How to Find Out Who I Am?

When College Boy was in 5th grade, at end of the school year, he brought home a writing folder filled with several pages of his writing from first to fifth grade. I just have to share some of what he wrote. Spelling or punctuation uncorrected.

June 12, 2002

Dear Reader,

I have learned many things in writing this year. I haved leared three parts of a story: a beginning, a middle, and an ending. I am a good writer. I can do lots of good senses {sentences}. I can do lots of wrting veary fast. We wrote lot of storys like toys summer. Wate {wait} you can just look at my stores instade {instead}.

Your student, Matthew Welborn

May 18, 2004

Dear Reader,

This year I have worked on my writing. Some areas in which I have improved as a writer are: I have gotten better at my cursive. I have learned new and better words. I have been writing longer stories. I know that I will continue to grow as a writer. Some things I would like to improve are: My printing I would like better and neater. I would love to write a longer paragraph. I would like to like writing.

Sincerely, Matthew

Give Colleg Boy props because many writers never honestly evaluate their own writing to see where they need to improve.

April 23, 2003

I am Matthew Welborn.

I wonder what will happen in the future.

I hear my thoughts and things around me.

I see what I see.

I want to have a great life.

I pretend to be everything.

I feel happy sometimes.

I touch things if I'm allowed to.

I worry about a lot of things.

I cry when I'm sad or hurt.

I understand how people feel.

I say a lot of good things.

I dream about the future and the past.

I try to do my best.

I hope I'm a youth minister.

I am full of joy.

At 9, College Boy was optimistic, literal, obedient, and tender-hearted. At 20, he is all those things still. What about you? What would you answer?  You don't have to share, so be honest with yourself.

I am _______________________.

I wonder _____________________.

I hear _______________________.

I see _______________________.

I want __________________________.

I pretend _______________________.

I feel ______________________.

I touch _____________________.

I worry ___________________.

I cry ______________________.

I understand _________________.

I say __________________.

I dream ________________.

I try ____________________.

I hope I am __________________.

I am ________________.

I'm Lost in Washington DC

I don't like driving. Never have. Why drive when could, instead, take a nap, read a book, take a nap, look at the scenery, take a nap, listen to the radio, or take a nap.

Yes, I'm a slumberer.

When we lived in Virginia, hubby would often fly out of Reagan National Airport. Usually he found a friend to help him with the drive to DC. One time he couldn't find a friend. That meant I had to drive--the trip home at least. I wasn't an happy camper. See note about slumberer. Call me crazy, but sleeping and driving don't mix well. 

Hubby's instructions were follow the road out of the airport (the one that says TO WASHINGTON) and stick to the one that runs along the Potomac. Eventually it'd take me to I395 which would take me to I95. Well, I followed as instructed until I realized I was going north, and Richmond is south. Thus I figured if I got off of 395 North, I could loopy around until I was going south.

Contrary to popular knowledge, Washington DC is not loopy. At least the roads aren't.

So after a nice sight-see of the White House, the National Mall, some lovely cherry blossoms, and the Washington Monument, I realized the solution to my crisis. Pray. Pray hard and fast and desperate, and it went something like this:

"God, I'm lost. You are all I've got. Give me a I395 road sign."

Poof. There one was a sign. Soon I was back on I395 going south. But then I kinda sorta took the exit ramp and got offer near the Springfield Mall. Not being someone who panics, I prayed:

"God, I could really use one of those big signs that is full of interstate road directions."

Considering I was practically surrounded by a spaghetti pile of interstate and beltway roads, I knew God knew what I was talking about. Poof. There was a sign.

We don't have to be wander-driving around Washington DC to know that without God WE ARE LOST. And with Him we have all we need to live an abundant life.

"For in Him [Jesus] dwells the fullness of the Godhead bodily; and you are complete in Him, who is the head of all principality and power." 

-Colossins 2:9-10

Inkwell Inspirations: Sadie's Gift Release Party

Inkwell Inspirations: Sadie's Gift Release Party: CONGRATULATIONS NIKI TURNER!! SADIE'S GIFT is available as one of the short and sweet  stories in the Christmas Traditions Seri...

How to Come Up With a New Story Idea

"Tall, blond, and handsome, yet he never leaves home." Suzy-Jo Martin turned from her front window (and from the bare-chested hunk mowing the lawn across the street) and took the lemonade her friend Eliza offered. "He's either a child molester or a rapist."

"Does he have one of those home alarm bracelets on his ankle?"

"I don't get that close to look. He's a child molester."

"Or a rapist," Eliza added. Her smile wasn't the least bit amusing.

Suzy-Jo casually sipped the tart lemonade. "The children and women in this cul-de-sac could be in danger. I don't think you are taking this as serious as need be." She turned back to the window. Pity, his debauched past. No man who looked so angelic should have such base vices. "I need to find out his name so I can google him. Go meet him for me."

Eliza drew back the silk curtain and edged closer to the window. "He looks like a hero on one of those bodice-ripper romances."

Suzy-Jo sighed. Double pity, his debauched past. "Take a couple of cookies with you. For food, men will confess national secrets."

"I'm a woman and I'm pregnant." Eliza stared hard at Suzy-Jo. "If he's a rapist or molester, I'm top billing."

"You'll be fine. I'm watching."

Eliza rolled her eyes. "A rapist/child molester and a peeping Tom. You two make quite a pair."

~*~*~*~*~*~

Clearly Lawnmowing Man isn't a child molester. Or a rapist. This is a romance, after all!!! 

Why do you think he never leaves home? 

What secret is he hiding?

Why do you think it matters so much for Suzy-Jo to know?

How in the world does Suzy-Jo meet our hero?

Struggling with Internal Editor

I once went on a three-year-stint without reading a single fiction novel because I couldn't stop evaluating what I disliked.

Not too long ago, I read two Joy Fielding novels. I could not stop reading Charley's Web long enough to make  dinner on time. The family wasn't happy they had to wait to eat until I finished the book. Not sure why they didn't figure out they could fix their own food, but that's a post for another day.

As soon as I had a chance, I drove to the library and checked out Fielding's book, Heartstopper. I sooo did not want the killer to be who the killer was even though I knew the killer probably was who I thought the killer was.

I'm the type of gal to eat dessert before the main course (don't blame me, blame the hostess who put the dessert next to my water glass).

So when I read a book that makes me forget I'm a writer . . . ooo la la.

Once Upon a Prince by Rachel Hauck

Five Days in Skye by Carla Laureano

Undeniably Yours by Becky Wade

Rules of Murder by Julianna Deering

Life's too short to live in validation through self-perfectionism and the need to keep up that image in front of others. I think the reason I've struggled in my internal editor in the past is because part of me didn't want to enjoy the book. Part of me wanted to find flaws because in doing so I felt . . . well, smarter than that published author.

I won't deny a badly written book is always going to be a badly written book. But a good majority of published novels just aren't badly written books. If you want to find something wrong with ________, you'll find it because you're looking hard enough to.

Enjoyment is often a choice.

Benjamin Disraeli Quote

Next to knowing when to seize an opportunity, the most important thing in life is to know when to forgo an advantage. 

~Benjamin Disraeli

How to Write Better Characterization?

I love shopping. No, that's not true. I love finding bargains.

About six years ago I bought College Boy a new shirt for Easter. My mother-in-law had given me the money and insisted I get him "something nice from Dillard's." So I did. His response? 

"I can't wear a shirt that cost $40! I'll have to spend all my time telling my friends, 'Don't touch The Shirt.'"

It's not as if he had never worn a shirt that cost $40 before. He had. He'd just never seen the price tag. Needless to say, I trudged him to the mall. While we were returning his too-expensive-for-him-to-wear shirt, I noticed Dillard's was having an Take an additional 50% off anything already 70% off already. How had I missed that sign earlier in the day? I hadn't planned on buying a new outfit for Easter for me, but who can resist a sale? In the end, I bought an $89 skirt for $11.75 and a $68 sweater for $5.00.

Sometimes we're too focused on one thing in our writing that we don't keep one part of our brain on the lookout for a new insight into a major, or minor, character.

While working on Unsold Manuscript, I realized my heroine's aunt was a flat character. The only external detail about her was she wore a gray dress. (Her dialogue, though, does show her personality and emotion.) Why wear gray? Oh, she's a widow. Well, duh. But let's take it a step further, why is it so important to her to wear grey?

Her answer? To bring out the gray in her chestnut hair. Now that's an odd reason. What woman in her right mind would intentionally want to draw attention to the few strands of gray in her hair? At 40, she, conceiveably, marry again and have a child or two. So I decided to chase the rabbit a bit.

What if she had an admirer. What if he weekly sent her a letter expressing his love and proposing marriage. How would Aunt respond? Read the letter then discard it. Now if she hadn't felt at least something for the man, she wouldn't read the letters. Yet, she did read them and never responded. Still the man continued to pursue.

As you add layers of characterization and introspection to a story, look for hidden treasures. It always pays to keep an eye out for something different, new, fresh, and . . . well, cheap.

What obscure fact have you ever written (or read) and it added a surprising oomph to a character?

Should I Go to a Plastic Surgeon?

I paid a visit to the plastic surgeon. Out of necessity.

College Boy burned his calf. He was in 8th grade at the time. Two days before his birthday, he decided to ride a motor bike . . . and conveniently forgot to ask how to make it stop going forward. He improvised by using a fence. Thus to Minor Care. Thus thus (after a referral) to the plastic surgeon. The whole time the doc was explaining care and possible worst-case-scenarios of the wound, I couldn't stop wondering if he was evaluating my potential to be his next patient. It's a rather creepy feeling. Plus he looked like an older, shorter Tony Romo, and then I couldn't stop wondering if he'd had plastic surgery done.

Good news: College Boy did not have to have a skin graft. 

Bad news: He hadn't been cleaning the burn well enough each time he replaced the bandages, so I had to check the wound. Blech. If I'd wanted to be a nurse, I'd have gone to nursing school.

Sometimes we have to deal with unpleasantness.

Good news: Kids grow up.

Bad news: Every year somewhere in the United States a tornado destroys homes and kills people, and causes all sorts of unpleasantness. And if it's not a tornado, it's flood. Or a hurricane. Or a fire. Or a man-caused disaster. Or Black Friday. No matter the unpleasantness . . .

God is still God.

God is still good.

We're just living in light of eternity.

Disappointed by My Favorite Author

In my stack of library books was a couple newer fiction releases, one from a best-selling, award-winning romance author. The novel was book five in a series.

In the novel (maybe 45K words), the author used the points of view (POVs) of the heroines in the four previous books in the series. The first chapter was completely written in omniscient POV because all four previous heroines are in the scene. Did the author not want to settle on a POV in the scene so the readers wouldn't assume the main character was one of them?

Next chapter/next scene was in the heroine's POV. Next chapter/scene was the hero's. As the story progressed, between the two lead characters' POV, the author interjected the POV of one of the four previous novel heroines. Since I hadn't read the other books in that series, I didn't care about these women and their woes. My guess is the reader who has enjoyed another glimpse into the live of the heroine she came to love.

If that wasn't distracting enough, far too many times the author stopped the present-moment action of the scene to explain something to the reader. Examples include what happened in previous novels, information about the lead character's past, or what the character was going to do the next day. Poor quality of writing. Yet it was published . . . and it sold.

Do your standards as a consumer lower after a "product" becomes your favorite?

I bet you are like me and have said something like: 

"Yes, this  isn't the best _____ that _______ has written/produced/made/built/released/sold, but _______ is still my favorite ______."

Why do we do that?

Tips for Struggling with Discouragement (Part 3)

During the last two weeks we talked about . . . 

When we get discouraged, it's often because our EFFORTS don't meet up with our EXPECTATIONS. When that happens, we'll either give up or want to give up. 

Sir Ernest Henry Shackleton's first experience of the polar regions was as third officer on Captain Scott’s Discovery Expedition, 1901–04, from which he was sent home early on health grounds.  

In 1913, he planned another expedition, and he ran this ad in the London Times:

"Men wanted for hazardous journey. Low wages, bitter cold, long hours of complete darkness. Safe return doubtful. Honour and recognition in event of success."

Legend has it 5000 men applied for what Shackleton defined as a great adventure.

The book of Acts is a Believer's call to adventure, call to be worldwide storytellers of Jesus.  The book of Acts also tells readers about real people who went on an adventure. So far we talked about being spiritually self-disciplined and being ready for war because spiritual attacks will come.

3. Be able to handle rejection!

The hard and fast truth is not everyone will be receptive to your story--the testimony of what God has done in your life. (Maybe even the book you wrote.)

That someone rejects the story you've told doesn't make you a failure. Paul and Barnabas faced this big time on their missionary journeys. When they were rejected, they "with joy" went on to someone else. How could they have joy in the midst of the rejection? 

• Because they were obedient to God. 
• Because every time they told their story, they RE-LIVED their experience. 
• Because they knew somewhere out there was someone else just waiting to hear their story.

As Jesus-followers, we are called to tell our story how God changed us . . . how He gave us joy amid the despair . . . and how He turned our sorrow into gladness. Too many times we fall into the stinkin' thinkin' that being a Christian is an easy life. It's not. God never planned it to or He would have zapped us up to Heaven the moment of salvation.

There's a line in The Princess Diaries when Joe the Bodyguard tells Mia: 

"No no has the power to make you feel inferior 

without your permission."

Remove "inferior" and substituted any other emotion you are feeling.

Whatever our goal, we need to re-adjust our expectations while continuing to give our best efforts. Because only when we re-adjust our expectations will we begin to gain victory over Discouragement.

Always be ready to offer a defense, humbly and respectfully, when someone asks why you live in hope. Keep your conscience clear so that those who ridicule your good conduct in the Anointed and say bad things about you will be put to shame. ~1 Peter 3:15 (the Voice)

Albert Einstein Quote

"God Almighty does not throw dice." 

~Albert Einstein

Tips for Struggling with Discouragement (Part 2)

Last week we talked about . . . 

When we get discouraged, it's often because our EFFORTS don't meet up with our EXPECTATIONS. When that happens, we'll either give up or want to give up. 

Shackleton's adventurers

Sir Ernest Henry Shackleton's first experience of the polar regions was as third officer on Captain Scott’s Discovery Expedition, 1901–04, from which he was sent home early on health grounds.  

In 1913, he planned another expedition, and he ran this ad in the London Times:

"Men wanted for hazardous journey. Low wages, bitter cold, long hours of complete darkness. Safe return doubtful. Honour and recognition in event of success."

Legend has it 5000 men applied for what Shackleton defined as a great adventure.

The book of Acts is a Believer's call to adventure, call to be worldwide storytellers of Jesus.  The book of Acts also tells readers about real people who went on an adventure. Last week we talked about being spiritually self-disciplined.

2. Be ready for war--spiritual attacks will come!

Scripture says you will know them by their fruit. 

We tend to view that into recognizing a Believer. If you're a Christian, then the Fruits of the Spirit will be evident in your life. But that biblical truth goes beyond the common assumption.

If you're oozing discouragement, anger, resentment, jealousy, despair, etc, then, hear me now, those aren't from God. And it time to quit blaming the hormones. Those negative, critical thoughts in your head aren't yours and certainly aren't from the Holy Spirit. It's time to take a stand against them. Choose to quit living in the "Oh, woe is me" muck.

Tips for Struggling with Discouragement (Part 1)

When we get discouraged, it's often because our EFFORTS don't meet up with our EXPECTATIONS. When that happens, we'll either give up or want to give up.

Sir Ernest Henry Shackleton

Sir Ernest Henry Shackleton CVO OBE, (15 February 1874 – 5 January 1922) was an Anglo-Irish explorer who was one of the principal figures of the period known as the Heroic Age of Antarctic Exploration. His first experience of the polar regions was as third officer on Captain Scott’s Discovery Expedition, 1901–04, from which he was sent home early on health grounds. Determined to make amends for this perceived personal failure, he returned to Antarctica in 1907 as leader of the Nimrod Expedition. In January 1909 he and three companions made a southern march which established a record Farthest South latitude at 88°23'S, 97 geographical miles (114 statute miles, 190 km) from the South Pole, by far the closest convergence in exploration history up to that time. For this achievement, Shackleton was knighted by King Edward VII on his return home. (source: Wikipedia)

In 1913, he planned another expedition, and he ran this ad in the London Times:

"Men wanted for hazardous journey. Low wages, bitter cold, long hours of complete darkness. Safe return doubtful. Honour and recognition in event of success."

Legend has it 5000 men applied for what Shackleton defined as a great adventure.

The book of Acts is a Believer's call to adventure, call to be worldwide storytellers of Jesus.  The book of Acts also tells readers about real people who went on an adventure. What can we learn from them?

1. Be spiritually self-disciplined!

In Acts 13:1-3, worship, fasting, and prayer preceded the "going." 

Yet how many times do we get to "going," only to stop and pray, worship, or even fast when the going gets tough? Seek God first, then consider your needs.

Bertha Smith was a missionary to China for 40 years. Prior to going, she had a overwhelming yearing to get married and have children. Then one day she took her eyes off her own "need" and focused on God. She got to the point where she told God, "I want to enter into an agreement with You..."  What did she agree? That she would have a love in her heart for the people of China as if they were her own flesh and blood. They would be the children she longed so desperately for.

Are we spending more time regurgitating what someone has taught us about Jesus . . . or learning directly about Jesus ourselves? When was the last time we had a fresh revelation from God? When was the last time God brought you to the point of a spiritual/emotional/mental change?

Worst or Best Excuse

“Sorry, I don’t have my receipt. My 9-month-old ate it.”

Oh yes, the customer service chick (actually she was more of a hen) believed me, but why wouldn’t she? I didn’t lie. My child really ate the receipt for the lightbulbs I was returning. Well, she ate half of it before I reminded her that paper is not one of the seven major food groups.

What's the worst/best viable excuse you've ever used? Did it work? 

Why Visit Detroit Michigan?

Detroit Skyline

The only mission trip I've ever gone on was one to Detroit, Michigan. Our church's youth group did neighborhood surveys for a local church. They also held sports camps in the afternoon, did concerts in the evening, and after dinner, passed out 9V batteries to be used to replace the old ones in smoke detectors. My "mission" was to feed our 3-month-old, watch the 4-year-old, and occasionally wash dinner dishes. 

On the last night there, hubby loaded up the students and our four-too-young-for-youth-group-children and took us all to a spot in downtown Detroit where we could see Canada across the river. Would you believe Canada looks very much like the US?

Bridge and View from Detroit to Canada

From there, we drove to some outlet mall in Northern Detroit. All 66 members of our group sat down for dinner in the Rainforest Cafe. Cool place. Really really nice manager. Our waiter was nice too. And that came in handy when I waved my hand to show Middle Child where his drink was and ended up hitting the cup of steamy hot marinara. Hand burn. 

Nice Waiter kindly brought out some burn cream and a huge band-aid. Since my right hand ached, I had to eat my dinner with my left hand. Not an easy task.

The Adorable Three-Year-Old decided she wanted to eat one of her daddy's shrimp skewers. I didn't know she liked coconut shrimp, but she did. (Back then she liked what everyone else was eating . . . except salad, which she called "leaves.") I decided to adjust her shrimp so she wouldn't eat the tail and ended up sticking the skewer into my finger. Once again, we appealed to Nice Waiter for a band-aid.

I left the restaurant with a throbbing right hand and a throbbing left pointer finger.

Ever had an experience forever turn you off to something?

Pantser? Plotter? Sometime else?

QUESTION FROM A READER: So do you layer as you write or do you wait until you finish your first draft and go back and layer? Just curious...

I understand how some writers just write a first draft without thinking too much about what actually falls out on the page. I can't. 

I layer as I go. When I begin the day's writing, I generally read the previous scene, or chapter, to get a feel for the mood and the characters. Then I tackle the new scene. Writing with an Alpha Smart where I couldn't go back and edit as I go . . . oh dear, that sound torturous to me. 

How do you write? Have you tried other ways?

Inspirational Mystery & Suspense June 2014 New Releases

BLIND TRUST by Sandra Orchard

mystery

Baker Publishing / Revell

Kate Adams had no idea she was carrying counterfeit money, and she can’t believe that it came from her sweet neighbor. Or that it lands her in the middle of another one of Detective Tom Parker’s investigations. Determined to prove her neighbor’s innocence, Kate stumbles into a pit of intrigue that is far deeper than a two-bit counterfeit operation-and strikes too close to home for comfort. As family secrets come to light, her world-and her budding romance with Tom-begin to crumble. To Kate, it’s clear that she won’t be safe until she uncovers all of Port Aster’s secrets. But is it too late for her and Tom? 

MOON OVER MAALAEA BAY by H. L. Wegley

romantic suspense

Pelican / White Rose Publishing

They expected the honeymoon of their dreams. What they got was a nightmare wrapped in revenge and kidnapping. 

SKY ZONE by Creston Mapes 

suspense

David C. Cook

Jack Crittendon is expecting a mindless night on the job at Festival Arena, but when Homeland Security picks up intel about a potential terrorist threat, Jack is thrust into a life-or-death battle to save himself-and the lives of thousands of innocent people.