It's That Time Again!

Sweetie Mom needs some extra help for the next month, so a blog break is in order. (She's okay but has a lot going on.) 

I'll return to my regular posting schedule on Monday, March 19, 2018. Have a great month!

Photo Credit:  Svilen Milev

Writer/Wow on the Page/Steelers' Shazier/Devo/Dairy Substitutions

1.  Gina Conroy asks, "How Can You Tell If You're a Writer?" This journey takes time, patience, and commitment. If you're struggling with doubt, this article may help you get past it.

2.  Margie Lawson guest posts at Writers in the Storm on, "Putting Wow on the Page." She gives great examples and shows why and how they work.

3.  Breaking Christian News reports on the comeback of Pittsburgh Steelers' Ryan Shazier. He credits God with his recovery, but the media has censored his testimony.

4.  Beth K. Vogt, at The Write Conversation, talks about See The Small Joys. Don't miss this uplifting post.

5.  So many people deal with sensitivity to dairy products (including me). I recently found this Dairy Substitution Guide on Pinterest. Even if you're not lactose intolerant, most likely you know someone who is.

Writers:  Do you ever struggle with writer's doubt? Please share how you deal with it.

Readers:  I was surprised that so many people are lactose intolerant. Where do you go for information on recipes that deal with a variety of food allergies? Please share.

Photo Credit:  David Siqueira

You CAN Enjoy Valentine's Day

With Valentine's Day approaching, people are focused on romance. Yet, while this captures the hearts, it's one small aspect of love.

What is love?

Our language doesn't differentiate between the various aspects of this word. Everything is lumped into a single descriptive word, "love."

In Scripture, the original Greek has several words:

Eros - to describe physical love.

Phileo - the friendship type of love.

Agape - the God kind of love. This love isn't based on the performance of the other party. It's unconditional. It's the love that brought Jesus to this earth as the second Adam.

Unlike the original man, Jesus lived a perfect, sinless life, free from the curse. He then took all of humanity's sin and paid the ultimate price on the cross.

Imagine how unsatisfying a love story would be if it ended at that point. While the cross left all the disciples' hopes and dreams shattered, the resurrection changed everything. The lover of their soul was alive and gave them new vision for the future.

Even if you don't have a special someone in your life, you can celebrate the love Jesus has for you. My sweetheart went to heaven 10 years ago, but Jesus is with me every moment. If you don't know Him, please email or message me. I'll be happy to share how you can have this special relationship.

Happy Valentine's Day!

Writers and Readers:  What are your thoughts on Valentine's Day?

Photo Credit:  Michal Koralewski

Teen Writers/Awkward Sentences/Babies/Devo/Bargains

1.  Do you know a teen interested in writing? Go Teen Writers talk about how to make your setting come alive. (For that matter, all fiction writers would benefit from this article.)

2.  Zoe M. McCarthy helps the writer spot awkward sentences during the self-editing process.

3.  Breaking Christian News shares photos of pre-born babies.

4.  Adelee Russell shares some insights she received during a frosty ride home.

5.  I think by now all of you know I'm a big bargain hunter. I came across this article on Hip2Save about Kohl's shopping hacks. I thought I'd pass it on to you.

Writers:  What is your most challenging aspect of writing?

Readers:  Are you a bargain hunter? Please share some of your tips with us.

Photo Credit:  Mario Alberto Magallanes Trejo

On My Kindle - The Lost Heiress by Roseanna White

Raised as the illegitimate daughter of a prince in Monaco, Brooke longs to solve the mystery of her true origins. Her childhood friend, Justin, helps her and his discovery changes her life forever.

Justin, the son of a Duke, has his own family troubles. Loss of those he loves haunts his every waking moment. His feelings are changing for Brooke, but will she ever see him as more than a dear friend?

Wow! Roseanna White hit the ball out of the park with this story. The setting, characters, and tension made The Lost Heiress one of this year's most memorable reading experiences. I'll be picking up the other two books in this series. 5 Stars - go grab this book, your favorite beverage, and prepare for a delightful tale.

Disclaimer: Neither the author nor the publisher paid me for this review. As always, all opinions are mine and mine alone.

Writers and Readers:  Do you like books set in other countries? (This one was set in Monaco and England.) Please share.

Pantsing/2018 Challenge/Pro-Life Victory/Devo/Cold Weather Safet

1.  A gazillion books on plotting a novel exist, but try finding one on pantsing. When I came across this article via Melanie Hemry on Facebook (thanks, Melanie!), I knew I had to share it with all of you. Deb Hackett almost short-circuited her dream of writing a novel by trying to squeeze into the plotting corset. (Yeah, that's how I feel about plotting.) Check out her story on the Write Well, Sell Well website.

2.  Gina Maselli, at Write Well, Sell Well, offers 13 Ways to Challenge Yourself as a Writer in 2018.

3.  WND reports on a Baltimore judge telling government officials they cannot demand that Christians promote abortion.

4.  Tim Suddeth's post at The Write Conversation spoke to my heart. He wrote on Standing Strong During Writing Adversity, but it can apply to any situation. We all have projects that we can't seem to get off the ground. I'm sure it's one reason New Year's Resolutions fade into oblivion. Could it be the fear of change that is hampering our good intentions?

5.  Super cold weather can cause serious injuries. WPRI Eyewitness News ran an article on their website on how to stay safe during these conditions. When the temperature dips into the single digits and below, I've thrown out all attempts at looking fashionable. So what if I have hat hair all day? It's more important to prevent frostbite and hypothermia.

Writers:  Plotter or Pantser? Are you trying to force yourself into a method that doesn't work for you? Please share.

Readers:  Have you considered that fear of change might be hampering your efforts to accomplish some of your goals? Please share.

Photo Credit:  Susan J. Reinhardt