Beth K. Vogt's Blog, page 97

In Others’ Words: Inches

“Victory is won not in miles but in inches. Win a little now, hold your ground, and later, win a little more.” ~Louis L’Amour (1908-1988), “America’s Storyteller”

So … maybe you’re not making as much progress as you think you should.

Are you measuring victory — your success — in miles or inches?

True story: There was a season in my life best described as “barren.”  God directed me on a journey to emotional freedom that led straight through the desert.

There were days I caught glimpses of healing … and days I felt abandoned.

One lesson I learned during that time? You can hold your ground laying down.

I stopped pretending I had it (my life) all together. I laid down — emotionally, spiritually, physically. But I didn’t lose ground. I clung to the Truth and didn’t let the desert season dry up my faith. I may not have “bloomed where I was planted,” but I held my ground.

And that was enough.

Inches. Not miles.

In Your Words: What victory are you winning these days? Are you progressing by miles or inches?

In Others’ Words: Stand Out

“Why fit in when you were born to stand out?” ~Dr. Seuss (1904-1991), American writer & poet

It’s Friday.

It’s summer.

I’ll keep it brief(er) today.

The older I get, the more comfortable I am being me — the real me. Not the “who do you think I should be” me.

I’m OK with being different — and I also don’t have to be different just to make a point. Or to get noticed.

In Your Words: What makes you stand out in a crowd? Come on, tell me. I’d really like to know.

I’m visiting over at Michelle Lim’s blog today, talking about what’s beyond the bend in the writing road. I hope you drop by!

In My Words: In Between Stories

I’m feeling kinda’ in between these days.

My debut novel, Wish You Were Here, has been out for a month.

Yay!

My second novel, Catch a Falling Star, has been with my editors for a month.

Yay! (No, really … Yay! I love editors. I am one, you know.)

And now, it’s time to move on to the next story.

I’m a inspirational contemporary romance writer — it’s what I do: write stories.

But my heart and mind are still full of Allison and Daniel (the heroine and hero of WYWH). And now the characters of Catch a Falling Star have squeezed their way into my thoughts. I’ve fallen in love with them too.

Writing another novel means more characters.

A few of them are already lurking around the corners of my mind, waving their hands as if to say, “Hey! What about me? You gonna tell my story yet?”

Yes, imaginary people do this.

And novelists listen to them.

I’ve jotted down notes and story-lines and potential names and locations. The barest beginnings of what’s next for me.

There’s another story waiting to be written … and I’m eager to find out which one it will be.

In Your Words: Writers, what story are you working on? Readers, what are you reading?

In Others’ Words: Feel Better Now?

“Feeling better has become more important to us than finding God.” ~Larry Crabb (1944-), psychologist & author

I read this quote and said, “Huh.”

Out loud.

And then, as I am wont to do, I read the words again and thought, “Is it true? For me?”

This quote smacked me across the face and brought me to my knees.

I spent all day being busy, busy, busy. You knowing … doing stuff. The kind of “important” things that make me say (not out loud), “I’ll be right with you, God, once I get this other stuff done.”

And then I read this quote and got slam-dunked by 11 little words.

Because why was I doing all that stuff? The writing and the errands and the connecting with other people and the do-this-do-that demands that can eat up the minutes and hours of a day before I realize it …

I’ll tell you why: Because at the end of the day, I wanted to feel good about myself. I wanted to pat myself on the back, brush and floss my teeth, climb into bed and go to sleep thinking, “Not bad, Beth. Not bad at all.”

But in the midst of all the doing … did I miss God?

Possibly.

Probably.

Life is not about feeling better — although too often that’s my goal. At the end of the day, I’d much rather have seen glimpses of God — his majesty, his grace, his lovingkindness.

Because really … how can you feel bad when you’ve seen God in your day to day life?

In Your Words: Your choice: Feel better or find God?

 

In My Words: Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writers Conference

Me with BRMCWC Co-director Edie Melson

 

I’ve never heard a negative comment about the Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writers Conference (BRMCWC) — and now I know why.

I attended my first BRMCWC last week — and I hope it’s not my last one! I taught four “A Writer’s Life” workshops, each themed to a different segment of The Princess Bride movie:

A Writer’s Life: The Cliffs of Insanity
A Writer’s Life: The Fire Swamp
A Writer’s Life: The Pit of Despair
A Writer’s Life: Waiting for Vizzini

BRMCWC Director Alton Gansky with me and my husband

Alton Gansky, conference director, Edie Melson, conference co-director, and Eva Marie Everson, conference contest coordinator, put a lot of time, energy and prayer into making BRMCWC successful. The faculty roster is impressive and the list of classes — both continuing classes and one-time workshops — boggles the mind.

But the thing I will remember most about the conference?

How a sense of caring, of concern for others, was woven through each and every moment. I didn’t see a single ego show up last week — not a bit of “me first.” Instead, there was a continual attitude within the group (both faculty and attendees) of considering others more important.

There was laughter. (Think a faculty “un-talent” show.)

And worship. (I was so touched by Lynn DeShazo, who led us in worhsip, I invested in four of her CDs.)

And insight. (Keynote speakers who spoke with transparency and humility. And, yes, humor.)

Highlight: Finally meeting my online friend Patricia Hunter, who blogs at Pollywog Creek.

I know we’re only (almost) half-way through 2012. But when you start thinking about 2013 and what writing conferences you want to attend, put the BRMCWC at the top of your list!

Stayed up late, late one night talking with writer Pepper Basham -- & would do it again!

 

In Your Words: Did you attend BRMCWC this year or in the past? Any favorite memories? What other conferences do you have on your “must attend” list?

Had to post this "Girls Just Want to Have Fun" photo with Susan May Warren, Melissa Tagg, me & Edie Melson.

 

 

In Others’ Words: Hero

“It doesn’t take a hero to order men into battle. It takes a hero to be one of those men who goes into battle.” ~Norman Schwarzkopf (1934-), U.S. Army general

 

With thanks to our military men and women — each and every one a hero. I’m saying a special prayer today for those who are grieving a child, a sibling, a spouse, a parent, a friend because they lost their life while serving in the U.S. Armed Forces.

In Others’ Words: Vacation

 

“Laughter is an instant vacation.” ~Milton Berle (1908 – 2002), comedian

I wanted a fun quote about vacations for today’s post … and then I found this quote by comedian Milton Berle. I fell in love with it because it combined the topic of vacations with my favorite sound: laughter.

A win-win.

I’m enjoying just a couple of days of vacation after teaching at the Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writers Conference. Then, it’s back home and back to life: planning my daughter’s wedding, planning my next books — and oh yes! My youngest daughter is on summer vacation!

In Your Words: Got any special vacation plans for the summer? Or are you planning a stay-cation?

In Others’ Words: What do you see?

The only ugliness is that of the heart, seen through the face. And though beauty be obvious, the only loveliness is invisible.~ Herman Melville (1819-1891), American novelist

This is one of those quotes that I need to read s-l-o-w-l-y.

I knew I liked it the first time I read it … but wait … did I understand it? Let me read it again …

Ugliness of the heart. Ah, yes. That I understand. Emotions — reactions, intentions — best left hidden. And yet they are revealed in my eyes, the window to my soul.

And beauty-that-is-more-than-skin-deep.

How often do I focus on what I see in the mirror — obvious beauty, or the lack thereof — and miss the gentle loveliness of the invisible? Yes, mine … or someone else’s?

In Others’ Words: What beauty have you seen today?

In Others’ Words: Hopes & Dreams

“Everyone must dream. We dream to give ourselves hope. To stop dreaming – well, that’s like saying you can never change your fate. Isn’t that true?”

~Amy Tan, The Hundred Secret Senses

I’m teaching four workshops at the Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writers Conference this week — each one themed to The Princess Bride movie. (That’s another blog post.)

One of the best things about attending a writers conference? You’re surrounded by people pursuing their dreams. The air is filled with expectancy and hope. Yes, I know there are times when those 15 minute appointments don’t go as planned. When an editor or agent says “no thanks” to your article or book idea.

But that obstacle doesn’t mean an end to your dream. It just means that particular meeting wasn’t your door marked “Enter.”

Keep dreaming. A “no” isn’t the final answer. Catch you’re breath.  Remember why you started imagining your dream — whatever it is. And then dare to share that dream again.

In Your Words: What are you dreaming about? When you get discouraged, how do you keep your dream alive?

In Others’ Words: Peace

My precious friend, Edie Melson, provides today’s quote — as in, these are her words — as well giving us a glimpse into her perspective on life and embracing the journey.

Edie Melson is a freelance writer and editor with years of experience in the publishing industry. She’s a prolific writer, and has a popular writing blog, The Write Conversation. She’s the co-director of the Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writers Conference, as well as a popular faculty member at numerous others. She currently has two books available, the best selling eBook, Social Media Marketing for Writers, and her latest project, a devotional for those with family members in the military, Fighting Fear: Winning the War at Home When Your Soldier Leaves for Battle . Married 30 years to her high school sweetheart, Kirk, they have raised three sons.

 

“I wouldn’t choose it…but I wouldn’t change it.” ~Edie Melson, author

Those words signified a foundational shift in my attitude towards life.

I used to rail against the circumstances surrounding me. I’d shake a metaphorical fist at Heaven and demand to know why I was forced into difficulties. But enduring those hard times has brought me to a place of peace and perspective. Time and again I’ve been able to be a voice of hope to others enduring similar trials, and I’ve come to realize I wouldn’t be who I am today without those times of tempering. So I invite you join me, and embrace the journey.

In Your Words: Have you come to a point in your life when you can say, “I wouldn’t choose it … but I wouldn’t change it”? I’d love for you to join today’s conversation.

I’m visiting with my friend & fellow writer, Sarah Forgrave today, as well as another writing buddy, Casey Herringshaw! Please stop by!