Laurie L.C. Lewis's Blog: Bloggin' It Up Here, page 25
October 6, 2012
GOING TO THE SOURCE
Anyone who has ever wondered what Mormonism is really about has a great opportunity to hear these principles that way the members do. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is holding its Semi-annual Worldwide Conference this weekend. Church beliefs, history, principles, and point of view will be on full display during two days on addresses.
Here's the schedule:
Session TimesSaturday morning session10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. MDTSaturday afternoon session2:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. MDTGeneral priesthood session6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. MDTSunday morning session10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. MDTSunday afternoon session2:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. MDT
In the following post you can watch an address by Elder Jeffrey R. Holland about how conference can impact individuals. Let me share my personal love of conference. It reinvigorates me, lifts me, strengthens me, inspires me, and fills me with hope when the weight of the world begins to press in. I feel my Savior's love more personally, and my love for Him pushes the world back for a time. I find answers to my problems, both personal and in regards to my family's needs, and how best to serve my neighbors. Most of all, I am reminded of the counsel God gave Moses: "to be still and know that I am God." We have work to do, but we are not alone, and we can do little if anything without Him. Let Him strengthen and lift you too. Come and listen to a modern prophet's voice.
Copyright 2009 Laurie LC Lewis, (To obtain permission to copy or reprint any portion of this post, please contact the author at lclewis2007@gmail.com)
Here's the schedule:
Session TimesSaturday morning session10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. MDTSaturday afternoon session2:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. MDTGeneral priesthood session6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. MDTSunday morning session10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. MDTSunday afternoon session2:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. MDT
In the following post you can watch an address by Elder Jeffrey R. Holland about how conference can impact individuals. Let me share my personal love of conference. It reinvigorates me, lifts me, strengthens me, inspires me, and fills me with hope when the weight of the world begins to press in. I feel my Savior's love more personally, and my love for Him pushes the world back for a time. I find answers to my problems, both personal and in regards to my family's needs, and how best to serve my neighbors. Most of all, I am reminded of the counsel God gave Moses: "to be still and know that I am God." We have work to do, but we are not alone, and we can do little if anything without Him. Let Him strengthen and lift you too. Come and listen to a modern prophet's voice.
Copyright 2009 Laurie LC Lewis, (To obtain permission to copy or reprint any portion of this post, please contact the author at lclewis2007@gmail.com)
Copyright 2009 Laurie LC Lewis, (To obtain permission to ...
Copyright 2009 Laurie LC Lewis, (To obtain permission to copy or reprint any portion of this post, please contact the author at lclewis2007@gmail.com)
October 3, 2012
PRAYING FOR AMERICA
I'm about to wax both political and religious now, so take that as fair warning. Today is an important day. The debates begin tonight and finally voters will get a chance to hear from the two candidates without media spin and editorial wizardry distorting their words.
I've read some blogs and Facebook posts that mock the hype some people place on this election. They say this isn't a do or die day, that the future of America will never hinge on the outcome of any single election. I hope they'll agree to let me disagree.
I think we do stand at a pivotal point. Never before have we been in so much debt, been threatened in so many quarters, had so few allies, and been so divided as a people all at the same time. Never has the rock of a free press, designed and protected to serve as the guardian of liberty, seemed so purchased and manipulated. It's as if it's lost not only its mission statement, but its soul.
Here are a few examples. I hope you'll take the time to watch and really listen. It's shocking, and absurd.
Berew/
Here's another clip manipulated to completely distort Romney's policy point and paint him an idiot.
My blood hits the boiling point when I see this effort to deceive voters by some of the very people crying out against voter ID because it might disenfranchise them. What's that about?
History is riddled with moments when one battle, one man, one vote, changed the course of America. Scripture also records moments when nations' survivals rested upon the willingness of a single leader to step forward, and of a single voice to bring the cause of freedom back to remembrance. Likewise just as many accounts are written of civilizations that fell from grace, met decay, were conquered and defeated because of a lost opportunity to pull it back from the brink.
I think we're there.
Watch tonight. Listen. Then become engaged in the cause of America.
Copyright 2009 Laurie LC Lewis, (To obtain permission to copy or reprint any portion of this post, please contact the author at lclewis2007@gmail.com)
I've read some blogs and Facebook posts that mock the hype some people place on this election. They say this isn't a do or die day, that the future of America will never hinge on the outcome of any single election. I hope they'll agree to let me disagree.
I think we do stand at a pivotal point. Never before have we been in so much debt, been threatened in so many quarters, had so few allies, and been so divided as a people all at the same time. Never has the rock of a free press, designed and protected to serve as the guardian of liberty, seemed so purchased and manipulated. It's as if it's lost not only its mission statement, but its soul.
Here are a few examples. I hope you'll take the time to watch and really listen. It's shocking, and absurd.
Berew/
Here's another clip manipulated to completely distort Romney's policy point and paint him an idiot.
My blood hits the boiling point when I see this effort to deceive voters by some of the very people crying out against voter ID because it might disenfranchise them. What's that about?
History is riddled with moments when one battle, one man, one vote, changed the course of America. Scripture also records moments when nations' survivals rested upon the willingness of a single leader to step forward, and of a single voice to bring the cause of freedom back to remembrance. Likewise just as many accounts are written of civilizations that fell from grace, met decay, were conquered and defeated because of a lost opportunity to pull it back from the brink.
I think we're there.
Watch tonight. Listen. Then become engaged in the cause of America.
Copyright 2009 Laurie LC Lewis, (To obtain permission to copy or reprint any portion of this post, please contact the author at lclewis2007@gmail.com)
September 29, 2012
WHEN IT'S RIGHT, IT'S RIGHT
I'm breezing through a new manuscript right now. I can't wait to rush to the computer in the morning, I hate that groggy feeling at night that signals the end of productive writing time. I think about the characters all day, running their dialogues around in my head. When I can't get to the keyboard I use my phone's digital recorder and speak ideas into or conversations into it, and I text myself messages, like "don't forget to have Agnes use the gas leaf blower to. . . ." (You'll have to wait to read that funny scene.)
I love it when writing comes together like this--with all the pistons firing, the ideas flowing so fast I can scarcely type them before a new one barges in. I've thought about getting the old "Dragon Speak" software out so I can dictate the story. I honestly think I could tell it a one long sitting, That's how clear it is to me right now.
I haven't had this clarity in a long time, and the reason is, my mind was complicated with so many other issues. The difference now? I'm writing about events currently occurring in my sometimes crazy world. Every day yields living research, and every day a new hilarious, frustrating, tender story unfolds.
The new book had gone through several titles already--Ricochet, Moon River, The Dragons of Alsace Farm. Right now I'm settling on The Rabbits of Alsace Farm, a far cry from a title about dragons, but both fit the story, and this one highlights a more tender aspect of the story.
Intrigued? OOhhhh. I hope so.
The story is coming together so seamlessly, and so fast, but in truth, it has been about a decade in the making, and portions of the writing date back to things I literally wrote a decade ago. It's basically a quilted manuscript, and here's why. I started a sequel to my first novel, Unspoken, soon after it was released, but it wasn't picked up. The main theme wrapped around two young men who were each broken in their own way and vying for the same young woman. I have always loved the minor character, and the settings, but the manuscript sat on a shelf for ten years, as did the parts I loved.
About three years ago my mother began showing serious indications of dementia, and last January she was medically diagnosed. Since then, the family has been on a roller coaster ride of emotions from worry and stress, to sorrow and parenthood. Some days are very hard. Some are priceless.
Enter a very compassionate, mildly disabled married couple willing to live with Mom and be her helper in exchange for the right to live on the farm and raise some animals and crops. This arrangement is now a model that might one day bless the lives of others in my mother's situation.
The book isn't biographical about Mom and her friends, but the scenario touched me and I saw the good that could come from offering a a glimpse into the complicated world of supporting a parent with dementia.
But I needed a character in a situaiton similar to my mother. And who could characterize the goodness and vulnerability of this couple? I pulled those beloved characters from my old manuscript. Like I said, it's coming together seamlessly.
I'll be posting on here about the book, and also about Mom and her caregivers from time to time. I hope you'll follow along. So many families will have parents who begin the slide into the terrible rabbit hole of dementia, (she how the title fits in?) and I hope my experiences will help others support their loved one with humor and grace.
All the best.
laurie
Copyright 2009 Laurie LC Lewis, (To obtain permission to copy or reprint any portion of this post, please contact the author at lclewis2007@gmail.com)
I love it when writing comes together like this--with all the pistons firing, the ideas flowing so fast I can scarcely type them before a new one barges in. I've thought about getting the old "Dragon Speak" software out so I can dictate the story. I honestly think I could tell it a one long sitting, That's how clear it is to me right now.
I haven't had this clarity in a long time, and the reason is, my mind was complicated with so many other issues. The difference now? I'm writing about events currently occurring in my sometimes crazy world. Every day yields living research, and every day a new hilarious, frustrating, tender story unfolds.
The new book had gone through several titles already--Ricochet, Moon River, The Dragons of Alsace Farm. Right now I'm settling on The Rabbits of Alsace Farm, a far cry from a title about dragons, but both fit the story, and this one highlights a more tender aspect of the story.
Intrigued? OOhhhh. I hope so.
The story is coming together so seamlessly, and so fast, but in truth, it has been about a decade in the making, and portions of the writing date back to things I literally wrote a decade ago. It's basically a quilted manuscript, and here's why. I started a sequel to my first novel, Unspoken, soon after it was released, but it wasn't picked up. The main theme wrapped around two young men who were each broken in their own way and vying for the same young woman. I have always loved the minor character, and the settings, but the manuscript sat on a shelf for ten years, as did the parts I loved.
About three years ago my mother began showing serious indications of dementia, and last January she was medically diagnosed. Since then, the family has been on a roller coaster ride of emotions from worry and stress, to sorrow and parenthood. Some days are very hard. Some are priceless.
Enter a very compassionate, mildly disabled married couple willing to live with Mom and be her helper in exchange for the right to live on the farm and raise some animals and crops. This arrangement is now a model that might one day bless the lives of others in my mother's situation.
The book isn't biographical about Mom and her friends, but the scenario touched me and I saw the good that could come from offering a a glimpse into the complicated world of supporting a parent with dementia.
But I needed a character in a situaiton similar to my mother. And who could characterize the goodness and vulnerability of this couple? I pulled those beloved characters from my old manuscript. Like I said, it's coming together seamlessly.
I'll be posting on here about the book, and also about Mom and her caregivers from time to time. I hope you'll follow along. So many families will have parents who begin the slide into the terrible rabbit hole of dementia, (she how the title fits in?) and I hope my experiences will help others support their loved one with humor and grace.
All the best.
laurie
Copyright 2009 Laurie LC Lewis, (To obtain permission to copy or reprint any portion of this post, please contact the author at lclewis2007@gmail.com)
September 26, 2012
WHAT I LEARNED FROM WATCHING A GOOD MAN
Readers love characters they can identify with, but they also want heroes who are fallible, redemptive, and larger than life. So as a writer develops characters, we try to create a person who is generally imperfect, while being perfect in his own way. I recently attended the funeral of such a man. Here is what I learned from him. This man was very successful in his profession, a loving husband, father, and teacher who loved working with the youth. His career could have absorbed him, as it was dotted with stellar accomplishments, but it did not. And even though he designed many beautiful structures around the nation, the two things he was lauded for at his funeral were the amazing tree houses he designed for his extended family, and the local community center he designed for his hometown that could never have afforded to hire him.
His smile and confidence were infectious. He laughed loud and spoke softly when each was needed. He was a great listener, not a hearer, but a real listener, and the beautiful home he and his family lived in was known to always have it door opened wide for anyone who needed them.
His love for his family and the youth of the Church was both his hallmark and the bane of his leaders at time. He was raised by parents who were soldiers in the Gospel. No matter what was happening in their lives, they were at their meetings, fulfilling their callings, doing the Lord's work, lifting others, solving problems, and planning activities to bless the general Church. As their son lay dying, the mother knitted by his bedside to give the man's wife a reprieve, but when the wife returned, she wiped he tears and returned to her mission assignment each day.
Leaders who worked with this man soon discovered that he had a different plan. He accepted callings and assignments, and performed them beautifully, but he bypassed many meetings, firesides, etc., filled his own well, taught himself whatever principle was being taught at some meeting in far less time, so he could then attend a soccer game, a science fair, a choral concert, or a Pinewood Derby final. If there was a choice between an assigned, calendared meeting and a chance to support people, there was no questions where he would be.
When I attended classes this man taught, the Spirit was strong, the youth were compassionate and energetic, the lessons were tender and spot-on. He sent them out for the day with a challenge to be better. What more could one ask? But leaders questioned why he didn't show up at meetings to help teachers struggling with difficult classes, noting that his experiences could benefit more students than just his own class or quorum. Some referred to him as a renegade, a Pied Piper, proud and cocky.
No one says that anymore. Everyone now understands the true gift this man possessed. His talent was more than time-management skills, or his vibrant testimony, or his generosity, or his love of family. His real gift was his ability to follow the Spirit.
He had a very limited time on this earth to be with his family, to set them on a good course, to make their financial future secure, to teach his sons to be men, and his daughter what to look for in a man. His time was short to whisper confidence in the ears of as many youth as possible, and to instill a love deep enough in his wife's heart to carry her through the lonely years ahead. He heard the Spirit whisper what his life mission was, and despite the disapproval of others, he followed it with exactness.
My take-away from this was three-fold. First, we are not cookie-cutter people. The Gospel is true, and the principles are unimpeachable, but we will need the Spirit to know how to apply them in our own lives. Our missions in life are as individual and different as we are, and sometimes fulfilling them may require us to step out of the herd, to buck the norm, even at the risk of being called cocky or a renegade. We will need the Spirit with us to know what, when, for how long, and how far we are to go.
My second take-away is about judging. We need to trust each other, and have the Spirit with us to know when a friend is acting in accordance with a separate, personal spiritual directive than ours, and when he is lost and needs help. That is not an easy or light matter, but I think if the people who fret over the choices of others would go to them, brother to brother, sister to sister, and speak with them spirit to spirit, instead of indicting them from afar, the Lord will give us them our answer and our own confirmation.
Thirdly, keep our eyes on the Prophets and principles. After reading President Hinckley's biography I realized the difference between principles of the Gospel and Church culture. The Hinckley's were stalwart on doctrinal issues, but their family choices frequently bucked Church culture, and they taught their children that they trusted their choices, so long as they were adhering to Gospel principles. Likewise, this man lived the principles. He never shaved truth, justified his actions, bucked responsibility, or rebelled against any doctrine, , but choices about how he spent his time were sacred and personal, and he never apologized for following the promptings he received.
One thing I notice more and more at General Conference are references about the need for us to live by the Spirit. The Brethren seem to be telling us over and over that this will be the single most critical factor in safely navigating through these times. Perhaps that's why this man's life and passing touched me so deeply. Let's make sure we are asking for this gift daily. Let's check ourselves from time to time, asking when was the last time we felt the Spirit really guiding us. If it's been a while, let's pray to have it more abundantly, and be sure we're doing the things that invite the Spirit into our homes, and hearts. Let's listen to each other, not just hear, but really listen, to know when we need to pray for each other.Copyright 2009 Laurie LC Lewis, (To obtain permission to copy or reprint any portion of this post, please contact the author at lclewis2007@gmail.com)
His smile and confidence were infectious. He laughed loud and spoke softly when each was needed. He was a great listener, not a hearer, but a real listener, and the beautiful home he and his family lived in was known to always have it door opened wide for anyone who needed them.
His love for his family and the youth of the Church was both his hallmark and the bane of his leaders at time. He was raised by parents who were soldiers in the Gospel. No matter what was happening in their lives, they were at their meetings, fulfilling their callings, doing the Lord's work, lifting others, solving problems, and planning activities to bless the general Church. As their son lay dying, the mother knitted by his bedside to give the man's wife a reprieve, but when the wife returned, she wiped he tears and returned to her mission assignment each day.
Leaders who worked with this man soon discovered that he had a different plan. He accepted callings and assignments, and performed them beautifully, but he bypassed many meetings, firesides, etc., filled his own well, taught himself whatever principle was being taught at some meeting in far less time, so he could then attend a soccer game, a science fair, a choral concert, or a Pinewood Derby final. If there was a choice between an assigned, calendared meeting and a chance to support people, there was no questions where he would be.
When I attended classes this man taught, the Spirit was strong, the youth were compassionate and energetic, the lessons were tender and spot-on. He sent them out for the day with a challenge to be better. What more could one ask? But leaders questioned why he didn't show up at meetings to help teachers struggling with difficult classes, noting that his experiences could benefit more students than just his own class or quorum. Some referred to him as a renegade, a Pied Piper, proud and cocky.
No one says that anymore. Everyone now understands the true gift this man possessed. His talent was more than time-management skills, or his vibrant testimony, or his generosity, or his love of family. His real gift was his ability to follow the Spirit.
He had a very limited time on this earth to be with his family, to set them on a good course, to make their financial future secure, to teach his sons to be men, and his daughter what to look for in a man. His time was short to whisper confidence in the ears of as many youth as possible, and to instill a love deep enough in his wife's heart to carry her through the lonely years ahead. He heard the Spirit whisper what his life mission was, and despite the disapproval of others, he followed it with exactness.
My take-away from this was three-fold. First, we are not cookie-cutter people. The Gospel is true, and the principles are unimpeachable, but we will need the Spirit to know how to apply them in our own lives. Our missions in life are as individual and different as we are, and sometimes fulfilling them may require us to step out of the herd, to buck the norm, even at the risk of being called cocky or a renegade. We will need the Spirit with us to know what, when, for how long, and how far we are to go.
My second take-away is about judging. We need to trust each other, and have the Spirit with us to know when a friend is acting in accordance with a separate, personal spiritual directive than ours, and when he is lost and needs help. That is not an easy or light matter, but I think if the people who fret over the choices of others would go to them, brother to brother, sister to sister, and speak with them spirit to spirit, instead of indicting them from afar, the Lord will give us them our answer and our own confirmation.
Thirdly, keep our eyes on the Prophets and principles. After reading President Hinckley's biography I realized the difference between principles of the Gospel and Church culture. The Hinckley's were stalwart on doctrinal issues, but their family choices frequently bucked Church culture, and they taught their children that they trusted their choices, so long as they were adhering to Gospel principles. Likewise, this man lived the principles. He never shaved truth, justified his actions, bucked responsibility, or rebelled against any doctrine, , but choices about how he spent his time were sacred and personal, and he never apologized for following the promptings he received.
One thing I notice more and more at General Conference are references about the need for us to live by the Spirit. The Brethren seem to be telling us over and over that this will be the single most critical factor in safely navigating through these times. Perhaps that's why this man's life and passing touched me so deeply. Let's make sure we are asking for this gift daily. Let's check ourselves from time to time, asking when was the last time we felt the Spirit really guiding us. If it's been a while, let's pray to have it more abundantly, and be sure we're doing the things that invite the Spirit into our homes, and hearts. Let's listen to each other, not just hear, but really listen, to know when we need to pray for each other.Copyright 2009 Laurie LC Lewis, (To obtain permission to copy or reprint any portion of this post, please contact the author at lclewis2007@gmail.com)
September 23, 2012
A FEW THOUGHTS ABOUT AMERICA
I had knee surgery so my computer time is down a bit right now, and when i make it to the computer I'm trying hard to really dig into the new manuscript.
My new projects are not American history-related, but I can't shake the patriotic passion/panic Free Men and Dreamers dredged up in me. And with the election looming, with supposed news stations spinning reports with logic-dizzying velocity, it's easy to become overwhelmed, confused, depressed, and worse--disengaged.
Please don't allow the spinners to send you packing from your patriotic right to determine the course of this nation. Please take a moment and breathe, let your inner compass speak truth to your heart. You'll know what to do, what name to choose, what course to endorse with your sacred vote.
These videos set my heart ablaze. The rightness and directness of their message made it easy to remember what the American creed is, and how I can be engaged in its continuance. Frankly, I was shocked by how some of the comments hit me, clarifying my thinking until I embraced some previously rejected ideas. That takes some doing.
Spend a few minutes watching these, then allow your heart a few more minutes to ponder which candidates reflect these values.
See you at the polls.Copyright 2009 Laurie LC Lewis, (To obtain permission to copy or reprint any portion of this post, please contact the author at lclewis2007@gmail.com)
My new projects are not American history-related, but I can't shake the patriotic passion/panic Free Men and Dreamers dredged up in me. And with the election looming, with supposed news stations spinning reports with logic-dizzying velocity, it's easy to become overwhelmed, confused, depressed, and worse--disengaged.
Please don't allow the spinners to send you packing from your patriotic right to determine the course of this nation. Please take a moment and breathe, let your inner compass speak truth to your heart. You'll know what to do, what name to choose, what course to endorse with your sacred vote.
These videos set my heart ablaze. The rightness and directness of their message made it easy to remember what the American creed is, and how I can be engaged in its continuance. Frankly, I was shocked by how some of the comments hit me, clarifying my thinking until I embraced some previously rejected ideas. That takes some doing.
Spend a few minutes watching these, then allow your heart a few more minutes to ponder which candidates reflect these values.
See you at the polls.Copyright 2009 Laurie LC Lewis, (To obtain permission to copy or reprint any portion of this post, please contact the author at lclewis2007@gmail.com)
September 22, 2012
LDS Prophets on Voting Principles over Party & Politics (Ezra Taft Benson)
Copyright 2009 Laurie LC Lewis, (To obtain permission to copy or reprint any portion of this post, please contact the author at lclewis2007@gmail.com)
Study the LDS view of the Constitution
Copyright 2009 Laurie LC Lewis, (To obtain permission to copy or reprint any portion of this post, please contact the author at lclewis2007@gmail.com)
September 17, 2012
WRITING TOOLS
THE LDSTORYMAKERS MIDWEST WRITERS' CONFERENCE DEBUTED IN OLATHE, KANSAS.I'm writing this at six thousand feet above ground, on my return trip home from teaching two workshops at the LDStorymakers Midwest conference in Olathe, Kansas. I always end up humbled after LDS writers's conferences. The talent that gathers awes me, both by those published and those whose names and book titles will be hitting shelves in the next year or two.
Danyelle Ferguson, John Ferguson, Lynn Parsons, and their committee threw a flawless conference. great class topics, a terrific assembly of teacher/writers/mentors, great food, amazing speakers, and spurts of clever fun tossed in. Kansas did herself proud, opening her arms and doling out hospitality as sweet at their signature cherry crush candies. Thank you, thank you Kansas!
Once again, stellar authors generously set aside deadlines and family time to enthusiastically nurture new talent and celebrate the successes of new break-out writers.
Imagine the opportunity to get advice from Lisa Mangum, who is not only an editor a Deseret Books, but a nationally-acclaimed author racking up a to-die-for list of awards. Or how about getting writing tips from suspense queen Traci Hunter Abramson, or sweet mystery diva Josi Kilpack? What fantasy-lover wouldn't love getting into the mind off Karen Hoover? And when Heather Justeson, Don Carey, and Steve Westover step in front of a class, you know you're going to get terrific advice.
So if you love to write, and a smaller, more intimate setting suits you, mark your calendars for next year's conference. Check out LDStorymakers.com website next summer for details. And if large, stellar conferences are more to your liking, prepare to register the the LDStorymakers annual conference in Provo, Utah May 10-11, 2013. Registration opens in December. Details for this premier conference are also on the Storymakers' site. THE POWER POINT PRESENTATIONS FROM MY CONFERENCE WORKSHOPS ARE AVAILABLE FOR VIEWING.I was asked to present two workshops at the first annual LDStorymakers' Midwest Writers' Conference--one on PLOTTING, and one on writing HISTORICAL FICTION. I combed the Internet and a few writing books to gather a variety of information from various authors. The links to those original posts are included in the presentation.
These two power point presentations are now up on my web site. Scroll down the page to find the buttons. Here's the link: http://www.laurielclewis.com/news.htm.
I hope they aid you in your own writing.
laurieCopyright 2009 Laurie LC Lewis, (To obtain permission to copy or reprint any portion of this post, please contact the author at lclewis2007@gmail.com)
Danyelle Ferguson, John Ferguson, Lynn Parsons, and their committee threw a flawless conference. great class topics, a terrific assembly of teacher/writers/mentors, great food, amazing speakers, and spurts of clever fun tossed in. Kansas did herself proud, opening her arms and doling out hospitality as sweet at their signature cherry crush candies. Thank you, thank you Kansas!
Once again, stellar authors generously set aside deadlines and family time to enthusiastically nurture new talent and celebrate the successes of new break-out writers.
Imagine the opportunity to get advice from Lisa Mangum, who is not only an editor a Deseret Books, but a nationally-acclaimed author racking up a to-die-for list of awards. Or how about getting writing tips from suspense queen Traci Hunter Abramson, or sweet mystery diva Josi Kilpack? What fantasy-lover wouldn't love getting into the mind off Karen Hoover? And when Heather Justeson, Don Carey, and Steve Westover step in front of a class, you know you're going to get terrific advice.
So if you love to write, and a smaller, more intimate setting suits you, mark your calendars for next year's conference. Check out LDStorymakers.com website next summer for details. And if large, stellar conferences are more to your liking, prepare to register the the LDStorymakers annual conference in Provo, Utah May 10-11, 2013. Registration opens in December. Details for this premier conference are also on the Storymakers' site. THE POWER POINT PRESENTATIONS FROM MY CONFERENCE WORKSHOPS ARE AVAILABLE FOR VIEWING.I was asked to present two workshops at the first annual LDStorymakers' Midwest Writers' Conference--one on PLOTTING, and one on writing HISTORICAL FICTION. I combed the Internet and a few writing books to gather a variety of information from various authors. The links to those original posts are included in the presentation.
These two power point presentations are now up on my web site. Scroll down the page to find the buttons. Here's the link: http://www.laurielclewis.com/news.htm.
I hope they aid you in your own writing.
laurieCopyright 2009 Laurie LC Lewis, (To obtain permission to copy or reprint any portion of this post, please contact the author at lclewis2007@gmail.com)
September 7, 2012
DO YOU KNOW WHAT A CONTRONYM IS?
Writers and other word nerds love language, with all its idiosyncrasies and peculiarities. One category of language oddities are contronyms, words which mean their opposite--auto-antonyms also called contronyms. Confused yet?
Author and friend, Braden Bell, (The Roadshow, The Kindling), shared this list with me some months ago, and I thought it was worth sharing. Dazzle your family members at supper tonight. There's a link at the bottom that leads to site with others, but can you name some without looking? Here goes. Enjoy!
to separate, sever or split apart: he cut the meat with a heavy cleaver; think cleft palate, cleft hooves.
Sanction: to give official authorization or approval
to penalize for violating a moral principle or law.
screen: to obscure or hide
to show or review
dust: to clean up particles
to sprinkle or cover with
buckle: to fasten
to give way
temper: water down or moderate
make harder or strengthen
wear: to deteriorate by use
to stand up to use
apology: admit fault
give a defense or explanation of
Here is a list of a lot more:
http://www.rinkworks.com/words/contronyms.shtmlCopyright 2009 Laurie LC Lewis, (To obtain permission to copy or reprint any portion of this post, please contact the author at lclewis2007@gmail.com)
Author and friend, Braden Bell, (The Roadshow, The Kindling), shared this list with me some months ago, and I thought it was worth sharing. Dazzle your family members at supper tonight. There's a link at the bottom that leads to site with others, but can you name some without looking? Here goes. Enjoy!
to separate, sever or split apart: he cut the meat with a heavy cleaver; think cleft palate, cleft hooves.
Sanction: to give official authorization or approval
to penalize for violating a moral principle or law.
screen: to obscure or hide
to show or review
dust: to clean up particles
to sprinkle or cover with
buckle: to fasten
to give way
temper: water down or moderate
make harder or strengthen
wear: to deteriorate by use
to stand up to use
apology: admit fault
give a defense or explanation of
Here is a list of a lot more:
http://www.rinkworks.com/words/contronyms.shtmlCopyright 2009 Laurie LC Lewis, (To obtain permission to copy or reprint any portion of this post, please contact the author at lclewis2007@gmail.com)
Bloggin' It Up Here
June 14, 2021
Forgive me. I've been terrible about staying in touch. How are you doing? I hope life is sweet and peaceful, and that things are normalizing wherever you are.
As for me, well . . . I've u ...more
Forgive me. I've been terrible about staying in touch. How are you doing? I hope life is sweet and peaceful, and that things are normalizing wherever you are.
As for me, well . . . I've u ...more
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