Write Like He Loves Me by Ocieanna Fleiss

Ocieanna Fleiss

I’m so happy to have friend and former Seriously Write co-host Ocieanna Fleiss back as a guest. Although published in fiction, she felt led to focus on nonfiction for a time and write her memoir. She shares how cardiac arrest changed her life and her writing. 

~ Dawn

Write Like He Loves Me

For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord. (Romans 8:38-39 ESV)

Have you ever meditated on these verses? Remarkable. Do I really believe these life-ripping-open words? Nothing can separate me? Not even death?

Five years ago, this verse was tested when a cardiac arrest stopped my heart. It took a quick-thinking, though terrified, husband and a house-full of paramedics to bring me back.

(You can read about this by downloading the first three chapters of Love Like There’s No Tomorrow: How a Cardiac Arrest Brought My Heart to Life here. https://bookgrabbr.com/books/37881 )

This event changed my life in many ways—even in my writing!

After I awoke, a strange shift happened. A layer of self-consciousness, which had cloaked me forever, skirted away. Do you know what I mean by self-consciousness as a writer? Partly without realizing it, I second-guessed myself. Instead of embodying my characters, releasing their stories through my fingers, I thought too much. Overthought. Held back, afraid of my characters' painful emotions and afraid if I really tried—put myself out there—it wouldn't be good enough. Afraid.

But then I died. And more importantly, Jesus reached his wounded hand to me. "Arise, my darling, my beautiful one, and come along," he said.

I realized nothing, not even death, could separate me from his love.

That's what banished my self-conscious fear.

Love.

I knew my Husband Jesus loved me. I grasped it. I got it. Finally. He loved me, the ugly parts, the fearful, the untrusting, even when pride and fear overtook me again and again. I was his. I am his.

You are, too.

Do I doubt his love from time to time? Of course. Dark days still pummel me at times, but in many ways, his love has grown in me, boosting my courage. In my recent memoir (truly about me, not just invented characters) I let it all out. So raw and vulnerable. Scary to share about my miscarriages, and marriage struggles, the mean name I was called as a child, and more. But out it came, as I wept.

And healed.

The more I ponder my Lord's fierce, never-ending love, the freer I am to openly share my weaknesses and struggles, the things people need to hear. The more I can step aside (get over myself) and watch him work. And I become a better writer.

Because if nothing can separate me from his love (not even death!), I might as well write like he loves me.

Remember, he loves you like there's no tomorrow. 

Ocieanna

Love Like There’s 

No Tomorrow

Love Like There's No Tomorrow

Seattle, WA: A few years ago, Ocieanna Fleiss wife and work-at-home mother of four young children would have described herself as overwhelmed, stressed, and focused on finishing her to-do list. But when at age forty-two, a sudden cardiac arrest stopped her heart, everything changed.

During those quiet months of recovery, as she reflected on her life, a pattern arose. Like a loving father, Christ has always walked her through childhood neglect, miscarriages, the death of her parents, and even through her own death!

Amazed by God’s loving hand in her life, Ocieanna overflowed with a desire to love in a new, more profound way. Out of this desire, transforming truths gently came to light: truths that changed her life forever and will show you how God can weave everything in your life into His elaborate plan.

OCIEANNA FLEISS has written three historical novels with Tricia Goyer in the best-selling Love Finds You series. She speaks at churches, parenting groups, and writers conferences and teaches a Bible class to homeschool junior high students. She penned a writing column for eight years and contributes to the Seriously Write blog. She has also written for MOMSense, MOPS.org, Hearts at Home, Guideposts for Kids, and CBA Marketplace. She is a member of the Northwest Christian Writers Association and the Writers View. Ocieanna makes her home in Seattle, Washington, with her husband and four kids.

You can learn more and connect with Ocieanna by visiting these sites:

www.ocieanna.com    

https://www.facebook.com/Ocieanna-Fleiss-205697752806581/  

https://twitter.com/ocieanna  

https://www.pinterest.com/ocieanna/love-like-theres-no-tomorrow/\

 

A New Hostess for Seriously Write

We're excited here at Seriously Write to introduce a new hostess to the team! Our dear hostess and friend, Ocieanna Fleiss, is moving on to new writing opportunities and we're welcoming author Sandra Ardoin to take over Wednesdays. She's been writing for publication since the mid-1980s. 


Sandy enjoys reading, gardening, sports, and country music. Her day will focus on sharing the wisdom of other writers. We all can learn from their experiences when it comes to such topics as research, marketing, creativity, and the organizational side of the business.

To learn more, see the added page here on Seriously Write and visit her blog, or see her article here. Watch for Sandy's first post on Wednesday, February 6th.

Welcome aboard, Sandy!!

Grammar-O

Grammar-O Wednesdays
with Ocieanna

Happy Wednesday, grammarians! Ready to test your mad grammar skills?

Each week I (Ocieanna) post a few sentences with grammar, punctuation, spelling, or other writing misdemeanors. Your job is to find the infraction and set it right. If you possess the courage, you’re welcome to post your corrections in the comments, or you may simply keep your grammar to yourself. Then next week, I’ll post the answers.

Have fun!

This week’s new batch:

1) Goals, dreams, ideas, plans—the New Year stirs a desire in me to think about the coming months.

2) With a sense of optimism, I look up Biblical passages which encourage me that The Lord will guide my steps.

3) Then I love to write down these goals I now treasure as pointing to future happiness and accomplishments which perhaps I’ve dreamed about for many years but have real hope that this will be the year to get them done or perhaps just get the first step done and that will be enough.

4) Perhaps these New Year goals will never be accomplished. What may get in the way is un-foreseen obstacles.

5) But I still relish the time of dreaming knowing that what-ever may happen, the Lord’s sovereign hand always guides and leads me.

6) This year and every year.


(Remember, the point is to hunt out the blatantly illegal, not matters of preference or opinion.)

Good luck and have fun!


Here are the corrected ones from last time:

1) With Christmas in ten-short days, I’ve been thinking about how they celebrated Christ’s birth in year’s past.
Correct: With Christmas in ten short days, I’ve been thinking about how they celebrated Christ’s birth in years past.

2) During World War 2, on the homefront, they had very little with which to create a fancy festivity.
Correct: During World War II, ladies on the homefront had very little with which to create a fancy festivity.

3) While their men—on ships, in the battle fields, or far-away barracks—feasted on the best the military had to offer, which wasn’t much.
Correct: Their men—on ships, in the battlefields, or in far-away barracks—feasted on the best the military had to offer, which wasn’t much.

4) The folks at home used their ration tickets to buy a bit of sugar and meat, some even created makeshift turkey’s out of sausage!
Correct: The folks at home used their ration tickets to buy a bit of sugar and meat; some even created makeshift turkeys out of sausage!

5) Like the men who served in World War 2, we still have many brave soldiers who will be away from their families’ this Christmas.
Correct: Like the men who served in World War II, many brave soldiers will be away from their families this Christmas.


Well, how’d you do? Do you think you fixed all the sentences?

*Disclaimer: I’m by no means perfect at this. I use The Chicago Manual of Style and Webster’s Dictionary as my sources. The sentences to correct are fictitious.

Grammar-O

Grammar-O Wednesdays
with Ocieanna

Happy Wednesday, grammarians! Ready to test your mad grammar skills?

Each week I (Ocieanna) post a few sentences with grammar, punctuation, spelling, or other writing misdemeanors. Your job is to find the infraction and set it right. If you possess the courage, you’re welcome to post your corrections in the comments, or you may simply keep your grammar to yourself. Then next week, I’ll post the answers.

Have fun!

This week’s new batch:

1) With Christmas in ten-short days, I’ve been thinking about how they celebrated Christ’s birth in year’s past.

2) During World War 2, on the homefront, they had very little with which to create a fancy festivity.

3) While their men—on ships, in the battle fields, or far-away barracks—feasted on the best the military had to offer, which wasn’t much.

4) The folks at home used their ration tickets to buy a bit of sugar and meat, some even created makeshift turkey’s out of sausage!

5) Like the men who served in World War 2, we still have many brave soldiers who will be away from their families’ this Christmas.

Let’s remember to pray for them.


Remember, the point is to hunt out the blatantly illegal, not matters of preference or opinion.

Good luck and have fun!


Here are the corrected ones from last week:

1) I like to recognize the distinction between Advent Hymns, which talk about the coming of the Messiah, and Christmas Hymns, which celebrate his birth.
Correct: I like to recognize the distinction between Advent hymns, which talk about the coming of the Messiah, and Christmas hymns, which celebrate his birth.

2) Traditionally, church’s only sang Advent Hymns until Christmas Sunday when they rejoiced with Christmas Hymns.
Correct: Traditionally, churches only sang Advent hymns until Christmas Sunday when they rejoiced with Christmas hymns.

3) What’s your favorite hymns of the season? Here’s some of mine.
Correct: What are your favorite hymns of the season? Here are some of mine.

4) For Advent, I love O Come O Come Emmanuel. Such poignant Old Testament references!
Correct: For Advent, I love “O Come O Come Emmanuel”—such poignant Old Testament references!

5) My favorite Christmas hymn is What Child is This? The words draw me into the nativity scene, and the haunting melody.
Correct: My favorite Christmas hymn is “What Child is This?” The words draw me into the nativity scene, and the haunting melody appeals to me.


Well, how’d you do? Do you think you fixed all the sentences?

*Disclaimer: I’m by no means perfect at this. I use The Chicago Manual of Style and Webster’s Dictionary as my sources. The sentences to correct are fictitious.

Gleanings from A Christmas Carol by Ocieanna Fleiss

Hey readers, it's Manuscript Monday. Today, Ocieanna, your hostess for Wednesdays, is here to share an article on incorporating the five senses into our writing. Welcome, Ocieanna, a couple days early.

Gleanings from A Christmas Carol
by Ocieanna Fleiss

We’re all familiar with the A Christmas Carol movies, but have you ever read Charles Dickens’ short classic? When I recently sat down with it, I realized how Dickens uses the five senses to key into our emotions in a powerful way. Let’s see what we can glean by exploring his work.

Oh, I See

Of course, sight is the sense we writers utilize most. Virtually every time we portray something, we begin with what it looks like—that’s why our visual descriptions must sparkle. Ever come across a sentence like this? “Mary sat on the couch.” Blah. It cries for more. We need to see the scuffed leather, to gaze into the eyes of the moose head on the wall. Here’s how Dickens does it.

The ancient tower of a church, whose gruff old bell was always peeping slily down at Scrooge out of a gothic window in the wall, became invisible, and struck the hours and quarters in the clouds.

By his use of well-chosen adjectives and nouns—“ancient tower,” “gruff old bell,” “gothic window”—the church tower becomes real in our mind’s eye. Add the clouds, and we can almost feel it “peeping slyly” at us.
Note that Dickens doesn’t bog down his prose with the overused, “he saw, she noticed, etc.” He simply describes the church tower, and we know it’s Scrooge who sees it.

I Hear Ya

Holly sprigs and berries crackled in the lamp-heat of the windows.

Here Dickens emphasizes the “little noises” to craft a London Christmas Eve. It’s the often drowned-out sounds that strike our emotions unexpectedly, pulling us into the fabric of a story.

That Stinks!

Smell evokes memories and strong emotions like nothing else.

Alleys and archways, like so many cesspools, disgorged their offences of smell, and dirt, and life, upon the straggling streets; and the whole quarter reeked with crime, with filth, and misery.

Dickens uses smell as a secret weapon to whisk us to a London back alley. And what would transport us better than these rancid odors?

How Do You Feel?

When your protagonist sits at a table, do your readers feel its grainy oak surface? Does the vinyl chair stick to your character’s legs when she stands? Dickens masterfully chills us:

In the main street, at the corner of the court, some labourers were repairing the gas-pipes, and had lighted a great fire in a brazier, round which a party of ragged men and boys were gathered: warming their hands and winking their eyes before the blaze in rapture.

The owner of one scant young nose, gnawed by the hungry cold as bones are gnawed by dogs, stooped down at Scrooge's keyhole to regale him with a Christmas carol.

Did you feel the warmth of the fire on the “ragged men and boys” hands contrasting against the frigid night? Also, here I am in front of my cozy fireplace, enwrapped in an afghan, and yet seeing the “scant young nose” being gnawed by the “hungry cold” sent a chill through me, did you feel one too?

Not only does Dickens’ meticulous description of the cold bring us into the story, it symbolizes Scrooge’s icy heart. As the story progresses and Scrooge thaws, the settings grow warmer too.

Taste Good?

Taste is one of the most graphic senses. Dickens does it this way:

Cratchit made the gravy (ready beforehand in a little saucepan) hissing hot; Master Peter mashed the potatoes with incredible vigour; Miss Belinda sweetened up the apple-sauce. And Bob said he didn't believe there ever was such a goose cooked. Its tenderness and flavour, size and cheapness, were the themes of universal admiration. Eked out by apple-sauce and mashed potatoes.

Again Dickens shows (not tells) us a scene to arouse the senses. The warm gravy blended with the vigorously mashed potatoes oozes down our throats. And the incredible goose, along with the other perfected delicacies, tantalizes our hunger even more. The tastes in this scene also conjure the sense of love, family, and holiday cheer that makes this tale a beloved classic.

By using the five senses, Dickens allows us to travel right along with dear old Ebenezer. As we experience the story with him, our emotions are stirred—and we’re gifted with powerful tools to create our own classics.

~~~~~

Love Finds You in Victory Heights, Washington by Tricia Goyer and Ocieanna Fleiss

The Second World War has stolen Rosalie's fiancé from her. But rather than wallow, Rosalie throws herself into her work at the Boeing plant in Victory Heights, shooting rivets into the B-17 bombers that will destroy the enemy. A local reporter dubs her Seattle's Own Rosie the Riveter, and her story lends inspiration to women across the country. While Rosalie's strong arms can bear the weight of this new responsibility, her heart cannot handle the intense feelings that begin to surface for Kenny, the handsome reporter. Fear of a second heartbreak is a powerful opponent - but will it claim victory over love?

~~~~~

Ocieanna Fleiss has cowritten two novels with Tricia Goyer—both for Summerside press. The most recent, Love Finds You in Victory Heights, Washington, released July, 2010. Ocieanna has also written several articles for national publications and a bi-monthy column for Northwest Christian Writers Association. Homeschool mom of four little ones, she, along with her husband, stay busy at her home in the Seattle area.

Grammar-O

Grammar-O Wednesdays
with Ocieanna

Happy Wednesday, grammarians! Ready to test your mad grammar skills?

Each week I (Ocieanna) post a few sentences with grammar, punctuation, spelling, or other writing misdemeanors. Your job is to find the infraction and set it right. If you possess the courage, you’re welcome to post your corrections in the comments, or you may simply keep your grammar to yourself. Then next week, I’ll post the answers.

Have fun!

This week’s new batch:

1) I like to recognize the distinction between Advent Hymns, which talk about the coming of the Messiah, and Christmas Hymns, which celebrate his birth.

2) Traditionally, church’s only sang Advent hymns until Christmas Sunday when they rejoiced with Christmas hymns.

3) What’s your favorite hymns of the season? Here’s some of mine.

4) For Advent, I love O Come O Come Emmanuel. Such poignant Old Testament references!

5) My favorite Christmas hymn is What Child is This? The words draw me into the nativity scene, and the haunting melody.

Remember, the point is to hunt out the blatantly illegal, not matters of preference or opinion.

Good luck and have fun!


Here are the corrected ones from last week:

1) Yesterday me and my husband celebrated our 19th wedding anniversary.
Correct: Yesterday my husband and I celebrated our nineteenth wedding anniversary.
Tip: According to Chicago Manuel of Style, numbers from one to ninety-nine are spelled out.

2) I think we compliment eachother well.
Correct: I think we complement each other well.

3) I pondered the seasons of our life together, relishing the memories.
Correct: Relishing the memories, I pondered the seasons of our life together.
Note: There’s a misplaced modifier. It’s unclear whether relishing the memories modifies “I” or “the seasons of our life together.”

4) The carefree pre-kid years seem a distant memory. Vacations. Interesting jobs. Late-night jaunts to coffee shops with friends and especially alone time.
Correct: The carefree, pre-kid years, filled with vacations, interesting jobs, late-night jaunts to coffee shops with friends, and especially alone time, seem a distant memory.

5) And then we had kids—everything else is literally a blur.
Correct: And then we had kids—everything else is a blur.
Tip: Be careful with “literally.” It means what it says. If everything was literally a blur, I’d need to get my eyes checked. :-D


Well, how’d you do? Do you think you fixed all the sentences?

*Disclaimer: I’m by no means perfect at this. I use The Chicago Manual of Style and Webster’s Dictionary as my sources. The sentences to correct are fictitious.

Grammar-O

Grammar-O Wednesdays
with Ocieanna

Happy Wednesday, grammarians! Ready to test your mad grammar skills?

I hope your Thanksgiving was resplendent with prayers of gratitude for the many blessings we’ve been given. And I hope you ate lots of turkey too.

Okay, the suspense is over! Have you been wondering what the answers to the sentences from two weeks ago are? I took a break last week, but I’m back!

If you’re new, here’s the way Grammar-O works: Each week (except for last week!) I post a few sentences with grammar, punctuation, spelling, or other writing misdemeanors. Your job is to find the infraction and set it right. If you possess the courage, you’re welcome to post your corrections in the comments, or you may simply keep your grammar to yourself. Then next week, I’ll post the answers.

Have fun!

This week’s new batch:

1) Yesterday me and my husband celebrated our 19th wedding anniversary.

2) I think we compliment eachother well.

3) I pondered the seasons of our life together, relishing the memories.

4) The carefree pre-kid years seem a distant memory. Vacations. Interesting jobs. Late-night jaunts to coffee shops with friends and especially alone time.

5) And then kids—everything else is literally a blur.


Remember, the point is to hunt out the blatantly illegal, not matters of preference or opinion.

Good luck and have fun!


The corrected ones from last week:

1) A great aspect about homeschooling are all the things I get to learn.
Correct: A great aspect about homeschooling is all the things I get to learn.

2) We’re studying Earth Science this weak-rocks, manely.
Correct: We’re studying earth science this week—rocks mainly.

3) Some rocks, called igneous were formed from hot lava, and some, called sedimentary came from sediments building up in layers.
Correct: Some rocks, called igneous, were formed from hot lava, and some, called sedimentary, came from sediments building up in layers.

4) I enjoy learning but I must admit, my kids enthusiasm thrills me most.
Correct: I enjoy learning, but I must admit, my kids’ enthusiasm thrills me most.

5) The other day my six-year-old boy said he wished he had a t-shirt with the 4 main layer’s of the earth on it. Now, thats pretty cool.
Correct: The other day my six-year-old boy said he wished he had a t-shirt with the four main layers of the earth on it. Now, that’s pretty cool.

Well, how’d you do? Did you fix all the sentences?

*Disclaimer: I’m by no means perfect at this. I use The Chicago Manual of Style and Webster’s Dictionary as my sources.

Grammar-O

Grammar-O Wednesdays
with Ocieanna

Happy Wednesday, grammarians! Ready to test your mad grammar skills?

Each week I (Ocieanna) post a few sentences with grammar, punctuation, spelling, or other writing misdemeanors. Your job is to find the infraction and set it right. If you possess the courage, you’re welcome to post your corrections in the comments, or you may simply keep your grammar to yourself. Then next week, I’ll post the answers.

Have fun!


This week’s new batch:

1) A great aspect about homeschooling are all the things I get to learn.

2) We’re studying Earth Science this weak-rocks, manely.

3) Some rocks, called igneous were formed from hot lava, and some, called sedimentary came from sediments building up in layers.

4) I enjoy learning but I must admit, my kids enthusiasm thrills me most.

5) The other day my six-year-old boy said he wished he had a t-shirt with the 4 main layer’s of the earth on it. Now, thats pretty cool.

Remember, the point is to hunt out the blatantly illegal, not matters of preference or opinion.

Good luck and have fun!


The corrected ones from last week:

1) Last week I spent many hours preparing for my nine year old daughter Gabrielle’s birthday party! Phew!
Correct: Last week I spent many hours preparing for my nine-year-old daughter Gabrielle’s birthday party. Phew!


2) Fancy Nancy was the theme, you may be wondering who is Fancy Nancy.
Correct: Fancy Nancy was the theme. You may be wondering who Fancy Nancy is.
OR: You may be wondering, Who is Fancy Nancy?


3) Fancy Nancy, who Gabrielle loves to imitate, is her favorite book series. When the nine fancy, little girls arrived, my adrenaline was pumping!
Correct: Fancy Nancy, who Gabrielle loves to imitate, is the heroine of her favorite book series. When the nine, fancy, little girls arrived, my adrenaline was pumping.


4) All in all the line-up of crafts, a buffet, cake, punch, and games went good and the Little Darlings said their goodbyes wearing lovely smiles.
Correct: All in all the line-up of crafts, a buffet, cake, punch, and games went well. The little darlings said their goodbyes wearing lovely smiles.


5) As for me, I was exhausted! Still recovering.
Correct: As for me, I was exhausted. Still recovering.
Note: Did you think I missed the fragment? Still recovering. Yes, it is a fragment, but it’s okay to use one if it’s on purpose and it does not cause confusion.
Tip: Exclamation marks. If you look at these sentences as a paragraph, there were way too many! Use sparingly. One per paragraph at the most.


Well, how’d you do? Did you fix all the sentences?

*Disclaimer: I’m by no means perfect at this. I use The Chicago Manual of Style and Webster’s Dictionary as my sources.

Grammar-O

Grammar-O Wednesdays
with Ocieanna

Happy Wednesday, grammarians! Ready to test your mad grammar skills?

Each week I (Ocieanna) post a few sentences with grammar, punctuation, spelling, or other writing misdemeanors. Your job is to find the infraction and set it right. If you possess the courage, you’re welcome to post your corrections in the comments, or you may simply keep your grammar to yourself. Then next week, I’ll post the answers.

Have fun!


This week’s new batch:

1) Last week I spent many hours preparing for my nine year old daughter Gabrielle’s birthday party! Phew!

2) Fancy Nancy was the theme, you may be wondering who is Fancy Nancy.

3) Fancy Nancy, who Gabrielle loves to imitate, is her favorite book series. When the nine fancy, little girls arrived, my adrenaline was pumping!

4) All in all the line-up of crafts, a buffet, cake, punch, and games went good and the Little Darlings said their goodbyes wearing lovely smiles.

5) As for me, I was exhausted! Still recovering.


Remember, the point is to hunt out the blatantly illegal, not matters of preference or opinion.

Good luck and have fun!


The corrected ones from last week:

1) Republicans took the House, Democrats kept the Senate, at least that’s what they’re saying so far. (It’s Tuesday night).
Correct: Republicans took the House; Democrats kept the Senate. At least that’s what they’re saying so far. (It’s Tuesday night.)
Note: Can you think of any other ways to correct this one? I can think of two.

2) I’ve been watching nervously the results.
Correct: I’ve been nervously watching the results.

3) Its easy to get emotional about politics, even angry, however, the Bible calls Christians to respect our leaders.
Correct: It’s easy to get emotional about politics, even angry; however, the Bible calls Christians to respect their leaders.

4) We don’t have to like them, but, we do need to respect them.
Correct: We don’t have to like them, but we do need to respect them.

5) Sometimes Biblical truths are difficult to apply. I, however, will do my best to lie aside my feelings and show respect—even to the politicians I really disagree with.
Correct: Sometimes biblical truths are difficult to apply. I, however, will do my best to lay aside my feelings and show respect—even to the politicians I really disagree with.


Well, how’d you do? Do you think you fixed all the sentences?

*Disclaimer: I’m by no means perfect at this. I use The Chicago Manual of Style and Webster’s Dictionary as my sources.

Grammar-O

Grammar-O Wednesdays
with Ocieanna

Happy Wednesday, grammarians! Ready to test your mad grammar skills?

Each week I (Ocieanna) post a few sentences with grammar, punctuation, spelling, or other writing misdemeanors. Your job is to find the infraction and set it right. If you possess the courage, you’re welcome to post your corrections in the comments, or you may simply keep your grammar to yourself. Then next week, I’ll post the answers.

Have fun!

This week’s new batch:

1) Republicans took the House, Democrats kept the Senate, at least that’s what they’re saying so far. (It’s Tuesday night).

2) I’ve been watching nervously the results.

3) Its easy to get emotional about politics, even angry, however, the Bible calls Christians to respect our leaders.

4) We don’t have to like them, but, we do need to respect them.

5) Sometimes Biblical truths are difficult to apply. I, however, will do my best to lie aside my feelings and show respect—even to the politician’s I really disagree with.

Remember, the point is to hunt out the blatantly illegal, not matters of preference or opinion.

Good luck and have fun!


Here are the corrected ones from last week:

1) I asked a friend, “Are you enjoying Grammar-O”?
Correct: I asked a friend, “Are you enjoying Grammar-O?”

2) I’ve been doing alot of editing this week.
Correct: I’ve been doing a lot of editing this week.

3) Its always interesting to discover the various mistakes people make in they’re grammar usage.
Correct: It’s always interesting to discover the various mistakes people make in their grammar usage.

4) Every one seems to veer off in different ways. And that goes for me too!
Correct: Everyone seems to veer off in different ways. And that goes for me too!
Tip: It’s not illegal to start a sentence with a conjunction!

5) Even though I must keep a close watch for grammar errors everyday writing this blog has been a good refresher for me.
Correct: Even though I must keep a close watch for grammar errors every day, writing this blog has been a good refresher for me.
Tip: “Everyday” is used as a modifier: She wore her everyday cape. “Every day” is used as an adverb: She wore her cape every day.


Well, how’d you do? Do you think you fixed all the sentences?

*Disclaimer: I’m by no means perfect at this. I use The Chicago Manual of Style and Webster’s Dictionary as my sources. The sentences to correct are fictitious.

Grammar-O

Grammar-O Wednesdays
with Ocieanna

Happy Wednesday, grammarians!

Welcome to our new feature. Each week I (Ocieanna) post a few sentences with grammar, punctuation, spelling, or other writing misdemeanors. Your job is to find the infraction and set it right. If you possess the courage, you’re welcome to post your corrections in the comments, or you may simply keep your grammar to yourself. Then next week, I’ll post the answers.


This week’s new batch:

1) I asked a friend “Are you enjoying Grammar-O”?

2) I’ve been doing alot of editing this week.

3) Its always interesting to discover the various mistakes people make in they’re grammar usage.

4) Every one seems to veer off in different ways. And that goes for me too!

5) Even though I must keep a close watch for grammar errors everyday writing this blog has been a good refresher for me.


Remember, the point is to hunt out the blatantly illegal, not matters of preference or opinion.

Good luck and have fun!


Here are the corrected ones from last week:

1) In our home-school lessons, we’ve finished are unit on the Dark Ages.
Correct: In our homeschool lessons, we finished our unit on the Dark Ages.
Tip: “We’ve” is technically legal, but it’s usually better to cut “have” whenever possible. However, if you left it as “we’ve,” don’t mark yourself wrong.

2) Conquerors of the Roman Empire, my children loved learning about barbarians. Argh!
Correct: My children loved learning about the barbarians, conquerors of the Roman Empire. Argh!
Tip: To avoid confusion (my children are wild, but I wouldn’t call them barbarians), keep your modifier near the word modified.

3) Charlemagne, King of the Franks and Emperor of the Romans, said that, “To have another language is to possess a second soul.”
Correct: Charlemagne, king of the Franks and emperor of the Romans, said that “to have another language is to possess a second soul.”

4) My kids did a skit called Baldur the Good. In it, Baldur a Viking mythological figure says about his relatives throwing stones and arrows at him, “It feels like a shower of flowers”!
Correct: My kids did a skit called, “Baldur the Good.” In it, Baldur, a Viking mythological figure, says about his relatives throwing stones and arrows at him, “It feels like a shower of flowers!”

5) Finally, we learned about the battle of Hastings. Irregardless of there might, the English couldn’t hold against William the Conqueror.
Correct: Finally, we learned about the Battle of Hastings. Regardless of their might, the English couldn’t hold against William the Conqueror.
Tip: Irregardless is not a word.


Well, how’d you do? Do you think you fixed all the sentences?

*Disclaimer: I’m by no means perfect at this. I use The Chicago Manual of Style and Webster’s Dictionary as my sources. The sentences to correct are fictitious.

Grammar-O

Grammar-O Wednesdays
with Ocieanna

Happy Wednesday, grammarians!

Well, despite my somewhat whiny rant last week, we’ve had lovely fall weather in the Pacific Northwest. (Did you notice I didn’t capitalize “fall”? Seasons are not capitalized, even your favorite. :-D ) The temperature even reached sixty-five degrees today! Amazing. For our family, despite the idyllic conditions, history lessons prevailed and we plunged into the Dark Ages. What better topic for grammar? Ready for some more fun?

This week’s new batch:

1) In our home-school lessons, we’ve finished are unit on the Dark Ages.

2) Conquerors of the Roman Empire, my children loved learning about barbarians. Argh!

3) Charlemagne, King of the Franks and Emperor of the Romans, said that, “To have another language is to possess a second soul.”

4) My kids did a skit called Baldur the Good. In it, Baldur a Viking mythological figure says about his relatives throwing stones and arrows at him, “It feels like a shower of flowers”!

5) Finally, we learned about the battle of Hastings. Irregardless of there might, the English couldn’t hold against William the Conqueror.


Remember, the point is to hunt out the blatantly illegal, not matters of preference or opinion.

Good luck and have fun!


Here are the corrected ones from last week:

1) When I think of Fall I don’t imagine multi-colored leaves.
Correct: When I think of fall, I don’t imagine multicolored leaves.

2) Carving pumpkins, bundling the kids in sweaters, to make apple cider—these don’t hop to mind either.
Correct: Carving pumpkins, bundling the kids in sweaters, making apple cider—these don’t hop to mind either.

3) For me living in the Seattle area fall means rain.
Correct: For me, living in the Seattle area, fall means rain.

4) Falls the beginning of a dark, cloudy, dreary, cold, drizzly, and long months till spring.
Correct: Fall’s the beginning of the dark, cloudy, dreary, cold, drizzly, long months till spring.

5) But I’ll admit, a writer often works more diligently on their manuscript when the gloomy cold keeps them inside.
Correct: But I’ll admit, a writer often works more diligently on her manuscript when the gloomy cold keeps her inside.
Also acceptable: But I’ll admit, writers often work more diligently on their manuscripts when the gloomy cold keeps them inside.


Well, how’d you do? Do you think you fixed all the sentences?

*Disclaimer: I’m by no means perfect at this. I use The Chicago Manual of Style and Webster’s Dictionary as my sources. The sentences to correct are fictitious.

Grammar-O

Grammar-O Wednesdays
with Ocieanna

Happy Wednesday, grammarians! Last week we started a new feature here on Seriously Write called Grammar-O. Each week I (Ocieanna) will post a few sentences with grammar, punctuation, spelling, or other writing misdemeanors. Your job is to find the infraction and set it right. If you possess the courage, you’re welcome to post your corrections in the comments, or you may simply keep your grammar to yourself. Then next week, I’ll post the answers.

Remember, the point is to hunt out the blatantly illegal, not matters of preference or opinion.

Here are the corrected ones from last week.
(There was a technical difficulty with #1. See below.)

Last week’s sentences:

1) I’m a writer. I love to write. I wish I could spend every day writing! Then what would my family do without me?
Correct: I had double-spaced after the punctuation, but when this one was uploaded onto the blog, the problem corrected itself. So if you didn’t find anything wrong with this sentence, you were right. But take the warning! No double spaces after periods, exclamation points, or question marks. Trust me!

2) Fiction is my favorite (I like other genres, too. I just like fiction best).
Correct: Fiction is my favorite. (I like other genres, too. I just like fiction best.)

3) Three Taylor’s and two Megan’s sat in my writing class.
Correct: Three Taylors and two Megans sat in my writing class.

4) The first Taylor smiled when I brought out the book “Elements of Style.” I knew it’d be a good class.
Correct: The first Taylor smiled when I brought out the book Elements of Style. I knew it’d be a good class.

5) The guy in the front row peaked my interest when he opened a grammar book with a baby on the front cover.
Correct: They guy in the front row piqued my interest when he opened a grammar book with a baby on the front cover.


Well, how’d you do? Do you think you fixed all the sentences?


This week’s batch:

1) When I think of Fall I don’t imagine multi-colored leaves.
2) Carving pumpkins, bundling the kids in sweaters, to make apple cider—these don’t hop to mind either.
3) For me living in the Seattle area fall means rain.
4) Falls the beginning of a dark, cloudy, dreary, cold, drizzly, and long months till spring.
5) But I’ll admit, a writer often works more diligently on their manuscript when the gloomy cold keeps them inside.

Good luck and have fun!

*Disclaimer: I’m by no means perfect at this. I’ll be using The Chicago Manual of Style and Webster’s Dictionary as my sources. The sentences to correct are fictitious.

Grammar-O

Grammar-O Wednesdays

with Ocieanna

I’m starting a new thing for Wednesdays! I don’t know about you, but I’m passionate about … grammar. Yes, grammar. (My husband thinks I’m loony, but he’s nuts over maps, so what does he know?) My idea of a lovely afternoon is sipping tea and talking about gerunds and adverbial phrases, compound sentences, where to put that comma. Fun!

So, we’re going to try out a new format for Wednesdays. Here’s how it’ll work. I’ll put a few sentences up with a number of mistakes in them. Your job is to find the mistakes and correct them! Feel free to post your comments and see if you found all the grammar grenades. Next Wednesday, I’ll put up the answers. Feel free to kindly correct me if you think I’m mistaken!

Love grammar like I do? Give it a go!

*Disclaimer: I’m by no means perfect at this. I’ll be using The Chicago Manual of Style and Webster’s Dictionary as my sources. The sentences to correct are fictitious.

The first sentences to correct.

1) I’m a writer. I love to write. I wish I could spend every day writing! Then what would my family do without me?

2) Fiction is my favorite (I like other genres, too. I just like fiction best).

3) Three Taylor’s and two Megan’s sat in my writing class.

4) The first Taylor smiled when I brought out the book “Elements of Style.” I knew it’d be a good class.

5) The guy in the front row peaked my interest when he opened a grammar book with a baby on the front cover.


Good luck and have fun!

Ocieanna

The Heavens Declare His Glory and My Own Awe-induced Expressions

Writer’s Journey Wednesday with O

The Heavens Declare His Glory
and My Own Awe-induced Expressions
by Ocieanna Fleiss

“I’d so much rather teach about rocks.” A friend in my homeschool co-op spoke this astounding sentence to me the other day. She was assigned to teach astronomy, but had hoped for geology. “I just love rocks!” she said, her eyes brightening like geodes. “Rock formations shows God’s artistry, like a painting on the earth.” She went on to describe the school of American artists like Moran who reflected God in their glorious nature paintings …

Okay. I concede the awesomeness of canyons and mountains. I too appreciate how the earth’s beauty illustrates God’s handiwork. And I’m all for nineteenth-century artists, but, hello! We’re talking about space! No rock will ever make my heart pulsate like the Horsehead Nebula, or blow my mind like the immense power of a Black Hole, or thrill me as the uncountable galaxies. Nope. Not gonna happen.

This mind-boggling conversation plunged me through the time-space continuum to my college astronomy class. My professor was a boring, grumpy, frumpy atheist, but nevertheless, I couldn’t get enough of him. I admired his knowledge and wanted more, more, more. Every slide he showed sparked my imagination. When he talked about measuring space using prisms, I didn’t get the technical side, but I was humbled by the unthinkable massiveness of the universe. Every chapter in his self-written syllabus drove me to an old-fashioned fear of God. (Probably not what he intended.)

And this awe of God’s grandeur ached to be expressed. In truth it contributed to the birth to my longing to write. The heavens themselves declare his glory. All creation sings his praises. How can I help but voice my wonder at his majesty?

So, humbled by worlds unknown and the great heavenly expanse, I attempt to pen my feeble offerings to the King of the Universe. I strive for excellence, but fail miserably compared to his unreachable creativity. Yet He receives my scribbles with joy since, by the way, He’s also my Father.

What stirs your passion to write? Tell me in your comments below and be entered into a contest to receive a free copy of my book Love Finds You in Victory Heights, Washington.

The Simple Life. Is it Possible? Part 2

Writer’s Journey Wednesday with O

The Simple Life. Is it Possible?
Part 2
by Ocieanna Fleiss

Talk about deadlines looming! This week definitely put my “simple life” objective to the test. I had two editing, one teaching, and a writing deadline. These, along with a nasty cold and my husband breaking his ankle, created a less-than-simple week.

Amazingly, even with all the pressures, I somehow avoided panic and anxiety. I didn’t even get grumpy! Observing this unusual calm in the whirlwind, I learned a couple things.

Rest Stop
First, when the chaos pressed in, I challenged myself to stop. Yes, stop. I know it sounds crazy. In the past I’d do the exact opposite. I’d force myself to push through and work harder. Stay up later. Get up earlier. Hire a babysitter. Push, push, push …

But this week, I tried to stop writing at four in the afternoon in order to make a good meal for my family. I chopped vegetables and taught my daughter how to cook. I laughed with my wannabe Jedi son. Most days we ate as a family. Then I went back to work refreshed and feeling blessed and loved. I worked till eight and no later. With the computer off, I watched TV with my husband or read a book. Rested.

Savor
The other tactic I tried was simple. I read books to my kids. I said, “Gabrielle, go get a book,” at least once a day. And when I read with her snuggled next to me, I savored her closeness. I relished the words and the story. The illustrations. I tried to delight in other small blessings too—a good laugh, a conversation with a friend, an opportunity to serve. I enjoyed the life God has given me.

That’s the point. I’m incredibly blessed with more precious gifts than I can name. Yet, sometimes I’m so focused on work (writing) that I miss out on these gifts. The ironic thing is that when I get all frenzied and intense trying to meet a deadline, I not only forfeit the joys in my non-writing life (family, church, friendships, homemaking, etc.), writing itself becomes a chore. I begin to even resent it.

Yet when I savored the God-given moments—like breaths of wind to my soul—writing again became a delight. Panic and anxiety flew away.

This concept of living simple is still a work in progress. I have much more to learn. What advice can you gift to me? How do you “keep it simple”?

The Simple Life. Is it Possible?

Writer’s Journey Wednesday with O

Annette and I are so happy to welcome our good friend and critique partner, Ocieanna Fleiss, to the staff here at Seriously Write. Ocieanna will be our regular contributor on Writer’s Journey Wednesdays, sharing her humor and wisdom as she travels on her own journey. Occasionally, a guest writer will pop in and visit, giving this busy author and mother of four a break. But today, enjoy what she has to say about living the simple life.

The Simple Life. Is it Possible?

by Ocieanna Fleiss

Well, maybe if you’re a nun. Seriously. While clicking through channels on TV recently, I saw three nuns sitting across from Oprah. Nuns? These long-frocked gals hadn’t crossed my radar for years. But their unfamiliar world niggled my curiosity, and I continued watching.

The show followed three new, young nuns through their typical day in the convent. They each seemed to embrace the regimented routine, lack of possessions, and service to others. In fact, they appeared to possess a peaceful joy that I rarely see in our society. The simplicity of their existence enticed me, drew me, and I found myself longing for what they have (or don’t have).

This coveting of nuns surprised me, so I’ve been pondering the concept of a simple life (what a concept!) and how I can apply it to writing.

The first thing I did was clear my workspace of clutter. It really struck me how calming the nun’s sparse room (called a cell) made me feel. My chaotic feelings often arise out of the clutter around me. So I’ve been trying (not always succeeding, but making progress) to keep my desk clean. And, when I sit down to a cleared desk, I can more easily focus on the thoughts and prayers that lead to good writing.

Next I realized these sweet ladies swam in a totally different world concerning time. Their routine was highly scheduled, (like mine) but not with a million tasks to be completed (unlike mine). Instead they made time to pray, contemplate, and study. Just writing those words gives me a sense of peace.

I’m pretty good about pausing for morning devotions, but once my day gets rolling, watch out! I’m like a train with scheduled stops. Step in my way and you could get hurt. So rather than rushing to push out five thousand words a day, I give myself permission to pray, think, and study (even in the middle of the day). To read a book slowly, chewing on the words as I go. To be in the moment, allowing time for the writing process instead of rushing through it.

These two simple steps have helped me begin my more peaceful road. Next time we’ll journey together through the question of finding peace with deadlines looming.

“Be still and know that I am God.” Psalm 46:10 ESV

Taking Editing to New Heights: Part Two by Ocieanna Fleiss

Good Monday to you! Please welcome Ocieanna back as she continues her series on editing your manuscript.

Taking Editing to New Heights: Part Two
by Ocieanna Fleiss

As we talked about last week, hot air balloons cannot soar until they drop their sandbags. If you want your writing to soar, sandbags must plummet. Here are a few to hoist.

There’s Too Many in the Basket

I once read a book in which the author repeated unusual words at least once—usually more—in the same paragraph. Like,

The lady unpredictably ran into the forest with the dog unpredictably chasing her, and her hem unpredictably coming unraveled.

I struggle with this too. I don’t know why, but sometimes words get stuck in my head. And without noticing, they pop out over and over.

It’s also easy to get stuck on one type of characterization, but readers will notice if a character’s eyes squint, or jaw clenches, or palms sweat every couple pages.

Heavy Attributions

When I first write dialog, I use said a lot. And said is good. Nothing wrong with said. But when I revise, I usually add stuff like, “Come here,” the swamp monster gurgled; “You’re kidding,” the queen chortled; or “I’ll find you!” the evil lord hissed—y’know, just to spice it up. And that’s good … until you read it. It gets to be too much. Like I’m trying too hard to be clever. So then I cut out attributions altogether. For example: The little girl eyed her mother and giggled. “Mom’s hair is green.” But too much of that makes my story seem stiff and awkward. What’s better is to achieve a good balance by blending all three techniques.

Tip: Reading your scene aloud helps find this balance.

So when you’re creating your story, take the time to release those sandbags—and watch your writing soar.

~~~~~

Ocieanna Fleiss has cowritten two novels with Tricia Goyer—both for Summerside press. The most recent, Love Finds You in Victory Heights, Washington, released July, 2010. Ocieanna has also written several articles for national publications and a bi-monthy column for Northwest Christian Writers Association. Homeschool mom of four little ones, she, along with her husband, stay busy at her home in the Seattle area.

~~~~~

Love Finds You in Victory Heights, Washington released in July, 2010

The Second World War has stolen Rosalie's fiancé from her. But rather than wallow, Rosalie throws herself into her work at the Boeing plant in Victory Heights, shooting rivets into the B-17 bombers that will destroy the enemy. A local reporter dubs her Seattle's Own Rosie the Riveter, and her story lends inspiration to women across the country. While Rosalie's strong arms can bear the weight of this new responsibility, her heart cannot handle the intense feelings that begin to surface for Kenny, the handsome reporter. Fear of a second heartbreak is a powerful opponent - but will it claim victory over love?

Taking Editing to New Heights: Part One by Ocieanna Fleiss

Editing. Some writers love this phase, others not so much. Either way, we all get to do it. Please welcome Ocieanna Fleiss again as she shares some tips on editing your WIP this Manuscript Monday.

Taking Editing to New Heights: Part One
by Ocieanna Fleiss

I’ve never been in a hot air balloon, but I’ve seen them on TV and one thing I’ve noticed—when they start out, sandbags are tied to their baskets. As they rise, the pilots unloose them one by one until they’re soaring through the clouds.

I enjoy writing first drafts. I let my fancy-free creative side run wild as I type fast and furious. Forgetting about the rules of writing, I load it down with tons of sandbags—the bulky stuff that weighs down the story. But if I want my writing to soar, sandbags must plummet. Here are a few to hoist.

That’s Gotta Go

Eject superfluous words. Sometimes I barely notice I’m using these until I read my first draft. Like so. You’d be amazed how many so’s I end up cutting. That. You rarely need it. Just is another. There is and there are—jettison those culprits. Replace them with strong verbs. Here’s an example (from real life):

Sandbagged: There is a lot of dust on top of my TV.
Rising: The dust heap atop my TV grows every day.

Basically, suddenly, as, like… When splattered all over the place, these words bog down a story’s ascent.

Soggy Sand

I want my prose to project strength and confidence. Feeble forms of speech hinder this. Drop these bags:

Prepositional Phrases
Sandbagged: The family of dragons walked with glee.
Rising: The dragon family skipped.

Adverbs
Sandbagged: I angrily touched the Coke machine.
Rising: I smacked it.

Passive Voice
Sandbagged: Joe was tickled by an elephant.
Rising: An elephant tickled Joe.

Weak Verbs
Sandbagged: That concert was good.
Rising: That concert rocked!

~~~~~

Ocieanna Fleiss has cowritten two novels with Tricia Goyer—both for Summerside press. The most recent, Love Finds You in Victory Heights, Washington, released July, 2010. Ocieanna has also written several articles for national publications and a bi-monthy column for Northwest Christian Writers Association. Homeschool mom of four little ones, she, along with her husband, stay busy at her home in the Seattle area.

~~~~~

Love Finds You in Victory Heights, Washington released in July, 2010:

The Second World War has stolen Rosalie's fiancé from her. But rather than wallow, Rosalie throws herself into her work at the Boeing plant in Victory Heights, shooting rivets into the B-17 bombers that will destroy the enemy. A local reporter dubs her Seattle's Own Rosie the Riveter, and her story lends inspiration to women across the country. While Rosalie's strong arms can bear the weight of this new responsibility, her heart cannot handle the intense feelings that begin to surface for Kenny, the handsome reporter. Fear of a second heartbreak is a powerful opponent - but will it claim victory over love?