Poem: Why Do I Write?

Why Do I Write?

I Just Thought You Might like to Know......

Deneale K. Williams, Yahoo Contributor Network
Sep 3, 2007

I don't write to impress you,
I don't write because I have to-
I write because I want to;
And it's stuff you might relate to.
~
Some people might think I mean to hurt someone,
Others might think I may have said too much--
My words aren't meant to hurt anyone;
And I hope you don't take my words as such!
~
I have things troubling me---
As if you can't already tell,
Writing is what helps me to see,
Although I don't do it so swell!
~
If something I say has bothered you,
I do want to apologize from the bottom of my heart;
But no one is forcing you to read this through-
And no one told you to read from the start!
~
I was taught long ago to write how I feel,
When I do it this way I cause a lot less damage--
Sometimes it helps me to focus on what is real;
And help me to act more like my age!
~
Yes, sometimes I hold things in that I shouldn't,
I know that it is something I need to change;
And then there's times that I wish I couldn't--
And my mouth fires off like a twelve gage!
~
A lot of my life has been mistakes,
I'm sure I'm not the only one too--
I've had my share of gives and takes;
No matter what it is I do!
~
So what it is that I'm trying to say here,
Is don't hate me for what I've written or said--
Maybe you should just look in the mirror,
If you can relate to anything you've read!
~
In other words if you feel that I have written something about you,
Perhaps maybe I have- but allow me to explain why---
This is how I get it off my chest and the way I make it through;
I'd rather write and get paid, then sit here and cry!!
~

Published by Deneale K. Williams

Book Review: Life Could be a Dream by Scott Curtis McElhaney

Review: Life Could Be a Dream by Scott Curtis McElhaney 

Deneale K. Williams, Yahoo Contributor Network
Jul 24, 2008

I was lucky enough to acquire the book: "Life Could be a Dream" by second time- Author Scott Curtis. As you may well have noticed, I reviewed his first book, "Mommy's Choice." as well.

 

I can honestly say, that Scott Curtis has made his way into my personal category of favorite writers. And that is not an easy title to get. I originally had three favorite Authors, and they were: Stephen King, John Grisham and Iris Johansen.

Several months back, I removed King- for several reasons not worthy of discussion here. But now, in order of preference are as follows: Iris Johansen, Scott Curtis, and John Grisham.

But enough about me, let me tell you about this wonderful book!

This book is not what I expected, especially after reading his first book; I expected it to take a different route all together. Since we were dealing with domestic violence in the book, I thought it would truly be a nightmare, which is a type of dream, or something to do with his past. Because, if you read the back of the book, it deals with the fifties.

Once again, as with "Mommy Dearest" I started the book in the afternoon, and couldn't go to bed until it was done. I wanted to- trust me, and the last five or so pages, I was like so tired, but there was no way I could leave myself with unanswered questions. I had to know more!

Sean is them main character, he is the one with the abusive father. His Mother, Melissa is in abusive relationship, and often worries about her son, because she has already lost her daughter. Well, that in itself, I feel I have said too much, because things turn out so differently at the end, you will have drop jaw. I will tell you, as with many of Scott's books, he time travels in them. As does he in this one. Sean hides out fifty years in the past, in 1958. He meets a beautiful girl, her name is Clara. The book opens your heart, and makes you dream, and think. Most of all, imagine.

If you read "Mommy's choice" you may want to know, if this book, is that detailed in the aspect of the Christianity, and Bible quotations. It does speak and refer to the Bible and Christianity, yes. But no, it is nothing like his first book. It just guides you to look at your life, do things for the greater good, behave yourself and make yourself a better person. Yes, there are biblical quotes, but these ones are more understanding and make a quicker and better impact on you and your life choices. Yes "Mommy's Choice" does the same, but the two are very different, trust me.

I did however email Mr. Curtis, because he is one of those Authors who does want to know what you think. He told me, that he truly enjoyed writing this book. And if you read it, trust me, you will see why. Read it, absorb it, and then use your imagination.

This book is a truly must read. It deals with Science Fiction, romance, life and Christianity. Who knew you could mix them all up like that, but it certainly worked, and I was truly impressed, and now my teens are reading it. I can hardly wait for Mr. Curtis to put out another book, I love being pulled into his thoughts, "dreams" and words. They make me "see" and relate and keep me wanting more.
On a scale of one to ten, ten being the best, I give this book a perfect ten, two thumbs up and a standing ovation!


To you who are reading this, go buy this book! You can get it at Amazon, order online and have it in a few days! You will be glad you did! And that is being said by an avid, every day reader!

Published by Deneale K. Williams

Guide: to Pen Palling & Swapping!

A Simple Guide to Pen Palling & Swapping

 

Deneale K. Williams, Yahoo Contributor Network
Aug 29, 2009

Have you ever went to the mailbox and wished there was something there other bills?

 

The other thing pen pal groups are also good for: FBs that you cannot get sent to their proper owner. Sometimes another individual may know where the person moved to, or even if they were now deceased.

 

 

There is a great way to make getting mail, and your life a little more entertaining. But! There are some things you need to know first....
 

Pen palling is a great way to meet new people, and learn about different states, as well as countries. It is also a good way to get more interesting mail!

To be a pen paller, I personally advise learning a few key factors first. You see, I personally jumped right into it, without advise, without the know how, and later learned. And it was over something as small as an FB.

Now you are wondering what "FB" means. Let me start by saying, "No, it doesn't mean 'facebook' in this case!" LOL

 
"FB" stands for "Friendship book." So what is a friendship book? It is a little booklet, sometimes made out of scraps of paper, sometimes out of notepads, or cards. They are made by individuals who want to see this little booklet travel from person to person, to show where all it has been. Once this FB is filled, it becomes like a souvenir. Individuals pass them from pal to pal, and attach their address label, or write their info on a small section. After doing that, they usually write more codes.

With these codes, they are making it known if they want more pen pals, or not; and what they are looking for- if anything at all. You do not need to be wanting more pals to sign this booklet. And it is best to date your entry, so that people can see where the booklet went and when. Many pallers, who have made these little booklets, may also put "return to maker, or to the person they made it for by such and such a date, or once the two year time frame is up."

Friendship booklets can be made for anyone, including yourself. I have known of a few people who even made them for cancer stricken children. It is up to the creator of the booklet. Just try not to make the booklets too thick, so they CAN be returned in a timely manner. If you print in the booklets, print so your writing can be read by others.
Once the booklet becomes full, simply send the booklet back to the individual it was made for. If the booklet ends up sent back to you because the person moved, simply send it to its maker. The reason and way you know who the booklet was made for and by is because you are "supposed" to put this information in the booklet when you make it. Here let me show you an example:

FB Made for:

Jane Doe
123 Number St.
Washington, DC
00123
NPW Female only please

Made by:

Jillian Smith
9090 W. Nothing Street
Nothing, Alabama
12345
SNNP

Now, as you can see,

I added some abbreviations.

Here are some of those continuously changing pen pal abbreviations:

NPW= New Pals Wanted
SNNP= Sorry No New Pals
SAHM= Stay at home Mom
No Cons= No Prisoners or inmates
A/A= Answers all
A/M= Answers Most
W/W= World Wide
LLP=Long letter Pals
DOB= Date of Birth
EPals only= Online pals only
Moms Only=This is where the swapper only wants other Mothers and no one else.
ICR= I can return (meaning the FBs, etc.)
US Only= Seeking pals/swappers in USA only

Now if the person states no men, no cons, or even no women; your best bet is to the respect that. And the reason people put no cons or prisoners, is because prisoners are bored with nothing to do, and they have wants and needs, and that's where a pen pal comes in. Please be cautious if you are willing or wanting to pal with prisoners and inmates.

Now as you see, I mentioned "Swappers." That is a person who swaps FBs back and forth; sometimes they will even mention they do so- in bulk. This means they will accept a large sum of them at one time, no problem. Some even accept boxes!

However, there are other things pen pallers swap. These include Deco's, slams, crams, label/sticker bags, and even stickers, rubber stamps, and coupons!

A Deco is a decorative FB where as people usually take a whole page to themselves and decorate it. They might stamp pictures onto it, and then color them. They may even use stickers. It all depends on the individual. This is where you can get creative. And these are much more awesome to receive back, because not only has the booklet traveled usually world wide, but everyone adds their own special touch to it!

A Slam is a question answer thing, usually. It has numerous pages, with a question or comment atop of each page. Then below it are usually numbers or alphas, where you as the receiver respond. Again, please write neatly. These are entertaining. And what is even more creative, is if each person uses a different color pen. They are fun to read once completely filled out and sent home. It also helps you learn about the individuals who filled them out!

A Cram is a very small FB. Usually people only attach a label, and send it on its way. If you write in it, remember it is small, so there isn't a lot of room. And most people make the crams to get a label attached and sent on its merry way faster!

A label or sticker bag, is something you ask others to put their labels and stickers into. If you are requesting labels, it is so once it is returned to you; you will in turn make FBs, slams or whatever- for those people. The stickers are to help you build up a collection. And sometimes they will say to take a sticker and add two more. Kind of like trading.

So as you may well enough see, pen palling is a bit more entertaining than just a simple letter. Or at least it can be, if you want it to be, the choice is completely and totally up to you.

There are groups online that can help you in ascertaining new pals, and "education" on the pen pal community. Sometimes they can tell you in advance if they think an individual is a good pen paller or swapper or not.

And most pen pallers are descent people who can give you advice and point you in the right direction, when you have wants and needs. I have even seen a baby shower VIA the pen pal community. It was a huge success, as well as a shocker to the expecting Mommy!

Pen palling is a lot of fun, educational, and definitely something you might want to consider if you are stuck at home, bored and watching too much TV! There are always people in need of a new pal, and a new long time friend!

Published by Deneale K. Williams

Q&A to Consider BEFORE You Write to Prisoners!

Q&A's to Consider BEFORE You Write to Prisoners

For Anyone Who Might Be Interested!

Deneale K. Williams, Yahoo Contributor Network
Jun 25, 2010

 

Because I once was an avid pen paler, I have had several people ask me about writing to prisoners. I wish to respond to those questions here, to benefit others, who might have the same questions in the near future. ~~~~~~~
~~~~~~~

Q. Have you yourself ever written to prisoners?
A. Yes, several in fact.

Q. Did you have any kinds of problems with the prisoners, like them wanting nude photos or you to talk sexual to them, or anything along that nature?
A. I laid down ground rules from the get go. I explained I was married, and had children. I also explained that I felt I was writing them, to help them pass the time, which I "sort of" felt bad for them. Being away from their families and what not. Not that I approve of them doing crimes, try to understand what I am saying here. But yes, I did have one who insisted on still trying to pursue me sexually, I stopped writing, he continued, and I went to his warden. After that, he wrote again threatening me, I copied the letter and sent it to the warden, and never heard from him again.

Q. What made you want to write to prisoners?
A. I am and always have been interested in law; I in fact majored in it in School. I wanted to know what made these criminals do the things that they did. I never wrote to murderers, or child molesters. I wrote to several convenient store robbers, a stalker who later turned into a peeper, a wife beater, and several other domestic violence cases.

Q. What do you suggest to anyone interested in writing to prisoners?
A. I suggest that you use a P.O. Box. Not your own home residence address. I suggest you don't tell too many personal things, like describe your home, and the whereabouts that you live. Especially if you are writing to a nearby prison. I also suggest that you lay down ground rules, and keep yourself distant. If you are single, do not be gullible, and fall in love with the person. Yes, they will promise you everything. And yes, they can sometimes marry you while they are incarcerated. But you truly need to keep your head on straight. They will use you for commissary and whatever else they can talk you into sending them, that they are allowed to have. Please, please, use common sense.

Q. Why do people NOT want to write to prisoners?
A. A lot of people fear the unknown. And TV makes it out to be a lot worse than it is. AND many prisoners do have a one track mind. They only want to get even, or do more injustices to another. That's why I say, if you decide to write one, use caution. There are some who are wrongly framed; time and time again we have found that people are set free because we, that's right I said WE as the judge and jury, have put the wrong person away. Sometimes, we can't be certain. The evidence in the crime, isn't always there.

Q. Have you lost any pen pals because you decided to write prisoners?
A. Yes, people thought I was a disgrace, an embarrassment. And to be honest, one of the people I decided to write, I wrote because I honestly felt he/she wasn't guilty. Turned out-they weren't. This makes me right, and the people judging ME and the prisoners wrong! My gut instinct led me to that prisoner, seen them on TV, and wanted to write them, looked them up, and them found them!
Q. Do you still write prisoners today?

A. No, I still have a P.O.Box though! I rarely pen pal though, too. Time is limited. However, if I ever deem it necessary to write one again, I will. I have no problem in doing so.
~~~~~~
~~~~~~
These are the questions many of pen pals, and friends and family have often ask me, and I thought it would make for an interesting article, and benefit others. Because after all, sometimes even prisoners do need friends. And like I said, they aren't always guilty. We might like to think they all are, but trust me, they aren't.

Published by Deneale K. Williams