Tag Archives: Writing Challenge

Week 14 – #WritingWednesday Challenge

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Today is the 14th 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 voice. I usually write in the voice of one of my characters, but today’s prompt really spoke to me. I hope it speaks to you too.

Today’s writing prompt:

Write about three goals (realistic or maybe a little far-reaching) that you would like to achieve in your lifetime.

I have plenty of goals… I love a good ‘to do’ list and even more so, I love to set goals. I have a huge list of short-term goals and a fairly long list of long-term goals. However, today I want to talk about those goals I haven’t had the guts to write out. Three really big, far-reaching, goals that I’d love to achieve but don’t really expect to manage.

  1. I want to make the New York Time’s Best Seller’s List! As an author, that just seems like the ultimate ‘you’ve made it’ moment. I want my books to touch someone. I want them to make a difference in someone else’s life. I want them to be read.
  2. I want to give a Ted Talk… I’d love to talk about writing, being a struggling author, and the hurdles you have to overcome in order to make it. The hurdles you do overcome if you’re really passionate about what you’re writing.
  3. I went to college for acting… I wanted to be an actress. I still do. I do theatre, I’ve done a number of commercials, and for a short period I lived out in Los Angeles and did the whole struggling actor thing booking a few jobs here and there. Hell, I’m even a SAG/AFTRA member. I want, at some point in my lifetime, to get a role I can be truly proud of. I want that ‘you’ve made it’ moment as an actress.

Yeah, those are my three really big goals. Now that I’ve put them out into the universe, who knows, maybe they will manifest. So, what are your goals?

© 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!

Write about three goals (realistic or maybe a little far-reaching) that you would like to achieve in your lifetime.

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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

Week 13 – #WritingWednesday Challenge

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Today is the 13th Edition of #WritingWednesday!!!

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

  1. Read the writing prompt below. 
  2. Spend 5 minutes writing (in your own voice or the voice of a character you’re writing) whatever comes to mind.
  3. 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:

What area of your life do you tend to enjoy in excess instead of moderation?

I’m not really sure what that means… to enjoy in excess. I remember, when I was little, sitting on my mother’s lap and playing with her hair. It would curl around my finger like a spring. I’d pull it down then let it go and it would bounce back up perfectly into place. I remember her smell like it was yesterday. I remember the joy it brought me to sit there, snuggled in her arms, breathing her in.

Did I enjoy her touch and her attention in excess? I’m not sure. She was taken away from me so suddenly. So unexpectedly. I feel like I didn’t really enjoy her enough. I feel like I never really got to enjoy much else of life.

Don’t get me wrong, I have a good life. I’m treated well, they take care of me. They… the ones in charge… They don’t love me, not like she did, before she feared me. But they do care for me, I think.

No, I don’t think I enjoy anything in excess. I enjoy the memories I see, sometimes. Most times, they frighten me. Like the memory of Sophie and Austin. Why he would hurt her the way he did when I know he loved her… I just don’t understand it.

© 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 area of your life do you tend to enjoy in excess instead of moderation?

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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

Week 12 – #WritingWednesday Challenge

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Today is the 12th Edition of #WritingWednesday!!!

Writing Wednesday 6

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:

When was the last time you got lost?

I get lost a lot. Not physically, that would be impossible seeing as I live in a ten-foot by ten-foot room and am followed by armed guards whenever I’m allowed out. No, I get lost mentally. I’ve found myself in a home in the suburbs, on the edge of a cliff, and sailing in the middle of the vast ocean with no land in sight.

A mind is a beautiful thing, but it can also be a very scary place when your whole life is spent exploring the thoughts of others. What I wouldn’t give to just be home. To be safe, surrounded by my family, and loved instead of valued.

© 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!

When was the last time you got lost?

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51gqQbGYyAL._SX398_BO1,204,203,200_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

Author Bullet Journal 8x10 Front Cover

 

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

#MindfulnessMonday 4/22/19

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Today’s #MindfulnessMonday Tip: Savor the positive experiences in your daily life through joy!

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Check out today’s #MindfulnessMonday video to learn 4 easy to ways to savor the positive experiences in your daily life through joy. You can check out the video by clicking HERE!

With that little piece of advice, I give you today’s Mindfulness Exercise:
Talk About Your Joy!

With a close friend or loved one, start a conversation by asking the question, ‘what makes you really happy?’ Take the time to listen to their answer and engage in open dialogue. Make sure you are sharing the experiences you’ve had and the memories you hold onto that bring you true joy as well. Often times, when we first start to talk about what brings us joy, the conversations can be constricted… make sure you open yourself up and don’t hold back –make sure you pick someone you feel very comfortable with.

Mindfulness Journaling Prompt:

It’s time to start your own Joy Journal!!! This can be electronic – in your computer, phone, or tablet – or do it the old-fashioned way with pen and notebook. Take fifteen minutes of quiet time and see how many different things you can come up with (events, memories, people, etc.) that truly bring you joy when you think about them. If you update this journal once a week, you’ll have plenty of things to turn to the next time you’re feeling down and need a little joy boost.

Mindfulness journaling can be very private. However, if you are willing to share your thoughts with me and my readers, I would love to invite you to comment below and let me know a few of the things you’ve added to your new Joy Journal.

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

EPISODE 16 ~ Savor the Positive Experiences in your Daily Life!

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InvisibleWould 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.

Week 10 – #WritingWednesday Challenge

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Today is the Tenth Edition of #WritingWednesday!!!

Writing Wednesday 4

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, one of the characters in my upcoming novel The Beast Within (This is not a selection from the novel, but part of my character development journal.)

Today’s writing prompt:

Were you born to shine in one special way? What makes you really stand out?

Special, what does that even mean? Sure, I’m special. Or maybe a better word would be different. When I was a kid, I was just like everyone else. I loved baseball and riding my bike and fishing with my dad. I had sleepovers at my friends’ houses and loved late nights watching movies and eating pizza and popcorn.

Then, I grew up, fast. I turned ten and my whole world seemed to change. My dad said I was given a gift, but it didn’t seem like a gift. I don’t have super human powers, well maybe a few, but it’s not what you’re probably thinking. I’m not Superman, Spiderman, or even The Flash. I’d like that though, to be The Flash. I think, if I had his power of speed, I’d run so fast and so far, that I could just escape. Escape all the problems…all the pain…escape life.

Don’t get me wrong, I don’t want to die. I just want to be normal. That’s why I do what I do. I became a doctor to find a cure, but its hard when you have to do it all on your own. When you can’t tell anyone what you’re doing or even what you are.

I don’t shine, I’m not special, and what makes me stand out is the one thing I want to change about myself.

© 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!

Were you born to shine in one special way? What makes you really stand out?

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Author Bullet Journal 8x10 Front Cover

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

Week 9 – #WritingWednesday Challenge

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Today is the Ninth edition of #WritingWednesday!!!

Writing Wednesday 3

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 Dean, one of the characters in my upcoming novel The Beast Within (This is not a selection from the novel, but part of my character development journal.)

Today’s writing prompt:

What do you look forward to every week?

What do I look forward to every week? I don’t know. A drink? Dude, I drink, so what. My job is stressful and life sometimes sucks. So, I get drunk and I get stupid, but it’s all in good fun. Honestly, it isn’t the feeling of being drunk that I look forward to, it’s the friendships I’ve developed over beers. The camaraderie. I don’t even always get drunk. I can control it. It doesn’t affect my life. It doesn’t affect my job. Ok, well, maybe. Maybe it’s effected my job, a little. I mean, sure, I’ve shown up late a few times because I’ve had one to many the night before. I’ve maybe called in sick a handful of times because of a hangover, but who hasn’t? I’m not an alcoholic.

© 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!

That do you look forward to every week?

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51gqQbGYyAL._SX398_BO1,204,203,200_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

Author Bullet Journal 8x10 Front Cover

 

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

Week 6 – #WritingWednesday Challenge

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Today is the Sixth edition of #WritingWednesday!!!

WW

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 Sophie, a main character in my upcoming novel The Beast Within (This is not a selection from the novel, but part of my character development journal.)

Today’s writing prompt:

What did you get into trouble for the most when you were a kid?

I was a good kid. I know, it probably sounds silly or boring, but it’s the truth. My parents set the rules and I followed them. It wasn’t a question of whether or not I liked the rules or I thought they were fair, they were just the rules.

My bedroom was on the first floor of the house and the window reached almost floor to ceiling. I had friends who were jealous. They used to tell me how easy it would be to sneak out at night, “just open up the window and crawl right out,” they’d say.

Why? I wondered. Why would I do that when my parents put a roof over my head and food on the table. Why risk upsetting that happy balance?

The thing is, I wish I had snuck out. I wish, just once, I would have broken the rules. I think kids need to get into trouble every now and then. Nothing big, don’t take it like that. I just mean, when you never get punished… you never get spanked… you never get yelled at… I think you miss the lesson of what consequences really are.

You start feeling like nothing can go wrong, ever.

In reality, the world is an ugly place. I learned this lesson to late in life. After the ring was already on my finger and I was locked into a marriage of lies, abuse, hatred, and pain. I closed myself off… shut down… gave up on my dreams…

But life goes on.

The real world goes on.

It wasn’t until I had a long heart to heart with myself that I realized what I had to do. How I had to pick myself up.

I’m not sure if this really answers the question, but having been the ‘good girl’ my parents told me to be, I guess getting into trouble wasn’t really something that was allowed.

© 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 did you get into trouble for the most when you were a kid?

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51gqQbGYyAL._SX398_BO1,204,203,200_

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

Author Bullet Journal 8x10 Front Cover

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

#MindfulnessMonday 3/11/19

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Today’s #MindfulnessMonday Tip: Stress can affect your body and your health in many different ways; headaches, upset stomach, increased blood pressure, chest pain, insomnia, muscle tension or pain, fatigue, change in sex drive, etc. Stressed caused by pent-up emotions that you don’t express or talk about can lead to what is called emotional constipation. Want to know more about emotional constipation? Check out today’s episode of #MindfulnessMonday HERE!

emotional c

With that little piece of advice, I give you today’s Mindfulness Exercise:

Body Awareness Exercise
The Long, Slow Stretch…

Take a second to just appreciate the sensation of your body stretching. You can do this exercise standing, sitting, or laying down. Move your body, stretching your arms, legs, sides, etc. Notice where your body feels tight and at what point, during the stretch, your muscles relax into the motion. As you relax out of the stretch, ask yourself how you feel. This exercise should increase your awareness of your body. Next, focus on the areas that are more tense or sore and gently stretch them a few more times until they have loosened. Be sure to use caution, not allowing yourself to over stretch or strain the muscles. It isn’t uncommon to feel emotional during this type of body awareness stretching exercise. Allow yourself to open up to those emotions, experience them, think about how they make you feel, and don’t be afraid to cry.

Mindfulness Journaling Prompt: Take 5 minutes to reflect on the Long, Slow Stretch mindfulness exercise. Make notes about what you discovered about your body, what you discovered about your emotional state, how this exercise made you feel both physically and emotionally, where do you hold your tension, what areas of your body took longer to loosen up, what areas wouldn’t loosen up, etc.

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

EPISODE 10 ~ 5 Signs You’re Emotionally Constipated!

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Invisible

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.

Week 5 – #WritingWednesday Challenge

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Today is the fifth edition of #WritingWednesday!!!

words

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, the lead character in my upcoming novel The Beast Within (This is not a selection from the novel, but part of my character development journal.)

Today’s writing prompt:

Name one thing you have lied to yourself about. Why did you do this?

I can control it. I can control it. I can control it. I can control it. The mantra runs through my mind constantly as I hunt—feed—kill. I can control it, four simple little words that mean so much. Four simple little words that clearly aren’t true.

When I was a kid, my father taught me to control the urges—the hunger. He taught me to hunt, to feed, and to kill. He taught me to clean up after myself and not to leave any evidence behind. What he didn’t teach me, what I wish he had taught me, was to stop. I just want to know how to make it all stop. I don’t want to hurt people. I don’t want to kill. I just want…

What do I want?
I want to be normal.
I just want to be human.

© 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!

Name one thing you have lied to yourself about. Why did you do this?

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51gqQbGYyAL._SX398_BO1,204,203,200_

 

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

Author Bullet Journal 8x10 Front Cover

 

 

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

Week 2 – #WritingWednesday Challenge

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Today is the second edition of #WritingWednesday!!!

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Remember, #WritingWednesday is an easy, stress-free, weekly writing challenge. Just read the writing prompt below, then spend 5 minutes writing whatever comes to mind. DON’T EDIT what you write! IT DOES NOT HAVE TO BE PERFECT! You can choose to respond to the question/writing prompt literally or you can respond through the voice of a character you are currently writing. The goal is 5 minutes of creativity.

Like last week, today, I’ve elected to write in scene from the manuscript I am currently working on, The Beast Within! I’m not sure if this scene will make it into the actual screenplay, but writing prompts are a fun way to learn more about your characters. 

Today’s writing prompt:

Have you ever seen something that you knew was wrong? Were you scared? What happened?

“Hey guys, I think I found something,” Sophie called. “It looks like the trail continues this way.”

About an hour later, tired and ready to turn back, Sophie heard something coming from just off the trail. “Did you hear that?” she asked, looking back at Kim and Dean who were already regretting their decision to come on this little adventure.

“I didn’t hear a thing,” Dean said, stomping past her.

“Shhh.” She grabbed his arm so he’d stop and listen. “Listen.”

It was faint, but the crackling of a fire and the sound of something being dragged across the dried leaves could be heard off to their left.

“This way,” Dean said as he left the trail and headed down the hill. Kim and Sophie followed close behind, but quickly stopped when Dean fell back, scrambling to get back to his feet. He tried to yell for them to run, but his voice was caught like a lump in his throat.

“What’s wrong?” Sophie asked, as she made her way past him to where the fire could be seen up ahead. Dean tried to grab her, tried to hold her back, but he was too late. Austin had already spotted them.

A young woman, with long blond hair stained red with blood, was laying on the ground in front of the fire. “What are you doing here?” Austin hissed, as he moved toward them.
Sophie was frozen, but Dean had grabbed Kim and was quickly pulling her back up the hill toward the trail.

“Dean,” Austin yelled, his voice echoing around them. “Stop,” he commanded. Without knowing why, Dean obeyed. It was over before Dean or Kim could even get a single scream out. Austin had rushed up the hill, circling around them, and swiftly lunged forward ripping their throats out with his teeth. He didn’t have time to savor the rush of blood as it flooded his mouth. He wasn’t feeding, he wasn’t even thinking. His beast was killing them in order to ensure his survival. He’d think about what he had done later, when the weight of it began to sink in.

Their bodies fell to the ground at his feet and he stared, in shock, as they bled out.

“A…Austin?” Sophie was watching, unable to look away. The blood had drained from her face and she was pale, with beads of sweat beginning to form at her hairline. She had begun to shake, uncontrollably, and her legs gave out beneath her as she fainted, slamming her head against a fallen stump before the world went black around her.

(c) 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!

Have you ever seen something that you knew was wrong? Were you scared? What happened?

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Check out my latest book reviews on YouTube. Don’t forget to click subscribe so you never miss a video!