Zero Latitude - Which Way Will You Choose?

A friend's daughter recently went on a school trip to Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands. (How come they never had field trips like that when I was in high school?) One of the pictures she took showed her standing on 0.00 latitude. If you stand on one side, everything moves in a clockwise direction (think of water going down a drain), while on the other side it's counter clockwise.

As writers and readers, our lives can go in one of two directions - positive or negative. Think of yourself as standing on 0.00 latitude and choosing which side you'll stand on. We may face many setbacks such as rejection, difficulty finding an agent, getting a contract, bringing our writing to a publishable level, etc. Readers, you face difficulties in your life as well. Perhaps you're pursuing a degree, seeking employment, or dealing with relationship problems. How you address these issues also applies to you.

Our attitude will often determine our outcome. Allowing negative thoughts to fester in our minds will produce fear, hopelessness, and the desire to quit. It's the road to failure. On the other hand, a positive attitude and a commitment to excellence will set us up for success.

How do we remain positive when things look bad?

1.  A thankful heart - It's almost impossible to be negative when you're counting your blessings. Maybe life hasn't worked out the way we'd hoped, but we can be grateful for all the successes.

2.  Did you know the Word of God commands us to rejoice in the Lord? Did you know that God laughs? Did you know that laughter is like medicine?

If we've asked Jesus to forgive our sins and committed our lives to Him, we have joy within us. I'm not talking about happiness, which is an emotion that ebbs and flows depending on our circumstances.

True joy is present in any situation. Are we always aware of it. No. A recent speaker at our church used an example of sweet tea. It's made by using a bunch of teabags and a whole lot of sugar while the water is boiling. Then, ice can be added. Someone who doesn't know how to make it properly would hand you a glass of cold tea and a lot of sugar packets. What happens when you add the sugar? It sinks to the bottom. Only with vigorous stirring can you get the sugar to melt and distribute throughout the glass.

When we allow negative thought patterns, our joy sinks to the bottom of the glass. It takes some stirring to sweeten our "tea." Making our requests known to God and then celebrating the answer before we see it stirs our joy level. Singing, worshiping the Lord, immersing ourselves in Scripture all change our focus from the negative to the positive side of our problem.

This analogy helped me see the way out of the hole I'd dug for myself with negative thoughts. I knew what to do, but I seemed stuck. God answered my prayer, and the teachings and ministry we had last month helped me to step onto the positive side.

Writers and Readers: When desperate times come, how do you maintain your joy?

Photo Credit:  HollyEReid

Anaphora?/Inciting Incident/Research/Devo/Recipe

1.  Do you know what Anaphora is? I didn't either. Check out Margie Lawson's post at Writers in the Storm on this writing device. It was so good that I bookmarked it.

2.  What's so important about the "Inciting Incident?" Zoe M. McCarthy gives us the scoop on how it plunges the character onto his/her journey.

3.  Christian Headlines ran an article on new research that suggests earth was created specially to sustain life.

4.  Quiet Spirit has a devotional on Isaiah 41:10 - one of my favorite verses.

5.  We're galloping toward Thanksgiving. Now, is the time to experiment with some new recipes for the holiday season. Kraft recipes has a video for No-Bake Pumpkin Spice Layered Dessert. The no-bake part makes it hit with me already!

Writers:  What did you think of the article on Anaphora?

Readers:  What are some of your favorite scripture verses for dealing with fear?

Photo Credit:  Ned Horton

On My Nightstand - Who Do I Lean On? by Neta Jackson

If you enjoy series books, I highly recommend Neta Jackson's Yada Yada series and House of Hope series. I completed Who Do I Lean On? about a week ago. It's Book 3 in the House of Hope volumes. I'm now reading Book 4, Who Is My Shelter?

Yada Yada novels center around a group of women who start praying together on a regular basis. The characters cover a broad range of ethnicities and the Chicago setting goes from a penthouse apartment to a homeless shelter. The books were so popular that they spawned Yada Yada Prayer Groups throughout the country.

The House of Hope series has many of the same characters and adds some new ones. The main character, Gabby Fairbanks, lives in luxury but her marriage is strained at best. An encounter with Lucy, a homeless woman, impacts her in ways she couldn't imagine. I'm enjoying her story.

One thing I loved about both these series was the authenticity of the characters. It wouldn't surprise me if I met one of them in person. Gabby with her corkscrew, redheaded curls, Lucy with her shopping cart and knit hat, Jody teaching elementary school by day and a typing class on Saturdays at Manna House, and the rest of the gang all became friends I looked forwarding to catch up with in each book.

I don't want to give away any spoilers, but I think you'll enjoy following the lives of these folks and watching how God works in their lives.

Disclaimer:  Neither the author nor the publisher requested a favorable review or paid me. All opinions are mine as always.

Writers and Readers:  What makes a series special for you? Characters? Setting? Plot? Please share.

Nostalgia - The Older Generations

After writing last week's Monday post, I kept thinking not only about my past, but also about the lives of my older relatives. My mother is in her nineties, and she talks about her childhood on a daily basis.

When my grandfather was alive, I tried to interview him. The whole idea didn't sit well, so I tried to listen for those important references. Another way to handle this curiosity is to view old pictures or ask what it was like in the old days.

First-hand accounts have an advantage over reading. There are opportunities to comment, ask questions, and empathize with your older relative. For me, an added benefit was the connection to my roots.

The stories we grew up with spurred several cousins to research the family tree. One found detailed information on the ship my grandfather arrived on from Europe. The pictures and text made Grandpa's stories come alive.

As a writer, I'm thrilled to have expert witnesses of another time in history. Those who lived through the early twentieth century, the Great Depression, and World War II can offer insights in a unique and personal way.

All of these tales fill me with gratitude for God's hand on my family. To see how my ancestors arrived in this country, met their spouses, had children, met the Lord as their Savior, and how it eventually produced yours truly fascinates me.

Writers:  Have you thought of your older relatives as experts on a particular time in history? Please share how their stories affect your writing.

Readers:  How does reading about the past combined with the experiences of family members connect the dots for you? Does reading a World War II fiction or non-fiction book help you understand what they went through during that time?

Photo Credit:  John Evans

Opening Lines/Marketing Secrets/Movies/Celebration/Thrifting

1.  Do you want to hook your reader? Zoe M. McCarthy instructs us to look for the mystery in the opening line of our books.

2.  Wow! Edie Melson delivers some great book marketing secrets. Check them out here.

3.  Did you see The Passion of the Christ? Christian Headlines reports Mel Gibson's next project may be a sequel, covering the resurrection.

4.  Dena Netherton celebrates an answer to a 40-year prayer.

                                                                                                     

5.  For all the collectors out there, A La Carte shares her Friday Finds. So much fun to see what she found thrifting!

Writers:  What was your favorite book marketing secret?

Readers:  Are you a movie buff? What did you think of Mel Gibson's plan to do a movie on the resurrection?

Photo Credit:  Debbie Schiel

On My Nightstand - The Cat Lady's Secret by Linda W. Yezak

Emily Taylor returns to her hometown, but does her best to avoid old friends. She has a soft spot in her heart for those who face dire situations. Her friend, Millie, captures feral cats, and people pour out their hearts to her. Emily then helps them anonymously through her lawyer friend.

The handsome veterinarian, Scott, takes care of the kitties Millie finds. Scott keeps asking Emily for a date, but she refuses. He's frustrated at her rejections, but perseveres. Will he still pursue her when her secrets are exposed?

It took me a little while to get into this book, but I'm glad I stuck with it. When the author threw in suspense, it made me perk up. All in all it was a fun read and touched on some important spiritual truths.

I'm giving this story four stars.

Disclaimer: I received this book in a blog giveaway. Neither the author nor the publisher paid me for or requested a favorable review. All opinions, as always, are mine and mine alone.

Nostalgia - The Newbie Corner

Facebook jogs my memory about products, foods, entertainment, and practices common when I was growing up. The emotions these things evoke startle me when I consider people born two or three decades after me have little or no idea what it was like during that time.

As a writer, I can use these experiences to enhance my stories. When something traumatic occurs in the present - a new event for younger individuals - I can reach down and recall the first time life tried to throw a knock-out punch at me.

Another interesting use of nostalgia or bad situations is to write about that time period. Somehow, it's daunting to think of yourself as living during a historical period. While I'm not prepared to do this now, I've begun gathering material:

1.  Pinning fashions from the 1950's and 1960's.

2.  Decor from that period.

3.  Jotting down bits and pieces from my own life.

4.  Remembering historical events from the era.

5.  Thinking about society during those times and the turbulent era of the 1960's.

Even if you don't write a full-scale novel or non-fiction article about your life and times, this information could come in handy when referencing older characters or for comparison purposes.

Just think, the first smartphone will one day be remembered the way we recall party lines and telephone booths now.

Writers:  Do you keep a file with historical references or life happenings? Please share.

Readers:  Would you enjoy novels/articles with events or products that create nostalgia about your past? Please share.

Photo Credit:  W. Szabo Peter

Quick Lesson/Platform/Christian Athletes/Fun Story/Tackling Tasks

1.         Jerry B. Jenkins gives a quick lesson on the writing process. He goes through a series of questions to help sharpen his prose. Good stuff.

2.         Chad R. Allen shares strategies on how to build your platform and write your book.

3.         Christian Headlines reports on World Series veteran giving his testimony to fans after a game. Years ago, I remember being impressed with Christian baseball players. It's good for people of all ages to have role models.

4.         Lynn Simpson tells about an adventure that occurred while she was on her blog break. Hilarious!

5.         We all have days when the workload makes us want to hide under the covers. Carol, At Everything Home With Carol, shares her secret of tackling all those tasks.

Writers and Readers:  What link was your favorite this week?


Photo Credit:  mooncross

On My Nightstand - Murder Comes by Mail by A. H. Gabhart

This is the second book in the Hidden Springs Mystery series. I didn't read the first one, but it didn't detract from the story.

Michael Keane saves the life of a would-be jumper and becomes an instant hero. Yet, the man's words haunt him. When pictures of dead women start arriving, he's convinced he saved the life of a serial killer. He's obsessed with trying to protect the women he knows from becoming the next victim.

Ann Gabhart does a great job with this cozy mystery. For those of you unfamiliar with the genre, the murders occur offstage and the focus is on the whodunit part. I liked the way she got into the minds and hearts of the characters. I did figure out the solution. If you're a mystery buff, I'd be surprised if you failed to pick up on the clues.

The setting is reminiscent of Mayberry and Andy Griffith which I loved. Maybe that's one of the reasons this book drew me in and kept me involved. Some of the characters' quirks and the easy interaction between them and Michael reminded me of Andy and the gang. Yet, Hidden Springs has its distinct brand that sets it apart from the long history to its modern-day problems.

I'm giving this book Five Stars. I'll be looking for the first book, as well as the next one in the series.

Disclaimer: I won this book in a blog giveaway. Neither the author nor the publisher requested or paid me for a favorable review. All opinions are mine.

Writers:  Have you thought about writing a cozy mystery? Please share.

Readers:  Are you a fan of the cozy mystery genre? Please share.

Learning Styles

When I started Occupational Therapy for my hand/wrist several months ago, one of the questions asked during the intake session was, "What is your learning style?" Several examples were given and I chose, "demonstration."

My therapist showed me pictures of the exercises needed to restore my function and demonstrated them. She used terms like, "Bend your fingers at the second knuckle, not the first one."  "How do you hold a key? Now, press your thumb into the therapy clay to simulate that movement." Her instructions, descriptions, and demonstrations helped me understand and perform the exercises.

I thought about my learning style for writing. Cramming long blocks of text into my head didn't cut it for me. A lot of words confuse me. Visuals help, but are not sufficient for me to "get it." Examples and descriptions put pictures to the words.

So, what works? My editor, Deirdre Lockhart, of Brilliant Cut Editing, figured it out. Here are a few examples of her instructions:

1. Excerpt: He doubted either of these women ever heard of disco music or bell-bottom pants. Editor's comment: " Adorable line, but...if he is 46, in 2016, then he was born in 1970. His prime "dating" years would have been late 80s-90s. Definitely no bell-bottoms, scarcely any disco. He only remembers those as something snickered at in old shows - unless you are referring to the 70s resurgence of the early 2000s."

Revision: "He doubted either of these women ever heard of "Walk Like an Egyptian" or velour shirts." Editor's comment in next edit: "Great and perfectly timed revision, Susan."

2.  Excerpt:  "They rode in silence, but the tension remained." Editor's comment: "How does he feel this? What does he see to show him Dan feels it too? Show."

Revision:  "They rode in silence, but Dan's mouth slashed across his face in a straight line. Maybe he could give it one more shot."

3.  Excerpt: "Lindsey seemed to relax." Editor's comment: "How can he tell? A soft smile? Little color returning to her pallid checks? What? Show. Share!"

Revision:  "Lindsey shrugged, and she resumed jogging."

My editor used examples and descriptive language to communicate the changes she wanted. This worked well for me.

Disclaimer:  I did not receive any payment for this endorsement. I've used this service and highly recommend it.

Writers and Readers: What's your learning style? Written instructions? Demonstration? Pictures? Other? Please share.

Photo Credit:  Holger Selover-Stephan

Treading Water/Time Management/Revival/Recipe/Shopping

 

1.         Heather Webb's article, at Writer Unboxed, spoke to my current situation. I'm between publishing contracts, spent the summer nursing a broken wrist, and editing my latest novel. Are you in a season where you feel like you're treading water? Check out this post.

 

2.         Writing, holding a full-time job, caregiving, and ministry responsibilities are my life. When I saw Sandra Ardoin interviewed author Amy Clipston on the subject, I jumped over there to see if I could get some tips.

 

3.         There's revival in Iran despite persecution. While believers cannot meet together, the internet has provided a way for them to connect. Check out the story here.

 

4.         There's a chill in the air, and our thoughts turn to pumpkin recipes. I found these low-fat pumpkin/cranberry muffins that take only 35 minutes to make.

 

5.         When the seasons change, the need to pick up some new clothes can  be tough on the budget. Check out these tips on shopping clearance sales from Money Crashers.

 

Writers:  Are you making progress in your writing or do you feel like you're treading water? Please share.

 

Readers:  Do you shop clearance sales? If you have any tips, please share.

Photo Credit:  Micah Burke

On My Nightstand - Anchor In The Storm by Sarah Sundin

Lillian Avery keeps everyone at arm's length. Whenever people saw she was crippled, they rejected her, so she's learned to protect her heart. She's determined to reach her career goals and manages to land a job as a pharmacist with Dixon's drugstore. When Arch stars flirting, she brushes away his attention like an annoying mosquito.

Arch Vandenburg, a Naval Officer and her brother's best friend, visits the Avery family while on leave. He desperately wants someone to love him for who he is and not his money.

If there were Olympic medals for writers, Sarah Sundin would snag a gold for this book. I loved the addition of mystery and suspense to the romance. The characters grabbed my heart from the first page, and I read the book in record time. There was a strong spiritual thread, and the book was a clean read.

I can't wait for the next one in the series. 5 Stars!

Disclaimer: I did not get paid for this review, and all opinions are mine alone.

Writers: There are a gazillion romances out there. If you write this genre, how do you give your stories that added zip?

Readers: What type of romances do you enjoy? Historical? Contemporary? Romantic Suspense? Other? Please share.

Guest Post - A New Take on "Write What you Know" - Jennifer Brown Banks

Let's give a big welcome to Jennifer Brown Banks, of Pen and Prosper. I hope you enjoy her informative guest post. 

“Write what you know” is one of the cardinal rules of writing.

In fact, it’s been passed down for generations; much like family heirlooms.

This school of thought contends that writing what we know increases our efficiency, our acceptance rate, and ultimately our bottom line as writers.

But, for greater success, I encourage you to put a new spin on this old advice.

In addition to penning pieces based upon your areas of expertise, examine these other applications.

You should be able to demonstrate that you are “in the know” in the following categories for optimal results and greater longevity as a blogger or author.

  

KNOW YOUR AUDIENCE

Many times it’s quite evident to me as an avid blog reader, that not all bloggers have a real awareness of who comprises their audience. How is this able to be detected?  A lack of focus; inconsistent themes; no real solutions to the creative problems for which I visit their sites; and rants that I can’t relate to.  Don’t let this be you. In order to offer readers value for their time, you need to be clear about who they are, their pain points, their interests and how you can best serve them. “Knowledge is power.”

KNOW YOUR COMPETITION

Don’t be fooled. Just because folks are friendly in the blogging community, does not mean they should not be viewed as your “competition” as well. Honestly speaking, we’re all “competing” for the limited amount of time and attention that busy readers have today. Which doesn’t mean we can’t be supportive of one another, or build important bonds. Perish the thought. We can and we should. Still, you need to know what the other bloggers in your niche area have to offer, what their “draw” is, and how you can use that information to level the playing field and increase your odds of staying in the game.

KNOW YOUR STRENGTHS

What are you good at? Do you know? Can you deliver on it? Self-awareness is crucial to your success as a blogger and writer. Want to know why?  It helps you to be more strategic, focused, and properly positioned. For instance, my strengths as a blogger are my passion for writing, my diverse background, my authenticity, and my desire to help others to “know more and grow more.”

Everybody is different. To identify your strengths, take personal inventory. Look at the things you enjoy; the things that come easily to you; or perhaps positions you’ve held in your professional career.

KNOW YOUR GOALS

Why do you blog? What’s your end game? Are you seeking to raise awareness of an important cause?  Showcase your stories?  Beat boredom? Entertain? Educate? Find an agent? Build a customer base to sell products? 

As you can see, the possibilities are endless. Your goals, however, serve like a G.P.S. system to help navigate your direction, cause fewer detours, and save wasted time for you and your readers.

In conclusion…

If you want to appear wise in your readers’ eyes, don’t just “write what you know;” follow these tips and write from a more informed perspective that indicates you know who they are and care about what they seek.

  

BIO:

JENNIFER BROWN BANKS is a veteran freelance writer, award-winning blogger and instructor at Coffeehouseforwriters.com.

Her Blog Penandprosper.blogspot.com was selected a “Top 100 Writing Blog” in 2016.

Thanks for sharing with us, Jennifer!

Writers and Readers:  What are your writing goals?