Early Attempts/Characters/Abortion/Devo/Instapot

1. Have you ever looked at earlier attempts at writing and decided to throw them in the trash or use them to start a cozy fire? Peggy Sue Wells posts at The Write Conversation and urges us to never throw away our writing.

2.  Lori Hatcher posts at The Write Conversation about, "Five Characters You Don't Want in Your Story."

3.  WND reports on the link between abortion and Satanism.  

4.  Lynn J. Simpson shares her thoughts on making God your all in all.

5.  Did you get an Instapot or other pressure cooker for Christmas? (I know that was a few months ago, but I think this post will help you. Mine sat in the box for months because I was intimidated.) One Good Thing By Jillee gives instructions complete with pictures.

Writers:  Have you kept your early writing attempts? Please share your thoughts.

Readers:  The writing links are not only for writers, but also for readers. What kind of tidbits have you picked up that you found interesting?

Photo Credit:  sanja gjenero

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

Too Old?/Power of Story/China/Devo/Slow Cooker

1. Think you're too old to write? Think again. Jessica Ferguson shares her journey as a septugenarian, at Patti Shene's blog.

2.  Tim Suddeth posts at The Write Conversation about, "The Power of Story to Bridge Divisions." In this age of FB, Twitter, etc., it's become harder and harder to truly connect with people. I think you'll enjoy this post.

3. Christian Headlines reports on China's renewed persecution of Christians and the shutting down of churches.

4.  Julie Lavender posts at The Write Conversation on Vision For Writing in the New Year. While we're in the second month of 2020, I thought you'd enjoy her approach.

5. One cooking tool that's been around a long time is the slow cooker. Yummly answers questions about this appliance. Although simple to use, there are some things you shouldn't cook in it.

Writers:  Which writing link spoke to you? Please share your thoughts.

Readers: What's your favorite cooking tool? Why?

Photo Credit: Sam LeVan

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

Journey/Story Time/Israeli Intel/Devo/Minestrone Soup

1.   We all need encouragement at times. Lori Hatcher compares the writer's journey to her walking regimen. Check it out at The Write Conversation.

2.   Kathryn Craft, at Writer Unboxed, shows how to manipulate story time for maximal effect. Since I write suspense, I found this article fascinating and insightful.

3.  I reserve this space for news items and current events that might interest my readers. I came across this WND article about how Israel's intelligence agency is helping foil terrorists worldwide. They've certainly had plenty of experience.

4.  Rhonda Rhea, at The Write Conversation, talks about unselfish love.

5.  Brr! There's nothing like soup for a cold winter day. I discovered this Instant Pot Minestrone soup at Together As a Family.

Writers and Readers:  What are your favorite features on the Friday posts? Please feel free to suggest other topics.

Photo Credit:  Carlos Paes

New Year Break

Hi, Friends,

Usually I take a blog break in December, but kept full steam ahead in 2019. Alas, I've run out of steam and need to get some other things done.

Christian Writer/Reader Connection will be on blog break until Monday, February 3, 2020. Have a great January!

Happy New Year,
Susan J. Reinhardt
https://www.facebook.com/authorsusanjreinhardt
Member ACFW
Represented by Joyce Hart, Hartline Literary Agency
Author of The Moses Conspiracy, The Christmas Wish, The Scent of Fear, and
 Out of The Mist

Theme/One Word/Land Grab/Breathe/January Gardening

1.  Erika Liodice, at Writer Unboxed, decided to try something different than the tired New Year Resolution route. She enlisted the help of fellow writers to come up with a plan of action. Her approach makes sense and doesn't put undue stress on an already burdensome to-do list.

2.  Tammy Karasek, at The Write Conversation, talks about her one word for the New Year. One word can focus your efforts.

3.  WND reports that the State of Indiana grabbed land owned by the Pavlock family for many years and did so without compensation. They are fighting this situation now in the courts.

4.  The word "breathe" seems to be popping up as I write today's post. Michael K.  Reynolds wrote a post with that word. Do you take time to "breathe?"

5.  The winter months are often a frustrating time for avid gardeners. Our Stoney Acres posts about the seedlings you can start in January.

Writers:  Do you ask the Lord or choose a word for each New Year?  Please share.

Readers:  What did you think of the Writer Unboxed article? Do you think this is something useful in your own life?

Photo Credit:  Jesper Noher

Time/Reality Check/Barna Study/Bible Reading Plan/Free Pattern

1.  Jael McHenry posts at Writer Unboxed. We've all heard we have to make time to write. She has an interesting take on this subject. Although Thanksgiving and Christmas are behind us, others will follow that place demands on our time. Good reading.

2.  Writing takes a lot of hard work. Cindy Sproles, at The Write Conversation, gives us encouragement as writers with a healthy dose of reality.

3.  Crosswalk.com reports on a Barna study of a Biblical worldview of pastors and leadership. It's not surprising that many Christian adults follow this pattern. I'm reminded of the Bereans in the Book of Acts. They received the word gladly but then studied for themselves. Hat tip to my friend, Jean Fischer, for alerting me to this article.

4.  Tim Suddeth posts at The Write Conversation on, "Is a Bible Reading Plan for You in 2020?" With the New Year upon us, it's something to consider.

5.   Rescued Paw Designs has a free ear warmer pattern for people who like to crochet. It's easy enough for beginners and fast enough for those of us in a time crunch. Note: You have to scroll down quite a bit to get to the free pattern. It's a fun project for a snowy, winter night.

Writers:  What were some of your mistaken ideas about the writing business?

Readers:  What are your thoughts on Bible Reading Plans?

Photo Credit:  Seigo Nohara

Collage Outlining/Three Persons/Pro-Life/Speaking Truth/Recipe

1.  Barbara O'Neal posts at Writer Unboxed about the collage method of outlining a book. My writer friends will tell you I'm a pantser not an outliner, but this intrigued me. I'm thinking of giving it a try. The idea is to get out of your logical, left brain mode and over into your more creative right brain mode.

2.  Eva Marie Everson posts at The Write Conversation about the three persons you are - in public, at home, and alone with God. Applying this principle to our writing can help us avoid one and two-dimensional characters.

3.  Faithwire reports on Pro-Life podcaster, Allie Stuckey, as she destroys pro-abortion arguments at House Committee meeting.

4.  Tammy Karasek, at The Write Conversation, talks about Speaking the Truth in Love.

5.  Yes, I know Christmas is over, but there are plenty of other holidays coming up. This recipe for Fully Loaded Holiday M&M Cookie Bars is super easy. It requires only one bowl and no mixer. Check it out at Averie Cooks.

Writers:  Have you ever tried making a collage of your story? Please share.

Readers:  Can you identify why a book captivates you or not? What makes it ring true for you?

Photo Credit: Franci Strumpfer

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

Never Give Up/Character Goals/Preacher Ejected/Devo/Herb Gardening Mistakes

1. Elva Cobb Martin posts at Seriously Write on the subject, "Never Give Up." After 26 rejections, she put her manuscript in the attic for 20 years. Check out how this story ends.

2.  Jim Dempsey, at Writer Unboxed, talks about character goals and what drives them. It all boils down to their values, and what's most important in their lives.

3.  WND reports on a lawsuit filed by a Portland, Oregon preacher, who was ejected from a city park for sharing a pro-life message.

4.  Tammy Karasek posts a devotional at The Write Conversation about Writers as Harvesters of Righteousness. The truths expressed can benefit both writers and readers. I hope you'll take a couple of minutes to read her words of wisdom.

5. I've grown herbs both indoors and outdoors. Like other gardeners, I've had my share of failures. I came across an article at Plant Care Today about "10 Herb Gardening Mistakes," and thought I'd pass it on to you.

Writers:  What values drive your character's goals? Please share.

Readers:  Current events impact our lives not only as writers, but also as readers. When attacks on freedom of speech and religion occur, we can sit back and allow them to succeed. I much prefer this preacher's approach. What is your opinion?

Photo Credit: John Nyberg

Hair/Writing Obstacles/Kanye West/Devo/Cookie Recipe

1.  Language is so rich and provides many ways to describe hair. Yes, you read that right. I said, "hair." Writers in the Storm takes a post from their archives and shares it with their readers. Do you need help describing your character's hair? This is a good place to start.

2. Lynn H. Blackburn posts at The Write Conversation about moving past writing obstacles. Wow! She perfectly described what I'm going through right now as I'm in the early stages of my next book. I think this post will help a lot of you who are struggling to find that sweet spot in your writing.

3. Kanye West's acceptance of Jesus as his Savior and Lord has drawn much attention. While some have questioned whether or not he's indeed changed, I think his turning away from crude lyrics and commitment to preach the gospel speaks for itself. Let's rally around him with prayer and love. Check out this article on Faithwire.

4.Do you sometimes think what you're doing in ministry doesn't amount to much? Edie Melson, at The Write Conversation, shares her thoughts on being used by God.

5. While some of my friends get in the Christmas spirit in October, once Thanksgiving passes I'm all in. Yeah, the yearly cookie baking frenzy hits me full force around this time. With that in mind, I checked around for some cookie recipes. Enjoy!

Writers:  Which writing article helped you the most? Please share.

Readers:  When does the whole Christmas season take hold in your house? October? November? December? I'd be interested to see if I'm the only one who gets hit with cookie-baking frenzy. :)

Photo Credit: Kenneth Jones

Writing Dialogue/Real-Lie Intrusion/Infanticide/Prayer/Cupcakes

1.  Kathleen Neely posts at The Write Conversation on the Do's and Don'ts for Writing Dialogue. Newbies and seasoned writers alike can benefit from this post.

2.  Julia David urges, "Writers Beware. Your Real Life May Intrude on Your Creativity." See her post at Seriously Write.

3.  Virginia's governor made some outrageous comments in an interview regarding infanticide. It's no surprise he got his talking points from Planned Parenthood. Check out this article.

4.  Lori Hatcher shares a Writer's Prayer at The Write Conversation. Readers can relate by simply substituting whatever gifts God has given them.

5.  Christmas is right around the corner. Check out these cute cupcakes at Preppy Kitchen.

Writers:  What kind of difficulties do you experience when writing dialogue?

Readers:  What would you substitute for writing in The Writer's Prayer?

Photo Credit: Benjamin Earwicker

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