Due To

When I first started blogging I was using my mom's e-mail account. Due to me wanting to have it on my email account I am going to have to move, for the first couple weeks I will also post here. I can't keep the same link so  here's the link: blakedean.blogspot.com

Blog Review #1 : A Clean Surface

   To kick of my blog review segment, I am  going to review a blog named "A Clean Surface".   This blog has great writing and it is very inspirational to write in a style with all grammatical rules in order. Every Monday this blogger blogs about organizing, she calls it "Minimalist Monday".  This blog also gave me the idea of something that I will be starting on Monday of this week, that I will be introducing later.

And f.y.i  I just recently joined  "Book Sneeze" where I receive books (from Thomas Nelson FOR FREE) to review on my blog. So I will be reviewing the books here.


~Blake Dean~

Me Eventually

Football Player?

Buff Superhero?

So taking a quick 1-post detour from new segment. I found this website where you can put your face in different pics so here is me eventually:

Dreads?

Talking Toy?

American Idol Judge?

Intro: Blog Reviews

Inspiration is everywhere. I was just reading on some blogs that I found online. And they really inspired me to be a better writer. So if you guys have any blogs that you guys like leave a comment with the link and I'll check them out.

Here's some I Follow:

Radioactive Snowfall

Follow Me To Africa

Olimb Photography Blog

Hope Alive

Hakes' In Florida

Kimm's Kontemplations

Rouge Writer

A Clean Surface

I will be starting a new "segment" where I will be review blogs so some of the ones above and some of the ones you comment.

~Blake Dean~

Good To Be Back

As you all probably know I have been gone at All-State for a while but its still good to be back.  Although getting back into the routine is just a little difficult.  I mean going from a vacation where it was (mostly) relaxing  and then come home and go back into the reality of the routine of life.

~Bwdlake~

Busch Garden Pictures

Here's some pictures from Busch Gardens today:

Mrs. Tredway on Carousel 

AWESOME Ride!

Group Picture

Me and Lions (In Background)

Wall that looks cool.

Yet Another Group Picture

...and another

Over all Busch Gardens was great, but one thing we discovered.....rides are better the first time you ride them.

~Blake Dean~

Busch Gardens

Today we are leaving for Busch Gardens, it is supposed to be really cold and add the rollercoasters, FREEZING! So wish me luck, we are leaving at 8:30. Blog Later with pics hopefully and stories.

~Blake Dean~

Wendy's Wifi

In Wendys so I have Wifi. So far has been pretty sterotypical. We rode in the car I watched a movie, which btw takes forever on iTunes. Everyone at All-State says HI!!! so I will hopefully blog lster. Bye Y'all.

~Blake Dean~

Due To

I've got some news that could be depressing. But supposedly at the hotel that we are staying at there is a 15 dollar wifi fee, so if this is true I will not be posting unless I go to like a starbucks or McDonalds.

Sorry, I'll try to go somewhere. If possible.

BTW we are leaving in 30 minutes so be praying for a safe trip.


~Blake Dean~

Awaiting Fulfillment

As you all know I am going to All-State, you might say I'm "over-posting" but still I am really excited and awaiting the fulfillment of the excitement.  We are leaving Tues.. after-school!!!!! i am Seper excited, that's all I gotta say.  And I am done posting.


~Blake Dean~

Re: Be the Chicken Nuggets in the Bag of Vegtables

So, I was going all over the web for a new and interesting blog and I found one that is really good.  Amazing writing and perfect grammar, which half I do not have (perfect grammar).  Check this article out: (link: click here)

Its called be the Chicken Nugget in the Bag of Vegtables. This article was found from sharilopatin.wordpress.com

My boyfriend found a chicken nugget in his bag of frozen vegetables the other day.

And just to make sure it was a chicken nugget, he popped the frozen mound into the microwave. Sure enough, it emerged crispy and delicious. Like McDonald’s.

Concerned that perhaps the workers at the packaging house were rebelling, and some poor vegetarian would end up with the same fate from another bag, my boyfriend called the company.

“Are you sure it wasn’t a carrot?” the manager asked him, after he explained his immaculate discovery.

“Of course I’m sure,” my boyfriend replied. “I think I’d know the difference between a chicken nugget and a carrot.”

Though laughing hysterically, this got me thinking. The odyssey of his chicken nugget was so outrageous, that it became contagious.

So here’s my question to you: When you write, are you being the chicken nugget in a bag of frozen vegetables?

Make Your Writing Stand Out

I struggle with breaking free of clichés, as does every writer. But whether you’re a journalist trying to engage the public, a creative writer encouraging people to buy your book, or a corporate writer building your company’s brand, you won’t get anywhere if you don’t stand out.

Besides writing about the unexpected, consider these tips to transform yourself from a frozen carrot into that chicken nugget:

• The Curse of Knowledge: A communications coach from my work once fed me this term. Are you so embroiled in your area of expertise, that you forgot what it’s like to be an outsider? Think: what would excite an 8-year-old to read your story?
• Humor: Of course, this depends on what you’re writing, and for whom. But while making people cry takes talent, making people laugh takes true genius. Ask yourself: am I laughing as I’m writing this?
• Your Personal Voice: Don’t you want to slap those teenagers who try on new identities as easily as they change outfits? With writing, you need to let your unique voice shine through. Don’t try to be anyone else, except you, even if you’re writing for a company (yes, I said it!).
• OBSERVE: Admittedly, I’d forgotten this tip lately. My boyfriend had to remind me that the best writers observe the world around them. Are you stepping back and just looking? Seinfeld was insanely successful for a reason.
• Realism: I don’t care whether you’re writing about a real person, or a character you developed. That person, and his or her story, better be realistic and believable. If people can’t relate, they won’t care. Which leads me to my next point . . .
• Conflict: We’re all drama kings and queens at heart. Without conflict in a story, we’re bored! Build the tension of conflict, whether for a novel, article, or short story. In the corporate world, you can do this too. Established a new process? Interview an employee and learn how hard their job was before the new process kicked in.

Considering this is probably the longest blog I’ve ever written, I’ll stop here. But make yourself that chicken nugget in the bag of frozen vegetables—and surprise the world!

Like the advice I offer? Subscribe to my free blog (upper righthand corner) for email notifications on new writing tips, short stories, and media lessons. As a professional writer/editor, journalist, media strategist and communications consultant, I enjoy sharing my expertise to help others grow.

found from sharilopatin.wordpress.com


I just thought that finding a chicken nugget in a bag of veggies was HILARIOUS!

~Blake Dean~

Before All-State

Before I go to All State next Tues. I just wanted to tell you guys that I am going to be blogging during All State.  I'm going to be posting pictures and stories and information.  I am leaving on the 11th and coming back on the 15th I can't guarantee I will be posting every day, in fact I can tell you right now I won't be able to.

~Blake Dean~