Friday, May 31, 2019

Changing English/Memoir/Conception/Devo/Miniatures


Drops Of Rain


1.  Tim Suddeth talks about how English is always changing and writers must keep up. While he's talking about current/future changes, I wince when I see modern verbiage used in historical novels. Check out his article at The Write Conversation.

2. Some of you write memoirs. Margaret McMullan posts at Jane Friedman's blog about her experience getting her book published. It's in a pleasing Q&A format.

3. Check out this video at Faithwire. There's a stunning flash of light at the moment of conception - awe-inspiring!

4.  Michael  K. Reynolds talks about the Healing Power of Rain. Are you feeling dry spiritually, check out his devotion.

5.  One of my friends loves miniatures and dollhouses. I had a simple one as a child and have always been attracted to the detail involved. Although I don't get involved in creating these wonders, I appreciate viewing the efforts of others. Recently, I discovered a blog called, "My Miniature World." I hope you enjoy this post and explore the rest of the site.

Writers:  Can you name some words that have changed meaning? Please share.

Readers:  What hobbies capture your interest even if you don't actively participate in them?

Photo Credit:  Jan Mocnak




Monday, May 27, 2019

On My Kindle - The Wedding Chapel by Rachel Hauck

The Wedding Chapel

Taylor Branson and Jack Forester eloped after a whirlwind courtship. Neither reckoned with how their past hurts would affect their marriage. Would they find their way back to each other or was this union doomed?

The story switches back and forth between the late 1940's-early 1950's to modern times. Jimmy and Colette declared their love for each other and planned to get married. When Uncle Sam called Jimmy and sent him to Korea, their relationship fell apart. Could love survive decades of secrets and misunderstandings or was it too late to recapture what they once enjoyed?

I've been fascinated with Rachel's character-driven stories, and this one was no exception. She digs deep into their feelings and motivations. Themes of repentance and forgiveness are woven throughout like a silk thread.

Five stars for this romantic offering that reaches into the heart and pulls you in.

Disclaimer: Neither the author nor the publisher paid me for a favorable review. All opinions expressed are mine and mine alone.

Writers:  What type of stories do you craft? Plot driven and/or character driven?

Readers: Do you enjoy books that go beyond surface relationships? Please share.


Friday, May 24, 2019

Writing Tight/POV/Conscience/Devo/Succulents

Writing


1.  Audrey Frank posts at The Write Conversation about the Spiritual Practice of Writing Tight. I highly recommend all writers with newbie or published authors to read this. We can all benefit.

2. Zoe M. McCarthy deals with that sticky Point-of-View issue. How do you stay in a character's point of view? She gives valuable tips in a clear, concise manner.

3.  Breaking Christian News reports on the President's announcement of new "Conscience Protections" for Healthcare Providers.

4.  Michael K. Reynolds encourages us to "Breathe." Are you living at the speed of sound?

5.  I'm really into succulents these days. Their shapes, colors, and easy care are a big draw for me. Hip2BeHome shares some tips on how to make these delightful plants thrive.

Writers:  What do you find confusing about Point of View?

Readers:  How do you keep up with Christian News? Can you recommend a particular site? Please share.

Photo Credit:  BSK

Monday, May 20, 2019

On My Nightstand - A Song Unheard by Roseanna M. White

A Song Unheard (Shadows Over England Book #2) by [White, Roseanna M.]

Willa Forsythe loves music and playing the violin. She's also an accomplished thief. When she's given an assignment to locate a key to unlock coded messages, she's ready for the challenge. Others are also looking for the mysterious key and danger stalks her every move.

Lukas De Wilde is a world renowned violinist. Wounded from his narrow escape from German-dominated Brussels, he's frantic to get news of his family. When he meets Willa, she captivates him with her quick mind and phenomenal talent.

Even while drawn to each other, Willa knows they're on a collision course that will doom the relationship. She must steel herself against getting too close or her family could be destroyed.

I can't believe I let this book sit on my To-Be-Read pile for so long, especially after reading the first book in the series (Shadows Over England). Wow! With my limited reading time, I couldn't wait to get back to this story.

Roseanna M. White knows how to create many-layered characters. The conflict and emotion leaps off the page, leaving one breathless for more. There's no way to guess how things will turn out for these two people.

If you haven't already figured it out, I'm giving this book 5 massive stars. This author is fast becoming one of my favorites.

Disclaimer: I purchased this book on Amazon. Neither the author nor the publisher paid me for a favorable review. As always, all opinions are mine  and mine alone.

Writers and Readers:  Who are some of your favorite Christian Fiction authors? Why?


Friday, May 17, 2019

Purpose/Refuel/Chik-Fil-A/Devo/Pinterest Tip

gasoline nozzle


1.  Newbie alert! Zoe M. McCarthy teaches on characters saying and doing only things that have purpose. Her examples are stellar. Don't miss this learning/refresher opportunity.

2.  Kathleen Rouser posts at Seriously Write about taking time to refuel. One of the things I did when beginning this journey was to give up most of my hobbies. I dabbled at a few here and there, but I devoted all my energies to writing. I soon found myself drained. Check out this post and give yourself the opportunity to refuel.

3.  Breaking Christian News reports that Montana's Attorney General invited Chik-Fil-A to open more restaurants in his state. Other states have openly tried to ban the fast-food giant because of their Biblical values. (I've noticed that many stores do not carry gift cards for this restaurant. The culture wars are real, people!)

4.  Rhonda Rhea, at The Write Conversation, gives a humorous analogy on grace.

5.  I'm always looking for ways to make both cooking and cleaning easier. I found this cleaning hack for the bathtub on Pinterest (of course). One Good Thing shows how Dawn Dish Detergent and a clean broom (a cheapie one from the Dollar Store) can be a game changer for those with aching knees and backs.

P.S. I tried this method with mixed results. Maybe I didn't let the Dawn Dish Detergent sit long enough, but I wasn't overly impressed with how well it cleaned my circa 1950's bathtub. I'll read the article again and give it another go. Let me know how it works for you.

Writers:  What is the most challenging aspect of dialogue for you? Please share.

Readers:  What is your favorite part of reading? The researched items? The dialogue? The storyline? Some other part? Please share your thoughts.

Photo Credit:  Michael Lorenzo

Friday, May 10, 2019

P.R.A.Y./Productive Writer/Persecution in China/Devo/Flowers

allium christophii plants


1.  Being stuck for words is a real bummer. I'm a writer. So how do I get past this? Tammy Karasek posts on this subject at, "The Write Conversation," using the acronym, P.R.A.Y.

2.  Julianna Baggott, at Writer Unboxed talks about three clues to be a productive writer.

3.  Christian Headlines reports on a Chinese official's statement that the government is determined to wipe out Christianity in that nation. As believers, let's remember to pray for our brothers and sisters facing persecution and death.

4.  Edie Melson, at The Write Conversation, talks about learning the difference between her will and God's will.

5.  Last year, I couldn't do any gardening due to a shoulder injury. Now that it's healed and spring is here, I'm ready to plant FLOWERS! I'm thinking of trying some new varieties. Look at these gorgeous alliums on Plant Care Today. They're even my favorite color.

Writers:  What is your secret to being a productive writer?

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

Photo Credit:  Michael & Christa Richert


Friday, May 3, 2019

Writing Zone/Resolutions?/Pro-Life/Devo/Upcycling


write a note


1.  How do you start the writing journey? I've heard this question multiple times. Edie Melson, at The Write Conversation, asks, "Have You Entered the Writing Zone?" Newbies, you'll find this helpful, and it's a good reminder to those of us who are further along in our journey.

2.  Did you make New Year's resolutions about your writing? How's that going? If you're stuck, Positive Writer gives 7 Writer Hacks.

3.  Faithwire reported in January on Ben Shapiro's address at the March for Life in Washington, D.C. Science shows that life begins at conception. All the arguments for abortion are based on when life matters.

4.  Rhonda Rhea posts at The Write Conversation about Cut and Dry. There are some things you don't want to DIY!

5.  Everyone's into recycling these days. Here are some cool ideas for upcycling milk jugs. The last one caught my attention. I'm always searching for something to use as a saucer under my plants.

Writers:  Did you make any writing resolutions at the beginning of the year? How are you doing?

Readers:  Do you have any upcycling ideas? Please share.

Photo Credit:  Odan Jaeger