Monday, December 24, 2012

O Holy Night




I'll be taking a blogging break until Monday, January 7, 2013. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to all my friends in the blogosphere!



Friday, December 21, 2012

Friday Round-Up - #225






My good friend, Jean Fischer, gives a primer on Pinterest. She's even got me interested,  and you know how resistant I am to adding more social media to my plate!

Writers: Have you tried Pinterest? Please share your experience.

Readers: What kinds of Pinterest boards attract your attention?

Have a blessed weekend!


Friday, December 14, 2012

Friday Round-Up - #224






Jaime Wright, over at Coffee Cups and Camisoles, shares how she researched setting for her latest work in progress. She made some amazing discoveries along the way.

Writers: What interesting facts have you unearthed in your quest for a realistic setting?

Readers: How important is setting to the overall story?

Have a blessed weekend!




Monday, December 10, 2012

Crocheting Stories






Granny Squares, ripples, pillows, sweaters, baby clothes all grew from my crochet needle. Easter chicks, toys, and even a doll were added to the long list. As each took shape, I'd think about the next gift and the one who would receive it. What colors did they like? Would a cozy afghan be their preference or a hat and scarf?

As I craft my stories, I think of the readers. How much tension can they handle? What themes will be meaningful to their lives? Will the ending satisfy them?

Before I used yarn to create something tangible and valued. Now, I use words.

Writers: What are some of the things you do other than writing that reflect your creativity? How has it impacted your storytelling?

Readers: What gives you a profound sense of accomplishment?


Photo credit:  twasa




Friday, December 7, 2012

On My Nightstand - With Every Letter by Sarah Sundin







Mellie Blake volunteers for a pioneer position as a medical evacuation nurse during WWII. Raised by her father in some unorthodox settings, she has a unique perspective on the world. Making friends and fitting in with other women make her challenging job look simple.

Tom MacGilliver also has difficulty relating to others but for completely different reasons. He wonders if people will ever accept him for himself rather than judge him by the actions of a close family member.

An Army officer gets her husband to set up an anonymous letter exchange. Most of the participants either quit or decide to meet each other in person. Tom and Mellie continue their correspondence, but fear that meeting will invite rejection.

Author Sarah Sundin gives us another compelling story. Her careful development of the characters and impeccable research made me feel every emotion and jump at every bomb blast. This is my favorite of all her books. Of course, I say that with each new story that comes from her pen.

If I were rating this book, I'd give it five stars. Don't miss this amazing love story.

Disclaimer: Neither the author nor the publisher paid for this recommendation.




Monday, December 3, 2012

Lean Into The Task






I'm my own worst enemy. Procrastination, excuses, passive resistance add up to unfinished business. It takes a quality decision to move ahead whether I feel like it or not.

This week, I've leaned into the tasks instead of allowing them to bury me. I've chopped away at each one until I could cross them off my famous (or infamous) lists.

And you know something? I'm now free to do the fun stuff without all the grunt work hanging over my head.

Writers: What aspects of writing must you "lean into?"

Readers: What jobs around the house make you want to hide under the covers?