Expressions: Writer's World Wednesday - Acknowledgments

Help/bless others as you've been helped/blessed -- that's my motto.



Expressions: Writer's World Wednesday - Acknowledgments: A few weeks ago, I told you about my friend Kim Woodhouse .  Hers is one of two names specifically mentioned in the dedication for Waiting o...

Inkwell Inspirations: I Don't Like to Read Christian Non-Fiction for Wom...

Inkwell Inspirations: I Don't Like to Read Christian Non-Fiction for Wom...: Time for a Book Picnic by Gina Welborn I subscribe to Crosswalk.com's Daily Updates. Yesterday they sent  me an e-mail with this...

Great Book Giveaway part 2 - Katie Clark Writes

Great Book Giveaway part 2 - Katie Clark Writes

Go to Katie's blog and leave a comment for a chance to win an 11-book giveaway!

Heroes, Heroines, and History: Dress Like Jane Austen--Part 3--And Giveaway!

Heroes, Heroines, and History: Dress Like Jane Austen--Part 3--And Giveaway!: We've looked at women's and men's costume in the past two months, and now we get to zero in on a few details of the gowns. This ...

Do You Think You Succeeded on Your Own?

Some of us have deadlines, some don't.

Some excel under them, some live in denial of them, some gain five pounds after eating chocolate to get through them.

A few years back I went through the Beth Moore Bible study, Esther. It's amazing. You can download her video series through itunes or on lifeway.com. Well worth the price. 

At the end of Esther's story, she, with full authority, wrote a decree and whatnot. What stood out in my spirit wasn't what Esther did. It was what Beth said next in the video. I tried to write verbatim, but pardon any me additions.

"While we are complete in Christ, we will never fulfill our destiny unless we operate 'together with.' We need people to go, to do things 'along with.' You might be surprised what they bring out in you. The joy is unspeakable."

God used that to remind me of all the ladies over the years who have been my "along withs" in my writing journey. 

• On Charlotte Dillon's online RWC list, writers like Lynne Connelly, Allison Brennan, Shirley Jump, and Linda Winslow helped me understand deep point of view and how to judge and critique.
• Over at Romance Divas, Jax Cassidy and Kristen Painter gave me an opportunity to share my crazy links of life to writing. I never saw my self as an article writer, but there I was doing it. 
• Best part is through R-Divas I met Camy Tang who encouraged me to join ACFW. Camy didn't just introduce me to fellow Christian writers, but she directed me to writing resources that have greatly expanded my knowledge of writing, as well as humbled me in the process.
• Through ACFW, I met Therese Stenzel who began the ACFW European historical writers chapter (His Writers). 
• Then there are the ladies of the Seekerville blog. Oh. My. Stars. They're like Krispy Kreme donuts that are actually healthy and good for you.
• Pamela Griffin, Laurie Alice Eakes, and Jennifer Hudson Taylor who welcomed me into their anthology proposal, which lead to my first sale.
• My Inkwell Inspiration sisters.

Never underestimate the impact you have in the lives of others.

Who are your "along withs"?

What Jane Austen can teach Girls about Boys

I love having family and friends come to visit

It's the after-they've-left . . . 

No more toilet paper, lots of dirty laundry, empty food closet, little messes all over the house, and an overflowing trash dumpster. Never mind, that's normal house. Then there are all the missed tv episodes.

TV shows, in my family, exist for the purpose of discussion. We talk about what we're watching. The characters, the plot, the motivations for why people did what they did.

Superherotologist Daughter and I watched PRIDE AND PREJUDICE (Keira Knightly version). She asked me about a minor detail in the film. I explained how it symbolized Darcy's struggle with his attraction to Elizabeth. From there we got to talking about why girls sometimes feel all silly inside around boys they dislike or boys who irritate them. 

It was a good mother-daughter moment.

“A lady's imagination is very rapid; it jumps from admiration to love, from love to matrimony in a moment.” 

“Angry people are not always wise.” 

“We all know him to be a proud, unpleasant sort of man; but this would be nothing if you really liked him.” 

“Vanity and pride are different things, though the words are often used synonymously. A person may be proud without being vain. Pride relates more to our opinion of ourselves, vanity to what we would have others think of us.”

“Laugh as much as you choose, but you will not laugh me out of my opinion.” 

“Her heart did whisper that he had done it for her.” 

What meaningful conversations have you had with your kids, spouse, or friends after watching a tv show or movie or book?

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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

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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?