Brenda Mahler
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Books AVAILABLE ON AMAZON.
* Lockers Speak: Voices from America's Youth
* Understanding the Power Not Yet shares Kari’s story following a stroke at 33.
* Live a Satisfying Life By Doing it Doggy Style explains how humans can life to the fullest.
Stories (460/0)
Requesting Critique of - Understand Writing Jargon and Learn How to Apply Effective Strategies
I am excited about this new community, Critique! Some time ago, I started writing a resource to support writers but never completed it because I didn't know if an audience would be receptive. It is my hope that readers in this new community can provide feedback. Is there an interest in this product? Any critique of the format and content of this article would be greatly appreciated. All comments will be thankfully accepted.
By Brenda Mahler9 months ago in Critique
A Book Taught Me How to Accept Change and Live Without Regrets
We struggle to accept change because todays expectations do not align with past protocols. Our changing world requires us to assess reality. We can never be so naïve as to not evaluate the authenticity of claims with the support of logical, scientific, and intellect. The novel by Ayn Rand challenged me to perceive the world from a new perspective.
By Brenda Mahler9 months ago in BookClub
We Really Shouldn't Be Doing This
When I tried to find a picture of an elderly couple experiencing a grand adventure, there were none to be found on Unsplash . Searching "elderly couple" showed people sitting on benches watching life. A search of images using "adventure" displays youth skydiving, swimming, racing, and enjoying life. It's time elderly people break the paradigm and create our own adventures.
By Brenda Mahler9 months ago in Longevity
How to Write Leads that Engage an Audience
Most adults have experienced sitting through a boring lecture that required strategically placed toothpicks to boost open our eyelids. However, we have also sat mesmerized by mentors with the gift of teaching who have us craving more information. The talent of presenting material in a manner that captivates the audience must begin immediately. Once interests wane, the challenge of waking a sleeping audience becomes intensely more difficult.
By Brenda Mahler9 months ago in Writers
Cueing Strategies to Prompt Ideas
In drama, an actor sometimes forgets a line so from offstage comes a cue. In writing, cues work in the same manner. Writers sometimes cannot remember what they know. Cues act as prompts to uncover buried information. This helps develop a topic with description and creates a bank of ideas for writing.
By Brenda Mahler9 months ago in Writers
Brainstorm to Capture the Bubbles of Thoughts Before They Float Away
I love to drink a soda. Most people devour carbonated drinks for the sugar or the caffeine, but the bubbles are my weakness. The simple act of twisting off the lid builds anticipation knowing I will be greeted with a loud hiss. The release of pressure from the bottle triggers relaxation accompanied by excitement thinking about what awaits. Drinking the liquid releases bubbles that dance and pop on my tongue creating a tinkling sensation— my own private party in my mouth.
By Brenda Mahler9 months ago in Writers
Audience Awareness Should Guide Writing
We understand dialogue changes depending on the audience. A simple greeting can be formal, casual, personal, or non-verbal. Each of the following examples illustrates a teen boy meeting someone and shows how they might act and what they might say.
By Brenda Mahler10 months ago in Writers
Writers Expose Ourselves
Wearing a swimsuit in public challenged my self-confidence until I was 57 years old. A coverup provided courage to walk to the pool, a towel draped over my bulging belly allowed sunbathing, and swimsuit choices resembled attire from 1930’s. Material protected me from others’ opinions. Then as I neared retirement, I accepted myself realizing I look pretty good for an old woman. Wearing a swimsuit in public once challenged my self-confidence, now, it provides an opportunity to brag.
By Brenda Mahler10 months ago in Writers
A Button on the TV Remote Changes the Facts
Families once watched the news together in the living room. Everyone gathered to witness the reporting of world events as prestigious men and women provided information about life changing events in a manner that commanded attention and respect. The option to change the channel didn’t exist because nothing else was available.
By Brenda Mahler10 months ago in Psyche
- Top Story - July 2023
Use the Power of Questions to Prompt Writing TopicsTop Story - July 2023
Traveling, visiting landmarks and eating cuisine of new regions ignites my senses. However, getting to the destination tests my patience. During the hours of driving, my interest wanes requiring me to get creative to stay awake. First up is the alphabet game. Once each letter has been spotted on road signs, I begin to find a license plate from every state in the union. Then I torment my husband by exclaiming, “I spy!” and describing some obscure item. He plays along until we both lose interest and move onto other stimulating games like listing animals whose names start with every letter of the alphabet.
By Brenda Mahler10 months ago in Wander