Don’t Feel LEFT Out By Patti Jo Moore

Happy Left-Hander’s Day, my friends! Yes, August 13 is a special day for those of us who are southpaws. I’d be curious to know if anyone reading this post today is a leftie! If you are, I’m sure you’ve learned over the years that our world is not a “left-handed world” LOL. At one time, my doctor used a sign-in sheet for patients. The pen was attached to the clipboard—on the right side, of course. Not a big deal, but a little awkward for those of us using our left hand.

One spring semester in college I took a tennis class, and happened to be the only leftie in the entire class. When the instructor noticed, I received “special instruction” (yes, at nineteen I was embarrassed because I just wanted to blend in with the class). 😉

There have actually been times when I’ve written a check in the grocery store and a curious shopper behind me would ask, “How on earth do you write using that hand?” I would smile politely and tell them if I used my other hand, the check wouldn’t be legible!

After hearing various comments and even jokes over the years about left-handers, I always notice when an employee in a store is a leftie. I’ve gotten in the habit of smiling and telling them that I’m also a leftie, and then I add: “You know we’re special.” 😊 It’s fun to see their reaction, because they always nod and agree heartily with me.

As writers, we may identify with lefties at times in how we do things. Maybe you’re in a critique group with writers who are extensive plotters, with numerous details ironed out before writing a story. Maybe you’re the only one in the group who does not plot out your story, but instead you just write—learning what happens as you go along. Or maybe a certain type of fiction is taking off, and some of your writer friends have jumped on the bandwagon, all writing stories in that genre. You might start wondering if you, too, should head in that direction, even though that’s not where your heart is. After all, most folks seem to like being “part of the group” and participating in what our friends and colleagues are doing (or in this case, writing).

But just as it would be foolish for a left-handed person to force herself to use her right hand, it’s not good for writers to force themselves to write in a style or genre that’s not where their heart is. In my humble, left-handed 😉 opinion, I think if a writer doesn’t truly have her/his heart in a story, it shows. Readers are smart, and they can discern more than authors realize sometimes. So may I encourage my fellow writers to do what works for you, and don’t feel left out if your style or genre is different from those around you. Just keep writing!

If you are a leftie, what challenges have you noticed in using your left hand?

I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Psalm 139:14 

But just as it would be foolish for a left-handed person to force herself to use her right hand, it’s not good for writers to force themselves to write in a style or genre that’s not where their heart is. @seriouslywrite @weldon_terri

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Sadie's Dream

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

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

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

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

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

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

Reflections of God in our Stories by Elizabeth Goddard

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

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

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

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

The same is true of our writing.

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

Let me explain . . .

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Don’t Keep Silent Blurb:

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

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

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

Ways to Connect:

Website: http://elizabethgoddard.com 

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

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

Twitter: http://twitter.com/bethgoddard 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

ROCKY MOUNTAIN REVENGE 

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

Buy Links:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

www.rhondastarnes.com

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

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

https://twitter.com/Rhonda_Starnes