Author: tmgaouette

Great Review of “The Destiny of Sunshine Ranch” by Steven McEvoy

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This book took me completely by surprise. From the amazing dialogue to the raw emotions it portrays and captures it is a wonderful read from the first to last word. I know a number of foster children. I have seen them come and seen them go. This book captures their lives, their experiences and their hopes. The book was incredibly moving. Having known so many kids who have gone through the foster system knowing some of their stories and some not so much this book captures children when they are vulnerable, when they are reactionary and when they fear hope. But hope and love is what many foster children need most.

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This review can also be found on Catholic Dads  Online

The Destiny of Sunshine Ranch is Featured on CatholicMom.com

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“Then why are we here?” Eva asked.

“You are here…” he began to say, and then wondered how much should really be said.

“You are here because God sent you to me.”

“Oh David!” Benedict protested and was about to walk away.

“It’s true,” David insisted, looking back at the boys. “Your mothers and fathers, for some reason or another, couldn’t do it right.”

“Do what right?” Tommy asked.

“Take care of you…they just didn’t have it in them. They weren’t strong enough.”

“Smart enough,” Tommy muttered.

“Sober enough,” Sebastian said.

“Stop,” David said gently. “Don’t do that.”

“Don’t do what? Be mad at them?” Benedict asked. He could feel his face reddening.

“No…no, you can be mad at them,” David said. “You can be mad all you want, but at some point, you need to let it go. You need to tell yourself that it doesn’t matter anymore. You need to forgive them for what they did and did not do, and you need to move on.”

“What if I can’t do that?” Tommy asked.

David thought a moment before answering. “If you can’t forgive and move on, then your feelings will grow and fester and they will eat you alive.” (The Destiny of Sunshine Ranch)

This is a snippet of the dialogue in a pivotal scene from my novel, The Destiny of Sunshine Ranch. It comes in the middle of the book and is between David and five of his foster-children, Sebastian, Eva, Tommy, Benedict, and Micah.

It was a heart-wrenching scene to write, and I confess that I cried a little as it played itself out. But it needed to happen. Recognizing the children’s cynicism is essential to the story. My hope is that young readers find the exchange emotionally stirring, although tears are optional.

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Why People-Watching Enhances Characterization in Fiction Writing

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You’ll root for each child and for the Sunshine Ranch, while enjoying T.M. Gaouette’s rich prose and vivid descriptions.(writingstraight.com)

I love to people watch. I’ve done it for as long as I can remember. No matter where you are, you can people-watch -assuming there are people there, of course. And I believe it’s really helps me enhance character development in my fiction novel writing.

People-watching doesn’t involve staring at people to the point of discomfort, but rather watching them discretely and taking in the subtle details of natural behavior. It’s about witnessing how one interacts with another, within a group, and even alone. Every movement can be recorded for future use. Subtle details are as significant as the obvious, such as a narrowing of the eyebrow, a tilt of the head, and even a blank gaze. These are all valuable.

These gestures, expressions, and attitudes, when used appropriately, breathe life into a character.

People-watching is also an effective way of creating story-lines. Witnessing a couple sharing a meal in a restaurant, a family on a beach, or a person sitting alone can prompt many questions. Why are they here? What’re they talking about? How’s she feeling?

Then, we’re introduced to the other foster children, all with diverse issues: depression, sadness, loss, abuse, neglect. Their means of coping is uniquely crafted to each well-developed character. (writingstraight.com)

In my novel, The Destiny of Sunshine Ranch, I was pleased to note that many readers enjoyed my character development. And I believe that much of the credit goes to my habit of people-watching.

The characters are well developed and likable…I loved how Ms. Gaouette presented each child as unique, with his or her own defenses and coping mechanisms. (ourvillageisalittledifferent.com)

People-watching is a valuable tool, I feel. It introduces me to various types of characters, characteristics, and storylines. There’s truly nothing better than witnessing real life if your desire is to bring your characters to life in a novel.

Do you find that people-watching is a valuable tool for writing fiction ?

Image Credit: http://www.freedigitalphotos.net

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We say it everyday, but do we take it’s meaning literally? I wanted to share this with you and prompt you to check out the rest of the posts on this inspirational blog. They’ll make you laugh, cry, and likely pray. Thanks, Khamneithang

Khamneithang's avatarkhamneithang

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I cannot say…..


“Our” – if I live only for myself.
“Father” – if I do not endeavor each day to act like his child.
“Who art in heaven” – if I am laying up no treasure there.
“Hallowed be thy name” – if I am not striving for holiness.
“Thy Kingdom come” – if I am not doing all in my power to hasten that wonderful event.
“Thy will be done” – if I am disobedient to his Word.
“On earth as it is in heaven” – if I do not serve him here and now.
“Give us this day our daily bread” – if I am dishonest or am seeking things by subterfuge.
“Forgive us our debts” – if I harbor a grudge against anyone.
“Lead us not into temptation” –…

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Book Review:The Destiny of Sunshine Ranch-“Rich Prose and Vivid Descriptions” in this “Heartwarming” Novel

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I can do all things through Christ which strengthens me. (Philippians 4:12-13). My favorite Bible verse, on the first page of The Destiny of Sunshine Ranch, lassoed me straight in to T.M Gaouette’s YA novel.

We meet Benny, a foster child who trusts no one and lacks faith in God. He’s been moved from place to place and arrives at Sunshine Ranch apprehensive and even unwilling to unpack his bags. Then, we’re introduced to the other foster children, all with diverse issues: depression, sadness, loss, abuse, neglect. Their means of coping  is uniquely crafted to each well-developed character.

The foster children need The Sunshine Ranch and they need David and Martha Credence, foster parents who have opened their large white farmhouse and generous hearts to them. Even through David and Martha’s own adversities, the couple gently guides the group of teens toward a loving God, helping them heal from old wounds and deal with new issues.

Dynamics change when new kids arrive at the ranch, and Benny, especially, is challenged at many levels. When the children discover the Credences may lose the ranch, their decisions, difficulties, and hopeful efforts will engage and entertain readers.

Though The Destiny of Sunshine Ranch is a YA novel, once you meet the characters, readers of all ages will be intrigued to discover how things will turn out. You’ll root for each child and for the Sunshine Ranch, while enjoying T.M. Gaouette’s rich prose and vivid descriptions.

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Soooo excited! Received TWO awards from Holly Michael: The One Lovely Blog Award & A Reader’s Appreciate Award- So honored- thanks Holly.

Holly Michael's avatarHolly Michael's Writing Straight

And speaking of sweet… SR at To Have Her Heart is so sweet. Gotta love her and her blog. She gave me the One Lovely Blog Award. Awww! I love hearts. I used to collect hearts as a kid. Put heart stickers all over my letters and papers. Often signed a little heart after my name. And look! A heart! Cute, isn’t it? I’m so honored.

Also got nominated for the Reader’s Appreciation Award by Virginia at  Poetaofficium.

Who wouldn’t appreciate a beautiful sunflower award! Yellow and bright. Nice! Thanks Ladies! Now, go and visit SR and Virginia’s blogs, if you haven’t done so already. Both are lovely blogs that inspire, give advice and motivate!

Well, as always with these awards there are a few rules. Firstly, you have to provide a link to the blogger/s who nominated you (done that – check above). Secondly, you need to…

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Can Innocence, Purity, and God Prevail in a Highly Sexualized Era?

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Sexy is in. Sex is prevalent. It’s in school, on the television, in the movie theaters, in books. Hot, half-naked boys and girls are everywhere, flaunting and flirting and getting it on.

Romance is attractive and sex is inevitable. At least, it seems that way to me. Look at teen fashion, and celebrities who wear practically nothing in an attempt to stay in the spotlight or grow within their industry.

Our innocent little girl celebs are resorting to sexualizing themselves so they don’t disappear behind the next young aspiring starlet that Disney picks up.

So how in the world can purity and innocence prevail in a highly sexual world where we’ve reached the point of no return?

Society has become so edgy and risqué, that nothings been left to the imagination. The physical body has been put on display for the world to ogle at. And morality is almost non-existent. Am I generalizing? Unjustly resorting to cynicism? Maybe…just a little. But one look at shows like Jersey Shore, Teen Mom, and Toddlers in Tiaras, and you can see what young teens are watching and assuming as real life.

And we are losing God along the way.

When it comes to fiction, teen girls want to read about finding passion in the arms of a young, handsome boy. That’s cool. Not basking and growing in the amazing love of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Who wants to read about teens who look beyond sex, when they can read about girls begging vampires for it, or college grads contracting themselves into bondage with sexual abusers? That’s more exciting, enticing, tempting.

Where’s the excitement in reading about Christian teens who don’t care about sex?  Teens who put sex where it belongs -in their future marriage- and deal with real issues that matter, like becoming better, kinder, stronger, hard working, honest people. Who wants to read about that? Who?

You?

Whether you do or not, I will continue to write about it, because God has placed that desire in my heart. It’s not the trend, it’s not sexy, but it gives me joy. For those of you who are interested, I pray you enjoy the stories I write to glorify Him.

Whether therefore you eat, or drink, or whatsoever you do, do all to the glory of God. (1 Corinthians 10:31)

Bless my words, Lord. So that I always glorify You in everything that I write.

I Can Do All Things Through Christ

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Adversity is part of every life, whether in the past, the present, or in the future. The extent is subjective, and so is the response. I’ve written extensively on this subject on Project Inspired, because I’m an advocate for overcoming adversity, and doing so with the best help ever: the love of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Let’s not forget that Jesus died for all our sins. What an amazing gift. What an extraordinary sacrifice.  It’s one that’s hard to fathom for those who don’t come to know God. But if you believe in Him, then your faith helps you recognize this truth.

I know both how to be abased, and I know how to abound: everywhere and in all things I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. I can do all things through Christ which strengthens me. (Philippians 4:12-13)

The Destiny of Sunshine Ranch introduces young foster children who’ve experienced a lot of adversity. One has dealt with loss, one with abuse, one with neglect, and then there’s Benedict. Benny is the character that most epitomizes the truth that anything can be achieved with the strength of God. Of course Benedict doesn’t have the faith. And so he struggles to find a place where he can feel complete.

I wrote this story for teens who feel lost in the darkness of depression. I wrote it for those who have an ache within them that refuses to dissipate. I wrote it for those boys and girls who are looking for relief. Because the answer is in God and His desire to free us all of our pain. I pray it reveals this truth.

I also wrote it for those teens who’ve already found their strength in God. The novel is a celebration for them, and a reminder. I pray it brings joy.

I’m not a preacher, and I don’t want to preach. But I do want to share with as many people as possible, the truth. Our Lord Jesus Christ is here for all of us. There is no pain, there is no struggle, there is no hurt that is bigger than Him. Let Him in and He will carry you through your struggles, and He will guide you to the light. But you have to have faith, a real faith, in Him and His amazing love for you. You can do all things through Christ, because He is your strength.

My desire is to share this truth in my novel, The Destiny of Sunshine Ranch.

I will keep pushing on Lord, because I know you have a plan for me.

Do you have a story to share about overcoming adversity with the strength of Christ?

My Cures for Defeating Writers Block

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It’s a writer’s nightmare!

Writer’s block can be devastating for a fiction writer who doesn’t know how to fill the void.

But there are ways in which you can take advantage of writer’s block, at least until you’re ready to resume your manuscript.

  • Writer’s write, and even when the dreaded writer’s block sets in, you need to write. There doesn’t have to be a reason behind the words and you don’t have to stick to writing fiction. In fact, you can just write about how you’re feeling. Write about writer’s block. Why? This exercise will give you a reason to write. It also provides you with an outlet to communicate your emotions. Lastly, it’ll give you material for future projects.
  • Are you in the midst of a fiction novel and you just can’t move forward? Then jump to the good part. You know the part. It’s the scene that you play over and over in your head. It’s the reason why you’re writing the story. By jumping to the good part, you’re stimulating your outlook, and you’re making the story exciting again.
  • If you just can’t write, and no scene inspires you, then read. Reading is the next best thing to writing. Read back on your own work. Oftentimes, when you read your own work, you become inspired to write more. Or better still, you can use the opportunity to proofread and revise chapters.
  • In the event that reading your own work of fiction only depresses you, then read the work of your favorite author. This is often a great motivator because it reminds you of why you became a writer in the first place. It’s also a lesson in writing. When you read the work of your favorite authors, you’re often inspired by their writing and your desire to write like them -or in some cases, better than them- grows.
  • Do you have another fictional story in mind? Start writing it. The idea of having two manuscripts in the works may seem overwhelming, but it’s actually less stressful. It allows you to chop and change from one story to another when the mood strikes you. Your writer’s block is on one story, so just take a break from it. And rather than do nothing, work on the other story. Go back and forth as it suits you. Returning to a story after a period away often provides a fresh perspective.Read motivational stories from writers, such as Stephen King’s, On Writing: A Memoir of the Craft. This memoir recalls King’s successes and failures, in addition to tips and advice on writing. Reading inspirational stories by successful writers motivates you to keep writing, because you’re reminded that even the most successful authors were lost for words.

Writer’s block doesn’t have to feel like a moment of failure. But you shouldn’t waste it on non-writing projects. Doing so will only cause guilt. Whatever method you choose to defeat your writer’s block, stay focused and disciplined. Think of writer’s block as an opportunity to take a break from your current project and work on another story or maybe catch up on some reading. Whatever you decide, take advantage of writer’s block, use it wisely, and it could be just what you need to make your story of fiction a success.

Best and blessings to you all.

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