Settings/Writers Voice/Homeschool/Inspiring/Spring Colors

1.  Zoe McCarthy always pens great writing articles. Setting grounds our characters and gives them a stage on which to perform. Zoe compares real versus fictional settings.

2.  Jennifer Brown Banks gives 6 Vocal Tips to Help Writers Cultivate Voice. Developing our unique sound when writing is a key element to writing success.

3.  WND reported on a homeschool mom convicted for being reckless with her son's education because she missed a non-existent reporting deadline. Ohio actually praised her for the child's achievements. She's not backing down, but fighting the beauracracy.

4.  I had to share this testimony with you. Breaking Christian News tells about a young girl's dream and how it affects her life. She learned a profound truth that went past the mind and gripped the heart.

5.  HGTV shows 2017 Spring Color Combinations. Interesting - I wouldn't have thought about putting some of these together.

Writers:  How did you discover your writer's voice?

Readers:  If you know any authors, do they sound like their writing? Please share.

Photo Credit:  Davide Guglielmo

On My Nightstand - Lucy Come Home by Dave and Neta Jackson

Throughout the House of Hope series by Neta Jackson, Lucy is a familiar character. She's a bag lady that lives partly on the streets and sometimes at Manna House, a homeless shelter.

The book, Lucy Come Home, left me with mixed emotions. The pacing was slow and much of it was a rehash of her part in the House of Hope Series. On the positive side, the authors did a good job showing how this woman ended up on the streets of Chicago. They also dealt with the plight of migrant workers during the Depression Era.

When the last House of Hope book ended, readers were left hanging with Lucy's story. I looked forward to this book, but it was just okay. I'm giving it 3 1/2 stars. I usually don't review anything under 4 stars, but I loved Neta's other books so much. At least, we found out what happened to Lucy and why she was reluctant to go home.

Writers:  How do you incorporate back story into your writing without it becoming a big yawn?

Readers:  When the promise of a good story goes bad, do you finish or walk away (or skip to the end)?

Identifying the Problem - Part II

If I don't know the question, how can I find the answer? Looking for a solution before identifying the problem is a waste of time and energy.

All researchers start off by asking a questions like, "How does this disease start, and under what conditions does it flourish?" In similar fashion I needed to review my writing journey and find that spot where things went terribly wrong.

What I discovered was not a huge event, but rather a series of small decisions/actions that made me veer off course. I'm reminded of the scripture that talks about the little foxes spoiling the vine. By this time, many of them were buried, and only the Lord could bring them to the surface.

Here are some of the missteps that eventually brought me to the place where I questioned my call to write:

1.  While there's wisdom in many counselors, I listened to anyone and everyone rather than seeking those who were qualified. This led to conflicting advice and confusion.

2.  Advice about writing, the publishing industry, and marketing wasn't always filtered through prayer and the Word of God. I relied too heavily on people.

3.  Instead of operating from my relationship with the Lord, I began to depend on my own strength, abilities, and plans. This caused stress, striving, and worry.

Okay, now that I knew the problems, what were the solutions?

Writers and Readers: When you're stuck, do you ever ask God, "What thought process/decision brought me to this place?" Has He brought light to your situation? If you can, please share.

Photo Credit:  Arte_ram

Tough Times/Phishing Scam/Uber and NFL Player/Devo/Miniatures

1.  Edie Melson, at The Write Conversation, shares how Writing Through the Tough Times Brings Discovery.

2.  Keeping your gmail account safe can be tricky. Here's an article by Wordfence.com that details a new phishing  scam.

3.  I recently read a neat story on Breaking Christian News about an Uber driver (who is a pastor) leading an NFL player to Christ. Enjoy!

   

4.  Beth K. Vogt posts at The Write Conversation concerning The Thoughts That Make Us Strong - a good word for writers and readers alike.

5.  Susan, at Writing Straight From The Heart, collects miniatures. I find them so appealing and sweet, but so far have resisted the temptation to take up the hobby.

Writers:  How do you make time to write?

Readers:  Is there a hobby that attracts you, but you've resisted the temptation to dabble in it? Please share.

On My Nightstand - Cold Shot by Dani Pettrey

Griffin McCray, a park ranger at Gettysburg, stays under the radar. He's been in law enforcement, but the death of a hostage eats him alive on the inside.

Beautiful Finley Scott, an anthropologist, works on a dig in the area. The discovery of a body draws her into the investigation to identify the victim. When she determines a sniper bullet caused the woman's death, the FBI is called in to take over the case.

Griffin's friends, Declan Grey and Parker Mitchell, get involved in the effort to identify the woman and stop the sniper from striking again. He didn't bargain on falling in love or dealing with the hurts that made him withdraw from his passion for righting injustice.

This is Book One of The Chesapeake Valor series by Dani Pettrey. I've read one other book by her, and she has a knack for ramping up the story tension. The characters are likable, and their faith shines through in a natural, unassuming way. She also did a wonderful job with her research. A plus - the author is donating some of the proceeds from this book to a human trafficking organization.

I did wish for more information on Finley's background and family life. Perhaps the author will shed further light on that subject in future books. I marveled that everyone on the team were Christians, even people like Finley, a noted scientist. It required me to shrug off my doubts and flow with the story.

All in all, it's an enjoyable story, and I'll be looking for the next book in the series. Four stars for this novel.

Writers:  How do you balance the plot and the characters? Do you give readers enough information on the characters to give them a sense of history? Please share.

Readers: When something makes you pause and doubt the credibility of the story, are you able to put that aside and enjoy the story or is it a deal breaker? Why?

The Call - Or How I Re-Connected to My Purpose - Part I

Should I quit writing? Why am I putting myself through this torture?

Sound familiar? These are some of the thoughts I've had going through my mind. They've turned writing from a joy to a chore and from a blessing to a curse. How did I get here?

Even as I struggled, I cried out to the Lord for answers, wisdom, and direction. Maybe He didn't want me writing. Then He spoke this to my heart: "Go back to the vision."

We humans need reminders, and this was my day to recall the early days when the intense flame of destiny energized me.

I reflected on the original vision and how God led me in those early days:

1.  Pouring words onto the page, filled with passion to communicate God's love for His people. This became my standard, my rallying cry:  write words that were containers of life.

2.  Sitting at my desk 13 plus years ago and asking Him if He really wanted me to pursue publication. His answer was swift and sure. Within a half hour, the phone rang and an invitation was issued to attend a small writers group.

3.  Standing in Gettysburg town square and hearing the voices of the forefathers as fading echoes.

4.  I can still hear my late husband as we talked about The Gettysburg Experience. After eight months, its meaning still escaped me. Then he declared, "That's it. That's your book, and you'll write it in four months, and call it Ghosts of the Past."

5.  Long before I heard advice like, "get something on the page, and then you can edit," I began writing a story that will forever remain embedded in my spirit.

How did I get from Point A to a published manuscript? When did things go awry?

Writers:  If you sense God has called you to write, how do you stay true to your original vision?

Readers:  There are books that entertain, but there are books that impact your life forever. Can you name a book (other than the Bible) that influenced your walk with the Lord?

Photo Credit:  darkip

Immersive POV/Definition/Lists/Devo/Photography

1.   We've all heard of Point-of-View (POV) and Deep POV, but Immersive POV? Donald Maas posts at Writer Unboxed on the subject.

2.   Donn Taylor posts at Author Culture on Writers and the Power of Definition. When talking or writing about any subject, how we define our terms is critical to communicating our worldview.

3.  There are all kinds of lists: Bestseller lists, Best Looking Person lists, but there's one list a nation should never be on: The Persecuting Nations List. For the first time since it started, the United States is on that list. Hopefully, it will be temporary. Read the article here.

4.  Adelee Russell, of Rewritten, allows us into her thought processes and her heart. The revelation she received of God's love for her and the freedom we have in Christ is life changing.

5.  If you enjoy beautiful photography, check out A New England Life. I'm a visual person and find much inspiration in pictures. (It's why I love Pinterest.)

Writers:  Did you know what "Immersive POV" was? What did you think of the article?

Readers:  If you're a blogger, what inspires you?

Photo Credit:  Jean Scheijen

On My Nightstand - Wild Montana Skies by Susan May Warren

Kacey Fairling returns home after a crash during her last tour of duty in Afghanistan. She's found a job as the new head pilot for the PEAK Search and Rescue Team. Maybe some time away from the military will help her reconnect with her teenage daughter and parents.

Ben King's singing career suffers a devastating blow when his partner strikes out on her own. Since his father is struggling with an injury, he returns to Mercy Falls to help him out. In the back of his mind, he hopes Kacey will be there. He's never loved anyone else, but their lives took a sharp detour 13 years ago.

This is book 1 in the Montana Rescue Series, and I'll definitely be getting the next book. There's a strong spiritual thread, but the characters are far from goody two shoes. They have the emotional scars to prove it. It's a strong theme of forgiveness and second chances.

I love the combination of romance and suspense. Susan May Warren has a talent for throwing in a twist when you least expect it. Hmm, it sounds like real life, doesn't it?

Five stars for this book.

Writers:  This book uses detailed knowledge of rescue operations. Have you given your characters an unusual occupation? Please share.

Readers:  When a novel includes elements of suspense, does the tension keep the story moving for you? Please share your thoughts.

Survey Time - Social Media

Where do you hang out on social media?

Facebook
Goodreads
Google+
LinkedIn
Twitter
Pinterest
Instagram
Other (Please specify)

Please answer in the comments. If you could include a brief reason why you chose the particular platforms you're on, I'd appreciate it. I'm considering expanding my social media reach.

Thanks!

Photo Credit:  Craig Parylo

Cliffhangers/Twitter/Planned Parenthood/Devo/Birthdays

1.  Cindy Sproles posts at The Write Conversation on tips for using cliffhangers in our books. While they're effective, they can give the reader ulcers if they're overused.

2.  I love Facebook, but I have to admit some social media platforms leave me cold. Twitter is a fine example. When I saw Edie Melson, at The Write Conversation, wrote a post about using Twitter, I thought perhaps it would help me understand it better. She gives the Twitter ABCs.

3.  Breaking Christian News reports a Senate Committee has referred Planned Parenthood to the FBI for criminal investigation. The issue is the selling of fetal body parts, which is against the law.

4.  Lynn Simpson shares her word for 2017 and the challenges she's experienced.

5.  Since my birthday was yesterday, I thought about celebrations and how to make them special. When Sweetie Mom turned 75 quite a few years ago, I threw her a, "This Is Your Life," party. I enlisted the help of family members, and we surprised her with people she hadn't seen in a while - her father, sister, brother and sister-in-law all showed up as part of the festivities. Friends from her church in another state were also invited.

I googled for information about parties and found this site. The event planner gives tips on making those milestone birthdays extra special.

Writers:  Do you incorporate cliffhangers in your writing? Please share.

Readers:  Are you on Twitter, and do you connect with authors there? What are your thoughts about that Social Media platform?

Photo Credit:  Robb Kiser

On My Nightstand - Frayed by Kerry Nietz

Threadbare is a low-level debugger. He's relegated to a greasy garage and fixes heavy, rather uncomplicated bots (robots). The constant razing by fellow debugger, Bullhammer, irks him, and he wishes he could better his position.

This is definitely a watch-what-you-wish-for kind of story. He's eventually promoted and given a cushy position. He's got his own apartment, a great food producer, and exclusive access to almost every area of the estate. Things go downhill when he discovers everything is not as it appears.

I'm not a big science fiction fan, but Kerry Nietz managed to snag my attention. The Christian thread is subtle but definitely present. Frayed is Book 1 in the Dark Trench Shadow Series. You might want to read the Original Dark Trench Saga: A Star Singing Curiously, The Superlative Stream, and Freeheads. It will give you a foundation for this book.

I confess:  I'm hooked and will pick up the rest of this series as it comes out. If you like Science Fiction, these two series will capture your imagination. Five stars!

Disclaimer:  I won this book in a blog giveaway. The author did not pay me for a favorable review. All opinions are mine and mine along.

Writers: Have you ever tried to write science fiction? What books/TV programs have inspired your efforts. Please share.

Readers:  Do you like Science Fiction? What are some of the titles you've read? 

Presidents' Day Trivia and Thoughts

Today is Presidents' Day. When I was younger, we celebrated Lincoln's birthday on February 12 and Washington's birthday on February 22.

In the 1960's, an effort was made to combine the two holidays through the Uniform Holiday Act. The effort failed, but a piece of the legislation was passed in 1971. Presidents' Day was moved to the third Monday in February. Many patriotic groups use this date for reenactments and events honoring various presidents.*

I found a couple of quotes by George Washington which illustrate his beliefs:

"Let us with caution indulge the supposition that morality can be maintained without religion. Reason and experience both forbid us to expect that national morality can prevail in exclusion of religious principle."

"It is impossible to rightly govern a nation without God and the Bible."

The study of American History is critical to the future of our country. Our freedoms depend on each generation understanding what it took to secure them and how our government was designed to work.

While researching for a project, I was distressed to see government sites wiped clean of references to Christianity. Many of the history books and internet websites put forth a revised history that bears little or no resemblance to the truth. They don't back up their claims with original documents or simply omit whole chunks of information.

I'm thankful for David Barton, at Wallbuilders, and others who have original documents from the Founding Fathers and raise awareness of our true history. If we forget our roots as a country, we're in serious danger of seeing the type of scenario found in my novels (The Moses Trilogy and The Christmas Wish).

We remember George Washington (the Father of our Country) and Abraham Lincoln on this day. If not for these great men and so many others, America would not exist.

*Thanks to History.com for the information on Presidents' Day.

Writers:  Does history provide inspiration for your writing? Please share.

Readers:  What is your favorite time period in American History? Do you look for books that are based on those eras? Please share.

Photo Credit:  Mana Media

Characters/Writing Goals/Confiscated/Memorizing/Flowers

1.  Character development has a strong impact on dialogue. Chip MacGregor, at MacGregor Literary, gives tips on developing character voice.

2.  We're not too far off from the beginning of the year. Are you accomplishing your writing goals? I came across an article on Positive Writer on One Goal to be a Brilliant, Accomplished Writer (Are You Ready?) Be forewarned this isn't a Christian site, and he uses the term, "mantra," quite often. (Otherwise, it's okay - no profanity.)

3.  Christian Headlines reports on a Church Retreat Center being confiscated by the Iranian government.

4.  Jeanette Levellie, at Hope Splashes, shares 5 Ways Memorizing Scripture Can Enrich Your Life.

5.  Are you looking forward to spring as much as I am? Last year, I got such a late start on my garden. After I broke my wrist, it was impossible to finish. I've promised myself that I won't procrastinate in 2017. Here's a site to give you some inspiration.

Writers:  How do you make your characters different from each other in terms of personality?

Readers:  Are you longing for spring? Do you have a color palette in mind for this year's garden?

Photo Credit:  Filip George

On My Nightstand - Caught in the Current by Lynnette Bonner

Marie Sinclair and her three-year-old daughter are doing fine, thank you very much. She's learned to depend on herself no matter how tough her financial situation gets.

Reece Cahill returned to his hometown because of his father's illness. Has Marie changed or is she still looking for love at Pete's Bar?

I read the first book in Lynnette's Pacific Shores series and liked it so much that I purchased Book 2. I wasn't disappointed. There's a strong spiritual thread throughout the story. Little Alyssa is adorable although she sometimes sounds more like a teenager than a three-year-old child.

Taysia Sumner made a few cameo appearances from the first book, but I wished the author had included her more. After all, she and Marie were like sisters. It would have added to the story if she'd been supporting and advising her.

Throughout the book, I was reminded of the scripture saying those who are forgiven much love much. I think Marie displayed this, while certain characters seemed to forget they needed forgiveness as much as she did.

If you're a fan of sweet romance, you'll love this book. Five Stars for Caught in the Current.

Writers:   This is a series which focuses on a particular character. Have you considered writing about various characters from your original story? Please share.

Readers:  Are you a fan of the sweet romance or do you prefer an element of suspense/history?

Disclaimer:  Neither the author nor the publisher paid me for a favorable review. All opinion expressed are mine and mine alone.

Making Adjustments

As the years go by, I've made adjustments in how I do things and how I think. My knees protest if I want to scrub my floor by hand. While knee pads I use in the garden help, most of the time I reach for a sponge mop. My brain tells me, "I'm going to clean the entire house today," but my body reminds me to pace myself.

I've always looked forward to the future, which isn't a bad thing. With a birthday approaching later this month, I've learned to appreciate the here and now. One of my favorite verses is, "This is the day the Lord has made. I will rejoice and be glad in it."

When people learn I'm an author, they'll often say they want to write a book someday. I wish I'd started writing at an earlier age. Learning the craft takes time and never stops. Perhaps it wouldn't seem like cramming for an exam if I'd begun studying sooner.

Maybe your priorities are on a family, ministry, and career at this point. Why not pick up some writing books, read blogs, attend a writers group to soak up the knowledge you'll need when you're ready to seek publication? Take 10 or 20 minutes to journal or write down ideas for a devotional, short story, or the novel you have brewing in your mind.

Life has a way of changing in a moment. I don't want to miss the opportunities the Lord gives me to make a difference in any area.

Writers:  What steps are you taking to move forward as a writer?

Readers:  How do you balance your immediate responsibilities with your goals for the future?

Photo Credit:  Marius Largu