I want to be the very best writer I can be. I'm not going to be "as good as" or even "like" someone else. I'm going to be what I was created to be.
The only way I will achieve that is to continue learning. I have been in training mode for many years. I don't have a university English degree, but I have the desire to learn.
I feel like a piece of undeveloped film. You can't expose it to the light too soon or you'll ruin it. It has to be developed first. After it has spent time in the dark at the hands of the Master, the beauty contained in that film will be revealed.
I know there's more to my writing than I can see at this point. I'll stay in training mode until the Master reveals the pictures on the film. He knows what He's doing.
Write Well Right Now
Write well. This is the goal of every writer. To get through a page of prose without error is a fine goal, but most authors make a few mistakes along the way.
Some writers have a goal of writing a certain number of pages each day and some strive for a certain number of words. I've heard authors tell that they write the heart of the message without a thought to correctness and go back later for editing. I try to write a scene in my story while thinking about how it flows from the previous chapters and how it will lead to future events in the story. But I also correct mistakes as I go. I want to write well right now.
I've told someone recently, "I don't want you to like my story. I want you to love my story." I intend to write about interesting characters doing wonderfully unusual or difficult things. I enjoy writing the feelings these characters have.
I told that same person, "My family always comes first."
I have a deadline of "ASAP" imposed on me through a conversation with someone who wanted to see some of my writing. I let that person know that I plan to do a great job of sending her my best work, but if I want my kids to wear clean clothes, I also have to do laundry.
Everyone has to strike a balance between things they love to do and things they have to do. I want to write 2000 words every day. I haven't been doing that. I am working on the balance between writing and household chores and fun with the kids.
If I can focus on my story in between laundry loads during school time, I can spend time with the kids after school and pick up my writing again at bedtime.
While I'm writing, I have to focus on the current scene and correct mistakes as I go. Editing is done after a few chapters have been written. I can go back to reread a few scenes, rethink the order of events, and begin retelling the story in a better way.
Patience is something I work on during periods of frustration. I can't write a blockbuster novel when I'm spending all my time cleaning house, helping with homework, and reminding kids to practice the piano. But I can do some writing, some housework, some instruction to kids, and some kid-hugging - according to my time limitations.
When I'm raising kids, I want to raise them well. When I'm writing, I want to write well. (sigh) And I want to do it well right now.
Some writers have a goal of writing a certain number of pages each day and some strive for a certain number of words. I've heard authors tell that they write the heart of the message without a thought to correctness and go back later for editing. I try to write a scene in my story while thinking about how it flows from the previous chapters and how it will lead to future events in the story. But I also correct mistakes as I go. I want to write well right now.
I've told someone recently, "I don't want you to like my story. I want you to love my story." I intend to write about interesting characters doing wonderfully unusual or difficult things. I enjoy writing the feelings these characters have.
I told that same person, "My family always comes first."
I have a deadline of "ASAP" imposed on me through a conversation with someone who wanted to see some of my writing. I let that person know that I plan to do a great job of sending her my best work, but if I want my kids to wear clean clothes, I also have to do laundry.
Everyone has to strike a balance between things they love to do and things they have to do. I want to write 2000 words every day. I haven't been doing that. I am working on the balance between writing and household chores and fun with the kids.
If I can focus on my story in between laundry loads during school time, I can spend time with the kids after school and pick up my writing again at bedtime.
While I'm writing, I have to focus on the current scene and correct mistakes as I go. Editing is done after a few chapters have been written. I can go back to reread a few scenes, rethink the order of events, and begin retelling the story in a better way.
Patience is something I work on during periods of frustration. I can't write a blockbuster novel when I'm spending all my time cleaning house, helping with homework, and reminding kids to practice the piano. But I can do some writing, some housework, some instruction to kids, and some kid-hugging - according to my time limitations.
When I'm raising kids, I want to raise them well. When I'm writing, I want to write well. (sigh) And I want to do it well right now.
ACFW conference
I get to go to the American Christian Fiction Writers conference this week. Oh Boy! I can't wait! I can't wait!
I've been looking forward to meeting like-minded individuals face-to-face. I've been looking forward to learning from respected established authors in the workshops. I feel like a puppy hearing her Master turning the key in the lock. A door is about to open. It's hard to sit when my tail is wagging so hard.
I can imagine that after I get home - with oodles of new ideas about how to change my stories for the better- I will be very busy. I can see my characters rubbing their hands together in anticipation. Some are rolling up their sleeves, ready to get to work.
This will be the first time I've been to an ACFW conference. Probably not the last.
How will I be able to hold a decent conversation? How will I be able to stop stammering with excitement? I don't know.
Lately, I've been working on a two-sentence description of my current story. My office walls aren't adept at giving critiques, but I think it sounds pretty good. I can have my two sentences handy either on the tip of my tongue or on an index card. I can read it, if necessary. I just know someone will ask me what I'm working on.
I'll pack light and save room to bring home a couple of autographed books.
Can you see my smile? Nashville, here I come.
I can't wait.
I've been looking forward to meeting like-minded individuals face-to-face. I've been looking forward to learning from respected established authors in the workshops. I feel like a puppy hearing her Master turning the key in the lock. A door is about to open. It's hard to sit when my tail is wagging so hard.
I can imagine that after I get home - with oodles of new ideas about how to change my stories for the better- I will be very busy. I can see my characters rubbing their hands together in anticipation. Some are rolling up their sleeves, ready to get to work.
This will be the first time I've been to an ACFW conference. Probably not the last.
How will I be able to hold a decent conversation? How will I be able to stop stammering with excitement? I don't know.
Lately, I've been working on a two-sentence description of my current story. My office walls aren't adept at giving critiques, but I think it sounds pretty good. I can have my two sentences handy either on the tip of my tongue or on an index card. I can read it, if necessary. I just know someone will ask me what I'm working on.
I'll pack light and save room to bring home a couple of autographed books.
Can you see my smile? Nashville, here I come.
I can't wait.
Katrina
Oh, how a storm can change lives.
A week has gone by since Katrina viciously visited America's southern states. Many are making plans to relocate permanently, others are still just trying to find all of their family members.
Many from New Orleans have come to Houston to recuperate. They are allowing the Houstonians to bring them food, water, clothing, and other necessities of life. They are grateful for the help.
I didn't plan to write about the sad stories surrounding the hurricane victims. I wanted to express how encouraged I am at the hearts of the Houstonians responding to the need that was brought to their doorstep.
I have watched reporters on TV delivering stories and pictures of the victims. It almost seemed like a photojournalist's prayer request. But the background of most of these stories and pictures is filled with feet running to help, hands lifting the head of the discouraged, and ears attentive to broken-hearted.
The men and women focused on helping do not stand in line to get their time on TV. They don't wave at the cameras. They don't want the limelight. The only thing these volunteers expect to gain by serving their fellow man is the satisfaction of knowing their effort made someone's day better.
I've heard about the anonymous customer who secretly paid for the meals of the two families from New Orleans. When the families finished sharing stories and tried to pay their own bills and go their separate ways, they found there was no bill to pay.
Generosity can be contagious. It has been spreading throughout the country as organizations coordinate their own individual contribution plans. Many Americans are praying for the healing of the victims. Hundreds of homes have been opened to the new homeless. Even those who are only able to give money do so because they want to participate in lightening the load of those in need.
Most of the stories show God's hands in action. I've seen strangers come together bound to each other only by the love of God. He has created us to love. It's what we're supposed to do. Those that are more interested in their own business than their fellow man on normal days have stopped to show compassion, surprising even themselves.
I believe God is using this horrible disaster to bring people to Himself. The victims in the southern states are calling out to Him, the volunteer helpers are calling for His help, and the suddenly surprised compassionate givers are recognizing God's presence in all of this. I expect many lost sheep to come back into the fold.
When we allow God into our lives, we become more fruitful and more of a blessing to others. One cannot do everything, but we can each do our part.
To God be the glory.
A week has gone by since Katrina viciously visited America's southern states. Many are making plans to relocate permanently, others are still just trying to find all of their family members.
Many from New Orleans have come to Houston to recuperate. They are allowing the Houstonians to bring them food, water, clothing, and other necessities of life. They are grateful for the help.
I didn't plan to write about the sad stories surrounding the hurricane victims. I wanted to express how encouraged I am at the hearts of the Houstonians responding to the need that was brought to their doorstep.
I have watched reporters on TV delivering stories and pictures of the victims. It almost seemed like a photojournalist's prayer request. But the background of most of these stories and pictures is filled with feet running to help, hands lifting the head of the discouraged, and ears attentive to broken-hearted.
The men and women focused on helping do not stand in line to get their time on TV. They don't wave at the cameras. They don't want the limelight. The only thing these volunteers expect to gain by serving their fellow man is the satisfaction of knowing their effort made someone's day better.
I've heard about the anonymous customer who secretly paid for the meals of the two families from New Orleans. When the families finished sharing stories and tried to pay their own bills and go their separate ways, they found there was no bill to pay.
Generosity can be contagious. It has been spreading throughout the country as organizations coordinate their own individual contribution plans. Many Americans are praying for the healing of the victims. Hundreds of homes have been opened to the new homeless. Even those who are only able to give money do so because they want to participate in lightening the load of those in need.
Most of the stories show God's hands in action. I've seen strangers come together bound to each other only by the love of God. He has created us to love. It's what we're supposed to do. Those that are more interested in their own business than their fellow man on normal days have stopped to show compassion, surprising even themselves.
I believe God is using this horrible disaster to bring people to Himself. The victims in the southern states are calling out to Him, the volunteer helpers are calling for His help, and the suddenly surprised compassionate givers are recognizing God's presence in all of this. I expect many lost sheep to come back into the fold.
When we allow God into our lives, we become more fruitful and more of a blessing to others. One cannot do everything, but we can each do our part.
To God be the glory.
Research
When storms come - and they will, a writer will notice the details and write them. When a writer has high emotion (either joy or depression), that writer should allow themselves to feel the feeling for a moment and write it. If depressed, don't stay there. Write it and leave it behind.
People need an outlet from their stress. Some people jog for stress relief, some use other forms of exercise. Writing can be a good form of stress relief. Writing it when the feeling is still there, even writing through the stress, will help a writer call on those details later for use in a story. A writer knows that high emotion always dwindles to a mellowed form. When we write the journey back to normal, it helps not only our writing, but also our souls.
No two people experience emergencies the same way. But there are usually enough similarities for people to identify with the same feelings that someone else felt in their emergency.Writing the feelings, the details of the emergency, the journey back to normal, and remembrances of that event in later years will be a tool a writer can use to help themselves deal with the stress, emotion, or maybe the pain of the event. People who are not trying to develop a writing career can use the same method to help themselves deal with a traumatic event.
Any emergency can be dealt with appropriately, and then remembered and written down. This is called obtaining valuable research from life experiences. Don't waste any of the important moments of your life. Use them to help others get through their storms.
People need an outlet from their stress. Some people jog for stress relief, some use other forms of exercise. Writing can be a good form of stress relief. Writing it when the feeling is still there, even writing through the stress, will help a writer call on those details later for use in a story. A writer knows that high emotion always dwindles to a mellowed form. When we write the journey back to normal, it helps not only our writing, but also our souls.
No two people experience emergencies the same way. But there are usually enough similarities for people to identify with the same feelings that someone else felt in their emergency.Writing the feelings, the details of the emergency, the journey back to normal, and remembrances of that event in later years will be a tool a writer can use to help themselves deal with the stress, emotion, or maybe the pain of the event. People who are not trying to develop a writing career can use the same method to help themselves deal with a traumatic event.
Any emergency can be dealt with appropriately, and then remembered and written down. This is called obtaining valuable research from life experiences. Don't waste any of the important moments of your life. Use them to help others get through their storms.
Two Heads Are Better Than One
Recently, I was able to visit Seattle with my husband. We had a wonderful time. He was there on business, and I joined him for sightseeing when he wasn't busy.
Seattle is rich in fun activities for the family. Scouting for a family vacation site for later, we enjoyed the Aquarium, the Skyneedle, and the Harbor Cruise. We also rode the monorail and a streetcar. We caught the Mariners playing in Safeco Field and walked the many, many blocks back to our hotel.
I'm tired, but happy. I was told there are only about 50 days in a year that you can see both Mt. Rainier and Mt. Baker from the Skyneedle. It was clear enough to see both when I was there.
I took in as many details of the city as I could, but when I asked questions of my husband, I noticed he saw things differently than I did. Our perspectives differed, but when combined, it made our total experience richer. Maybe I'll use Seattle as a setting in one of my stories. Enjoying the city with my husband made it a little more romantic.
We enjoyed the market along the water. I saw colorful bundles of fragrant flowers, but we ended up buying the cherries that he noticed. We ate in a great seafood restaurant that he picked out, but sampled food from each other's plate.
We were there for the annual Seafair parade. We saw the Motorcycle Police drill team. These men in uniform drove their motorcycles in tight patterns, weaving through each other's lines. An amazing sight. We saw the Chinese community's dancing dragon, Seattle's mayor, and the parade's Grand Marshall - Darth Vader (complete with a selection of his white-suited clone army soldiers).
Having someone to enjoy this with made the experience more fun. I highly recommend marriage. It's a good thing.
Seattle is rich in fun activities for the family. Scouting for a family vacation site for later, we enjoyed the Aquarium, the Skyneedle, and the Harbor Cruise. We also rode the monorail and a streetcar. We caught the Mariners playing in Safeco Field and walked the many, many blocks back to our hotel.
I'm tired, but happy. I was told there are only about 50 days in a year that you can see both Mt. Rainier and Mt. Baker from the Skyneedle. It was clear enough to see both when I was there.
I took in as many details of the city as I could, but when I asked questions of my husband, I noticed he saw things differently than I did. Our perspectives differed, but when combined, it made our total experience richer. Maybe I'll use Seattle as a setting in one of my stories. Enjoying the city with my husband made it a little more romantic.
We enjoyed the market along the water. I saw colorful bundles of fragrant flowers, but we ended up buying the cherries that he noticed. We ate in a great seafood restaurant that he picked out, but sampled food from each other's plate.
We were there for the annual Seafair parade. We saw the Motorcycle Police drill team. These men in uniform drove their motorcycles in tight patterns, weaving through each other's lines. An amazing sight. We saw the Chinese community's dancing dragon, Seattle's mayor, and the parade's Grand Marshall - Darth Vader (complete with a selection of his white-suited clone army soldiers).
Having someone to enjoy this with made the experience more fun. I highly recommend marriage. It's a good thing.
Strength for Today
Like everyone else, I have a lot to do. I must prioritize if I plan to get the important things done. But sometimes, I lack the motivation to do the things that need doing. I need a strong hand giving me a gentle push in the right direction.
That hand is God. According to Psalm 28, He is the strength of His people. He will help if I call on Him, but He won't do my work for me.
When I get the blahs I can curl up in my Heavenly Father's lap and complain away. When I've finished, I can look into those loving eyes and know that I still have to do my own work.
He's always there for me. He won't let me get by with doing less than my best just because I flash a smile at Him. He watches over me, just like my earthly father did when I had to clean my room.
Sometimes I need strength for today. God comforts, heals, and motivates me to press on. Although many people have greater needs than I do and I have been blessed greatly by God, I still need to be wrapped in His arms and let Him carry me from time to time.
We all have much to do so I will pray the last verse of Psalm 28 for all of us. "Save your people and bless your inheritance; be their shepherd and carry them forever."
God, I thank You for Your abundant love for all of us and for giving each of us strength for today.
That hand is God. According to Psalm 28, He is the strength of His people. He will help if I call on Him, but He won't do my work for me.
When I get the blahs I can curl up in my Heavenly Father's lap and complain away. When I've finished, I can look into those loving eyes and know that I still have to do my own work.
He's always there for me. He won't let me get by with doing less than my best just because I flash a smile at Him. He watches over me, just like my earthly father did when I had to clean my room.
Sometimes I need strength for today. God comforts, heals, and motivates me to press on. Although many people have greater needs than I do and I have been blessed greatly by God, I still need to be wrapped in His arms and let Him carry me from time to time.
We all have much to do so I will pray the last verse of Psalm 28 for all of us. "Save your people and bless your inheritance; be their shepherd and carry them forever."
God, I thank You for Your abundant love for all of us and for giving each of us strength for today.
Who are you?
I am a writer.
Part of what I write is determined by who I am. If I had a medical background, I might add nurses and doctors to my stories. Many writers add the atmosphere of their day job to their stories. They are simply following the instruction to "write what you know".
My stories will have characters who already have a relationship with God and characters who don't. I know God wants to draw us all closer to Him.
Many of my characters will attempt to do something that seems good, but they will fail. We all fail at times. We all strive to make our own lives happier, but we don't always go down the right road. The road to success may take a turn here or there, but if we stay on the road - no matter what it looks like - we will eventually get there. I know persistent obedience works.
Sometimes, it isn't the road that is taking the turns. It is we who are turning. Jesus told us the road that leads to life is narrow. If we step off the road, there is mercy. God wants us to stay on that narrow road for our own good. I know God's guidance helps me to walk straight.
I am also a parent. Through my relationship with my children, God has taught me many things about my relationship with Him. God is my Heavenly Father and I am His child. When I look at my children, I see through the eyes of love. I don't see a face covered in chocolate, I see beauty. When I see a broken crayon on the window sill and lines of color on the window and window sill and wallpaper, I am willing to show mercy. I know that's how God sees me.
He shows mercy when I confess sin. He sees beauty when I'm a mess. He sees me through the eyes of love and reminds me that His love is everlasting. I am a writer and parent and child of God. I am who God has created me to be. And I will write what I know.
Part of what I write is determined by who I am. If I had a medical background, I might add nurses and doctors to my stories. Many writers add the atmosphere of their day job to their stories. They are simply following the instruction to "write what you know".
My stories will have characters who already have a relationship with God and characters who don't. I know God wants to draw us all closer to Him.
Many of my characters will attempt to do something that seems good, but they will fail. We all fail at times. We all strive to make our own lives happier, but we don't always go down the right road. The road to success may take a turn here or there, but if we stay on the road - no matter what it looks like - we will eventually get there. I know persistent obedience works.
Sometimes, it isn't the road that is taking the turns. It is we who are turning. Jesus told us the road that leads to life is narrow. If we step off the road, there is mercy. God wants us to stay on that narrow road for our own good. I know God's guidance helps me to walk straight.
I am also a parent. Through my relationship with my children, God has taught me many things about my relationship with Him. God is my Heavenly Father and I am His child. When I look at my children, I see through the eyes of love. I don't see a face covered in chocolate, I see beauty. When I see a broken crayon on the window sill and lines of color on the window and window sill and wallpaper, I am willing to show mercy. I know that's how God sees me.
He shows mercy when I confess sin. He sees beauty when I'm a mess. He sees me through the eyes of love and reminds me that His love is everlasting. I am a writer and parent and child of God. I am who God has created me to be. And I will write what I know.
Summer is for reading
What are your favorite books? What do you plan to read this summer?
I have a bookshelf full of unopened books. Mysteries still unsolved. The magical tingle of romance yet undiscovered. Characters call to me and I turn away. I'm reading something else right now.
I try to alternate between non-fiction and fiction. Study, then study and enjoy. I love to compare the emotional levels in fiction. Opening a new book affords the opportunity to ask, "Where will this one take me?"
The non-fiction often helps me enjoy the fiction even more. With non-fiction, God can bring me to a higher level of understanding and apply His instruction to my heart in a new way.
I like several different authors. They are like toes on my feet. Each is different, yet I need them all. Authors blend their voices as in a choir. A thrilling soloist is not a choir. Although I appreciate the beauty of a single voice, I need more than that.
I am only one member of the Body of Christ, but I am a needed and relevant part of that Body. I know God counts me as important just as he counts every hair on my head.
I enjoy being a member of God's family. My brothers and sisters share with me their wisdom and experience as I do to those entrusted to me. I love the fun of a big family. Never a dull moment.
Christian writers have called me one of their own. They have encouraged me to join their ranks. I accept the call given me by God to listen to His instruction (sometimes less detailed than I would like) and obediently write.
Please join me this summer in a light discussion on books and writing.
I have a bookshelf full of unopened books. Mysteries still unsolved. The magical tingle of romance yet undiscovered. Characters call to me and I turn away. I'm reading something else right now.
I try to alternate between non-fiction and fiction. Study, then study and enjoy. I love to compare the emotional levels in fiction. Opening a new book affords the opportunity to ask, "Where will this one take me?"
The non-fiction often helps me enjoy the fiction even more. With non-fiction, God can bring me to a higher level of understanding and apply His instruction to my heart in a new way.
I like several different authors. They are like toes on my feet. Each is different, yet I need them all. Authors blend their voices as in a choir. A thrilling soloist is not a choir. Although I appreciate the beauty of a single voice, I need more than that.
I am only one member of the Body of Christ, but I am a needed and relevant part of that Body. I know God counts me as important just as he counts every hair on my head.
I enjoy being a member of God's family. My brothers and sisters share with me their wisdom and experience as I do to those entrusted to me. I love the fun of a big family. Never a dull moment.
Christian writers have called me one of their own. They have encouraged me to join their ranks. I accept the call given me by God to listen to His instruction (sometimes less detailed than I would like) and obediently write.
Please join me this summer in a light discussion on books and writing.
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