Who Do You Think You Are? by Betty Thomason Owens

“Who do you think you are?”

I heard that question, most often with a negative connotation, several times during my childhood. OK, many times. My mother used to say it when I’d overstepped my boundaries. I learned an important lesson. Soap does not taste good.

These days, I still contemplate this question from time to time. Who do I think I am? When another book releases, I’m worrying about how it will be received and whether I’ve overstepped my boundaries this time. Do I really know what I’m doing? Will my readers discover I know nothing and wonder why I think I can call myself a writer?

Who do I think I am? In my own opinion, I daily fall short in so many ways. But during those times, I’m reminded of 2 Corinthians 10:12-18. Verse twelve says, “We’re not, understand, putting ourselves in a league with those who boast that they’re our superiors. We wouldn’t dare do that. But in all this comparing and grading and competing, they quite miss the point.” [The Message Bible]

This verse alone is powerful, but the next few verses really drive the point home. I believe all writers (Christian writers in particular) should study this passage. “We’re not barging in on the rightful work of others, interfering with their ministries, demanding a place in the sun with them. What we’re hoping for is that as your lives grow in faith, you’ll play a part within our expanding work.” [10:15-16]

In short, we shouldn’t compare ourselves to others, or even ourselves, for that matter. What we do, what we accomplish, should be for God’s glory. If it’s not, it’s empty and vain. That doesn’t mean we can never be commended and praised for our accomplishments, it just means we should take it as praise to the Almighty, Who has given us this wonderful gift.

“If you want to claim credit, claim it for God.” – [10:17].

So, who do I think I am? I believe I am an ambassador, delivering the message God has placed on my heart. I hope the work that I do (what I write to share with others) brings glory to Him. I hope that I can continue to grow and learn and work, as He gives me strength.

Who do you think you are?

What we do, what we accomplish, should be for God’s glory. via @batowens #SeriouslyWrite #Faith #amwriting

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Betty Thomason Owens considers herself a word-weaver, writing stories that touch the heart. Besides her work on the KCWC planning committee, she also leads the Louisville Area ACFW group and is a co-founder of the multi-author Inspired Prompt blog. Married forty-four years, she’s a mother of three, and a grandmother of eight. A part-time bookkeeper at her day-job, she writes for Write Integrity Press, and has seven novels in publication. You can learn more about her at BettyThomasonOwens.com. Connect with her on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, and Instagram.

She's waited too long. When Tom proposed last year, Annabelle wasn't ready to open her heart

to another man. Pain still held a thin crust around it. Time has healed her heart, but with a new woman in town, one who clearly has her sights set on Tom, does it matter if Annabelle's heart is ready to love again?

Folks in town are keeping a close eye on their pharmacist, hoping to be the first to hear the good news. He’s been courting the widow Cross for nigh on two years now. Annabelle Cross better wake up and put her dancing shoes on. Mr. Tom is prime real estate.

Drift back into the simple, country life of Tennessee in 1957 with this sequel to award-winning ANNABELLE'S RUTH.

“A 1950s Clean & Wholesome Romance”

Annabelle’s Joy – Kinsman Redeemer, Book 3

Genre: historical romance

Author: Betty Thomason Owens

Release Date: August 7, 2019

Amazon Buy-Link: https://www.amzn.com/B07TXQRKG3/ 

Writing Under Pressure by Betty Thomason Owens

I don’t always work well when the pressure’s on. The dreaded deadline is looming, and my mind’s a total blank, or worse—mush. Mush is when there’s so much information, it’s difficult to separate the good from the not so good.

I type feverishly, trying my best, only to erase it all because it’s boring. If I’m yawning over it, the reader will most certainly be uninterested, too.

How do I break free from this vicious cycle?

• I get up. I get my blood flowing, either by cleaning something, or simply doing a few stretches. If it’s a nice day, I may go for a quick walk. I free my mind from the bondage of the laptop screen. Fifteen minutes, or so, is all it takes. 

• Change it up. Work on something else for a few minutes. Create a meme, write a quick blog post (I can always use those).

• Do something fun. Toss a tennis ball at the wall and catch it. Play with your pet for a few minutes. I don’t have a pet, I would have to pretend on that one, but make-believe is one of my strong points. 😊 

• Read something funny. Laugh out loud. Watch a silly pet video. Laugh out loud. 

• Spend a few minutes meditating, praying, studying God’s word, or listening to praise music. Sing along with the music. 

Each of the above suggestions can lessen the feeling of bondage I’m experiencing due to that time-constriction, which I usually despise. And here’s another odd little suggestion: Forgive yourself. Sometimes, I feel that I’m letting myself down. I’m either under-performing or maybe, I brought this penalty on myself by dragging my feet until the last second.

When I forgive myself, there’s a resulting release within my spirit. And then the words come. I’ve cleared the blockage. Now the inspiration can flow freely.

As writers, we’ve probably all been there at one time or another. What’s your favorite way to overcome the pressure? What helpful hint(s) can you add to my short list of remedies?

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Betty Thomason Owens has been writing for almost thirty years. She’s a member of American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW) and serves on the planning committee of the Kentucky Christian Writers Conference. Her writing credits include Amelia’s Legacy and Carlotta’s Legacy, in the Legacy Series, Annabelle’s Ruth and Sutter’s Landing, in the southern historical Kinsman Redeemer Series. When she’s not writing, Owens is a part-time bookkeeper, who loves to travel and spend time with her family.

You can connect with her at: http://bettythomasonowens.com, Twitter - @batowens, Facebook Author Page, Amazon Author Page, & Pinterest - btowens. 

You'll also find Betty visiting these blogs:

proud to be an autism mom, August 15

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, August 16

Reading is my Super Power, August 16 (Interview)


What will it take to teach a spoiled heiress that the greatest legacy is love?

Nancy and Robert Emerson’s daughter Amy Juliana is doing her best to follow in Mom’s rebellious footsteps.

Her desperate attempt to escape Dad’s control comes at the worst possible time. A threat against their family and Sanderson Industries has Robert Emerson taking extra steps to guarantee his family’s safety. He sends Amy, an heiress and a debutante, to the country to work on a produce farm run by Aunt Rebecca. Humiliated and angry, Amy contemplates a path that will lead her even farther from home, away from Dad’s protection.

Will Aunt Rebecca’s quiet strength and unconditional love be enough to still the prodigal daughter’s rebellious ways, and open her heart to the plight of others around her?

Matt Wordsworth is the man Robert calls upon to help keep his daughter in line. She thinks the guy is an old fuddy-duddy. By the time her ideas about him begin to change, it may be too late. When an old friend tests her loyalty, she is forced to face her past to overcome a guilty conscience. But, is she playing into the hands of the enemy?

Quitting Is Not An Option by Betty Thomason Owens

Up one day, down the next. A good review? You’re on cloud nine. One star and a reader’s derision? You’re curled up in a fetal position, seeking solace. Such is the writer’s life.

Whether you’re looking for reviews of a newly released novel, waiting for a critique to come back, or a return email from your editor—you’re on tenterhooks! On tenterhooks: phrase meaning one is in a state of uneasy suspense or painful anxiety. That describes it pretty well, doesn’t it?

I remember my first critiques, not long after I joined ACFW and ventured onto “Scribes,” their main critique loop. I went through numerous emotions as I peered at the computer screen with all that red stuff and all those comment bubbles. I cried. I ranted. I raved.

Who is this person, anyway? What does she know about writing? Then my questions changed. Who do I think I am, and what do I know about writing? Am I really this bad a writer? Maybe…I should quit.

Sound familiar? At this point, a writer really needs someone to hold their hand. They need a mentor, or a friend who is also a writer, one who understands the ups and downs of the craft. Whether you meet them at a coffee shop, chat on Facebook, phone, or via email, this person can help you navigate the writer’s life. Remember, though—it’s a system of give and take. If you expect them to encourage you when you’re down, you should be willing to return the favor when they’re having a tough time.

Quitting is not an option. If you’re called to write, you have to write. You can’t quit. So get over it. Close that awful critique for a while. Don’t come back to it until you’re ready. How will you know when you’re ready? When you start thinking, “Hmmm…maybe she was right. Maybe that sentence is confusing.” Or, you realize if a couple of your critique partners found a passage unclear, or a plotline unbelievable, it probably is. This is when you’re ready. Now open the file, and start at the beginning. Work your way through, make your changes—one at a time. Think each one through. Do more research if necessary, to smooth your point of view or plot point.

Perfect your work, then resubmit it to your critique group. Don’t be dismayed if it comes back again, all marked up. Remain teachable. It’s a little like playing guitar. When you start out, your fingertips will scream at you. But as you practice, you’ll form callouses. The skin thickens. This protects your fingers from the wear and tear of the strings. Regular critiques will build your confidence. You don’t want to be calloused, but you will develop the ability to take criticism and deal with it properly. Believe it or not, you’ll survive the learning process. Soon, those chapters will come back with fewer red marks, and the comment balloons will be filled with praise of your writing.

Now, about those reviews…

Have you had to deal with the thought quitting? What made you persevere?

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Betty Thomason Owens is a multi-published, award-winning author of historical fiction, and fantasy-adventure. She is an active member of American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW), where she leads a critique group, and serves as vice-president/secretary of the Louisville area group. She’s a mentor, assisting other writers, and a co-founder of a blog dedicated to inspiring writers. She also serves on the planning committee of the Kentucky Christian Writers Conference.

Her writing credits include a 20’s era romance, Amelia's Legacy (2014), Carlotta’s Legacy (2016) Books 1 & 2, Legacy Series from Write Integrity Press (WIP), and the Grace-Award-winning Annabelle’s Ruth (2015), and Sutter’s Landing (2017), Books 1 & 2, Kinsman Redeemer Series, also from WIP. She has two fantasy-adventure novels, The Lady of the Haven and A Gathering of Eagles, in a second edition published by Sign of the Whale Books^TM, an imprint of Olivia Kimbrell Press^TM.

Amazon Author Page

http://bettythomasonowens.com

https://twitter.com/batowens

https://facebook.com/betty.owens.author

https://pinterest.com/btowens

https://writingpromptsthoughtsideas.wordpress.com

Sutter’s Landing

 

Still reeling from tragic losses, Connie and Annabelle Cross face life with their signature humor and grace, until fresh hope arrives on their doorstep.

In early spring of 1955, Annabelle Cross and her daughter-in-law, Connie have nearly made it through the first winter on their own. Then the skies open up as West Tennessee and much of the south endures one of the worst floods in history. As many of their neighbors endure losses due to the flooding, Annabelle and Connie sit tight on dry ground.

As spring gives way to summer, Annabelle begins to dread Connie’s upcoming marriage and removal to Sutter’s Landing. Though she’s happy to note the growing affection between Alton Wade and her daughter-in-law, their marriage means Annabelle will be on her own for the first time in her life.

Connie’s doubts increase when Alton’s bigoted brother Jensen uses every opportunity to drive a wedge between them. Is she doing the right thing? Did she move too quickly? Unexpected summer visitors and anticipation of a new neighbor provide diversion and open possibilities for both Annabelle and Connie.

The Writer in the Mirror by Betty Thomason Owens

No one knows a writer like another writer, and it's important to have those relationships as author Betty Thomason Owens talks about today. -- Sandy

Betty: Not long ago, I discovered a general truth: one of the best ways to encourage yourself as a writer is to encourage other writers. I suppose it’s true about life in general, but I’ve found writers to be especially vulnerable, sensitive creatures. Why is that? For one thing, writing is an artistic pursuit. Artists tend to be extremely fickle. They love what they’re working on today, but despise it tomorrow. Degas said, “Painting is easy when you don’t know how, but very difficult when you do.” The same could be said about writing.

One thing I’ve learned about the craft—you can never stop learning—the rules keep changing. So it’s an ongoing, continuing education kind of existence, which can cause discouragement. You think you know what you’re doing until you submit a story somewhere. I have a friend who goes through agony with each rejection. She told me it’s like they keep moving the finish line. She’s ready to quit forever. I just let her talk it out, because I know she’ll never quit. Writers are like that. If you’re called to write, you can’t not write. Having someone to talk to when you’re down is one of the best ways to overcome your anxiety. Another writer knows exactly what you’re going through. Calming your fear, and your discouragement not only helps you, but also builds strength in the one giving you support. Think about it, when you reach out to others and help them, doesn’t it make you feel really good inside? Not that you should only do these things for your own satisfaction, but if you’re down—feeling like quitting—maybe you need to reach out and help someone else. Perhaps this will get your mind off the writer in the mirror. 

Do you have someone who can provide the support you need when things aren't going as planned or hoped?

 

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Betty Thomason Owens writes historical fiction, fantasy-adventure, and romantic comedy. She has contributed articles and interviews to various blogs around the Internet and is an active member of American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW), where she leads a critique group. She’s a mentor, assisting other writers, a co-founder of a blog dedicated to inspiring writers, and serves on the planning committee of the Kentucky Christian Writers Conference.

Her writing credits include Grace Award-winning Annabelle’s Ruth, Book 1, Kinsman Redeemer Series (2015), Amelia's Legacy, Book 1, Legacy Series (2014), and Carlotta’s Legacy, Book 2 of the Legacy Series (2016), from Write Integrity Press. She writes contemporary stories as a co-author of A Dozen Apologies and its sequels, The Love Boat Bachelor and Unlikely Merger, (2015). She has two fantasy-adventure novels, The Lady of the Haven and A Gathering of Eagles, in a second edition published by Sign of the Whale BooksTM, an imprint of Olivia Kimbrell PressTM.

Amazon Author Page

http://bettythomasonowens.com

https://twitter.com/batowens

https://facebook.com/betty.owens.author

https://pinterest.com/btowens

https://writingpromptsthoughtsideas.wordpress.com



Carlotta’s Legacy

Her life is in a downhill plunge. Will marrying an Italian count bring Rebecca the love she’s dreamed of?

Rebecca Lewis is a reluctant bride-to-be. Marrying Riccardo Alverá, a young Italian count, may seem like a dream come true—an instant answer to her family’s dire straits. But it also means she must leave American soil, possibly forever.

Riccardo is relentless in his pursuit of Rebecca. After her father’s death, she and her mother set sail for Italy. Though Rebecca is still plagued by doubt, Riccardo’s warmth and humor soon melt the icy frost encasing her heart. But as Rebecca settles into his Italian villa, her questions and fears return.

His mother, Carlotta Alverá, is dedicated to strict Roman Catholic beliefs. Will she ever accept Rebecca, who has no real faith? After Rebecca’s mother decides to pursue life on her own terms, peace comes to the villa. But not for long.

Trouble finds Rebecca, even in the tranquil heart of Italy. As political unrest shakes the core of Italian society, a dark shadow falls over Riccardo’s beautiful estate. In her deepest despair, Rebecca confronts her past, finds forgiveness, and finally … the love and acceptance she’s always longed for.