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So Long, 2024 Here we are, folks—another year bites the dust. I had big dreams for 2024. I was this close  to finishing my BTS ARMY book project. Weeks away, I told myself. Weeks! And then…puppy happened. Not just any  puppy. Oh no, this was a high-energy fluff tornado that devoured anything within jaw’s reach and operated on a 50-zillion potty break schedule. (Yes, I counted.) To top it off, this little fur ball was terrified of everything. The car? A hard no. A box? Terrifying. The vacuum cleaner? Don’t even. There were tears. Real, salty, "my book will never get done" tears. But I’m not a quitter—I’m a muddler. And muddle through, I did. The book is (almost) finished! It’s been sent out to agents, and, well, let’s just say 85% of them have politely shown it the door. I’m still waiting to hear from the other 15%, but let’s be real—I’m already prepping for a self-launch. Cue the Rocky  theme song. BTS25x1B: My Weekly Dose of Drama Amid the chaos, I kept up with my BTS25x1B project—my version of American Top 40, but with BTS songs on Spotify. Each week, I update the playlists, tracking which tracks are soaring and which are lagging. It’s like my own little musical soap opera. The solos seem to be chart darlings, but I’m rooting for the underdogs. Sure, my playlists don’t have a massive following (yet), but it’s not about the numbers. It’s about the joy of revisiting BTS’s music and celebrating their incredible milestones. The Book Guilt (and Hope) I won’t lie—I feel a bit guilty about not releasing my BTS book yet. I’ve been hyping it for years, and it’s so close. Like, "just one more proofread and a celebratory snack" close. I promise, ARMY, it won’t be long now. Countdown to 2025 Speaking of waiting, 2025 is finally here. The year BTS returns. Just a few more months, and ARMY can collectively exhale. Sure, the members have kept us fed with content during their service, but it’s not the same. Until they’re back, I’ll keep consoling myself by looking at the moon and thinking, "Jimin sees this too." (Yes, I know it’s dramatic. No, I’m not stopping.) Enter Puppy #2—and the Eye-Roll Heard Around the World As if one puppy wasn’t enough, my family decided to end the year by bringing home Puppy #2—a sassy little girl who seems ready to take on the world (and her older fur sibling). The moment she walked through the door, our old terrier mix let his feelings be known. He may be slow-moving, but his side-eye game is sharp . I’m pretty sure I saw him roll his eyes in a way that said, “Seriously? Another one?” Honestly, I feel his pain. The Dog Days Ahead So now, as we head into the new year, I’m bracing myself for life with two puppies and one deeply unimpressed old dog. If 2024 taught me anything, it’s that I can survive chaos—with a playlist, a dream, and lots of perseverance. Here’s to 2025: the year of finished books, reunited BTS, and (fingers crossed) fewer chewed-up slippers. A Fresh Look for 2025 Oh, and one last thing—I started the new year with a little refresh of my logo. It’s a subtle change, but it feels like the perfect way to kick off 2025 with a renewed sense of focus and creativity. Sometimes, even the smallest updates can spark the biggest inspiration.

Hello Petals! I'm back with an update, and I know, I know, it's been a string of updates lately. But as I've mentioned before, finishing Bangtan Borahae remains my top priority. Just when the words seem to flow effortlessly, though, I get hit with another minor crisis. There have definitely been moments where I've wanted to throw in the towel (or chuck it as far as I can!). It is a labor of love, though. I'm currently working on sending out proposals to publishers. Your ongoing support means the world to me as I pursue my dreams. You, my lovely blog readers, might have noticed a name change. While I felt a connection to "Poky Penman," it never quite sat right. With the whole website evolving into a platform for my BTS love, something BTS-related felt more fitting. So, here's Mochi Moondust! It combines my bias (favorite member) Jimin's nickname "Mochi" with "moondust" because, well, if he's the moon, I'm the stardust that surrounds him. Plus, "moondust" sounds like a sprinkle of something, which is exactly what this little micro-blog is. If you follow the BTS 25x25 project, you've probably seen a name change there too. The project started as BTS 25X25, envisioning a huge celebration in 2025 when BTS has 25 songs with a billion Spotify plays each. It was a simple plan, but it didn't get the traction we er... well, I needed. Still determined, I decided to keep the playlist going beyond 2025 and even added weekly charts—the BTS 25x1B Weekly Chart. (Confession: I've always been a sucker for music countdowns, and yes, I am a low-key data nerd.) To help ARMY propel BTS to the Spotify Billions Club, I created this music chart alongside the BTS 25x1B Blood, Sweat, & Streams playlist. Because I adore curating BTS music, I've expanded the playlists beyond the main one. So, if you're in the mood for a specific member or style, there's a playlist with the top songs closest to reaching a billion plays. But this playlist is more than just a collection of songs; it's a celebration shared with all you dedicated ARMYs who love BTS as much as I do. Their music is like breathing to us, an inseparable part of our lives. To learn more, head over to the About BTS 25x1B page. A huge thank you to those of you who are still here, waiting for the occasional blog post. I know things haven't exactly unfolded according to the original plan. But hey, what's the fun in sticking to the freeway when you can explore the roads less traveled, right? Oh, and don't forget to join the conversation on social media! Use hashtags like #BTS25X1B, #BloodSweatAndStreams, and #BTStoBillions to connect with fellow fans and spread the word about our mission. I usually post weekly updates on TikTok as well, so if you feel inclined, come say hi!

Project Goal: Celebrate BTS's return with 25 songs hitting a billion plays on Spotify. Deadline: Achieve the milestone by June 13, 2025. Driving Force: Powered by the unwavering dedication of the BTS ARMY. Central Hub: BTS 25x25: Blood, Sweat, and Streams playlist on Spotify. Community Engagement: Encourages ARMY participation in a global celebration of BTS's music. Message to BTS: A powerful acknowledgment of the impact of their music on the ARMY community. Hey everyone! I hope this message finds you well in the vast galaxy that is the BTS ARMY. As I prepare for winter hibernation (yes, until my book is finished), I need to reach out and share something truly special with all of you. I've spoken about it on social media, but this project is much bigger than just me; it's about all of us coming together to bring joy to our beloved BTS. So, take a moment, read on, and let's explore the BTS 25X25 project. 25 Billion Dreams, One Stream at a Time Imagine the joy of hitting an incredible milestone by June 13, 2025 – celebrating 25 BTS songs, each with over a billion plays on Spotify. It's not about fancy strategies or tricks, just straight-up streaming fueled by the unwavering dedication and love of the BTS ARMY. The essence of the BTS 25X25 project lies in seamlessly blending the specially curated playlist into the everyday lives of ARMY members. Whether it's your backdrop for chores, your companion on a nature hike, the family gathering soundtrack, or the groove for a friendly party, the aim is to achieve those remarkable streaming numbers naturally. Inside the Playlist: Blood, Sweat, & Streams The BTS 25x25: Blood, Sweat, & Streams playlist includes the top 20 - 25 songs on Spotify with the most plays. As these songs enter the coveted BTS Billions Club, they'll be replaced with new songs moving up in plays. This ensures that the songs closest to a billion will be streamed more. To break the monotony, there are smaller playlists to mix it up while maintaining the necessary streams. Additionally, there are playlists for each individual member, making it more convenient. I anticipate having focus streams to celebrate birthdays and other events. Feel free to customize these lists. The project's purpose is to organize and make it more convenient for ARMY to stream to a billion. Join the Movement: BTS ARMY Unite! As we eagerly await BTS's return, their music remains an inseparable part of our lives, like breathing. We're extending a global invitation to the ARMY, urging everyone to join the movement and be an integral part of this musical journey. Let's collectively send a powerful message to BTS – that their music is a profound source of strength, unity, and love for the entire ARMY community. Together, let's make history, one stream at a time. Stream, share, and spread the love! #BTS25x25 In this vast ARMY galaxy, I, a mere speck of stardust, am counting on each one of you to amplify the message. This project is a collective effort to bring joy to BTS, and your invaluable support is crucial. Join the cause and spread the word among the ARMY. "I do believe your galaxy I want to hear your melody... So Show me…."

Believe, Trust, Stay Strong In a world increasingly crowded with influencers seeking the spotlight, I am the antithesis—an "uninfluencer," if you will. Honestly, I don't have grand ambitions of influencing anyone. I'm just a writer, not claiming to be extraordinary, but driven by a genuine passion. My goal is simple: share my love for music with those who care to listen, whether a handful of folks or a small crowd. For two years, my website has been humming along beneath the cacophony of more popular domains. The forums aren't buzzing, and the comment sections are like a serene pond without a ripple. It's been a quiet space, especially after some remarks were inadvertently whisked away during a website update. The lack of bustling traffic never bothered me; that is about to change. I hope the BTS 25x25 project will garner the attention it needs to succeed. It's not just a playlist; it's a way for the ARMY to express love, loyalty, and commitment to the seven men who mean so much to us. This project is a collective expression of devotion. It's a reminder that impact isn't about clicks but the shared feeling of hearts beating together for a common love. Love is a Pittie As the pages of this year turned, revealing a tapestry woven with trials and triumphs, it reshaped my perspective on time and its many nuances. Even though the year has the same amount of time as the ones before it, it seems to keep speeding up. With the lyrics  "So This Is Christmas and what have you done?" echoing through my thoughts, I find myself reflecting on the highs and lows that have shaped the past months. It's been a challenging journey, one marked by health issues, a necessary shift in employment, and the profound loss of loved ones, both human and furry. I was born in the year of the rabbit, so this year held high hopes for good fortune. I've learned, though, that astrological alignments don't guarantee smooth sailing. The challenges were persistent – a year filled with unexpected twists and turns. The summer brought the heart-wrenching departure of my father, and just before Thanksgiving, our family mourned the unexpected loss of our beloved pittie. He was more than a pet; he was a source of joy and love for everyone around him. The void left by his absence was particularly profound. As if the weight of grief wasn't enough, the announcement of the remaining BTS members entering military service cast a shadow over the hearts of ARMY. We had anticipated this day, but the reality hit hard when the official announcement was made. A wave of sadness settled in, adding to the challenges of the year. Bangtan Borahae Journey Over the past two years, I've poured my heart and soul into writing Bangtan Borahae. Bangtan Borahae began as an inkling of an idea to show BTS how much they mean to us. It became something else altogether. It's a journey through becoming a fan and what a fan is. It's a brief look into the positive and challenging aspects of ARMY. Most importantly, it will offer ideas on how to spend our time while waiting. The journey has been long, and as the finish line came into sight, I needed to take time off to practice self-care and take my writer's cap off for a while. During that time, I expressed my creativity in AI art and graphic design. It was soothing, and eventually, I re-opened my Etsy shop to sell my creations on various products. Since then, I have questioned the use of AI in producing creative projects. I think it can be helpful if it is used as a tool for creation rather than to imitate or impersonate someone. Regardless, it helped me get through a difficult time.  I was back on track with my writing when we were struck with an unexpected death. My dog Max. At this time, I decided to try to let go of undue project-related pressures.  Unlike my usual procrastinating tendencies, this project has kept me driven. The more I write, the more I want to include, leading to extensive research. While I may consider a second edition in the future, the first one is on track to release in the coming weeks. Despite the time it took, I hope it brings joy to my readers. Navigating this solo venture has its challenges. Scrivener, Grammarly, google Docs, and Google spreadsheets have been my close companions as I try to bring together the idea that is Bangtan Borahae. It is a labor of love. BTS 25X25: Blood Sweat and Streams Sometime during this year, my love for BTS and playlists collided, and I created the BTS 25X25: Blood Sweat and Streams project.  It's not merely about streaming numbers; it's a heartfelt expression of love for BTS and a commitment to making history together. Envision celebrating 25 BTS songs with a billion plays each on Spotify by June 13, 2025—a collective effort driven by the pure spirit of the ARMY. BTS 25X25: Blood Sweat and Streams Spotify playlist Hub for Creative Endeavors 13tigerlilies.com has become a creative hub where passion and profession coalesce seamlessly. This year, I redesigned the website to offer an enhanced exploration experience. From the 13tigerlilies website, you can explore my creative endeavors. Dive into the world of the writer—SJ Barnes. Explore personal music playlists, journey through the geo timeline to learn more about my life, and discover the latest projects. The Poky Penman Blog offers microblogs on a pollination of topics, from personal anecdotes to my latest writing updates. Join the conversation at WDYT (What Do You Think?), where your ideas can bloom as you explore discussions on the latest writing projects, music, and the enchanting world of BTS. Explore the BTS Genre Galaxy, your portal to BTS's musical journey, through carefully curated playlists. Look into the world of the writer—SJ Barnes. Explore personal music playlists, journey through the geo timeline to learn more about my life, and discover the latest projects. Additionally, visit my Sori Jilleo Pinterest page for a curated collection of  BTS pictures and my own Bangtanimal originals. Seriously, though, just love each other and share the BTS spirit. Remember, j-hope said, We are Bulletproof "to block out stereotypes, criticisms, and expectations that aim on adolescents like bullets." In that spirit, let's embrace the challenges, cherish the triumphs, and continue to share the Bangtan LOVE. Believe, Trust, Stay Strong As I finish writing this, K-Media is reporting RM and Taehyung are due to report to service momentarily, with Jimin and Jungkook to join the following day. The situation is bittersweet as we'll dearly miss them, but they can't return until they complete their service. So, let's maintain our belief, trust in their journey, and stay strong during their absence.

Hello, dear readers! As the heat of the summer season beats down on us, I wanted to connect with all of you and share a personal update. I hope you're finding ways to stay cool during this scorching weather. Interestingly, I recently learned that July 3rd marked the hottest temperature ever recorded, only to be surpassed by the even hotter July 4th. It gives new credence to that old saying, "Hotter than the fourth of July." A Season of Challenges: This summer has brought me its fair share of challenges. I had been eagerly working on completing my book, pouring my heart and soul into the pages, but life had a different plan. Unexpectedly, I lost my father. At 88 years old, he had led a long and mostly healthy life, largely thanks to the unwavering care of my stepmom, a nurse who defied the odds to keep him alive longer than any of his siblings. I received the news when I woke up on Father's Day, creating a bittersweet and surreal experience amidst the celebrations. Finding Healing through Art: Grief can be an overwhelming and confusing experience, enveloping us in a fog of emotions. As I navigated this difficult period, I discovered a newfound solace in creating art. When the words didn't flow, I turned to graphic designing as a creative outlet. The world of colors and visuals became a soothing space where I could let my imagination run free, reminding me that creativity takes many forms and can lead to unexpected inspiration. The Birth of a New Venture: Gradually, as the fog of loss began to lift, I found inspiration and a renewed sense of purpose. I decided to breathe new life into my Etsy shop, which had been dormant for many years. With some remodeling, I embarked on a new adventure—I transformed it into Sori Jilleo Creations, where my art could find its home. Amidst my journey of grief, I've faced additional hurdles that have tested my resolve. One such challenge has been the lingering feeling of disappointment in myself for not completing my book after two years of writing. It has brought me stress and self-doubt, questioning my abilities. However, I am determined to persevere, understanding that setbacks are a natural part of any creative process. I have set a new goal to complete my two book projects by the end of this year, and I am resolute in my commitment to achieving that. Transitioning and Moving Forward: In the spirit of new beginnings, I will transition my 13tigerlilies page to Sori Jilleo Creations. While I have not decided on all the social media links associated with 13tigerlilies, I will change Pinterest to Sori Jilleo. I understand that these changes may go unnoticed by many, but I appreciate those who have stuck with me throughout my creative journey. Thank you for your continued support. Conclusion: Summer is a season of growth and transformation—a time to bask in the warmth of the sun and seek solace in creative endeavors. While the scorching temperatures may remind us of life's challenges, embracing the beauty that can emerge from even the most difficult circumstances is essential. As I navigate this season of loss and new beginnings, I'm grateful for the support of my family, the power of art, and the opportunity to share my creations with all of you. Amidst the setbacks and hurdles, I remain determined to complete my book projects and find solace in the creative journey. Life has a way of presenting unexpected detours, but it is through these detours that we often discover our true strength and resilience. As the summer unfolds, I invite you to visit Sori Jilleo Creations on Etsy and embark on this creative journey with me. Let's find solace, inspiration, and a renewed sense of purpose in the beauty surrounding us. Wishing you all a summer filled with growth, determination, and the courage to embrace the unknown. Edit: As I was looking for a pic for this post, I came across one of the quizzy things that always seem to pop up on Facebook. I had done this at the start of the new year. My dad is my rock for 2023. Aww.❤️

Have you heard of ChatGPT? My friend told me it's like a genie that answers all your questions. I didn't really get it at first, but then another writer said it's their new BFF, so I had to check it out. It turns out it's the latest buzz in AI technology. I asked ChatGPT, “how would you explain ChatGPT to someone who has no idea what it is or how it can be helpful.” This is what it replied: “Imagine having a really clever computer program that can talk and have conversations with you, just like a person. That's what ChatGPT is! It's a special kind of program that has been trained to understand language and have meaningful discussions. ChatGPT can be helpful in many ways. For example, if you have a question about something you're curious about, like "How do birds fly?", you can ask ChatGPT, and it will try to give you a good answer based on what it knows. It can also help with homework by explaining concepts or giving you ideas. If you're writing a story or an essay, ChatGPT can provide suggestions and help you find the right words. It's like having a very smart friend who is always there to help you. You can talk to ChatGPT by typing your questions or prompts on a computer or device, and it will respond with text just like you're having a chat with a person. It's really amazing how it can understand and respond to what you say! But remember, while ChatGPT is very clever, it's still just a computer program. It doesn't have feelings or thoughts like humans do. It has been trained on a lot of information, but sometimes it may not have the exact answer or it may make mistakes. So, it's always a good idea to use your own judgment and double-check information you get from ChatGPT with other sources. Overall, ChatGPT is a cool tool that can provide information, help with writing, and engage in conversations. It's like having a virtual friend who can assist you with all sorts of things!” The Rise of AI in Writing: When I started reading about ChatGPT and AI, I found out that some have been using it as a side hustle to write content. Some people are churning out entire books with AI's help. Now, that made me feel a bit threatened. As a writer, I think AI can be pretty handy. It helps me sort my thoughts and bounce ideas around. It's like having a virtual writing buddy. But relying on AI to finish a whole project for me? I could not even imagine. The magic of writing lies in our human touch, our creativity, and the way we put our voice into the words we write. The Good, the Bad, and the Fact-Checked: Thankfully, there are safeguards in place to keep AI-generated content in check. They've got these AI scanners to detect the AI stuff. What worries me about that, though, is they are far from accurate. I have tested an AI-written piece that was at 100% probable human-written and a human piece at 67 % AI-generated. I don’t want my human written work to be thought of as artificial. We want credit where it's due and human brilliance to shine. The Classroom Conundrum: It is no surprise that teachers are dealing with students who submit AI-written papers. Some kids always think they can outsmart the system. AI is not even close to being 100% when it comes to fact-checking. I believe in the power of originality, critical thinking, and embracing the challenges of writing. I’m not saying that students shouldn't use AI at all. It’s a great tool, just like a calculator helps with math. But if a student tries to copy and paste AI works without fact-checking, they will get caught. Recently, ChatGPT has been slipping in the phrase “As an AI, ….” into the text as a deterrent to this. AI isn't flawless. I interact with ChatGPT on the regular, and it makes mistakes. It doesn't know everything. (I have taught it so much about BTS it’s ridiculous.). So, if you're planning to rely on AI for your work, do yourself a favor and fact-check. Don't forget about spelling and grammar. While AI usually does okay in those departments, tools like Grammarly can help polish things up, especially if you're working on an English class project. In Conclusion, Humans Still Rock: AI, like ChatGPT, can be a nifty little tool for organizing our thoughts and getting those creative juices flowing. I myself use it for research and feedback on a daily basis. But let's not forget that the heart and soul of writing come from us humans. Our unique perspectives, emotions, and quirks can't be replicated by any AI. Remember that our creativity and dedication still have a special place in the writing world. Note: This topic really deserves a lot more discussion, and I have plenty of thoughts. Especially when it comes to AI music, but I have a lack of time. My book is due at the end of June, so I probably won’t be posting much until then! Happy Summer!

Excitement is in the air, fellow name enthusiasts! On May 12, 2023, the Social Security Administration (SSA) released its list of the most popular baby names in the United States for 2022. Liam and Olivia hold on to the top spot. Liam has held the top position for six years straight, while Olivia has been reigning for four years. Let's check out the rest of the top ten for little bundles of joy! BOYS GIRLS Liam 1. Olivia Noah 2. Emma Oliver 3. Charlotte James 4. Amelia Elijah 5. Sophia William 6. Isabella Henry 7. Ava Lucas 8. Mia Benjamin 9. Evelyn Theodore 10. Luna Pop Culture's Influence: Pop culture has a way of seeping into our lives, and baby names are no exception. It's fascinating to witness these names take the world by storm and add a touch of uniqueness to the naming landscape. This is a list of the names that grew the most in popularity in 2022. BOYS GIRLS Dutton 1. Wrenlee Kayce 2. Neriah Chosen 3. Arlet Khasa 4. Georgina Eithan 5. Amiri Waylen 6. Arleth Asaiah 7. Amayah Karim 8. Winona Kaizen 9. Love Zen 10. Inaya Unveiling the Data: Want to know more? If you're dying to explore the popularity of a particular name, head on over to the SSA website. They've been keeping track of baby names since 1997, but you can even find data dating back to 1880. Be careful, though. It can be addictive! Leave a comment letting me know your thoughts on this year's name lists. Where does your name rank in the top 1000 names of the year? Mine didn't make it.

April 30th is National Military Brat Day. In 1986, Defense Secretary Caspar Weinberger designated April as the Month of the Military Child as a time to applaud military children and their daily sacrifices and challenges. Military Brats, Inc created National Military Brats Day in 2016, and it has been celebrated on April 30th every year since. Military Brats, inc’s purpose is to preserve the culture and heritage of the Military Brat. They founded the Military Brats Registry in April of 1997 with the motto: Children of the world, blown to all corners of the world. We bloom anywhere. Challenges of Brat Life Military families move every two to three years on average, and military children change schools six to nine times from the start of kindergarten to their high school graduation. An estimated 30 percent of military service members will move to a new installation this year. As a former Brat myself, I can attest to how these frequent moves can be difficult for military children as they adjust to new schools, friends, and environments. They often have to leave behind close friends and family members and may struggle to form new relationships. On March 31, The White House released A Proclamation on Month of the Military Child, 2023 that read in part, "Most of these young patriots uproot their lives every few years — starting at new schools, making new friends, and learning new cultures and customs in different corners of the country and around the globe. They often celebrate birthdays and holidays with an empty seat at the dinner table. Many have marked graduations without one of their biggest fans in the crowd." Despite these challenges, military brats are known for their resilience, adaptability, and service to their country. They grow up in a unique environment that instills a strong sense of duty, loyalty, and patriotism. They also learn valuable life skills, such as independence, self-reliance, and the ability to adapt to change. These skills serve them well throughout their lives in personal and professional endeavors. Military brats, also known as military dependents or military children, are individuals who grew up with one or both parents serving in the military. These children face unique challenges that differ from those experienced by their civilian peers. While military brats are often associated with the current generation of children, there are older generations of brats and children of civilian workers like myself who can relate to the military lifestyle. Celebrate the Resilience of the Brat Military Brats Day is an important day to recognize and honor the unique experiences and sacrifices of military brats. It is a time to celebrate their resilience and adaptability and raise awareness of the challenges military families face. Please take the time to read the story describing the symbolism of why the Dandelion was selected in 1998 as the official flower of Military Brats. Help spread awareness on social media by using #NationalMilitaryBratsDay

Would you like to write a book? Writing a book is a dream for many people, but it can be challenging, especially when balancing it with work and home life. Just home life alone is a challenge sometimes. It’s been a unique challenge for me lately due to health issues. I’m trying my best to finish two books by the end of the summer. I am determined, but let’s explore some challenges I face trying to balance life and work. Time Management: Making Time for Writing One of the biggest challenges required is time management. Writing often gets relegated to the lower rungs in work and family priorities. I wasted a considerable amount of time in the past watching TV. It was becoming an addiction. In his book On Writing, Stephen King says TV “really is about the last thing an aspiring writer needs.” I gave up my TV pretty much cold turkey when I read that. I don’t know what happened to Mrs. Maisel, The Flash, Black Lightning, or the Legends. But leisure time has to be sacrificed to make time for writing. In my day job, I travel a lot. I often drive hundreds of miles each week. It is challenging to spend time with the family during the work week. Much of my weekend is spent soaking up time with the family. I start a new position next week, allowing me to stay home with the family and write during the day. I am hoping to take advantage of that. If you are trying to write your own book, keep on a regular schedule and ensure writing is a daily task. Motivation: Finding Inspiration to Write Another challenge is finding the motivation to write when you're tired or stressed from work and home. It can be challenging to sit down and write when you're mentally exhausted. I try to push myself to stay up late to write, but there comes a time when my head starts to buzz, and nothing productive is coming out of me. It is very discouraging, and I sometimes think I’m not moving forward. Setting small celebration goals for myself when I reach a certain amount of words helps me see progress. It also helps to remember that if your goal is to be a writer, you have to write. Distractions: Eliminating Interruptions Distractions are evil. Sometimes the story is on a roll, and the words fly onto the page when the husband is suddenly standing in front of you. “I’m sorry. I know you are busy, but….” It kills me! My daughter has noticed that sometimes when she talks to me, I read the words I have just written as if trying to remember them. Hmmm, that is interesting. The dogs are a welcome distraction mostly because they make me get up and stretch. I love spending time with all of them, but not when writing. Finding a quiet place to focus and eliminate as many distractions as possible is essential. Creative Energy: Nurturing Your Imagination Writing a book requires a lot of creative energy. I have been having an overload lately, which can also be challenging. My brain wants to move ahead with other projects before I finish the one I am working on. I guess it is a blessing because many writers experience a loss of creative energy, sometimes called writer’s block. I have found reading a book is the best way to boost creativity. Some people like to run or exercise. Find what works for you and use it when you need a creative energy boost. Writing a book seems like an easy task. You put words down, and voila! A book appears. It is a challenging task requiring a lot of hard work, dedication, and sacrifice. But if you are determined, it is possible to balance it all and achieve your dream of writing a book.

Guest Post by Ava Grace If you are a fan of classic rock music from the 1980s and 1990s, surely you know the bands Journey, The Cars, and Hootie & the Blowfish. These groups have produced some of the most iconic and beloved songs in the history of rock and roll, and their influence is widely felt in modern music today. If you have a little bundle of joy on the way - and you're a fan of these bands and the artists behind them - then why not consider giving your child a name inspired by their music? Read on below - take a looksie at the list below and decide if one of these names strikes a chord with you and your growing family! 19 Baby Names Based on Journey, the Cars, and Hootie & the Blowfish Here are some of my favorite potential names for boys and girls that pay homage to these legendary bands, their music, and their enduring legacy. So, what are you waiting for? Shake a leg (is that right? shake a leg? Or is it break a leg? Oh, well - no matter)! From the classic names of the band members themselves to the titles of their hit songs, there's a load of great options to choose from before the stork delivers your package down your chimney! 10 Boy Names Steve (Journey) Arnel (Journey's current lead vocalist) Neal (Schon, Journey's guitarist) Gregg (Rollie, Journey's former lead vocalist) Benjamin (Orr, The Cars' bassist and vocalist) Ric (Ocasek, The Cars' lead vocalist and guitarist) Elliot (Easton, The Cars' guitarist) Darius (Rucker, Hootie and the Blowfish's lead vocalist) Mark (Bryan, Hootie and the Blowfish's guitarist) Jim (Sonefeld, Hootie and the Blowfish's drummer) 9 Girl Names Faith (Journey's song) Suzanne (Journey's song) Mag (The Cars' song, Magic) Alternatives: Maggie or Margaret Myrna (Loy, from The Cars' song "My Best Friend's Girl") Candy (O, from The Cars' song "Candy-O") Hannah (Hootie and the Blowfish's song "Hannah Jane") Lettie (Hootie and the Blowfish's song "Let Her Cry") Joanna (Hootie and the Blowfish's song "Goodbye Girl") Tucker (from Hootie and the Blowfish's song "Tucker's Town") Which of These Musically Inspired Names Are Right For Your Baby? If you enjoy the music of Journey, The Cars, and/or Hootie & the Blowfish, the baby names listed above are just a smattering of all the potential names that are sure to be a hit with any fan of classic rock music - while also giving your child a name that is both timeless and memorable. So what'll it be? Yay? Nay? Or... maybe? Will you choose a name based on one of these iconic band members or one of their super hits? Let me know in the comments - let's get this party started (and work on picking the very best name for your new baby while we're at it!) P.S. If you weren't around for these legendary bands, do yourself a favor and check out a few of their best tunes before discounting the list of names above as possible name choices for your baby!

BTS FAN SURVEY A non-fiction book that I have been slowly working on for almost two years is nearing completion. The book focuses on what it is like to be a member of BTS ARMY. The original idea was to create a love letter to BTS and fill it with stories from ARMY. While there still is a planned section for love letters, most of the book's focus will be exploring topics such as; how being a fan affects personal relationships, ARMYs interaction between themselves and others, and other related issues to BTS and ARMY. I would appreciate it if any ARMYs who see this would take the time to complete this BTS Fan survey. Thank you. Borahae.

Thank you for following me to my new website. The older Poky Penmen blogs are available at the old website if you would like to check them out. If you are here looking for 13tigerlilies blog posts, they have been archived and are available on request.