don’t know what you’re doing. I’m not worth it. If you really knew me, you’d be done with me.” ~ Ben Burns

I think the reason I love this quote so much is because it shows just how much someone can fail to see their own self-worth. Ben is convinced he is no good, can do nothing right, and will always fail. But when he says this, he is talking to the one person in the world who will never be able to see him that way, his mother.

Check out my YouTube channel and the video review below… and make sure you hit subscribe so you never miss a video.

View the Official Trailers Here!

Interview with Julia Roberts on Good Morning America

Week 19 – #WritingWednsday Challenge (1 day late)

Today is the 19th 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 do you need right now?

Time! I need time.

It’s Thursday afternoon and usually I post my weekly Writing Wednesday post on, well… Wednesday. Unfortunately, or maybe luckily, I was on vacation this last week and my blog got put on the back burner. I think we all need a little me time, but right about now, I need more work time.

I’m trying to catch up, with everything. I have a stack of books about a mile high that I need to get through, a list of movies about two miles long that I need to watch and review, a number of author interview requests, blog posts to set up, and a self-publishing course to create.

So yeah, I need time. If you have any extra that you’d like to loan me, I’d forever be in your debt.

© 2019 Nina Soden

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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 do you need right now?

* * * * * 

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!

This Self-Discovery Journal provides more than 200 thoroughly unique & enjoyable writing prompts. Skyrocket your self-esteem, develop your creativity and explore all area’s of life: Writing Prompts about your love life, Writing Prompts to better deal with social anxiety’s
Writing Prompts for finding empowering strategies to deal with worries, stress and failures.
And much, much more
Do you want to know yourself better? Self-discovery and self-revelation aren’t easy. With simple but provocative questions about wishes and fears, memories and beliefs, secrets and dreams, All About Me will reveal everything you ever wanted to know about yourself but never thought—or dared—to ask. Whether you fill it in or answer questions out loud, this is the perfect gift for your friends, your family, your loved one… and you.

* * * * * 

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.

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

JUST WRITE is the Ultimate Author’s Bullet Journal designed as a planner-journal hybrid to help new and experienced writers stay organized while still fostering creativity. Track your project progress, 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.

About to Cry by Nina Soden

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