A Little Something For You

Besides being writers, we're interested in hobbies and life in general. Here are some excellent blogs to explore.

1.  Dena Netherton shares a wonderful story of what one person can accomplish and issues a challenge to all of us.

2.  Lynn Blackburn guest posts at The Write Conversation. She makes a delightful comparison between CrossFit and writing. I know you'll relate to it.

3.  I like to crochet and saw a program on PBS. They have a website called, Crochet Today! If you're into crochet, you'll want to check this out. :)

Writers:  What types of blogs do you explore in your free time? (LOL - I know it sounds like an oxymoron - writing and free time!)

Readers:  Besides reading, what kind of blogs interest you?

Photo Credit:  ravnosfdm

A Piece of Cake

We Christians love our fellowship suppers, potlucks, and covered-dish dinners. Whatever we call them, there's always plenty of food and desserts.

People will often tell us what size portion they want, especially with sweets. Some want a "regular slice," while others watching their waistlines or tasting a dessert for the first time ask for "a sliver." If there's enough to go around, they might even come back for seconds.

The newbie writer will sample different genres - a sliver here and a sliver there. Just like the cake eater, they'll savor each one and decide if they want seconds.

Seasoned writers know what genre speaks to them. They sit at the computer and pound out words that express their passion. Authors are often labeled by the genre they write: Amish, Romance, Romantic Suspense, Christian Speculative Fiction, Sci-Fi, Women's Fiction, etc. They know what they like and ask for a "regular slice."

Each stage of a writer's life brings new experiences and challenges. Wherever you are in the process, whether as a writer or some other occupation, enjoy each moment.

Writers:  How did you discover your genre?

Readers:  Do you check out books that aren't your usual fare? I love to sample new genres as a reader.

Photo Credit: Michaelaw

Are You Hitting the Target?

Graphics, success, and finances topped the list of my Internet travels this week. Check out these posts:

1.  The Blogging Bistro gives a list of free or inexpensive graphics. The old adage, "a picture is worth a thousand words," holds true in the blogosphere. Check out this great resource for both writers and hobby bloggers.

2.  Edie Melson, at The Write Conversation, gives 14 things that writers do to KEEP from being successful.

3.  As most of you know, this girl loves a bargain! Crystal Paine, of Money Saving Mom, has an excellent website. She's also a wife, mom, and dedicated blogger.

Writers and Readers:  Do you have a favorite site for your blog graphics? Please share.

Photo Credit: ilco

How Soon We Forget

My journal entry spoke of my sadness. April 27th marked the 7th anniversary of my husband's departure for his heavenly home. While not in the throes of grief, part of me yearned for happier days.

Then I did something unusual. I went back to the first journal entry for 2014. Two words stood out: move forward. In life and in our writing, we sometimes spend too much time looking in the rearview mirror.

How quickly I'd forgotten those words.

My Mom's challenges with the broken hip, a difficult winter, and other events turned my focus around. For a brief time, I became weary and forgot where I was headed. The goals God put on my heart took a backseat to the pain of past and present.

We don't have to remain stuck in the past to appreciate it. Neither do we have to stay tethered to our present circumstances. In fact, we honor our loved ones and God by pursuing the plans He has for us. So, I've been reminded: move forward.

Writers and Readers:  Have you experienced a moment when you decided it's time to look to the future? Please share.

Photo Credit:  juliaf

Brainstorm Time!

Help! I need to brainstorm with my peeps (all of you) about the challenges of non-fiction and/or fiction writing. Even if you're a blogger with no aspirations toward authorship, you face difficulties making your posts grab a reader's attention.

Please share your most troublesome task. Below is a list of possibilities, but feel free to add your thoughts.

1.  Grammar!

2.  Finding blog/article/book ideas

3.  Writing a proposal

4.  Social media

5.  The publishing industry

6.  How to write a devotional

7.  How to write a personal interest story

Let's have some fun with this in the comments. I'll be giving a short talk at a local ACFW Chapter on June 7th regarding non-fiction tips and editing. If any of you live in the Bethlehem, PA area, email me or use the contact form on this site for details.

Thanks!

Photo Credit: miamiamia

Small Projects - Big Motivators

Both my mom and grandmother crocheted. Some of my earliest memories involved watching them turn thread into doilies, potholders, and other works of art.

I caught the bug when some friends started making scarves out of yarn. The thread and doilies didn't speak to my creative side because it took way too long to make anything. My mother taught me the basic stitches and how to read patterns. From there, I was off and running.

Small projects kept me excited about learning new skills and built up endurance for the larger pieces. When I began writing for publication, it didn't take a genius to figure out the same principles could apply to that area.

Non-fiction was my first love, and devotionals were the perfect way to dip my toe in the publishing waters. I soon ventured into writing for anthologies, as well as short articles for Sunday School take-home papers.

As I honed my craft, I discovered using fiction techniques in non-fiction writing increased my acceptance rate. An experience in Gettysburg, much prayer, and my husband's encouragement set me on the novel-writing journey.

The non-fiction area with its successes fueled me for the long (8 years), and sometimes baffling, world of fiction. Some of the things I learned included:

1.  Basic writing skills.

2.  How to meet deadlines.

3.  How to get through the writer's doubt and press on.

The Lord used so many of my life experiences to prepare and motivate me for a ministry I thought was beyond my ability.

Writers and Readers: Has a hobby or life experience prepared you for your destiny? Please share. 

 Photo Credit: Simac

For The Writer and The Reader

I'm always looking for ways to improve my writing and connect with readers. The first two links wowed me with their suggestions.

Who doesn't like giveaways? I've discovered many wonderful authors and books as a result of blog contests. Diane Estrella is a frequent stop for me in my Internet travels.

1.  Edie Melson, at The Write Conversation, gives writers ideas on how to write like a reader. Now, there's an intriguing title!

2.  The Positive Writer tells us why we should Shut Up and Write! This helped me so much, and I wanted to share it with all of you.

3.  Diane Estrella, at That's What I'm Here For, posts a giveaway for Michael Warren Munsey's book, An Average Joes Pursuit For Financial Freedom. In addition, she has a ton of giveaways on her site for other books and products. The deadline is May 17th, but if you miss it, take heart! She always has great giveaways in progress.

Question for Writers and Readers:  Do you enter giveaways of either books or products? Have you won anything? Please share.

Have a blessed week!

Photo Credit:  lsnflo

Jumping the Gun

The race is about to begin. The competitors' bodies feel taut and ready for action. Then one runner takes off a second before the gun goes off. A collective groan comes from onlookers as the entire field is called back to the starting line.

That looks like a great paragraph, doesn't it? Yet, it tells about the action rather than shows it.

The runners take their position at the starting line, muscles taut and ready for action. A second before the gun goes off, one launches forward. A collective groan erupts from onlookers, and officials call the entire field back to the starting line.

Showing versus telling gives many writers a headache. How do we avoid the pitfalls associated with feeding readers information?

1.  Use strong verbs. In the first paragraph, we're told, "The race is about to begin." The third paragraph starts off with, "The runners take their position at the starting line, muscles taut and ready for action."

In the first example, the passive construction tells the reader what is about to happen. The second example gives an action, using the active verb, "take."

2.  Use deep POV.  Don't throw rocks at me. I'll define my terms. In a nutshell, deep POV is short for deep point of view. When you're speaking from one character's perspective, you not only see what they're seeing, but also feeling what they're feeling.

Example 1: The competitors' bodies feel taut and ready for action.

Re-write:    The runners take their position at the starting line, muscles taut and ready for action.

In the re-write, you can see those muscles tensed. Words like, feel, felt, emotion names, all tell the reader something about the character. Describing their reactions - muscles taut, a raised eyebrow, a flick of the hand eliminate the telling and show the reader what the character is experiencing.

3.  Observe real-life situations. We've all seen someone's eyes flash, twinkle, tear up, narrow, close, grow wide, etc. Be aware of how people communicate in non-verbal ways. It will sharpen your writing skills.

Resources:  Rivet Your Readers With Deep Point of View by Jill Elizabeth Nelson

                   The Emotion Thesaurus by Angela Ackerman and Becca Puglisi

Writers:  Non-fiction writers - have you used this fiction technique in your writing?

               Fiction writers - do you have a favorite writing resource? Please share.

Readers: Who are some of your favorite authors, and why does their work grab you?

Photo Credit:  dimetri c

 

Hop on Over

Some people like to chill out by watching TV. Blog hopping is my favorite way to relax, which should come as no surprise to my readers. :)

Here are a few recent stops on my circuit:

1.  Jeff Goins did a fabulous post on Chasing the Dream While Honoring Your Commitments. Time management presents challenges for all of us whether we're writers or pursuing other dreams.

2.  Ah, Edie Melson has done it again! While I love blog hopping, it is time consuming. Here are some suggestions on maximizing the time spent with this activity.

3.  Sandra Ardoin wrote a post with the intriguing title, "Let's Eat Grandma." Editing is an important function for serious writers and for casual bloggers. How do you keep your posts from going live with multiple mistakes?

Writers:  How do you keep up with blogging and still manage to write?

Readers: Jeff Goins says balance is a myth. Agree? Disagree? Why?

Photo Credit:  orangeNess

This Year's Garden

I've made an executive decision: I'm going for a flowers-only garden this year. I might try to grow some cherry tomatoes in a container, but that will be the extent of the veggie gardening.

The spot where I grew veggies is sunny and perfect for some of my favorite flowers. The front yard is shady, which has its limitations. I've been drooling over those gorgeous purple alliums for years. They're my first choice. Close behind are zinnias, petunias, and flowers I can cut for bouquets.

My writing dreams also go through changes. I'm working on the last book of The Moses Conspiracy trilogy. Although I'm only at 40,000 words, I'm contemplating my next project. Shall I do a series of short stories in the same vein or go into a completely different genre? The 1950's hold a special fascination, as well as Colonial times.

Non-fiction is my first love, and I have tons of material in my files that I'd love to use. I'm still praying as I work on my current book.

Deciding what to grow was easy compared to deciding what to write next.

Writers: How do you decide what project you'll tackle next?

Readers:  Veggies or flowers or both? Do you have any suggestions as to what you'd like to see come from my pen?

Photo Credit:  MEJones

On My Nightstand - Captured by Moonlight by Christine Lindsay

When Laine Harkness helps her friend, Eshana, rescue a young girl, they both get into hot water. They hightail it out of town, hoping things will cool off and enable them to return someday.

Things go from bad to horrific when Eshana's family captures her, and she's once again enslaved. Without a way to communicate with her friends, hope dims.

Laine is unaware of her friend's situation, and reports for duty at a medical mission compound in a remote region. The night she arrives, she comes face-to-face with someone from her past.

This love story set in India during the British Colonial period riveted me. The backdrop and cultural details showed the depth of the author's research and enriched the reading experience.

I'm loathe to describe these people as characters. Each one's distinctive personality and dilemma rang true. It seemed more like a biography than a novel.

Captured by Moonlight gets 5 Stars. I loved it!

Disclaimer: I did not receive any payment for this review. I purchased this book for my Kindle with my own hard-earned bucks. :)

Writers and Readers:  What new-to-you authors have you discovered lately? What made you enjoy their books?

The Benefits of Blog Subscription

Once I signed up for email notifications on several blogs, I never looked at my Blogger reader again. Here are some of the benefits:

1.  Time Saver - This is HUGE! I no longer have to think about what blogs I want to visit. The latest posts are right there in my email with the subject drawing me into the content.

2.  Reminder - With so much great information available, I can keep the important stuff at my fingertips. I don't have to Google it or research a subject multiple times.

3.  Industry Updates - I can stay on top of publishing news/tips with Edie Melson, Jeff Goins, the Positive Writer, Blogging Bistro, and so many others.

4.  Staying Connected - With all the social media out there, this is the way I stay connected to the blogosphere. I don't have to guess when a new post will appear. It's delivered to me personally.

5.  Keeping in Touch with Old Friends and Making New Ones - It's easy to drift around the Net without much direction. Subscribing to blogs helps fine tune my focus.

Writers and Readers: What's your opinion on subscribing to blogs? Yay or nay? Please give your reasons.

Photo Credit:  Pulpdtp

Surfing the Net

With summer drawing near, I decided to go with a Surfing-the-Net theme this week. I love hopping from one blog to another. I'll see a great comment in one place, and pop over to see the author's site. Here are some of my recent discoveries.

1.  Marlene Bagnull, head of the Greater Philadelphia Christian Writers Conference, guest posted at Elaine Stock's blog recently. How does one become the head of such a huge venture? Marlene shares her story.

2.  Edie Melson, at The Write Conversation, gives tips on getting more blog comments.

3.  Multi-published author, Gail Gaymer Martin, talks about plot twists.

Question for Writers:  With writers' conferences approaching, do you plan to attend one?

Readers:  Do you enjoy blog hopping? How do you find new blogs?

Photo Credit:  TheSwedish

A Grateful Heart

We recently said goodbye to the first quarter of 2014. I'm not sorry to see it become history. Yet, as I traveled a difficult path, God provided every need down to the smallest detail.

So, instead of bemoaning negative events, this post is about a heart of gratitude.

-  I'm grateful that my Mom's recovery from a broken hip has exceeded the doctors' expectations. She didn't need a hip replacement and eventually won't need a walker.

-  I'm grateful for the prayers of family and friends that carried us through the ordeal.

-  I'm grateful for the answers to prayer:

   The major snowstorm taking a detour.

   The rides from a friend and my stepson to the hospital, so I wouldn't have to move my car and lose my parking space. I live on a snow emergency route, and parking is a nightmare when a storm is expected.

   The timing and smooth transitions from hospital to home.

-  I'm grateful for the strength to be there for my Mom.

-  I'm grateful for the financial provision to pay for pricey heating oil.

-  I'm grateful for a publisher that stood by me and encouraged me to "put family first."

-  Most of all, I'm grateful for the peace of God that brought rest and comfort to my heart.

Writers and Readers:  What are you thankful for today?

Photo Credit:  Everywhere

Weekend Digest

1.  Edie Melson, at The Write Conversation, gives us ideas on where to find the words that will best communicate our ideas.

2.  To my mind, editing and enjoyment are oxymorons. The Positive Writer seeks to show us ways to make it less of a chore and more of a delight.

3.  With Spring here, we'll soon be celebrating graduations, Mother's Day, Father's Day, and visiting friends. My blogger friend, Susan, at Writing Straight From The Heart, posted this easy recipe. I thought you might like to check it out.

Writers and Readers:  What are some of your favorite recipes for special events?

Photo Credit: emperador