Nov 5, 2017 |
by Molly Jo Realy @MollyJoRealy

Frankly, On Faith.
I screw up regularly. In case y’all thought my claim to Christianity is perfectionism, it isn’t. It’s forgiveness and being loved through the parts I need forgiveness for. [Can I get a sigh-of-relief-AMEN for that one?]
I am a perfectionist because I try to do everything right. But I’m about as far from perfect as Adam and Eve from the Garden of Eden. I don’t eat right, sleep enough, love enough. I’m just not that good at taking care of myself.
I do know one thing: God loves me through it all. No matter what. Which is kind of a foreign idea to me. I mean, when I mess up here on earth, people are quick to call me on it. And vice versa. I admit my anger. My judgments. My negative, sinful actions and thinking. How I feel inside is often manifested on the outside. And it ain’t always pretty.
I also admit I need Him. The parts of me that don’t want to work right. The parts I don’t want to fix, but know they should be. And I’m able to turn to Him and ask for help.
“Wise choices will watch over you.
Understanding will keep you safe.”
~Proverb 2:11 NLT
It’s easier, now. Getting to Him instead of pushing Him away.
It’s easier to just say, “Hey, God?” and let Him walk through the door. Even if I don’t think the door is open. Or that He’s listening. Because it is. And He is.

Frankly, On Faith: Earnestly Seeking God
So even if I’m too stupid to see what’s happening or how to handle it, I’m smart enough to step back, let go, and let Him lead.
TWEET THIS: Frankly, On Faith: Earnestly Seeking God @MollyJoRealy #franklyonfaith #faith
And Frankly, My Dear . . . : That’s all she wrote!
Nov 4, 2017 |
by Molly Jo Realy @MollyJoRealy

Frankly, My Dear . . . : Social Media Saturday
“Brand” is one of those ethereal words. It means something different to different people. Ultimately, it’s the outward recognition of who you are, whether you’re a business entity or person.
There are a lot of ways to promote your brand, ranging from advertising to hosting events. Material items such as magnets and pens. Your presence at public functions.
Branding can be subtle, too; like the mention of a character drinking a Coke or eating some Ben & Jerry’s.
Promoting your brand is not just waving your banner and saying, “Look over here!” It’s leaving a mark so others are aware of your brand even when you’re not around.
Think of some typical items people use:
- Business cards
- Pens
- Magnets
- Notepads
- Mugs
- Clothing
- Water bottles
- Keychains
But what are some other ways to share your company? Well, if your business has anything to do with food or recipes, try a stand-up recipe holder, a branded spatula, a tea spoon attached to a business card that looks like a recipe card. Let’s say you’re a dog walker. How about providing prospects with a branded pooper-scooper and some plastic bags?
Branding isn’t just about getting your name out there. It’s about showing people why they should remember your business.
What are some different branding ideas you’ve seen or used?
And Frankly, My Dear . . . That’s all she wrote!
Nov 3, 2017 |
by Molly Jo Realy @MollyJoRealy

Frankly, My Dear . . . :Five Things Friday
Now that all I can for NOLA is wait for feedback, and given that it’s November, my project of the month is jump starting CENTRAL a la NaNoWriMo. Here it is day three and I’ve only 32 words written, but I think they’re pretty good words.
CENTRAL will be the second in my City Series. You know the drill. It’s really not a series because the characters and storyline are completely different. But using the location as a character is what remains the same. So, I’m affectionately calling it a series, and creating a subgenre I call location mystery. Will the world catch on? Eh. I dunno. But Stephenie Meyer created Renesme and the world thought that was a weird name. Still, she stuck to her guns. So I guess I will too. At least until I hear back from the editor and almost-agent. [Oh, side note: some peeps are asking if there will be a sequel to NOLA. I hadn’t thought about it . . . Until this week. We’ll see if the characters want to come back.]
So. Five Things you may or may not know about Central, the book, and the location:
- The opening line for my next novel. I’ve been around enough writers, and well, the mentor wrote a book called Firsts in Fiction, so I’d best get this right, right? Y’all ready for this?
“Serenity had a thing for cops. And the guys they arrested.”
I can’t say it will stay that way. But so far the pre-reader peeps are liking it. We’ll see.
- Central Park, located on Manhattan Island, is about 843 acres big (over 3.5 miles), and has been the location of over 350 films! The size is larger than some countries. And the movie total? Fuggedaboutit.

Frankly, My Dear . . . : Central Park, NYC
- The Park isn’t just a park. It’s home to the Central Park Zoo, Metropolitan Museum of Art, Tavern on the Green, many playgrounds and ball fields, as well as bridges, walkways, vendors. It’s a city unto itself!

Frankly, My Dear . . . : Central Park, NYC
- There are thousands of songs about New York City, and many of them include reference to Central Park. Two of my favorites are, of course, Sinatra’s “Theme from New York, New York” and Harry Connick, Jr’s “Autumn in New York.” While not exclusive to the Park, these songs embody a great connection to the Big Apple at the best time of year.
- CP was the first public, landscaped park in all the United States. Now that deserves some awards!
And there you have it! Five fun facts about Central, the book and the park!
What’s your favorite part of the park?
And Frankly, My Dear . . . That’s all she wrote!