SJ44

My dad and I (and my step mother) butt heads quite a bit. We have extremely different views on most things.

Ex:

I am a vegetarian, they are meat and potatoes people.

I want to become a dietian, they think health food is a joke.

I treat animals with respect, they beat their dogs

I'm a liberal and a democrat, they are conservative, although democrat as well.

They believe EVERYTHING they see on the news/read on the internet, I do my research before I believe

These kinds of things.

Basically, I'm strongly considering not letting my dad and my step mother around my kids very often because I think they're going to teach them things that I don't want them to. Or at the very most things like:

"Hit the dog if he's being bad" when I don't want them to hit the dog (just an example).

They think that healthy eating is a complete joke, and that concerns me a lot.

Basically my question is: When I have children (I have none now, so it's not of immediate importance) should I keep my kids away from them (for the most part, I wouldn't take them away from them completely, that would just be mean. I love my dad deeply and he is a good and loving man, I just disagree with most of his values, and don't want those taught to my children behind my back which he would do) or should I trust that he would respect my wishes as a parent (assuming we had a conversation about what was acceptable with them and what wasn't, and he complied... which I don't know if he would to be honest)

It's something that has been bothering me for a few years, ever since I started seriously thinking about having children.

I know this is a LONG and vague conversation, so I appreciate any input.

He/she has lived in my garden for several months. Not sure what type of bee it is, but it has slowly changed from a smallish type mostly yellow and black, now is quite large, mostly black. I'm positive it's the same bee.

It's always on the trellis towards the treeline (forest, Pacific NorthWest).

Anyone out there that might be able to tell me what this bee is all about? It's trivial and unimportant but I'm just curious.

My family is preparing/practicing escape routes in our home for in the event of a fire/intruder.

My bedroom (top floor) is over the garage so I could easily escape onto the roof of the garage, but would have to jump off. There is a grassy area to one side, cement in the front (driveway) and a cement walkway on the other side.

Does anyone out there have tips or advice for us to remember for this type of situation?

It's important that we land safety and have the ability to run away.

We are at risk to potentially have someone try to break into our home and come after us (family drama, dangerous person just released from prison), so it's very important that we can run after the jump.

I've heard tips like - get forward momentum before you jump, don't hand on your heels, don't jump straight down. I'm interested in more like these, just general techniques.

Thanks, much appreciated.

I'm writing a novel that has a dream sequence throughout the story. It's clear that the dreams are dreams and does not trick the reader into thinking it's real life. I think it's also fairly clear that the dreams are actually memories - they tell the story of her relationship with her father and how she had to decide whether to pull the plug on him (he was in remission from cancer, it came back and he slipped into a coma for months. The cancer continued to get worse until the drs were sure he wouldn't come out of it). The dreams shed a lot of light on the character and why she is emotionally blocked off from the other characters in the story and tells a bit about her past.

I have read a few times on different forums that readers dislike dream sequences.

I'm curious as to what your opinions are? Perhaps a poll?

Yes - you do like dream sequences (why?)

No - you don't like dream sequences (why?)

Thanks!

Is this a good idea or is it a bad idea to share my writing online?

I'm afraid of it getting stolen, but I don't have anyone to share it with yet.

For example, I'm writing a novel in which the main character is reflecting back and telling a story up until the current time and what she is currently doing (how she got there and why). Obviously I would need a transition.

ex:

(first portion of the story, 200-300 pages, are in past tense)

Even now, as I sit here on the double bed of room 201, attaching my pistol and holster to my thigh, I can't believe what I'm doing or how I got here. I'm both intrugued and terrified of what happens next.

(Then continue the story in present tense.)

Is this agains the rules of novel writing?

Anyone out there who can help me with the transition?

The main character is checking into a cruiseship, getting ready to convince a theif that she is trying to help them steal company assets. She works for the government.

I'm writing a novel and not sure of the name yet.

Currently the characters name is Mischa. She is the antagonist in the story. Gorgeous but has a hidden agenda and is devious underneath her stunning exterior.

I'm not thrilled with her name as of right now. Do you have any suggestions? Do you know someone like this and think their name is fitting?

I'm writing a novel and I cant seem to find the right name for a specific character.

He is attractive, masculine, and sexy but playful, outgoing, funloving and charasmatic.

I want the first name to be two or three syllables and the last name to be one, or visa versa.

Anyone out there have any suggestions?