Janice Thompson's Blog, page 31

Passion to Pursue

Today I'm going to share a poem that I wrote in the mid '90s. I hope you enjoy it! Before I do that, though, just a couple of quick announcements: First, I'm the vice-president of CAN (Christian Authors Network) and we're about to begin our membership drive! For more info, shoot me an email at booksbyjanice@aol.com. Next, if you've always said, "I want to write a book!" you might want to check out my new fiction course. Next, I want to announce the release of my co-authored book, OZARK...

So. . .You Want to Write a Novel?

An Exciting Announcement from Novelist Janice Hanna Thompson

Dear Writing Friends,

This is an exciting week for me! I'm thrilled to announce the release of my video/audio-driven fiction course, which has been years in the making! You can check it out here: www.freelancewritingcourses.com. I've designed this course in such a way that newbies and established/published novelists alike can benefit. If you've written a novel...

BOOK REVIEW: Once in a Blue Moon

Once in a blue moon I venture from reading my usual fare (the traditional light-hearted inspirational romance) to something a little different. And occasionally I do it by accident. Such was the case with a new book by Leanna Ellis titled ONCE IN A BLUE MOON. Leanna and I are friends and I love her books. I swallowed down LOOKIN' BACK, TEXAS last year like a starving child. Great stuff. Quirky. Fun. Had a serious side, too, which I always appreciate. This new book took me places (emotionally ...

Summer Contest

Galveston, Oh Galveston!

I've had a strong tie to Galveston Island from the time I was a child. Some of my readers might not know that I wrote a book (Hurricane) about "The Great Storm" of 1900, which remains our country's largest natural disaster.

I recently visited Galveston again with some wonderful writing friends. We toured Bishop's Palace, watched the film about the hurricane and ate far too much food. We also spent the weekend plotting. Novels, of course.

CONTEST: In honor of my...

More on "Stirring up the Gifts"

Hi everyone! I'm going to continue my thoughts on gift-stirring. I hope you enjoy the pics of my grandbabies!

BORN WITH GIFTINGS:

Ethan Ames: Born to sing!

All children are born with natural giftings, placed there by God. Some children have amazing artistic gifts (such as acting, singing, dancing, writing, instruments). There are also academic gifts. Perhaps you're someone who naturally excels in mathematics, science, etc. Of course, we've all been given spiritual gifts. Some have been called...

Stirring up the Gifts

I would rather be ashes than dust! I would rather that my spark burn out in a brilliant blaze than it be stifled by dry-rot. I would rather be a superb meteor, every atom of me in magnificent glow, than a sleepy and permanent planet. (Jack London)

Don't you just love that quote by Jack London? Every writer has the innate, God-given desire to do something majestic with the gift he/she has been given. I don't know about you, but I want to be a superb meteor. Why? Because I know the gifts God...

The "Be Happy" Attitudes for Writers

Blessed are those who are poor in contracts, for they will surely reap their reward if they do not give up.

Blessed are those who mourn as a result of rejection slips, for they can be comforted in the fact that they are not alone.

Blessed are the meek, humbly accepting God's call and recognizing that any accomplishment comes from His Mighty hand, for they will inherit the respect of fellow authors, as well as the favor of God.

Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for great-writing, for...

Reflections on an Empty Page

As I sit with pen in hand, ready to face the stark, white reality of the empty page, I find myself consumed with thoughts that pull me away from my task. "Am I writing out of passion?" I wonder, "or am I writing to fill a need?" The sheer bluntness of the question brings instantaneous guilt. It also sends my mind off in a thousand different directions.

I can't help but think of Laura Ingalls Wilder in her prairie home… eyes darting quickly across the rough pages as her crude pen scratches f...

Article: Menopausal Friendships

Laugh and the world laughs with you. Cry and you cry with your girlfriends. - Laurie Kuslansky

Kathleen Y'Barbo & Nancy Jo Jenkins

They say wisdom comes with age.  To be honest, I'm not sure where that leaves me.  As I straddle the years between 50 and 55, I'd have to confess I'm about halfway between knowing everything…and absolutely nothing at all.

While some things might still elude me, I have discovered one "life-truth" that shines clear during these seemingly awkward...

Book Review: Sixteen Brides

Happy Thursday, everyone! I'm tickled to share my review of Stephanie Grace Whitson's book, "Sixteen Brides."

Sixteen Brides

Let me start with a blurb about the book: Sixteen Civil War widows living in St. Louis respond to a series of meetings conducted by a land speculator who lures them west by promising "prime homesteads" in a "booming community." Unbeknownst to them, the speculator's true motive is to find an excuse to bring women to the fledging community of Plum Grove, Nebraska, in hopes...