Looking Forward

This is a time when many re-evaluate their lives and what they've accomplished over the past year. I'm certainly no exception to this.

I'm slowly learning to focus on the Lord instead of problems. Instead of viewing them as obstacles, they're now opportunities for miracles/blessings. Immersing myself in His Word, spending quality time in His Presence, and putting action to the Word that's become alive in my spirit has opened new pathways of joy and peace.

May 2018 be a year of great strides in our walk with the Lord and a new awakening to Him in our country.

Writers and Readers: What are you reflecting on as 2018 approaches?

Photo Credit:  Maurizio Sartore

May You Have a Blessed Christmas!

Luke 2:1-20King James Version (KJV)

2 And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be taxed.

² (And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.)

³ And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city.

⁴ And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David:)

⁵ To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child.

⁶ And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered.

⁷ And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.

⁸ And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.

⁹ And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid.

¹⁰ And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.

¹¹ For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.

¹² And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.

¹³ And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying,

¹⁴ Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.

¹⁵ And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us.

¹⁶ And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger.

¹⁷ And when they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child.

¹⁸ And all they that heard it wondered at those things which were told them by the shepherds.

¹⁹ But Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart.

²⁰ And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told unto them.

King James Version (KJV)

Public Domain

Photo Credit:  Debbie Schiel

Newbie Writers/Publishing?/"Chlot"/Memoir/Silent Night

1.  Multi-published author Jody Hedlund gives sage advice to the novice writer. Don't miss these nuggets.

2.  So, you think you can make this publishing thing happen if you work hard enough. Ashley Clark shares her experiences at The Writer's Alley. There's much wisdom here if you'll read with an open heart.

3.  Wendy Paine Miller has an excellent post on "chlot." What is, "chlot?" Pop over to her  blog and find out. Hint: It will help you write your novel.

4.  LOL! This Weekend Potpourri is shaping up to be for writers. Readers, I promise the last link will be something for you.

In the meantime, I discovered a post at The Write Conversation on How Personal  Little Stories Become Big Bestsellers. If you're into writing a memoir, this is for you.

5.  Silent Night is one of the classic Christmas Carols. Like many songs, this one has a story. Janice Hayden submitted this article.

Here's a beautiful arrangement by Pentatonix on YouTube:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sme8N2pzRx8

Writers:  What do you think is more important to a novel: character or plot? Please explain.

Readers:  What is your favorite Christmas Carol?

Photo Credit:  Michael Pohl

The Cookie Baking that Got Postponed

Dear Blogging Friends,

Last Friday, a friend and I were supposed to bake cookies together. Today, the results would have been shown here.

A scheduling conflict and a winter storm pushed that event to next Friday (12/22/17). When it happens, I'll be sure to share my pictures.

In the meantime, how are your Christmas preparations going? I'm finished with the shopping, cards, and wrapping. We're just waiting on those cookies!

Enjoying the journey,
Susan :)

Meaningful Punch/Former Plotter/Chip and Joanna Gaines/Finding Daddy/Cookies!

1.  Zoe M. McCarthy talks about ending paragraphs with a meaningful punch. Do your paragraphs excite the reader and urge them to turn the page?

2.  It cheered me to see a former plotter extol the virtues of pantsing (going with the flow of story without a rigid outline). Anna Elliott gives some tips on how to make the process easier, which I'm going to apply to my next book.

3.  I hope you enjoy this heartwarming story as much as I did. Chip and Joanna Gaines, stars of the hit show, Fixer Upper, made an elderly woman's day.

4.  Adelee Russell shares the stories she used to tell herself. Don't miss this real-life testimony of finding a father's love.

5.  We're at that point in the year when the yearning for past traditions kicks in bigtime. Cookie baking always triggers happy memories of Mom, Grandma, and I creating lots of yummy confections. Check out the Hershey website and the mouth-watering variety of cookie recipes.

Writers:  How do you keep paragraph endings moving the story forward? I sometimes use a statement that raises story questions or reveals some hidden thought process.

Readers:  During this time of the year, do you search for inspirational stories like the one about Chip and Joanna Gaines? Please share the type of books you like to read during specific seasons whether it's Christmas or some other holiday.

Photo Credit:  Iolela

Blessed Instead of Stressed

For too long, I allowed the pressures of a busy schedule to steal the joy of Christmas. It seemed like the celebration stretched my to-do list to the breaking point.

This year, I decided to focus on the meaningful items rather than trying to cram every activity available into a few short weeks:

1.  The birth of Jesus.

2.  Making the day special for the people I love.

3.  Thinking of those less fortunate through Operation Christmas Child and our church's annual toy/clothing giveaway.

4.  Shopping with an eye not only for bargains, but also for gifts people would truly appreciate.

5.  Baking cookies.

Instead of having to get it done, I get to do things that matter - giving with all my heart.

Writers and Readers: How do you keep Christmas blessed instead of stressed?

Photo Credit:  Jenny Erickson

Scene Launch/Story Details/Cancer Therapy/Dream/Why Christmas?

1.  Jordan Rosenfeld guest posts on Jane Friedman's blog. She gives us 4 Ways to Launch a Scene. Take a look at these great tips for writers in all genres.

2.  It's easy to get bogged down with story details. Zoe M. McCarthy gives some concise ways to get the message across.

3.  Breaking Christian News reports on the FDA's approval of a new gene therapy that may treat deadly and formerly untreatable forms of cancer. For all of us who have been touched by this scourge either personally or a loved one, this is good news.

4.  Emme Gannon writes an encouraging posts to writers, but it can apply to anyone. Don't let anyone crush your dreams.

5.  I found a website called, "whychristmas." It talks about how various traditions began and how to create some new traditions for your family. I've included the page on the Christmas Story here for your enjoyment.

Writers:  Which writing tip was your favorite? Please share.

Readers:  Do you have any family Christmas traditions? Favorite foods/ornaments/events?

Photo Credit:  Dimitris Petridis

On My Kindle - Refuge on Crescent Hill by Melanie Dobson

When the magazine she's freelancing with goes bust, Camden Bristow is left without and income and few resources. She heads to the only place where she's ever felt at home - her grandmother's house.

Alex Yates still blames himself for his sister and young nephew's deaths. He abandons his up-and-coming career and takes a job in a small town. All of his efforts to bring companies and jobs into the area are hindered.

Sparks fly when they find themselves on opposites sides of the fence concerning the decrepit mansion. When an old mystery surfaces, they have no choice but to join forces.

Melanie Dobson is a new-to-me author, and I'll be looking up her other books. I'm a huge fan of Romantic Suspense whether historical or contemporary. This had all the elements I enjoy. Loved it - 5 Stars!

Disclaimer: Neither the author nor the publisher paid for a favorable review. All opinions, as always, are mine and mine alone.

Bestseller Potential/Vintage Photos/Nativity/Devo/Colonial Christmas

1.  Chad Allen talks about developing a book concept with bestseller potential. The key is finding out the needs of readers and meeting them.

2.   I'm always looking for inspiration for my blog posts. How about you? Jean Fischer, at Something to Write Home About, shares some photo resources.

3.   WND reports that anonymous donors are behind a campaign to install nativity scenes nationwide. This story warmed my heart. It's about time we pushed back the darkness.

4.  Bonnie Leon's blog post struck a chord in my heart. Sometimes we're so focused on the weeds that we miss the good things happening in our lives. Don't miss this thoughtful devotional.

5.  Rather than the usual Christmas recipes, I thought you might be interested in what type of foods were served in Colonial and Early American times. This is an interesting article for young people doing school papers. Check it out at http://www.foodtimeline.org/christmasmenu.html#coloniachristmas

Writers:  Do photographs jumpstart your creative process for either blogging or writing? Please share.

Readers:  What types of food do you serve for Christmas? Have you ever tried something from another time period? Please share.

Photo Credit:  Antony Ruggiero

On My Kindle - To Wager Her Heart by Tamera Alexander

Times are hard in the South after the Civil War. Alexandra Jamison's parents want her future secured through an arranged marriage. She chooses to follow her heart and become a teacher at Fisk University, the first Freedman's School in the United States. Her decision comes at great personal cost when her father disowns her.

Sylas Rutledge, the new owner of the Northeast Railroad Line, is in town for a business deal. He comes from Colorado and isn't accustomed to the genteel ways of Southerners. He enlists Alexandra's help in learning how to conduct himself in Nashville business circles.

Can a romance between a man from the Wild West and a Southern Belle survive the strains of the post-Civil War South?

Tamera Alexander is one of my favorite, go-to authors. Her Belle Meade series is not only beautifully written but painstakingly researched. I spent many pleasurable hours reading this book. If you're a fan of Historical Christian Romance, I think you'll enjoy this story of finding love after unbearable tragedy.

5 Stars!

Disclaimer:  Neither the author nor the publisher paid me for a favorable review. All opinions are solely based on my reading of this book.

Anecdotes/Hiring Editor?/Founding Fathers/Devo/Christmas Decor

1.  Jerry Jenkins offers stellar advice on how to write an anecdote. Now that may not seem interesting, but non-fiction comes alive as we use stories to illustrate our points. Don't miss this great article.

2.  Jane Friedman talks about when you shouldn't hire an editor. With so many people asking questions about when it's appropriate/not appropriate, I thought it would be a useful link.

3.  Now, some people want to trash monuments of our Founding Fathers even though they died long before the South seceded from the Union.

4.  Kristen Hogrefe shares a wonderful devotional on the Hills and Valleys of the Writing Life. It could just as easily apply to any other endeavor.

5.  Even though Thanksgiving marks the official start of the Christmas Season, we've been seeing decorations in the stores since September. I found a great site with DIY ideas for Christmas decor. It covers both indoor and outdoor, games for kids, and lighting.

Writers:  Do you use anecdotes in your non-fiction writing? Please share.

Readers:  Do you add to your Christmas decorations each year or do you use family favorites? Please share some pictures if you can. :)

Photo Credit:  Andrew Beierle

Some Thanksgiving Facts

The first Thanksgiving celebrated by the Pilgrims and Native Americans lasted for three days. Gratitude to God for their survival through a brutal winter and a great harvest made it a particularly joyful time. (See https://www.reference.com/holidays-celebrations/did-thankstiving-start-325864902047eae)

Thanksgiving did not become an annual event until President Lincoln made it official. Like so many of our holidays, the meaning has degenerated to food, football, parades, and long weekends. Let's not forget the freedom and abundance we enjoy come from honoring God in our daily lives.

This Thanksgiving, let's remember to thank God for His many blessings.

Writers:  Do you incorporate holidays into your writing? Please share.

Readers:  How do you celebrate Thanksgiving? 

Pressures/Writing Boo-Boos/Airline Security/Inspiration/Apple Recipe

1.  Zoe M. McCarthy is a fellow Hartline author. In this post she talks about the pressures of deadlines, platform, and life commitments. She also shares her method for staying on top of things.

2.  Lori Hatcher posts at The Write Conversation and reveals 4 Writing Boo-Boos You Don't Want to Make. The whole "pique/peek" thing is a pet peeve for me.

3.  An author friend recently posted about an experience going through security at an airport. I'm giving you a link here, so you know your rights when traveling via airline.

4.  Positive Writer shares 7 Inspirational Quotes That Could Change Your Life.

5. Recipe time! Here are apple pie baked apples. Yes, you can actually bake a pie within an apple instead of a crust. Check out Delish's recipe.

Writers:  Which writing boo-boo have you either struggled with in the past or still makes you confused?

Readers:  Airline security affects so many people. Have you run into any issues when flying? Please share.

Photo Credit:  Gurkan Kurt

On My Kindle - Protected by Vannetta Chapman

Erin Jacobs' work as an animal rescuer takes her into some strange situations. When she approaches a porch and looks inside a basket, she's stunned to see an infant. Her world is about to be turned upside down.

Travis Williams, a caseworker, has his doubts that Erin can handle this new responsibility. The one thing he didn't think would happen took him by surprise. It's not every day you fall in love with a gorgeous, but fiercely independent, woman.

This is the second book in The Jacobs Series. The author is known for her Amish novels, but I'm glad to see she's branched out to another genre. This heartwarming tale left me wanting more.

I'm giving this book 5 Stars. I'll be on the lookout for her future books.

Writers:  Have you thought about switching genres? Why or why not?

Readers:  When a favorite author moves in a different direction, do you still read their books? Please share.

Write Faster/Create Conflict/Occult/Devo/Recipe

1.  Do you want to write faster? Here are some tips from Grammarly.

2.  Janice Hardy posts at Writers in The Storm on 6 Ways Your Setting Creates Conflict. Setting challenges me, so this article gave me some ideas.

3.  When a nation turns away from God, they inevitably fill that vacuum with evil. We see this in the Old Testament accounts of Israel going into idolatry. The old Soviet Union promoted atheism, and its people turned to occult practices. WND reports on the growth of witchcraft in America. We don't like to think about such things, but we'd better re-affirm our own faith, live it, and pray for this nation.

4.  Dena Netherton, at My Father's World, My Father's Words, talks about, "Tiny, but Powerful."

5.  Many of us think about baking as the weather gets colder. I discovered a Banana Bread recipe at Mz. Witherspoon's Cottage. The steps are illustrated with pictures. Enjoy!

Writers:  How do you increase your productivity?

Readers:  What are some of the projects you save for colder weather?

Photo Credit:  Roger Kirby