We're in for a treat these next four Mondays as multi-published and award-winning author, Marianne Evans, visits with a splash of wisdom, a bucketful of encouragement, and a helping hand to share the writing journey with us. Welcome, Marianne! ~ Annette
Break the Chains
by Marianne Evans
I have a confession to make. I’m scared.
There are innumerable moments in my writing life when I fear my writing “gift” for want of a better word, will vanish. That my story ideas will disappear and my ability to express the scenes and plot scenarios in my heart, will somehow evaporate.
I’ve hit dry spells in my writing, and I think there are a few of you out there who can relate. I’ve been asked: How do you cope when words dry up? When you stare at that blinking cursor hovering over an empty page, and the words just won’t come?
The only solution I’ve found is to (gasp!) break the chain that holds me to the computer and shift emphasis. No one is asking you to leave your characters or plotline behind, but, do something different. Try some basement organizing/junk tossing. Work on the landscaping. Shovel some snow. Crochet, cross-stitch, scrapbook, or take a long drive. Perform any one of a thousand different tasks that will, yes, consume your focus, but will also allow you the luxury of accomplishing something in need of “doing” while freeing your creative side to listen to the voices of your characters, or craft the plotline (and its conflicts) that will ignite your muse to action.
When I’ve followed through on this exercise, I invariably hear the voices of my characters, sorting through their own conflict in the midst of a scene. Or, I can feel plot elements take shape as I observe the world around me outside the context of my computer screen and cyber-world.
Give it a try, and, please let me know how it works for you!! God bless, and happy writing!!
~~~
From This Day Forward
Christian Music agent Kellen Rossiter has everything he ever wanted: A-list clients from coast to coast, a loving wife who honors and respects him, and a faith life that’s never wavered—until now.Juliet Rossiter has the perfect life: a rewarding schedule serving the underprivileged, a husband who loves her as Christ loved the church, and a blessed future as a mother—at least that's what she thinks.
For Better or Worse
But what happens when their rock-solid marriage begins to crumble under the weight of an unexpected and powerful temptation? How does love survive when its foundation is shaken?
'Til Death Do Us Part
When human frailty and the allure of sin deal a harsh blow to their relationship, it will take more than love to mend the shattered trust and heartbreak. It will take a lifetime of devotion.
COUPON CODE: FALLPREVIEW 2012
~~~ Marianne Evans is an award-winning author of Christian romance and fiction. Her hope is to spread the faith-affirming message of God’s love through the stories she creates. Her acclaimed novella, Hearts Crossing led to the creation of the four-book Woodland Series. Next, Evans tackles the topic of a loving marriage in turmoil in her Christian fiction debut, Devotion coming in November, 2012 from Harbourlight Books. Also in 2012, Evans kicks off her second Christian romance series with White Rose Publishing. Search & Rescue will be book one of the Sales Place series, which revolves around the folks who frequent a cozy and historic riverfront diner in downtown Detroit. A lifelong resident of Michigan, Evans is very active in a number of RWA chapters as well as ACFW and the Michigan Literary Network.
Connect with Marianne at:
www.marianneevans.com
www.marianneevans.blogspot.com
Facebook Reader Page: http://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/Marianne-Evans/308711716744
Twitter Handle: @marmo212
