Do You Thrive in Chaos? by Jan Thompson

We may face many challenges, both personally and professionally, but we don’t need to handle those struggles alone. Today on SW, author Jan Thompson writes about dealing with the chaos. ~ Dawn

Do You Thrive 

in Chaos? 

Many years ago, when my son was in preschool, I chatted with another mother at our church nursery. Two of her kids were running in circles around her, and she was carrying her toddler on her hip. She did not have a diaper bag with her. The toddler was missing a shoe, and the mother said she might have left that one shoe at home…

Reflections of God in our Stories by Elizabeth Goddard

My husband teaches pottery classes and recently completed firing the clay pieces in his kiln. I love to see what amazing creations will come out of that kiln! Considering he can never be quite sure how the glazes will turn out, or if something cracked during the firing, he’s always anxious to see the fruit of his labors as well. And really, it was no surprise when the bowls and bottles turned out exquisite (I could be a little biased). Fortunately, nothing had cracked during the process.

My husband staged the stunning pieces against the base of a tree and took pictures which he then shared on social media. I admired the images and shared them on my social media as well, but what really caught my attention was that my husband was reflected in his pottery as he took the pictures.

While this shouldn’t surprise me, the moment was ‘revelatory,’ if you will. The deeper context. . .I could see my husband in his work. My thoughts jumped straight to God. Our creator, the master potter, wants to see Himself in us when he looks at us. After all, we’re His work. We are the clay and He’s the Master Potter.

God wants others to see Him in us as well. We should reflect him.

The same is true of our writing.

Our writing should reflect God. Readers should see, feel or sense God in our writing, whether it’s fiction or non-fiction. But I don’t think it’s something we have to work at to make happen. It can occur on its own.

Let me explain . . .

Christian writers often have varying degrees of a spiritual message in their books. When I’m writing a novel, I usually don’t set out knowing the spiritual theme, but I allow that to grow organically. I admit that sometimes the message is far from obvious, and other times it’s overt. I’m often surprised that readers will take away a different spiritual message from one of my books—regarding the same book, one reader might say it had no spiritual message, while another reader might say it contained a deep spiritual thread. How can that be? Either the message is there, or it’s not.

How about the spiritual message is in the eye of the beholder. For example, how many people have looked at the images of pottery without noticing my husband’s reflection?

I believe as Christian writers, even if our books have no overt message, God is reflected throughout the stories, and it’s up to the reader to pick up on that or not. Christian writers—those who truly love God—can’t help but reflect the Creator in their work.

In my latest release, Don’t Keep Silent, I wrote the story and the various spiritual themes emerged on their own. In fact, the title came later, as did the scripture that confirms the title and the story:

Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, for the rights of all who are destitute. Speak up and judge fairly; defend the rights of the poor and needy. Proverbs 31:8–9

As one reviewer put it, “A major theme of this book, indicated by the title, is knowing when to remain silent, and when to speak up. It reminds us to speak for those who can’t speak for themselves; keeping quiet about wrongdoing is just another form of evil; and the implications of what can happen when we keep silent.” (Sara Wise http://semmiesspace.weebly.com)

So draw close to Him daily and your writing is sure to reflect Him, and in the end, I believe this is the ultimate reason God calls us to write, so that we can reveal Him to those who are looking for Him, as well as to some who are not.

Our writing should reflect God. Readers should see, feel or sense God in our writing, whether it’s fiction or non-fiction. @bethgoddard #seriouslywrite

I believe as Christian writers, even if our books have no overt message, God is reflected throughout the stories, and it’s up to the reader to pick up on that or not. Christian writers—those who truly love God—can’t help but reflect the Creator in their work. @bethgoddard #seriouslywrite

Amazon Buy Link

Don’t Keep Silent Blurb:

Investigative reporter Rae Burke will do anything to find her missing sister-in-law, even if it means facing Liam McKade, a man who almost lost his life saving hers. A former DEA agent, Liam thought he could find peace at his Wyoming ranch, but he just doesn't feel at home anywhere anymore. When the reporter who blew his cover on an important investigation inserts herself back into his life, he's less than thrilled. But Rae's keen investigative skills have led her down the right path--and directly into the dragon's mouth--leaving Liam no choice but to protect her. As the danger increases, the past they both tried to flee catches up to them, along with the feelings they once had for each other.

Bestselling and award-winning author Elizabeth Goddard plunges you into a fast-paced, high-stakes story of honor, forgiveness, and justice.

With over one million books sold, Elizabeth Goddard is the bestselling, award-winning author of over forty romance novels and counting, including the romantic mystery, THE CAMERA NEVER LIES--a 2011 Carol Award winner. Four of her six Mountain Cove books have been contest finalists. Buried, Backfire and Deception are finalists in the Daphne Du Maurier Award for Excellence in Mystery and Suspense, and Submerged is a Carol Award finalist. A 7th generation Texan, Elizabeth graduated from North Texas State University with a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science and worked in high-level software sales for several years before retiring to home school her children and fulfill her dreams of writing full-time.

Ways to Connect:

Website: http://elizabethgoddard.com 

Facebook Author Page: http://facebook.com/elizabethgoddardauthor 

Facebook Reader’s Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/371401767951/ 

Twitter: http://twitter.com/bethgoddard 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/elizabethgoddardauthor/ 

Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/elizabethgoddardauthor/ 

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/1295402.Elizabeth_Goddard 

Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/profile/elizabeth-goddard

Three Tips on Making a Deadline by Blossom Turner

I am a new author at the ripe old age of 58. I’m finally doing what I was born to do. 

With my first book Anna’s Secret (contemporary romance) I had the privilege of taking my time…years in fact. No one knew my name, nor was my writing in demand. Currently I’m contracted for a five book historical romance series. The first book in the series Katherine’s Arrangement will be launched on August 4^th, 2020 with the following four at what I feel is warp speed—every half year thereafter. My situation has drastically changed. I still have my mother-in-law to care for, my huge property as an avid gardener to keep up, my family and personal life, and full-time hours writing. I understand stress. So, for all you writers out there with deadlines and real life pressing in, here are three tips on making a deadline when feeling dead tired.

Let's Refocus by Emily Wickham

“Delight yourself in the LORD; And He will give you the desires of your heart”
(Psalm 37:4, NASB).

Aspirations Tuesdays are designed “to deal with whatever issues are hindering you” as a writer. And in my mind, 2020 has presented each of us with unprecedented challenges plus concerns about our literary ambitions. Perhaps the conference we planned to attend was rescheduled or canceled. Maybe the publisher we hoped to contract with is reducing their number of new publications, or our plans to self-publish have been interrupted by a reduced income.

The world is filled more than ever with uncertainty, and we might wonder what the future holds for the writing industry.

Let’s stop, take a breath, and refocus. Our God, who never changes, remains in control. Nothing ever surprises or confuses Him. He foreknew every event of 2020 before time began. So you and I, Christian writer friend, can rest assured in His perfect plan for our writing.

The answer to our multiple questions rests in our Lord, who’s always willing to hear our cries and petitions. Yet we must discipline ourselves to sit quietly before Him in prayer, delighting in Him and uttering the desires of our heart.

On that note, please pray with me:

Father in Heaven,

You are worthy.

Your glory and strength, righteousness and wisdom, holiness and sovereignty surpass all else. We exalt You, Almighty God, for who You are. Your hand holds the past, present, and future. Your power awes us, inspiring us to bow before You in worship.

We yield to You.

Realizing our fallible tendencies, we confess any impure motives or selfish desires. We reject every temptation to seek others’ approval above Yours, dedicating our writing anew for Your purposes and glory. We submit to Your will for the words with which You anoint us.

Your grace is sufficient.

Thank You for supplying daily grace, for we are weak in ourselves (2 Corinthians 12:9). You are the strength and surety we need, empowering us to communicate truth. We’re grateful You desire to use us—along with the words we write—in “such a time as this” (Esther 4:14).

You go before us.

Despite the world’s uncertainties, You maintain a purpose for the skills You entrusted to us. We delight in knowing You pave the way toward each opportunity. Because nothing can stop You, we joyfully anticipate the unfolding of Your unique plan for our writing.

We trust You.

“Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart Be acceptable in Your sight, O LORD, my rock and my Redeemer” (Psalm 19:14). We move forward in faith echoing the psalmist’s desire. Whether fiction or nonfiction, may the words we pen reach into deep places, offering hope and peace in Christ.

We belong to You.

We don’t know exactly what the future holds, but we long to follow You. Please continue to encourage us along the way and keep our eyes fixed on Jesus (Hebrews 12:2). Speak to us and through us, “those who have been chosen of God, holy and beloved” (Colossians 3:12).

In Jesus’ mighty name, Amen.

Despite the world’s uncertainties, God maintains a purpose for our writing skills. @emilywickhamPH @MaryAFelkins #WritersLife #Purpose #SeriouslyWrite

Emily Wickham seeks to stir hearts toward Jesus. She writes for LifeWay, speaks at ladies’ events, and shares “Devotions for Women” videos on social media. Emily encourages Christian women plus equips Christian writers on her blog, www.proclaiminghimtowomen.com. She is the author of one Bible study, which was translated into Spanish in 2016.

Emily, a resident of North Carolina, is Mark’s wife of 30+ years. They are the blessed parents of four adult children and two daughters-in-love. God’s faithfulness and love inspire Emily on her journey through life as she purposes to exalt Christ through written and spoken words.

Connect with Emily:
www.proclaiminghimtowomen.com
Facebook
Twitter
YouTube
Instagram
LinkedIn

Alcanzando la Justicia
Do you know any missionaries to Spanish-speaking women? Or, is your church involved in outreach to the Hispanic community? Emily would love to put her Bible study on Esther into their hands, and she’s willing to fundraise for this purpose. Please see her website for more information. You also can purchase Alcanzando la Justicia on Amazon.

Having Confidence in Writing

Here’s a question for you. Have you ever had a string of good news? Publisher asks for more stories from you or perhaps you are asked to read your book to a group, or maybe a long awaited answer to a piece of writing you have submitted is finally accepted?

These writing events can happen at any time. Recently, several emails and letters arrived with good news about my writing. Upon reading the messages, my first thought was to thank God for His blessings. I thank Him for giving me words that He wants to share.

Are We There Yet? by Pattie Frampton

Please welcome Pattie Frampton to the Seriously Write Team! We’re thrilled to have her. As a “Regular Contributor,” Pattie will share encouragement on the fourth Friday of the month. ~ Dawn 

I’m Pattie and I’m looking forward to spending time with you! It’s truly an honor to be here and have this opportunity to share and learn and grow. I have some big shoes to fill, but I’ll do my best to keep you entertained and motivated as we journey on our writing paths together. 

How My “Big Mouth” Helped Me Achieve A Lifelong Dream by Rhonda Starnes

I’ve known that I wanted to be an author ever since I was in middle school, and over the years I’ve shared that dream with a lot of people. However, I didn’t start writing and actively seeking publication until seven years ago, after my children were grown and life had settled down a bit.

Even though I’d always been vocal about my dream, I only told a handful of people when I submitted my first manuscript to an editor. After all, if the editor hated my writing, I didn’t want everyone to know I failed. My husband, Mountain Man, wasn’t as hesitant to share, and he told several people that I was going to be published. I tried to tell him that getting a book published wasn’t as easy as he tried to make it sound, but that didn’t stop him from believing in my ability to write a book an editor would love. Mountain Man’s confidence spurred me on and soon I was telling everyone that I’d written a book. I was even sharing the information with my 7th and 8th grade students. Of course, telling them I’d written a book was a lot easier than having to tell them when I received the rejection. The editor liked my characters and said I did a good job conveying the emotion but my writing needed “a bit more work on structure and pacing.” All in all, it was a very kind rejection letter.

A year later, I participated in a pitch opportunity titled The Search for a Killer Voice that was hosted by Harlequin’s Love Inspired Suspense line. Like the previous time, I wasn’t planning to tell anyone. I had learned my lesson. There was no way I wanted anyone to know if I failed, again. Only, this ‘contest’ was being conducted in four rounds, and after I made it to the second round, I could not contain my excitement. So, I opened my big mouth and soon everyone knew I was writing another book. My students cheered me on and were almost as excited as I was when I made it all the way to the final round. Then I received a revision request, followed by another and eventually a rejection. For the next four years, I found myself in a similar cycle. I’d enter a contest, sharing that information with my students, only to eventually end up with a rejection.

You may be wondering why I would continue to share my writing journey with so many people, especially my students. That’s really very simple. After I had shared the first time, there was no taking it back. Whenever I saw a former student (whether it be at the grocery store or if they stopped by my classroom) they would always ask me if I had sold a book, yet. I knew that my response to these rejections would teach my current and former students how to handle their own setbacks in life. If I wanted them to work hard to achieve their dreams, I had to be willing to work hard, too, even if there were times that I really wanted to give up.

Honestly, knowing that they were watching to see if I would stick it out long enough to become published was a pretty good motivator for not giving up. And, it’s a good thing, too, because this past September (six years and four manuscripts later) I received the call I’d been waiting on. Harlequin’s Love Inspired Suspense line wanted to publish my book.

My debut novel, Rocky Mountain Revenge, released this month.

Honestly, knowing that they were watching to see if I would stick it out long enough to become published was a pretty good motivator for not giving up.

ROCKY MOUNTAIN REVENGE 

To survive her deadly homecoming, she’ll need to trust a man from her past… Temporarily home to help at her family’s vet clinic, Grace Porter has no intentions of staying—but someone’s determined she won’t live long enough to leave. With both Grace and her sister in the crosshairs, her ex-boyfriend, Police Chief Evan Bradshaw, must protect them. But can the single dad lawman uncover the truth about why a killer’s out for vengeance before time runs out?

Buy Links:

Amazon - https://amzn.to/2Zgb4h7

Barnes & Nobel - https://bit.ly/3eLAyti

Walmart - https://bit.ly/3dK9skW

Target - https://bit.ly/3eGFTSH

Kobo - https://bit.ly/2VG39c9

Google - https://bit.ly/2BWWQd4

Apple - https://apple.co/2VFOVrA

Rhonda Starnes is a middle school language arts teacher who has dreamed of being a published author since she was in seventh grade. She lives in North Alabama with her husband, who she lovingly refers to as Mountain Man. They enjoy traveling and spending time with their children and grandchildren. Rhonda writes romantic suspense with rugged heroes and feisty heroines.

www.rhondastarnes.com

https://www.facebook.com/RhondaStarnesAuthor/

https://www.instagram.com/rhonda_starnes/

https://twitter.com/Rhonda_Starnes

Three Tips for Building Book Buzz by Meghann Whistler

As an introvert, self-promotion isn’t something that has ever come naturally to me. And yet…as a debut author, promoting my book is something I had to start thinking about back when I signed my contract last year.

Fortunately for me, I spent almost fifteen years in marketing and public relations before I decided to focus on my creative writing full-time, so I had some experience to draw on when it came time to start marketing my book.

Here are a few things I found helpful:

Two Simple Words by Shannon Redmon

Thank you.

Two simple words that sometimes slip off our tongue without even thinking about their meaning.

We say them when someone hands us our food at the drive-thru window or when the grocery store clerk hands a receipt, yet how often do we say those two simple words to the one who provides the very breath we breathe each day?

In Our Own Strength by Patty Nicholas-Boyte

Is it just me or has life sped up for me during the pandemic rather than slowed down? Instead of working from home, I am back, in-person at the office, which includes a myriad of meetings and schedule changes.  

My ministry life has also increased as my husband and I are on the leadership team for a new church and outreach team, which will launch in a few months. They have asked me to write the newsletter as well. 

In addition, for the next several weeks, I am working one on one with a writing coach and mentor. God as certainly blessed me with opportunity. The word blessed is actually an understatement for how I thankful I am for everything God has given me, but if I could, I would also add the word overwhelmed to my vocabulary. 

What I know about myself is that when I move into “get it done, high gear”, I try to do things in my own strength. I have to make a conscious decision to stop and seek God. 

I not only need to seek God’s will for every decision I make in life, I also need to look to Him for every word I write as well.

I not only need to seek God’s will for every decision I make in life, I also need to look to Him for every word I write as well. Click to tweet it!

When it seems like it would be counterproductive to stop from time to time, the slowdown has actually made a difference when I intentionally halted to spend time with the Lord for His will. 

Matthew 11:28-30 28 “Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest. 29 Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and YOU WILL FIND REST FOR YOUR SOULS. 30 For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.” 

Not only do I need to remind myself to give my burdens to God, I also have to remind myself the permission to take a break occasionally so that He can give me rest for my soul. When I fully rest in Him, then . . . 

Philippians 4:13 I can do all things through Him who strengthens me. 

The words flow and not only that, but I know that the words I write will have more meaning and impact than if I tried to write in my own strength.

Multi award winning writer, Patty Nicholas-Boyte lives with her Husband Brian in the mountains of North Carolina. She is a busy event planner for the Billy Graham Training Center at the Cove, and is a member of the Blue Ridge Writers Group. She is a mother of two grown daughters and grandmother of three. She writes Bible studies and devotionals as well as contemporary romance. 

She is a regular contributor to the Cove Blog.

Devotions are published in compilations by Lighthouse Bible Studies.
facebook.com/patty.l.nicholas
twitter.com/PattyNicholas2
https://thecove.org/blog

Adverbs - Friend or Foe? by JoAnn Durgin

Adverbs - Friend or Foe? 

Warning: This post contains adverbs!

When I attended my first ACFW writing conference nearly a decade ago, I was surprised by the writing “rules” for authors. One of the key rules? No adverbs! We were advised that if we positively must have them, then we should use them sparingly and only when absolutely necessary. Granted, I could eliminate the adverbs in that last sentence and its meaning would be clear, but I like adverbs. I mean, I really like them! Perhaps because of that “rule,” and because my early draft manuscripts were peppered with adverbs, I’ve always held an affinity for them.

Learned Anything New Lately? by Terri Weldon

Life's been a little different lately for me. The last time I attended a local ACFW meeting was in February. And this little thing called a pandemic nixed any conference travel plans and writing retreats I might have attended in 2020. But I still need to learn new things! Not to mention interacting with other writers. Are you facing the same challenges?

If you are, there are many learning opportunities online. My first foray into online learning was a FREE online class. I had been struggling with writing and this course dealt with ways to stop sabotaging your future. Fantastic course and did I mention it was FREE?

Next I took several more FREE online classes through the Glendale Public Library. Their writer in residence, Tina Radcliffe, is one of my favorite instructors. So I enrolled in Motivation for Writers, Writer's Platform, and Querying and Pitching to an Editor and Agent. A wealth of information and Tina offered some fantastic perks. Plus as I mentioned above she's one of my favorite instructors.

Right now I'm enrolled in a FREE two part mastersclass being taught by Ted Dekker and I'm scheduled for another class on Saturday. Learning opportunities are available in abundance and I'm loving them!

If you're bummed about having to miss conference (most have been cancelled) than try an online conference. Sally Shupe told me about the 2020 Kentucky Christian Writer's Conference. The fee was only $20.20 for the entire conference plus online access to all the recordings for six months! Believe me, I jumped on that train before it could pull out of the station. The classes were wonderful and I love having access to the classes I missed. There was one timeslot where I wanted to attend three of the courses. Guess what? Since I have online access I'll be able to have virtually attended them all.

ACFW is offering their conference online. It's a little more expensive than what I've mentioned to date, but it is an option. Also, there is the West Coast Christian Writers, the Southern Christian Writers Conference, and the Writing Warriors for Jesus (WWJ) Writing Conference. I'm sure there are many more, so if you know of others, especially resonably priced ones, mention them in the comments.

And if an online course or conference doesn't appeal to you, how about a brainstorming luncheon session on Zoom, Facebook, or one of the other online meeting options?

My intent wasn't for this post to read like a look what I've been up to post. No, it was to encourage you to take advantage of the learning opportunities available to you.

Have you taken advantage of any online courses or conferences? What was your favorite? Enrolled in anything coming up soon? Care to share? I'd love to hear your opinion on online learning.

Right now I'm enrolled in a FREE two part mastersclass being taught by Ted Dekker and I'm scheduled for another class on Saturday. Learning opportunities are available in abundance and I'm loving them!

'

Have you taken advantage of any online courses or conferences? What was your favorite? Enrolled in anything coming up soon? Care to share?

'

A Match Made in Sheffield

Natalie Benton bounced from one foster home to another until she landed on Ellie Alexander’s doorstep. Natalie’s vagabond childhood caused her to yearn for a secure life, which led to Natalie’s five-year plan: complete her law degree, marry the perfect man, become a partner at Montgomery, Haynes, and Preston, and produce one child. 

Getting arrested wasn’t in Natalie’s plan. Needing a public defender wasn’t in her plan. Falling for Grady Hunter, her public defender, definitely wasn’t in her plan. 

Can Grady convince Natalie there is more to life than her five-year plan? 

Is Ellie the only one who sees a future for Natalie and Grady?

Terri Weldon is blessed to be able to write fulltime. She enjoys gardening, reading, working jigsaw puzzles, and shopping for shoes. One of her favorite pastimes is volunteering as the librarian at her church. It allows her to shop for books and spend someone else’s money! Plus, she has the great joy of introducing people to Christian fiction. She lives with her family in Oklahoma. Terri has an adorable Westie – Crosby. She is a member of ACFW and OCFW, a local chapter of ACFW. Terri is the award winning author of The Christmas Bride Wore Boots.

Building Characters by Using Their Life Verse by Patty Smith Hall

And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.

Romans 8:28

I remember the day I chose this piece of scripture to be my life verse. I was back in high school, at the end of my sophomore year and still new in my faith in Christ. My best friend, Donna had signed my yearbook and wanting to know what she’d said, I went to the space I’d reserved for her. At the bottom just under her name, she had written a verse.

What Is Your Superpower? By Marie Wells Coutu

Did you know you have a Superpower?

We often talk about identifying our character’s Superpowers. But I haven’t thought about my own. Until I saw a video by a high school English teacher (Whitney Kelley, Lebanon Trail High School, Frisco, Texas).

With her permission, here’s what she said that struck me:

“The ability to influence others with mere words, written language or speech, that’s a Superpower.”

Writing Lessons from Hamilton

Hamilton's release on Disney+ allowed those of us who haven't made it to New York a chance to peek at the phenomenon. 

The phenomenon was phenomenal.

 

Since Hamilton's Broadway debut, the play’s been molten lava running down my Facebook feed. And I agree. The storytelling explosively volcanic. I couldn't look away. And the story has stayed with me long afterward. 

 

Focusing on the Full Story by Lorri Dudley

Many of us are facing challenges not only in our writing journey but also in our personal lives. Take heart! Author Lorri Dudley encourages us to remember that what we’re dealing with today is only a part of our story. ~ Dawn 

Focusing on 

the Full Story

Would you want to be the character of a romance novel? We might relish the thrill of the hero and heroine’s gazes holding a tad longer than appropriate, the quickening of pulse as their fingers brush, or the intimacy of their mingling breath as a loose strand of hair is tucked behind an ear. We might sigh with longing at those romantic moments, but my answer is a firm, no, thank you. Granted, I may have a different perspective as a writer.

Who Are You? By Patti Jo Moore

Many years ago, I was in a local store with my three children. A nice lady approached us, greeting me enthusiastically and asking how I’d been. The more she talked, the more obvious it became she knew me. She did most of the talking, and a few minutes later, we went our separate ways. When we’d gotten further away, my oldest daughter whispered to me, “Who was she?” I shook my head and replied, “I have no idea. No idea at all.”

Later we laughed about that incident, although I never figured out where I’d met her. But it was likely at one of the schools where I’d taught, or maybe she’d visited my church. Or we could’ve chatted at a Little League baseball game. Yet as she’d chattered away in a friendly tone, I could not bring myself to ask, “Who are you?”

Thinking about that incident recently made me think about my fictional story characters, and how important it is for me to “know” them. The more I learn about my characters, the more believable they can be in my stories. Beginning with a “Character Information” sheet for each main character, I jot down the basics: Physical appearance, Age, Education and job, family and friends, pets, hobbies, and so on. But I need to know more than these basics—I must know what my characters’ goals are, what motivates her/him, and what fears they have. And of course, there will be conflict for the characters in the story (confession: I still have a difficult time adding enough conflict, although I know it’s essential in stories!).

Some writers begin with a special setting in mind, others have their character(s) already formed, while other writers have a really good plot idea. Many writers have detailed plots and outlines of their stories before they actually begin writing. I admire these writers! But I am in the SOTP (“Seat of the Pants”) group, because for me personally, the joy in writing comes in discovering what happens next as my story progresses. Yet, I still *must* know my characters. And yes, even when a writer knows the character, that character can still “surprise” us sometimes. I become almost giddy when I’m writing, and a character says or does something that I didn’t expect. 😊

Again, for me personally, that’s the joy of writing fiction.

My current manuscript is almost completed, and then I’ll send it to my editor. I’ve been working (off and on) with this particular story since last Fall, but just haven’t been satisfied. Something was missing. A few days ago, a very important detail about my heroine came to me—something she’d been through in her past that has impacted how she feels now. Aha! “I wish you’d told me sooner, but that’s okay.” (No, I didn’t speak this aloud, only in my writer mind, LOL). But I knew that detail was what I needed to complete her journey in this story.

Even as I work hard on getting to know my characters, and enjoy writing about their individual journeys, I strive to remember that I always want my words to honor God. After all, He is the Master Storyteller!

And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men. Colossians 3:23

A few days ago, a very important detail about my heroine came to me—something she’d been through in her past that has impacted how she feels now. Aha! “I wish you’d told me sooner, but that’s okay.”

...I strive to remember that I always want my words to honor God.

Amazon Buy Link

Sadie's Dream

In a coastal Georgia town in 1900, a young woman prepares to serve as a missionary in Africa.

After being jilted the previous year, she's certain she's meant to remain single.

When she meets a handsome businessman from Savannah, she begins struggling with doubts.

Over time she learns that the Lord's plans are best, and dreams really can come true.

Patti Jo Moore is a retired kindergarten teacher and lifelong Georgia girl. She loves Jesus, her family, cats, and coffee, and is blessed to be published with Forget-Me-Not Romances. When she’s not spending time with her family (including her two sweet grandbabies) or writing her “Sweet, Southern Stories” Patti Jo can be found feeding cats—her own six and local strays.

She loves connecting with readers and other writers, and can be found on Facebook at Author Patti Jo Moore or her personal blog at http://catmomscorner.blogspot.com

The End is Just the Beginning by Linda Fulkerson

Don’t you love memes for writers? I collect those cute, quirky, fun-to-share graphics that bundle a nugget of truth inside a lump of laughter. And not that long ago, I coined my own meme-worthy quote, “There’s more to writing a book than writing a book.” As soon as I blurted that phrase in the midst of a book marketing class I was teaching, I had to literally stop and Google it to see if it was original. No exact-match results displayed, so I later created a graphic, plastered my quote onto it, put my name as the author, and blasted it all over my social media profiles.

The truth inside my meme isn’t exactly hidden. There IS more to writing a book than writing a book. Much more.

What's a Weary Writer to Do? by Emily Conrad

In myself and in many of my friends--both writers and not--I see widespread weariness like I've never seen before.

As Christian writers, many of us feel a certain sense of responsibility. When we see the weariness around us, we want to offer words to help.

Though our hope remains the same--Jesus!--expressing that hope in meaningful ways when we're weary ourselves becomes a challenge, doesn't it?

It certainly does for me. So, what's a weary writer to do?

Checklist for Identifying Yourself as a Writer by Mary Davis

Mary Davis

Anyone else need a pick-me-up? Someone to come along and say, "Oh, you do that too?" Today, Mary Davis shares a list of oh-so-relatable fiction writerly items. I chuckled as I read. Enjoy! ~ Annette



You know you're a fiction writer when...

…you fall asleep at night with pen and paper in hand.
…you go shopping at a physical store for your imaginary character’s wardrobe.
…you have an argument with one or more of your characters and lose.
…your made-up story feels more tangible than your real life.

The Blessings of Liberty by Melinda V. Inman

The Blessings of Liberty 

We ride the bumpy roller-coaster of a pandemic coupled with racial conflict. When 2020 began, not many had any inkling of what we would face this year, but some were already keeping a wary eye on reports of a vicious new virus on the other side of the world. Still, no one had the vaguest idea of how this novel coronavirus would play out across the entire globe.

What Is Your End Goal? by Sally Shupe

Happy Thursday! We are halfway through the year. I had to look at my calendar to see if that was true. It is so hard to believe it is July already! Did you set weekly, monthly, yearly goals? Where do you stand on meeting those goals? On reviewing where I started, what I’ve accomplished, and where I’d like to be, I realized a few things.

Celebrate how far you’ve come. Have you been working on a sewing project? Cleaning out the basement or garage? Starting a new book, or finishing one you’d already started? Look back at where you started. If you’ve gone through one box in the garage, that’s one box you don’t have to go through now. Do you have a few rows started on your sewing project? You’re farther along than you were. How many words do you have in the book you’re writing? That’s more than you had. Write each day, and you’ll have even more.

Looking Forward to a New Adventure by Shannon Taylor Vannatter

From the moment I finally got a publishing contract, after nine and a half years and over two hundred rejection letters, I wanted to help other writers achieve their dream. I started by teaching classes, even though I’m an introvert. My least favorite thing to do is be the center of attention or get up in front of people. Especially if I have to say something. But writing changed all that. I had this burning need to share what I’d learned, what it takes to get published, and to help others learn from the mistakes I’d made along the way.