Story Ideas by Terri Weldon

Have you ever read a book and wondered where or how the author came up with the idea? Boy I have – on more than one occasion. And usually right after that I’m wondering why I don’t have their story genius. 

Ideas for books often come to me in strange places. I came up with one story idea while having my hair done. What would happen if my hair dresser decided to give me my final haircut and then kill me? Frustrated with a job I had at the time, I came up with the idea of a woman whose actions propel her career forward in a most dishonest way. And I’ve had so many story ideas pop into my mind in the shower that I wish I could find a waterproof notepad!

I have more story ideas then I’ll ever be able to write. In fact, there are so many that I’ve been reduced to keeping them in a file labeled ideas in my desk. You never know when they’ll come in handy. Oh, I wish I was productive enough to pen the plethora of books those ideas represent. While that’s doubtful I still keep them. 

A friend of mine who is a much more prolific writer than I am says she never has more than one idea at a time. She believes God provides the ideas as she needs them. It is obviously working for her, she’s a wonderful author who publishes steadily. 

What about you? Where do you come up with your story ideas? Are you like me and have ideas waiting in the wings? Or are you like my friend and only have one idea at a time? I hope you’ll leave a comment and let me know.

The Matchmakers: A Match Made In Sheffield

Natalie Benton bounced from one foster home to another until she landed on Ellie Alexander’s doorstep. Her 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?

Amazon Buy Link: The Matchmakers
   

Terri Weldon is a lead analyst by day and an author by night. She enjoys gardening, reading, and shopping for shoes – a habit she really needs to break. Problem is they make new, cute ones every season. 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 two adorable Westies – or they have her, she’s never sure which. Terri is a member of Romance Writers of America and American Christian Fiction Writers. Her dream of becoming a published author came true when her novella Mistletoe Magic was published. 

Story Ideas by Terri Weldon

Have you ever read a book and wondered where or how the author came up with the idea? Boy I have – on more than one occasion. And usually right after that I’m wondering why I don’t have their story genius. 

Ideas for books often come to me in strange places. I came up with one story idea while having my hair done. What would happen if my hair dresser decided to give me my final haircut and then kill me? Frustrated with a job I had at the time, I came up with the idea of a woman whose actions propel her career forward in a most dishonest way. And I’ve had so many story ideas pop into my mind in the shower that I wish I could find a waterproof notepad!

I have more story ideas then I’ll ever be able to write. In fact, there are so many that I’ve been reduced to keeping them in a file labeled ideas in my desk. You never know when they’ll come in handy. Oh, I wish I was productive enough to pen the plethora of books those ideas represent. While that’s doubtful I still keep them. 

A friend of mine who is a much more prolific writer than I am says she never has more than one idea at a time. She believes God provides the ideas as she needs them. It is obviously working for her, she’s a wonderful author who publishes steadily. 

What about you? Where do you come up with your story ideas? Are you like me and have ideas waiting in the wings? Or are you like my friend and only have one idea at a time? I hope you’ll leave a comment and let me know.

The Matchmakers: A Match Made In Sheffield

Natalie Benton bounced from one foster home to another until she landed on Ellie Alexander’s doorstep. Her 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?

Amazon Buy Link: The Matchmakers
   

Terri Weldon is a lead analyst by day and an author by night. She enjoys gardening, reading, and shopping for shoes – a habit she really needs to break. Problem is they make new, cute ones every season. 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 two adorable Westies – or they have her, she’s never sure which. Terri is a member of Romance Writers of America and American Christian Fiction Writers. Her dream of becoming a published author came true when her novella Mistletoe Magic was published. 

Where's the Remote? In the Fridge! by Peter Leavell

By Peter Leavell @peterleavell

Writers are 65% inspirational, 45% influencers, and 10% bad with arithmetic.

As writers, we might pen the world’s perfect blog about your craft and get a modest response, maybe an invite to teach a workshop. But when we mutter under our breath, ‘You can follow your dreams and make them come true through perseverance and dedication,’ the applause is similar to girls at a Beatles concert.

Why? Because when faced with a blank page on your left and a remote control on the right, where does the easiest gratification come? Meaning: learning to write is easy. Actually putting fingers to the keyboard is hard.

Willpower is limited, and that series isn’t going to binge-watch itself. Besides, streaming a show will offer more inspiration. Right? Right? Can I get an amen?

What happens when you put the TV remote in the refrigerator and reach for your laptop?

—Your family sees you working on something. You inspire them. And if you keep it up, you’ll influence them.
—Your friends think you’re crazy but respect you. You inspire them. And if you keep it up, you’ll influence them.
— Your enemies wonder why they quit, so they make fun of you or try to put you on a different path, so they don’t feel so guilty. You inspire them. And if you keep it up, you’ll influence them.

Crafting a work of genius isn’t about return on investment (ROI). You can’t calculate the hours you spend plotting, because in a year, you plot for 8,760 hours {h(d)=x when h is hours, d is days, and x is the answer [24x365=8760] MOM I DID MATH!}. So what do you get for your time?

Writing produces. Yes. But who knows what else will happen? My kids were happy for a while when I won writing awards, but now they pass them on their way out the door to accomplish something. I’ve influenced them to reach past the remote and warm leftovers because they’re hungry.

What I’m hoping you understand is this: writing is hard. Delayed gratification and blah blah blah. You know. It’s not worth it if you are measuring monetary ROI. Instead, the value is here—the inspiration and influence you deliver changes lives. Family, friends, and beyond. The measurement isn’t quantifiable.

I recommend you ignore all the doubting voices in your head. Laugh at the thought of cleaning the house. Point to the fridge when your family is hungry and shrug when they’re looking for the remote. Set specific times to write, and set specific times to be with family. Don't give friends details, but tell them you're writing, then go do it. 

If, on the off chance your work finds success...if, by some twist that God sees fit to use a couple words you put together to bring joy or horror or hope to others...if, like me, you're a genius with finding ways to trick yourself into putting the backside in a chair and write—you'll take it all in stride, because it's just another way you're influencing the world. 

And when you're dead and they're sorting through your home, while discussing how crazy but dedicated you were, their suspicions will be confirmed when they find a remote in your fridge. But your kids will know. And they'll make the comment, "That's why we're such hard workers."

~~~~~

Peter Leavell, a 2007 graduate of Boise State University with a degree in history and currently enrolled in the University's English Lit Graduate program, was the 2011 winner of Christian Writers Guild's Operation First Novel contest, and 2013 Christian Retailing's Best award for First-Time Author. A novelist, blogger, teacher, ghostwriter, jogger, biker, husband and father, Peter and his family live in Boise, Idaho. Learn more about Peter's books, research, and family adventures at www.peterleavell.com.
                                                                                                 ~~~~~~

LIVING IS INSPIRATION by Tanya Stowe

I’m often asked where I get my stories and the answer is always from life. So here is an example of how a story develops. Several years ago my husband and I were living in the Middle East for my husband’s work. One of our sons and his family were staying in our house to take care of it while were gone. Another of our sons needed to move so while they were in search of a larger house, they stayed at our house.  My sons are close so for the most part, things went smoothly until….

Our family dog had passed away the year before so my sons decided it was time for two new dogs. They hoped to train and raise them together. One son found a rescue dog. The other purchased his favorite breed, a husky. They thought since both animals were young they would be a good mix. My sons were wrong. 

They spent many hours watching “The Dog Whisperer” on TV to try to figure out why these two animals simply could not get along. I received countless emails about the drama. After about four months of a barrage of emails, I decided a dog whisperer would make a great hero for a story.

I was right. Justin Blakely from That Doggone Baby is an awesome character, a perfect antidote to the stressed out fashionista heroine, Jaci Meadows. But the real heroine of the story is a 200-pound malamute modeled after one of my brother’s favorite pets.

Miska was a huge malamute, playful, smart and intimidating when she wanted to be. We all adored her and I modeled Baby, the malamute in my story, after her. Of course Baby had some special help from a few of the Heart’s Haven angels (the location where the series is set) but for the most part she’s as sweet and complicated as the real dog.

While researching the story I was so impressed with the new ways they are training dogs to help with veterans. Those stories were amazing and since my mother had Alzheimer’s I wondered how that would work for patient’s suffering from that disease and voila…a story was born.

You’ll have to read the story to figure out how all those story lines connect. Oh, and the part where Baby wraps the leash around Jaci’s legs and knocks her down…that happened to me. So you see, living is my inspiration.

Buy links:
Amazon
Barnes and Noble
Pelican Book Group
Christianbook.com

That Doggone Baby blurb:

Everyone thinks they can push Jaci Meadows around: her family, her boss, even her full-grown Malamute, Baby. The dog reaches Jaci's shoulders, weighs more than the petite event planner, and has decided Jaci's designer shoes are a favorite toy. Justin Blakely understands dogs better than most people. It's clear to him Jaci Meadows can't handle her own life, let alone a two-hundred-pound Malamute ready to take on the world. Can one oversized Malamute and one very discerning dog whisperer help guide Jaci back to her true path? Can she learn to say no or is she just too addicted to the need to be needed?

 

Tanya Stowe is an author of Christian Fiction with an unexpected edge. She fills her stories with the unusual…mysteries and exotic adventures, even a murder or two. No matter where Tanya takes you…on a trip to foreign lands or a suspenseful journey filled with danger…be prepared for the extraordinary. Website, Facebook, Blog

What Inspires You? by Terri Weldon

When I sat down to write this post I was watching Dr. Who. And it occurred to me that at times my inspiration comes from movies, other books, television programs, sermons, a sentence in a conversation (mine or someone else’s), and most definitely scripture.

Do all these sparks of inspiration turn into a book? Not even close, but they do spark my creative juices. I’ll never write a character like Dr. Who, but while watching the program I might wonder why people are so drawn to him, so devoted, and willing to follow him anywhere. That query sends my mind in two directions: 

1. Can I write a strong hero, perhaps military, whose troops would be willing to follow him anywhere?

2. It would be totally wicked to write a villain with that kind of pull over people. 

I’ve stopped counting the number of times I’ve watched The Fugitive. Trying my best to figure out how the writer wrote a screenplay that draws you from the beginning and refuses to let go. Wouldn’t we all love to have that gift?

When I’m reading my daily Bible I might run across a verse that inspires me or even just a few words. When I do I jot them down in the notes section of my phone. One day I simply listed the book, chapter, and verse and said good scripture for a suspense novel. A word of caution, put in a few more details. There have been times I’ve looked at that verse and wondered why I thought that. 

Since I’ve shared a little bit about how I find inspiration I’m hoping you will do the same. What inspires you? What sparks the creative genius in your brain?

Terri Weldon is a lead analyst by day and an author by night. She enjoys gardening, reading, 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 two adorable Westies – Crosby and Nolly Grace. Terri is a member of ACFW and OCFW, a local chapter of ACFW. Her dream of becoming a published novelist came true in November 2013 when Mistletoe Magic, released from White Rose Publishing.

Readers can connect with Terri: Website: www.TerriWeldon.com & Blog: Seriously Write

Vacations and Story Ideas by Terri Weldon

Earlier this month I travelled to the Amana Colonies in Iowa and the Wisconsin Dells in Wisconsin. When I started on my vacation my plans were pure relaxation. No thoughts of writing whatsoever. 

 

Still somehow when I stopped in Amana and toured the area I couldn’t help but think how perfect a small town setting it would make. So I walked down the streets, visited the shops, took way too many pictures, and tucked the idea away in my mind. 

 

A few days later I took a boat ride on the Wisconsin River. There was a gorgeous island that had over 200 acres and provided home to every tree native to Wisconsin. The land belonged to the university and was in a protected status. A beautiful river, a protected island, eagles flying overhead, a type of sandstone found in only four places worldwide. Hmm, a perfect setting for the second book in a suspense series I’m working on. So I took a boatload of pictures (pun intended) and even had my poor sister quizzing the captain of the boat and the guide. We spent the rest the day sightseeing and I picked up all the free literature I could find. 

 

Did the story ideas ruin my vacation? Not at all, if anything it made me have more fun. Do I expect to get a story idea from every vacation? No, forcing the issue would take all joy and relaxation out of my trips. All I’m suggesting is that you keep an open mind, an open eye, and if the story muse whispers in your ear – spend a little time seeing where it leads you. 

 

What about you? Have you ever used a vacation spot in one of your books? Leave a comment and let me know. 

 

Terri Weldon is a lead analyst by day and an author by night. She enjoys gardening, reading, 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 two adorable Westies – Crosby and Nolly Grace. Terri is a member of ACFW and OCFW, a local chapter of ACFW. Her dream of becoming a published novelist came true in November 2013 when Mistletoe Magic, released from White Rose Publishing.

Readers can connect with Terri: Website: www.TerriWeldon.com or Blog: Seriously Write

 

 

The Gift of Writing for Fun

The Gift of Writing for Fun

By Terri Weldon

 



Terri Weldon

This year the holiday decorating theme for my office at work was Gingerbread men. Each of us were given two felt Gingerbread men and told to create a scene. Now I had the entire door to my office to decorate and these two little guys didn’t come close to filling up the space.

 

I’m not the least bit crafty. So I stared at the blank door and my two little people without a clue what to do. After a good while I decided to see how the others in the office were progressing. So I looked at the scenes on the walls and admired their creativity. My mind, as it often does, remained blank. Finally one of the gals in the office suggested I make a Westie to go with my people.

That simple suggestion jump started my brain. I went back to my desk and created a Gingerbread woman. I won’t bore you with the details of her cute little outfit, but it was quite fun. Next I whipped out my IPhone and searched for Gingerbread men. I found a man in a red and green outfit and busied myself with dressing the hero in my story in a similar fashion. Yep, you heard me, the hero.

From the minute I decided to make a Gingerbread couple the romance writer in me began formulating a story. So the one page novelette A Gingerbread Romance was birthed. And yes, I actually wrote it. The story became the inspiration for my door. My decorations played out the story and I even went so far as to cut the dialog out and attach it to the door in the appropriate places. I had a blast. In fact I received an unexpected gift – at work of all places – the gift of writing for fun.

This wasn’t written for publication and while I did the best job possible on the story I didn’t have to worry about pleasing a publisher, agent, or reader. A Gingerbread Romance was designed for my enjoyment and mine alone. As silly as this may sound, it was liberating. Reminded me of my love of writing and creating.

 

When was the last time you wrote something just for fun? Probably too long. I hope you’ll take a few minutes today and write a quick holiday story of your own. Let my Christmas gift to you be the gift of writing just for fun.

Merry Christmas!

 

****

Purchase Link

Misty Winslow is determined to find her prince, and she meets the man of her dreams through an Internet dating service. Or is he, because the new dentist in town also sets her heart aflutter.

It's love at first sight for Tyler Davenport, but before he can finish his first root canal, Misty is involved in an exclusive online romance with Wes99—Tyler’s online persona. How can he tell her he’s the man she’s been waiting to meet, and how rational is it for him to be jealous of Wes99! Soon Tyler's pulling out all the stops to woo Misty.

As Christmas approaches, Wes99 and Tyler both ask her to meet them under the mistletoe. Which man will she choose?

Terri is a lead analyst by day and an author by night. She enjoys gardening, reading, and playing in the hand bell choir. 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 three dogs – a lovable mutt and two adorable Westies.

Terri is a member of ACFW and OCFW, a local chapter of ACFW. Her dream of becoming a published novelist came true in November 2013 when Mistletoe Magic released from White Rose Publishing. To learn more about Terri visit her website at www.TerriWeldon.com.

The One Thing God Can't Do By Marianne Evans

Marianne Evans

“There is one thing God cannot do. One impossibility.” Father Greg paused his homily for a moment. He surveyed the church, waiting, taking in our doubting, puzzled expressions. Impossibilities? For God? No way. “The one thing God cannot do is this: He cannot ever stop loving you.”

What powerful words. What a powerful truth I struggle to absorb and fully believe.

I see my flaws. God sees my heart. I see my failures, God sees my hope. I see my doubts and insecurities which mount by the day it seems. God holds me close and whispers, ‘My child, be still. The battle is Mine, and you are My beloved.’

I encourage and support; I work hard to write the best stories I can. I rejoice in the success and ministries of so many precious people in my life while sometimes beating myself up at the same time, wondering if my message, my call as a writer, isn’t as effective or as ‘good’ as theirs…especially in those moments when I feel like my own world is in a waiting pattern. The process of going still in trust and faith is very hard for me.

The battle is Mine, and you are My beloved.

There have been times of late when waiting for word on contracts, edits, release dates, is akin to falling. Am I trusting? No, I’m anxious. Do I know God will catch me? I like to think so, but, in the heat of battle, in my broken humanity, that’s hard to believe when the world spins by and I feel like I’m, perhaps, the unfruitful vine. In those moments, I reach out, like Peter in the storm-thrashed waves. I cry out, ‘Lord, help my unbelief,’ and there Jesus is, grabbing my hand, lifting me, affirming me with the gift of family, friends, and encouraging moments of support.

The lesson I seem to be learning of late is that in every way—great, small, seen and unseen—God has assigned me a mission. God dwells in as I carry it out. That kind of Spirit-led call is what fired up the apostles, and they probably had no idea the impact their lives would leave behind. In much the same way, I might never see or know the lives I touch through story. It may be one, it may be thousands or more. Doesn’t matter. I’m driven to follow God’s lead. He knows. He loves...no matter what. And, he uses the gifts He gave me to draw people to him. At longest last, I find trust.

‘Not to us, O Lord, but to Your name give the glory.’

God cannot stop loving me…and he cannot stop loving you. What’s your battle? Whatever it is, please remember, you’re central to the success of God’s plan. His good plan. His perfect plan.

What a blessing!

~~~~~

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The one thing God can't do...

Not to us, O Lord, but to Your name give the glory.

Find your mission, then learn to trust!

~~~~~

Ethan Miller’s family has done…what?

His profile is plastered on MingleInFaith.com. Now this career focused, happy-to-be-a-bachelor is forced to endure an episode of speed dating.

Interior designer Natalie Gibbs is on the dating circuit, eager to find ‘the one,’ but she has strict rules about the manner in which she’ll embrace a romantic relationship. She wasn’t even supposed to meet Ethan Miller, but God had other plans.

Ethan spends a month each year in Honduras, offering eye care to the underprivileged. He senses a sweetness to Natalie that prompts him to invite her along on the next mission trip.

The voyage leads them far from their home base of New York City, but straight into the hearts of the Honduran people. Slowly, Ethan’s heart is swayed toward the idea of love. But Natalie’s mission work teaches her about a love that reaches far beyond romance.

What’s God’s plan? Should their hearts combine – or does He want them to serve, and learn, from one another and an extraordinary date night?

~~~~~

Date Night, is part of the Pure Amore imprint at Pelican Book Group. Pure Amore is a Book of the Month subscription service featuring Christian romances centered on the concept of pre-marital purity and abstinence that doesn’t surrender one moment of the thrill to be found when two people fall in love. Check it out at Pelican Book Group!

~~~~~

Marianne Evans is a multi-award-winning author of Christian romance and fiction with over twenty titles to her credit. Her hope is to spread the faith-affirming message of God’s love through the stories He prompts her to create.

Happily married and the mother of two, Marianne is a lifelong resident of Michigan who is active in a number of Romance Writers of America chapters, most notably the Greater Detroit Chapter where she served two terms as President.

Connect with Marianne:

Website ~ Blog ~ Facebook ~ Twitter ~ Amazon ~ Pinterest

Finding Joy in the Little Things

Finding Joy in the Little Things

By Mary Manners

 

"This is the day the LORD has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it."

~ Psalm 118:24 (NIV) ~

 

I belly-laughed the other day, and it felt so good.

I was standing in the bus line at the intermediate school where I am assistant principal, loading children onto a small bus that heads to an after-school program, when one of the pre-school boys in the second seat turned to me with the cutest gap-toothed smile. I winked at him through the window and he did his best to wink right back, scrunching both eyes and twisting his mouth as I waited there. I laughed at his effort and, seeing my reaction, he giggled, as well. In that moment, I remembered one of my favorite things...watching young children learn how to master tasks such as winking and whistling and snapping their fingers. They find such joy as they share the talents they've accomplished...great pleasure from simple things.

So, when I got home later that afternoon I decided to make a list of ten (OK...eleven) simple things that bring me great joy:

1. Winking at a child and watching him or her wink back.

2. Listening to backyard birds welcome the warm, spring dawn with a song.

3. A hot cup of coffee on a chilly morning (or any morning is just as fine).

4. Quiet walks with my husband, holding hands. and sharing our dreams for the future.

5. Long talks with my mom, sharing memories (over coffee, of course).

 

6. The caress of a breeze as I sit in the rocking chair on my front porch daydreaming.

7. Curling up on the couch with a good book and plenty of time to be swept away.

8. Sharing a life lesson with my daughter, so she does not have to learn the hard way.

9. Push-mowing the lawn on a warm summer day (while writing a story in my head).

10. The sound of laughter drifting through my office window from the school playground.

11. Waking up long before dawn to spend the entire day writing...and writing...and writing some more (with a pot of hazelnut coffee)!

Simple joys...they truly add to life's sweetness. So, I ask...what are your simple joys? I invite you to share!

~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Miracles and Dreams

Jack Seaton moves mountains, literally, as he develops commercial property along the West Coast. But not a day goes by that he doesn’t think of Misty Larsen and the carefree love they once shared. He thought they’d end up married, but his job—and five thousand miles—got in the way. He’s sure she’s moved on and found a new man to love...Until he unexpectedly receives a letter Misty wrote the day he left Mills Landing nearly six years ago. Jack is shocked to learn Misty was pregnant with his child—a child that must be in kindergarten by now.

Misty Larsen is determined to give her daughter a good life. She’s put a business-management degree to good use by spearheading an online Web-design agency. Misty’s hectic schedule gives her little time to reminisce about Jack Seaton, the man who stole her heart. But when Jack storms Misty’s doorstep one thunder-filled afternoon, clutching her letter in his hand, the past bubbles up and spills over to merge their lives once again.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Mary Manners is an award-winning romance writer who lives in the beautiful foothills of East Tennessee with her husband Tim and daughter Danni, and the cherished cats they've rescued from local animal shelters...Lucky and Gus. She loves flavored coffee and Smoky Mountain sunsets.

Mary was named Author of the Year by Book and Trailer Showcase. She writes inspirational romances of all lengths, from short stories to novels—something for everyone.

Learn more about Mary Manners at her website: www.MaryMannersRomance.com.