E.G. Bella's Blog, page 21

Jolly Genre Jubilee Tag

Happy Friday!

I’ve seen this blog tag floating around lately, and since I enjoy talking about fiction genres so much, I thought I’d hop in on it! While I haven’t been officially tagged, Chelsea over at An Ordinary Pen inspired me to just answer the questions anyway. Thanks, Chelsea!

First of all, the rules:

Thank the blogger who tagged you, and leave a link back to their blog.Leave a link back to the creator of the tag. (That would be Kenzie!)Answer the questions honestly, and include at least one gif of a pelican. (Sorry, I’m all out of pelican gifs . . .)Tag 3+ friends to do the tag on their own blogs!

And now for the questions:

What is your favorite genre to write?

Wow, starting with the hardest question! I’m still experimenting so I don’t think I’ve truly decided which genre is my favorite yet, but historical fiction, medieval fantasy, and dystopian are all high on the list. Historical fiction because it allows me to “live” in any time or place in the world that I’d like, medieval fantasy for its stereotypical charming and borderline magical setting, and dystopian because I get to write more modern action and throw poor characters into chaos I pray I never have to experience, haha.

I also love writing stories set in the Star Wars universe. There’s just so much depth and possibility there! Most people would probably call that fanfiction, which is likely true. But since the Star Wars books I’ve written center around original characters, I like to pretend it’s not as childish as it sounds. To each his own, right?

What genre would you NEVER get caught writing?

Horror, for sure. I often use suspense and thriller-type action in my stories, but I’ve never seen the appeal of using creepy scare tactics just to create fear in people. If they’re apprehensive or nervous during a story that’s headed somewhere meaningful, okay. But I dislike the kind of stories that leave people jittery and sick to their stomach simply because an author threw a bunch of psychos, blood, and haunted houses at them. I’d also never write in a certain other genre that focuses on unnecessary and inappropriate content.

What fictional genre feels most like home to you?

Probably historical fiction. I grew up reading historical fictions more than any other type of genre, and that’s still what I usually gravitate to if I’m browsing at a library or bookstore. I like that they’re solid enough in the real world that my mind doesn’t hurt trying to keep track of huge worldbuilding changes, but they’re still set in times and places that I’ve never experienced and offer a huge variety of – often educational – adventures.

I’ll read historical fictions about any time period, but some of my favorites include World War II era, the Civil War, the Colonial era, the Golden Age of Piracy, and biblical times.

If you could transform your real life into any genre of your choosing, which would it be?

Ooh, that’s a tough one. My first inclination is to say a medieval fantasy (one of my favorite genres to read and write). There’s just something about knights, castles, dragons, swordfights, forests, royalty, and strong ethics of that time period that is very appealing. Then again, so is indoor plumbing and modern medicine, so I’m conflicted.

What genre does your real life most resemble at the moment?

Honestly, probably a dystopian, given the current state of things. While I can happily say there’s no angsty teen love triangle, there are plenty of other similarities. A worldwide virus, political tension, dramatic division, natural disasters . . . thankfully, though I am about the right age for the currently popular YA dystopians, the fate of the Earth doesn’t rest single-handedly on my shoulders. And that’s a very good thing for all of us.

What’s a genre you’re interested in writing, even though you’ve never written it before?

Other than the abovementioned undesirable genres, I want to try them all. I really enjoy testing out new genres and gleaning bits and pieces that I like from each of them. Sometimes I finish a project and decide that that genre isn’t for me, but I can always still learn from them, and the experience is very valuable. And sometimes I find new favorites!

What genre is your most recent plot bunny, and where did it come from?

My most recent plot bunny is a non-magic, high fantasy story about a mute girl that’s taken in by the brutes that burnt down her village, and both learns and teaches a valuable lesson on forgiveness amid twisting story threads. It’s not Tolkien-level fantasy, so labeling it as a high fantasy feels a little presumptuous, but I’ve done a huge amount of worldbuilding and it’s certainly not a low fantasy. Maybe I should call it a “medium” fantasy, haha.

The story idea was a result of reading a friend’s fantasy novel, studying foreign communication methods for those born without the ability to speak, listening to some intense Celtic instrumentals, and also contemplating some of my favorite story tropes. The ones that carry across genres, and are basically my guilty pleasures of fiction. I’ve never written a full high fantasy novel before, so I get a fun challenge!

How many genres have you written thus far in your writing journey?

Oh boy . . . I’m not sure I can even remember all of them. So long as my memory isn’t failing me, the list of genres I’ve written includes historical fiction, fantasy – high and low, science fiction, dystopian, contemporary, allegory, children’s books, and stories with original characters set in the world of Star Wars (because that’s definitely a genre). I’ve also written stories with animal main characters, though again I don’t know what counts as a genre.

Experimenting within genres is one of my favorite things to do with new stories. In every genre I’ve written in, I’ve changed up the genre tropes and clichés, and tried out writing stories that fit each end of the genre spectrum, with some in the middle grounds as well. There are just so many possibilities for fascinating stories!

This has been a lot of fun! I hope you’ve enjoyed the genre journey as much as I have.

I’d like to tag the following people to participate if they’d like:

1. Jordyn at Indie Edits By J
2. The ladies at Teen Writers Nook
3. Kristianne at Whimsical Wanderings
(and of course, YOU!)

Thanks for joining me today! Although genres can be tricky sometimes, I love studying them, talking about them, and dabbling in as many new ones as I can. This tag has been an excellent excuse to do so, haha.

How would YOU answer the questions? I’d love to find out, so let me know in the comments below! I look forward to hearing from you!

Recent Posts:

Jolly Genre Jubilee Tag2021 July Wrap-Up10 Quotes About Living Free

2021 July Wrap-Up

Hello and happy Wednesday!

Just as I shared in June, today’s post is a summary of the past month of my life – with writing progress reports, reading accomplishments, and general updates.

I’ve found that knowing I’ll be held accountable for my goals is very helpful in actually reaching them, haha. And perhaps looking back at past months will allow me to spot helpful patterns or insights for the journey. I certainly hope so!

Without further ado . . .

General Update

I thought June was busy, but the flurry of activity in July made June seem almost laidback! My poor, amazing family didn’t see much of me last month, and when they did, it was often a frazzled, exhausted, and scatterbrained me. I’m hoping for a chance to breathe this month, and they’re probably hoping I’m more myself again too, haha. As crazy as July was though, all the activities were enjoyable!

First of all, I spent a week housesitting for a lovely family, which included caring for the sweetest giant lap dog ever (a Great Dane who clearly saw herself as a chihuahua), among other pets. Even though I still made trips back home, the experience of caring for a house/animals independently for a while was a good one. Interesting how fast dishes for one person can be washed, too.

The next big event started the last day of housesitting – a two-week theatre camp. When I signed up, I knew little about who else would be involved, what would be expected of us, or even what show we’d be putting on, which was a stretch for me! But I’ve missed theatre, and while auditioning, learning, memorizing, and performing a musical in twelve days was often stressful, I learned so much, and the great memories and friends made were very worth it. Now that it’s ended, I’ve gotten more rest, but I do miss it!

Those activities plus the busyness of everyday life, work, family birthdays and reunions, and trying not to let all my writing goals be failures definitely kept me occupied this month! However insane at times, I’m grateful for all of it, and God’s worked in wonderful ways in each situation. His methods are fascinating to observe!

Fiction Writing

Now for a confession…I wrote a grand total of 8 fiction words last month. I’m not proud, haha, but sometimes life just happens. July was evidently full of life – and not one that included much writing. My many writing goals have now been shoved to August, which looks much more open so far. Maybe I can actually get to them this month!

Thankfully, I did manage to do a bit of outlining/prep work to make the rewriting process easier for my Cabin Girl prequel. Not something I can add to my wordcount, but I’m very glad for the headstart on this next draft.

Fiction writing goals for August include:

~ Rewriting (2nd draft) my Cabin Girl prequel – probably about 70,000 words
~ Finishing edits, proofreads, and formatting for Cabin Girl

On the Blog

I released three posts in July – far less than last month. I did plan to cut back on posting over the summer though. In August, I’m aiming to publish 4-6 posts in August, and then hopefully I’ll resume an 8-10 monthly schedule once autumn hits. Here’s the list of July posts (just click on the titles to read them):

~ Truly Free
~ Twenty Years Older: A Letter Tag
~ 10 Quotes About Living Free

Reading List

My reading time was very sparse last month, with any spare moments going toward work or memorizing lines, but I did manage to fit in a couple of fiction books! As much as I enjoy non-fiction, reading some fiction stories written by other people (i.e. not by me, haha) was a refreshing change.

The list of books I finished:

~ The Help by Kathryn Stockett
(This had far more mature content than I would have liked, but the story was gripping and the characters were vivid, nuanced, and likable. Overall, it was very hard to put down.)
~ The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini
(Again, I can’t recommend this due to some content, but the setting was fascinating, and the story quickly drew me in. Not my favorite, but some of the themes and characters really spoke to me.)

And the books I started but haven’t finished yet:

~ Eragon by Christopher Paolini
~ No Wonder They Call Him the Savior by Max Lucado
~ Beneath a Scarlet Sky by Mark Sullivan

If I’m not careful, I tend to start a lot of books and not ever finish them all, haha. My goal is to finish every book I start this year, even if it takes me a while. Most of my focus in August will be going toward writing, but hopefully I can still get to reading a few more books, too.

Looking Forward

As I’ve mentioned already, while August will still be busy, it looks like I’ll be able to have a bit more time at home – which should mean a chance to catch up on the overlooked projects from July. Highlights moving forward include a friend’s wedding, continuing to help with my church’s youth group, volunteering with a local food distribution group, working more hours, and getting more time to write!

In addition, I need to finish planning and preparing for the high school fiction writing class I start teaching at the end of the month. I’ve never taught a class before and I’m definitely nervous, but it should be a lot of fun, and I’m looking forward to the chance to share the advice that’s helped me so much on my writing journey. The students signed up are a great group, too, which only makes things better!

Writing-wise, my prayer is that by the end of the month, I’ll have stuck to my less intensive posting on my blog (expect 4-6 posts), written the second draft of my prequel and cleaned it up enough to submit to a novel contest, complted another round of edits on Cabin Girl, and formulated a plan to keep me on track with my writing goals for the fall. Only God knows what will happen, but I’m trusting that He’ll work everything out as it should be, just as He always does. I only have to stay on my toes!

Well, there you have my July 2021 wrap-up! Thanks for sticking with it! Or to summarize if you skipped to the end: I didn’t write much in July, but I did lots of other stuff, and I plan to do a bunch more in August. That’s the whole post in a nutshell. Now off I go, to start!

What was YOUR July like? What kinds of things did you get to do? If you have a progress report on something, or books you read and would like to share, go ahead and let me know in the comments! And while you’re at it, feel free to include what you’re looking forward to and/or hoping to accomplish in August! As always, I’m excited to hear from you!

Recent Posts:

2021 July Wrap-Up10 Quotes About Living FreeTwenty Years Older: A Letter Tag

10 Quotes About Living Free

Everyone has their own idea of what freedom looks like.

For Americans, July is typically full of reminders about our freedom as a nation. The freedoms we enjoy here, and the opportunities we’ve been blessed with are unparalleled around the world. We’re right to remember and to celebrate them, and to honor the sacrifices of those who fought for them.

Several weeks ago, on Independence Day, I dove even farther into what freedom means to me – not just as an American, but as a Christian.1 I believe that true and complete freedom can only be found through Jesus Christ. And when we’re living in His freedom, everything changes. The lives we can live when we’re not bound by the Enemy are unbelievable.

But what does it mean to live in freedom?

That’s where it can get complicated. Some people are eager to accept Jesus’ offer of salvation and receive the freedom He promises, but then grow discouraged when hard things still happen, and they continue to struggle with temptations and heartbreak. Others are skeptical for those very reasons. Accepting Jesus doesn’t seem to make Christians’ lives any easier. They still sin and mourn and battle anger – so what’s the point? What changes?

On the outside, it may or may not look like anything changes. Just because someone is a Christian, doesn’t mean they’re granted a ‘Get Out of Difficulty Free’ card. In fact, that’s never the case. If anything, life often gets trickier in some ways. And in addition to seeking to follow God and His will for us, Christians aren’t exempt from pain, loss, illness, depression, family troubles, poverty… everything others struggle with.

What always changes is inside. Christians may battle with depression, but they know that with Jesus’ help, they can overcome it. They may struggle with rocky relationships, betrayal, and abandonment, but they don’t have to let it hinder them from reaching out to others in the future. They may live in poverty or homelessness, but they know that God will always provide what they truly need.

And usually, as a Christian lives out this freedom, and rests secure in their knowledge and trust in God, it does show on the outside. God works powerfully through the examples of Christians – especially in their darkest moments. That’s one reason freedom in Christ doesn’t mean freedom from difficulty.

Without the dark, the light doesn’t show. When Christians are joyful (not necessarily happy, but joyful), at peace, and committed to loving and serving others, no matter what they’re battling in their lives, it’s powerful. It’s a bright, shining example of the Savior and how He works in our hearts.

And with Him, we know we don’t have to allow the pain, the injustice, the hardships of this world to drag us down. We don’t have to let them chain us up and hold us captive. In every situation, we can look to Jesus, who understands. He’s always there to help us overcome.

It’s not easy. Often, it may feel impossible. But where it would be impossible on our own, nothing is impossible with God. If He’s promised something, we can count on it fully.

And while He never promises happiness, or material abundance, or perfect health in this life, He has promised victory in the end. He wins. No matter what happens in this life, we can eagerly await – knowing with absolute certainty that it’s coming – an eternity of joy, peace, love, and fellowship with our Lord.

No more pain. No more grief. No more need.

To me, nothing sounds more like freedom than that.

It’s just the getting there that’s tough. All too often I can get caught up in the swirling storms of this world and its hardships, and lose sight of the freedom I really have. It’s far too common that I allow myself to get sucked into discouragement and doubt.

That’s when I need to spend more time praying and studying Scriptures that remind me of the freedom I have through Christ. In addition, I’ve often found it helpful to hear what other Christians have to say on the subject. So today, I thought I’d share ten of my favorite quotes about true freedom, with the prayer that they help you as much as they help me.

1. “If you believe in the Lord Jesus Christ you are free.”
(Dwight L. Moody)

2. “May we think of freedom, not as the right to do as we please, but as the opportunity to do what is right.”
(Peter Marshall)

3. “God has defeated Satan through the death and resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ. Through this overwhelming victory, God has also empowered you to overcome any temptation to sin and has provided sufficient resources for you to respond biblically to any problem of life. By relying on God’s power and being obedient to His Word, you can be an overcomer in any situation.”
(John C. Broger)

4. “To serve God, to love God, to enjoy God, is the sweetest freedom in the world.”
(Thomas Watson)

5. “I have to get to the point of the absolute and unquestionable relationship that takes everything exactly as it comes from Him. God never guides us at some time in the future, but always here and now. Realize that the Lord is here now, and the freedom you receive is immediate.”
(Oswald Chambers)

6. “We can see hope in the midst of hopelessness. We can see peace in the midst of chaos. We have a hope that the world does not have. We can see clearly that all things work together for the good of them that love Him and are called according to His purpose.” 
(Priscilla Shirer)

7. “There is an amazing and refreshing journey of freedom for those who know Jesus Christ as Lord. “
(Crystal McDowell)

8. “The victorious Christian neither exalts nor downgrades himself. His interests have shifted from self to Christ. What he is or is not no longer concerns him. He believes that he has been crucified with Christ and he is not willing either to praise or deprecate such a man.”
(A.W. Tozer)

9. “What gives me the most hope every day is God’s grace; knowing that his grace is going to give me the strength for whatever I face, knowing that nothing is a surprise to God.”
(Rick Warren)

10. “Wherever you are, be all there! Live to the hilt every situation you believe to be the will of God.”
(Jim Elliot)

Life isn’t easy – that’s just how it is in a fallen world. But I believe that we can overcome anything with Jesus. And no matter how difficult this life is, no matter how much we might hurt, we’re not bound to it forever. We have an eternity of true freedom waiting for us. Today, I pray that we’d be reminded of that freedom, and that we’d always seek to live lives that reflect that truth. May God be glorified through us!

Did any of these quotes speak to you today? Go ahead and let me know your favorites in the comments, as well as if there is a certain topic you’d like to see more quotes about. While you’re there, I’d love to hear something YOU’RE learning about living in freedom!

“And you will know the truth,
and the truth will set you free.”
(John 8:32)

1. I talked about true freedom in my post here.

2. I shared more of my quote collection in many previous posts, which you can find here.

3. To receive your own printable pages of the above quotes (and the ones used in my other ‘Quotes’ posts), sign up for my email list! Simply fill in the form here, and I’ll send you PDF copies of the quote collections – as well as an inspirational short story. I look forward to hearing from you!

Recent Posts:

10 Quotes About Living FreeTwenty Years Older: A Letter TagTruly Free

Twenty Years Older: A Letter Tag

Happy Friday!

It’s been quite a while since I’ve participated in a blog tag, so I was pretty excited to be tagged for this one by Kristianne, over at Whimsical Wanderings (you can check out her post here)!

Basically, the challenge given by this tag is to write a letter to your present self from yourself twenty years in the future. What advice would you give yourself? What would you remind yourself of? What do you think could have happened in your life up to that point?

At first I was a bit hesitant, but after reading some letters written by others participating in this tag, I’m actually really looking forward to it! What would I say to myself?

First of all, the rules:

Appreciate the blogger who nominated you. (Thank you so much, Kristianne!)Mention Gauri at Brighter Alleys, the creator of this tag. Answer the question, which is a task to write a letter from yourselfNominate 5 bloggers and make sure they know they’re nominated.

And now, to jump right into it…

Dear younger, more immature, and far less experienced self,

As I look back over the past twenty years, the changes I see in you are startling. The things you’ve done, the places you’ve been, the relationships you’ve had…You’ve grown more than you ever thought you would. And though you still have so far to go (you’re only a year away from forty years on earth, which is practically eighty, which must mean more wisdom, right?), you’ve made progress. And you’re still making progress.

You used to be afraid. Afraid that you weren’t good enough. That you wouldn’t amount to anything. That you’d never impact others for Christ the way you wanted to. Well, the good news? You’re not afraid anymore. Do you still struggle with insecurities sometimes? Yes – after all, twenty years doesn’t make you any less human. But you’ve learned where your worth comes from and the value you hold simply because you’re you. You’ve learned to rest secure in your identity as God’s beloved child. And you’ve learned that you – yes you – have a special role to fill in God’s plan, and can influence others for good in your own unique way, with your own unique giftings.

For example, your writing (yes, I knew you’d want to ask about that). You’re not the next J. K. Rowling – not that that was ever your goal, I know – but you’ve kept writing and you’ve made a considerable dent in your still ever-growing list of future story ideas. And as you’ve continued to write and publish the stories you’re passionate about, you’ve been reaching others that are passionate about them too. The best parts are the messages you receive from people who’ve been touched, encouraged, inspired, or challenged by your stories. And the greatest feeling in the world is hearing that something you wrote brought someone closer to God. That’s why you’ve kept writing. And that’s why you can’t imagine stopping.

As for your other dreams and goals? Well, I’m still just as fond of surprising others as you are, so I’m not going to tell you the specifics (beg and plead if you must, but I’m not going to spoil you). Your longing for missions? Yes, it’s still there – and to your delight, you’re putting it to use. Your love of music? Still present, and though, no, you’re not on Broadway, you’ve grown far more comfortable using your voice for God’s glory, even while others are listening. You’ll also be glad to hear that you’ve finally made peace with your physical limits, and that you’ve learned how to take the best possible care of yourself, keeping prepared for anything God asks of you.

Most of all, I will tell you that the joy’s been in the journey. It still is. Every day is an adventure of its own, and – hallelujah! – you get to take it with Jesus at your side! If you remember nothing else from this letter, remember this: the most important thing you can ever do is trust God. Trust His plan. Trust His heart. Trust that He’s always working for the ultimate good of all who love Him. In the highs. In the heartaches. In the moments when you’re not even sure which direction is up anymore – He’s there.

Trust Him when He calls you to go – and just go. Trust Him when His calling isn’t for you to go, but to stay. Trust Him whether the person He’s asking you to reach out to is a dear friend, a total stranger, or someone you feel you can’t stand. Trust Him when you’re sick. When you’re healthy. When you think you know what’s ahead, and when everything you planned is thrown out the window. Bella, do you understand? There’s never been, nor will there ever be, a situation that you can’t trust Him in. He’ll carry you through. He’ll guide you down the right path. And He’ll continue to work in your heart – changing you, growing you, and helping you to become more and more like Jesus. Trust Him for that. Don’t ever let go of His hand. Keep looking up.

Someday you’ll look back and see how God used it all – every moment – for breathtaking good.

So keep running the race. Keep fighting the good fight. Keep knowing God and making Him known.

There’s so much in store for you, and I can’t wait for you to find out what it is. You’ve got an incredible twenty years ahead!

See you in two decades!

With love,
your older, more mature, and far more experienced self

P. S. Yes, your siblings still tease you for your height – or lack of it. But that’s okay.
You’ve learned not to let that bother you anymore, and can just respond with a smile.

P. P. S. …or by pointing out their wrinkles. That works, too.

P. P. P. S. I guess I’m not that much more mature than you.

Wow, I didn’t think I’d have so much fun writing that! Makes me wonder what twenty-year-older me would actually write to my present self…hmm. Thank you for sticking with me!

I’d like to nominate the following bloggers:

S. J. Wunderlin @ Joyful, Thankful, BlessedJulia WitmerRaina Nightingale @ Enthralled by LoveLauryn Trimmer @ Pro Story BuildersAnnabeth Hazel

And YOU, if you are a blogger and would like to participate!

Once again, thank you for joining me today! I hope you enjoyed reading the letter as much as I enjoyed writing it (which is quite a bit).

I’d love to find out what YOU would write to yourself! Go ahead and let me know on your own blog, or in the comments below. I look forward to hearing from you!

Recent Posts:

Twenty Years Older: A Letter TagTruly Free2021 June Wrap-Up

Truly Free

Freedom.

As an American, when I first think of freedom, my mind fills with images of things like flags, fireworks, and stars. I think of the events that lead up to the Declaration of Independence, and our national anthem starts playing in my head. This is the time of year when I’m reminded of just how much was sacrificed for our freedom, and I’m more grateful than ever.

Here in the United States, all too often I forget how blessed I am to have my freedoms. Freedom of religion, freedom of speech, freedom to my beliefs and values and decisions… it’s far more than countless other countries can claim.

I’ve never been persecuted. I’ve never been oppressed. I’ve never needed to flee. Not that it can’t ever happen in America, but for most people, it’s not a daily reality. I live in a country of incredible freedom. And I have opportunities many others can only dream of.

As a Christian, my freedom extends even farther.

Just like much was sacrificed to gain our country’s freedom, Jesus sacrificed the unthinkable for us. To offer us His freedom. Freedom from not only the weighty matters of this world, but from the bondage of spiritual forces as well.

Ever since the sins of Adam and Eve, we’ve been in bondage. Held in chains by our earthly desires and our sinful natures. Captured by evil thoughts and rendered incapable of turning from them . . . from the destructive activities, habits, and mindsets that tear us apart.

That’s just where the Enemy wants us. He’s never happier than when he’s at the other end of our chains, holding us back from everything God longs to give. When we feel defeated, trapped, helpless, lost – that’s when Satan celebrates.

Once, he sought to destroy Christ and our path to freedom with Him. Now, having been overcome by our God, he knows he’s lost. He knows what awaits him for eternity. And with no ability to change it, he’s going down kicking and screaming – seeking to drag as many of us down with him as he can.

One of his favorite methods for this? Lies. Especially regarding our freedom.

That temptation or sin you’re struggling with? According to him, you might as well give up because you’ll never overcome it. And besides, by trying to resist, you’re only keeping yourself from its pleasure. Forget the warnings you hear. Just give in.

Those criticisms, cruel comments, and insults? They’re all true, he says. Anyone that ever speaks kindness is avoiding the truth. The truth that you’re worthless. Ugly. Without hope and without love. He’ll tell you that you’re a burden, and that nothing can ever change.

The grudges you’re holding? Good, he’ll tell you. Hold tight and never let go. And if the offender ever seeks forgiveness or tries to apologize, refuse. Throw their every mistake back at them with as much bitterness as you can find. After all, they hurt you. They deserve it.

Satan is a deceiver. A master of lies. A crafty serpent set on twisting the truth and burying it deep in our hearts and minds. In our own power, we can never escape him or his lies.

And that’s where Jesus steps in.

Sometimes I wonder what Satan thinks when he’s reminded of the cross. Does he notice when Christians wear the symbol as necklaces or on their shirts? Does what he once thought was a symbol of his triumph now disgust him? Does it bring chills to his spine?

Because that cross isn’t a symbol of Satan’s triumph, but of God’s. When Jesus gave up His life for us, Satan thought he’d finally won. Three days later, his eternal defeat was sealed – and his grip on our chains was loosened. Where once his grip was unyielding, where once we couldn’t do anything about our bondage, now we can break free.

True freedom is found when we accept Jesus as our Lord and Savior. Satan can never hold us permanently captive again.

That temptation and/or struggle with sin? With Jesus’ help, you can overcome it. No, it won’t be easy, and you won’t be perfect. But the next time you’re struggling, turn to Jesus, and refuse to give in. Remember that in Jesus’ power, you can order Satan to back off!

Those harsh and devastating words from others? They’re still going to hurt, but you don’t have to – and shouldn’t! – accept them as truth. Your worth, your identity, don’t come from what others think and say. You’re valuable because you’re a child of God. You are loved!

The grudge you’re holding tight to? You don’t have to keep it. You can never forgive someone for more than Jesus forgave you, so let His example and His strength fuel you – and let go. The one you’re harming most by refusing is yourself. Set your heart free. Forgive.

Satan is a deceiver, but Jesus is Truth. In our weakness, in our struggles, in our battles with knowing who we really are and what really matters . . . He’s here. He loves us, He died for us, and He’s ready to help us overcome. He’s waiting to set us free from what traps us.

And I’ve seen Him do it. Over and over again, I’ve wrestled and fought and agonized with a struggle that I thought I could and should handle myself. And over and over again, as I realized that I couldn’t overcome it on my own and asked Jesus to help me, He did.

He still does. He still will. With Jesus at our side, there’s no prison Satan can keep us in. There’s no chain he can keep us tangled with. And he has no lies that can triumph over Jesus’ truth. He’ll continue to put up a violent fight – but ultimately, he’ll lose.

That’s true freedom to me – knowing that no matter what happens in this life, we don’t have to remain chained by the depression, the anxiety, the temptations, the addictions . . . anything Satan comes at us with. Jesus has given us another path. He’s the Way – to peace, joy, love, forgiveness . . . everything we long for but can’t find on our own.

And even though the sorrows and pain of this world are real, even though we’ll struggle with the temptations of the flesh . . . knowing that it’s not a lost cause brings me hope. I always have somewhere – Someone – to turn to in the midst of it. And some day, I’m going to be more free than I can possibly imagine.

Free from sin. Free from sorrow. Free from Satan.

Free to spend every moment for the rest of eternity in the presence of my Savior, worshipping him and conversing with Him face to face.

That day’s coming soon. And as I’m looking forward to it, I’m going to continue to remind myself that I’m not a prisoner of the world. I’m not a helpless captive of the Enemy.

I’m rescued . . . released . . . saved.

And I’m free.

I pray you are too.

Live as people who are free,
not using your freedom as a cover-up for evil,
but living as servants of God. 
(1 Peter 2:16 ESV)

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2021 June Wrap-Up

Hello and happy Wednesday!

Today’s post is a little different than usual, and will (hopefully, for your sake, haha!) be a bit shorter. It’s simply a wrap-up, or a progress report, from the past month of my life.

Many authors/bloggers do this, and I always enjoy the chance to see what they’ve been up to, so I thought I’d give it a try too! Though the monthly overviews will hopefully be enjoyable to you, I’m also hoping the added motivation and accountability will help keep me on track – and it’s also just fun to be able to glance back and see the progress I’ve made.

So without further ado . . .

General Update

June has been insane. A very good and rewarding insane to be sure, but still, haha. Summers have never been dull for my family (I’ve never understood the summer boredom a lot of people talk about), but this year the activities, events, and obligations seem to have exploded. I’m told it’s this thing called adulthood.

One huge highlight was getting to counsel for the first time at a Christian young teen camp. With sixteen lively girls in my cabin, I stayed active, and I believe it was one of the most difficult and also most rewarding weeks I’ve ever had. What a tremendous blessing to get to know them and the other campers, and to help share the love of Christ with each and every one of them. God moved in many incredible ways.

After one day of being home, another highlight – a week-long writing workshop1 – began. Like last year, it was virtual again, and was also just as enriching, inspirational, and fun. Morning and evening sessions, daily critique groups, a mentor appointment with Allen Arnold, and laughter-filled evening activities . . . all within a close-knit, Christ-seeking community of writers. As time continues, I grow more and more thankful to be part of the OYAN family, and the things I learned from this workshop were so helpful.

Those events plus the busyness of everyday life and work definitely kept me occupied this month! However crazy at times though, I’m grateful for all of it, and it’s been wonderful to watch God work in each situation. The summer shows no signs of slowing down too . . .

Fiction Writing

All things considered, I’m actually very happy that I’ve kept up as much a writing habit as I have. Even while at camp and without my laptop or notes, I managed at least one-hundred words every day. Their quality is a bit suspect, but I’m choosing to ignore that for now, haha. My monthly total (through yesterday) is 4,881 words.

With that said, I have a lot left to write if I’m going to reach the goals I’d originally set for the summer. I’m hoping to put most my focus for July on fiction writing, and see just how much I can get done!

Goal (not especially realistic, but still goals) include:

~ Finishing the rough draft for the fantasy novel I’m currently writing
~ Outlining and re-writing at least the first half of my Cabin Girl prequel
~ Completing the outline for the dystopian novel I wrote half of in January (and then lost track of because I couldn’t figure out where to take the story . . .)
~ Finishing edits, proofreads, and formatting for Cabin Girl

If I actually manage all of that, I will be thrilled. Coffee and late nights, here I come!

On the Blog

Counting this one, I’ve released eight posts in June. Not as many as past months, but with the crazy schedule I’ve had, I’m glad I managed that amount! An added blessing was the opportunity to swap guest posts with author and friend, Jordyn Hadden. It’s always so fun to work with other authors, and especially ones that share your vision for positive impact.

Here’s the list of June posts (just click on the titles to read them):

~ Why Reading Makes You a Better Writer
~ 10 Timely Quotes About Fellowship
~ How to Stay Motivated in Writing (w/ author, Jordyn Hadden)
~ 5 Things I’ve Learned in My Self-Publishing Journey So Far (guest post by me)
~ No Regrets
~ My Favorite Childhood Shows
~ Celebrating Fathers
(and of course, this one . . . no link required, haha!)

Reading List

I’m happy to report that I was actually able to read quite a bit this month! Fitting it in at camp free time, sometimes during meals, and any time I have a few minutes between tasks has certainly helped. I don’t expect to do much reading next month, as I’ll be trying to use any extra time to write, but I enjoyed it these past few weeks!

The list of books I finished (apparently all non-fiction!):

~ God’s Smuggler by Brother Andrew
(I highly recommend this one! Very inspiring!)
~ How to Handle Adversity by Charles Stanley
(Another excellent book by an author that never fails to encourage and inspire me.)
~ The Case for Christ by Lee Strobel
(I’ve wanted to read this for a long time, and it was just as informative, fascinating, and engaging as I hoped it’d be.)
~ Expecting to See Jesus by Anne Graham Lotz
(This is the first I’ve read from Anne, and I greatly appreciated her teaching and obvious heart for Jesus.)
~ The Path of Loneliness by Elizabeth Elliot
(Her books are always so full of wisdom and biblical encouragement!)

As well as continuing to work through non-fiction books on my list, I’d like to add some fiction in the coming months, too. I used to read nothing but fiction, and now I think I’ve swung the other direction, haha.

Looking Forward

As I already mentioned, July looks like it will be just as busy as June – with highlights including continuing to help with my church’s youth group, housesitting, a two-week theatre program, work of course, and hopefully lots of writing! Also, time with my family (for obvious reasons), and beginning to write out the schedule and lessons for the fiction writing course I’ll start teaching at the end of August.

Because I know my focus will be stretched somewhat thin this month and I need to prioritize my fiction writing goals, I’m going to pull back on blog posts for a little while. Instead of 2-3 posts weekly, my aim will be to post just once weekly, alternating between Sundays (reflections on life and what God’s teaching me) and Wednesdays (writing-related).

This isn’t set in stone, and if I have the time and something valuable I feel called to write, I’ll probably throw in a couple of extra posts. But overall, I’ve been convicted lately to simplify where I can, and make sure that I’m setting aside enough time for the truly important things, like quiet time with God. I really do enjoy blogging, and I expect I’ll post more frequently again come fall, but right now I need to ensure that it doesn’t become an idol. And more time to focus per post will hopefully mean they’re better quality, too!

Well, there you have my June 2021 wrap-up! I don’t actually think it was any shorter than my typical Wednesday posts, haha, but oh well. Thanks for sticking with it this long! Or to summarize if you skipped to the end (I see you): I did a bunch of stuff in June and plan to do a bunch more in July. That’s it. Really, that’s the post. And now off I go, to do more!

What was YOUR June like? What kinds of things did you get to do? If you have a progress report on something, or books you read and would like to share, go ahead and let me know in the comments! And while you’re at it, feel free to include what you’re looking forward to and/or hoping to accomplish in July! As always, I’m excited to hear from you!

1.The writing community I’m referring to (OYAN) can be found here.

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Celebrating Fathers

If you read my Mother’s Day post last month, you may remember the most controversial of my public statements to date. And today, I’m going to add another.

Not only is my mother the best mother in the world, but I have the best father in the entire world too.

I know, I know. How can one person be so fortunate?

I ask myself that a lot. I don’t deserve them, I can’t ever repay them for all they’ve done for me, and I can’t even find the right words to describe how incredible they are. Even as a writer, my brain always quits, leaving me to search for the appropriate ways to describe them.

The best I can find is that I’m grateful. Overwhelmingly, impossibly so.

It seems that every day I hear stories from people who didn’t have good childhoods. They didn’t have parents that loved them, or at least they never showed it. They felt underappreciated, undervalued, and sometimes downright hated by the people who raised them. Home wasn’t a safe space but a prison. A battlefield. Just a building they stayed at.

And it’s also broken my heart to hear from all the people that struggle in their relationship with and/or view of God because of their fallen relationship with their fathers.

Because their father never expressed love, they can’t believe their Heavenly Father loves them. Because their father was only fond of them when they succeeded, they think their Heavenly Father will only be proud of them if they work hard enough. Because their father berated and humiliated them, they can’t accept that their Heavenly Father works only for their good.

Our relationships with our earthly fathers – the struggles, the challenges, and the good things – greatly affects our relationships with our Heavenly Father.

And with today being Father’s Day, I’ve spent a lot of time reflecting on my own relationship with my dad. On what he’s taught me – about God, about people, about work…about every aspect of life on Earth. I’ve thought hard about the many ways he’s blessed and influenced my life. And as I stop and dwell on how God’s worked through him, I’m awed.

My dad isn’t perfect, and I know that. But it’s actually the fact that he’s not – the fact that he’s pained and is tempted, the fact that he gets stressed and struggles with life – and is still such an incredible dad is very inspiring to me.

I know I’m not, and have never been, an easy child to raise. Looking back at how I’ve changed through the years…from a wild blonde fireball, to an angsty teenager sure no one understood my internal struggles, to a still insecure young adult trying to figure out this crazy thing called life…I don’t know how my parents have managed me.

But I’m so glad and so, so grateful that God chose to give me my father. That I get to be his daughter.

Where would I be without all the things he’s taught me?

He’s taught me to put others first.

For as long as I can remember, I’ve always known that my dad would be there for me. Whether it’s for advice, a laugh, good music, to fix a technological issue that I can’t figure out (but that he can glance in its direction and solve), or anything else, I’ve always been able to count on him. When many others would point to lack of time, he makes the time.

It’s not that he has nothing to do and plenty of time to spare. No, my dad is probably the busiest people I know. And yet, I have countless memories of him just spending time with his kids…bonding, playing games, listening to music, being outside… Now that I’m older and see the way he’ll often pull all-nighters to accomplish his work deadlines, but still give us his attention during the day, I’m even more humbled by his sacrificial example. I pray I’ll learn to follow it.

He’s taught me to give generously.

In the same way, my dad is also incredibly generous. With his time, his energy, his advice, his resources, his heart – anything others need, he is so quick to give. It amazes me. He’s not reckless, and he’s always intentional about caring for his own family, but he also doesn’t hesitate to trust God for His provision. His faith in the ultimate Provider is so strong.

As I’ve grown and watched my dad give and trust God in these ways, I’ve been continually inspired to be as generous as he is. As willing to have faith, to reach out, and to be God’s hands and feet to others. I’ve seen firsthand how his generosity has impacted others for good – including his own family. What a blessing to learn through experience that living a generous life is truly what God wants for each of us.

He’s taught me to work hard.

My dad has so much on his shoulders every single day. Things within our family, with extended family, with friends, for his business, for our church…countless obligations, responsibilities, interruptions, leadings, and duties to sort through and manage. And I’ve watched him do whatever it takes to accomplish them. I’ve marveled at how hard he works.

I wish I could take so much of his workload from him. I pray that there’ll be a point when he won’t have to work as hard as he does. That he’ll have more time to take care of himself and do more of the things he enjoys. But his example of diligence and hard work in the midst of a mind-boggling schedule amazes me and encourages me to do the same – relying on God’s strength to keep up, rather than relying on my own.

He’s taught me to bring joy.

In my opinion, if there’s anyone who’s mastered the fine art of sarcasm and wit, it’s my dad. Whether he’s telling classic ‘dad jokes’, making horrible(-ly clever) puns, quoting the perfect movie line at just the right moment, changing song lyrics to fit the current situation, deadpanning one-liners, or just making witty jokes in general, he’s one of the few people that can always seem to make others laugh.

His sense of humor is fantastic, and I consider it a blessing to have inherited a similar one. Not that I can ever pretend to be as witty as him, but if humor is an art, then I’m studying it. And I have a pretty amazing teacher. At family gatherings or work or wherever he happens to be, laughter and smiles follow. A joyful heart is good medicine, and my father is a great example of making others feel better that way.

And he’s taught me to have faith in God – no matter what.

Just as everyone’s else’s, life has not been easy. My family has had a lot of rough spots. Plenty of storms and situations that could and often do rattle people so hard that they stumble away from Christ. Obstacles that have sent a lot of people railing at God, blaming Him and wanting nothing more to do with Him.

But I’ve never once seen my dad say anything against God. I don’t know exactly how he’s felt after these tough ordeals. After the shock, grief, and raw pain. But even when he doesn’t understand why God’s letting these things happen, even when it’s completely rocked our life and introduced a new wave of anguish, he’s a constant reminder to me to continue trusting God. To continue believing that He knows best, and that He is working.

And he’s right. I’ve seen it too many times to count now, and I would never try to deny it. But without his example, I don’t know if I’d have stayed the path long enough to recognize the ways God’s worked. He’s been a rock. Someone I can count on to do the right thing, at the right time, not leading others astray, but looking to God instead. And without that, I don’t know where I’d be right now.

The older I get and the more I learn to look closely and appreciate the many ways my dad models Christ in my life, the more in awe I am of him. I don’t deserve him. But I sure am thankful for him.

Because of him, I’m inspired to put others first. I’m motivated to give generously. I’m challenged to give my all and work hard in every circumstance. I’m compelled to have and to bring others joy, even in the toughest situations. And I’m constantly reminded that our God is both faithful, and worthy of putting our faith in. In the mountains and the valleys, in the joyful moments and the rough patches, and from the time I wake up in the mornings until I fall asleep – and then all over again.

Every moment spent with my dad, every minute learning from him, is a blessing. I thank God for the time I’ve had with him so far, and pray that I’ll be able to have many more years of the same. I – and all my siblings – love him very much.

Yes, I’m biased. But that doesn’t change the fact that he’s awesome. It’s just true.

Faith, love, patience, generosity, wit, diligence, dedication, strength, joy…he’s got it all. And I’m beyond humbled and overwhelmingly blessed to get to claim him as my father.

Thanks, Dad.

For everything.

Thank you.

The righteous lead blameless lives;
blessed are their children after them.
(Proverbs 20:7 NIV)

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My Favorite Childhood Shows

Hello and happy Wednesday!

Today, I’m taking another little trip down memory lane (see my previous post about my favorite childhood books, here). Will you join me?

Just as all the many, many books I read as a kid shaped me, there were a few kid shows that my siblings and I used to watch together that also influenced me. Though I didn’t realize it at the time of course, now I look back and see where I’ve drawn inspiration and writing techniques from all of my favorite old shows.

The humor, the dialogue, the range of characters, the story formats…funny how the things we take in as children stick with us. Which is one reason I’m very blessed that my parents monitored our screen time, and the things we watched. Rather than the ‘new’ and popular cartoons on TV, my siblings and I were shown some of the ‘classics’. To this day, I still know older shows far better than any of the ones that were most popular when I was a kid.

And I like it that way. Though we never watched too many shows, the ones we did watch hold many good memories for me. Just hearing one of the theme songs, or being reminded of a familiar plotline brings a wave of nostalgia that’s bittersweet.

So today, I thought I’d dash back in the past for a little bit and share what were some of my favorite cartoons/kids shows growing up. I hope you enjoy the glimpse at some of my old favorites, and I’d love to hear about yours as well!

Garfield and Friends

You know, the one with episodes of Garfield, and then episodes with all the farm animals? I still have very fond memories, and enjoy watching those every once in a while. Garfield’s humor has always amused me (although I’ll admit that it’s sometimes horrified laughter) in any of those older shows with him. His common sarcasm and dry wit fits my family’s sense of humor very well, and we often quote his lines.

From a writer’s perspective, anything with episodes is a good exercise in learning how to develop concise and effective plotlines, and Garfield and Friends had numerous short stories in each episode (for Garfield and for the farm animals). At the time, I remember wondering how the writers came up with all their ideas. And then there’s just the matter of the humor – sarcastic, witty, and slapstick. And no matter how awful Garfield is sometimes, I just can’t help but like him anyway, haha. I can be glad he’s not my cat for sure, but I still like him.

Gummi Bears

Another older show that I have many fond memories of! I especially liked the depth in story plots for this one – both in each individual episode and in the entire show as a whole. The variety of characters and their personalities, and the way they were all forced to work together to get through obstacles was neat to watch, and I enjoyed the humor and uniqueness of the stories (albeit unrealistic, but since when can bears talk anyway?).

Honestly, the worldbuilding was one of my favorite parts of the show. It wasn’t a new planet or anything, but the world they lived in, and the kingdoms, races, magic system, agriculture, etc…it all fascinated me. It was probably more impressive to me as a kid than it would be to me now, but I still think of that show when I’m starting to worldbuild for my own stories.

Little Einsteins

This is one of the very first shows I ever watched, and as I’ve re-watched them with my little siblings recently, I’ve been newly impressed by the depth of teaching material used. As a kid, I just remember thinking ‘the gang’ (Annie, Leo, Quincy, June, and Rocket) would be fun to hang out with, and that getting to travel the world would be awesome, and enjoying the music while I was engrossed in their adventures.

Now that I’m older and am viewing it more objectively, I appreciate the show even more. The beautiful classical music, all the music terms, the art and artists responsible for it, the locations from all over the world…I learned a lot from the show without realizing it. And that’s something hard to do, especially for a kids show. Too educational and it’s boring to little ones. But too ‘entertaining’ and it’s just fluff. Little Einsteins was somehow the right balance of both for young me.

The Magic School Bus

Another educational show I enjoyed! This one, however, had far less of a focus on music and far more of a focus on science. Health, nature, cultural science…the range of ‘field trips’ the class from the show went on taught them a lot about many different aspects of life. And as a kid watching them, I got to go right along and learn the same things.

I remember finding Ms. Frizzle amusing, intimidating, and kind of crazy (and still do…), but her dynamic personality kept me interested in the show long enough to get engrossed in the actual educational material. Looking back, I appreciate the balance found in Magic School Bus too. There was plenty of humor and entertaining adventure to the episodes, but it was impossible to watch them without also learning at least something. I also enjoyed the variety of topics covered.

Tom and Jerry

Ah, good old Tom and Jerry… I grew up watching this cat and mouse ‘fight’, and still won’t object to watching an episode or two with my siblings. Their antics as they try to live with each other (or preferably get rid of the other, in Tom’s case), never failed to amuse me. The more outlandish their plot, the better. And the slapstick and witty humor often made me laugh. Remember Tom trying to keep himself awake with toothpicks propping up his eyelids? Ouch – but I’ve always chuckled at that.

For me, part of the charm of this show is that there’s very little dialogue. Only a select few of the characters talk, and when they do, it’s not usually for long. Most the screen time is filled with Tom and Jerry scheming against one another and carrying out their flawed plans to hilarious effects – which helped my attention span as a youngster. Another thing I’ve grown to appreciate are the sound effects for each episode. Somehow the production team managed to find the perfect, snappy sounds for ordinary (or not so ordinary when concerning falling pianos) events – that complement the story – and make it even funnier.

Cartoons…not always just for kids, haha. I’m not afraid to admit that there are still many animated ‘kids’ shows that I enjoy – especially ones with witty humor. Fortunately for me, my little siblings are more than willing to snuggle and let me watch with them.

What about you? Are there any ‘kids’ shows that you still enjoy watching? If so, which ones? Let me know in the comments below!

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No Regrets

What would you do differently if you knew today was your last day on Earth?

This is a question that pops into my head from time to time and never fails to unsettle me. What would I do – or not do? How could I ever decide what was most important?

I’m far too prone to forget the brevity of life. In the busyness of my schedule, I often lose sight of the truth – which is that I don’t know how long I have left here. I may have years. I may have seconds.

What I don’t want to have is regrets.

Every day many people’s earthly lives end. And every day many people find out that their time here won’t be as long as they thought it’d be. Illnesses, diseases, disabilities…suddenly there’s a countdown. An earthly finale in sight. And though I have yet to experience that myself, I’ve often heard that that’s when the regrets set in.

It’s when we realize our lives are short that we wish we’d done more with them. It’s when we know we have precious little time left with our family and friends that we wish we’d appreciated them more. And it’s when it seems too late to fix our mistakes that we wish we’d lived a more intentional life.

Unfortunately, I don’t believe it’s possible to finish our earthly lives with absolutely no regrets. As imperfect humans living in an imperfect world, there will always be mistakes. Always thoughts that shouldn’t be dwelled upon, words that shouldn’t be spoken, and actions that shouldn’t have been taken.

But there’s a world of difference between willingly letting those imperfections control our lives, and actively setting out to live the life we’re called to live. A life of love, generosity, integrity, and a passionate desire to follow God’s leading.

Living that kind of life is the closest we can get to a life of no regrets. And it’s hard.

But it’s so worth it.

Having watched as people around me have suffered through medical diagnoses and predictions of shorter lives, I’ve often thought about how I’d change my behavior if I wasn’t expected to be on earth much longer. How different would my daily schedule look? What would I cut out, add in, and focus on? Who would I spend the most time with? How would I treat them if I knew I might not get another chance to be with them again?

Looking at life from a very temporary perspective – rather than a “I’ll have plenty of time for what I want” view – changes just about everything.

Material things are of far less value, because after all, we can’t take them with us. Petty ‘setbacks’, ‘delays’, and ‘problems’ no longer shake us as much, because we’re focusing on the big picture aspects of life. We avoid disagreements, tension, and arguments because we know we only have a set amount of time with someone, and we want to make it count.

The world would be a lot different if everyone was living as if today was their last day. And it might be. We don’t know – but if it is, are we happy with our choices so far?

Honestly, I’m not.

If I look back over the things I’ve prioritized, the way I’ve treated the people in my life, and the things I’ve both done and chosen not to do…I have regrets. The legacy I’d leave behind now isn’t the one I want to be remembered for. Too often I try to call it ‘good enough’, but I don’t want to live that kind of life. I want to live one that constantly brings glory to God.

For me, this is especially hard when concerning relationships. It’s one thing to make the right choices and do the right things when you’re by yourself (though accountability is always good), but other people add in more variables. And we’re called to love others above ourselves, serving them and treating them like Christ would. Understandably, it can be a struggle.

I’m a naturally cautious, more timid person. While I love people, I just don’t know how to talk to them, haha. I’m shy. And I find it very hard sometimes to listen to the nudges God presses on my heart. Moments where I spot someone who looks lonely and I feel I should go talk to them. When someone’s made fun of and I know I should speak up. Or when someone appears fine, but if I obey the nudge to reach out to them, I find that they’re masking deep hurts.

What if I say the wrong thing? What if they think I’m strange, or awkward, or nosy? What if I try to be helpful but only make a fool of myself?

Over the years, I’ve strived to listen when God speaks to my heart – and obey. And though it’s still incredibly difficult for me, I’ve never once regretted listening to those nudges. We can’t know exactly how we impact people, but we can trust that God will bless our obedience and our efforts to spread love and kindness. I’ve seen enough of the effects before that I can be sure God’s using my efforts now, even when I don’t see the impact.

What I do regret is all the times I haven’t listened. All the times I’ve been too uncomfortable, too shy, or too insecure to do what I felt like I should. All the times I’ve turned my head or walked away instead of reaching out to someone. What if God had wanted me to be the person to make a difference in their life – and I ignored Him?

If we feel any kind of nudge to reach out to someone – no matter how awkward or uncomfortable it may feel – we should do it anyway. Maybe it’ll seem like nothing good comes out of it, but only God knows for sure. And maybe we will be able to see the impact we’ve made. The smile, the eyes that light up, or the suddenly-relaxed body language. Maybe it’ll start a longer relationship, maybe it’ll be a simple passing encouragement.

But we won’t regret it.

We might regret saying something silly, or realizing we had food stuck in our teeth, or all the many embarrassing details we may kick ourselves for later. But the act of reaching out? Of striving to be a blessing and making a positive difference in their day? In my opinion, we won’t regret that. I haven’t.

I still have so far to go when it comes to living without regrets. And I won’t ever be perfect, but what helps me to remember is that we never know when a chance will be our last. If today is my last day to smile at someone, to remind them how much they’re loved, to tell them about the God who longs to have a relationship with them…then I want to make it count. I want to reach Heaven and find out that my small, awkward acts of obedience opened the door for God to work in their lives.

None of the things I tend to get ensnared in will matter then. Not the possessions, not the career accomplishments, not the money, not the way I looked…only whether or not I obeyed when God asked me to be His voice, His hands, and His feet to someone. We’re the vessels through which God reveals His heart to others – and that’s the most important thing we can ever do.

When we live that way, we won’t regret it.

Even when it’s hard.

It’s worth it.

Be very careful, then, how you live—
not as unwise but as wise, 
making the most of every opportunity,
because the days are evil.
Therefore do not be foolish,
but understand what the Lord’s will is.
(Ephesians 5:15-17 NIV)

No RegretsHow to Stay Motivated in Writing10 Timely Quotes About Fellowship

How to Stay Motivated in Writing

Hello and happy Wednesday!

Today’s topic is one that I believe every writer deals with, at least from time to time. In my case, it’s an often daily struggle. Finding the motivation to sit down and work on our stories or blog posts, even when they’re the last things we want to focus on, can be challenging.

When we’re feeling inspired and energized, cranking out material can be a breeze. Other times…when we’re tired, feeling uninspired or sick, or just can’t seem to calm our minds, well, the wind doesn’t blow in our favor.

And it’s those days, when we don’t feel like writing but should anyway, that it’s helpful to have tips and tricks in mind to rekindle our inspiration and encourage us to reach our goals. Today, I’m excited to share such advice from talented indie author and editor, Jordyn Hadden – of Indie Edits By J. 1

I’ve had the privilege of working with Jordyn as she’s been one of the primary editors for my novel, Cabin Girl, and during the process, I’ve marveled at her productivity! She’s one of the most prolific writers I know, with a consistent and impressive output of novels, short stories, drabbles, and other services – such as editing. Her discipline has been very inspiring to me, and great motivation for me to reach my own writing goals.

Today, Jordyn has some advice on just how to do that…

Hi, I’m Jordyn, and I’m excited to be a guest on E. G. Bella’s blog! I run an online editing business, Indie Edits By J, where I offer editing services for authors who hope to self-publish their novel or nonfiction work. Bella and I met on a writing forum, and a few months ago, I had the privilege to edit her novel, Cabin Girl. 

With that said, today I’m going to discuss some ways to stay motivated in writing. As a self-published author, I know it can be difficult to keep up a consistent writing schedule. Many writers are free-spirited and spontaneous, preferring to work in short bursts rather than organized efforts. But productivity is a crucial part of writing. After all, you can have the most amazing story idea in history, but if you can’t buckle down and write the book, the novel won’t ever reach the world. I once found a quote that said, “The messiest first draft is better than the most brilliant unwritten novel.” 

But how exactly can we overcome the inevitable challenge of staying motivated? I’ve gathered a few tips that will be useful if you ever find yourself in a storytelling rut.

1. Is the story itself boring to you?

To fix this, open up a new document and write down all the problems you currently see with your novel. This will help you get your thoughts on paper. You may realize that what you thought was a problem isn’t one at all, and the real problem is something completely unrelated. 

Once you’ve done that, you may realize that you have one of the following problems: 

~ If the problem is a weak story goal, change story goals before it’s too late—or find a way to raise the stakes of your current goal. Give the characters more to lose if they don’t achieve the goal. Alternatively, maybe the story goal doesn’t fit your characters, or your characters don’t fit the goal. Adjust one or both to meet your needs. 

~ If the problem is flat or unlikeable characters, do some character development for them. Yes, this can take a long time, but thankfully, there is a quick solution. At a writing conference last summer, I met the author Stephanie Morrill, who suggested doing a “character journal entry.” This is where you ask a rambly question, such as, “What was your family like?” Then you write your character’s answer in first person from his or her point of view. This is a fast, easy, and fun way to get excited about your characters, even the secondary and minor ones. Your characters may reveal unexpected details to you, which keeps them exciting and unpredictable. 

~ If the problem is worrying that the story sounds forced, just keep writing and let the story flow naturally, as a logical consequence of what came earlier. Chances are, it’s not nearly as big a deal as you thought.

~ If the problem is a vague plot, do a brief outline. Write down 1-3 sentences about what happens in each chapter. For example:

On their way to swordfighting practice, Joshua and his sister get into an argument about whether Joshua should accept the king’s offer to become a member of the royal guard. After hurling a few insults, Joshua wins the argument, but his sister is hurt. Joshua takes out his frustration with himself by throwing all his energy into swordfighting practice.

The practice of doing a loose outline will help you see exactly where the chapter is headed, so you don’t run into a corner and get stuck. 

~ On the other hand, if the problem is an overly detailed outline, throw in a new plot twist that shocks you. After all, if it surprises you, it’ll most likely catch your readers off guard, too. (Just make sure to add the necessary foreshadowing later on.)

2. Do you have “writer’s block”? Is the story interesting but you just “can’t write”?

Ah, yes. The nightmare of every writer. However, anyone can overcome “the block” if they put their mind to it. Here are some possible fixes:

~ Vague scenes: You may get stuck if you have a very vague idea for the scene you have to write next. To fix this, you may want to scroll down to the bottom of your document and write down a few sentences about the next scene. This will allow you to see where you’re going, and it helps you understand what you want to happen by the end of the scene. 

Referencing the earlier point about brief outlines, I often write with a brief chapter outline at the bottom of the page, and I delete points from the outline as I write them out in story form. Once I finish the chapter, the complete outline should be deleted. This keeps me motivated, and it also helps me know where the chapter ends. 

On the other hand, if you don’t know what scene you have to write next, you can do one of two things: 

(1) Go to your plotting document and figure out what scene you have to write next.

(2) Alternatively, you can skip ahead to the next scene you have figured out. After that, you may have a clearer idea of what needs to happen in the scene(s) you skipped.

~ Physical or mental fatigue: Sometimes mental fatigue is brought on by producing thousands and thousands of words in a short amount of time. In that case, take a short break, because you’ve earned it. Draw, play an instrument, go for a walk, or do something else creative that doesn’t require writing. But don’t forget to go right back to writing once you’re recharged.

~ Pressure: If you’re under too much pressure to work on your novel, try writing a short scene that has nothing to do with your novel. This may help clear your head and help you realize that you do, in fact, enjoy writing. Alternatively, if you like a certain character enough, you could write a short snippet of their backstory. While you get your mind off your official novel for a little while, you’ll be doing character development. That way, you’ll be more prepared to write your novel when you’re ready! 

Another option is to skip ahead to a scene that you’re really excited about—maybe the climax is super-clear in your mind, or you have an idea for a funny or cute character interaction. Write that scene—even if you don’t know whether you’ll use the scene in your book. It will help you get a better feel for your story, even if you don’t end up using it.

~ Fear: Sometimes the fear of messing up will stop authors from writing. When that happens, you need to just sit down and start writing—even if you don’t think it’s that good. It takes clay to make a flower vase. You can fix a bad page, but you can’t fix a blank page. 

~ Trouble producing words: To get “into the groove,” put a book or paper over your screen and write like the wind. This technique forces you to stay focused on what you’re writing, since you need to keep your mind on the sentences you’re typing. It sounds crazy, but it works!

If you like dialogue, another option is to write down the scene like a movie script. Use characters’ names to signify who’s talking, and make notes about what gestures they make as they speak. For example:

Bob: (plays with his hands) Can… can I ask you a question?

Jane: (looks up from the book she’s reading) Sure.

Bob: (shrugs) (hesitantly) Would you want to go to the movie theater this weekend?

Jane: (nonchalantly) Depends on what movie’s playing.

Bob: (not expecting that) Oh. 

Jane: (looks at Bob) Are you asking me on a date?

Bob: (embarrassed) No.

Then later on, you can go back, use the dialogue as a guideline, and write that scene as if it’s an actual novel, adding details and thoughts:

Bob played with his hands, scanning the park. A breeze ruffled his hair, and he glanced over at Jane. He swallowed. “Can… can I ask you a question?”

Jane glanced up from the book in her lap, her blond hair falling across her face. “Sure.”

Bob shrugged. Just ask. “Would you want to go to the movie theater this weekend?”

Jane turned a page in her book. “Depends on what movie’s playing.”

Bob’s shoulders slumped. Never mind. “Oh.”

Meeting his gaze, Jane set her book down. “Are you asking me on a date?”

Bob’s face flushed, and he turned away. “No.”

If you use this technique, you should be able to write scenes much quicker when you have the dialogue and action already written out. 

3. Do you love your story but have difficulties finishing on time?

Imagine looking up at the summit of Mount Everest. You may be thinking, “How am I ever going to get up there? I can never do that!” 

But now imagine looking at the first foothill at the base of the mountain. It’s not too high, maybe a hundred feet or so. 

And now imagine walking over to the foothill and finding that there’s a twenty-foot wall you can scale in no time. 

Just like mountain climbing, the goal of writing a 50,000-word-plus novel can seem daunting. But what about the goal of writing four scenes by the end of the week? And what about writing 1,000 words today? Not too bad, right?

Here are some foolproof ways to set and reach goals:

~ Break up your goal into smaller, more doable goals. As an extremely goal-oriented person, I love setting and reaching goals. For instance, I might say to myself, “I’ll try to write 1,000 words today, and I want to finish two chapters by the end of the week.” This concrete milestone gives me a tangible goal, and it helps me see how I need to divide my time each day in order to reach this goal.

And yes, this strategy also works for editing—whether you’re the type of person who edits while you write, or the type of person who finishes the whole first draft before editing. For example, if you edit while you write, you can set a daily goal to write 1,000 words of your current chapter and edit half of an earlier chapter.

~ Retype your novel. If you prefer to finish the whole first draft before editing, try this technique. For my self-published novel, I had the rough draft open on my iPad (where I wrote it), and I retyped it on my family’s laptop. I transcribed each word into the second draft, which helped in the following ways: 

(1) It helped me see where I was being repetitive (which was often).

(2) It forced me to imagine the story again, which helped me see if any sections were confusing. 

(3) Retyping an individual sentence helped me make it clearer. Sometimes it led me to decide that the sentence didn’t belong at all.

(4) It allowed me to edit everything all at once, rather than having to go over every chapter a million times. 

~ Outside motivation works wonders. Last summer, I entered a novel contest. Before the deadline, I told myself that I could only get on the internet after I finished editing up to a certain point. You can also motivate yourself in other ways, such as by allowing yourself a cookie, drawing time, or another reward if you meet your goal that day.

~ Additionally, pacing yourself helps. See how many words you can realistically write in one sitting, and shoot for that goal. Sometimes you might have more time on weekends. Other times, your schedule might be fuller, so you might need to squeeze in extra writing time during the week. If this isn’t possible, try looking at your leisure time and seeing where you can devote free time to writing instead. 

Lastly, it’s not the end of the world if you don’t reach your goal. Writing is supposed to be fun, not frustrating. Your value doesn’t depend on whether or not you reach a goal—rather, your value depends on the fact that God made you and loves you, and that He died for you. Therefore, reaching goals is a great thing, but—speaking from experience—don’t let the pressure of reaching a goal take all the fun out of writing. 

I hope my tips increase your motivation and encourage you to be more productive. Comment below with any tips of your own!

Thank you, Jordyn!

And thank YOU for joining us today! I hope you’ll find the tips above as helpful as I do, and that you’re inspired to go work on your own materials. As Jordyn said, go ahead and share your thoughts below! I’d love to hear what you’re working on, or what productivity strategies work best for you!

Also, I’ve had the privilege of guest-posting on Jordyn’s site today, with five things I’ve learned in my self-publishing journey so far. You can head over and read that post, here!

1.Jordyn Hadden’s first novel The Time Travel Team: The Great Historic Mystery (which debuted in 2018), can be found here.

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