Online Safety/Character Emotions/Yale Prof/Perseverance/Coffee

1.   Edie Melson, at The Write Conversation gives 8 Tips for Writers to Stay Safe Online. The cyber world has many criminals looking for an easy mark. Protect yourself by taking some simple steps.

2.   Jerry Jenkins tells us how to skillfully reveal our characters' emotions. I was unable to do a normal link, so I'm posting the entire one here.

https://jerryjenkins.com/character-emotions/?inf_contact_key=3e8f0c0200b2feab60674dbd9dc9d14ef651f238aa2edbb9c8b7cff03e0b16a0

3.  Finally, a Yale professor rejects Darwinism and points to Intelligent Design as a serious theory. Check out this article at Christian Headlines.

4.  Whether you're a writer or reader, there are areas in life where perseverance is required if you're going to succeed. Christopher Wells posts an inspiring word at Seriously Write.

5.   I learned something recently from a houseplant post on housefur.com: Houseplants love coffee! Instead of dumping leftover coffee down the drain, you can use it as a natural fertilizer for your plants.

Writers:  What are some measures you take to stay safe online?

Readers:  What topics regarding current events interest you?

Photo Credit:  David Guglielmo

Stranger Danger/Part-Time/Dead Sea Scrolls/Devo/Recipe

1.  Orly Konig-Lopez posts at Writers in the Storm about Stranger Danger. This refers to your characters' likes and dislikes, experiences, etc. becoming foggy in your mind after finishing the manuscript. She gives tips on how to avoid key pieces of information.

2.  Balancing your writing, holding a full-time job, and family commitments is beyond tough. Jerry B. Jenkins tells how he managed before he quit his day job, as well as guidelines on when to pull the plug.

3.  More Dead Sea Scrolls? Breaking Christian News gives the latest information.

4.  Lynn Simpson invites Joy to her blog, a member of her writers group. She talks about submitting to God's plan for our lives. Yeah, I remember a time when I faced a major decision in this area. It's a lesson that bears repeating.

5.  Recipe Time! These Candied Almonds look delicious. Be warned - they're not a diet food. :)

Okay, I'm feeling a twinge of guilt here. How about a low-carb, ketogenic, diabetic-friendly fudge? Check this out.

Writers:  How do you make time to write?

Readers:  Does archaeology in relation to the Bible interest you? Please share.

Photo Credit:  Saivann

Multiple POV/Writer's Block/Big Brother/Devo/Cabin Fever

1.  Jerry Jenkins gives 3 Tips for Featuring Multiple Main Characters in Your Story. Since all of my novels are written this way, the article held a special attraction.

2.  Dave King, at Writer Unboxed, gives some unusual insights into writer's block and its remedies.

3.  Google on Steriods. Does that sound ominous? It does to me. Check out this article on further breaches in our privacy by the Feds.

4.  Andy Lee posts at The Write Conversation about The Cost of The Call. Many think if God called them to a specific task everything should go forward without a hitch. When difficulties arise, they get discouraged. Check out this important article.

5.  When winter weather forces you to spend a lot of time indoors, the resulting cabin fever can be debilitating. Wisebread.com gives 6 Frugal Ways to Beat Cabin Fever.

Writers:  Have you ever used multiple point-of-view characters? What were some of the challenges you faced, and how did you overcome them?

Readers:  Besides reading, what are some of the ways you deal with cabin fever?

Photo Credit: Nico Van Diem

Blog Posts/Backstory/Redefinition/Devo/Coloring Books

1.  Zoe M. McCarthy gives 7 Tips to Generate Blog Posts. If you've been blogging for a while, you know how challenging it can become.

2.  Jerry Jenkins delivers a first-class article on Why Backstory Is Better Than Flashback. Far from an information dump, this backstory sets the reader up for a great payoff down the road. I've got to try some of these techniques.

3.  The state of Massachusetts recently tried to redefine places of worship as "places of public accommodation." This gave them the right to dictate what was said and done within churches. See how the Alliance Defense Fund challenged the state and won.

4.  Marja Meijers' post, "Give Me A Q," made me think.

5.  Donna, at The Enchanted Cottage, highlights her daughter's new coloring book, "Bedrooms." For all of you enthralled with coloring, I thought this might be an unusual change from flowers and animals. There are some neat pictures. It almost makes me want to take up the hobby. If only I had the time!

Writers:  Flashbacks are frowned upon these days. How do you handle events that shaped your characters' outlook on life?

Readers:  Do you enjoy coloring books? If so, what are your favorite subjects?

Photo Credit:  Dan Colcer

Quick Lesson/Platform/Christian Athletes/Fun Story/Tackling Tasks

1.         Jerry B. Jenkins gives a quick lesson on the writing process. He goes through a series of questions to help sharpen his prose. Good stuff.

2.         Chad R. Allen shares strategies on how to build your platform and write your book.

3.         Christian Headlines reports on World Series veteran giving his testimony to fans after a game. Years ago, I remember being impressed with Christian baseball players. It's good for people of all ages to have role models.

4.         Lynn Simpson tells about an adventure that occurred while she was on her blog break. Hilarious!

5.         We all have days when the workload makes us want to hide under the covers. Carol, At Everything Home With Carol, shares her secret of tackling all those tasks.

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


Photo Credit:  mooncross

Time Thieves/5 Common Mistakes/Nat'l Day of Prayer/Milestones/Comparison

1.  Edie Melson, at The Write Conversation, talks about an issue common to all of us - time thieves. What actions are robbing you of your time?

2.  Jerry B. Jenkins talks about The 5 Most Common Mistakes in Beginners' Manuscripts. This is a must-read for newbies and a great refresher for the more advanced writer.

3.  Jonathan Cahn Opens National Day of Prayer With Prophetic Warning. Powerful. Only a revival will save this nation.

4.  Jeanette Levellie, at Hope Splashes, talks about milestone birthdays.

5.  Susan Panzica, at Eternity Cafe, talks about, The Comparison Thief." It's short, but packs quite a punch.

Writers:  Did Edie Melson's list ring an "uh-oh" bell? Please share.

Readers:  Have you had any tough milestone birthdays? Please share.

Photo Credit:  Brad Harrison

Book Proposals/Characters/Privacy/Devo/Flowers

1.  Book proposals rank at the top of the list for dreaded tasks. (Synopsis writing comes in a close second.) This document tells a publisher all about your book project. Chad R.  Allen wrote a great article on the importance of the content, as well as formatting.

2.  Jerry B. Jenkins, co-author of the Left Behind series, gives tips on how to create unforgettable characters.

3.  Think your home is your castle and the bastion of privacy? Think again. WND reports on how the government may use "smart" home devices to spy on people. (This is based on testimony from our Intel Chief.)

4.  Dena Netherton's devotional reminded me of my crafting days. I loved her analogy and thought you might enjoy it as well.

5.  Spring is my favorite season. Here's a slide show of spring flowers compliments of Better Homes and Gardens.

Writers:  What is your most dreaded writing task? 

Readers:  Which fictional character is your all-time favorite? Why?

Photo Credit:  Maria Amelia Paiava Abrao

Winner of The Last Operative by Jerry B. Jenkins

Congratulations to:

                                                   KARENK!

You've won Jerry B. Jenkins' book, The Last Operative. I've sent you an email. Please send me your snail mail address, and I'll get your book out after the Memorial Day holiday.

Thanks to all those who participated in the drawing. Don't forget to stop by on Wednesday, 5/30, for the Blogoversary Grand Finale.

Have a blessed weekend and stay safe!

Blogoversary Fun - Giveaway #4 - The Last Operative by Jerry B. Jenkins

The Last Operative by Jerry B. Jenkins will make your heart race. This spy novel had me guessing from page one.

Which do you prefer: mysteries or suspense? While I like a good whodunnit, the suspense books add an adrenaline rush.

Giveaway Details:
 

1) You must be a Follower of Christian Writer/Reader Connection.

2) The giveaway is open to residents of the United States.

3) To enter, comment on this post.

4) You can get an additional entry for each of the following. (Let me know in the comments section what actions you've taken.)

     A) Post the contest details and link on your blog.

     B) Post it to your Facebook page.

     C) Post it on Twitter.

5) Contest deadline: Saturday, May 26, 2012, at midnight. The winner will be notified by email. If you do not leave me an email in the comments and do not respond to the Winner Announcement on the blog by Saturday, June 2, 2012, another winner will be selected from the entries.

Disclaimer: I have not received any payment from either the authors or the publishers for doing this giveaway. These books are from my personal collection.

On My Nightstand - The Last Operative by Jerry B. Jenkins

Jordan Kirkwood's service for his country took precedence over everything in his life, including his family and God. By the time he decides to remedy that situation, he's presented with an assignment so dangerous and so critical to the nation's security that he's torn between those he loves and the nation.

Vacation plans come to a screeching halt in the face of a terrorist attack after 9/11. He no longer has the luxury of choosing his path. He must deal with the threat head on or pay the ultimate price.

The author plunges into the action in the style of all spy tales. There's lots of intrigue, tension, and...violence. It's real world stuff and necessary to the story. Mr. Jenkins, who co-authored the famous Left Behind series, knows how much is enough and how much is too much.

The value of family relationships, balance between work and personal life, and how they fit into the context of serving God and country raised strong ethical and spiritual issues.

I'd forgotten how much I enjoy this type of novel. My latest interest in historical romances diverted my attention for quite some time. Variety keeps us our reading habits from getting like stale bread.

Have you found yourself stuck in one genre? Do you alternate your book choices so you keep the reading experience fresh and alive?