Writing Zone/7 Writer Hacks/March for Life/Powerful Words/Spring

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.  The old saying, "Sticks and stones will break my bones, but names will never harm me," is totally false. Edie Melson, from The Write Conversation urges us to remember the power behind our words. Whether we're writers or not, what we say can have either a positive or negative effect on others.

5.  I'm giddy that spring is here. To get a taste of the season's floral delights, I hopped over to Better Homes and Gardens and checked out their spring flower slide show. I hope it has the same effect on you as it did on me!

Writers:  How are your writing goals progressing? Please share.

Readers:  Have any of the books you've read (other than the Bible) had a profound effect on your life? Please share.

Photo Credit:  Chris Burke

Saying Less/Motivation/Archaeology/Devo/Flowers

1.  Jane Friedman posted at Publishers Weekly on, "How to Network Better by Saying Less." With conference season in full swing, her timely advice can help us all when we meet editors and agents.

2.  Glenn Haggerty posts at Seriously Write about motivation. Having been on the proverbial hamster wheel the first six months of 2018, I needed the reminders he provided - like filing the to-do list for the day.

3. It makes my heart glad when I read about archaeological discoveries that validate the Bible. Not long ago, U.S. Christians unearthed the seals of King Hezekiah and the prophet, Isaiah. Check out this report by Breaking Christian News.

4.  Lynn J. Simpson's devotion, "Let's Talk About Romance," touches at the core of our longings - to be loved and to love. No matter what our marital status, we can experience the love of God.

5.  I love flowers, but these knees don't like kneeling to plant them. I've been searching for perennials, so I can put them in and see them come up every year. I have astilbes with a pretty, feathery bloom. Better Homes and Gardens recently posted an article on the 15 Most Underused Perennials. Maybe you'll get some ideas as well.

Writers:  Are you attending a conference this year? How do you prepare for your editor/agent appointments?

Readers:  Do you have perennials in your garden? Which ones do you have?

Photo Credit:  Vicky Johnson

Author Surprise/Routine in Fiction/Gospel on Nat'l TV/Devo/Spring Flowers

1.  What No One Told You About Being an Author by Cathy Fyock - neat article with some marketing tips.

2.  I hopped over to Jane Friedman's blog and found an article by Peter Seljin on How to Make the Best Use of "Routine" Events in Your Fiction. He often critiques first pages and gave me a great deal to think about. I'm going to take a fresh look at my work in progress.

3.  Breaking Christian News reports on how Kathie Lee Gifford shared the Gospel on national TV. I'm grateful for those in the entertainment industry who boldly proclaim the message of Jesus Christ.

4.  Rhonda Rhea, a humorist, gives us a look at A Messy Life.  Her analogy made me grin. I've done this more times than I can count.

5.  It's official - I have Spring fever. The mere thought of daffodils, tulips, lilacs, and azaleas makes me giddy. To celebrate, here's a slide show from Better Homes and  Gardens featuring Spring blooms.

Writers:  Please share something that surprised you about being an author (whether yourself or someone you know).

Readers:  What's your favorite Spring flower? Please share.

Photo Credit: John Evans

Writing a Book/Excuses/Abortion Ban Upheld/Fear/Summer Decor

1.  I hear so many people say they want to write a book someday. Jerry Jenkins (of the Left Behind Series fame) tells us how to write a book in 20 steps. So, what are you waiting for?

2.  While looking at the previous article, I spotted this one: 7 Really Bad Excuses for Putting Off Writing Your Book. I think there's a theme in this week's links. Perhaps someone out there is struggling.

3.  Breaking Christian News reports on Iowa's 20-week abortion ban being upheld by the court.

4.  Beth K. Vogt posts at The Write Conversation on "Lose the Fear." For anyone with a creative bent, whether writing or some other area, fear can kill our dreams.

5.  Better Homes and Gardens has a slide show with tips on how to brighten your house for summer. Even if you don't use their exact ideas, it might jumpstart your own creative juices.

Writers:  If I had a dollar for everyone who told me they wanted to write a book someday, I might not be a millionaire but I'd sure have plenty in my piggy bank. Are you a "someday" person or have people said this to you?

Readers:  Do you love writing, photography, painting, or some other creative activity? Are you pursuing it or putting it off into the future? Please share.

Photo Credit:  Kia Abell