Edie Melson's Blog, page 426

Weekend Worship—A Season of Controversy

Therefore, what you worship in ignorance, this I proclaim to you. Acts 17:23
This has turned into the season of controversy. Everywhere I turn, from social media, to magazines, to television I’m hearing about the Duck Dynasty Debacle. Christians are being painted as narrow-minded bigots.
And we’re being drawn into an argument that has side-tracked the reason for the season. We need to stay focused the bigger issue.
Christmas carols are humming over the airwaves, stores are decked in red and green, and Santa and his elves can be seen peering around every corner. As a Christ follower, this is the season I celebrate His birth. It’s the time when the God of creation stepped into the world and divided time…B.C from A.D. It doesn’t matter that scholars are renaming the divide, it can’t be argued who initiated it.
It’s also a time of unprecedented political correctness. It’s no longer Merry Christmas. Instead a chorus of Happy Holidays fills the air. Schools aren’t out for Christmas, but close for winter break. It’s not inclusive enough to have a Christmas party—only generalized holiday-themed celebrations are lauded for their open-mindedness. Christmas, it’s argued, is only for Christians. It’s too exclusive, and leaves people on the outside of the fun.
Everyone seems to have forgotten God came to save the world—the entire world. I don’t think it can get more inclusive than that.
So this year I’ll be unashamed as I remind everyone I meet that they are included in Christmas. The message isn’t one of exclusivity (or bigotry), but one of love. It’s the season of God’s outstretched arms, encircling a cold world in His loving embrace—all through the birth of a baby.

Social Media Image—Can Boundaries Actually Make Us More Creative?

I grew up in a very creative family—a good thing—but a tad bit intimidating. My mother is especially talented as an artist, and growing up I couldn't even draw a credible stick figure.

But I did discover I could come up with some amazing needlework designs when I used graph paper. The boundaries gave me the structure I needed to release my creativity. I think that's why I love grammar and even editing so much.

So how about you? Do boundaries help you be more creative? If so, which ones?

"Only when boundaries are established can true creativity begin." Elf, the movieShare your thoughts in the comment section below. 
I also invite you to use this image any way you like online. Post it to your blog, share it on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, anywhere you'd like. All I ask is that you keep it intact, with my website watermark visible.
Don't forget to join the conversation!Blessings,Edie

Tweetables
Can boundaries actually help make us more creative? (Click to Tweet)

Is there a link between boundaries and creativity? (Click to Tweet)

Fun Friday–Let it Snow, Star Trek Style

I thought we could all use a little silliness today!





Don't forget to join the conversation!
Blessings,
Edie

The Man God Created Just for Me!

Today is our 32nd wedding anniversary. 
Kirk and Weslyn Jimmy and Katie I’m thinking about weddings right now because our oldest son celebrated his fourth wedding anniversary this fall, and our middle son just got engaged.
As we’ve watched our sons choose life-mates we’ve been struck by how perfectly they complete each other. It’s as if God had chosen them for one another.


And I believe He did. Because He choose Kirk and I for each other.
My darling husband is everything I’m not—patient, kind, and incredibly funny. He knows how to defuse my stress (and anyone he’s around really).
I’ve shared a couple of times how we’ve met, but I think sometimes reruns are fun. If you want to skip the old story, feel free. If you’re new to site, here’s a little bit about the love of my life and how we met.
1978 I lay in bed that Saturday night on a pillow wet with tears. It had been a wretched day—I’d just broken up with my current boyfriend for what felt like the umpteenth time. I knew it wasn’t a healthy relationship, but his compelling arguments and seemingly sincere desire to change always enticed me to return. Tonight I’d ordered him out of my parents’ home before I caved. But I knew tomorrow the pleading would begin again. 
I was finally at the end of myself and I began to pray, asking God to give me a reason to stay strong—to give me a reason to continue to say no.
Sunday morning dawned bright and for some reason I woke refreshed and renewed. As I got ready for church, I continued to pray, once again asking God to give me a concrete reason to hang onto what I knew was right. 
At church, I was soon caught up in seeing friends and getting into my choir robe. Our small church only had one service and one choir, made up of youth and adults. I enjoyed it immensely—in no small part because it was something my dad and I did together. I sang soprano and sat in the front row and my dad sang baritone and sat right behind me. 
We processed in and I took the opportunity of a familiar hymn to scan the small congregation in front of me. I was surprised to see a good-looking young man in one of the front pews. Our family had moved to Northwest Arkansas seven months earlier and quickly joined this church. This was the first time I’d ever seen him. 
He looked up and I quickly looked down, pleased to have caught his eye. I’d caught a slight twitch to his lips and a twinkle in his eyes—perhaps a hint of a fun sense of humor? His dark wavy hair curled slightly over his collar and I couldn’t seem to keep from sneaking quick, and I hoped, subtle glances his way. About half-way through the service our eyes met . . . and he winked. Immediately I felt my face flush. I looked away and fought to keep a grin off my face. I tried to look at him without making it too obvious, but he was waiting for me, a sweet grin on his face. When our eyes met he winked again. 
The electricity was immediate, and I didn’t try to hide my answering grin. Even though I’d never met him, this brazen young man was a hero. I saw a lifetime of possibilities in those few looks and knew I didn’t want that chance to pass me by. I had my reason to stay strong. God had used him to answer my prayer.
A Month Later It had been four weeks since that handsome young man had winked at me while I was singing in the choir. After church I’d rushed to get my choir robe off and hung up, expecting to have someone waiting. But I’d been disappointed when he hadn’t found me and introduced himself. Still, just his interest had been enough to help me weather the storms of ending a bad relationship. 
Now a month had passed, and I still hadn’t met my hero. I’d about decided he was just a visitor God had used to set my life back on track. Today my dad and I joked as we donned choir robes and I entered the choir loft with a smile. It widened into a grin as I caught sight of a familiar stranger seated in the front pew. He had returned—and he was grinning back at me. 
Church went by in a blur, anticipation giving unexpected wings to the hour. Surely this time we’d have a chance to meet.
Once more, I hurried out of my choir robe and went to hang it up. But before I could get free of the choir room, he was there, standing in front of me. Even with that infectious grin in place, he’d managed to introduce himself to my father and somehow get his permission for me to stay with him for the church luncheon that day. 
We got acquainted during an eclectic meal prepared by some of the best cooks in the county. Even in the middle of the crowded room we felt like we were alone. The time sped by as we shared conversation, dreams and laughter. All too soon I was seated in his 1976 Olds Cutlass as he delivered me home. 
He walked me to my porch where we stood awkwardly for a few moments before He said he’d call and turned back to his car. As I watched him drive away I found myself hoping that wouldn’t be the last time I saw his car parked outside my house.
1998I’d been married to my hero for almost twenty years. We were well on our way raising our three boys and I’d decided to return to my passion and my calling, writing. Before we’d had children I’d worked as a full-time technical writer, but when the kids came along I’d opted for full-time motherhood. While the boys were moving from baby to toddler to school-age, I’d done some dabbling, but nothing serious. Now, with all three in school I had time—and energy—to get back in the game. 
I had no urge to go back to a corporate writing job, I wanted to enter the world of freelance and eventually move into books, specifically Christian books. God had given me so much—gifted me with so much—I really felt He wanted me to use my gift for His glory. But I knew there’d be a steep learning curve. I began attending writing conferences, joining online and local writing groups, as well as amassing a library of writing books. I also began to sell an occasional article and speak at a few women’s ministry events, but nothing that could keep up with the expenses of learning the craft of writing. 
I began to feel guilty about the outlay from the family budget for what appeared to be an expensive hobby. I flirted with giving up the dream. I was discouraged and felt like maybe I’d misunderstood God’s calling.
That’s when Kirk gave me a gift I still cherish. We were out on a date night and I’d begun apologizing about even considering another writing conference. He stopped me and took my hand. “I’ve watched what God has been doing through your writing. You truly have a gift and I believe in it.” 
“But….” 
“I would be more than happy for us to pay for you to return to college.” That grin I never could resist broke through. “That’s the way I view your writing conferences and classes. This is your college education.” 
I couldn’t help it, tears began to collect in my eyes. “But what about when college is over? What if I still don’t make enough to pay for the classes and conferences? Should I give up then?” 
“Of course not. Lots of careers require ongoing education. I’m in this for the long haul.” His eyes twinkled. “How about you?” 
He stayed true to his word, and next year my fifth and sixth books will hit the store shelves. I still fight self-doubt—I’ve discovered all writers do—but whenever the doubts resurface I remember my husband’s words and keep writing. 


Kirk, 
I know you read my blog everyday. It's only one of the thousands of ways that you show how much you love me. I wish I could find the words to tell you how much I love you. Words can't even begin to express what you mean to me. You are now, and always have been, my hero.

This story first appeared on Shannon Vannetter's Inkslinger blog

Business Basics for Today’s Writer: Over Writing—The Mark of a Lazy Writer

by Edie Melson

If we look at writing from a numbers point of view, it would be logical to assume that the more words, the better. But writing is NOT a numbers sport, and over writing is the mark of a lazy writer.
It's also something we all do, especially in a first draft. There's nothing wrong with that—as long as we take the time to go back and rework what we've written. 
Myth:The more words the better. Some of the great writers of all time come to mind to support this myth—can anyone say Charles Dickens? But one thing people forget about this great author is he made his living writing serials for a newspaper. Keeping the story going, kept the paycheck coming. Don’t get me wrong, I think Charles Dickens was a genius writer. But his era was very different from ours. Wise writers take that into consideration before using him as an example to be long-winded.
Fact:It takes more work and more skill to use fewer words to convey the same meaning.
Just in case you’re not convinced, here’s a real-life example. It’s from an article I sold to a home improvement website.
Long-winded version: An epoxy floor covering for the garage can be a really good thing. It can increase the value of your home and make keeping the garage clean and organized easy. But there are downsides to this option.
We have all gotten the advice that doing something right the first time is the best way. This saying is definitely true when it comes to applying an epoxy floor covering to the garage. When the epoxy floor covering is applied by a qualified professional it can last a lifetime. But if you don’t find a quality product, and a qualified installer the outcome of this project can end up costing you cash instead of saving you. This article will give you everything you need to make the best decision when it comes to adding an epoxy finish to your garage. (138 words)
Tightened version:We’ve all heard the axiom, “Do it right the first time.” This was never more true than when it’s applied to epoxy flooring for the garage. This floor covering can last a lifetime, when applied by a qualified professional. Or it can last less than a year, if you chose the wrong product and installer. We’ll give you all the information you need to make an informed decision. (68 words)
Because of space constraints, the word count was absolute. I had to deliver an informative article in 420 words or less. That meant I had to cut everything that wasn’t absolutely necessary.
What had to go (and why):   In the long-winded version of the article, I have a nice lead-in paragraph. It’s not bad, but it’s also not necessary. The tight version manages to give the same information in just under half the word count.
In the long-winded version of the article, there are also lots of repeated words. Not only is this sloppy writing, but it’s also irritating to read. 

Tightening up an article is one thing, but what about fiction ? 

The same principles hold true. It's never a good idea to slow down a good story with unneeded verbiage. Here’s an example from a scene I wrote for a cozy mystery:

Long-winded version:She got out of bed and paced around the room, taking deep breaths and willing her heart rate to slow. She’d read somewhere it helped with panic attacks, but it certainly wasn’t doing her any good. Glancing down at the phone still in her hand, her finger shook as it scrolled through previous calls. Her pacing slowed to a stop in the middle of the room. This couldn’t be right. None of the numbers were familiar. (76 words)
Tightened version:She got out of bed and paced the room, taking deep breaths and willing her heart rate to slow. She’d read somewhere it helped with panic attacks, but it certainly wasn’t doing her any good. Her finger shook as it scrolled though previous calls. Her pacing stopped. This couldn’t be right. None of the numbers were familiar. (57 words)
What had to go (and why): In the long-winded version there are several phrases that could be cut because her actions implied them.

Pacing - implies around the room. No one can pace in one place.
Her Finger shook as it scrolled through previous calls - implies she was glancing down at the phone still in her hand. She's got to be looking at the phone to do this.

In the long-winded version, I slowed down the action in a tense scene with the phrase, her pacing slowed to a stop in the middle of the room. It's much stronger to just say, her pacing stopped.

As you can see, no matter what you're writing brevity is pure gold. Take time to go back over your words, evaluate the effectiveness of each one and keep only the ones you need.

How about you? Are there any redundant phrases you see in books or articles that irritate you?


Don't forget to join the conversation!
Blessings,
Edie

Tweetables
Over writing - it really is the mark of a lazy writer. (Click to Tweet)

Writing tight is pure gold - in fiction and non-fiction. (Click to Tweet)

How to Add ClickToTweet to Your Blog

by Edie Melson

I’ve gotten lots of positive feedback since I’ve included TWEETABLES to the end of a lot of my blog posts. Readers like the fact that they don’t have to come up with Tweets and FB updates to share my posts.
I like it because I can compose the updates I want, complete with hashtags.
Many people want to know how I do it, so today I’m going to share how to add ClickToTweet to your blog. Susan Stilwell shared the directions for this a little over a year ago, but the ClickToTweet interface has changed so I wanted to give you the updated instructions.
First, you’ll need to have several windows open at once.Open the website www.bitly.com. You’ll need this to get a shortened URL to plug into your tweet.Next open the website www.clicktotweet.com.Finally, open the compose window of your blog (this works equally well in Blogger, Typepad, and WordPress). 
Step-by-Step Instructions1. Compose your blog post like normal. Make sure your blog post has a title. You’ll need this to get the permalink, but more about that later. At the end of your post, compose a Tweet. I usually compose two and I label them TWEETABLES.

2. Copy your permalink. Below are screenshots of where you’ll find the permalink in Blogger, Wordpress and Typepad.
Permalink position in Blogger Permalink position in Wordpress
Permalink position in Typepad
3. Copy the permalink—begin with http://—and paste it into Bitly. There's no need to sign in or create an account if you don't want to.
Copy your permalink into the window on Bitly.4. Click SHORTEN. In a few minutes, you'll come back to this window and click COPY. When you come back to this window, you'll click COPY.5. Go to the ClickToTweet window and click BASIC LINK. Again, there's no need to open an account or sign in with Twitter. I do, because I use it so often, but you don't have to.
Choose BASIC LINK from this pane.6. From your blog's compose window, copy your tweet and paste it into the BASIC LINK pane. After you paste your Tweet, you'll want to add hashtags, your Twitter handle and your shortened URL from Bitly. Once you're happy with it, click GENERATE NEW LINK.
Don't forget to keep an eye on the Number of Characters you use when composing your tweet. Because this is specifically designed for Twitter, you're limited to no more than 140 Characters. 7. Once you're happy with your Tweet, click GENERATE NEW LINK. Be sure to keep an eye on the number of characters you use when composing your tweet. Because this program is specifically designed for Twitter, you're limited to no more than 140 Characters.
8. Copy the shortened link, and return to the compose window of your blog. Add the words Click To Tweet in parenthesis at the end of the social media update you composed. Then highlight the entire thing. Click LINK and paste the shortened ClickToTweet link into the pane. 
This screenshot shows where you add (Click to Tweet) to your TWEETABLES,  find LINK in your blog's compose window and where to paste the ClickToTweet URL.Additional Information:I only include the main body of the Tweet under my TWEETABLES. This keeps it from confusing folks who don't know about hashtags and things, and keeps the look of this section neat.I hyperlink the ENTIRE Tweet, NOT just the (Click to Tweet) on purpose. Hyperlinks are searchable in search engines and your blog will get more SEO benefit if you link to things people would actually type into a search engine. (Rarely does anyone type in Click to Tweet or Post or Click Here). Want to know more about Hyperlinks? Read my post on Everything You Need to Know About Links.
If you have any questions, be sure to post them in the comments section below.
And don't forget to join the conversation!Blessings,Edie
TWEETABLESAdding ClickToTweet to your blog posts is easy and makes it easier for others to share on social media. (Click to Tweet)
Step-by-step instructions for adding ClickToTweet to any blog post. (Click to Tweet)

The Art of Social Media—Finding Your Authentic Social Media Voice

by Edie Melson
As authors we talk a lot about voice. In fiction, and even non-fiction, it’s defined as that certain something that makes an author unique. In everything—from the rhythm, cadence and flow—to the sentence structure. It conveys the author’s personality and attitude.
Although many may not realize it, there’s an advantage to developing a voice for your social media presence. If you think about it, it’s something that those most successful social media folks have done.
But with social media, it’s not just the words you choose, but it encompasses the images you use to represent yourself and the topics of the updates you post.
Here’s how to develop an authentic social media voice:
1. Be yourself. This may seem obvious, but with any new technology, it’s easy to get sidetracked by all the bells and whistles. Don’t over think the hashtags or lingo of any platform.
2. Write like you talk. Try not to use lingo on social media that you wouldn’t use in conversation. Of course there are exceptions, one notable one is LOL! I don’t really use that in conversation, but I do crack jokes and it’s sort of a shorthand version of that.
3. Consider your community. I don’t necessarily mean your physical neighborhood, but more the people you surround yourself with. What do you talk about? What makes your group unique? What do you stand for?
4. Listen to the conversation around you. What do you have to add without becoming part of the noise? We all approach life from a unique perspective, don’t be afraid to be authentic.
5. Stay consistent. The majority of people out there like to know what to expect. Sure we all like occasional surprises, but when I walk into McDonalds I expect certain things. Your social media presence is like that as well. Develop a strong consistent presence and people will respect what you have to say.
6. Be relevant. There are lots of trivial things around, make sure your social media voice isn’t one of them.
7. Use hashtags with care. To avoid the used car salesman voice, limit yourself to no more than two (or occasionally three) hashtags per update.
8. Don't be an egomaniac. To keep your social media from being me focused, follow Edie’s 5 to 1 rule. For every 5 social media updates, only one can be about you.
9 Keep it positive. Let’s face it, nobody likes a whiner. Social media is no different, so keep the tone upbeat and positive.

10. Avoid lecturing and scolding. This is another no-no. If you wouldn’t like the tone in person, don’t use it on social media.
11. Make sure your avatar (image) reflects your voice. A lot of times, it's the only visual clue that can reinforce who you are. 
Social media voices can be witty, quirky, encouraging, snarky, playful, educational, and hundreds of other things. Make an effort to develop yours into an accurate representation of you. 
Now it's your turn, share what you think your social media personality is. Or if you're not sure, ask some questions and let's figure it out together. 
I'll go first. I think my social media voice is educational and encouraging. If I'm not hitting that, feel free to post what you think it is.
Don't forget to join the conversation!Blessings,Edie 
Tweetables
11 Tips to Help You Find Your Authentic Social Media Voice. (Click to Tweet)
There is an art to social media, and it involves finding your authentic voice. (Click to Tweet)

The Christmas Spirit—Just Another Ghost Story?

Is the Christmas Spirit just another Ghost Story?Don’t you yourselves know that you are God’s sanctuary and that the Spirit of God lives in you? I Corinthians 3:16

How is your Christmas season shaping up? For so many of us, December is a month of insane commitments and looming expectations. It’s not just the presents or the gatherings—although those alone can be overwhelming. The real Christmas killer, in my opinion, is that elusive Christmas Spirit we’re all supposed to be filled with—like some kind of holiday ectoplasm.
If you ask me, that’s one scary ghost. Don't make Christmas just a mark on the
spiritual scale—an incalculable measure
of holiness.It’s frightening because it’s imaginary, not to mention completely unattainable. And in case you didn’t know, there is nothing in God’s word that propels us toward this elusive pinnacle of holiday perfection—not a single verse. The only spirit we’re to be filled with is the Holy Spirit and He’s with us year round.
Don’t get me wrong, there are plenty of things we need to strive toward when it comes to holiness. But the idea that we have to be super-Christians during the holidays is a lie of mythic proportions.
I’m not against celebrating Christmas, far from it. It’s the time when we commemorate the birth of our Savior. But we’ve turned this season into an incalculable measure of holiness—a mark on the spiritual scale that we’re all attempting to reach.
The true joy of Christmas
begins and ends with God.This doesn’t do anything except add pressure to an already impossible situation.
So what’s a person to do?
Realize that the true joy of Christmas begins and ends with God. Sure it’s great to be with family and friends, but people will always disappoint us. Instead, when our focus remains on God, we’re protected from the friction that can arise during the holidays.

Join me, as I make a conscious decision to keep the true joy of Christmas this season.
Blessings,Edie 

Social Media Image—The Pace of the Season

I love the holidays—the gatherings, the sparkle, most of all the gatherings of family. But even for me, there are times when the pace gets to be too much. I have to refocus on what's important and take a breather from all the chaos. 

So I'm curious.
How do you cope with the pace of the season? 

Adopt the pace of nature: her secret is patience. - Ralph Waldo Emerson

Share your thoughts in the comment section below. 
I also invite you to use this image any way you like online. Post it to your blog, share it on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, anywhere you'd like. All I ask is that you keep it intact, with my website watermark visible.
Don't forget to join the conversation!Blessings,Edie

Life Lessons—Avoiding Emotional Land Mines During the Holidays

by Reba J. Hoffman, Ph.D

Let’s face it. Though the holidays are filled with splendor, they are also chocked full of emotional turbulence. Your feelings seem to board a roller coaster around the first of November and ride it continuously until after the big ball falls in Times Square on New Year’s Eve.
So how can a writer not only endure it, but make the best of it? Well, not by jumping into bed and pulling the covers over your head for two months. Instead, you can learn a lot from getting in touch with those emotions.
Here are a few things you can do to help with avoiding emotional land mines during the holidays:Listen and learn. Okay, you may not want to hear the cashier out who was just rude to you after you spent two hours in line to get to her. Good thing I’m not referring to her. Listen to the emotion. Take note of it. How does your body react when it is seething? Write it down in a special notebook that you’ll be able to refer back to later. Choose the right emotion. Umm, yes, it is possible for you to choose your emotion. You can’t choose how others behave as a result of their emotions but you are in total charge of your own emotions. Choose to be happy. Make a conscious decision each and every day—or even each moment—to be joyful.Chip away the ice. Look, you’re human and sometimes your emotions get the best of you. With all the stress of the season, you’ll get angry or turn a cold shoulder toward those you love and who mean the most in your life. It happens. The key is to quickly chip away at the ice on that cold shoulder you extended toward them. Put yourself in the emotional microwave and warm yourself up fast. Admitting you acted that way will do wonders toward thawing the frozen emotional tundra that blanketed your life and relationship. Emotional landmines are everywhere but are even more treacherous during the holiday season when we’re overworked, overextended and over-budgeted. You’re bound to step on one. When you do, don’t panic. It’ll be alright. Just handle it the right way.
Take it easy. Watch where your emotions are heading and you can avoid them altogether. Get in touch with those emotions and you can use them as great fodder in many novels to come!

Have you stepped on emotional landmines yet this season? What about in the past? How did you react? Share it here!
Reba J. Hoffman is the founder and president of Magellan Life Coaching (www.magellanlifecoaching.com). She holds a Ph.D. in Clinical Counseling and is a natural encourager. She serves as Member Care Coach for My Book Therapy and is the author of Dare to Dream, A Writer’s Journal. You can connect with Reba through her motivational blog, Finding True North, or by email at reba@magellanlifecoaching.com. You can also follow her on Twitter at @MagellanCoach.