Writing Dialogue/Real-Lie Intrusion/Infanticide/Prayer/Cupcakes

1.  Kathleen Neely posts at The Write Conversation on the Do's and Don'ts for Writing Dialogue. Newbies and seasoned writers alike can benefit from this post.

2.  Julia David urges, "Writers Beware. Your Real Life May Intrude on Your Creativity." See her post at Seriously Write.

3.  Virginia's governor made some outrageous comments in an interview regarding infanticide. It's no surprise he got his talking points from Planned Parenthood. Check out this article.

4.  Lori Hatcher shares a Writer's Prayer at The Write Conversation. Readers can relate by simply substituting whatever gifts God has given them.

5.  Christmas is right around the corner. Check out these cute cupcakes at Preppy Kitchen.

Writers:  What kind of difficulties do you experience when writing dialogue?

Readers:  What would you substitute for writing in The Writer's Prayer?

Photo Credit: Benjamin Earwicker

Book Publishing Trends/Speaking/Illegal Seizure/Devo/Thanksgiving Decor

1.  Know how the book publishing market is trending can provide helpful information to authors (both fiction and non-fiction). Jane Friedman gives an extensive report.

2.  Cathy Fyock posts at The Write Conversation about how to generate more speaking engagements.

3.  WND reports on a major U.S. city facing claims from 35,000 people as a result of confiscating cars, land, and homes without reason.

4.  Rhonda Rhea's humorous devotionals always make me laugh. She recently posted at The Write Conversation, "Persona Non Au  Gratin." What does cheese have to do with it? Hop over there and see.

5.  CountryLiving's website has some cute ideas for Thanksgiving decorations.

Writers:  Do you have a speaking platform? If so, what are some of the ways you get additional gigs?

Readers:  Have your reading tastes changed over the past couple of years? What new genres have you explored?

Photo Credit:  Gabriella Fabbri

Hugs/Write Boldly/Homeless/Legacy/Turkey Recipes

1.  Respected writing teacher, Margie Lawson, posts at Writers in the Storm about, "Fresh Writing Sells: Make Hugs Carry Power." A simple hug can turn into a powerful statement that grabs the reader. Please note this isn't a Christian website, but there are only minor things that might make you wince.

2.  Heather Webb posts at Writer Unboxed on, "Writing Boldly, Without Fear." Are you afraid to give your character flaws?

3.  WND reports on Kentucky's law that makes it illegal for a ministry to help the homeless.

4. Harry McLaughlin posted on The Write Conversation about what kind of legacy are we leaving. He's not only speaking to writers but everyone.

5.  Do you have a pressure cooker? With Thanksgiving approaching, I thought you might be interested in some turkey recipes. I found some on Pinterest and decided to share the website, Berry and Maple, with you.

Writers: Which writing link interested you the most?

Readers:  Do you ever check out the writing links? What information did you find surprising?

Photo Credit:  A Syed

On My Kindle - Mayflower Bride by Kimberley Woodhouse

Mary Elizabeth Chapman's world is turned upside down when her father announces they are going to the New World with their congregation. Things are not easy for the Separatists in Holland, but it's home.

William Lytton is urged by his mentor to travel to the New World where his carpentry skills will be a valuable asset and his past will be unknown. He's been taught well and has an excellent reputation, but he wants nothing to do with God.

When the two young people meet on board the Mayflower, sparks fly. Yet Mary  Elizabeth feels guilty because he's not part of their congregation. Her father would never agree to a match with those they call, "Strangers."

Will they ever have a chance at love? For that matter, will they survive the journey to the New World and the troubles that await them?

Kimberley Woodhouse is a new-to-me author. I thoroughly enjoyed the mix of history and fiction. It made me grateful for those hardy souls, who braved unspeakable hardship to settle this country. She also shared her research and how she went about writing this book. It was a fascinating behind-the-scenes story.

I'll be looking for more of her stories. 5 stars for the Mayflower Bride.

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

Writers and Readers:  Do you find historical fiction educational? Who are some of your favorite authors?

No Unsolicited Manuscripts/Writing Time/Student Forced/Inspiration/Panic Attacks

1.  If newbie writers don't know how publishing works, they soon find out. Checking publishers' websites, they'll see, "no unsolicited manuscripts." Cindy Sproles, at The Write Conversation, takes on this subject and gives suggestions on how to break through this barrier.

2.  We hear so much about time management and how we can carve out enough to write. Lynn Blackburn, at The Write Conversation, urges us not to despise the writing time you do have. This article hit close to home for me. I'd be interested in what you think.

3.  Breaking Christian News reports on the possibility the Supreme Court may take on the case of a Christian student being forced to recite an Islamic conversion prayer.

4.  Do you ever wonder if your writing impacts others? Lucinda Seacrest McDowell shares how God showed her He wanted her to continue writing. Check out her post at The Write Conversation.

5.  Usually I reserve this spot for fun stuff. However, this week I'd like to share a post by Dr. Caroline Leaf on dealing with panic attacks. Dr. Leaf is a Christian and an expert on the human brain. Her posts are informative and practical.

Writers:  What kinds of discouraging thoughts plague your mind about your writing, and how do you deal with them?

Readers:  What book (other than the Bible) spoke to your heart about a personal situation? Please share.

Photo Credit:  R L

On My Kindle - The Fiddler by Beverly Lewis

Amelia, a successful concert violinist, has a secret passion. As Amy Lee, she enters contests and plays the fiddle at major venues. It's her way of breaking free from the control of her father and agent. She's tired of the constant traveling and a romance that has grown stale.

Michael, a young Amishman, still sits on the fence whether or not to join the church or walk away from that life. He still honors God, but the restrictions of his community leave him frustrated and unhappy.

On her way home from a fiddling gig, Amelia/Amy gets lost in a raging storm. She happens upon a cabin in Amish country and meets the kind Amishman. There's no way their worlds can intersect unless...

It's been years since I read a Beverly Lewis Amish novel. After sampling a number of other authors in this genre, I moved on to explore other books. Out of all the Amish authors, Ms. Lewis has been my favorite.

"The Fiddler," was a happy choice. The storytelling, characters, and setting captured my imagination, and I spent many hours enjoying Hickory Hollow. I might even pick up the next book in the series. It was a pleasant change of pace for me.

Five Stars!

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

Writers and Readers:  Have you every grown tired of the genre you prefer and moved on to other types of books? Would you consider going back and sampling the latest offerings in that favorite genre?

Emotions/A Hiding Plot/Christians Banned/Devo/Geraniums

1.  Lisa Hall-Wilson, at Writers in the Storm, talks about writing emotions in deep point of view. Don't let that frighten you. She's an excellent teacher, and I've learned a lot reading her articles. :)

2.  Janice Hardy, at Writing in the Storm, posts on, "Getting Lost When Your Plot Hides Behind the Details." Sometimes we have an idea for a story, and it isn't working. She gives a great example and then dissects it.

3.  When a Christian band was excluded from a concert on public property, they asked the ACLJ for help. The lawyers met with the organizers and pointed out that the Supreme Court has repeatedly upheld the free speech rights of individuals. Check out this informative article on WND.

4.  Peggy Sue Wells posts, at The Write Conversation, about Cec Murphy and how his experience on the mission field impacted his writing.

5.  Geraniums add so much beauty to a garden.  Instead of buying new plants every year, why not try overwintering them?  I found these instructions at Nikki Lynn Design.

Writers and Readers: Which link resonated with you this week? Please share.

Photo Credit:  Kym McLeod