Story Openings/Age/Oregon's Bias/Devo/Valentine Recipe

1. Jane Friedman gives advice on 5 Common Story Openings to Avoid. Knowing what not to do can save you a ton of editing/re-writing.

2.  Literary Agent, Rachelle Gardner posts on, "Does Age Matter For Writers?" Both young writers and older writers have asked this question. Her answer made a lot of sense and provided encouragement.

3.  WND reports on judges reviewing evidence of Oregon's bias toward Christian bakers.

4.  Kim DeHoog, at CBN.com posts a devotional called, "Love Is A Verb."

5.  HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY! Here are some cute Lollipop Cookie Valentines, from Allrecipes, to make for that special someone (spouse/kids/grandkids) in your life.

Writers:  What is the hardest part of writing that all-important first page?

Readers:  What makes you give up on a book? When does it happen - first page, first chapter, etc.?

Photo Credit:  nas kamu

In Celebration....

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

In celebration of Jesus' birth:

https://youtu.be/3fbgWa5pH3g

Memoir/Unknown Author/Amber Alerts/Devo/Christmas Decor

1.  Jerry Jenkins talks about How to Start Writing Your Memoir. While I'm a pantser when it comes to fiction, I can see the benefit of outlining when writing non-fiction.

2.  What Makes Readers Give an Unknown Author a Chance? Barbara Linn Probst posts at Jane Friedman's blog.

3.  Amber Alerts do work! Breaking Christian News reports on the rescue of an 8-year-old girl, who was kidnapped in broad daylight.

4.  Most of us are on the hunt for last-minute gifts. Rhonda Rhea, at The Write Conversation, talks about, "Don't I Wish - Thoughts on More Presence Not Presents."

5.  Christmas decorating from timeless to modern designs are highlighted by Home BNC. Even small touches can give your home a holiday boost.

Writers: Have you ever tried to write a memoir? Please share your experience and any tips to accomplish this task.

Readers:  What influences you to read an unknown author's work?

Photo Credit:  Marius Muresan

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

Jesus - The Reason For The Season

As a child, I enjoyed everything about Christmas and the preparations for it. Lights were put around our living room window, wreaths were hung, cards written, and the biggest thrill of all - putting up the tree.

My mother's stories of how my grandfather made little scenes for under the tree inspired my own efforts. I'd cut people, houses, and winter scenes from old cards and prop them up on the snowy skirt surrounding its base. We also purchased miniature skaters, skiers, and a mirror that became a pond. One year, we found a cardboard village in the Sears catalog and added that to the collection.

There were some things that took center stage. The Nativity Scene which held my interest for hours, bringing to mind the true reason for the season. My mother always had records playing of beloved Christmas Carols. I knew every one of them by heart and probably drove everyone crazy as I belted them out non-stop.

Those early years and non-verbal lessons helped prepare my heart for the experience of knowing Jesus as my Savior. At the tender age of nine, I went to the altar and gave Him my heart and life.

I'll be taking a blog break until Monday, January 7, 2019. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

Writers and Readers: I've never forgotten those precious times. How do you bring Jesus into your Christmas celebrations? Please share.

Here's one of my favorite Christmas songs:

https://youtu.be/_U2G8wsbXBo

Photo Credit:  Debbie Schiel

Kitchen and Blogging Adventures

Picture - Roasted Red Pepper Soup

Over the past year, I've taken on preparing the main dish for Sweetie Mom and me. It's not that I dislike cooking, but the kitchen isn't my natural habitat. Some of the things that present a challenge are:

1.  A less than functional kitchen. Small appliances are the name of the game around here, i.e., microwave, George Foreman Grill, toaster oven, electric frypan, and slow cooker. (I've got my eye on one of those Instapots.)

2.  Time. Cooking takes way too long in my opinion, and don't even get me started on the clean up.

3.  Special diets. Sweetie Mom needs low-fat, low-sodium food, while I need lactose free.

Thankfully, the internet provides an easy way to get recipes. I'm enjoying the journey these days. We've tried new foods (Roasted Red Pepper soup, coconut muffins to name a couple) and explored new stores for ingredients.

To deal with the time factor, I cook in bulk for the week. Neither of us mind leftovers, so it works for us. If your family doesn't like eating this way, setting aside one day a month to do a massive cooking can reduce your daily/weekly cooking tasks. 

Years ago when I was commuting two hours each way to work, I followed this plan. A big pot of sauce, a pot roast, chicken cutlets, and a couple of other meat dishes were cooked, put in separate containers, and frozen for weeknight meals.

Blogging is a lot like cooking. What am I going to write for tomorrow's post? Since the whole food thing is taking up a considerable amount of thought, why not use that as an analogy? Daily life is great fodder for the blogger.

Like so many life events, new responsibilities (and old ones) move me to pray. I've been sitting here in front of the computer, asking the Lord to give me ideas for this blog. This subject is one that popped up.

I've discovered my life goes a lot smoother when I stay in close touch with The Greatest Creative Genius of all, my Lord. Whether cooking, working, blogging, writing, etc., He's my constant source of inspiration.

With the holidays fast approaching, make time for Him, and He'll show you how to remain at peace and experience joy whether or not the tasks are easy for you. Dive in and give it all you've got, praising Him and loving your family.

Writers and Readers: What are some of your greatest stress points during the holidays? How do you cope with them?

Photo: Roasted Red Pepper Soup - Copyright@Susan J. Reinhardt

Happy Labor Day!

Labor Day is a two-fold celebration: 

1.  The end of summer.

2.  A day off from work.

It was made a Federal holiday in 1894, but was celebrated as early as 1882 in New York City. Canada also recognizes Labor Day on the first Monday of September.

Unlike other holidays, its only purpose is to honor the average working Joe and Jane for their contributions to the nation. I found this link at Office Holidays.com that gives the history in more detail.

So, to my many hard-working friends, whether you're a writer or in some other occupation, rest from your labors and have a Happy Labor Day.

Writers and Readers: How do you celebrate Labor Day? Please share.

Photo Credit:  Odan Jasper

Happy Independence Day!

July 4th has been celebrated since 1776. After the War of 1812, the observance became more widespread. I found some fun facts on History.com. Did you know:

1.  Three  U.S. presidents died on July 4th?

2.  NY City has the biggest fireworks display in the nation?

3.  It was drafted by Thomas Jefferson?

Check out the website for more information. You might find some interesting conversation starters or even make up a 4th of July game for your family BBQ.

Most of all, I'm thankful I was born in the Land of the Free and The Home of the Brave. Happy Birthday, America!

Writers and Readers:  How do you celebrate the 4th of July?



Photo Credit:  tz

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

2017 moved at breakneck speed, and here comes 2018 all shiny and new.

What will this year hold for us? I know one thing: I don't want to waste a moment of it. It was reported on social media the final words of a well-known actor: "...so much wasted time."  How sad is that?

This year, my heart's desire is:

1.  To spend more time with the Lord and my friends and family.

2.  To be more productive with my writing.

3.  To be more intentional when it comes to prioritizing my time.

My word for 2018 is:  Priorities

Writers and Readers:  Do you make goals or New Year's Resolutions? Please share.

Photo Credit: Pedro Simao

Christmas Gift Ideas

Once upon a time, my Christmas gift-giving list covered more than a page. As my husband, grandparents, Dad, and some friends have departed for heaven, it has shrunk like a sweater placed in a hot dryer. Prices and less physical energy have also had a dampening effect on buying presents.

I've been thinking about creative ways to celebrate and bring joy into the lives of others.

1.  Since I'm an author, a Christmas letter tucked into a card helps me share events from the year nearing its end. I know it isn't original, but I still enjoy sending and receiving them.

2.  Silly, little gifts often show more thought than big, expensive ones. If a friend loves a certain type of chocolate or comments they love fuzzy socks, a package with a sweet note will bring a smile to their faces.

3.  A lot of older folks in nursing homes have lost loved ones. It's a stretch to think of something useful or enjoyable. If they like to write letters or send cards, a package of blank note cards and/or birthday cards along with a book of stamps might give them hours of pleasure. Crossword or word search puzzle books, lap robes, or a package of treats (taking into account dietary restrictions) are also good choices.

The gift of time is also appreciated by the elderly. A breakfast at an inexpensive restaurant, helping them with grocery/Christmas shopping, or inviting them over for a meal can be a welcome break from their routine.

4.  Books. Now you know I couldn't put a list together without including books! So many people have Kindles/Nooks and other e-readers these days, and you can get many Christmas novellas for $1.99 or less. If your friends or relatives prefer print books, many go on sale or can be found in the Bargain section.

5.  Gift Cards. Does your friend shop 'til she drops on Amazon? The perfect gift is at your fingertips. Find out what store they love - department stores, bookstores, small specialty places, health food establishments, movie theaters, and hair/nail salons. Almost everyone offers gift cards.

6.  Food gifts - cookies, small bread loaves, specialty spices all make delightful gifts.

7.  Collect items throughout the year for a basket gift. It doesn't have to be huge or even a basket. Mugs, mason jars, and pretty boxes can work just as well. If you need ideas, check out Pinterest.

Writers and Readers:  What creative ideas do you have for gifts that don't break the bank?

Photo Credit:  Muresan113

Lots of Decor, but No Context

We hear a lot about generics these days. Everything from prescription drugs to clothing has a no-name brand. The big draw is the lower price tag.

I've discovered another kind of generic: the generic holiday. Decorations adorn stores without the context of its meaning. In one store, the decorations were linked with the word, "dream." Ah yes, dream of those clothes and household items, and put them in your cart.

I'm sad today. I miss the Christmas Carols playing, the Merry Christmas greetings, the warmth of society celebrating one of the singular events in history - the birth of Jesus. We're left with the trappings of a holy-day, stripped bare of its meaning.

As a believer, I've committed to keep things in context. While I enjoy the decor and the fun, I'm in awe of the greatest gift I've ever received: forgiveness and a relationship with the One who created heaven and earth, Jesus Christ.

Writers and Readers: Has "generic holiday" sprung up among your retailers? What are some of the things you miss from past celebrations?

Photo Credit: suzz86

Happy New Year!

Thank you for your support of Christian Writer/Reader Connection throughout 2009. Your friendship and blogs have encouraged me to keep my forward momentum.

My writing goals for the new year are straightforward:

1. Edit Book 1.

2. Do a first draft of Book 3.

3. Start editing Book 2.

On a personal level:

1. I pray for opportunities to promote authors and their work.

2. See the further development of friendships already established and make new ones.

3. Continue to seek the Lord for His direction for my life.

What are your goals for 2010?

Give Thanks

When I attended Bible School, a friend and I played a game called, "The Blessing Game." We didn't have a game board, nifty little game pieces, or cards. Paper and pen were all we needed. Most of the time, we didn't even use them. When one of us felt down or overwhelmed, we'd play this game. We'd take turns, listing the many things for which we thanked God.

This time of the year is difficult for many folks. Today is not only Thanksgiving Day, but also my wedding anniversary. Since my beloved departed for the pearly gates, sadness tries to rob the sweetness from my memories. Instead, I turn to the Psalms and play, "The Blessing Game."

Psalm 100

Make a joyful noise unto the Lord, all ye lands.

Serve the Lord with gladness: come before his presence with singing.

Know ye that the Lord he is God: it is he that hath made us, and not we ourselves; we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture.

Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise: be thankful unto him, and bless his holy name.

For the Lord is good; his mercy is everlasting; and his truth endureth to all generations.