Relating To George McFly

Heidi Chiavaroli

Do you remember George McFly from Back to the Future? If you do, you are probably familiar with the scene in George's high school lunchroom. George is scribbling furiously in a notebook when Marty, George's son from the future, comes over and asks his father what he's writing.

“Uh, stories. Science fiction stories… about visitors coming down to Earth from other planets,” George says.

“Get out of town… I didn’t know you did anything creative,” Marty says, clearly impressed. “Here, let me read some.” He reaches for the notebook, but George pulls it away.

“Oh, no, no, no. I never let anyone read my stories.”

“Why not?”

“Well, what if they didn’t like them? What if they told me I was no good? I guess that would be pretty hard for somebody to understand.”

I think anyone who is a writer understands you, George McFly.

Whether we’re just penning that first story or on our tenth novel, there is always risk in putting ourselves out there. Our words, our thoughts, our stories. Someone is bound not to like them.

And that ugly word ‘rejection’ comes nagging at our pride.

I’m learning there are many layers to this writing journey. I’ve won and finaled in contests, I’ve acquired an awesome agent, but even so, I know as my story is submitted, rejection will come. This is a subjective industry. Not everyone will love what I have to say—or how I say it. Yet I must face facts—rejection is part of a writer's journey, and it's nearly inevitable.

Standing at this threshold, I can't imagine not continuing. So I'm going to continue this crazy race. And you know what? I'm excited to learn what journey God has in store for me. I'm excited to see what He's going to teach me next. Maybe He'll surprise me. Maybe He'll teach me things that don't even have to do directly with writing. Maybe He'll teach me more about myself, about others, and about His grace. Not a bad deal, right? And if I happen to get my book published along the way…well, I’d definitely take that too. ;)

As for George McFly, I can't say my future has a hardcover in it as his eventually did, but for right now, it's nice to know someone else understands, even if he is only a fictional character himself.

Heidi Chiavaroli is a writer, runner, wife, mother, and grace-clinger—not necessarily in that order. Ever since taking her first trip to Plimoth Plantation with her sister, mother, and grandmother at the age of nine, she has been fascinated with history and its significance to today’s people and culture. Heidi is the winner of ACFW’s 2014 Genesis Contest, Historical Category. She lives in Massachusetts with her husband, two sons, and Howie, her standard poodle. Learn more about Heidi on her website: www.heidichiavaroli.com.

Fatherhood and Forgiveness

Fatherhood and Forgiveness

by Mary Manners

 



 

I truly hope you had a blessed Father's Day. My dad's been gone more than a decade, but the holiday got me to thinking about him (as I so often do) and a special memory from my childhood days...

 

My seventh birthday was a momentous occasion mainly because in my family, turning seven meant I was sure to receive what I imagined, in my child’s mind, to be the greatest gift of all—a shiny new bike.

It was a beauty—a splash of bubblegum pink with streamers flowing from curved handlebars. Pedal brakes and a chunky banana seat rounded out the mix. One look and I knew that suddenly I had my freedom, my independence, and the power to travel all the way to…the end of the block. It was better than the confines of our meager, chain-linked back yard. I grew up in Chicago, after all, and the streets could be a dangerous place.

My dad taught me how to ride. An hour, a few scrapes and bumps later, and I was ready to go. No helmets back then and no fancy riding gear…just the wind at my back and pure pedal power. Dad outlined the riding boundaries, cautioning me not to cross the street at either end of the block or the alley that ran behind our house. Cars were dangerous.

Dad’s firm warning rang through my mind for the first week or so, at least until my sister challenged me to a race around the block. We’d ride off in opposite directions, keeping our progress top-secret, until one of us returned to the starting line—and victory—at the front of our house.

Guilt niggled as I launched myself, pedaling into the wind. To circle the block and claim my victory I’d have to cross the alley twice, breaking my dad’s rule. Yet, the desire to be one of the ‘Big Kids’ along with my sister only served to make me pedal faster. The sky smiled clear-blue as the streets whispered encouragement. What could possibly go wrong?

Closing in on the alley, I picked up speed. The faster I crossed, the faster I would be done. No sound of an engine, nary a car in sight. Perfect until…

Crash!

My gaze kissed the cerulean sky as the front tire of my bike plowed a canyon into the passenger door of an approaching Chevy station wagon. I sailed over the hood to sprawl, several yards beyond, across the unyielding concrete.

Needless to say, in the time it took for the frantic driver to scoop me off the cement, I knew that I suffered a much worse fate than losing the race to my sister. I’d broken my father’s steadfast rule. There was no choice but to return home and confess my transgression. The evidence was clearly etched over my cheeks…and my knees…and across my throbbing elbows.

But, just as it is with my Heavenly Father, Dad was more concerned about my welfare than my transgression. He cleaned my wounds and we had a long talk. Dad repaired my bike and eventually my bruises—both physical and emotional—healed.

I learned a valuable lesson that day, one that remains with me decades later. Boundaries are set for a reason—not to confine but to protect with the deepest love. Yet, even when our free will takes us across a dangerous road or down a shadowed alley, God our Father welcomes us home with open arms and forgiveness. Thank goodness for grace...and for fathers.



 

~~~~~

 

Stolen Miracles

 

 

 

Rebecca Gillespie is lucky to be alive following a devastating car accident that claimed her husband’s life and put her in a coma with little hope of recovery. Her heart still aches for the loss of her precious daughter given up for adoption by her wealthy, dying mother-in-law to a couple in Mills Landing. Now, fully recovered, Rebecca struggles to rebuild her life—alone. She soothes the emptiness in her heart with laughter of children who fill her local preschool, Precious Miracles.

 

Cole Seibert clings to his daughter, Kimmy, following the dea th of his wife. They’d adopted the child as an infant, and Cole never imagined he’d be left to raise her alone. When he drops by to register Kimmy at Precious Miracles, he’s confident the center is the best place for Kimmy…Until Rebecca steals his breath and casts his heart into a firestorm with her revelation--

“I think you have my daughter…”

~~~~~

 



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

 

 

 

 

 



Is Today Really Necessary? by Mary Manners

Is Today Really Necessary?

By Mary Manners

"Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything."

~James 1:2-4~

Long ago, when I was in middle school, I came home following a particularly rough day to find my dad sitting on the front porch. I joined him and he spent a good hour listening while I vented about the trials and tribulations of being a thirteen-year-old in a cruel, cruel world. I imagined he had no idea what I was going through, since he couldn't have possibly even been as young as thirteen himself. Little did I know...

The next day, Dad came home with a small treasure for me--a poster with the most forlorn-looking bloodhound sitting in a washtub full of soap bubbles that had been dumped over his head. The caption read, "Was today really necessary?" Dad helped me mount the poster in a place of honor on my bedroom wall, and then we sat together and talked some more. That's when I began to understand the power of adversity in shaping who I am as well as my life's path.

Today, I use the trials of my life--both the small inconveniences that jab like bony fingers along my rib cage as well as the tsunamis that sweep through to wash away any semblance of sanity--to shape and mold my writing. Characters come alive when their story is infused with nuances of my personal trials. In daily tribulations I find a never-ending fount of inspiration.

My dad succumbed to Non-Hodgkin lymphoma twelve years ago, but his memory is alive and well in the poster that has traveled with me through the decades. It now holds a place of honor on the wall across from my office desk. Each time I glance up to read the caption, I smile and think, "Yes, today is really necessary and thank you, God, for allowing me another breath and another test."

~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Buried Treasures



When Caroline flees Chicago following the brutal murder of her husband, the last thing she expects--or wants--is to fall for Matt Carlson, a builder with strong roots in the small town of Mountainview, Tennessee. She needs to focus on raising her six-year-old daughter and protecting both their hearts from ever being shattered again.

Matt is struggling with issues of his own…guilt over the death of his wife and the responsibility of raising a cynical teenaged nephew who is dropped on his doorstep, abandoned by Matt's alcoholic sister. He doesn't have time to fall in love, yet he can't help being drawn to the woman who is ready to defend her home--and her daughter--with nothing more than a feisty attitude and a broom handle.

Can Matt's help and friendship convince Caroline to trust again--and when Caroline's daughter goes missing, will Matt be able to find the girl before it's too late and he loses everything he loves…again?

~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Mary Manners is an award-winning romance writer who lives in the beautiful foothills of East Tennessee with her husband Tim and the cherished cats they've rescued from local animal shelters...Lucky and Gus.

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



Novella Teams by Eileen Key

Writing a novella is an amazing experience. What begins as a kernel of an idea batted around by four individuals often melds into a wonderful pot of stew. However, if the “write” team isn’t careful, one seasoning can ruin a meal.

Teamwork
In our novella, Sundays in Fredericksburg, we read each other’s works, offered suggestions and worked toward a viable timeline. This novel is based on four generations of women, so it was important to weave in the names and years correctly. Margie Vawter, Connie Stevens and Lynette Sowell are strong historical writers, so I gladly picked up the contemporary slot.

Research
The August before our deadline, Connie visited Texas and met with Lynette and I to tour Fredericksburg. (Margie was familiar with the area.) We interviewed ladies at the museums, poked into antique stores, drove around the area and dined on fabulous food. Research can be so taxing! But all of that effort adds “salt and pepper” to the stew. Accuracy. Readers are fond of pointing out incorrect details, so be careful when you write.

The Romancing America series by Barbour contains many stories of love lost/love found. All the books feature the strong element of faith. I hope you enjoy our novella contribution to this wonderful line of books when you read our stories. Let us know what you think! 

Thank you for the visit! 

Dora here. What about you? Have you tackled writing a novella or 

worked together on a joint project? 

Care to share how that worked for you?

Sundays in Fredericksburg

Sundays in Fredericksburg ~ Purchase Link

Come down to Fredericksburg, Texas, where four generations of couples encounter romance in Sunday Houses. Having become a schoolteacher to avoid marriage, Amelia Bachman finds her resolve crumbling before a smitten carpenter. Determined not to fall in love, Mildred Zimmermann carefully nurses an army medic crippled in love and war. Somewhat of a homebody, Trudy Meier isn’t sure she has the courage to love a roving reporter. Gwendolyn’s beautiful wildflower field is threatened by a geologist’s search for knowledge. Will these four women risk their hearts for the love a stranger?  

Eileen Key retired after teaching school for thirty years. She is a freelance writer and editor, with two mysteries and three novellas published. Mother of three, grandmother of three, Eileen resides in San Antonio, Texas, where she is an active member of Grace Community Church. Find her on the web at eileenkey.com

This Writer's Thanksgivings by Dora Hiers

On any given day, if you ask my hubby how he’s doing, he will respond, “Life just doesn’t get any better than this.” That doesn’t mean he hasn’t experienced disappointments or struggles, but in his opinion, things could always be worse. Smart man, my hubby. 

Every writer suffers painful circumstances, whether that’s receiving another rejection or a negative review. Groaning and grumbling about our writing disappointments steals our joy and robs us of the abundant life God desires for us. He calls us to 

“Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; 

give thanks to Him and praise his name.” (Ps 100:4 NIV)

So let’s give Him thanks for our writing blessings! Today, I’m thankful for…

My Father, the God of all creation who continually inspires me with ideas and stories. Our God designed the entire universe, not leaving out a single detail, and yet He loves and cares for us. Isn’t that amazing? What an awesome God we serve!

My hubby. My biggest encourager and loudest fan. He's an integral part of my writing journey, from character development to plotting to marketing. He’s so many other things, but this is a writing blog, so I’ll leave it at that. :-)

Carolina Christian Writers and my Seriously Write team members. Dear friends who make the writing road less lonely and who encourage and uplift others with their sweet words.

Pelican Book Group/White Rose Publishing, Nicola Martinez & my gracious editors. Thank you for believing in me and for providing my stories with a publishing home. That’s how you make me feel. At home. You’re such a blessing to me.

Terry Prather, Emily Leachman and Friends of the Kannapolis Library for encouraging me to share my story and for opening library doors across the country.

Bruiser, my Golden Retriever, for providing me with much needed exercise throughout the day. Let him out, let him back in. Repeat fifty times a day. If it weren’t for him, I would be ten pounds heavier.

What about you?

Care to share your thanksgivings today?

Wishing you a joyous, Son-filled Thanksgiving Day, my friends!

My Writer's World by Mary Manners

My View…with Dreams and Wishes

           

At first glance, the view from my work window at school is pretty blah…a faded blacktopped parking lot, complete with potholes and faded lines. But, it serves an important purpose—to house the vehicles of the people who bring a heartbeat to my school—teachers, parents, staff. I am always first to work, and each day as I watch people come and go I wonder and wish for what might lie beyond this unkempt structure. I imagine green pastures splashed with breeze-kissed grass and cool, clear water. I see what can be more than what is.

This morning I was blessed when a local pastor, who is also my neighbor, drove through the early-morning sunrise and pulled into the lot just as I did. He had come to take a prayer walk through the school halls. Because I was also there early, I was fortunate enough to be invited to join him. Together, in the quiet, we strolled by each classroom, pausing long enough to offer up a heartfelt prayer. As my neighbor spoke, I couldn’t help but think about how much I am like the view from my work window—often weary and faded, riddled with dents and dings. Yet, to my Heavenly Father, I am a beautiful, green pasture—breeze-kissed by His hand and filled with the cool, clear water of His word. He sees me for what I can be more than what I am. It’s a lovely blessing, indeed.

Wisdom Tree

After the death of his parents, Jake Samuels has enough on his plate—including a fledgling church to lead and a mischievous younger brother to raise. The last thing he needs is a rambunctious woman to contend with.

Carin O'Malley is dealing with the death of her brother and a new job as an English teacher at East Ridge Middle School where Corey Samuels reigns as King of Chaos. The last thing she needs is to fall in love with a man...especially a handsome and complicated preacher like Corey’s brother Jake.

But when Corey's antics toss Carin and Jake together, the two must draw from God’s wisdom to find refuge in His perfect plan for them.

Mary Manners is an award-winning author of inspirational romance who lives in the beautiful foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains of East Tennessee with her husband and teen-aged daughter. She is a member of the Romance Writers of America and Smoky Mountain Romance Writers.

During the school year, she teaches middle-schoolers reading and Algebra. In her free time, she likes to garden, take long walks with her husband, and read romance novels in a hammock beneath century-old shade trees. Visit Mary at  www.marymannersromance.com

My Writer's World by Sandra Orchard

What a treat to be invited to share with you! I hope you enjoy this peek into my workspace.

Over the years, I’ve gone from commandeering small corners of the house to now having my own office with every organizational perk I’ve ever wanted. Like the journey to being published, my dream office took years to build.

 

My first investment was this large bulletin board, which I use as a storyboard. I divided it into four rows of five chapters each to see at a glance where my major plot twists should happen. When ideas come to me, I write them on post-it notes and then pin them in the general area where I think they might fit.

Along the side of the board are charts outlining the typical plot points I’ll want to touch on in the hero and heroine’s journeys.

The cupboard is great for laying out materials I’ve gathered in research, not to mention all that filing space. I love filing space, which brings me to my next acquisition…

I looooove this organizer. It’s actually a little empty since I cleared away the notes and drafts from my two now-published books. I keep workshop notes from online classes in the binders. For another series I’m working on, I use a portfolio with clear plastic sleeves to store the character, setting and plot details I’ll need to remember from book to book.

I use that spool of paper on the bottom right shelf when brainstorming. I write out ideas and connect them like a giant mind map diagram.

Of course, my desk is the heart of my writing center. My husband gave me the iMac for our anniversary last year. Isn’t he a sweetheart? It’s made a world of difference to my productivity--much less fatiguing than working on the old PC laptop and 100x faster. I use MS Office for Mac, and save my documents to Dropbox. That way, when I want to sit somewhere else to write or edit, the documents sync to my netbook.

Yes, I know. I am totally spoiled. Of course, when the days get colder, I’ll often curl up in the recliner near the woodstove with my notepad and pen, instead. Words seem to flow more effortlessly when writing in longhand.

In the interest of full disclosure: I cleaned up my office before taking these photos.

As much as, I like a tidy desk space, it rarely is. I usually have scene notes and post-it notes on every available surface…except the window. Have to be able to enjoy the view! 

I hope you’ve enjoyed this cyber walk through my office.  

Have I inspired any changes to your own workspace?

 

 

Sandra Orchard hails from rural Ontario, Canada where inspiration abounds for her romantic suspense novels set in the fictional Niagara town she's created as their backdrop. Critical Condition (October 2012) is the third book in her Harlequin Love Inspired Suspense series, Undercover Cops: Fighting for justice puts their lives—and hearts—on the line.

Sandra enjoys offering her readers book “extras” to enhance their reading experience. You can check these out, along with other resources for readers and writers, at her website: http://www.SandraOrchard.com or connect at: http://www.Facebook.com/SandraOrchard