Writing How-To/Reader Take-Away/Avoiding Compromise/Devo/Recipe

1. I don't often find quality blog posts for the non-fiction writer, but this one caught my attention. If you're interested in writing How-To books, Betsy Graziani Fasbinder, at Jane Friedman's blog, gives 5 Steps to Writing Better How-To.

2. When I was writing non-fiction, a key principle involved giving the reader a take-away. Katy Kauffman posts at The Write Conversation and gives tips on how of  accomplish this.

3. Pamela Christian wrote a blog post called, "Reformation Without Compromise." We've all seen the slugfests on Facebook and other social media. Pamela points to the Word and shows us the alternative way to express our viewpoints. This was well worth the read.

4. Emme Gannon, at The Write Conversation, talks about, "The Radiance of the Humble Writer." While directed toward writers, the principles can apply to anyone.

5.  It's fall, and everything is about pumpkin: pumpkin pie, pumpkin bread, and even (gasp!)) pumpkin cereal. Don't get me wrong, I'm not opposed to the deluge of pumpkin recipes. In fact, I found an easy one for pumpkin bread that I'm going to try. Check out the details on Food Network.

Writers:  Take-aways are important in non-fiction. What was your favorite tip from items 1 and 2?

Readers:  What's your favorite pumpkin recipe? If you have a link, feel free to include it in your comment.

Photo Credit:  Jacqueline Schacht

POV/Writer's Block/Unborn Babies/Failure Isn't Forever/Recipe

1.  Point of View presents some sticky problems for writers. As we advance, we can still get caught with challenges in this area. Lisa Hall Wilson writes about 4 Point of View Breaks that Sneak In Even When You Know Better.

2.  Jane Anne Staw guest posts at Jane Friedman's blog on the subject of defeating writer's block. I've been struggling with my Work in Progress. I picked up several important tips from this article.

3.  Christian Headlines reports that Indiana's governor has signed a bill stating that unborn babies are persons. A criminal can now be charged with murder if a pregnant woman is attacked and she loses her unborn child.

4.  Andy Lee guest posts at The Write Conversation on "Failure is Not Forever." Whether or not you're a writer, this post applies to all of us.

5.  Melissa Lester shares a simple French Country Salad on her blog. It looks like a refreshing dish for a spring/summer lunch.

Writers:  Do you ever suffer from writer's block? How do you overcome it?

Readers:  Which link was your favor this week and why?

Photo Credit:  John Olsson

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

On My Nightstand - A Lasting Impression by Tamera Alexander

Claire Elise Laurent wants to escape the family business, but she doesn't know if a new life is even possible. When her father dies in an art robbery, she's sent packing to Nashville. Her late mother's warning to be careful who she loves serves her well.

Willister Sutton Monroe, a southern gentleman and lawyer, carries a boatload of guilt over his father's death. The victorious Federals move to take away his land and his hopes for the future. His position managing the affairs of Mrs. Adelicia Acklen keep body and soul together for the moment.

Tamera Alexander once again gives us an amazing story. She has a soft spot for Frenchwomen, and she's created a vulnerable streak in Claire that endeared her to me.

The author has the whole package: storyline, characters, tension, history, and a cover that makes you want to dive into the book. From what I've read, there will be more written on the doings at the Belmont Mansion. I can't wait for the next story.

Writers: When reading historicals, do you pick up tips for your own writing? Please elaborate.

Readers: Have you read any of Tamera's books? Which ones?