Cynthia Roemer's Blog, page 14

FOR THE HISTORY BUFF ~ Wedding Shivaree

Weddings. What a joy. I’m excited to be helping my oldest son and future daughter-in-law plan their wedding as they prepare to take their vows. Nowadays, wedding celebrations include banquets, toasts, honeymoons, and photo shoots.

But there was a time when friends and neighbors gathered to give the happy couple a send-off they wouldn’t soon forget. One that included a surprise visit in the dead of night and lots of clatter!

Past Wedding Traditions

It’s almost a forgotten bit of wedding traditions–the shivaree. If you’ve never heard of one, you’re not alone. A shivaree was a raucous and fun-loving way to celebrate a newly married couple’s nuptials. It took place days, weeks, even months following the actual wedding. The element of surprise was key.

Though more prevalent in the 1800’s, my parents have told stories of shivarees that took place in their growing up years (mid-1900s). According to them, the Shivaree began with a late-night wake-up call of banging pans and noise-makers. Then the group would serenade the couple with songs such as Let Me Call You Sweetheart. Afterward, the late-night visitors would join the couple for snacks and desserts, often provided by the newlyweds.

Nineteenth-Century Shivarees

Shivarees of the nineteenth century were much bolder and at times down right ornery. I didn’t realize just how ornery until I did some research for a scene in my novel, Under Prairie Skies. Set in 1855, the scene has my main characters, Chad and Charlotte, and a host of others, traveling by the light of the moon to the unsuspecting couple’s home.

There, the bride and groom are awakened by rifle fire and banging pans. The barefoot groom is then blindfolded and spirited away in his nightshirt into the timber and left to fend for himself until daybreak. All the while, his poor, bewildered bride is wailing and calling his name. Not the best way to wish a new couple a joyous marriage! I won’t share any spoilers by telling how the scene evolves, but I will say Chad’s actions further endear him to Charlotte.

Shivaree Fears

Though I’ve not participated in or even known anyone to be shivareed, my husband attended one for his cousin when he was a boy. So, when we married, he had me more than a little nervous we would end up with his extended family outside our bedroom window some dark night banging pans and serenading us.

My fears never came to fruition, but all that first summer, I did a lot of baking and learned to be a very light sleeper!

Sweepstakes Giveaway

This week my new publisher (Scrivenings Press) is hosting a Launch Party Sweepstakes. I invite you to enter to win one of 3 great Giveaway prizes, including a chance at a $50 Amazon Gift Card, a $25 Amazon Gift Card, and up to 20 e-books, including my entire Prairie Sky Series along with some other great reads! Giveaway ends July 21st! at 9 pm!

 

The post FOR THE HISTORY BUFF ~ Wedding Shivaree appeared first on CYNTHIA ROEMER ~ INSPIRATIONAL AUTHOR.

When You Feel Like Giving Up!

When I was in high school, I saw a PBS film entitled, My Brilliant Career, based on the true story of a sixteen year old girl who had written and published a book. I was mesmerized by the idea. When my high school English teacher urged me to enter a local college writing contest, I eagerly accepted the challenge and was thrilled to earn first place in my category.

From that moment on, I dreamed of becoming a published author. I pursued an English/Creative Writing degree in college and wrote a rough draft of an inspirational historical novel which I entitled, Under This Same Sky.

Then life happened!

After college, I started a job and then married and had my two sons. And while I wrote and submitted short-stories and articles to various Christian magazines, my novel manuscript…and my dream…lay tucked away untouched for many years. But I never gave up hope that someday that dream would become a reality and continued to commit my writing ministry to the Lord.

Somewhere along the way, I came across a picture of a frog being eaten by a stork. But rather than give up, he took a strangle-hold on the bird’s neck to keep from being eaten. The humorous image not only made me smile, but the Lord used it to bolster my determination.

The phrase at the bottom, DON’T EVER GIVE UP, gave me courage to hold onto my dream when it didn’t seem a possibility.

There are many instances in life that can make us feel like giving up: difficult decisions, unexpected health issues, family tragedy, financial issues etc. Though the Lord sends encouragement in many ways–such as a silly drawing–the richest encouragement we can find for facing life’s challenges is Scripture.

“For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.” (Hebrews 4:12)

The healing Word of God holds the answer to all life’s challenges. When we find our strength in Him, we no longer have to flounder or feel like giving up. He has given us His Word and His Spirit to lead and guide us.

“Cast your cares on the Lord and he will sustain you; he will never let the righteous be shaken.”   (Psalm 55:22)

**To learn how the Lord made my dream of publication a reality,I invite you to listen to my Ideas to Books Podcast.

Do you have a fun photo or story that encourages you to keep trying? If so, I’d love for you to share about it in the comment section below!!!

Cynthia Roemer’s PRAIRIE SKY SERIES: Stories of faith and resilience on the Midwest prairie Inspirational Historical Romance

UNDER THIS SAME SKY  ~ BOOK ONE

UNDER PRAIRIE SKIES  ~ BOOK TWO

UNDER MOONLIT SKIES ~ BOOK THREE

~Available on Amazon and Barnes & Noble

**Connect with Cynthia Roemer on Facebook, Goodreads and Twitter.

 

 

FOR THE HEART ~ Helping A Broken World

Author friend, Laurie Driesen shares another timely post about ways we can help a broken world. I hope you’re as blessed as I was!

HOW TO HELP A BROKEN WORLD by Laurie Driesen

Doesn’t it feel like the world is out of control?  A pandemic, killings, rioting and people everywhere disagreeing and clashing with one another.

In this broken world, a Christian’s job description is the same as it has been for centuries.  Whether the world is at peace or at war, healthy or sick, free or captive, satisfied or hungry, circumstances don’t change our purpose or goal.   Our mission remains the same as it was for Paul, Peter, John and anyone who is a follower of Christ.  Oh, we may forget our job description and what we are supposed to be doing as we struggle.  But let’s stay encouraged, strengthened and filled with the Holy Spirit in order to fulfill our mission in this fallen, broken world.

Ambassadors

The Bible tells us in 1 Peter 2:11 that we are strangers living in a foreign land. We are living in this world as foreigners, representing our true home country.  As Christians, our citizenship is in Heaven, not this world. We are Ambassadors!  Paul uses this word to describe himself in Ephesians 6:20.  He also calls his readers “ambassadors for Christ” in 2 Corinthians 5:20.  Our job description is to receive instructions from Jesus, represent Him and act on His behalf. We are to serve as a spokesperson, an envoy carrying an important message from the Lord.

Isn’t that what an Ambassador does?  He or she is sent to a foreign land not to accomplish his own plan but to represent the interests of his own country.

A true Ambassador would never call his superior in his home country and say, “I really love it here, I think I’ll become a citizen of this country and become like everyone here. Goodbye homeland!” No!  An ambassador is not sent to become like the people, he is sent to be a visual symbol and a representative of his homeland. A worthy ambassador would never lose his loyalty to his home country.  He would not come to love a hostile, foreign country more than His homeland.  If we are truly ambassadors for Christ, we will never be completely “at home” in this world.

The mission of Jesus

Jesus came to earth and sacrificed His life to reconcile people to God.  He calls people to repent of their sins and believe in Him.  He forgives sinners and fills them with the Holy Spirit, enabling them to carry on as ambassadors.  Our primary responsibility is to proclaim the message of the Gospel.  We can help a hurting world by shining the light of God’s truth into the darkness.  This means that we need to study God’s Word and be prepared to share with family, friends, and other people that God places in our path.  Whether we serve at home or on the mission field, we proclaim the truth to a broken world.  Not everyone will respond, but some will!   This is how the Gospel has been spread throughout the world for centuries.

Are we ready to execute our job description?

God has a plan for each of us to not only share the Gospel but also to give, help and minister to specific needs of hurting people.  As ambassadors, we are always ready to receive our individual assignments and serve where He calls.

We are ambassadors for Christ – don’t forget your job description!

Laurie Driesen is a writer and entrepreneur.  She is the author of Beyond Regret – Living Your Life Purpose in Spite of Past Choices.  The book discusses missed opportunities, the “why” behind our mistakes, how regret can help us, and preventing future regret.  Beyond Regret sheds light on God’s true will and purpose for us and how we can live it out no matter where we are today.

Through her writing, she seeks to share the truth of God’s Word and help others grow spiritually. Laurie’s blog can be found on her website:  www.lauriedriesen.com

 

 

INSPIRATIONAL HISTORICAL FICTION

Cynthia Roemer’s PRAIRIE SKY SERIES

Stories of faith and resilience on the Midwest prairie 

UNDER THIS SAME SKY  ~ BOOK ONE

UNDER PRAIRIE SKIES  ~ BOOK TWO

UNDER MOONLIT SKIES ~ BOOK THREE

~Available on Amazon and Barnes & Noble

**Connect with Cynthia Roemer on Facebook, Goodreads and Twitter.

 

 

FOR THE READER ~ A Love Restored

I’m trilled to have my friend and fellow inspirational, historical author Kelly Goshorn sharing about a spiritual element within her novel, A Love Restored. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did. She’s also offering a SIGNED PRINT COPY of her novel, so stick around until the end!

TAKING OUR THOUGHTS CAPTIVE by Kelly Goshorn

My personal struggle with weight issues and my journey to self-acceptance is shown through my heroine, Ruth Ann, in my debut novel, A Love Restored. At its core, A Love Restored is a story about the power of words over our lives. It is a story about the struggle each of us faces to take our thoughts captive to the truth of Scripture so we may experience the fullness of God’s unequivocal love for us.

Words have the power to lift us up or tear us down, and the most dangerous ones are the ones we repeat in our own mind every day. I spent way too many years repeating words of death to myself—that I was fat, ugly, unlovable and unworthy of the very God I believed sacrificed His son on my behalf.

In a world that often equates or worth to the size of our paycheck, our appearance or the diploma hanging from our wall, it can be very tough to see our own value. We are ignorant if we don’t agree with the current PC opinion. We are ugly if we don’t look like the air-brushed images on the covers of fashion magazines in the check-out lines. We are a failure if we don’t earn a six-figure income and have the latest devices at our fingertips.

The Bible tells us in John 10:10 that “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life and have it abundantly.”

Here are just a few things the Bible has to say about you:

1 Thes.1: 4       You are chosen and dearly loved of God.

Ps. 139:14       You are fearfully and wonderfully made.

Zech. 2:8         You are the apple of God’s eyes. (I just love that one!)

2 Cor. 5:17      You are a new creation in Christ.

John 1:12         You are a child of God.

Col. 1:14         You have been forgiven.

Rom. 8:1         You are free forever from condemnation.

Eph. 2:6           You are his masterpiece. (Can you just imagine?)

I hope readers will be able to relate to Ruth Ann’s struggle. Whether their issue is body image, finances, appearance, lifestyle, occupation or something entirely different. 1 Samuel 16:7b says,

“For the Lord does not see as man sees, for man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.”

My prayer for you is that you will not allow the enemy to steal the joy that is rightfully yours as a child of God. Speak the truth of the gospel over yourself every day and ask God to give you His eyes to see yourself as He does.

Excerpt: A Love Restored

Loudoun County, Virginia

August 1873

Ruth Ann reached over the dry sink and closed the window. Facing her mother once more, she leaned against the wooden cabinet, arms folded, studying her. How could she understand? With brilliant blue eyes and delicate features, Hannah Sutton was stunning. Her complexion rivaled the creamy white magnolia flowers that bloomed in April. She had been the belle of Caroline County until the summer of her eighteenth year. The summer disease struck, rendering her left leg nearly useless.

“You must make a better effort to control your unruly curls, and tightening your corset strings will make your waist look thinner.” Mama made a slight tsking sound before continuing. “It is a shame you are not slender and petite like Sarah and myself. Oh, and what I would not give for you to have just an ounce of your sister’s acquiescent nature. However, your pretty face and lovely smile are no doubt assets. At least we have that to work with.”

Ruth Ann tugged her lip between her teeth. She wouldn’t cry.

Mama drew near and took hold of Ruth Ann’s folded arms. “Because I love you, I will tell you what you refuse to admit to yourself. Gentlemen do not court and marry women who are plump and opinionated. They desire a woman who is a reflection of themselves and the image they wish to convey to their contemporaries.”

Ruth Ann pursed her lips as her mother’s words reverberated in her mind. The hurtful phrases seeped into her wounded heart festering into a marinade of insecurity and self-doubt. Why was it so hard to believe a man might love someone like her? No matter the exact phrasing, it all boiled down to the same thing in her mind—she was undesirable and unlovable.

Forcing down the swell of emotion, she retrieved the whistling teakettle from the stove, and poured hot water into the porcelain teapot. A whoosh of air and the thud of the swinging door against the icebox announced her niece’s arrival.

Chloe flung her small arms around Ruth Ann’s skirts. “Aunt Roofie, you’re home!”

“Chloe.”

The child lifted her head before addressing her grandmother. “Yes, Mimi.”

“You are not a baby any longer. You must act like a little lady and call your Aunt Ruth by her proper name.”

“Yes, Ma’am.”

Ruth Ann stroked Chloe’s soft, dark curls as a gentle smile graced her niece’s face. She was in no hurry to hear the end of the child’s precious endearment for her. Chloe stretched her hands and Ruth Ann hoisted her niece onto her hip. “You promised we would use your pastels to color my paper dolls. Remember?”

“I remember.” She drew Chloe snug against her and squeezed. A slight sigh passed her lips. She did want children of her own someday—but with James? If her mother was right, he might be her only choice.

Kelly Goshorn weaves her affinity for history and her passion for God into uplifting stories of love, faith, and family set in nineteenth century America. Her debut novel, A Love Restored, won the Director’s Choice Award for Adult/YA fiction at the Blue Ridge Mountain Christian Writers Conference in 2019, and earned recognition as both a Selah Award finalist in the Historical Romance category and as a Maggie Award Finalist for Inspirational Fiction. When she is not writing, Kelly enjoys spending time with her young adult children, binge-watching BBC period dramas, board gaming with her husband, and spoiling her Welsh corgi, Levi.

Purchase on Amazon https://amzn.to/2Zx8Vg5

B&N https://bit.ly/2xcMNhx

You can connect with Kelly on:

Her website: http://kellygoshorn.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kelly.j.goshorn/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/KellyGoshorn

GoodReads:https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/18023325.Kelly_J_Goshorn

BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/profile/kelly-goshorn

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

 

Cynthia Roemer’s PRAIRIE SKY SERIES: Stories of faith and resilience on the Midwest prairie Inspirational Historical Romance

UNDER THIS SAME SKY  ~ BOOK ONE

UNDER PRAIRIE SKIES  ~ BOOK TWO

UNDER MOONLIT SKIES ~ BOOK THREE

~Available on Amazon and Barnes & Noble

**Connect with Cynthia Roemer on Facebook, Goodreads and Twitter.

 

**NOW FOR THE GIVEAWAY! Kelly has graciously offered to give away a signed print copy of A Love Restored to one Entry (US addresses only)! Enter the Rafflecopter giveaway below! 

 

 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

FOR THE WRITER ~ Self-Editing

So you’ve written a novel and polished it until it shines. Now you’re ready to submit to an agent or editor–at least you think you are. Then you take another glance and find you’ve overused a word or your sentence structure is too similar in places. No matter how many times you read over the manuscript, there always seems room for improvement.

Editing is a necessary, often grueling task that requires time and skill. Yet, is there such a thing as over-editing? How do you know when enough is enough? There seems to be no end to it. Following are five suggestions to make edits a little less taxing as you ready your manuscript for submission.

Read – One of the best ways to stay abreast with today’s fiction is to become an avid reader. Choose not only popular books, but ones in your genre that capture your interest. There’s nothing like ingesting a well-written book to help refine your skills.

Have a Teachable Spirit – Always be learning. Read books that skillfully teach the craft of writing. Attend writers’ conferences as able. The more knowledge you gain about writing, the easier it will be to put that wisdom into practice.

Get Connected – Get plugged into a writer’s group or with critique partners. The ACFW (American Christian Fiction Writers) offers a vast variety of ways to hone writing skills and meet like-minded people. Seek out knowledgeable, skilled authors and form relationships. Most are more than willing to share their insights and experiences.

Seek Quality Not Perfection – When it comes to edits, it’s important to remember no manuscript will ever reach perfection. You could approach dozens of noteworthy writers/editors and each would tell you something different. There comes a time when you just have to take that step forward and trust God to get you where you need to be.

Pray for Wisdom – Most importantly, pray for God’s guidance as you write and as you make decisions in your writing journey. If He has placed it on your heart to write, He’ll be faithful to take you down the path He wishes you to go. It’s our job to be obedient to His calling.

What helps you improve your writing skills? I’d love to hear your suggestions. May the Lord bless your journey!

“If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God,

who gives generously to all without finding fault,

and it will be given to you.”

 

Cynthia Roemer’s PRAIRIE SKY SERIES: Stories of faith and resilience on the Midwest prairie Inspirational Historical Romance

UNDER THIS SAME SKY  ~ BOOK ONE

UNDER PRAIRIE SKIES  ~ BOOK TWO

UNDER MOONLIT SKIES ~ BOOK THREE

~Available on Amazon and Barnes & Noble

**Connect with Cynthia Roemer on Facebook, Goodreads and Twitter.

 

FOR THE HISTORY BUFF ~ Covered Wagons

Nowadays, we don’t think twice about hopping in a vehicle and heading out to commute to work or on a day trip to visit relatives or even a 1,000-mile vacation to the Grand Tetons. But a hundred and fifty years ago, it was a different story. Before planes, cars, and trains, travel was limited to walking, horseback, or wagons.

Westward expansion in the U.S. in the mid-1800’s called for many a family to pack up their possessions and purchase a covered wagon in which to travel. Such a move wasn’t easy and was often plagued with hardships and illness.

Travel inside the jarring wagon was anything but pleasant. Often family members would choose to walk alongside it rather than endure the constant jolting. Breakdowns and delays were the norm for those heading west in search of free or richer land.

In my novel, Under This Same Sky, my heroine, Becky Hollister, and her pa, with the help of hero, Pastor Matthew Brody, must cross a sizable river in a covered wagon. When the venture goes awry, Becky is forced to take the reins and spur the horses across. It takes every ounce of strength and courage she can muster to make it to the other side.

Crossing a river wasn’t the only challenge wagon travelers faced. Travel by land was slow and treacherous, with many obstacles to overcome. The rugged prairie terrain often caused broken spokes or axles. After a rainstorm, wheels would become bogged in mud and some routes became impassible.

The further west the homesteaders traveled, the more difficult the challenges–steep hills, harsh weather, wild animals, and hostile Indians. Wagon trains were common in those days, pulling into a circle by night for protection.

Though the journey was difficult, there was often joy, anticipation, and community among the travelers as they journeyed toward a new home.

~ Have you ever made a major move from one region to another? What was most difficult? What brought the most joy? I’d love to hear your experience!

 

Cynthia Roemer’s PRAIRIE SKY SERIES: Stories of faith and resilience on the Midwest prairie Inspirational Historical Romance

UNDER THIS SAME SKY  ~ BOOK ONE

UNDER PRAIRIE SKIES  ~ BOOK TWO

UNDER MOONLIT SKIES ~ BOOK THREE

~Available on Amazon and Barnes & Noble

**Connect with Cynthia Roemer on Facebook, Goodreads and Twitter.

 

FOR THE HEART ~ Seeds of Hope

I thoroughly enjoy planting a garden each spring. It truly is amazing to place tiny, dried seeds under the warm earth and watch them sprout and grow into living, vibrant plants. What a wondrous picture of how the Lord takes something seemingly dead and useless and grows it into something useful and productive.

This morning, it hit me how like the seeds our lives are. Before we’re Christians, we are like seeds that haven’t yet been planted. When we accept Christ, like the dried seed buried in the ground, our old life dies away, and in its place, new life emerges. A true miracle.

But life above ground isn’t easy. The young plants face extreme heat, drought, pounding rain, wind, insects, and disease. But the challenges create a strong root system to hold them in place. In dry times, their roots dig deep to find moisture and the plants thrive.

In the same way, the Lord allows trials and challenges to come into our lives to strengthen our faith and help us grow into mature Christians, drawing strength from Him instead of ourselves. In these trying times, we must call upon God to sustain us.

It’s somehow very satisfying to till the soil, plant the seeds and watch God send the rain and sun to grow them. A seed planted brings hope—hope of growth and renewal.

As satisfying as it is for us gardeners and farmers to watch seeds mature into productive plants, how much more satisfying it must be for the Lord when His people mature in their faith and love for Him.

“Very truly I tell you, unless a kernel of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains only a single seed. But if it dies, it produces many seeds. ~ John 12:24

 

Cynthia Roemer’s PRAIRIE SKY SERIES: Stories of faith and resilience on the Midwest prairie Inspirational Historical Romance

UNDER THIS SAME SKY  ~ BOOK ONE

UNDER PRAIRIE SKIES  ~ BOOK TWO

UNDER MOONLIT SKIES ~ BOOK THREE

~Available on Amazon and Barnes & Noble

**Connect with Cynthia Roemer on Facebook, Goodreads and Twitter.

 

FOR THE READER ~ Talking to God + Taming Julia Giveaway

I’m pleased to have inspirational author, Jodie Wolfe as guest today on Sowing Seeds of Hope sharing an excerpt and spiritual impact from her recent release, Taming Julia. She’s offering an e-book copy of the novel to a selected winner so be sure to stick around to the end!

Talking to God by Jodie Wolfe

I’ve been asked before if I’m religious and I said no. Faith is just a natural part of who I am. In the same way, prayer, or talking to God is a natural flow of my relationship with Him. Prayer doesn’t require saying the right words, flowery speech, or only saying the things you think God wants you to say. It’s just like any other communication you have in life. It’s the same as talking to your spouse, a child, a coworker. The best part is that He knows us thoroughly, so we don’t need to hold anything back. He can handle our frustrations, fears, anger, insecurities, etc.

My new release, Taming Julia has many spiritual messages buried within the pages. My heroine, Jules (Julia) Montgomery doesn’t have much experience when it comes to living in a town or knowing what it means to talk to God. Her brother, Josh, arranged for her to be a mail-order bride to Drew Montgomery, the local preacher. Because Jules has had such limited experiences, she’s naïve about many things.

Here’s an example of the way she thinks:

Drew’s fingers shook when he held her hand a moment later. “Did you want to pray today?”

So that was what that funny talking was called. “No. I mean, you’re the one who has more experience with praying speeches.”

His gaze remained fixed on her with an odd expression lining his face.

She hoped he didn’t repeat his question.

“I wouldn’t say I have more experience. Talking to God is the same as talking to you, Jules.” Drew smiled.

Except He and I aren’t rightly friends. Good thing Drew couldn’t hear her thoughts. She bowed her head hoping to end any further discussion on the matter, waiting for him to start the pray-thing he did. Josh had told her about God, but only enough for her to know He’d created the world and them, and she had to respect that.

If you haven’t tried it before, talk with God today as if you’re sitting down to talk with your best friend, because guess what, that’s what He is!

Learn more about Jodie on her website, BookBub, Facebook,  and Twitter. Purchase the book here.

 

Cynthia Roemer’s PRAIRIE SKY SERIES: Stories of faith and resilience on the Midwest prairie Inspirational Historical Romance

UNDER THIS SAME SKY  ~ BOOK ONE

UNDER PRAIRIE SKIES  ~ BOOK TWO

UNDER MOONLIT SKIES ~ BOOK THREE

~Available on Amazon and Barnes & Noble

**Connect with Cynthia Roemer on Facebook, Goodreads and Twitter.

 

***Time for the giveaway! Enter the Rafflecopter Contest and unlock several chances to win by posting a comment below!

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FOR THE WRITER ~ Finding Time to Write in a Pandemic

The pandemic has changed a lot in our lives! Some may find the extra time at home conducive to their writing, while others are struggling to find a quiet corner in their household to unleash their creative energies!

To be serious about writing, one has to be intentional these days. So, if you’re struggling to find time to let your creativity flow, here’s some suggestions to better manage your time.

START YOUR DAY WITH PRAYER – Begin each day by asking for the Lord’s blessing. Taking a few precious moments to pray can make all the difference. When you submit your day and your writing to God, you’re placing it in His hands, and He’s sure to honor your request.

SET GOALS – As a writer, it’s important to set goals. Small goals as well as larger ones. On the larger scale, you may have a goal to complete a novel in a year, six months, or even three months, depending on your capabilities or time allowance. But smaller goals are also important. Try setting a word count goal for a week, or a day. Make it one that will require you to work to reach it, but one that is within your grasp to complete. Each time you achieve a goal, give yourself a pat on the back, and set a new and higher one.

BE FLEXIBLE – While goals are important, writers need to be able to bend schedules as situations require it. While you may feel it necessary to protect your writing time from minor interruptions, some simply can’t be avoided. In offering up prayers for my day, I often pray the Lord will allow me to accomplish all that He has in mind for me to accomplish. If I’m honest, that may sometimes differ from what I wish to accomplish. So when interruptions arise, take a deep breath, reassess, and adjust your plans accordingly. Perhaps the Lord has someone in mind for you to encourage through that change in plans.

DEVELOP A ROUTINE – Like it or not, we’re creatures of habit. Most of us do well to have a set schedule to work with. Setting up specific hours to write keeps us motivated and creates a standard of expectation to go by. When we’re organized, we make better use of our time.

LEARN YOUR CREATIVE TIME OF DAY – When do your creative juices flow most freely? I find my biggest word counts come in the early afternoon. How about you? Are you a night owl? Do you do your best work in the wee hours of the night? Or are you an early riser who finds inspiration in the promise of a new day? Be attune to the time of day that best suits your creative flare and set that as your focal point.

What ignites your creative flow? I’d love to hear from you.

Cynthia Roemer’s PRAIRIE SKY SERIES: Stories of faith and resilience on the Midwest prairie Inspirational Historical Romance

UNDER THIS SAME SKY  ~ BOOK ONE

UNDER PRAIRIE SKIES  ~ BOOK TWO

UNDER MOONLIT SKIES ~ BOOK THREE

~Available on Amazon and Barnes & Noble

**Connect with Cynthia Roemer on Facebook, Goodreads and Twitter.

 

FOR THE HISTORY BUFF ~ Civil War Battle

This week on FOR THE HISTORY BUFF, I thought it would be fun to share a bit about the research I’m doing for my current work in progress (WIP), a Civil War manuscript, which I’ve tentatively entitled, Beyond These War-Torn Lands.

These past few months, I’ve been engrossed in research surrounding the Civil War era. It was a devastating period in America’s history, and yet from it we can draw so many examples of rich heroism and courage.

My WIP begins in 1864, the final year of the Civil War, during a lesser known battle called the Battle of Monocacy Junction. Major General Lew Wallace was in charge of the Union troops. Sorely outnumbered, the Union took a beating throughout the day-long skirmish, gaining ground at times, only to be driven back again, and finally retreating along the Baltimore turnpike.

Many lives were lost on both sides that day. General Wallace took the blame for the loss. His disgrace was short-lived, however, as his superiors soon realized that, though a loss for the Union, the battle had gained the Federals valuable time to send reinforcements to Washington.

If the Confederates hadn’t been delayed, they might well have taken the Capital, captured President Lincoln, and won the war. Thus, the Battle of Monocacy Junction became known as, “The Battle that Saved Washington.”

One other fun tidbit I discovered in my research regarding General Lew Wallace. How many of you have read the book or seen the movie Ben-Hur? The author??? None other than Lew Wallace. Who knew?

If you’d like to receive updates on how my WIP “Beyond These War-Torn Lands” is progressing, I invite you to join my newsletter subscribers! My monthly Author Newsletter includes writing updates, insider info shared only with subscribers, giveaways, fun history facts & quiz questions.

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Cynthia Roemer’s PRAIRIE SKY SERIES: Stories of faith and resilience on the Midwest prairie Inspirational Historical Romance

UNDER THIS SAME SKY  ~ BOOK ONE

UNDER PRAIRIE SKIES  ~ BOOK TWO

UNDER MOONLIT SKIES ~ BOOK THREE 

~Available on Amazon and Barnes & Noble

**Connect with Cynthia Roemer on Facebook, Goodreads and Twitter.