Writerly Wisdom–It’s all about the story!

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One of the things I had to learn as a new writer was to stay focused on the story–not all the insignificant details that didn’t matter and had nothing to do with the story. When I first started writing, I’d show my character getting up; getting ready for the day; even what they ate for breakfast; and move them through each facet of their day.

Somewhere along the way something exciting would happen that would be about the real story. But it took a lot of energy and writing to get there. Boring!

It’s all about the story–whether you’re talking about a novel or life!

So what does that bit of writerly wisdom have to do with real life?

A lot. Sometimes we forget what our focus (our story) is. Instead, we get caught up in all sorts of insignificant activities that have nothing to do with the story we want to create for ourselves. Details that distract us from creating the best story we can.

Sometimes these details can actually derail us from the real story. Not good. In other words, stay focused on the story!

If you want to graduate from college, stay focused on the academics–not the partying.

If you want to get married and have children, then date people who have the same idea.

Yes, we need details in our stories to make them come alive(and in our life), just don’t let the details take over so that you stop focusing on the story. Because after all, it’s all about the story!

UNTIL NEXT TIME…GOD BLESS & GOOD READING!

Writerly Wisdom–Take A Break!

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It’s Wednesday so that means time for another bit of Writerly Wisdom. And it’s the last Wednesday of the year! I don’t know about you but that’s a bit of a shock. I don’t know where the time went. Anyway, it being the last day of the year, I thought this would be great advice:

TAKE A BREAK!

Wise writers know that taking a break from your writing from time to time can do wonders for the story.  Something magical happens when we take a break. As I focus on other things, little gems wander into my mind that will improve the story.  Sometimes, even clarify what the real story is–not the plot but the spiritual truth of the story.

This holds true in life as well. Most of us are way too over committed to all sorts of things. Our family, our careers, our community, our church. We’re so busy running around and doing that our mind goes on overload. And just as a washing machine malfunctions when it’s overloaded, the same can happen with out minds.

That’s when it’s time to TAKE A BREAK.

Relax, Rejuvenate, and Remember what life is really about.

That’s it for this year! Wishing you a happy and blessed 2015!

UNTIL NEXT TIME…GOD BLESS & GOOD READING!

 

ARE YOU A GRINCH?

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Proverbs 23:7:

For as he thinks in his heart, so is he.

I pray that everyone had a wonderful Christmas, but I know that not everyone did. Some because of circumstances out of their control and some because they chose not to.

WHAT???

Who would choose not to have a wonderful Christmas? Probably not many of us would choose to do that consciously. Though there might be a few. But just because we’re unaware doesn’t mean we didn’t make that choice just the same.

Count me among the unawares.

I’ve beein going around telling people that  I love the Christmas season but not necessarily Christmas Day. I mean really! Talk about a bad attitude. I’d already planned to not have a good Christmas.

And I didn’t mind talking about it either. Talk about being a Grinch. That was me! Just because I’d had not perfect Christmases the past few years, I’d decided I would never have another one.

Talk about a self-fulfilling prophecy.

My attitude and my words were ensuring that I wouldn’t have a good Christmas—this year or any other one.

But God is good!

God’s Spirit spoke to my spirit a week or so before the big day reminding me that everything’s not all about me. I know! Shocking as it was, it was exactly what I needed to be reminded of. I decided to smile and enjoy the day for the people around me—because it was their Christmas, too!

And…. I had a good Christmas! And everyone around me seem to have one as well.

It’s amazing how when you focus on making other people happy, you get a little more happy as well! Well, actually, it’s not all that amazing. That’s another one of God’s principles–you reap what you sow. If you sow grinchiness, then all you reap is more grinchiness. If you sow Christmas joy, then you’ll reap more Christmas joy.

And I’m already excited about next Christmas.

An interesting point is that Proverbs 23: 7 has been one of my anchor verses these past few years as I dealt with my brain tumors. I would remind myself over and over that my thoughts had power when it came to my health. But somehow I seemed to forget all about that principle when it came to Christmas, and especially my attitude about Christmas.

Mmmmm…. I wonder what other unaware attitudes of mine need adjusting….

So, what have you been grinchy about lately?

UNTIL NEXT TIME…GOD BLESS & GOOD READING!

My Friday Friend–Janet K. Brown

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My Friday Friend today is Janet K. Brown. She lives in Wichita Falls, Texas with her husband, Charles. Writing became her second career after retirement from medical coding.

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Worth Her Weight will be the author’s debut inspirational women’s fiction, but it makes a perfect companion to her recently released, Divine Dining: 365 Devotions to Guide You to Healthier Weight and Abundant Wellness. Both books encompass her passion for diet, fitness, and God’s Word.

You can  find her at http:/ /www.janetkbrown.com on Twitter, @janetkbrowntx , on Facebook @  http://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/Janet-K-Brown-Author/143915285641707

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The recipe below might’ve been one enjoyed by the heroine of Worth Her Weight my inspirational women’s fiction. Lacey faces a food addiction that only God can heal. A good friend brings her a casserole, a salad, and a dessert, hoping it’s something Lacey might eat and stay healthy during a traumatic time in her life.

The reader will find those recipes at the end of the book.

Today, I’m offering Lillian Duncan’s viewers what might’ve been Lacey’s entree for New Year’s Day.

Black-Eyed Pea Casserole

Black-Eyed Pea Mixture:

1 lb. 93% lean ground beef

Onion to taste

Green pepper to taste

2 16 oz. cans black-eyed peas, drained

1 10 oz. can Rotel tomatoes

1 t. salt

1 t. sugar

½ t. pepper

¼ t. garlic powder

Brown ground beef in skillet.

Drain.

Stir in onion & green pepper, cook until tender

Add remaining ingredients.

Bring to a boil then reduce heat & simmer for 20 minutes

Cornbread:

3 / 4 c corn meal

2 heaping T. flour

1 / 2 t. salt

1t. sugar

1 t. baking powder

1/8 t soda

Mix dry ingredients

Add 1 T. canola oil

Put 1 egg in 1 cup measuring cup & then fill the rest of the way with buttermilk

Fold milk/egg mixture into dry ingredients.

Use oil spray for pan before adding mixture.

Cook at 350 degrees for 20-25 minutes

Slice into 8 pieces.

Pour one-sixth of black-eyed pea mixture over 1 piece of cornbread.

This gives you 6 servings of black-eyed pea casserole.

Sounds tasty, Janet. Thanks for sharing the recipe with us. Here’s a bit more about her new book, WORTH HER WEIGHT:

How can a woman who gives to everyone but herself accept God’s love and healing when she believes she’s fat, unworthy, and unfixable? Can she be Worth Her Weight?

LACEY CHANDLER helps her mother, her sister, her friend, and then she binges on food and wonders is there really a God?

BETTY CHANDLER hates being handicapped and useless, so she lashes out at the daughter that helps, and the God who doesn’t seem to care.

TOBY WHEELER loves being police chief in Wharton Rock, but when the devil invades the small town, he can’t release control.

Is God enough in Wharton Rock?

WRITERLY WISDOM–SHOW DON’T TELL

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I’ve learned a lot about writing during the past twenty years, and a lot of it can be applied to life. That’s what WRITERLY WISDOM is all about.

So, this is actually THE FIRST RULE of writing. There are many things to learn about writing but if you don’t master this one…well, let’s just say the book won’t be as good as it could be.

As a writer, SHOW DON’T TELL means that you don’t tell about the event but you use your words to paint a picture so that the reader is transported into your story.

For example, this is telling: Her wedding was just the way she’d always dreamed it would be.

This is showing:  Marcy gave her niece the signal, a tap on the shoulder. The four-year-old’s little pink dress swished as she made her way down the aisle throwing rose petals as she went. When she saw her mother, she threw her a kiss. 

Marcy straightened out the pearl-laden bodice on her gown, then smiled up at her father. “Are you ready?”

He patted her cheek. “Me? Are you ready? Is this what you want?”

“What do you think? It’s the only think I’ve wanted since I met him when I was twelve.”

He hugged her. “Then lets get this show on the road.”

They stepped forward in unison.

 

So that’s what SHOW DON’T TELL means when you’re writing. But in life, it takes on a different meaning.

In life we do a lot of talking, especially to our children. We’re always telling them what they should do, what they shouldn’t do, the right thing versus the wrong. And there’s nothing wrong with that. In fact, we should tell them that but more than telling them, we should SHOW them.

In other words, actions speak louder than words!

Don’t tell your kids to be kind, show them.

Don’t tell your kids to be honest, show them.

Don’t tell your kids to live a a life of excellence, show them.

So get out there and SHOW DON’T TELL.

Was there a time when words weren’t as important as actions? Tell us about it!

UNTIL NEXT TIME…GOD BLESS & GOOD READING!

Writer of the Day–Stephanie Prichard

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My Writer of the Day is Stephanie Prichard and she has an interesting story to share about how she became a writer and she’s been gracious enough to offer a giveaway of her new book, STRANDED. So be sure to leave a comment if you’d like to win an e-copy of the book.

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Stephanie is an army brat who lived in many countries around the world and loved it. She met her husband at Drake University in Des Moines, Iowa, where she majored in English/Literature. She and Don have lived in Indianapolis, IN, for forty years, and in retirement have turned to co-authoring novels now that their three children are busy raising a beautiful crop of grandchildren for them.
You can visit Stephanie at the following sites:

Now let’s hear about her writing journey:

My writing journey is good evidence that God has a sense of humor. He took me, who loves reading, writing, and grammar and who wanted to be an author when she grew up, and partnered me as co-author to my husband, Don, who prefers movies over books, is dyslexic, and almost flunked out of college because of his lack of grammar skills. When I became a wife and mom, I abandoned all thoughts of writing a novel. When our nest emptied, my husband decided out of the blue that he wanted to write one.

See what I mean?

Yep, at age fifty-seven, Don asked me how to write a novel. This story, he said, was nagging him and he wanted to publish it. I giggled behind my hand, gave him a few pointers, and dismissed the silly idea. Five months later, he suffered a stroke and lost all ability to read. Guess what turned out to be the best therapy? Uh-huh, his novel. By plugging away at it he learned how to read again. He expanded the story until it became a trilogy, and on top of that rewrote it four times.

After several years he asked me to become his co-author. I figured I’d only bother with correcting the spelling and grammar, but I fell in love with the story. We read some how-to books together, reshaped the plot and characters, and I rewrote what Don had written. We went to our first writers’ conference and learned omniscient viewpoint was a no-no (what else would a reader of classics write, I ask you?), so I came home and rewrote our novel in third person POV. We then hired an editor-turned-agent to critique the book. He shared many pointers, said to learn how to show-not-tell, and at the end of the critique suggested we scrap the book and start from scratch.

What? Surely he wasn’t saying that I, an English major (with straight A’s, mind you), didn’t know how to write? Sigh. Indeed he was!

Then we joined American Christian Fiction Writers and participated in its online workshops, critique group, and annual conferences. I paid for other online classes and got immediate feedback from instructors. My writing knowledge and skills improved to the point where we acquired an agent … but no nibbles from publishers.

Finally we turned a corner. I got a one-on-one critique partner who said to stop rewriting the beginning of the novel every time I learned something new. Finish it, she demanded. I did. After that, the edits were quick and simple. Our agent had given up on us, but in the meantime self-publishing had come into its own and held too many attractions to turn it down. Not wanting to start off with a shoddy book, we hired a professional cover designer (isn’t the cover beautiful?) and a freelance editor who used to be a fiction acquisitions editor for a major CBA publishing house. From the time I wrote The End until the novel’s publication date, only six months had gone by.

Uh, I guess I should confess it took ten years of co-authoring and co-laboring before Stranded: A Novel became a reality. A whole decade—yet I can’t tell you how thankful we are to God that He made us take that long a time. Every twist and turn in the road and every loop backwards over it was actually forward progress. We had so much to learn—writing skills, technology, blogging, social media, the publishing world, critiquing, self-editing, acquaintance with other authors—and between each of those you can insert writing skills, writing skills, writing skills.

But ta-daaah! We crossed the finish line! So now I’m eager to start on the next book. This time I hope to take only a year. And Don? Hoo, can you believe he’s on the rough draft of book number six?

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Back cover blurb:
All Marine Corps reservist Jake Chalmers wants is to give his dying wife a last, romantic cruise to the Philippines. Unable to save her in a mass murder aboard ship, he washes ashore a jungle island, where he discovers three other survivors. Heartbroken that he failed to save his wife, he is determined not to fail these helpless castaways.
 
Federal prosecutor Eve Eriksson rescues a young girl and her elderly great-aunt from the same ship. They badly need Jake’s survival skills, but why is he so maddeningly careful? She needs to hurry home to nail a significant career trial. And, please, before Jake learns her secret that she’s responsible for his wife’s death. 

 

Don’t forget to leave a comment so you’re entered in the giveaway!

UNTIL NEXT TIME…GOD BLESS & GOOD READING!

WRITERLY WISDOM!

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I’m approaching my 20 year anniversary of writing–or trying to write! I’ve learned a lot about writing in those twenty years. Not that I don’t have more to learn, I do. An interesting thing occurred to me over the past few weeks. Much of what I learned in and about writing can be applied to life.  So I thought I’d share a few of those thoughts with you from time to time in this new segment–WRITERLY WISDOM.

Here’s my first bit of Writerly Wisdom:

Just because you don’t know how the story’s going to end doesn’t mean you shouldn’t write it! Life and stories are alike in this aspect. As a writer, I don’t always know the ending of the story as I’m writing it. I might have an idea what I think’s going to happen. Sometimes I’m right and sometimes I get surprised!

Life is the same way! The truth is we can never know how any situation is going to end. But just because we don’t know how a project, a romance, a job, or a relationship is going to work out doesn’t mean we shouldn’t give it our all.

So remember–just because you don’t know the ending doesn’t mean you shouldn’t live your story!

Can you think of a time you really weren’t sure you should do something but you did it anyway–and was happy you did? Tell us about it.

UNTIL NEXT TIME…GOD BLESS & GOOD READING!

HOW’S THINGS GOING?

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Hebrews 6: 12

We do not want you to become lazy but imitators of those through faith and patience inherit the promises.

So, how’s things going for you? Is life good or is your life an example of Murphy’s law? You know, whatever can go wrong will go wrong. Being a Christian doesn’t mean we won’t have problems. Sometimes, serious life-altering problems. Does that mean God doesn’t love you? Of course not.

God loves us and He wants us to have a good life here on earth.

The Bible is filled to the brim with advice and wisdom about anything and everything. Including how to have the best life possible–in spite of the circumstances we find ourselves in. And today’s verse is only one of many examples of that advice.

… imitators of those through faith and patience inherit the promises.

There’s another verse in the Bible that tells us to be imitators of Christ. If we only follow that one bit of advice, it will take us far on our spiritual journey. But God always gives us more… and here it is. Find other Christians who have what you want–whatever that is. Then imitate their life.

It makes sense, doesn’t it?

In other words, learn from other people’s experiences. We all know that we learn from our own mistakes but that can be quite a painful way to learn. Instead, find other Christians who have already inherited God’s promises and then imitate their life.

Having marital trouble or just want a happier marriage? Go talk with some long-married Christian couples. Find out their secets then put their advice into action and see what happens.

Having serious health issues? Go talk with someone who’s gone through it and discover what helped them.

Having trouble with your kids? With addictions? With your job? The list could go on and on, but the good news is that none of it’s new. Life has always been filled with problems. If you look around, you’ll find someone who’s aleady experienced it. And most Christians want to help make someone else’s journey in that area a little easier by sharing what they’ve already learned.

UNTIL NEXT TIME…GOD BLESS & GOOD READING!

HAPPY THANKSGIVING

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Psalm 100: 4

Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise;

give thanks to him and praise his name.

 

Gratitude is focusing on what you have, not what you want.

Gratitude is a lifestyle.

Gratitude is a choice.

Gratitude is the key to a joy-filled life, no matter the circumstances.

 

I have brain tumors, but they aren’t malignant.

I’m partially deaf, but I can still hear my husband when he tells me that he loves me.

I had to retire from a job I loved, but I don’t have to worry about paying my bills.

I’m not a rich and famous author, but people read the stories I write—and like them.

I’m not as healthy as I used to be, but I’m healthier than I was last year.

I don’t live in a fancy new house, but my house is filled with love and laughter.

 

Life changes and not always for the better.

Some might be tempted to grumble and complain.

Some might be tempted to give up and give in.

I choose to give thanks to the Lord for he is good and his love endures forever.

Happy Thanksgiving!

My list could go on and on, but you get the idea.

What’s on your list?

 

UNTIL NEXT TIME…GOD BLESS & GOOD READING!

THE CHRISTMAS STALKING PROLOGUE

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Thanksgiving is right around the corner and you know that that means.  Then it will officially be the CHRISTMAS season.  But as far as I’m concerned it already is. I’m waiting for my husband to start dragging up the Christmas trees. Last year we had twelve. Not sure if we’ll put that many up this year. Anyway a few years ago, THE CHRISTMAS STALKING was released but it’s still a great story to help put you in the Christmas mood.

Here’s the prologue that was cut but I still love it so I’m sharing it here. By the way, it’s still one of my very favorite covers.

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AMAZON LINK

The Christmas Stalking  Prologue

 

Her hand froze mid-air as she reached for the door knob. Her pulse ramped up. Destiny Martin had always considered herself brave, but she’d been wrong.

The knock came again.

“Destiny, I can’t get in. Type in the security code so you can open the door.”

Recognizing the voice, she let out a breath. She giggled at the thought of locking her manager out of his own apartment.

Careful to stay out of sight in case anyone was watching, she opened the door. Mark walked in, his hands full of mail, packages, and grocery bags. She slammed the door shut, hoping no one had seen her in that brief second.

“How’re you feeling, sweetikins?” One of the bags fell from Mark’s grasp.

Bending down, she retrieved it. “Sad and lonely. Just like my songs.”

“Why? I’m here and you’ve got tons of friends. Not to mention the millions—no billions of fans.”

She gave him a look—the same one her teachers used when she’d told them she would be a famous country music star someday. “Billions? I don’t think so. Let’s not get carried away.”

Mark shrugged. “Okay. Millions.”

“They love Destiny not me.” She sighed. “They have no idea who I am. I’m not even sure Holly Stone exists anymore.”

Mark winked. “She does and I like her just fine. You’ve got the holiday blues.”

She plopped on his sofa. “Is it any wonder? I’m stuck here and can’t even go outside. Not that it matters, it still wouldn’t feel like Christmas.” Nashville might be all decked out in Christmas cheer but it just wasn’t cold enough. Christmas just wasn’t Christmas without some snow.

“If you don’t like it here, pick another place.” Mark’s voice was quiet.

She’d hurt his feelings. She grinned. “I didn’t mean it like that, sweetikins. Of course, I love being here with you. You’re so kind to let me stay here.” Now that her own home wasn’t so safe.

“Holidays can be tough.”

She set the bag on the coffee table. Not for him. He didn’t spend every Christmas alone, pretending to be busy. “How am I supposed to live my life if I’m hiding in your condo? Like I’m the one who did something wrong. Why can’t they find this guy?”

“Give them time.”

She turned toward him, hands on her hips. Her voice broke. “I’m so tired of all of this… of imposing on you… of not being in my home. But most of all, I’m tired of being afraid.”

“I know it’s tough, but you’re safe here.  I can find you a nicer place if you want. I know this isn’t the luxury you’re used to.”

Mark wasn’t getting it. “Don’t be ridiculous, your condo is wonderful. More amenities and gadgets than any one person would ever need. But I’m not used to being cooped up all the time.”

“It won’t be much longer, sweetikins. I promise.”

“You’re right. I have no intention of missing the concert. I’ve never missed one, and I’m not about to start. Mr. Psycho Stalker or not. Especially since this is for charity.”

“It’s not—”

She held up a hand. “It’s not open for debate. I’m doing that concert and that’s final. My life. My choice.”

“I know but—”

“I’m done with this discussion.”  Turning up her southern accent, she smiled. “Whatdjabringme, sweetikins?” She grabbed at the bags in his hands.

He laughed as he handed one to her. “A few things. I stopped by your house for your mail, and then went to the store for your favorite snacks.”

“Oooh, sounds good. I hope you stopped at that deli with the great shrimp dip.”

“You know I did. You can check out the mail while I put the food away.”

“I love how you spoil me. Besides the food in your fridge is disgusting.”

“That hurts. It really does. I share my home with you. And all you do is hurt me. Not very nice.” He shook his head with feigned sadness.

“Whatever. Let me see my mail.”

He pointed at the plastic grocery bag filled with mail on the coffee table and continued to the kitchen with the grocery bags. “Oh, and that package is for you, too.”

Ignoring the mail, she picked up the box. “Probably a Christmas present from one of my billions of adoring fans.” She sat down and picked it up. “Is it safe?”

“Security said it was fine. No bomb.”

She shook her head. “Can you believe you even said those words? The guy’s an overzealous fan, he’s not going to hurt me.”

He poked his head out from the kitchen. “Tell that to John Lennon, sweetikins.”

Her stomach somersaulted. “I’m done with Mr. Psycho Stalker controlling my life. I’ve been thinking.”

Mark walked out of the kitchen. “I do not like the sound of that. Whenever you say that, it always means more work for me.”

She picked at the tape on the brown wrapped package. “Not this time.”

“What’s your idea?”

“After the concert, Destiny is going to disappear. About time I take a vacation. It’s been a long time since I had one. And you can take one, too.”

Instead of a smile, worry lines appeared on Mark’s forehead. “Where are you going?”

She shook her head. “I’m not even saying the destination out loud. That way no one can follow me.”

Mark stared at her. “That’s not a good idea. I need to know where you are.”

“Why?”

“Because I always know where you are. It’s my job and besides I’ll miss you.”

Uh-oh, she didn’t like the sounds of that. Mark was her manager and friend—nothing more. They’d been spending too much time together. Definitely time for a change.

She smiled. “Yeah, right. You must be so tired of me cramping your style and besides, you deserve a vacation, too. You work—”

Mark’s eyes darkened, his voice firm. “I don’t want a vacation. I want to keep you safe. And I can’t do that if I don’t know where you are.”

“It’s a great idea and you know it. You’re just grumpy you didn’t think of it first.”

Mark walked out of the kitchen. “Don’t you trust me?”

“Of course I do, but I’m still not telling you.” She tore open the wrapping on the box in her lap. It revealed a gift box with boughs of dark green holly and bright red berries. “Do you think someone remembered my real name is Holly?”

She lifted up the box lid. Screaming, she jumped up.

A dead cat rolled out.

 

AMAZON LINK

 

And that’s how Destiny’s story started. What do you think?

UNTIL NEXT TIME…GOD BLESS & GOOD READING!