Cynthia Roemer's Blog, page 29
July 31, 2017
Facing Reality by guest blogger Elaine Stock
Author Elaine Stock joins us today with a message of the importance of rising above our circumstances. She’s also graciously giving away a copy of her award-winning book, Always With You so stick around for your chance to win your choice of print or e-book (in the US), E-book only (outside the US).
A lover of movie musicals, I am a huge admirer of director and choreographer Bob Fosse. The first movie I saw by him was Cabaret, which led me to fangirl over Liza Minnelli. What talent! And that voice . . . wow!
I stumbled across a quote from Ms. Minnelli a little while ago: Reality is something you rise above. But, isn’t reality reality? How can you escape it, let alone rise above it? The more I thought about it, the more I realized I’ve been learning this life lesson ever since I can remember.
Not to play the strings of the pity-party fiddle, but I wasn’t born into the most well off family. Hello low-income housing-project apartment living in East New York, Brooklyn, at least for the first nine years of my life. Yet, without anyone encouraging me I made the most out of it. No pack of Barbies, not a problem. One doll with a busted kneecap led to hours of imaginative playing. Hours of time to myself due to a mentally ill mother led to hours of reading and eventually writing.
When things financially improved due to my father’s hard work, we moved to a suburb north of NYC, but close to the end of the school year when everyone had already made their friends and cliques for the year. What to do? I couldn’t, and wouldn’t, beg others to accept me, so I took many long walks by myself, drew, and wrote stories. (Yes, this was in the pre-computer era.) Not setting out to do so, I rose above my reality.
Eleven years ago when I started my current Day Job, as authors are fond of referring to outside of writing work, a manager taught me how to apply this concept of rising above reality when it came to getting along with co-workers. He saw that I had the ability to rise above the silly needling of my fellow workers and could counter it by behaving more dignified, not by fighting fire with fire. A lesson much needed, one that is applicable to many situations.
And my writing? I’ve been writing forever and a day. Although I’ve been blessed to see my novel Always With You debut a year ago, and it’s gone on to recently win Best Book of the Year by the Christian Small Publisher Association, I’m still a newbie in the publishing arena and many do not, as of yet (like my optimism?), know me.
Am I rising above it? I’m trying my best to by writing more books and getting my work out before publishers eyes, and promoting, promoting, and promoting, and let’s not forget the necessary mingling. Not too bad for an introvert in a chosen extroverted business, right?
Here’s the real bottom line-no, make that foundation because it’s truly a foundation of support to stand firmly on: In reality, day by day, I am learning to stand and to rise above my circumstances with God’s strong and graceful Hands pulling me upright. I look upon Him for the direction and support I need. With Him, I can move forward and unfasten any tether to a reality that threatens to thwart what God wants me to accomplish.
Elaine Stock is the author of Always With You, which released in January 2016 and has won the 2017 Christian Small Publishers Association Book of the Year Award in fiction. Her novels fuse romance, family drama and faith in a clean fiction style. She is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers, Romance Writers of America, and Women’s Fiction Writers Association, and contributes to the international Happy Sis Magazine. In addition to Twitter, Facebook, and Goodreads, she hangs out on her active six-year-old blog, Everyone’s Story, dedicated to uplifting and encouraging all readers through the power of story and hope.
Elaine’s short story, In His Own Time, won the People’s Choice Award in the Family Fiction Contest and has been published in a printed anthology: The Story: 2014 Anthology. Her short story The Forever Christmas Gift is published in the Amazon bestseller Christmas Treasures: A Collection of Christmas Stories.
Born in Brooklyn, NY, Elaine has now been living in upstate, rural New York with her husband for more years than her stint as a NYC gal. She enjoys long walks down country roads, visiting New England towns, and of course, a good book.
Look for her novella, And You Came Along, releasing first in November as part of the boxed Christmas set, Kisses, Kids and Christmas and then independently in December. This is a story of Jacey and Zander’s rise above difficult situations.
Links:
website/blog: Everyone’s Story http://elainestock.com
Twitter http://www.twitter.com/ElaineStock
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/AuthorElaineStock
Goodreads http://goodreads.com/ElaineStock
Amazon Author Page: http://amzn.to/1JYAwNy
Now’s your chance to enter to win a copy of Always With You! Just choose your options below! The more you do, the better your chances of winning!
Can she move forward without knowing her past? Will he enjoy his present if he can’t free himself from what he left behind? In the heart of the Adirondacks, Isabelle lives in the shadow of a dark family secret whose silent burden strips her family of emotional warmth and faith in God.
Tyler belongs to the religious sect called The Faithful, which Isabelle’s father dislikes immensely. Yet, because Tyler belongs to this group, Isabelle sees only a man devoted to his family and faith. She wants it; she gets it; they marry. And when the truth comes out, Isabelle faces two choices: Staying could endanger her child. Leaving could cost her life.
July 24, 2017
Creating Characters That Inspire
What inspires you? A beautiful flower? The laughter of a child? A brilliant sunset? A compelling message? Inspiration stirs our hearts, urging us to be better people, to want to make a difference in our corner of the world.
But what about inspiration in writing? What makes a novel inspirational? Is simply having a character utter a prayer for help, or mentioning God enough to qualify? Or does it involve something much deeper?
People are often inspired by Olympic champions, or movies that portray an individual who, when faced with insurmountable odds, has the grit, determination, and faith to overcome. How can writers convey such depth of inspiration within the written page? What does it take to touch the very heart of a reader?
To be truly inspiring, a story must embody the following 4 elements:
Realistic Characters: Readers must identify deeply with characters and be able to feel what they experience. True-to-life characters resonate with readers in ways flawless characters never could. If you want to create a story that inspires, give your characters qualities readers can relate to.
Internal Faith Issue: Main characters need to grapple with a deep, personal issue that challenges their inner beliefs or morals. Give your characters a tough choice, one that tests their faith and bares their souls.
Spiritual Awakening/Growth: A character’s internal struggle must stir them to a renewed faith or understanding of God’s purpose for his/her life. Take your characters through trials and troubles that implore them to deepen their faith and draw closer to God.
Uplifting Resolution: Finally, an inspirational novel needs to end leaving readers with a sense of fulfillment that validates their commitment to God. Be certain readers are left with a deep sense of satisfaction, knowing faith is central to, not only your story, but life itself. Have you been inspired by something lately? A person? A book? I’d love to have you share your thoughts.
Read more of Cynthia’s work at: Putting on the New Blog
Connect with her on Facebook and Twitter
Read how God works in the lives of Cynthia’s characters in her debut novel, UNDER THIS SAME SKY, available in both e-book and print at Amazon.com and Barnes & Noble.
UNDER THIS SAME SKY
July 17, 2017
THE TRUE MEANING OF SUCCESS
The world likes to define success by the measure of fame and fortune a person achieves. But in my devotions this morning, I came across a definition of success that really gave me something to ponder.
In my Bible footnotes, it defined success in God’s eyes as, “faithfully doing the work God gives you.” Wow! That really put things into perspective. While the world claims popularity and having it all makes you successful, God says true success comes through simple obedience to Him.
The Lord has placed a deep desire in my life to write inspirational fiction as well as non-fiction. Every now and then, I’ve received feedback from readers, expressing how they were touched by what I’d written. I can think of no truer blessing than knowing God has used what I write to bring honor to Him. It’s my constant prayer the Lord will continue to sow seeds of hope into the lives of others through what He leads me to write.
Writers are often tempted to gage their success by the number of books they sell or the amount of hits their sites receive. Yet, as Christian authors, is that truly what writing is about? Instead, isn’t it about touching lives and being a voice for God? Whether we write non-fiction or fiction, the message should be the same–one of God’s redemption, healing, and grace. If even one life is touched by what we write, then our writing is a success in God’s eyes.
The same is true in all walks of life. Whether you’re a stay at home mom, a teacher, a nurse, or a volunteer worker, God can use you right where you are–if you’re faithful to do what He calls you to.
“May he give you the desire of your heart
and make all your plans succeed.”
(Psalm 20:4)
What has God placed on your heart to accomplish? I’d love to hear your story.
Read more of Cynthia’s work at: Putting on the New Blog
Connect with her on Facebook and Twitter
Read how God works in the lives of Cynthia’s characters in her debut novel, UNDER THIS SAME SKY, available in both e-book and print at Amazon.com and Barnes & Noble.
UNDER THIS SAME SKY
She thought she’d
lost everything
~
Instead she found
what she needed most.
July 11, 2017
Flawed Characters | Making Them True-To-Life
None of us like to admit our faults. We’d much rather portray ourselves as cool, confident, and in-control. But the fact remains–it takes weakness to reveal strength. A plant is fragile until it endures the harshness of the elements to form strong roots. A young child is vulnerable until life’s experiences and teachings bring about maturity. Growth stems from weakness.
“For when I am weak,
then I am strong.”
II Corinthians 12:10
The same is true of characters in a novel. A perfect hero/heroine lends to a boring story. After all, who would Scarlet O’Hara be without her sassy, selfish attitude? How could the Wizard of Oz’s cowardly lion gain courage without first knowing fear? How could Tom Sawyer learn the value of honesty and hard work without his scheming, care-free spirit?
Every character needs at least one exposed flaw. Without weaknesses, a character isn’t genuine or true-to-life. If you want characters that leap off the pages at readers, you must define the flaws in your characters. The following steps will help you get started.
CHOOSE
When choosing a character’s weakness, it’s important to think about what you wish to accomplish in your story. Is forgiveness your theme? Then perhaps your main character needs to possess an unforgiving attitude. Do you hope to instill spiritual awakening in your readers. Then, at the onset, your character might hold to an unbelieving heart. Whatever flaw/flaws you choose, be certain you have a goal to work toward.
CHALLENGE
Once you’ve decided on your character’s flaw(s), decide what circumstances will best challenge those weaknesses. What can you throw at him/her to draw out these flaws? When we pray for patience, the Lord doesn’t magically take our impatience away. Instead He places us in situations that require patience. The same is true of novels. The only way our characters will grow is if they are challenged, both internally and externally.
CHANGE
This is where our characters make the conscious decision to master their flaws. They no longer are imprisoned by their failings, but are alert to them, and able to rise above them for their betterment. Readers will connect with imperfect characters who, through the course of the novel, grow and mature out of their frailties. Satisfaction comes in knowing a character has changed for the better.
What are your thoughts on flawed characters? Do they make stories more genuine? I’d love to hear your thoughts.
Read how God works in the flawed lives of Cynthia’s characters in her debut novel, UNDER THIS SAME SKY, available in both e-book and print at Amazon.com and Barnes & Noble.
UNDER THIS SAME SKY
She thought she’d lost everything
~
Instead she found
what she needed most.
Read more of Cynthia’s writing at: Putting on the New Blog
Visit her Facebook Author Page
July 2, 2017
Kate Breslin Interview & Giveaway
I’m so privileged to have my friend, inspirational author Kate Breslin with me today for an insider’s look behind her and her writing. Stick around to the end to enter for a chance to win a print copy of her new release, High as the Heavens!!
It’s so great to have you here, Kate. Thanks for joining us!
Hi Cynthia! Thanks so much for inviting me to be on your blog today and have the chance to talk and share with your readers!
~ Could you tell us a bit about your background. Who/what inspired you to become a writer?
I loved reading books and writing poems as a child, and went on to write tons of prose in my diary growing up. When I reached adulthood my book reading waned a bit, but I continued to write poems, and some song lyrics for my guitar. It was years later though, when I was working a high-stress job in construction that I rediscovered books. Once again I escaped into my fictional world and I especially loved reading historical romance. Those many authors taught me to love history, and inspired me to finally tackle novel writing! After almost two decades of learning the craft, writing, revising, and accumulating a mountain of rejection letters, my work began to gain notice. I’d reached a point in my return to faith as well, and considered writing inspirational fiction. I was introduced to novels written by Linda Nichols and Francine Rivers, and I found their edgy styled faith stories uplifting and compelling. I decided to craft my debut novel for the Christian market, and my writing career essentially took off. I am so grateful to those wonderful authors for kindling my passion to write, and hopefully to follow the plan God had for me all along!
~ It’s so wonderful to have mentors to guide us in our writing journeys. If for some reason you couldn’t have been a writer, what would you have enjoyed doing instead?
I’ve had one or two careers prior to becoming a full-time writer, including bookselling and government work overseas, but if my dream job wasn’t novel writing, I think I’d love to own a garden nursery! I enjoy digging in the dirt and watching my flowers bloom, especially African violets. I have a house full of them!
~ Beautiful! I wish I had your green thumb! Your latest novel, High as the Heavens released in June. Thus far, all three of your novels have been set during war-time. What draws you to write about this historical time period?
I never really set out to write war-time stories, Cynthia, but I seem to be drawn to them. With my debut novel, For Such A Time, I got the idea to superimpose the Biblical story of Queen Esther into what I thought was a more modern and similarly horrendous timeline ”the Holocaust of WWII. With my second novel, I watched a pair of suffragettes hand out white feathers of cowardice to men out of uniform in an episode of Downtown Abbey and shortly after that, Not By Sight was born. Now, with the release of High As The Heavens, I admit that I’m continually fascinated by the real lives and events of war; ordinary people rising beyond themselves to accomplish the extraordinary, and heroes and heroines saving lives, even when it might mean sacrificing their own. Their stories inspire me.
~ Me too! Your writing contains a lot of intrigue and espionage. What interests as you were growing up hinted of this fascination?
You know all of the reading I said I did growing up? Mysteries! Authors like Carolyn Keene, Agatha Christie, Phyllis Whitney, and Victoria Holt fueled my imagination and started my whodunit beginnings with writing short stories in school. Later, as an adult novelist, I discovered the spy mania of the First World War and I was hooked!
~ How fun! Do you have a favorite character in your novels? If so, who and why?
I actually have a favorite from each of my books. In For Such A Time, it was Joseph, the clever and courageous boy who took risks to help others despite his dangerous circumstances. In Not By Sight, it was Clare Danner, a bit hard-edged on the surface, but a loyal friend through and through once you scratched away the armor. In High As The Heavens, it’s Evelyn Marche, my crafty heroine, for her bravery and persistence and her willingness to put her own life on the line for what matters most.
~ It’s amazing how life-like characters become to writers as well as readers. Thanks for sharing your favorites with us! Speaking of favorites, which of your novels do you consider your greatest work? Which was your favorite project to work on?
Well, Cynthia, with three published novels, I’d have to say that my best work was my debut, For Such A Time, particularly because I had years to write, revise, tighten, and polish the story before it ever landed on an editor’s desk. The book that was most fun for me to write was my second story, Not By Sight, because it was much lighter reading compared with the Holocaust of WWII, yet I feel the story had an important message to impart.
~ Not by Sight was a lot of fun to read too! So, what can we look forward to reading from you next?
Speaking of fun, I’m enjoying writing my next project for Bethany House! It’s another WWI story set in 1918 Europe, and includes at least one character from Not By Sight. With more espionage, romance, and I hope a few more surprises, the novel is scheduled to release in spring of 2019.
~ Sounds wonderful! We’ll look forward to it!
Former bookseller-turned-author Kate Breslin enjoys life in the Pacific Northwest with her husband and family. A writer of travel articles and award-winning poetry, Kate received Christian Retailing’s 2015 Best Award for First Time Author and her novel, For Such A Time, won the 2015 Carol award for Debut Novel. Kate’s third novel, High As The Heavens released in June 2017. When she’s not writing inspirational fiction, Kate enjoys reading or taking long walks in Washington’s beautiful woodlands. She also likes traveling to new places, both within the U.S. and abroad, having toured Greece, Rome, and much of Western Europe. New destinations make for fresh story ideas. Please visit her at www.katebreslin.com.
Contact info:
Website: www.katebreslin.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KateBreslinAuthor/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/Kate_Breslin
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/katelbreslin/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/authorkatebreslin/?hl=en
High As The Heavens
A British nurse in WWI German-occupied Brussels, Evelyn Marche spends her days at the hospital and her nights working at a café . . . or so it seems. Eve’s most carefully guarded secret is that she also spends her nights carrying out dangerous missions as a spy for a Belgian resistance group. When a plane crashes as she’s en route to a rendezvous, Eve is the first to reach the downed plane and is shocked to recognize the badly injured pilot as British RFC Captain Simon Forrester. She risks her life to conceal him from the Germans, but as the secrets between them grow and the danger mounts, can they still hope to make it out of Belgium alive?
Reviews
“What a thrill ride! Breslin’s latest has non-stop action and intrigue set in the fascinating time period of World War I. The characters are detailed and realistic, reflecting emotions that speak to a broad audience in any era. The storyline is intricately plotted and filled with incredible detail that will keep readers engaged and desperate to know what will happen. The romance is tender and the historical events are captivating, making this a book that is not to be missed.” RT Book Reviews TOP PICK
Now’s your chance to enter to win a print copy of High As The Heavens! Choose 1 or more of the options below to be entered in the drawing! The more you do the greater your chances! You have until early July 11th. I’ll announce the winner by or before July 12th.
June 27, 2017
Eliminating Distractions ~ A Writer’s Daily Challenge
A good writer pours his/her heart into every grueling sentence, spending countless hours weaving words together until they transform the reader to another time or place. Finding a large slot of time to write can prove a struggle in today’s busy world. And if you’re like me, even when I have the time, distractions often tug at me, eating away at the minutes. With so many things pulling at us–family needs, job commitments, church functions, phone calls, media devices, household duties–staying focused can be a real challenge.
“Let your eyes look straight ahead;
fix your gaze directly before you.”
(Proverbs 4:25)
We all deal with distractions. How many times do you check your phone or email a day? How many of us cheat one aspect of our lives to fill another? If we aren’t careful, we can crowd out what’s truly important. Here are five essentials to help keep distractions at a minimum in writing, and in everyday life as well.
1) Pray: Writers: Start each writing session by asking the Lord’s will to be done in your writing. As Christian writers, our purpose is to bring glory and honor to God. He alone can give us the words to speak into the hearts of others. Everyone : Start your day by seeking the Lord’s guidance and blessing. We never know how He might use us to touch others’ lives.
2) Organize : Writers: Begin by organizing your thoughts. What do you want to accomplish in this particular writing session? What’s your goal? Having a plan of action can help you keep on task. Everyone: Make a mental list of your plans for today and how you hope to accomplish them. Make the best use of your time by determining beforehand how you’ll go about them.
3) Prioritize: Writers: Decipher what is most essential for that day. Have you made commitments to another writer, editor, or agent you need to follow through with? Do you have a deadline to keep, or a schedule to maintain? Start there, then work your way down to the other items on your list. Everyone: Ask yourself, what matters most? Decide what needs to be done first. Then chip away at each task one by one.
4) Eliminate: Writers: Remove unnecessary distractions–noise, clutter, phones–whatever lures you from your writing. Resist the urge to check social media sites. Set a time limit on how long you’ll write, then reward yourself afterward with a break of some sort. Scrivener is great for this. You can easily set a word count and work to meet your goal. Everyone: Remove unnecessary clutter from your life. What can make your life easier? What can you eliminate that will help enhance the rest of your life?
5) Disengage: Writers: When your allotted writing time is over, give it a rest. Enjoy time with family, other hobbies, or focusing on other commitments. You’ll be fresher and more ready for another writing session when you lead a balanced life.(Of course it’s always fun to brainstorm in the shower, doing laundry, or while preparing a meal!) =) Everyone: Seek a healthy balance between rest and work. When at work, “work with all your heart, as for the Lord” (Colossians 3:23). But when you’re home–be home. Enjoy the blessing of resting both mind and body. After all, even the Lord rested on day 7 after creation! So what’s good for Him, must be good for us!
How do you handle distractions as a writer? I’d love to hear your thoughts!
Visit Cynthia on her FB Author Page, Twitter, and PuttingontheNew Women’s ministry group blog.
Find her debut novel: Under This Same Sky (Book #1 Prairie Sky Series) in both e-book and print on Amazon and Barnes & Noble
~ UNDER THIS SAME SKY ~
June 20, 2017
Discouragement ~ Every Writer’s Battle
For writers, times of discouragement are a given–whether it’s a dry spell, mounting rejection slips, or not being as far along in our writing journey as we hope to be. In moments like these, negative thoughts can hover over us like a thick cloud.
Yet, if we let them, these periods of discouragement and waiting can prove beneficial in our overall writing experience. It’s what we do with them that counts.
Following are some tips on how to make these setbacks work to our favor.
Develop a Thick Skin
When someone criticizes us or our writing, our first reaction is to become defensive or hurt. Instead of personalizing comments, realize no matter how hard we try, we’ll never please everyone. The Lord created us with varying likes and dislikes. Don’t allow rejections or negative comments to discourage you. Rather, expect them to come, and determine to continue to write what the Lord places on your heart to write.
Become a Gold-Digger
We’ll never grow as people or as writers unless we’re willing to accept constructive criticism. When I find myself in disagreement with a person’s comment–whether it be from a contest judge, editor, reviewer, or critique partner–I try to discern at least one take-away aspect I can apply to my writing. There is generally something of value there, if I’m willing to dig deep to find the hidden treasure within.
Be Objective
As writers, it’s often hard to view our work objectively. We put so much of ourselves into our writing, it’s difficult to see beyond our own point of view. Critique partners are great at drawing out areas in our writing that are unclear or need improvement. At times, we may not agree with their assessment, and have the option of ignoring their advice. But if more than one person makes a similar comment, it’s best to take heed. As you edit, take a step back and try to view your writing as a reader would.
Pray
Undoubtedly the most important tool a person has for withstanding criticism is prayer. When we lift our concerns to the Lord and ask for His guidance, He can supply the confidence and reassurance we so long for and need. Keep Him first in all you write and do, and He will certainly bless your journey.
How have you grown from someone’s critical comments? I’d love to hear your story!
“As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.”
(Proverbs 27:17)
Read more of Cynthia’s writing at the Women’s Ministry group blog: Putting on the New.
Like her Facebook Author Page
Purchase her debut Inspirational Historical Romance Novel:
June 14, 2017
Memories of My First Book Signing
In May I had my first book signing for my debut novel, Under This Same Sky. What a blessing it was to have so many family, friends, and individuals from the community make the effort to come show their support and encourage me along this new venture of becoming a published author.
THE LORD’S
BLESSING ON
THE DAY!
I began the day with 32 books and hopeful expectations. The Lord exceeded those expectations by blessing me with a sell-out crowd and nearly a dozen more on a waiting list, all eager to read my novel!
AUTOGRAPHING BOOKS
~
SOMETHING I NEVER THOUGHT I’D DO!
I never dreamed anyone would ever want my autograph. What a strange, wonderful feeling it gave me to see people lined up waiting for me to pen a short personal message in each copy. My favorite memory of this came wrapped in the package of a young girl whom I’d never met. Follow this link to read the story behind My Favorite Book Signing Moment. It’s a special memory I won’t soon forget.
READING A SEGMENT OF UNDER THIS SAME SKY
Another highlight (and also the most nerve-wracking moment of the signing) was when I read a short excerpt from Under This Same Sky. I had set aside a time to do this but nearly forgot it entirely until my sister indicated there were those staying just for that purpose. So, setting my nerves aside, I opened one of my books and shared a segment of it with the folks who’d stayed.
What a blessing it was to share that moment with a roomful of people, many of which had known me since childhood. Others I had worked with or been in contact with at some point in my life. What a gift God gave me in this special occasion.
I hope you enjoyed sharing these memories with me as well. If you’d like to learn more about Under This Same Sky, I hope you’ll explore the Book Page of this site as well as my FB Author Page and Amazon where it is available in both e-book and print versions.
God bless you for stopping by. Feel free to leave your thoughts!
June 5, 2017
Hope by Guest Blogger Gail Kittleson
Inspirational author Gail Kittleson joins us today with a special message of hope and an E-BOOK GIVEAWAY opportunity for her new release:
WITH EACH NEW DAWN!
I pray you are blessed as much as I was by her message.
Hope
Hope: to trust in, wait for, look for, or desire something or someone; or to expect something beneficial in the future.
Jeremiah declares “Our hope is in You.” He uses the Hebrew word qawa, similar to the word for trust.
Lately I’ve been learning Spanish, and this spring, the meaning wait for struck me afresh. The verb esparar means both to hope and to wait. We wait for spring because we trust that winter will fade. Warmer winds will blow, awakening the earth as they do every year. We count on it.
In the same way, we wait for answers to our prayers for wholeness and increased faith. But truly, our hope lies in our Creator’s character. If we see God as faithful, caring, and powerful, hope comes a lot easier to us. On the other hand, our woundedness can hinder trust.
My World War II characters experience this truth. Sometimes it’s difficult for Addie to believe things will ever change in her marriage. In the sequel, the merciless Waffen SS atrocities in Southern France overwhelm Addie’s best friend Kate.
But for these heroines, hope shines in the midst of struggle. They both must wait to see the end for which they long. Thus, there’s plenty of room for hope to affect their attitudes and individual growth.
Twenty-seven times, the Greek Old Testament translates qawa as hupomeno, “to wait, to be patient, to endure. In the presence of suffering, this term implies patience in bearing affliction while hopefully awaiting deliverance. If I tried for hours, I couldn’t better express the attitude my characters exhibit in their struggles.
I hope readers find encouragement for their own difficulties through embracing Addie’s and Kate’s. This is what happens with us as we follow the progress of Biblical characters facing hard times.
For all of us, things look bleak at times—that’s when hope flutters in and encourages us. Emily Dickinson obviously knew hope intimately:
“Hope” is the thing with feathers –That perches in the soul –
And sings the tune without the words – And never stops – at all –
And sweetest – in the Gale – is heard – And sore must be the storm –
That could abash the little Bird
That kept so many warm – I’ve heard it in the chillest land –
And on the strangest Sea – Yet – never – in Extremity,
It asked a crumb – of me.
You may contact Gail @
http://www.gailkittleson.com/
www.facebook.com/GailKittlesonAuthor
http://amazon.com/author/gailkittleson
www.twitter.com/GailGkittleson @GailGkittleson
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WITH EACH NEW DAWN.
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May 28, 2017
Writing Historical Novels/Bringing History to Life with Research
I’m as old-fashioned as they come, so historical novels are a perfect fit for me—both reading and writing. As a reader, I love the nostalgia and all the life lessons one can learn from those who’ve gone before us. But as a writer, I enjoy delving into the past and researching the time period, more specifically the nineteenth century. When writing a historical/historical romance novel, research is a must to ensure the book is true to the time period.
My debut novel, Under This Same Sky, which released in late April, took place in 1854. I’ve been thrilled at some of the comments thus far by reviewers stating the novel “makes you feel exactly like you lived back in those days”. How gratifying such comments are to an author who’s spent countless hours trying to be certain every detail is true and accurate.
The well-known facts are easy to achieve. Under This Same Sky took place on the Illinois prairie in the mid-1800s. Most everyone knows settlers lived in log cabins, but do they know how the cabins were erected and what materials were used to chink the log walls? It’s widely known that covered wagons were often used when traveling across the prairie, but not many will know that a bucket of tallow was kept handy so that when the wheels began to squeak and squeal they had to be greased much like a car engine needs oil to run smoothly.
There were so many questions I had to ask as I wrote the novel: What type of clothing was worn in 1854? What farming equipment was available? Had screen doors been invented? How would my characters cross the Mississippi? What would the city of St. Louis have looked like back then? What type of lighting was used? It’s these fine details that make a novel either believable or, if left out, leave readers with a less than satisfied reaction.
Though research is a vital part of writing a historical novel, that’s not to say a writer can’t have a little fun creating fictional people and places along with the true ones. Under This Same Sky is a blend of fictional and real. My main character, Becky Hollister grows up a few miles outside of the fictional town of Miller Creek, IL, but later travels to the very real town of St. Louis, Missouri. Only one of my characters is based on a real person. The others are products of my imagination.
What’s wonderful about historical fiction is that we can have the best of both worlds—the reality of the past blended with the creativity of fiction. A match that—in this author’s opinion, can’t be beat!
What brings a historical novel to life for you? I’d love to hear your feedback!
Read more of Cynthia’s writing at http://puttingonthenew.com/author/cynthiaroemer/
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~ UNDER THIS SAME SKY ~
Under This Same Sky is available on Amazon in e-book and print versions.
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*Reprinted from my post on Gail Kittleson’s blog: Dare to Bloom
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