Top 10 Things Writers Think About When Stuck in an Elevator

Yes, this is the real me. Today I had an experience that you usually only read about or see on TV. I was stuck in the elevator at our hotel!

Thankfully, it was only for about six minutes, but for a girl who is claustrophobic, and already hates elevators, it was six minutes too long!

You  can see by the picture that my hubby wasn't worried at all. So, in the interest of writing about the experience I thought I would share some things I figured out.

Stuck in the Elevator Top 10

10. It's not as bad as you think! Except for the stifling lack of air, no air conditioning and the constant concern the elevator may fall crashing down at any second.

9. The other passengers in the elevator might make great landing zones. All it would take is one push to create yourself a padded landing if the elevator goes careening out of control.

8. Talking about past childhood issues of claustrophobia does not help, and people don't really want to hear you talk about being trapped in a cave on your belly in total blackness. In fact, it seems to disturb them even more than being trapped in the elevator.

7. The people trapped next to you are not serial killers (at least at Polishing the Pulpit), but it never hurts to ask, and then smile a bit.

6. You really should turn your cellphone text tone down, at least if it's Heath Ledger's Joker asking "Why so serious?" It's a bit startling to hear a disembodied voice coming from out of nowhere when trapped with no place to go.

5. Don't ask people personal questions and then laugh nervously. It just seems creepy.

4. Closing your eyes and listening to everyone breathing does not help. It just makes you feel like people are staring at you.

3. Rambling on about your writing and how this experience will make great fodder for your book is pointless. No one appreciates the experience as much as a writer.

2. Bringing up the movie you saw where the elevator suddenly closes when people are crawling out the shaft is not a good idea. Especially if you are climbing out of the shaft.

1. Screaming at the top of your lungs when the elevator drops inch by inch from the second to the first floor helps no one.



What would you think about?

Secret Sister Program Questionnaire

It might seem strange that an author's blog is posting an article about the Secret Sister program, but these questions are often hard to find. So, I thought I'd share them with you.

Keep on writing my friends!

Susan


The secret sisters program is a great way of making new friends. Recently we have started the program where I attend worship. Since it was my brain child, I did the prep work.

I spent several hours scouring the Internet trying to find a secret sister questionnaire, but I didn't have much luck. So, after reading through several sites with little information, I decided to write my own questionnaire as well as an introductory statement about why the secret sisters program is beneficial. Please feel free to use the following statement and questionnaire in your own secret sister program.

SECRET SISTERS

The idea of making good Christian friends is often communicated to young people. We stress to our children and grandchildren that it is imperative to wisely choose friends and to love their Christian family. While those are admirable things for the young, we often overlook the importance of Christian friends in our own lives.

When we obeyed Jesus in baptism we became family. There are times in our traditional families that life, time and space separate us; the same holds true in our Christian families. Becoming a secret sister allows us to form a new bond with someone that we may have known of for a long time, but have not really known. It may also allow us to become friends with someone that we have never shared much time with. Either way, secret sisters is an opportunity to more deeply cherish those around us.

RULES

How often you contact your secret sister is up to you; however, you should strive to contact her at least once a month. This way she knows that you are still thinking about her.

Pray for her! "The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availath much," James 5:6. We all need prayer. Learn your sister's needs and the needs of those around her. This way you can better pray for her.

You don't have to purchase gifts for your secret sister. Shower her with cards, notes, and handmade items. Share a poem with her, or even a favorite Bible verse. Remember this is about your secret sister getting to know you, too.

Don't forget her special days. Anniversaries and birthdays are important. If her birthday falls outside of the time set for secret sisters, give her a birthday present when she least expects it.

SECRET SISTER QUESTIONNAIRE

Name:

Birthday:

Anniversary:

Birthstone:

Husband's name:

Children/grandchildren (and ages):

Favorite color:

Favorite Bible verse:

Favorite junk food:

Food allergies:

Favorite drink:

Favorite book of the Bible:

Favorite flower:

Favorite book (religious):

Favorite book (any kind):

Favorite poem:

Interests/ Hobbies:

Special Prayer Requests:

REVEAL

It is important to keep who your secret sister is a total secret until it is time to reveal it to them. Plan a party in conjunction with the reveal event. A nice restaurant, diner, house, or even a room in the church building can make a great setting for the party. You can even have the secret sister party in conjunction with another even like an ornament exchange. Make the reveal special so that you can spend time with your new friends!


What great ideas do you have for a secret sister program?