Protecting Accounts/Writing Tips/Prophecy Fulfilled/Body of Christ/Recipe

1.  Barbara Latta posts at The Write Conversation about protecting digital accounts after death. Hackers have become savvy at cloning accounts and obtaining sensitive information. This is a must read for anyone on social media and/or online shopping/banking.

2.  Zoe M. McCarthy gives 39 Writing Tips to take seriously.

3.  WND reports on an explosion of flora near the Dead Sea as a fulfillment of prophecy.

4.  One of my FB friends linked to this article on Crosswalk.com. Church is not about an organization. It's about the Body of Christ, worshipping together, learning God's Word, and preparing to minister to those who don't know Jesus.

5.  Erin, at Meaningful Eats, posted a recipe for a Vegetable Fittata that sounds amazing. It's both gluten and nut free.

Writers:  Which of the writing tips resonated with you?

Readers:  Which of these links helped you in some way?

Photo Credit:  Phunphotos

Book Blurbs/Do You Have What It Takes/Jesus Film/Testimony/Sleep Better

1. Although short, book cover blurbs are often more difficult to write than the manuscript. How do you condense a whole story into a few lines? Zoe M. McCarthy shares what she considers an easy way to write a book blurb.

2.  Susan DeFreitas posts at Jane Friedman's blog on, "How to Tell If You Have What It Takes to be a Writer."

3. Breaking Christian News reports on the Jesus film being translated into Sign Language. This will enable 70 million people to be reached with the Gospel.

4.  Pastor Tony Evans shares the glimpses his wife, Lois, had of heaven just before she passed away from cancer. I thought you might like this testimony. (Note: Tony and Lois are the parents of actress, Patricia Shirer. She starred in The War Room.)

5.  Plants make me smile. Here are some that actually help you sleep better. Check out this post at DIY For Daily.

Writers:  What writer tasks do you find most daunting and why?

Readers:  What general interest/reader topics would you like to see covered here?

Photo Credit:  Sergio Ianni

Agents/Scents/Right to Know Law/Devo/Herbs

1.  Getting an agent is akin to grasping the brass ring. So many publishers require agents to submit manuscripts. Rachel Pieh Jones posted at Jane Friedman's blog about, "What Happened After I Lost My Agent - Twice." This article gives specific suggestions on how to handle rejection, including our attitudes toward our writing and ourselves. (You'll see from our devotional below the tie-in. I needed this, and I'm sure many others do as well.)

2.  Zoe M. McCarthy talks about introducing scents into stories. Her posts always give me great ideas.

3.  WND reports on a judge's ruling that The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania forfeiture records are subject to the Right to Know Law. The government can take - yes, TAKE - property and money even if no criminal charges are filed. This is definitely a must-read article.

4.  Beth K. Vogt posts an encouraging word at The Write Conversation. While it's geared toward writers, the principles apply to everyone. What kind of words are you speaking - strong ones or weak ones?

5.  Winter is fast approaching. You can have fresh herbs by growing them indoors in pots. Check out this post at Easy  Balcony Gardening for instructions.

Writers:  Which writing post resonated with you? Please share.

Readers:  Do you have an indoor garden during the winter (things you'd normally grow outside in good weather)? Please share what types of plants you select. I'm especially interested in saving the beautiful geranium that graced my porch all summer.

Photo Credit: Gerson Ben David

Retain Learning/Terminology/Movies/Devo/Dessert Recipe

1. Margie Lawson posted at Writers in the Storm about using what you learn. She makes a good point about how reading blogs, etc. can teach and inspire us, but unless we use the information we won't retain it.

Having just come from the Greater Philadelphia Christian Writers Conference, this gave me more than a twinge. I need to go over my notes and the handouts and then apply the lessons I learned to my writing.

2.  Publishing has its own terminology like any other industry. Zoe M. McCarthy defines some of these words and brings clarity to what publishers expect. Many of you are familiar with anthologies like the Cup of Soup series, but do you know what an Omnibus is?

3.  Like many of you, I've enjoyed faith-based movies like, "War Room," and "I Can Only Imagine." Faithwire highlights three movies for Fall. I missed the premier of Overcomer the weekend of August 23rd, but hope to catch it on video.

4.   Kevin Spencer posted on Christian Devotions about "Are We There Yet?"

5.  Chocolate! Most of us love it. I found this recipe for a 3-Ingredient Candy Bar that tastes like Mounds. Check it out at Points Kitchen. It's Weight Watcher friendly.

Writers:  When writing my first book, The Moses Conspiracy, I would go to a writers conference and soak up as much as I could. Then, I'd run home and immediately apply those lessons to my work in progress. How do you retain what you've learned online, from blogs, workshops, and conferences?

Readers:  What was your favorite faith-based movie? Please share.

Photo Credit:  Piotr Lewandowski

Excellence/Dialogue/Life Begins/Devo/Veggie Gardening

1.  Tammy Karasek posts at The Write Conversation about giving your best when you write. Do you allow a deadline, a bad mood, or anything else to prevent you from giving your best to the reader?

2.  Zoe M. McCarthy gives us a delightful blog post on writing dialogue. Have you ever read a book where the character uses a word of phrase that doesn't fit their age or time period? It pulls you out of the story, right? All skills levels will benefit from this post.

3.  WND reports on a survey of biologists concerning when life begins. This article nails it.

4.  Michael K. Reynolds writes about the easiest way to thank God. I often link to his devotionals because they resonate with me. Perhaps they'll bless you as well.

5.  Plant Care Today has an article on 8 Things Not to Do in the Vegetable Garden. Years ago, a relative created a massive garden plot when they wanted some lettuce, tomatoes, and cucumbers for summer salads. The resulting crop necessitated a crash course in canning.

Writers:  Which writing post helped you the most? Why?

Readers:  Do you have any examples of characters saying things that didn't fit their time period or age? Please share.

Photo Credit: elementa1

Writing Focus/Character Building/Supreme Court/Devo/A Blogger's Thoughts

1.  Edie Melson, at The Write Conversation, gives 7 tips on how to focus your writer's eye.

2.  Zoe M. McCarthy gives such easy-to-follow advice about writing. In this post, she talks about building a protagonist's character.

3.  WND reports that Justice Clarence Thomas (Supreme Court) is urging that "Demonstrably Erroneous Precedents" be overturned.

4.  Fear is a paralyzing, tormenting emotion. Brook Espinoza, at CBN Devotions wrote an excellent devotion on victory over fear.

5.  Linda O'Connell shares pictures of her grands and has some excellent advice for all of us.

Writers:  If you write fiction, how do you build your protagonist's character?

Readers:  Which link was your favorite this week? Please share.

Photo Credit: Erik Dungan

Backstory/Cliches/Free Speech/Puppies/Cranberry Glass

1.  Writers in the Storm often has thorough articles about the craft, and this is no exception. Piper Bayard tackles the bugaboo of many writers: backstory. She has a unique method for eliminating it.

2.  Zoe M. McCarthy gives One Important Reason to Limit Cliches in Your Stories. My critique partner always said that I loved cliches. It's taken quite a while to break that habit, and a few still appear in my first drafts. This is an excellent article for every writer: newbies to advanced. A refresher never hurt anyone.

3  WND reports on a court case that compromises free speech.

4.  Bonnie Leon talks about how God used her puppy to teach her an important lesson.

5.  Susan, at Writing Straight From The Heart, shared her cranberry glass collection with readers. They are stunning. Then again, most glassware makes my heart skip a beat. I thought you might enjoy this post.

Writers: What kind of craft challenges bother you the most? Backstory? POV? Cliches? Anything else? Please share.

Readers:  Which link was your favorite this week? Why?

Photo Credit:  Rasto Belan

Writing Tight/POV/Conscience/Devo/Succulents

1.  Audrey Frank posts at The Write Conversation about the Spiritual Practice of Writing Tight. I highly recommend all writers with newbie or published authors to read this. We can all benefit.

2. Zoe M. McCarthy deals with that sticky Point-of-View issue. How do you stay in a character's point of view? She gives valuable tips in a clear, concise manner.

3.  Breaking Christian News reports on the President's announcement of new "Conscience Protections" for Healthcare Providers.

4.  Michael K. Reynolds encourages us to "Breathe." Are you living at the speed of sound?

5.  I'm really into succulents these days. Their shapes, colors, and easy care are a big draw for me. Hip2BeHome shares some tips on how to make these delightful plants thrive.

Writers:  What do you find confusing about Point of View?

Readers:  How do you keep up with Christian News? Can you recommend a particular site? Please share.

Photo Credit:  BSK

Purpose/Refuel/Chik-Fil-A/Devo/Pinterest Tip

1.  Newbie alert! Zoe M. McCarthy teaches on characters saying and doing only things that have purpose. Her examples are stellar. Don't miss this learning/refresher opportunity.

2.  Kathleen Rouser posts at Seriously Write about taking time to refuel. One of the things I did when beginning this journey was to give up most of my hobbies. I dabbled at a few here and there, but I devoted all my energies to writing. I soon found myself drained. Check out this post and give yourself the opportunity to refuel.

3.  Breaking Christian News reports that Montana's Attorney General invited Chik-Fil-A to open more restaurants in his state. Other states have openly tried to ban the fast-food giant because of their Biblical values. (I've noticed that many stores do not carry gift cards for this restaurant. The culture wars are real, people!)

4.  Rhonda Rhea, at The Write Conversation, gives a humorous analogy on grace.

5.  I'm always looking for ways to make both cooking and cleaning easier. I found this cleaning hack for the bathtub on Pinterest (of course). One Good Thing shows how Dawn Dish Detergent and a clean broom (a cheapie one from the Dollar Store) can be a game changer for those with aching knees and backs.

P.S. I tried this method with mixed results. Maybe I didn't let the Dawn Dish Detergent sit long enough, but I wasn't overly impressed with how well it cleaned my circa 1950's bathtub. I'll read the article again and give it another go. Let me know how it works for you.

Writers:  What is the most challenging aspect of dialogue for you? Please share.

Readers:  What is your favorite part of reading? The researched items? The dialogue? The storyline? Some other part? Please share your thoughts.

Photo Credit:  Michael Lorenzo

Writers Conferences/Story/Heaven/Healing Relationships/Yard Sales

1.  Does it really pay to go to a writers conference? I can answer that with a resounding, "Yes!" Zoe M. McCarthy gives a detailed rundown of the benefits in her post, "Why Spend Money to Attend Writers Conferences."

2.  Beth K. Vogt posts at The Write Conversation about, "It's Important to Tell Our Readers a Story." Sometimes we get so wrapped up in the mechanics of writing that we forget the bottom line: story.

3.  Breaking Christian News reports on a young boy who died three times after being in a horrific traffic accident that killed his father. All three times he went to heaven. He and his mother now share their experiences through GriefShare. We don't have to stay stuck in grief, but we can move forward with our lives.

4.  Michael K. Reynolds writes about "Four Painful Words That Heal Relationships."

5.  It's yard sale season! What are the best and worst items at yard sales? I found this article at Household Tips.thefuntimesguide.com

Writers:  Have you been to a writers conference? Please share your experience whether positive or negative.

Readers:  I went to GriefShare after my husband died. It was during that time I was able to accept that while I missed him, I was still here and God had a plan for my life. What stood out to you when reading the story at Breaking Christian News?

Photo Credit:  Renaude Hatsedakis

First 500 Pages/Prevent Errors/Divorce Shocker/Devo/Pressure Cooking

1.  Bill Ferris, at Writer Unboxed, gives tips on how to Nail Your Novel's First 500 Pages. Think about the agent or editor with a stack of proposals. If you don't grab their attention in the beginning, it's an instant rejection.

2.  Zoe M. McCarthy is a favorite writing blogger. In this post, she gives "4 Ways to Prevent Errors From Invading Your Books."

3. Breaking Christian News shares "Divorce Statistic Shocker." It's not as bad as we've been led to believe.

4. Audrey Frank posts at The Write Conversation about the opposition we face when obeying God's direction. It's related to the writing life, but can be applied to any situation we face.

5.  I'm enjoying my new Crock Pot Express Multi-Cooker (similar to Instapot). Yesterday, I made a pot roast and herbed carrots. Here's the link for Home Pressure Cooking that I discovered on Pinterest. This post gives recipes for egg bite molds.

Writers:  How do you approach your novel's critical beginning?

Readers:  What is a big turn-off when reading the first few pages of a book? Mine? I read a story which introduced at least 10 characters in the first couple of pages. While I usually will give a book some time to get moving, this was too much for me.

Photo Credit:  Constantin Jurcut

Piracy/Misused Words/Big Brother/Devo/Soup Recipe

1.  A lot of authors worry about their books being pirated. Traci Tyne Hilton points out some interesting facts. It might not be as bad as you think.

2.  Zoe M. McCarthy continues her blog series, "Words Misused - Part 3."

3.  WND reports on the State of Oregon's considering a bill mandating home visits for newborns. Big Brother is trying once again to exercise control of what should be family matters.

4.  Emme Gannon posts at The Write Conversation. She asks, "Has God breathed life into your writing?" Whatever endeavor God has entrusted into your hands can benefit from this insightful post.

5.  I've been getting brave and trying new recipes. This is one I'm saving here for future reference. The Italian soup, Pasta Fagioli, is a favorite of many. Ready, Set, Eat posted this recipe. Hey, if you try it, let me know how it tastes and if you'd consider making it again. :)

Writers:  Traci doesn't seem overly concerned about piracy. Do you agree/disagree with her assessment? Please share.

Readers:  We're well into the New Year. Have you decided to try something new like a hobby, job, education, etc.? Please share.

Photo Credit:  Leszek Soltys

Adjectives/Literary Device/Yoga/Blessings/Home Safety

1.  Zoe M. McCarthy gives tips to improve story description when using adjectives. This skill-based post provides valuable information for both fiction and non-fiction writers.

2. Lori Hatcher posts at The Write Conversation on parallelism, a literary device. Don't let the term scare you. You've seen it multiple times. Now is your chance to define it and apply it to your own writing.

3.  Faithwire reports on a pastor's warning about a practice that is becoming increasingly popular in the United States among Christians - yoga.

4.  Henry McLaughlin posts at The Write Conversation about the blessings of being a writer. Readers, you might find this glimpse into the writer's life quite interesting.

5.  I came across a blogger called, "Plucky," who gave 3 Tips for Keeping Your Home Safe This Winter.

Writers:  Which writing link did you find most helpful? Please share.

Readers:  What are some of the steps you take to keep your home safe during the winter? I recently purchased new smoke/carbon dioxide alarms for my home. My smoke alarms were very old and required constant vigilance to make sure the batteries were working. I didn't have any carbon dioxide alarms.

Photo Credit:  Fastfood

Incorrect Phrases/Powerful Antagonist/Victory/Devotional/Valentine's Day

1.  Zoe M. McCarthy talks about Incorrect Construction of Common Phrases. This was a fun read. I discovered a few that I've been using wrong.

2.  Having a powerful antagonist in your story is key to challenging your main characters no matter what the genre. Lisa Hall-Wilson gives 9 Tips For a Powerful Antagonist.

3.  Breaking Christian News reports on a victory for several Christian Ministries after a 4-Year Legal Battle regarding abortion.

4.  I've gotten into the habit of going to bed too late. Then I have trouble getting up at 5:00 AM and hit the snooze button: once, twice, ugh - three times. When I saw this article, "Escaping the Power of the Snooze Button," I had to read it. Yeah, it hit me right where I live.

5.  Valentine's Day is around the corner. I saw these cookies on FB and had to share them. Here's the tutorial.

Writers: Which common phrase tripped you up?

Readers:  When reading a book, how important is a strong antagonist to you? Please share.

Photo Credit:  Piotr Koczab

Manuscript Cleaning/How Long?/Archaeology/Devo/Recipe

1. After the dizzying joy of writing, "The End," to a manuscript comes the dreaded task of editing and revising it. Zoe M. McCarthy gives tips for cleaning up your manuscript prior to sending it to a paid editor (which is highly recommended).

2.  Have you ever wondered how long it should take to write a book? Merilyn Simonds tackles this question on Jane Friedman's blog.

3. Breaking Christian News reports on archaeological evidence confirming the location of Biblical Sodom. It's where the Bible says it was.

4. I chuckled over Rhonda Rhea's devotional on The Write Conversation. She talks about God's Spiritual Routine.

5.  OK, so how can I skip into November without a Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Bread recipe? The answer is, "I can't." Averie Cooks has a yummy version, which she calls, "Accidentally Vegan." For me, it's great because there's no butter and I can use a non-dairy milk. I've printed this one out and hope to make it soon.

Writers:  How long does it take you to write a book (or article)? Please share.

Readers:  What did you take away from Rhonda Rhea's devotional?

Photo Credit:  Justine FG

Writing Tips/Character Interviews/Faith Problem/Devo/Fall Activities

1.  Laurie Schnebly Campbell guest posts at Writers in The Storm on the subject of plot,  character and genre. This is a must-read for both aspiring and more experienced novelists.

2.  Zoe M. McCarthy talks about Writing Character Interviews for Promotions. This can be a valuable tool in your marketing plan.

3. Christian Headlines reports that a Jacksonville, FL City Councilman said after a mass shooting that America has a "faith problem."

This reminds me of Pastor/Author/Teacher Jonathan Cahn's assertion that America is on borrowed time. We don't need a revival. We need another great awakening. I'm glad more people are talking about the root problem in our country.

4.  Sarah van Diest posts at The Write Conversation on, "Created for Truth." One of the areas I've been dealing with head on is fear and worry. They are both tools of the enemy of our souls. We've been given the ability to overcome both of them.

5.  Colin, at Hip2Save, shares some fun activities for the family during the Fall season. The best part? Most of them are FREE!

Writers:  Have you ever done a character interview? Did it help you promote your book? Please share.

Readers:  What fun activities have you done with your family this Fall?

Photo Credit:  Piotr Bizlor

Too Old?/Platform Building/Girls/Devo/Autumn Activities

1. Someone said, "I'm too old to write." Kristi Holl debunks this myth in her blog post.

2. Zoe M. McCarthy asks, "Is all this writers platform building going to pay off?"

3.  Christian Headlines reports that Teen Vogue tells Girls, "Abortion Can Be Funny."

4. What do Sandal-Ready Feet and Walking in Faith have in common? Check out this devotional by Edie Melson, at The Write Conversation.

5.  Autumn is around the corner. TeacherVision lists some resources for seasonal activities. If you or someone you know homeschool or you just want some fun things for your kids or the grandkids, check out this site.

Writers:  When did you begin platform building and what types do you focus on?

Readers:  What are your favorite autumn activities and why?\

Photo Credit:  Brian Lary

Weasel Words/Romantic Hero/Archaeology/Devotion/Plain People

1.  One lesson drilled into writers involves banishing "weasel words" from their work in progress. Zoe M. McCarthy addresses the use of one of these words, "just." Is it always bad?

2.  Donna L.H. Smith gives tips on getting inside the romantic hero's head. If you're writing a romance, you'll want to read this post.

3.  Breaking Christian News reports on an archaeologist in Israel who uses the Bible as a guide for digging.

4.  Dena Netherton talks about how love needs memories. I hope you enjoy this beautiful devotion.

5.  Readers: If you're a fan of Amish/Mennonite/Quaker novels, check out this article o Pennsylvania Colonial Plain People. Christy Distler does an excellent job summarizing their beliefs and practices during pre-revolutionary times.

Writers:  What "weasel words" have a way of appearing in your writing? Please share.

Readers:  What effect does reading historical fiction have on your interest in various cultures?

Photo  Credit:  Mike Munchel

Critiques/Coincidence/Evangelism/Keep Paving/Recipe

1.  Andy Lee posts at The Write Conversation on, "How to Receive and Give Critique with Grace." I've made my share of mistakes in this area, especially as a newbie writer. My heart has also been shredded by well-meaning colleagues. This article is a must-read for anyone in a critique group or doing book reviews.

2. Zoe M. McCarthy shows how a coincidence in a story can be a good thing provided it's used in the right place.

3. Christian Headlines reports on a study done by Barna regarding evangelism. This is truly a sad state of affairs.

4. If you're anything like me, writing can often become overwhelming. Katy Kauffman posted at The Write Conversation on how to "Keep paving" when you feel overwhelmed.

5. With Memorial Day coming up, Food Network gives a recipe for Classic Strawberry Shortcake. It's labeled, "easy." Ah, my kind of recipe. :)

Writers:  Have you used coincidences in a  story? Please share.

Readers:  How do you react to coincidences in a story? Love 'em? Hate 'em? Please share.

Photo Credit:  Helmut Gevert

Productive/Character Feelings/Abuse Prevention/Movies/Devo/Decluttering Myths

1.  Writers can be productive and happy while authoring. Cathy Fyock posts at The Write Conversation and gives some excellent advice to help you finish your book.

2.  Showing rather than telling how characters feel is the aim of Zoe M. McCarthy's blog post for writers. Take your writing up a notch with these excellent tips.

3.  Christian movies are exploding in popularity. I recently saw I Can Only Imagine and came away inspired and uplifted. Christian Headlines has a fascinating article on this trend. I hope you enjoy it.

4. Lynn J. Simpson talks about securing our steps. We all face hard times, but when we focus on God, He leads us through them.

5. Realtor.com had an interesting post on decluttering myths. Following this list will set you up for failure. The author gives advice that will help you keep your home clutter free.

Writers and Readers:  Have you seen any of the recent faith-based movies? Which ones did you see and how did you like them?

Photo Credit:  Jonathan Werner