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The Wonders and Struggles of Setting Up a Website

Starting a website sounds simple at first. Pick a name, choose a design, add a few words, and you are done. At least, that is what I thought going into it. The reality is a little more complicated, but also a lot more rewarding.

One of the biggest challenges is figuring out where to even begin. There are so many options, platforms, layouts, and design choices that it can feel overwhelming. Do you focus on making it look perfect, or do you just get something up and running? I quickly realized that waiting for perfection would only slow me down. Progress matters more than perfection, especially at the beginning.

Another struggle is making decisions about how to present yourself. A website is more than just a page on the internet. It represents who you are. As someone who writes books, lyrics, and creates content, I had to think about how to bring all of that together in a way that makes sense. It forced me to be clear about what I want to share and how I want others to see my work.

At the same time, there are some real highlights. Seeing your name at the top of a website you built is a great feeling. It turns an idea into something real. It also gives you a place to grow. This is not just a one time project, it is something that can continue to evolve as I write more, create more, and improve over time.

In the end, setting up a website is both challenging and exciting. It pushes you to think, create, and take action. It may not be perfect right away, but it is a starting point. And sometimes, getting started is the most important step of all.

5/8/26

Today I worked on the video script for my major course project, which is focused on promoting my upcoming children’s book, Flux Venture and the Star Painter. I decided to make the project as an animated book trailer instead of a normal presentation because I wanted it to feel more creative, engaging, and cinematic.

I spent time brainstorming ideas for the structure of the trailer and the message I wanted the audience to take away from it. The main theme of the story is that imagination can help people overcome obstacles. I also worked on dialogue between Flux Venture and Bloop, who brings humor and energy to the trailer.

One of my favorite ideas from today was creating Bloop’s phrase, “Imagination Time!” which will become a recurring line throughout the series. By the end of the day, I completed the first full draft of the trailer script and started planning visuals, animation, and voice acting for the final project.

5/9/2026

Today I spent time with my grandkids and watched them play and use their imaginations. As I watched them run around and create games together, it made me think about my own children’s books and how kids interact with stories differently today.

I started thinking about ways I could make my books more interactive and engaging for active children. Some kids enjoy sitting quietly and reading, while others learn better when they can move, imagine, participate, and feel involved in the story. That made me realize I want future books to encourage creativity and interaction instead of only focusing on reading words on a page.

This also connected to the themes in Flux Venture and the Star Painter, where imagination plays an important role in solving problems and overcoming obstacles. Watching my grandkids reminded me how naturally creative children are when they are allowed to explore and imagine freely.

By the end of the day, I began brainstorming ideas for future projects that could include more activities, visual interaction, or imaginative participation to help children connect more deeply with the stories.

05/10/2026

Today is Mother’s Day, so a lot of my thoughts and planning focused on mothers and the important role they play in helping children develop a love for reading. Parents, especially mothers, are often the ones choosing books, reading bedtime stories, and encouraging creativity and imagination in young children.

As I continue working on my children’s books, I realized that mothers are one of the key audiences I need to think about when writing and promoting my stories. While the books are written for children, parents are usually the ones deciding which books to purchase and share with their families.

This made me think more carefully about creating stories that are fun and imaginative for kids while also being meaningful and enjoyable for parents to read with them. I want my books to encourage family interaction, creativity, and memorable moments between parents and children.

Mother’s Day also reminded me how important encouragement and support can be in helping creativity grow. Many children develop their love for stories because someone took the time to read to them, listen to them, and encourage their imagination.

05/11/2026

Today I spent time thinking about anxiety and depression and how many parents and children struggle with these issues. It made me wonder if this could become a future book series or even influence my marketing strategy as an author.

Children’s books can do more than entertain. They can help kids understand emotions, fears, and challenges in a creative and hopeful way. I think there may be value in creating stories that encourage children to face difficult feelings through imagination, creativity, and positive storytelling.

5/12/2026

Today I am working on a custom dirty soda requested by one of my followers. The challenge is creating a “blue chocolate chip cookie” dirty soda inspired by the Percy Jackson series. In the books, Percy’s mother makes blue chocolate chip cookies, and blue food is also connected to nectar in the story.

I started experimenting with ingredients and flavors to recreate the idea as a drink. Since I usually use Dr Pepper in my dirty sodas, I decided to first try Dr Pepper Cream Soda even though I am worried the darker color may make it difficult to turn blue. If that does not work, I also have regular cream soda as a backup option.

The drink will include cookie dough flavoring, sugar cookie syrup, chocolate creme powder, French vanilla creamer, cookie dough creamer, and almond milk. Because I am currently on my pre-operation diet, I also plan to add protein powder and fiber to make it fit my nutrition goals while still creating content for my audience.

Today’s project reminded me that content creation often involves experimentation, creativity, and problem solving. Sometimes the fun part is trying to invent something completely new and seeing if it actually works.

05/13/2026

Today I decided I am going to use the software I am already familiar with for my video project, mainly ElevenLabs and Hedra. I also want to start learning how to use OpenArt’s animation tools since I already use OpenArt for my illustrations. I have experience creating images with it, but I have not spent much time working with the animation side yet.

I plan to begin working on the actual videos today. One of the biggest challenges will be deciding on the voices for the characters because the voices will be very important in helping the audience connect with them emotionally.

For Flux Venture, I want a younger voice, probably a pre-teen or young teenager, so he feels adventurous and relatable to younger readers. For Bloop, I want something goofy, energetic, and memorable that matches his chaotic personality and sense of humor.

05/14/2026

Today started with some frustration because Adobe Pro crashed and did not save the work I had completed yesterday, so I had to restart part of the project from the beginning. Even though it was frustrating, I was able to make good progress once I got back into the workflow.

I recorded my own version of the narration and I am currently waiting for Flux’s animation to finish rendering. I also decided I will probably change Flux’s voice because I want it to connect better with the audience and fit the character more naturally.

Right now it looks like the final video will be around 1 minute and 40 seconds long, which fits well within the project requirements. I also selected the music for the trailer and plan to layer two different songs together for a unique effect. I think the combination sounds really good and I am excited for my teacher to see and hear the final result.

05/15/2026

The 13th Article of Faith teaches us to seek after things that are honest, true, chaste, benevolent, virtuous, and praiseworthy. I think this article of faith is especially important today because we are constantly surrounded by media, entertainment, and online content competing for our attention. Every day we make choices about what we watch, listen to, create, share, and support.

For creators, this article of faith can act like a compass. It does not mean every story has to be overly serious or perfect, but it should have purpose and integrity. The things we create can inspire people, make them laugh, teach lessons, bring families together, or encourage kindness and hope. Even entertainment can uplift people when it is thoughtful and meaningful.

As consumers, the 13th Article of Faith encourages us to think carefully about the effect media has on us. Some content can slowly influence attitudes, language, values, and behavior without us even realizing it. Because of that, I believe it is important to ask whether something is helping us become better people or pulling us away from the person we want to be. Not everything that is popular is beneficial.

I also think this article of faith encourages balance. We can enjoy creativity, humor, music, movies, games, and storytelling while still choosing content that aligns with good values. There are many creators producing uplifting and meaningful work that still feels exciting, emotional, and entertaining.

In a world filled with endless content, the 13th Article of Faith reminds us to actively seek out things of good report and worthy of praise. The media we create and consume shapes our thoughts, emotions, and culture more than we sometimes realize. Because of that, our choices matter.

05/16/2026

Writing my video script taught me that a strong video depends heavily on preparation before filming even begins. Before this assignment, I mostly thought videos were about having good footage or editing skills, but I learned that the script is what gives the project structure, pacing, and purpose. A weak script makes filming harder, while a strong script makes the entire process smoother.

I also learned how important it is to think about the audience while writing. Every section of the script needed to keep viewers interested and communicate the message clearly. That meant paying attention to tone, timing, transitions, and even how visuals would match the narration. I realized that writing for video is very different from writing an essay because the audience experiences information through visuals, sound, and emotion all at once.

Another thing I learned was how much detail goes into planning. I had to think about camera shots, music, visuals, pacing, and emotional impact while still keeping the message simple and understandable. It made me appreciate how much work creators put into even short videos online.

Finally, I learned that revision is a major part of the process. After reviewing my script, I noticed places where the message could be clearer or more engaging. The script improved a lot through rewriting, which reminded me that creative work is rarely perfect on the first draft.

05/17/2026

A video script or storyboard is important because it acts as the blueprint for the entire project. If I were explaining it to an employer, I would compare it to architectural plans for a building. Without a plan, people may know what they want to create, but the process becomes disorganized, inefficient, and expensive. A script and storyboard help organize ideas before filming begins.

The video script focuses on the words, message, timing, and flow of the video. It ensures that everyone involved understands the purpose of the project and what needs to be communicated. A storyboard takes that a step further by visually planning camera shots, scenes, and transitions. Together, they help prevent confusion during production and save time during filming and editing.

Having a script and storyboard also improves consistency and professionalism. It allows a team to identify problems early, make revisions before production starts, and ensure the final product matches the intended goals. Without planning, videos can easily lose focus, miss important details, or exceed budget and time limits.

I would also explain that scripts and storyboards help businesses communicate more effectively with their audience. Whether the goal is marketing, education, branding, or entertainment, preparation helps create content that is clearer, more engaging, and more successful.

05/18/2026

This week I spent time developing deeper lore for Anna Untold, specifically surrounding the extremely rare Supermoon and how it affects the hidden world within the story. One of the biggest goals with this scene was creating Anna’s first true glimpse into the magical world that exists around her without fully revealing everything at once.

The Supermoon acts almost like a weakening of the barrier between worlds. During this event, the veil between humans and the fae grows thin. If direct moonlight touches someone of fairy kind, their true identity can briefly be revealed. Most people either never notice it or explain it away, but Anna sees it clearly.

This becomes a major turning point in the story when she witnesses Malik revealed as a Maukari, a cat-like fae race. Up until this moment, Anna has only sensed that something about the world feels strange or slightly out of place. Seeing Malik transformed under the moonlight completely changes her understanding of reality.

What I like most about this moment is that it opens the door without fully stepping through it. Anna panics and runs home, but as she does, she begins catching fragmented glimpses of the hidden fae world around her. Shadows move differently. Strange figures appear briefly in alleyways and windows. The ordinary town suddenly feels alive with secrets she was never meant to see.

This scene also sets up several important story threads moving forward. It leads directly into Ms. Thorn speaking with Anna the following day and beginning to explain pieces of Anna’s mysterious origins. At the same time, it helps introduce more lore surrounding the Wren House and its deeper connection to the hidden world.

Chronologically, this sequence will happen before the chapter involving the Apple Festival, which gives the story a stronger buildup into the larger magical conflicts and discoveries later in the book.

One thing I have enjoyed while working on Anna Untold is realizing that lore works best when it serves both atmosphere and character development. The Supermoon is not just a “cool fantasy event.” It changes Anna’s perspective forever and pushes the story into a much larger world than she ever imagined.

05/19/2026

Sometimes the best writing progress comes from returning to the very beginning.

Today I revisited the prologue for Anna Untold and worked on strengthening the foundation of the story. A prologue carries a lot of responsibility because it sets the tone, introduces mystery, and gives readers their first emotional connection to the world. I wanted this new version to feel richer, more atmospheric, and more connected to the deeper lore I have been building recently.

As the world of Anna Untold continues to expand, I’ve realized how important it is for the opening pages to hint at the hidden layers beneath the surface without revealing too much too early. Mystery matters. Questions matter. Readers should feel like something is slightly wrong… or magical… before Anna fully understands it herself.

I’m excited about the direction the story is heading, and I think this new prologue better captures the tone and wonder I want the book to have moving forward.

Prologue – Anna Untold

Fog pressed low across the gravel road, thick enough to swallow the fence posts and the lower branches of the cedar trees lining the drive. Rain had passed through the valley not long before, leaving the world damp and shining beneath the cold autumn night. Water dripped steadily from the dark needles overhead. The smell of wet earth and moss hung heavy in the still air.

Far out in the fields beyond the road, tiny fireflies bobbed lazily above the tall grass like drifting embers.

A man stood at the bottom of the drive with his boots planted firmly in the wet gravel. He wore faded denim overalls stained with dirt and old grass marks, a thin flannel shirt beneath them, and a weathered red baseball cap pulled low over his brow. A small gardening trowel rested in the back pocket of his overalls.

He looked to be somewhere in his sixties, though there was something about him that made age difficult to place. His face was lined and weathered like the bark of an old oak tree that had endured many storms without ever falling. Dark green eyes watched the road quietly beneath the brim of his cap.

The cold did not seem to touch him.

A short distance behind him stood a couple near the edge of the trees. Their breath curled pale into the night air each time they exhaled.

Felix Carter kept one arm protectively around his wife while his other hand gripped the strap of the leather satchel hanging at his side. His tweed jacket had darkened slightly from the lingering dampness in the air, and his glasses fogged faintly whenever he breathed too heavily.

Beside him, Samantha rested both hands against her very pregnant belly beneath her wool coat. Even bundled against the cold, she still shivered now and then as she watched the old man standing in the road.

Headlights appeared at last through the fog.

Soft yellow beams pushed weakly through the mist as an old DeSoto climbed the gravel drive. The engine rattled and coughed against the hill before the car rolled to a stop.

For a moment, nobody moved.

Then the driver’s door opened.

An old man stepped slowly from the car, tall and thin beneath a wrinkled pinstripe suit that looked like it belonged to another decade entirely. A lime green fedora rested atop long silver hair, and a neatly trimmed beard framed his lined face. His shoes were worn nearly gray with age and travel.

His eyes moved over the fog-shrouded darkness around them.

“So,” the old man in the fedora said quietly, “this is where you settled.”

The man in overalls adjusted the brim of his cap slightly.

“Better than the last place.”

A faint, tired smile touched the old man’s face.

“Anything would be.”

The man in overalls stood silently for a moment, as though listening to something beneath the soaked earth surrounding them.

“It is ancient,” he said softly. “And deep.”

The old man in the fedora looked around the darkness once more.

Then he nodded.

He opened the rear door of the DeSoto and carefully lifted out a small bundled infant wrapped tightly in cream-colored blankets.

The baby never stirred.

The old man in the fedora approached slowly.

The man in overalls stepped aside slightly and motioned toward the couple standing behind him.

“These are Felix and Samantha Carter,” he said. “They will serve as the guardians.”

The old man in the fedora studied them carefully.

“Will they do?”

The answer came without hesitation.

“They are the best.”

For a long moment, the old man simply watched them.

Then he stepped forward and carefully placed the child into Felix’s arms.

“She is special,” he said quietly. “Protect her.”

Felix adjusted the blankets gently around the baby’s tiny face and nodded once.

“We will.”

Samantha stepped closer immediately, brushing trembling fingers softly against the infant’s cheek. Her expression softened almost instantly.

The old man’s eyes drifted toward Samantha’s stomach.

“You will have one of your own soon enough.”

Samantha managed a faint smile. “Any day now.”

For the first time, warmth briefly touched the old man’s expression.

Then it faded.

He tipped the brim of his fedora politely, turned, and climbed back into the DeSoto.

The engine coughed back to life.

Within moments, the headlights had disappeared into the fog, swallowed completely by the damp darkness of the valley road.

Silence settled once more beneath the dripping trees.

Only then did the man in overalls speak again.

“You cannot keep her yourselves,” he said softly.

Felix looked down at the sleeping child in his arms. “Why?”

“You would be the first place anyone would look,” the man answered. “And they will be looking.”

He lifted one weathered hand and pointed up the gravel drive disappearing into the fog.

Farther up the hill, barely visible through the mist, a warm amber porch light glowed softly in the darkness.

“Take her there,” he said. “It is called Wren House.”

Felix squinted through the fog. The orphanage sat higher along the slope overlooking the hidden valley below. Even through the mist, its old brick walls and tall narrow windows stood dark and solid against the night. Water dripped steadily from the deep porch roof, and warm golden light glowed behind rain-speckled glass.

It looked old.

Not fragile old.

Enduring old.

“The woman there is strict,” the man in overalls continued. “Firm.”

His dark green eyes softened slightly.

“But she has a good heart.”

Samantha looked uncertain. “An orphanage?”

“It is safe,” the man answered simply.

Felix shifted the infant carefully in his arms while Samantha moved closer beside him, one hand resting protectively against the blankets covering the baby.

“She won’t be alone,” Samantha whispered quietly. “Our son will be here soon enough.”

Felix smiled faintly.

“He’ll look after her.”

When Felix looked back toward the road, the man in overalls was already gone.

Only drifting fog remained where he had stood.

The fireflies continued bobbing quietly out in the wet fields beyond the trees.

Together, Felix and Samantha started up the gravel drive.

The stones shifted softly beneath their shoes as they climbed toward the waiting light. The orphanage grew larger with every step, tall brick walls streaked dark from decades of rain, ivy creeping along one side, narrow windows glowing gold against the cold night.

Near the back of the property sat an old outbuilding with a sagging roof and a single dim lantern glowing faintly inside.

At the top of the porch steps, Felix hesitated only briefly before knocking on the heavy wooden door.

Several moments passed.

Then warm light spilled across the porch as the door opened.

A woman in her forties stood there wearing a dark cardigan over a pale nightgown. Silver-threaded hair had been pinned back in obvious haste, and though sleep still lingered in her eyes, concern immediately softened her expression when she saw the bundled infant in Felix’s arms.

“She needs a home,” Felix said softly.

The woman carefully took the child into practiced arms, adjusting the blankets gently around the sleeping baby.

“Does she have a name?” she asked.

Felix looked toward Samantha.

For a moment, neither of them spoke.

Then Samantha smiled softly at the child. “Anna,” she whispered.

05/20/2026

Doctrine and Covenants 4:1–3 describes the Lord preparing “a marvelous work” to come forth among the children of men. When I think about that scripture today, I believe social media can be one of the tools used to accomplish that work when it is used with good intentions.

I have seen social media bring people hope, encouragement, education, and connection. I have seen creators share uplifting messages, testimonies, acts of kindness, and stories that inspire others to improve their lives. I have also seen how quickly positive messages can spread across the world and reach people who may never step into a church building or have support in their daily lives.

At the same time, social media can also become negative or distracting, which is why I think intentionality matters. The content we create and consume influences people more than we realize. Even small things like encouraging words, honest storytelling, humor that uplifts, or sharing creativity can brighten someone’s day.

Personally, I want to use social media to create things that inspire imagination, bring families together, and encourage positivity. Whether through storytelling, videos, music, or creative projects, I want my work to leave people feeling better than they did before they saw it. I may not reach millions of people, but I think even helping one person feel hope or encouragement is worthwhile.

Doctrine and Covenants 4 reminds me that willingness and sincere effort matter. Social media can either pull people down or help lift them up, and I want to be someone who helps use it for good.

5/23/26

I think different social media platforms are powerful in different ways, but if I had to choose the most influential overall, I would probably say Facebook. While TikTok has given me the most personal success in terms of growth and engagement, Facebook still has a massive reach across multiple generations and continues to influence conversations, communities, businesses, and advertising on a huge scale.
TikTok is incredibly powerful for discoverability. Its algorithm allows creators to reach large audiences quickly, even without a huge following. That is something I have experienced firsthand. Short-form video content spreads rapidly there, and trends can explode overnight. For creators trying to build an audience from scratch, TikTok gives opportunities that other platforms often do not.
At the same time, I think YouTube has the strongest long-term potential for creators, even though it is harder to grow on initially. YouTube rewards consistency, searchable content, and longer viewer engagement. The challenge is that building a loyal audience there usually takes much more time and effort compared to TikTok.
Instagram, in my opinion, has become much harder for creators. Engagement feels less organic than it used to, and many users have become frustrated with moderation systems and changes to the platform. It often feels more difficult to reach audiences without paid promotion compared to earlier years.
Overall, I think the “most powerful” platform depends on the goal. TikTok is excellent for rapid exposure, Facebook remains influential because of its broad user base and advertising reach, and YouTube offers the strongest long-term content value. Each platform has strengths and weaknesses, which is why many creators try to build audiences across multiple platforms instead of relying on just one.

5/24/26

One thing I learned while creating my social media posts is how important it is to immediately capture attention. People scroll through content very quickly, so the first few seconds or first sentence matter much more than I realized before. If the opening is not engaging, viewers often move on before the main message even begins.
I also learned that simpler content is often more effective. At first, I wanted to include too many ideas or too much information in a single post. Looking back, I would focus more on one clear message instead of trying to do everything at once. Strong social media content needs clarity and focus.
Another thing I would do differently is spend more time adapting content specifically for each platform instead of treating them all the same. Different audiences respond differently depending on where they are. A post that works well on TikTok may not perform the same way on Facebook or YouTube. Understanding platform culture is a bigger part of success than I originally thought.
I also learned the importance of consistency in branding and tone. Successful creators often have a recognizable style, personality, or format that audiences connect with. If I could go back, I would spend more time refining that consistency from the beginning.
Overall, the experience taught me that social media is not just about posting content. It involves strategy, audience awareness, timing, presentation, and constant adjustment based on what works and what does not.

5/25/26

Recovery is a strange thing because it rarely happens as quickly as we want it to. Whether it is physical recovery or creative recovery, both require patience, consistency, and the willingness to keep moving forward even when progress feels slow.
Lately I have been thinking a lot about physical recovery. Healing is exhausting in ways people do not always talk about. Even small tasks can take more energy than expected, and sometimes the hardest part is accepting that recovery cannot be rushed. The body heals on its own timeline. There are good days where you feel almost normal again, and there are difficult days that remind you healing is still happening beneath the surface.
At the same time, I have also been thinking about recovery in writing. Creative burnout is real. Sometimes ideas stop flowing, motivation fades, or projects feel heavier than they used to. Writing can become frustrating when the words do not match the vision in your head. But I think creative recovery works similarly to physical healing. You rebuild little by little.
For me, recovery in writing has meant returning to the worlds and stories that inspire me instead of forcing creativity. Working on Anna Untold again has reminded me why I love storytelling in the first place. Sometimes all it takes is one good scene, one interesting piece of lore, or one meaningful conversation between characters to reignite excitement.
I think both kinds of recovery teach the same lesson: progress is still progress, even when it feels slow. Healing does not always look dramatic. Sometimes it is simply getting up, trying again, and taking the next step forward.

5/26/26

There is a strange mix of relief and exhaustion that comes with finally returning home after something major. Coming back to America after surgery felt less like a vacation ending and more like crossing a finish line. After all the appointments, waiting, stress, recovery, and uncertainty, there was comfort in simply being home again.
The surgery itself feels like a milestone. For a long time it sat ahead of me like this giant looming wall, and now it is finally behind me. That alone brings relief. Recovery is still happening, but mentally there is peace in knowing the procedure is done and I made it through it.
At the same time, I think there is also a quiet frustration people do not always talk about with weight loss journeys. Surgery is not the finish line. It is a tool, and the work continues afterward. There is this hope that once the surgery happens, everything will suddenly become easier, but real change still requires discipline, patience, and consistency every single day.
That part can be mentally exhausting. You can lose a massive amount of weight and still feel like the mountain ahead of you is huge. Sometimes progress feels slow even when you know how far you have already come. It becomes easy to focus on what is left instead of recognizing what has already been accomplished.
But perspective matters. Losing 180 pounds is not failure. Continuing to fight for better health is not failure. Recovery itself is progress. Sometimes the hardest part of any journey is understanding that transformation happens in stages, not all at once.
Right now, I think the biggest feeling is relief. Relief to be home. Relief to be recovering. Relief to have made it through another difficult step. The next chapter is continuing the work, one day at a time.

05/29/26

President Gordon B. Hinckley taught that each of us can do a little better than we have been doing. As I thought about that quote, I realized it has a lot in common with the editing process.

When writers edit, they rarely throw away an entire manuscript and start over. Instead, they review what they have written, identify areas that need improvement, and make changes one step at a time. The goal is not perfection in a single draft but steady progress through revision.

Living the gospel works much the same way. Heavenly Father does not expect us to become perfect overnight. Instead, He asks us to continually improve. Through prayer, scripture study, repentance, and personal reflection, we can identify weaknesses and make small adjustments that help us become better disciples of Christ.

Editing also requires honesty. A writer must be willing to admit when something is unclear, weak, or ineffective. Likewise, living the gospel requires humility and self-awareness. We need to recognize where we fall short and be willing to make corrections. Repentance is, in many ways, a spiritual form of editing. It allows us to revise our course and move forward with greater wisdom and understanding.

Another important principle of editing is that good work is built through many small improvements. Rarely does one major revision transform a manuscript. Instead, dozens of small changes gradually create something stronger. The same is true in our spiritual lives. Small acts of kindness, greater patience, more forgiveness, and increased faith may seem insignificant individually, but over time they shape who we become.

President Hinckley’s invitation to “do a little better” reminds me that discipleship is not about being flawless. It is about continually revising our lives, learning from our mistakes, and allowing the Savior to help us become the best version of ourselves. Just as editing improves a piece of writing, living gospel principles helps refine and improve us.

05/30/26

In my opinion, the biggest strength of feature writing is its ability to tell a story. While news writing focuses on delivering facts quickly and efficiently, feature writing allows the writer to explore emotions, background information, and personal experiences. Readers often connect more deeply with feature articles because they can better understand the people and circumstances behind the facts.

Another strength of feature writing is creativity. Writers have more freedom with descriptions, structure, pacing, and storytelling techniques. A feature article can take readers on a journey and help them see a topic from a new perspective. Because of this, feature writing often remains relevant longer than news writing, which can become outdated once the immediate event has passed.

However, feature writing also has weaknesses. One challenge is that it usually takes more time to research, interview, write, and edit. News writing is designed to provide information quickly, which is essential when covering breaking events. A feature article may offer deeper understanding, but it cannot always deliver information as rapidly as a news story.

Another weakness is that feature writing can sometimes blur the line between facts and storytelling if the writer is not careful. Good feature writers still need accuracy and strong reporting skills, but they must balance those facts with narrative elements. If that balance is lost, the story can become less objective.

Overall, I think both forms of writing serve important purposes. News writing is best for informing people quickly about what happened, while feature writing is best for helping readers understand why it matters. If I had to choose one, I would prefer feature writing because it allows for greater creativity and deeper connections with readers, but I recognize that feature writing would not be possible without the factual foundation that news writing provides.

05/31/26

One unexpected benefit of writing frequent blog posts has been how much they have helped me with Anna Untold. At first, I viewed the blogs as simply class assignments, but over time I realized they were helping me practice a style of writing that is very similar to how Anna tells her story.

In Anna Untold, Anna narrates events from a point in the future, looking back on the experiences that changed her life. Each chapter is almost like a blog post or journal entry. She reflects on what happened, what she thought at the time, and what she understands now that she did not understand then.

Because of that, these regular blog assignments have become excellent practice. They have taught me how to take an event, experience, or idea and reflect on it in a personal way. Rather than simply reporting facts, I have learned to explore emotions, lessons learned, and how my perspective has changed over time. That is exactly the kind of voice Anna needs as a narrator.

The blogs have also helped me become more comfortable writing in the first person. Many of the assignments ask me to connect professional concepts, spiritual insights, or personal experiences to my own life. That same reflective style is central to Anna Untold. Anna is not just telling readers what happened; she is helping them understand why those moments mattered.

As I continue working on the novel, I find myself drawing on skills I have practiced through blogging. Organizing thoughts, reflecting on experiences, and writing in a conversational voice all help strengthen Anna’s narration. In a way, every blog post has become another small exercise in learning how to tell Anna’s story more effectively.

What began as a classroom assignment has unexpectedly become valuable preparation for one of my favorite writing projects. Sometimes the skills we are developing are helping us in ways we do not immediately recognize.

06/01/2026

Today I spent time working on Chapter 3 of Anna Untold, and it got me thinking about what it feels like to finally bring a story from my head onto the page.

For years, Anna Untold has existed mostly in my imagination. I have known the characters, the mysteries, the magical world, and many of the major events long before they were ever written down. The story has lived in my thoughts for so long that sometimes it feels like I know these people and places as well as I know my own hometown.

There is something exciting and intimidating about finally putting those ideas into words. Once a story is written, it becomes real. It is no longer just a collection of ideas that only the author can see. Other people can experience it, connect with it, and form opinions about it.

In many ways, creating a story feels similar to the birth of a child. An idea begins small and grows over time. You nurture it, think about it constantly, and imagine what it might become. There are moments of excitement, moments of doubt, and moments when you wonder if it will ever be finished. Then one day, after years of development, it finally enters the world.

Of course, like a child, a manuscript is rarely perfect when it first arrives. It needs care, attention, guidance, and time to grow into its full potential. The first draft is only the beginning of the journey.

As I worked on Chapter 3 today, I felt grateful that Anna Untold is finally moving from imagination to reality. There is still a long road ahead, but every chapter written is another step toward sharing a story that has been waiting a very long time to be told.

06/02/2026

Lately, my writing focus has narrowed to two projects: Anna Untold and The Egg of Fire. While I have many stories and ideas competing for attention, I have realized that sometimes progress requires choosing a few projects and giving them my full attention.

Today I completed Chapter 7 of Anna Untold. With the novel projected to be around 30 chapters, I am still in the early stages of the journey, but for the first time I can really see the story beginning to come together. Characters are finding their voices, plot threads are connecting, and pieces of the world-building are starting to support one another in meaningful ways.

One lesson I have learned from previous writing projects is that it is easy to get stuck constantly revising the opening chapters. Every time a new idea appears, there is a temptation to go back and rewrite what has already been written. While revision is important, it can also become a trap that prevents the story from ever reaching the finish line.

Because of that, my current goal is simple: tell the entire story first.

Right now, I am focusing on getting the plot, characters, and major events onto the page. There will be plenty of time later for rewrites, edits, polishing dialogue, strengthening descriptions, and fixing inconsistencies. A rough completed manuscript is far more valuable than a perfect first seven chapters and an unfinished story.

There is something exciting about reaching this stage of a novel. The story is no longer just a collection of notes and ideas. It is becoming a real book, chapter by chapter. Every page written moves me closer to the point where I can step back, see the entire picture, and begin shaping it into the strongest version possible.

For now, the mission is clear: keep writing, keep moving forward, and get the story told. The editing can come later. The important thing is reaching the end of the journey.

06/03/2022

This week I found myself trying to organize a family camping trip to my favorite campsite. What sounded simple at first quickly turned into a lesson in logistics, calendars, and the reality of modern life.

When I was younger, planning a family gathering seemed easy. You picked a date, told everyone where to be, and most people showed up. Today, it feels like every family member has a different work schedule, school commitment, vacation plan, sports event, or other responsibility competing for their time.

As I started reaching out to everyone, I realized there was probably no date that would work perfectly for every person involved. The more people you try to accommodate, the more complicated the process becomes. At some point, I found myself spending more time trying to coordinate schedules than actually planning the trip itself.

Eventually, I decided on a different approach.

Instead of trying to find the one magical date that worked for everyone, I simply picked the dates that worked best for us and let everyone know where we would be. My message was simple: “We’re going to be here. We’d love to have you join us. If you can make it, great. If not, that’s okay too.”

Oddly enough, that decision brought a lot of relief.

Sometimes we spend so much energy trying to make everyone happy that we forget it is impossible to accommodate every schedule and every circumstance. People have lives, responsibilities, and commitments. Missing one trip does not mean they do not care about the family.

The goal was never perfect attendance. The goal was spending time together and creating memories with whoever could come.

In a way, organizing a family camping trip reminded me of an important lesson: sometimes the best plan is not the perfect plan. Sometimes it is simply making a decision, extending an invitation, and letting people choose whether they can join the adventure.

06/04/2026

I think Joseph Smith’s quote relates to news writing because journalists write about real people. Even when reporting facts, it is important to remember that the people in a story may be experiencing some of the hardest moments of their lives.

Compassion does not mean ignoring the truth. Instead, it means treating people with dignity and respect. A good journalist reports accurately while also being thoughtful about how a story affects those involved.

The quote also reminds me that everyone has struggles and makes mistakes. News writers should avoid being unnecessarily harsh or judgmental. Their job is to inform the public, not tear people down.

In many ways, compassion helps journalists tell stories fairly. When writers try to understand the people they are writing about, they can create stories that are both truthful and respectful. That balance is important in both journalism and life.

06/05/2026

In my opinion, something is newsworthy when it informs the public about important events and provides enough context for people to understand what actually happened. Sensationalism, on the other hand, focuses on generating strong emotional reactions, clicks, or controversy, sometimes at the expense of important details.

I recently experienced this while reading an article about an Ogden police officer who shot and killed a man. The headline and opening of the story focused on the police shooting, which immediately creates a certain impression in the reader’s mind. However, later in the article it mentioned that the man was allegedly still stabbing another person when the officer fired.

To me, that context was critical to understanding the event. Without it, readers might assume the officer acted without justification. Including that information prominently would have given a more complete picture of the situation. A headline such as “Man Killed by Police While Allegedly Stabbing Another Person” would still be newsworthy, but it would provide important context from the beginning.

As the father of a police officer, I am especially aware of how headlines and story framing can influence public perception. Journalists have a responsibility to report facts accurately and fairly, especially in situations where emotions are high.

I think the difference between newsworthy reporting and sensationalism often comes down to context. Good journalism informs readers. Sensationalism may focus on the most shocking detail while leaving out information that helps people fully understand the story.

06/05/2026

The Weight of Regret

Today I wanted to write about something more personal: anxiety, depression, and regret.

It has been many years since I lost my first wife and my son. Time has helped in some ways. The difficult days are fewer and farther between than they once were. The grief is not as constant as it was in those early years when every day felt overwhelming.

But I have learned that grief does not completely disappear. Sometimes it changes shape.

For me, one of the hardest parts has been dealing with regret. When someone you love passes away, it is easy to replay old conversations and moments in your mind. You wonder if you could have spent more time with them, said something different, or appreciated certain moments more fully while you still had them. Even when you know logically that you did the best you could at the time, those thoughts can still find their way into your heart.

Anxiety and depression often feed on those regrets. They encourage us to focus on what we cannot change instead of what we can. They make us relive yesterday rather than live today.

What I have come to realize is that regret is often a reflection of love. We regret because someone mattered. We wish for more time because the time we had was precious. While those feelings can be painful, they also remind us how deeply we cared.

These days, I try to focus less on what I wish I had done differently and more on how I can honor the people I have lost. I can love my family a little more. I can be a little kinder. I can spend more time with the people who are still here.

The memories never completely go away, and neither do the occasional struggles with anxiety and depression. But I have learned that healing is not about forgetting. It is about carrying those memories forward while continuing to live, grow, and find joy again.

Some days are still harder than others, but thankfully those days are becoming fewer. And for that, I am grateful.

06/06/2026

As I prepare for my job interview on Monday, I have spent a lot of time studying interview techniques and thinking about what separates a good interview from a great one.

One lesson that has stood out to me is that employers are not simply asking questions to hear answers. They are trying to discover whether a candidate can solve problems, communicate effectively, and fit within the organization. Because of that, the best interview answers focus on the employer’s needs rather than simply listing personal accomplishments.

I have also been studying how to structure answers around specific examples. Instead of giving vague responses, it is much more effective to explain a situation, the actions taken, and the results achieved. Stories help interviewers visualize how a candidate will perform in the role.

Another important lesson is learning to answer the question behind the question. For example, when an interviewer asks about a challenge, they are often trying to learn how you respond to adversity. When they ask about teamwork, they are trying to determine how well you work with others. Understanding the purpose behind the question helps create stronger and more relevant answers.

Perhaps the most overlooked part of an interview is the ending. Many candidates treat the final question, “Do you have any questions for us?” as a formality. However, I have learned that this can be one of the most important moments in the conversation.

Strong questions show curiosity, preparation, and confidence. Questions such as “What does success look like in this role after six months?” or “What separates your top performers from average performers?” encourage meaningful discussion and leave the interviewer thinking about you after the conversation ends.

As I continue preparing, I realize that interviewing is not just about proving that I can do the job. It is about demonstrating that I understand the company’s needs, can contribute to its success, and am genuinely interested in becoming part of the team. Sometimes the impression you leave at the end of the interview can be just as important as the answers you give at the beginning.

06/07/2026

As this communications class comes to an end, I find myself looking back at everything I have learned over the past several weeks. Like many classes, I expected to learn skills and complete assignments. What I did not expect was how much it would reignite my passion for writing.

Throughout this course, I learned about journalism, social media, public relations, newsletters, interviewing, and professional communication. More importantly, I learned that effective communication is not simply about putting words on a page. It is about understanding an audience and creating a message that connects with people.

One of the biggest things this class reinforced is my desire to continue being a writer. Writing has always been part of who I am. Whether I am creating children’s books, fantasy novels, songs, food reviews, or articles, I love the process of taking an idea and turning it into something that others can experience.

This class reminded me that stories matter. Facts matter. Communication matters.

I especially enjoyed the opportunity to interview people and tell their stories. Writing my feature article about Charlie Backus reminded me that every person has experiences worth sharing and lessons worth teaching. Being able to tell those stories is both a responsibility and a privilege.

As I move forward, I plan to continue writing books, creating content, and developing my communication skills. I know I still have much to learn, but I also know that I am heading in the right direction.

Every story begins with a single word. Every article begins with a single sentence. Every dream begins with a single step.

This class may be ending, but for me, the writing journey is only beginning.

06/08/2026

One of the biggest struggles I face as a writer is learning how to accept criticism without letting it devastate me.

When you write something, especially something personal, it is easy to pour part of yourself into the work. A story, article, poem, or song is not just words on a page. It represents your ideas, your creativity, and often your emotions. Because of that, criticism can sometimes feel personal, even when it is not intended that way.

Over the years, I have learned that criticism and feedback are not the same as rejection. In fact, some of the most valuable growth comes from people who are willing to point out weaknesses in our work. They may see problems that we have become blind to after reading the same piece dozens of times.

That does not mean criticism is easy to hear.

My first reaction is often to focus on what I did wrong instead of what I did right. I sometimes spend too much time thinking about the negative comments while ignoring the positive feedback. It is something I continue to work on.

This communications class has reminded me that writing is a process. Very few first drafts are perfect. Articles improve through editing. Stories improve through revision. Even professional authors rely on editors, beta readers, and trusted critics to help strengthen their work.

The challenge is separating my worth from my writing.

A suggestion to improve a paragraph is not a statement about my value as a person. A recommendation to rewrite a scene is not a declaration that I am a bad writer. It is simply part of the creative process.

I still struggle with criticism, and I suspect I always will to some degree. However, I am learning that growth often begins where comfort ends.

If I want to become the best writer I can be, I must be willing to hear what needs improvement and then use that information to become better.

The goal is not to avoid criticism.

The goal is to learn from it.

06/09/2026

Yesterday, I wrote about how difficult it can be to accept criticism as a writer and content creator. Today, I was reminded that not all criticism is created equal.

Recently, I posted a video online that attracted the attention of a troll. You know the type. They show up not to discuss the content, ask questions, or offer constructive feedback. Their goal is simply to argue.

At first, I found myself responding. Then they responded. Then I responded again. Before long, we had a full-blown comment conversation taking place under my video.

The funny part is that while the troll thought they were hurting my content, they were actually helping it.

Every comment, response, and interaction signaled to the platform’s algorithm that people were engaging with the video. The algorithm doesn’t necessarily know the difference between an argument and a standing ovation. It just sees activity.

As the back-and-forth continued, the video kept getting pushed out to more viewers. More viewers led to more engagement. More engagement led to more views.

By the time it was all over, the video had accumulated nearly 2,000 views, one of my best-performing videos that I didn’t spend any money promoting.

In a strange way, the troll became an unpaid member of my marketing team.

The experience taught me an interesting lesson about social media. Not every negative interaction is actually negative. Sometimes people who are trying to tear something down accidentally give it more attention than it would have received otherwise.

Now, that doesn’t mean I should argue with every troll I encounter. There is certainly a point where it becomes unproductive. But it did remind me that criticism, disagreement, and even the occasional online troublemaker are simply part of creating content in a public space.

Sometimes your biggest supporter is the person trying hardest not to be.

So wherever that troll is today, I hope they’re doing well.

And thank you for the extra views.

06/10/206

One of the greatest joys of being a writer is reaching that point where a story starts surprising you.

That is exactly where I find myself with Anna Untold.

When I first started this project, I had a general idea of where I wanted the story to go. I knew some of the characters, some of the major events, and some of the mysteries I wanted to explore. What I didn’t know was how much I would enjoy the journey of discovering the story along the way.

I am currently 18 chapters into the first draft, and I can hardly believe I have already written nearly 55,000 words.

What amazes me even more is how much story is still left to tell.

The characters continue to grow with each chapter. New relationships are developing. Questions are being answered while even bigger questions are appearing. There have been several moments where the story took a turn I never expected, and those have become some of my favorite scenes to write.

I often hear writers talk about characters feeling real. I never fully understood what they meant until now. There are moments when Anna and the people around her seem to make their own decisions, and my job is simply to follow them and record what happens next.

For me, that is when writing becomes magical.

The best part is that I genuinely look forward to opening the manuscript each day. It doesn’t feel like work. It feels like visiting friends and discovering what adventure awaits them next.

Will the story need revisions? Absolutely.

Will there be scenes that need to be rewritten? Without question.

That is simply part of the writing process.

But for now, I am allowing myself to enjoy the excitement of creation. First drafts are messy, imperfect, and often full of problems. They are also where dreams begin.

At nearly 55,000 words and only 18 chapters in, Anna Untold has already become one of the most enjoyable writing experiences of my life.

And the best part?

I still have no idea exactly where the journey will lead next.

06/11/2026
Recently, I found myself asking a question that I suspect many BYU-Pathway and Church school students have asked at some point.

Why do I need an ecclesiastical endorsement interview if I already have a current temple recommend?

As I looked through the endorsement questions, I noticed that many of them felt very familiar. In fact, most seemed to cover the same principles I had already discussed during my temple recommend interview.

Naturally, my first thought was, “Didn’t we already do this?”

I understand the purpose of both interviews. Both are designed to help ensure that we are living gospel standards and remaining committed to our covenants. Still, from a student’s perspective, it can feel a little repetitive.

The more I thought about it, however, the more I realized that perhaps the value isn’t in the questions themselves.

Maybe the value is in the opportunity to meet with a priesthood leader.

Life changes quickly. Challenges arise. Questions develop. Circumstances shift. Even if the questions are similar, the conversation may not be.

One thing I have learned over the years is that sometimes we focus on the checklist while the Lord focuses on the relationship.

An interview is not simply a process to complete. It is an opportunity to connect with a leader who has stewardship over us, receive counsel, and reflect on our spiritual progress.

Do I still think there is some overlap between a temple recommend interview and an ecclesiastical endorsement? Absolutely.

Would it be convenient if a current temple recommend automatically fulfilled the requirement? Probably.

But perhaps there is a reason the Church continues to treat them as separate experiences.

Sometimes the purpose of an interview isn’t just verifying where we are.

Sometimes it is helping us consider where we are going.

So while I may still smile when I hear many of the same questions, I am trying to remember that the conversation itself may be more important than the paperwork attached to it.

And who knows?

Maybe I’ll learn something I wasn’t expecting.

06/11/2026

Today I made a difficult decision as a writer.

I went back three chapters in Anna Untold and rewrote them.

Whenever I do something like that, part of me wonders if I’m making a mistake. After all, those chapters were already written. They had taken hours to create, and there is always a temptation to leave them alone and keep moving forward.

But as I continued writing, I realized the story needed something more.

The pacing wasn’t quite right. Some scenes needed more depth. Certain moments deserved greater emotional impact. Most importantly, I could see opportunities to strengthen the story’s overall flow.

Rewriting can be frustrating because it often feels like you’re erasing progress. Word counts shrink. Chapters disappear. Hours of work suddenly find themselves on the cutting room floor.

Yet some of the best writing advice I have ever heard is simple:

“Be willing to kill your darlings.”

Writers become attached to scenes, conversations, and chapters. We remember the effort it took to create them. Sometimes, however, a story demands that we put its needs ahead of our pride.

The goal isn’t to write the fastest draft.

The goal is to write the best story possible.

As I worked through the revisions, I began to see the story becoming stronger. Character motivations became clearer. Relationships gained depth. The narrative flowed more naturally from one chapter to the next.

That doesn’t make deleting or rewriting content any easier.

But it does make it worthwhile.

One of the lessons I continue learning is that writing isn’t just about creating new words. Sometimes writing is about having the courage to replace old ones.

I hope these changes make Anna Untold a better reading experience.

Only time will tell.

But tonight, even after stepping backward three chapters, I feel like the story took a big step forward.

06/13/2026

Over the past year, I have discovered something unexpected.

Music has become one of the most powerful ways for me to express how I feel.

For most of my life, writing stories was my primary creative outlet. If I was happy, sad, excited, frustrated, or hopeful, those emotions usually found their way into a story, a poem, or a book. Writing allowed me to explore ideas and emotions that were sometimes difficult to express in everyday conversation.

Then songwriting entered my life.

What surprised me most was how quickly music became personal.

A song can capture a feeling in a way that few other forms of communication can. Sometimes a three-minute song can express an emotion more clearly than several pages of writing. The combination of lyrics, rhythm, melody, and emotion creates something unique.

Many of the songs I have written are reflections of experiences in my own life. Some are about love. Some are about loss. Some are about hope, disappointment, mistakes, faith, or perseverance. Others are simply about finding humor in everyday situations.

What I enjoy most is that there are no limits.

One day I might be writing a heartfelt song about Holly. The next day I might be writing a humorous song about dirty sodas, Disney snacks, or the mistakes I seem determined to learn the hard way.

Every song becomes a snapshot of a moment in time.

When I listen to songs I wrote months ago, I can often remember exactly what I was feeling when I created them. They become a musical journal documenting the journey of life.

I don’t know where songwriting will ultimately lead me.

Maybe nowhere.

Maybe somewhere I never expected.

What I do know is that I love the process.

I love taking an emotion, an idea, or a memory and turning it into something people can hear, feel, and connect with.

Stories allow me to share my imagination.

Music allows me to share my heart.

And lately, that has become one of my favorite forms of expression.

06/14/2026

Sundays often give me time to think, and today I found myself pondering a question.

Why do so many people focus on images of the Savior being beaten, suffering, or hanging on the cross?

I understand why those images are meaningful to many Christians. They remind us of His sacrifice, His willingness to suffer for us, and His incredible capacity for forgiveness. I do not question the importance of those events.

But personally, those are not the images that speak most powerfully to me.

When I think of Jesus Christ, I don’t want my mind to remain fixed on the cruelty of men. The beating, the mocking, and the crucifixion were not victories. They were the consequences of a fallen world and the choices of imperfect people.

The miracle is not that He was placed on a cross.

The miracle is that He rose from it.

The image that inspires me is not Christ hanging in defeat. It is Christ walking out of the tomb in triumph.

I think of the Savior healing the blind, comforting the brokenhearted, raising the dead, calming storms, teaching truth, and extending mercy. I think of the resurrected Christ inviting His disciples to come unto Him and witness that He lives.

Those are the images that fill me with hope.

Perhaps that is one reason members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints often emphasize the living Christ. We certainly believe in His sacrifice, but we also celebrate His victory over death and sin. The Atonement did not end at the cross. The story continued.

Without the Resurrection, the cross would simply be a tragedy.

Because of the Resurrection, it became a triumph.

Maybe that is why I am drawn more to images of the empty tomb than the cross itself.

I want to remember not only what He suffered.

I want to remember what He accomplished.

I want to remember the Savior who lives.

The Savior who overcame.

The Savior who conquered death.

The Savior who invites each of us to rise with Him.