Concussions

Concussions are funny things. They cause your brain to hurt just by thinking. It doesn’t make much sense until you understand the brain is bruised and requires time to heal.

Symptoms can appear right away or not for hours. The most common symptoms include a headache, dizziness, and spotty vision. For parents, signs to watch for are confusion, vomiting, and stumbling or falling. This brain injury can be mild or severe and lead to death. The following three incidents had three different outcomes.

Ohio Fastpitch Umpire, James Simpson, took an indirect, foul tip to head and passed away two days later on April 25, 2016. Jim was unaware the hit caused internal bleeding. Additional information is not known at this time. Jim’s family is our hearts and prayers. http://tinyurl.com/Umpire42516

A lacrosse player took a shot on goal to his helmet. He shook his head and remained motionless while the game went on around him for a few seconds. He had two black eyes from the incident, but no symptoms or complaints. The coach nor referees took him off the field. Concussion? Probably.

A softball player, who is a catcher, took a foul tipped ball to the helmet right between the eyes. She stood, shook her head, and chased after the ball. Everything seemed normal. Twelve hours later, she complained of a headache and the street lights gave her spotty vision. She even became nauseated and dizzy.

The softball player had a mild concussion. The doctor wrote her off school for a day and advised her not to watch T.V. or use her phone and to get plenty of rest. She’d have to pass the Base-Line Concussion test to return to the game.

When she returned to school, looking at a smartboard and trying to concentrate caused the symptoms worsen to the point of having to leave and see a Sports Medicine Doctor, who specialized in treating concussions. The doctor wrote her off school for a full week and gave her specific instructions on what she could and could not do. These included: sleeping as much as possible, only watching TV an hour a day (no big action shows with lots of colors and/or explosions, etc.), no softball practices or games, not even to watch (too much action and thinking), only fifteen minutes on a computer, tablet or cell phone per day, and only walking five minutes at a time until symptoms lessened and went away. The return to play protocol is completed one on one with the school’s athletic trainer and includes light aerobic exercise, sport-specific exercises, no contact training drills, full contact practice, and finally return to play.

In my new young adult release, Rae and the Ruby Scepter, Rae takes a hit to the head when she collides with the runner she’s tagging out. Hours later, Rae fears she has a concussion when she finds herself in a strange place, the world of Ferane. She’s been enlisted to save the world instead of chasing her dream to earn a softball scholarship from a PAC-12 college. You’ll connect with her constant thoughts about the game and how she uses her experience as a player throughout the book. To read more about Rae and be part of her everyday life visit her on Instagram (Rae.degraff.0416) or Twitter (@RaeDeGraff0416).  Check out Amazon.com on May 3^rd, 2016 for a print copy, or pre-order the e-book now http://tinyurl.com/RATRS50316

Rae and the Ruby Scepter Updates

I have been very busy the last several weeks, including uploading two parts of the story to WattPad (a platform that allows you to read books for free).  Here is the link: http://www.wattpad.com/story/33192230

I am on Twitter as Lily.M.Knight1.


Additionally, Rae is now on Instragram and Twitter.  If you would like to see what she is up to, her user name is Rae.DeGraff.0416

Rae was tweeted about by ACProductions46, in a link to Divergent.

Rae and the Ruby Scepter

Check out the first 5000 words of Rae and the Ruby Scepter on Wattpad.com by searching for LilyMKnight.  Let me know what you think.

Knights Templar

The Knights Templar were a medieval military order from 1119-1312.  They aligned with The Pope and their job was to protect Christian Pilgrims.  Officially endorsed, the Order became the favored charity and grew rapidly in power and membership.  At the peak of the Order, there were between 15,000-20,000 members. 

Headquartered at the Temple Mount in Jerusalem, the knights battled marauding highwaymen and other religious factions.  The non-combatant members of the Order managed a large economic infrastructure across Europe.  This first banking system allowed pilgrims traveling to Jerusalem to deposit their valuables with a local Templar branch, receive a document indicating the value of the deposit, then retrieve their funds in an amount of treasure of equal value once they reached their destination.  This made the pilgrims less attractive targets for thieves.

In The Ruby Scepter,  some of the Knights' Templar members, including Grand Master Jacques De Molay, escape the Friday, October 13, 1307 execution when they flee from the Order's Portuguese branch  located in Tomar, Portugal.  Convent of Chirst Castle was built in 1160 by Gualdim Pais, founder of the city of Tomar.  The Knights Templar travel through Castile, now known as Spain, then stay close to the coast as they travel through France and Brabant, known as the Netherlands to Friesland where the portal to Ferane is located.  The Knights arrive on Ferane on February 9, 1308.  These Knights have taken with them some of history’s most notorious symbols of faith including the Holy Grail.  Along with the Holy Grail, the Knights took with them The Star, carved from the first tree on Earth by God, and the Mirror of Knowledge, both of which can see the future.  The Star, if you are lucky, tells you your future.  The Mirror of Knowledge gives kings the sight of what the future holds, but beware, you have to be wise to understand the images it shows you.

The History of Mother Nature

Mother Nature, sometimes referred to as Mother Earth, has roots dating back to 12 and 13 BC in Mycenaean Greek, ma-ka which translates to ma-ga or Mother Gaia.  Mother Nature is the personification of nature, focusing on the life-giving aspects of a mother.

In Greek Mythology, 900-800 BC, Mother Nature was the goddess of harvest, Demeter.  We didn't have the seasons then as we do now until her daughter, Persephone, was taken by the god of the dead, Hades, to be his queen.  It is then that Demeter became so distraught that no crops would grow.  The entire human race would have perished during that time if Zeus had not stepped in and forced Hades to return Persephone.  Demeter's grief is reflected in the barren months of winter and her happiness for Persephone's return is reflected in the warm summer months in which we grow our produce.

During medieval Christian times, 5th to 15th centuries, it was believed that God created Mother Nature.  He granted her the space below the heavens and moon.  She had angels above her and demons below her.  Mother Nature was only a personification, not a goddess as early Greeks believed with their goddess, Demeter.

Mother Nature image, 17th century alchemical text

In Inca Mythology, Mama Pacha or Pachamama is the the fertility goddess.  She reigned over planting and harvesting.  The literal translation is Mother Universe.  Pachamama is seen in the form of a dragon which causes the earthquakes.  In pre-Hispanic literature, Pachamama was a cruel goddess, eager to collect her sacrifices.   But as Peru began to form as a nation, Pachamama became seen as a giving goddess.  Issues only arise when the people take too much from nature.

Representation of the cosmology of the Incas, according to Juan de Santa Cruz Pachacuti Yamqui Salcamayhua(1613), after a picture in the Sun Temple Qurikancha in Cusco, with Inti(the Sun), Killa (the Moon),Pachamama (Mother Earth), Mama Qucha (Mother Sea), and Chakana(Southern Cross) with Saramama (Mother Corn) and Kukamama (Mother Coca).

Debute Novella, Devil May Care by Lily Vega

This hot, erotica novella will have you reading from start to finish without taking a break.  Lily will have you thinking of the Devil in a whole new, hot and sexy way when he is the reluctant hero in this story.  Blake Owens masquerades as a human security guard for a wealthy man's Halloween Party.  Little does he know, but he will save the hot, angel costumed Arianna Prince from certain death before the night is over.

This must read is well written, thought provoking, and highly stimulating.

Book Review - The Tempestuous Debutante

The Tempestuous Debutante by Becky Lower

In Becky's fourth book of the Cotillion Ball Series, she will have you believing in the power of a first kiss. Jasmine has her sights set on an engagement to an English Aristocrat to advance her social standing before the next season of debutante balls. If she fails, she will become known as a 'poor unfortunate', a debutante who did not find love during ...her first season of balls. Your heart will race right along with Jasmine's as she discovers what is truly important in life along with true love.

With fresh writing and endearing, believable characters, this lighthearted historical romance may be Becky's best yet.

You can find this book and others of Becky's on Amazon.com. Happy reading, my friends!

Super Nova Crashes

Have you ever seen a child who is pumped up on sugar running around and around and around? I know you have! And you probably thought to yourself that it will be funny when they crash? Well, friends, kids aren't the only ones to get that hoped up. Remember how I went SUPER NOVA? Well this is me, shortly thereafter...

Entangled

My second pitch was late in the afternoon with Entangled Editor, Shannon Godwin. Now Shannon smiles a lot. And I really liked that because that is the way I am. She wanted to hear about my completed ms first. Although we only had seven minutes, we spent a lot of time on RAE. She really liked my high concept for this paranormal/fantasy. Having seen nor heard of any ms like this, she requested... the first three chapters and synopsis. My time with her was up, but she said if you can tell me your second ms in two or three sentences then go for it. So, I said, "It isn't until rich girl, Candance, mets Tucker after she has been arrested and sentenced to community service for bungee jumping off a building in Houston that she realizes she is broken. Tucker knows why she is there because it was all over the news, but why is he there?"

Shannon immediately asked for the first chapter of Candace along with a synopsis.

The Knight Agency

I had the time of my life at the conference yesterday. My first pitch ever was with Elaine Spencer from The Knight Agency. I was soooo nervous! One because it was my first time, and two, Elaine is a very sophicated young lady. It's not ...everyday in my world that I meet someone like her. Anyway, I stumbled my way through the pitch and in the end she told me that both Rae & Candace are sellable! She requested the first 100 pages of which either WIP I thought showcased my work the best even if it takes me six months to send it to her (because Candace is only in her second draft). Yeah me!

GILDED AGE ~ A Novel by Claire McMillan

 

I recently met author, Claire McMillan at my chapter's monthly meeting.  She spoke about her new novel Gilded Age, which is a contemporary.  This really threw me and at first I wasn't interested in the book at all.  Besides, the novel is set in Cleveland of all places.  When I look at Cleveland, whether I'm driving up 71 or 77, all is see is dirt, crime and an unexciting skyline.

Now that I have began reading, I have to say her writer's voice hooked me right away so I read another page and then another.  The story doesn't start in a dirty, crime-ridden, unexciting location.  Instead, the story unfolds in the beautiful Severance Hall.  The fretwork is rumored to have been modeled after benefactor John Severance's wife's wedding veil.  How romantic!

To enjoy this promising novel yourself, visit:

http://www.amazon.com/Gilded-Age-Novel-Claire-McMillan/dp/145164048X/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1363541898&sr=1-1&keywords=gilded+age

Surround Yourself with Positive People

Yesterday morning as I laid in bed, I thought about staying there all day instead of attending my monthly NEORWA meeting and lunch afterwards with Claire McMillian. I am so glad I went! Although I have only known these ladies for less than a year and see that at best once a month, they are family to me. The first thing we did at at the meeting was Congratulate good news members presented from r...eceiving a contract on a manuscript they wrote to a Movie Star's agent requesting a novel be flipped into a screen play. We ask, "How did you do it?" We were all genuinely happy for our other group members.
Any of that sound strange to you? It probably does. Working out in the real world...my coworkers seem angry when I succeed. No one congratulates me on a job well done, or asks me how I did it. No wonder so many Americans hate their jobs and are truly unhappy.
If only the world could be filled with Romance Writers!

NEORWA Cleveland Rocks Contest 2013

I entered both RAE AND THE RUBY SCEPTER and CANDACE'S CHOICE in the Cleveland Rocks Contest for the YA category.  Submissions closed at midnight February 21st.  At last count, that I know of, there were sixteen submissions for YA.  Group member, Sheila Larkin, is the coordinator this year for the YA category.

Although I have only been a member of the group since May 2012, I am the coordinator for the Mainstream category.  I have received 34 entries.  Distributed those to 68 judges, along with the judges letter, judging guidelines and scoresheets.  It may sound simple, but it's not.  Sometimes, judges decide they don't want to judge a particular category so you end up reshuffling the enteries amoung the judges, verifying receipt and then fielding questions as they arise.  Another issue I ran into was juggling one contestants submissions as they had three related entries.  I didn't want any of my judges to review more than one of because I wanted the contestant to receive the best critique she or he could.

I have received a few judged entries back already as we began sending them out a week ago.  I have to say, so far I would be pleased with the feedback given if I were the contestant.  Mind you, some entries are not as good as others, but the judges have taken the time to explain why the score might not be as high as the contestant was hoping for.  The judges have pointed out POV shifts and different ways to avoid those along with reference guides to help, run-on sentences, and the story starting in the wrong place and specifically why they felt that way.

I am blessed to belong to such an amazing group.

Amazon Breakthrough Novel Award

TOTALLY BUMMED...I just discovered that I didn't pass the first cut in the Amazon Breakthrough Novel Award competition with a pitch for RAE. The competition was steep...10000 contestants weeded down to 400 in my category. I suppose making it to the next round would have been like winning the lottery.

Writers and Research

When writers make mistakes,you know research was neglected. Did you know Ohio teens learning to drive can't practice with just anyone?

Imagine my disappointment when I read just that thing in a recently published book. On top of that, once you have your DL, you can only have one passenger with you that is not a family member.

Now, I suppose these teens had more important things to worry about o...ther than breaking state laws because they are zombie slayers, but still....

AS A WRITER the error got under my skin. Needless to say, there were other mistakes throughout the book. Many, teens may not even notice. In my opinion it was a reckless disrespect to the art.

I forced myself to finish the book. the author can be sure, I won't be reading book 2.

Contest - ABNA

I stumbled upon a new contest to enter the other day. This one is for all genres with only 5 categories; YA being one of them. The contest...Amazon Breakthrough Novel Award. Yes, that is the Amazon that we all know and love. I must be crazy to compete against 10k other contestants, but I did it. I entered the contest. First round is all about pitches (which I can't really share because an ed...itor pitch gives away the ending). However, I can share the summary I prepared for customers and Publisher's Weekly to read before they read my first two chapters and review...if I make it past the Pitch Round.

Let me know what you think...

RAE AND THE RUBY SCEPTER

Life unravels for fifteen-year-old Rae when she finds herself in the magical dimension of Ferane in the Eden Realm. The realms survival depends on her aid to the dying Princess Claire in her quest to find the Ruby Scepter before the dark wizard does and the Blue Moon Eclipse. Without her own magic, Rae cannot return to Earth or to Dirk, the boy she loves.

 Before the unwilling Rae can remember her past, she meets Prince Mogens who causes her to doubt her feelings for Dirk. However, he seems to despise her and may very well be the dark wizard.

 Mentally and physically challenged, Rae will have to trust a princess, defeat the dark wizard, and find the Ruby Scepter before time runs out.

POV Character Emotions

While the weather is bitter cold in North East Ohio today, I step onto my new treedmill, turn on my music and drift off to Ferane. If only every place was magical and took away the everyday burdens that tense our muscles and make us wish we could go back to bed. When a novel can change our mood to match that of the POV character, the author has done something right. For that, I am grateful today.

Third Place- 2012 HOW Contest

Awards Ceremony was held Saturday, October 6th at the Utah RWA Conference.  I placed third in the YA category.  I'm happy, but sad all at the same time.  Happy because my first time out, I made the finals in a writing contest.  How amazing is that?  Pretty damn amazing if you ask me!  Then sad of course because I didn't win.  How can I allow that to sadden me at all?  It shouldn't.  First manuscript, first contest, I can't expect to be perfect already, the next JK Rowling.  What I do have, is validation that I have a nack to pull others into my world of make believe.

I need to continue writing, learning and perfecting my craft.  Someday, my name will be a household name.  I know it.

HOW Romance Contest Finalist!

While working on WIP - CANDACE, I received an email stating I am a finalist in the HOW Romance contest YA category! RAE scored an 86 and 94! (that's out of 100)  I am beside myself! Now RAE is being judged by a Lit Agent from NYC! They are announcing the winners at their Conference in UT on October 6th. I'm not going so I won't find out until after that date. Wonder if I will still have any nails left by that time?

WIP CANDACE'S CHOICE

I have a new WIP thanks to Candace that has been keeping me pretty busy as of late. My working title is Candace's Choice. I am so excited about this WIP because I feel so close to my characters and what I find funny is that I've only been with them for such a short while unlike WIP - Rae. These characters just magically came alive. I only knew the minimum about them, age, looks and what has made them who they are. After two weeks, I had over 280 hand written pages. Took me a little longer to finish it off because I took a few days break and then I didnt make myself write 20 pages EVERYDAY. I hand wrote 343 (going back and typing some along the way with my hubby's help) and then the end of the book I wrote on a Sunday so I sat down and typed 17 pages. Wow! Now I have to go back and type pages 279-343. Wish me luck! And then comes the editing. UGH!