Rebecca H. Jamison's Blog, page 6
September 29, 2015
My Online Critique Group
It's been a year since I started my online critique group. Three authors and I have been getting together once a week to help each other improve our work. I have learned so much from these talented women. And it's all been online, which means we don't have to drive miles and miles to go to our critique group.
Janice Sperry, Renae Mackley, and me.
Melissa Cunningham is also in our group, but I still haven't met her in person yet.We've kept our routine pretty simple, which has worked well for us. We meet most weeks on a weekday afternoon while our kids are still in school (except my youngest who watches a movie.)
How we operate:We submit our manuscripts by Friday night of the week before (though sometimes one of us has a crazy week and gets it in by Saturday night. Occasionally, one of us skips a submission week also.)Each of us can submit up to 10 pages (double spaced, 10 point font.)Before we meet, we each go through everyone's manuscript in Word, using the software to make comments and edits. (We turn on track changes, so the author can tell what edits we make.)When we meet, we take turns talking about each manuscript.After we meet, we e-mail each other the marked-up manuscripts. This makes it super easy to revise.Oh yes, and we try to be nice, but not too nice. (Sometimes it can get a little discouraging when the group wants you to make big changes . . . until you make the changes and you realize how right they were.)How we talk online:We have never used Skype for our meetings because it won't allow us to have a word document open while we see each other on the screen. At first, we used Oovoo, but it kept crashing on us. Last month, we started using Google Hangouts, and it has worked really well. The picture isn't as clear as it is on some other platforms, but it doesn't crash on us. For now, we're sticking with Google Hangouts.
I've probably left something out. Feel free to comment below with questions and suggestions.
Janice Sperry, Renae Mackley, and me.
Melissa Cunningham is also in our group, but I still haven't met her in person yet.We've kept our routine pretty simple, which has worked well for us. We meet most weeks on a weekday afternoon while our kids are still in school (except my youngest who watches a movie.)How we operate:We submit our manuscripts by Friday night of the week before (though sometimes one of us has a crazy week and gets it in by Saturday night. Occasionally, one of us skips a submission week also.)Each of us can submit up to 10 pages (double spaced, 10 point font.)Before we meet, we each go through everyone's manuscript in Word, using the software to make comments and edits. (We turn on track changes, so the author can tell what edits we make.)When we meet, we take turns talking about each manuscript.After we meet, we e-mail each other the marked-up manuscripts. This makes it super easy to revise.Oh yes, and we try to be nice, but not too nice. (Sometimes it can get a little discouraging when the group wants you to make big changes . . . until you make the changes and you realize how right they were.)How we talk online:We have never used Skype for our meetings because it won't allow us to have a word document open while we see each other on the screen. At first, we used Oovoo, but it kept crashing on us. Last month, we started using Google Hangouts, and it has worked really well. The picture isn't as clear as it is on some other platforms, but it doesn't crash on us. For now, we're sticking with Google Hangouts.
I've probably left something out. Feel free to comment below with questions and suggestions.
September 22, 2015
How to Be More Confident
This year, I set a goal to be more confident, so I thought I'd pause for a moment and reflect on what I've learned from watching TED talks, reading books, and studying articles about confidence.
Confidence is a SkillConfidence isn’t an in-born trait. It’s a skill you can develop with practice. Just like learning to ride a bicycle, you can learn to be more confident.
Positive ThinkingOne of the best ways to gain confidence is to watch how you speak to yourself. Try to delete negative thoughts and turn up the volume on positive ones.
Try New ThingsDoing things that scare you will help you to be more confident. Any time you learn something new, you become more courageous.
Get Outside YourselfGiving compliments, hanging out with positive people, serving others, and saying “Thank you” all help you to be more confident.
Confident Body LanguageStudies show that when you look confident, you feel more confident. Keep your back straight and your eyes on the other person. Don’t hunch, fold your arms, or rest your head on your hands. Instead, take up all the space you want. Do the Wonder Woman stance--hands on hips, feet shoulder-width apart.
Take Care of YourselfIt's also proven that people who exercise, dress their best, and practice good hygeine are generally more confident than those who don't.
I'm much more confident in some areas than I am in others. Social confidence is sometimes my biggest challenge, so the tip to get outside myself is probably the most important one for me. When I focus on helping other people, I forget my inadequacies.
What helps you to feel more confident?
Confidence is a SkillConfidence isn’t an in-born trait. It’s a skill you can develop with practice. Just like learning to ride a bicycle, you can learn to be more confident. 
Positive ThinkingOne of the best ways to gain confidence is to watch how you speak to yourself. Try to delete negative thoughts and turn up the volume on positive ones.
Try New ThingsDoing things that scare you will help you to be more confident. Any time you learn something new, you become more courageous.
Get Outside YourselfGiving compliments, hanging out with positive people, serving others, and saying “Thank you” all help you to be more confident.
Confident Body LanguageStudies show that when you look confident, you feel more confident. Keep your back straight and your eyes on the other person. Don’t hunch, fold your arms, or rest your head on your hands. Instead, take up all the space you want. Do the Wonder Woman stance--hands on hips, feet shoulder-width apart.
Take Care of YourselfIt's also proven that people who exercise, dress their best, and practice good hygeine are generally more confident than those who don't.I'm much more confident in some areas than I am in others. Social confidence is sometimes my biggest challenge, so the tip to get outside myself is probably the most important one for me. When I focus on helping other people, I forget my inadequacies.
What helps you to feel more confident?
September 15, 2015
Taking a Wrong Turn, or Maybe Not
My kids went on a long bike and hike trek this weekend. Their object was to visit four different temples along the way. In the morning, they walked 12 miles and visited two temples. In the afternoon, they were supposed to bike 18 miles between two more temples.
My husband and I went along to support the kids on the afternoon bike trek by providing rides, water, and snacks. We chose a park about half-way along the bike trail. Then we waited and waited and waited. It was a beautiful area, and I had fun walking along the trail (pictured above.)
Finally, a couple of the bikers arrived at our pit stop. One of the kids was surprised that a larger group of bikers, including our two boys, hadn't passed yet. We decided they must have taken a wrong turn. We waited another hour or so before they showed up. That's when we learned that they had taken not one but several wrong turns. And, unbelievably, it wasn't all my sons' faults. (One of them is pretty famous for going off the trail.)
Anyway, thanks to leaders getting them back on track, most of them managed to complete the 18 mile trek, which ended up being much more than 18 miles. I'm so proud of them for keeping at it.
The story made for a great analogy, and we ended up talking about other wrong turns we might make in life. The boys agreed that it's smart to turn around as fast as you can once you realize you've made a bad decision and get back on the path to your goal.
Afterward, though, I started thinking about all the times I thought I had gone off on the wrong path, and I decided maybe it's not always obvious when you're on the wrong path. For example, back in graduate school, when I applied for the creative writing program and got rejected, I wished I had never gotten myself on the path to creative writing. I thought I had taken a wrong turn, but I was so far into the program that it was too late to turn back. I reapplied, got accepted, and wrote my first novel as my thesis. Now, after publishing three other novels, I'm so glad I persisted with my "wrong turn." (Cue Robert Frost's "The Road Not Taken" here.)
A wrong turn can sometimes give you added wisdom and compassion. Or, in my case, it can provide material for an angst-filled chapter in a book. (The more I write, the more I realize that no experience is wasted.) Other times, a right turn for me may be a wrong turn for someone else. Life can get complicated that way.
Another issue I have is that when my path becomes difficult, I start to assume that I've taken a wrong turn. This, though, is something that happens no matter what path you take. There are uphill stretches and downhill stretches. Right now, I'm on an uphill stretch in life. I keep having to remind myself of my ultimate goals. Sometimes it helps to take the long view--all the way to the end of the path--instead of just to the to the big hill in front of me. Big hills have a way of providing the most beautiful vistas.
How about you? Have you ever taken a wrong turn that turned out to be a right turn?
September 3, 2015
The Summer Summary
At the beginning of summer, I made a blog schedule, listing all the blog posts I planned to write because I would have so much time to write this summer. Boy, was I optimistic! Our summer was crazy busy on so many levels, and I found myself barely keeping up with everything. I had a bunch of kid projects--one son needed braces, another needed to learn to drive, two started at new colleges, etc. But there were a lot of fun things too. So instead of a blog post, I'm going to share some of my favorite pictures from the best parts of the summer. Here they are:
My husband and me above Alta Ski Resort.
I came here with my youngest son for my birthday activity. I love how the trees arch over the pathway.
We hiked up to Stewart Falls on a hot day and enjoyed feeling the cool mist from the falls.
I love these Black-Eyed Susans I spotted a few days ago.
My mother-in-law took us to Yellowstone National Park. It was so beautiful. The kids' favorite activity was wading in the river. We found out later that a wolf was wading less than a mile downstream from us. (We got to see the wolf too.)
We adopted a new dog because, hey, I wasn't busy enough.We named her Cinnamon. We love her. She is so feisty, though,
I sometimes think her name should be Tabasco. Next stop: Obedience school.
As you can tell, we did a lot of hiking this summer.
Here I am in a canyon near our house. I love the clear water in the background.
My husband takes this big huge backpack on all our hikes.I tease him that he's overprepared. My youngest, overhearing me,
has started overfilling his own backpack, saying he's "over-repaired too."
My husband and me above Alta Ski Resort.
I came here with my youngest son for my birthday activity. I love how the trees arch over the pathway.
We hiked up to Stewart Falls on a hot day and enjoyed feeling the cool mist from the falls.
I love these Black-Eyed Susans I spotted a few days ago.
My mother-in-law took us to Yellowstone National Park. It was so beautiful. The kids' favorite activity was wading in the river. We found out later that a wolf was wading less than a mile downstream from us. (We got to see the wolf too.)
We adopted a new dog because, hey, I wasn't busy enough.We named her Cinnamon. We love her. She is so feisty, though,I sometimes think her name should be Tabasco. Next stop: Obedience school.
As you can tell, we did a lot of hiking this summer. Here I am in a canyon near our house. I love the clear water in the background.
My husband takes this big huge backpack on all our hikes.I tease him that he's overprepared. My youngest, overhearing me, has started overfilling his own backpack, saying he's "over-repaired too."
August 4, 2015
A Skit About Noah
The young women asked me to write a skit about Noah for them to perform at Girl's Camp. I always post the skits I write, so others can use them if they want. Here it is--short and sweet:
A Skit about Noah by Rebecca Jamison
Noah didn’t exactly hang with the popular crowd. He wasn’t concerned with popularity though. His greatest desire was to obey the Lord, and the Lord had asked him to cry repentance. Noah cried repentance, but the people only mocked him. He kept teaching the people, even when some of them tried to kill him. Worst of all, he didn't get invited to any Tupperware, Pampered Chef, or JamBerry parties. Noah never got to try that crazy wrap thing either.
After a long time, the Lord told Noah that the people on earth had become so wicked that He was going to send a flood to destroy everyone on the face of the earth. If Noah and his family were to survive, they needed to obey a few special commandments. They were:
1. To build an ark.
2. To gather two of every animal on the face of the earth, more of some types.
3. To get ready to live on the ark with the animals.
At first, Noah might have wondered why the Lord gave him such difficult commandments. Having to build an ark and gather 2 of every animal upon the earth seemed so much harder than say waiting until you’re 16 to date. (You have to remember that Noah was 600 years old. He had been married a very, very, very long time.) But Noah obeyed.
His family members obeyed too. They probably would have rather been watching cute cat and dog videos on youtube [Show cat and dog doing something cute] , but instead they went outside to work. They served with all their heart as they looked for gopher wood and told their neighbors about the plans for an ark.
Then they served with all their strength as they cut down the gopher wood and hauled it home to build the ark.
They served with all their minds as they tried to figure out how to measure 300 cubits. A cubit—that’s the distance between your elbow to the tip of your fingers. How hard can it be to measure a cubit? [Show a small person next to a bigger person and the difference between the measurement.] Later they learned how to pitch the wood within and without [show someone pitching a ball. Then have someone bring a can of something labeled pitch.]
They served with all their might as they collected 2 elephants, 2 bears, 2 tigers, 2 lions, 2 zebras, and 10 pooper scoopers.
All this time, the people kept mocking Noah’s family. You think it’s bad when your dog barks at the neighbors. Think how hard it must have been for Noah. The neighbors could have complained about giraffes looking over the fence, pigs stinking up the place, raccoons raiding their trash cans, and rabbits eating the carrots out of their gardens.
Noah’s neighbors also thought it was laughable that he would build such a big boat on dry land. But Noah trusted that the Lord would send a flood.
After Noah’s family had heard a lot of mocking, they finally noticed the rain coming. That’s when Noah, his family, and the animals finally embarked on the ark. The ark had no sails or rudders to steer by. It didn’t even have an outboard motor. Noah and his family would have to trust God to steer the ship for them.
It probably took all their heart, might, mind, and strength to live on the ark for 40 days and 40 nights. But the Lord watched over them. After their long voyage, he blessed them with a new home, and they were all grateful.
A Skit about Noah by Rebecca Jamison
Noah didn’t exactly hang with the popular crowd. He wasn’t concerned with popularity though. His greatest desire was to obey the Lord, and the Lord had asked him to cry repentance. Noah cried repentance, but the people only mocked him. He kept teaching the people, even when some of them tried to kill him. Worst of all, he didn't get invited to any Tupperware, Pampered Chef, or JamBerry parties. Noah never got to try that crazy wrap thing either.
After a long time, the Lord told Noah that the people on earth had become so wicked that He was going to send a flood to destroy everyone on the face of the earth. If Noah and his family were to survive, they needed to obey a few special commandments. They were:
1. To build an ark.
2. To gather two of every animal on the face of the earth, more of some types.
3. To get ready to live on the ark with the animals.
At first, Noah might have wondered why the Lord gave him such difficult commandments. Having to build an ark and gather 2 of every animal upon the earth seemed so much harder than say waiting until you’re 16 to date. (You have to remember that Noah was 600 years old. He had been married a very, very, very long time.) But Noah obeyed.
His family members obeyed too. They probably would have rather been watching cute cat and dog videos on youtube [Show cat and dog doing something cute] , but instead they went outside to work. They served with all their heart as they looked for gopher wood and told their neighbors about the plans for an ark.
Then they served with all their strength as they cut down the gopher wood and hauled it home to build the ark.
They served with all their minds as they tried to figure out how to measure 300 cubits. A cubit—that’s the distance between your elbow to the tip of your fingers. How hard can it be to measure a cubit? [Show a small person next to a bigger person and the difference between the measurement.] Later they learned how to pitch the wood within and without [show someone pitching a ball. Then have someone bring a can of something labeled pitch.]
They served with all their might as they collected 2 elephants, 2 bears, 2 tigers, 2 lions, 2 zebras, and 10 pooper scoopers.
All this time, the people kept mocking Noah’s family. You think it’s bad when your dog barks at the neighbors. Think how hard it must have been for Noah. The neighbors could have complained about giraffes looking over the fence, pigs stinking up the place, raccoons raiding their trash cans, and rabbits eating the carrots out of their gardens.
Noah’s neighbors also thought it was laughable that he would build such a big boat on dry land. But Noah trusted that the Lord would send a flood.
After Noah’s family had heard a lot of mocking, they finally noticed the rain coming. That’s when Noah, his family, and the animals finally embarked on the ark. The ark had no sails or rudders to steer by. It didn’t even have an outboard motor. Noah and his family would have to trust God to steer the ship for them.
It probably took all their heart, might, mind, and strength to live on the ark for 40 days and 40 nights. But the Lord watched over them. After their long voyage, he blessed them with a new home, and they were all grateful.
July 23, 2015
Mr. Darcy, Kissing, and Love Letters
I've been busy writing blog posts for austenauthors.net, and today, I'd like to share excerpts from three of my most popular blog posts with you. There's a link at the end of each excerpt, so you can read the rest of the post if you wish.So Darcy Thinks He Can Dance
It is a truth universally acknowledged that a man who refuses to dance must lack a suitable partner. This could have indeed been the case with Mr. Darcy. Ever since he started toddling on his little legs, his parents had schooled him in dance techniques. By the time he was ten, he could jig as exuberantly as Michael Flatley and execute a turn as gracefully as Baryshnikov. During his travels, he took pains to learn the style of dance unique to each region—he learned the waltz in Vienna, the flamenco in Spain, the ballet in Italy. To these basic techniques, he added personal touches. Before anyone had ever heard of jazz hands, Darcy had developed his own form of this technique. His acquaintances might have called him a man before his time—the John Travolta of the Regency Era—if only he had danced in public.The truth was, though, that he longed to dance with Elizabeth Bennet, or any other fine lady if he could simply get up his courage. What, then, caused his hesitation? Why did he hide his talent? Read more here.Kissing in Jane Austen's Books
This month, I undertook a serious study of kissing in Jane Austen’s books. Though I’ve read all her books multiple times, I was surprised at what I discovered. The kisses aren’t at all the same as in the movies. For example, I might ask, “Who gets to kiss Elizabeth Bennet at the end of Pride and Prejudice?” Most people would respond, “Mister Darcy.” Only a few would give the correct answer: “Captain Wickham.” After he marries Lydia and comes to visit the Bennet house, Elizabeth allows Wickham to kiss her hand (Yuck!) Mister Darcy receives no such privilege.Here’s another question: Who gets to kiss Elinor’s hand in Sense and Sensibility? You might be surprised—as I was—to learn that it is Colonel Brandon. He kisses Elinor’s hand in gratitude after she listens to the story of his past love.I’m not kidding! It’s almost like Jane Austen was playing Spin-the-Bottle with her characters. Read more here.How to Write a Love Letter Like Captain Wentworth
Most of you probably have a favorite Jane Austen novel. What about a favorite page? Mine is page 223 of Persuasion, otherwise known as Captain Wentworth’s love letter.If you’ve never read Persuasion, stop right now and get a copy. If you have, go ahead and sigh with me as I quote: “I can no longer listen in silence. I must speak to you by such means as are within my reach. You pierce my soul. I am half agony, half hope. Tell me not that I am too late, that such precious feelings are gone for ever.”Wouldn’t you love to receive a letter like that? Or better yet, write a letter like that for someone you love? Everybody loves a love letter. It’s the perfect recession-proof Valentine’s gift. It’s also a great way to rekindle a relationship that’s gone a little flat. Read Captain Wentworth's tips here.
It is a truth universally acknowledged that a man who refuses to dance must lack a suitable partner. This could have indeed been the case with Mr. Darcy. Ever since he started toddling on his little legs, his parents had schooled him in dance techniques. By the time he was ten, he could jig as exuberantly as Michael Flatley and execute a turn as gracefully as Baryshnikov. During his travels, he took pains to learn the style of dance unique to each region—he learned the waltz in Vienna, the flamenco in Spain, the ballet in Italy. To these basic techniques, he added personal touches. Before anyone had ever heard of jazz hands, Darcy had developed his own form of this technique. His acquaintances might have called him a man before his time—the John Travolta of the Regency Era—if only he had danced in public.The truth was, though, that he longed to dance with Elizabeth Bennet, or any other fine lady if he could simply get up his courage. What, then, caused his hesitation? Why did he hide his talent? Read more here.Kissing in Jane Austen's Books
This month, I undertook a serious study of kissing in Jane Austen’s books. Though I’ve read all her books multiple times, I was surprised at what I discovered. The kisses aren’t at all the same as in the movies. For example, I might ask, “Who gets to kiss Elizabeth Bennet at the end of Pride and Prejudice?” Most people would respond, “Mister Darcy.” Only a few would give the correct answer: “Captain Wickham.” After he marries Lydia and comes to visit the Bennet house, Elizabeth allows Wickham to kiss her hand (Yuck!) Mister Darcy receives no such privilege.Here’s another question: Who gets to kiss Elinor’s hand in Sense and Sensibility? You might be surprised—as I was—to learn that it is Colonel Brandon. He kisses Elinor’s hand in gratitude after she listens to the story of his past love.I’m not kidding! It’s almost like Jane Austen was playing Spin-the-Bottle with her characters. Read more here.How to Write a Love Letter Like Captain Wentworth
Most of you probably have a favorite Jane Austen novel. What about a favorite page? Mine is page 223 of Persuasion, otherwise known as Captain Wentworth’s love letter.If you’ve never read Persuasion, stop right now and get a copy. If you have, go ahead and sigh with me as I quote: “I can no longer listen in silence. I must speak to you by such means as are within my reach. You pierce my soul. I am half agony, half hope. Tell me not that I am too late, that such precious feelings are gone for ever.”Wouldn’t you love to receive a letter like that? Or better yet, write a letter like that for someone you love? Everybody loves a love letter. It’s the perfect recession-proof Valentine’s gift. It’s also a great way to rekindle a relationship that’s gone a little flat. Read Captain Wentworth's tips here.
June 23, 2015
Books for Boys 2015
It's always a challenge to get one of my boys hooked on a book, but once they find a book they love, I can't stop them from reading. This summer, my boys and I are doing our library's summer reading program again, so I wanted to share the books they have enjoyed the most, hoping it can help some other moms whose boys are picky readers.
15 year old:The Thirteenth Reality series by James Dashner
The Flash Comics
The Eragon series by Christopher Paolini
13 year old:Almost Super series by Marion Jensen
Anything by Roald Dahl
9 year old:Floors series by Patrick Carman
Bruno and Boots series by Gordon Korman
My Side of the Mountain by Jean Craighead George
5 year old (beginning reader):Berenstein Bears Beginning Readers series
Curious George early readers
They also love picture books about science and books about dog breeds. What do your boys love to read?
15 year old:The Thirteenth Reality series by James Dashner
The Flash Comics
The Eragon series by Christopher Paolini
13 year old:Almost Super series by Marion Jensen
Anything by Roald Dahl
9 year old:Floors series by Patrick Carman
Bruno and Boots series by Gordon Korman
My Side of the Mountain by Jean Craighead George
5 year old (beginning reader):Berenstein Bears Beginning Readers series
Curious George early readers
They also love picture books about science and books about dog breeds. What do your boys love to read?
June 16, 2015
Flying with Kids
Since my family lives on the other side of the country, I have spent many hours on planes with my children. For a while, my husband couldn't travel with me, so I regularly took four little children all by myself on the plane. It was a scary experience to say the least--one I wouldn't want to repeat.
Through the ups and downs of my airplane travel, I learned to pack a few small items that keep kids quiet. Here is my list. You can modify it to suit the ages of your children:
Tiny notebook and pen. I'm often surprised how much a little child can enjoy writing and drawing pictures in a brand new notebook.
Origami kit. This always provides at least fifteen minutes of entertainment as I help the kids fold their origami creations. Usually, they like to play with them afterward too.
Pipe cleaners/ chenille sticks. My kids love to make animals, dinosaurs, glasses, crowns, etc. with the pipe cleaners. I never fly without them.
Tape, kid's blunt-tip scissors with short blades, paper.
Crayola Secret Reveal. We discovered this on our last flight. My five-year-old loved it. Younger children might like a different art kit. As you color, patterns appear inside the pictures.
Aluminum foil. You can mold the foil into knights, robots, and other creations. The best part is that it's so light and easy to pack.
Snack food that kids usually don't get. My kids like m&ms, fruit loops or chocolate cheerios to thread on pipe cleaners, dried fruit, goldfish crackers, and protein bars. I always take a wide variety of foods packed in small snack bags. Make sure to bring some gum if your child is old enough for it.
Paint with Water book. I pack a few q-tips in a Ziploc sandwich bag. When the child is ready to paint, I drip some water from my water bottle into the bag. Presto, the q-tips become paintbrushes.
Fast food toys. I save these toys in the weeks leading up to our flight, pick them up in thrift stores, or buy a kids meal in the airport. The picture at the top of this post features a Wendy's toy we got in the airport before boarding the plane.
Magnetic Personality Toy like Wooly Willy. This is always a favorite with early Elementary-age children.
Little toys that come in a tube. We find these at toy and craft stores. There are a wide variety of "toobs" for all types of interests. We have gotten coral reef animals, knight, and pioneer toobs. If you get a tube with a wide variety of toys, kids can play with these for a long time. We re-use them for other trips too.
Books and Magazines. I usually save up some two or three magazines the kids already receive. These can get heavy, so I try to take only a few. Older kids like it when I get them a new book from a favorite author. Toddlers sometimes like to read the same books they read at home. Preschoolers and toddlers love sticker books. I avoid bringing board books because they are so heavy.
A few printouts of Mad Libs, mazes, and other activities. You can find print these out from classroomjr.com and similar websites.
Children's Dramamine and Ibuprofin. Babies sometimes need Ibuprofin for ear pain. Older kids sometimes need Dramamine when the flight gets bumpy.
June 2, 2015
The Deal with LDS Fiction
Back when I was studying English at BYU, many of my professors scoffed at the offerings known as LDS literature.
"Jack Weyland can hardly be considered literature," they pronounced.
I questioned this assumption a bit. Sure, Weyland's prose probably could not compete with Shakespeare's, but no one can deny that Charley was a great story with well developed characters. Still, factoring out Charley and a few others, it was clear that LDS literature had a long way to go.
It's now been twenty years since I was at BYU. I can say in all honesty that some of the best authors I know are LDS. Most of them don't write LDS literature, but some of them do.
A great way to find good books by LDS authors is to read the Whitney Award winners. You can find this year's winners here. If you look around on the website, you'll find the winners and finalists from other years too. The books on these lists are always well written and clean. Some of them contain LDS characters. Others don't.
Today I wanted to spotlight three books that have won Whitney awards in years past and also contain LDS characters. Each of these is a great read, the type you don't want to put down for long.
Lessons in the Jade Dragon Box is historical fiction set in Hong Kong and written by Gale Sears. I learned a lot about the history of China and the history of the Church in Hong Kong as I read the story.
Borrowed Light is a historical fiction by Carla Kelly. In the story, a young woman accepts a job as a cook for a hardened rancher in Wyoming. Both main characters must come to terms with their own faith and doubts regarding the church and temple marriage.
Abinadi is historical fiction about Abinadi from the Book of Mormon. Author H.B. Moore imagined him as a young man. Reading her book made me think of his story in a different light. We also got to see the story through Alma's point of view, which made it even more fascinating.
How about you? Have you read any really great books about LDS characters?
"Jack Weyland can hardly be considered literature," they pronounced.
I questioned this assumption a bit. Sure, Weyland's prose probably could not compete with Shakespeare's, but no one can deny that Charley was a great story with well developed characters. Still, factoring out Charley and a few others, it was clear that LDS literature had a long way to go.
It's now been twenty years since I was at BYU. I can say in all honesty that some of the best authors I know are LDS. Most of them don't write LDS literature, but some of them do.
A great way to find good books by LDS authors is to read the Whitney Award winners. You can find this year's winners here. If you look around on the website, you'll find the winners and finalists from other years too. The books on these lists are always well written and clean. Some of them contain LDS characters. Others don't.
Today I wanted to spotlight three books that have won Whitney awards in years past and also contain LDS characters. Each of these is a great read, the type you don't want to put down for long.
Lessons in the Jade Dragon Box is historical fiction set in Hong Kong and written by Gale Sears. I learned a lot about the history of China and the history of the Church in Hong Kong as I read the story.
Borrowed Light is a historical fiction by Carla Kelly. In the story, a young woman accepts a job as a cook for a hardened rancher in Wyoming. Both main characters must come to terms with their own faith and doubts regarding the church and temple marriage.
Abinadi is historical fiction about Abinadi from the Book of Mormon. Author H.B. Moore imagined him as a young man. Reading her book made me think of his story in a different light. We also got to see the story through Alma's point of view, which made it even more fascinating.
How about you? Have you read any really great books about LDS characters?
May 30, 2015
Another Graduation
My son, Luke, is graduating today. He has come a long way, and I'm proud of him.
Some kids teach you more than others, and I've definitely learned a lot from Luke. His life has not been easy. We were in a life-threatening car accident two weeks before he was born, so the first thing I learned from him is gratitude. Life is a precarious thing, and I no longer take it for granted.
After he was born, he was sick to his stomach on an almost daily basis. It took us a few years to find a doctor who solved the problem--Luke had gluten intolerance. From this experience, I learned the power of prayer and a good doctor. I now know that we are our own best medical advocates. I also learned how to prepare many gluten-free foods.
Once Luke started school, he presented me with another challenge. Let's just say he was not a traditional learner. He hated worksheets and loved to daydream. His teachers weren't too concerned because he never disturbed the other students and his test scores were always good. But after watching him do nothing in school for several years, I decided he needed something different. I got him into a charter school that focused on active learning. Thanks to caring teachers and his own persistence, he eventually got to the point where he did his schoolwork. He even got his GPA high enough to earn the good student discount on our auto insurance.
Luke continues to teach me. He loves to study scientific topics and lately has built his own blacksmithing forge. Right now, he's planning to become a police officer, but he also plans to learn how to weld.
