Janice Thompson's Blog, page 28

Belles and Whistles Update

Hi friends! I thought it would be a great idea to update you. I'm at the one week point in my "Belles and Whistles" road trip through the central and western states. To bring you up to speed, I'm researching for a new series with Summerside titled "Belles and Whistles." Many of the stops along my way on this trip have provided opportunity for extensive research.

Here's a play-by-play of the days my mom and I have shared on the road:

DAY ONE: We stopped in Madisonville to see author and friend Rebekah Hatcher, then paused in Fairfield to see the awesome Eleanor Clark. After that, it was all to the home of Lynne Gentry in DeSoto Texas, where I spoke to the DFW Ready Writers group about perseverance and shared the latest about my writing courses. Staying at Lynne's was like being at a B&B, only better! I had a wonderful time.

DAY TWO: We visited the Ft. Worth Cowboy Museum (to research for "Cowbelles" – one of the future "Belles and Whistles" books) and then met Lena Nelson Dooley for lunch. After that, we drove to Tulsa. I needed to get a feel for the area, since the book I'm currently writing (Love Finds You in Daisy OK) is set in this area. Along the way, we passed through Tushka, OK, which was badly damaged by tornados. Scary stuff. We arrived at Kathleen and Robert's place, had dinner and watched American Idol.

DAY THREE: Robert, the best tour guide ever, drove us to OKC, where we saw the Memorial to honor those who lost their lives during the bombing of the federal building. Very, very sobering. From there, we went to lunch, then on to the National Cowboy museum. Took a ton of pics. After that, we went to Pop's and a round, red barn, both on Route 66. Then we went to a pizza place, where I spoke to the OKC writer's group. Had a blast.

DAY FOUR: Spent the day in Tulsa. Went to the Gilcrease Museum and the Blue Rose, an awesome restaurant on the river. After that, back to Kathleen's, then on to a dinner with the Tulsa writers, where I met some awesome people!

DAY FIVE: We drove from Tulsa to Wichita. I spoke to the Wichita ACFW group, then we met up with the amazingly talented Nancy Mehl at Red Lobster. Goodness, did I have fun! Spent the night at the Hampton in Wichita. (I plan to set one of my "Belles and Whistles" books in Wichita.)

DAY SIX: Drove from Wichita to Goodland, where my mom stayed in the hotel. I drove to St. Francis Kansas for an outdoor picnic in the park (sponsored by several churches). Met an awesome pastor (from Texas!) and then heard a fantastically talented music group called Eternity Focus. Wow! Hung around afterwards to talk to the girls and swap product.

DAY SEVEN: Met up with Kim Zweygardt in St. Francis. She showed us her beautiful home, her artwork, and her glass studio. Then she took us on a tour of the area, showing us "the breaks" (a mini Grand Canyon). After that, we drove to Denver. Arriving in Denver, we went to Flatirons Mall, hung out for a while, then met up with the Denver His Writers group at Ruby Tuesday's for dinner. After that, we went to Barnes and Noble, where twenty-plus writers met for a great teaching by Jeff Gerke (awesome!) I delivered a devotion. Afterwards, we went back to Paula Moldenhauer's place, where we spent the night.

DAY EIGHT: Paula fed us a fantabulous hearty breakfast and we got to know her family. They're truly a godly, precious bunch. We left for Estes Park around 10:30 in the morning and arrive around noon. Beautiful! Gorgeous! Breathtaking! Man, do I love this place. We went to the museum first so that I could research for "Wedding Belles." Met a great historian and took a ton of notes/photos. Then we went to Lake Estes. After that we had lunch at the Stanley Hotel, which will be featured in my book. After that, we drove up into Rocky Mountain National Park, where I took a ton of pics. After that, we checked into our hotel, then went to the shops in town. After that, we grabbed dinner at Village pizza. Yum! (What a rough day this has been on my diet!)

So, there you have it! Lots going on. Tomorrow we leave for Jackson Hole Wyoming, where I will research for "Liberty Belles" (an upcoming book in the new series). After that we'll head north to Courtney's place. Can't wait to see how things go. I'll post again in a week with more pics. In the meantime, check out my facebook page for more info!

 

The Dance of Courage

This devotion was taken from a book of devotions that my daughter, Megan Kimbrough, and I wrote years ago. The book is titled "Dancing Like a Shepherd Boy, Fighting Like a King." It was designed as a flip book for pre-teens. One half of the book was about the victories (dances) in David's life. The other half was about his struggles. Enjoy this devotion about one of his dances. . .courage.

Swingin' Scripture: 1 Sam. 17:  8 – 11

Goliath stood and shouted across to the Israelites, "Do you need a whole army to settle this? Choose someone to fight for you, and I will represent the Philistines. We will settle this dispute in single combat! If your man is able to kill me, then we will be your slaves. But if I kill him, you will be our slaves! I defy the armies of Israel! Send me a man who will fight with me!" When Saul and the Israelites heard this, they were terrified and deeply shaken.  (For the full story of David and Goliath, read I Samuel 17 all the way through.)

David's Dance: COURAGE

Talk about brave!  When David was barely fifteen years old, he made a decision to dance the dance of courage!  His people were battling the Philistines, but a giant by the name of Goliath was making things tough.  David decided he could take him. He wasn't scared in the least, even though he didn't have any armor on.  What he did have was the Lord… and his trusty sling-shot.  He was ready.  David, brave and courageous, went running towards the Philistine giant, Goliath, for the ultimate show-down.  Now, this guy was probably about three times David's size, but David wasn't afraid.  He looked up, up, up and said, "You may have swords and big weapons, and I may be a scrawny ant compared to you, but I have the Lord on my side!"  Goliath had a good, long laugh.  After all, David did look pretty small from where he was standing!  But Goliath had no idea what was about to happen.  David reached in his little bag, got his sling-shot prepared, and let it rip.  Goliath took a whallop to the forehead, and dropped dead instantly!  David, full of joy and confidence, danced the dance of courage all the way back home.

Questions to Keep You on Your Toes:

Why wasn't David afraid of Goliath?
What did David tell Goliath?
How can you have the same kind of courage David had?

Set Your Feet to Dancin'

This is no simple story about a giant and a kid with a sling-shot.  Everyone has obstacles in their lives that they must overcome.  That takes courage!  So, how do you begin to dance this dance?  Where does courage come from?  Is it something that just appears when we need it?  The truth is, courage – real courage – only comes when we have a strong relationship with the Lord.  He gives us supernatural courage to step out and do things that seem impossible.  But where does it begin? Trust God.  Pray for courage.  Look your problems right in the eye like David did, and remember that God is on your side.  If He is for you, who can be against you?

On Your Knees, Please!

Dear God,

Make me more like David.  I want to be courageous in every situation in my life.  I want you to be my shield like you were in David's life.  I'm ready to win the battle, Lord.  Teach me to dance the dance of courage.  In Jesus' name I pray, Amen!

And All That Jazz… (thought for the day)

Am I a David… or a Goliath?

 

 

Battling Ridicule

This devotion was taken from a book of devotions that my daughter, Megan Kimbrough, and I wrote years ago. The book is titled "Dancing Like a Shepherd Boy, Fighting Like a King." It was designed as a flip book for pre-teens. One half of the book was about the victories (dances) in David's life. The other half was about his struggles. Enjoy this devotion about one of the struggles he faced – ridicule.

Fighting Ridicule

Scripture of the Day: 2 Samuel 5:6

"David then led his troops to Jerusalem to fight against the Jebusites. "You'll never get in here," the Jebusites taunted. "Even the blind and lame could keep you out!" For the Jebusites thought they were safe."  (For more about how this all turned out, read the rest of 2 Samuel 5)

David's Battle: Ridicule

It's no fun to be made fun of.  People who get ridiculed are fighting a tough battle.  It's one that a lot of people can't even see.  David was made fun of when he led his men to Jerusalem to fight the Jebusites.  The Jebusites thought they were safe inside the walls of the city.  They never thought David stood a chance against them, so they treated him very rudely.  They said, "Even the blind and lame could keep you out."  Ouch!  Imagine how David felt!  He didn't enjoy being made fun of at all.  He was extremely insulted.  So, how did he react?  Being the smart King that he was, David used these insults to win this amazing battle!  He told his men to sneak into Jerusalem through the water tunnels.  Once they got inside, he said, "destroy those 'lame' and 'blind' Jebusites."  That's exactly what happened.  His men captured Jerusalem and claimed it as their own.  From that time on, it was known as 'the City of David.'  Now, instead of being insulted, David was the ruler of the city!  The battle was won because he kept his cool when people made fun of him.  He turned their insults into a great victory.

Strategic Questions:

Are there Jebusites in your life?
What is the first thing you do when someone makes fun of you?
How can you keep from getting your feelings hurt?

Putting On Your Armor:

Do you ever get made fun of like David did?  Do you let other people's insults get to you? When we are made fun of, it can be really painful.  It takes a lot of armor to keep the bullets of ridicule from hurting us.  Sometimes people tell jokes that hurt us.  Sometimes we're just as guilty of doing that to others – even the people we say we love.  Jesus knew what it felt like to be made fun of.  It happened to him a lot.  He understands when we're hurting, and, just like in the story of David, He wants us to know that we can be victorious! "A final word: Be strong with the Lord's mighty power. Put on all of God's armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies and tricks of the Devil."  (Ephesians 6:10 – 11)

S.O.S. (Speaking to Our Savior in prayer)

Dear Lord,

Sometimes I hurt so badly when people make fun of me.  Thank you for this example of David.  I want to be victorious just like he was!  Remind me that You understand what it feels like to be insulted, Lord.  Please forgive me for the times that I've ridiculed others – and help me to forgive those who have ridiculed me.  In Jesus' name, Amen.

Which Side Are You On?  (Thought for the Day)

"The leading priests and teachers of religious law also mocked Jesus. "He saved others," they scoffed, "but he can't save himself! Even the two criminals who were being crucified with Jesus ridiculed him." (Mark 15: 31, 32b)

 

The Dance of Joy

This devotion was taken from a book of devotions that my daughter, Megan Kimbrough, and I wrote years ago. The book is titled "Dancing Like a Shepherd Boy, Fighting Like a King." It was designed as a flip book for pre-teens. One half of the book was about the victories (dances) in David's life. The other half was about his struggles. Enjoy this devotion about one of his dances.

Swingin' Scripture: Psalm 32: 1 – 2, 11

Oh, what joy for those whose rebellion is forgiven, whose sin is put out of sight! Yes, what joy for those whose record the LORD has cleared of sin, whose lives are lived in complete honesty! So rejoice in the LORD and be glad, all you who obey him! Shout for joy, all you whose hearts are pure! (For more about why David was so joyful, read this whole chapter in the book of Psalms!)

David's Dance: Joy!

Sometimes it surprises people to find out how much sin David had in his life.  He murdered, committed adultery, lusted after things he shouldn't have, and much more.  David made a lot of mistakes.  We all do, don't we?  However, as soon as David let go of all those horrible sins, (which was really hard to do), he was overcome with joy.  He was so amazed that the Lord would forgive such awful mistakes.  David had not ever been more happy and joyous in all his life!  All of his guilt was gone!  Now that's something to rejoice over!

Questions to Keep You on Your Toes:

Do you have any sins you need to confess?
Are you aching for the kind of joy David found?
Do your friends consider you to be a joyful person?

Set Your Feet to Dancin'

If David, a child after God's own heart, could commit such hasty and rebellious sins and be forgiven and filled with joy, surely you can also!  When you make mistakes like David did, just ask for forgiveness.  God will not only forgive you, He will fill you with an amazing joy that just bubbles over!  He will give you a reason to dance the dance of joy!

On Your Knees, Please!

Dear God,

Please forgive my sins.  I ache to have the guilt-free joy that David had!  Replace my guilt with your never-ending joy.  May my friends see me as one of the most joyful people they know!  In Jesus' name, Amen!

And All That Jazz… (thought for the day)

Confess your sin and you will be guilt-free and joy-filled!

 

 

Interview with Author Angela Breidenbach

Hi everyone! I hope you enjoy this interview with one of my favorite people, Angie Breidenbach. You'll find her full bio at the end, but let me start with this little blurb:

Angela Breidenbach is Mrs. Montana International 2009, a multi-award winning inspirational speaker and the author of the Gems of Wisdom: For a Treasure-filled Life from Journey Press, the Creative Cooking Series including the new release of Creative Cooking for Simple Elegance and the new Kindle release, Creative Cooking for Colitis.

Angie, when you're not writing, what fills your time?

Angie: Okay, I have to admit that though I do a lot of volunteerism, I love to bake.

What sage advice can you offer writers who are just getting started?

Angie: Set goals and make those goals part of your daily schedule. Without them, it's just a pipe dream you'll write a book someday. Without them, maybe you'll tinker on a book. But with them, you'll chart a career of many books, articles, or even Broadway plays.

Tell us about your WIP (work in progress)

Angie: Right now I'm working on three. I switch between them to keep myself creative. I'm working on a 365 day devotional with another writer, an historical fiction trilogy set in 1864 Montana Territory, and a romantic comedy contemporary.

What accomplishment(s) are you most proud of, writing-related or not?

Angie: Public speaking. I realized that though it took some intense training, when I am speaking I feel God's smile. There's something each of us are supposed to do with our lives. When we are in that action, that specific calling, there really is the sense that God is pleased and smiling on you.

Do you plot your novels or write by the seat of your pants?

Angie: I think you'd consider me plotting. I stumbled on an awesome proposal device from New Leaf Publishing Group. When I have a book in mind, I start that proposal template and answer the questions. Then I write scene and sequel down over and over until I see the story unfold. By scene, I mean I actually write the word "scene" and then write one. But any scene that happens in a book has a response to the action. That's the "sequel". I don't know yet how I'm fully going to group the story into chapters until I have an idea where that story is going. So the first few chapters get written, but then just the scene action with the belonging characters followed by the sequel response follows. As I get the feel, I end up with a skeleton plot for the entire book that's just a running scene/sequel or better thought of action/response.

Do you edit as you go or wait until completing the first draft?

Angie: I do minor edits as I go if something isn't pulling together well enough. But mostly just spelling errors so it doesn't drive me nuts.

How many drafts do you normally do for each novel?

Angie: I now write three drafts. First the rough. Second the fleshing out of the story. Third the polish with power words, hooks, and lyricism.

Do you have a certain editing procedure that you follow?

Angie: I look for habits and patterns of repetition, weak words and phrases, and holes in ideas each time through.

What is your greatest struggle as a writer?

Angie: Waiting for the sale.

Do you have any advice on finding an agent?

Angie: The best way to find an agent and network in the writing world is to attend as many conferences as possible. Because it can be expensive, start in your region with smaller conferences and build great friendships in the business where you give to support your new friends. Then the agent will naturally become a part of your writing world.

What are some ways that readers of your books can help you as an author?

Angie: Interact with me. You can also invite me to speak to your church, group, or event. I love interacting with readers. But if it's cost prohibitive or there's no event, I love to skype or video conference with small groups too.

Are you affiliated with any professional organizations? If so, please list them.

Memberships: ACFW (American Christian Fiction Writers), AWSA (Advanced Writers Speakers Association), and RWA (Romance Writers of America)

Any particular conference instructor who's made a difference in your writing/career?

This one is hard because I have had so many other writers pour into me, including you, Janice. So I have to say right now that I can give an intensely long list of writers I am full of gratitude to for helping me learn.

What are your favorite marketing strategies?

Angie: I really like using HARO, PitchRate, and other reporter request sites. Because when I'm supplying the reporters information they need, I want to become a friend and not just another noisy bother.

Tell us about your book:

In Gems of Wisdom: For A Treasure-Filled Life you'll embark on a treasure hunt for God's unique gems of wisdom. Be empowered, learn to influence through your own life lessons, and preserve important relationships. Gems of Wisdom invites the reader on a treasure hunt to find important life concepts represented by the beautiful stones God created. Excellent for Bible study and book clubs as well as individual study.

What would you like readers to take away from your book?

Angie: I'd love to have readers learn that everything they experience builds beautiful wisdom that God uses to help others through them. If they understand the concept that God's filling their treasure chest with His gems of wisdom so they can pour them out into others.



Why did you choose to write this book?

Angie: I see Gems of Wisdom: For a Treasure-filled Life as my actual ministry. It's how I can leave a legacy of love.

What did you learn while writing this book?

Angie: That I love wisdom, God's wisdom, and it's threaded through everything I write. I tell stories to help other people catch concepts that will enhance, engage, and encourage them to walk their faith life with intentionality.



If you could change one thing about your non-writing friends/family members, what would it be?

Angie: Lol, I wouldn't change them. They have different gifts and callings than I do so I get the benefit of their special qualities by appreciating them for who they are even when they don't fully "get" me.

What is something readers would be surprised you do?

Angie: Talk pirate lingo when writing the pirates. I act them out loud and get into the characters. Ahoy, maties!

Anything you wish you'd known before you set off to publish a book?

Angie: The cost of marketing and publicity. Without it, you're dead and the book is obscure. With it, you have a chance in the cacophony of the market out there.

Share the opening paragraph of your book here:

Gem of Wisdom

Search for Wisdom as you would search for silver or hidden treasure.

—Proverbs 2: 4, CEV

 

From a Personal Place: Angie's Story

I ran before I fell apart. Door after door in the sterile clinic kept me out. Out in the hall. Out in public where privacy became the mythical siren song before I fell apart. I needed seclusion, and I needed it now—before I fell apart.

The final door swung open onto an empty treatment room that smelled of medicinal alcohol. The heavy door closed behind me, only to have a nurse catch it. I turned to beg for a moment, just one moment. But there'd be no moment. She entered wielding compassion.

 

How can readers get in touch with you? (email, website, blog, facebook, twitter, etc.)

Interact with or learn more about Angela Breidenbach:

http://www.AngelaBreidenbach.com
http://www.MyGemofWisdom.com
http://www.Youtube.com/AngieBreidenbach
http://www.GodUsesBrokenVessels.com
http://www.twitter.com/AngBreidenbach
http://www.facebook.com/Angela-Breidenbach-Inspirationa-SpeakerAuthor/107359399338636
http://www.TheFaithGirls.com on Wednesdays each week
http://www.linkedin.com/in/angiebreidenbach
http://ColitisCooking.blogspot.com

Angie's full bio:

Angela Breidenbach is Mrs. Montana International 2009, a multi-award winning inspirational speaker and the author of the Gems of Wisdom: For a Treasure-filled Life from Journey Press, the Creative Cooking Series including the new release of Creative Cooking for Simple Elegance and the new Kindle release, Creative Cooking for Colitis. Other works by Angela include compilation books and devotionals from Guidepost, Group, and articles in magazines, ezines, and newspapers. She connects missions to her work with Hope's Promise Orphan Ministries and the Jadyn Fred Foundation. Angela also teaches online classes and coaches one-on-one in courageous confidence, personal growth, and powerful living. She's certified in mentor/peer counseling as a Stephen Minister and life coach. Angela serves as an assisting minister for her congregation in Missoula, MT. She volunteered as the American Christian Fiction Writer's publicity officer for two years. Not only did she walk the hard line of deciding to donate her mom's brain for the study of schizophrenia, but she's also on the brain donation list at the Brain Bank-Harvard McLean Hospital. Angela is married with a combined family of six grown children and two grand children. Gems of Wisdom: For a Treasure-filled Life releases May 2011 from Journey Press, a Sheaf House imprint.

Confidence Coach & Purposeful Living Educator

Personal growth = Powerful living!

Interested in having Angela speak? Contact Christian Speaker Services 800.871.9012 x40250

Karen@ChristianSpeakerServices.com

 

Endorsements:

"Angie has amazing passion and mission for helping others achieve their goals and live healthy, fulfilled lives. With her eye always on the Big Picture, she is an unending source of inspiration, energy and empowerment for others."

~ Tosca Lee – Gallup Organization Senior Consultant/Performance Coach & Christian Author of Demon: A Memoir and Havah: Story of Eve.

"Any cause Angie supports is truly blessed. She has so much energy and passion."

~ Linda Bauman – Owner, Market Place Media

 

Battling Jealousy

This devotion was taken from a book of devotions that my daughter, Megan Kimbrough, and I wrote years ago. The book is titled "Dancing Like a Shepherd Boy, Fighting Like a King." It was designed as a flip book for pre-teens. One half of the book was about the victories (dances) in David's life. The other half was about his struggles. Enjoy this devotion about one of the struggles he faced – jealousy.

Scripture of the Day: I Samuel 18: 12, 14 – 16

Saul was afraid of him (David), and he was jealous because the LORD had left him and was now with David. David continued to succeed in everything he did, for the LORD was with him. When Saul recognized this, he became even more afraid of him. But all Israel and Judah loved David because he was so successful at leading his troops into battle. (To learn more about Saul's jealousy of David, read I Samuel 18 all the way through!  It'll knock your socks off!)

David's Battle:  Jealousy

Here's the deal… David had to struggle with jealousy, but not in the way you might be thinking.  He wasn't the jealous one in this story.  He was the one that King Saul was jealous of.  Had David done anything deliberate to make the king jealous?  No way!  But ever since that incident with Goliath, Saul just couldn't seem to get over being envious of David.  When the people were chanting, "Saul has killed his thousands and David his ten thousands," Saul wasn't just hurt or angry.  He was overcome with jealousy.  This young kid, David, had done something he hadn't done.  He was "better" at something than Saul was.  This fact tormented Saul for the rest of his life, and the jealousy that he felt eventually led to his downfall.  David had a hard time dealing with Saul's jealousy, too!  After all, he was just doing what he knew God had called him to do.  He fought in the army and did very well in all of his battles.  Why?  To make a name for himself?  Nope!  He was actually fighting because he loved the king – not to make the king jealous!  He wasn't trying to "outshine" Saul.  No way.  He was just being himself.  That's why Saul's jealousy really bugged him.  David had to learn how to deal with the king's feelings and learn how to guard himself from anger and frustration.

Strategic Questions:

Which is tougher – to be the jealous one or the one that others are jealous of?
What other sins can jealousy lead to?
Is it possible to hide your jealousy of others?

Putting On Your Armor:

You never get jealous, right?  Of course you do!  We all do!  We get really bugged when we think we're good at something – then someone else comes along who's a little better.  Like Saul, we often get upset and can't seem to get over it.  As Christians, we know that it's wrong to feel this way, but in our heart of hearts we just don't want that other person to succeed because he or she might look better than us.  Talk about wrong attitudes!  God has given all of his children gifts and abilities, and He wants all of them to succeed.  If we all had the attitude of David, we would see that it's a good thing to have successful friends.  The more successful people there are in the Kingdom of God, the more people we can all win to Christ together!  Guard yourself with the shield of faith so that you can stop the fiery arrows of jealousy that Satan is aiming at you.  Stay dressed in your battle gear so that you and your friends can all be successful and live lives of peace with one another!

S.O.S. (Speaking to Our Savior in prayer)!

Dear Lord,

I'm so sorry for the times I've been jealous of my friends and co-workers.  I confess – this has been a problem in my life.  Please help me to see that their success doesn't make me a failure.  When others are jealous of me, help me to have the attitude of David.  Remind me that you see us all as success stories.  In Jesus' name I pray.  Amen.

Writing for the Inspirational Market/Day Three

Please enjoy my final article on "Writing for the Christian Market." If you have any questions, please feel free to email me or track me down on facebook.

HOW TO BREAK INTO CHRISTIAN WRITING:

Ask yourself, "Why do I write?" and begin to pray about whether the Lord is asking you to seek publication.  If so, begin to "stir up" the gifts He's placed in you!

TIP #1: Join a local critique group. Here are a few Houston-area groups for my local friends to consider:

IWA (Inspirational Writers Alive/c/o Martha Rogers at marthalrogers@sbcglobal.net

WOTS (Writers on the Storm) http://acfwwritersonthestorm.blogspot.com/ (Email marthalrogers@sbcglobal.net)

TIP #2: Join an online writing group for instantaneous interaction

Suggested: ACFW (American Christian Fiction Writers) www.americanchristianfictionwriters.com

TIP #3: Learn your craft.  Take online classes

Suggested: www.freelancewritingcourses.com. I would recommend starting with "Becoming a Successful Freelance Writer" and working your way up from there. http://www.freelancewritingcourses.com/online-writing-courses-how-to-be-a-freelance-writer

TIP #4: Go to a conference

Suggested:  Local/Houston IWA Conference in August (c/o Martha Rogers at marthalrogers@sbcglobal.net)

Suggested:  American Christian Fiction Writers Conference/Nashville

Info at: www.americanchristianfictionwriters.com

TIP #5: Determine your strengths (magazine articles, devotions, etc.) and study the market

Buy Sally Stuart's Christian Writers Market Guide @ www.stuartmarket.com

Read Marlene Bagnull's book Write His Answer (www.writehisanswer.com)

To further develop your fiction writing skills read Stein on Writing

Write, write and write/Submit, submit, submit/Never, never, never give up!

Suggested: Subscribe to my monthly newsletter to stay abreast of markets.

Writing for the Inspirational Market/Day Two

We're going to continue with the topic of writing for the Christian market. I hope you find this information (and these questions) helpful.

 

HOW DO I GET STARTED?

How do we set out to write a life-changing book or magazine article?  Where do we find our inspiration?  Often, from life itself.  Like those above, you can choose a social issue, or even an actual event/period in history that sets a strong stage for characters to grow and change.

WHAT ARE SOME OF THE QUESTIONS THE WORLD IS ASKING?

There are SO many questions! The Lord often presses hard stories onto our hearts.  Stories meant to transform lives.  Why?  Because the world is in crisis.  Those who don't know the Lord – and even those of us who do – face very real catastrophes and we need very real answers.  A sermon doesn't always cut it.  Many who will never be reached with a sermon can be touched by a life-changing story.

WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO "WRITE HIS ANSWER"

Why do you suppose people enjoy stories, even when a sermon won't reach them?


Think back on the top three or four books you loved over the course of your lifetime.  What are they?  What did/do you love about them?

Here are my favorites:

Little Women: This very "real" story (taken in part from Louisa May Alcott's own life) gave me hope, even as a little girl, that I could/would someday write.  Ink would cover my hands.

The Hiding Place: Hope that if someone could survive something that horrible, that tragic, (the REAL events of the holocaust) then surely I could survive the tragedies life would throw my way.

The Pearl: A very REAL story about a man's struggle to hold onto something, even if it destroyed him.  Isn't that what we do?  This book teaches us how to let go – how to take our hands off of the things God never intended us to carry.

LOOKING FOR THE REAL DEAL:

Can you think of a movie or book that "began" with fact?

Inspirational writers have been using real facts to write "present a message for change" for years.  If you don't believe it, then look at the following:

Grapes of Wrath, by John Steinbeck. A dramatization of the harsh realities migrant farmers experienced in California during the early 1930s.

What was Steinbeck trying to change?

To Kill a Mockingbird, by Harper Lee. Set in Alabama in the 1950s, the book tells the story from a young girl's perspective of a black man wrongfully accused of raping a white woman. The incident and the trial that ensued had long-lasting ramifications for everyone in the town.

What was Harper Lee trying to change?

Oliver Twist, by Charles Dickens. This early 19th century book was written to expose the harshness of life in orphanages and on the streets for homeless young boys.

What was Dickens hoping to change?

YOUR TURN:

Think of novels/movies that impacted not just your life, but society in general.  Did it motivate people to want to change?  How?  Why?

List a historical event that changed your life.


Think of a social issue that presses on you.


Think of a "real" life-changing situation you went through and fill in the blanks:


Did beauty rise from the ashes?  Explain.


How could your experience help you craft a magazine article or book?

ABA or CBA?

The major complaint about secular fiction is that it's too graphic (too much fact and not enough creative fiction to balance it out).  The major complaint about Christian fiction (ironically) is that it's too "cookie-cutter" and doesn't present real characters dealing with real problems.  There's got to be a careful balance between the two. We must write stories with REAL/FACTUAL issues. On the other hand, we must do this carefully.  The world has enough "R" rated movies that overtly focus on fact but don't present a balanced godly message. There is power in the written word and what you write could very well influence a life.

 

Writing for the Inspirational Market

Bringing Hope to a World in Crisis

Hope is the feeling you have that the feeling you have isn't permanent.

–Jean Kerr

Over the next several days I'll be sharing my thoughts on writing for the inspirational market. I hope that other Christian writers find this motivational and thought-provoking.

 

OUR CALLING:

As writers who are called by God (Matthew 28) to "go into all the world and preach the gospel," we need to be savvy – especially if our platform is the written word. Do you feel that you have a calling on your life?

OUR CALL AS WRITERS: BRINGING HOPE TO A WORLD IN CRISIS

Why should we craft powerful pieces that present a HOPEFUL, life-changing message? There is POWER in the written word. Have you ever been told that something you've written (or spoken) has somehow changed a person's life for the better? How did that make you feel?

OUR HOPE:

Hope deferred makes the heart sick. If we write about real/factual things, we have to provide HOPE. So, what is hope? Longing, optimism, expectancy, desire. This is what our writing should bring.

BREAKING HOPE DOWN…

LONGING: Can my writing create a longing or a desire in people? In my novel HURRICANE (about the great Galveston hurricane of 1900 – the largest natural disaster in American history), I wanted the characters to long for more than just external things (like money, jobs, houses) I wanted the people to long for mended relationships with family members. I wanted them to want to be better people, stronger people, more hopeful people, in spite of their tragedy. My reader wants these things too.

OPTIMISM:

To be optimistic means that you can face tomorrow with a smile (or at least the hint of a smile) on your face. Can my writing bring about a spirit of optimism? If, when they put the book down, they smile and say, "Wow. I wonder if something like that could happen in my life." Then I've succeeded.

EXPECTANCY:

Does my writing bring about a sense of expectancy? The Islanders in HURRICANE worked together to rebuild and their expectations were huge. So were their obstacles. Our lives aren't much different form that. Sometimes we go thru things that completely wipe us out (like the storm). But if something I write gives a hurting person a sense of expectancy, that life will go on, that better days are ahead, that life is worth living, then I've achieved not just a literary success, but a psychological one, as well.

Your hopes, dreams and aspirations are legitimate. They are trying to take you airborne, above the clouds, above the storms, if you only let them.

–William James

Salsa Coated Chicken Breast

Hey, y'all! I've decided to post an occasional low-cal recipe, for those (like me) who are trying to take off a few pounds. One of my recent favorites is a salsa-coated chicken breast (approximately 300 calories per serving). It's really easy. Here's what you'll need:

olive oil

chicken breast, pounded thin

a really good salsa (best to make it fresh)

low-fat grated cheddar

4 – 5 tortilla chips

Start by marinating the uncooked chicken in a bit of salsa. When it's ready to be cooked, heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet. Add your chicken breast pieces and cook on both sides until they're cooked throughout. Remove the chicken from the skillet and drain on paper towels. Transfer to a baking dish and cover each piece in 2 – 3 tablespoons of salsa. (Remember, we're not talking bottled picante sauce here, unless you happen to like that sort of thing. I like a really good cilantro-infused salsa, restaurant-style.) Add a tablespoon of low-fat grated cheddar to each piece of chicken. Finally, crumble up the tortilla chips and sprinkle them over the pieces. Put the pan in the oven under the broiler and broil until the cheese is melted and the chips are crisp.

Serve with salad and/or black beans for a great low-cal meal.