Mona Hodgson's Blog, page 26
January 30, 2013
Vote for Your Favorite Sinclair Sister
While I’m putting the finishing touches on my next series, I’m still celebrating the completion of my debut series: The Sinclair Sisters of Cripple Creek.
Are you a Sinclair Sisters fan? While each of the sisters and their supporting characters sank deep into my heart, I have a favorite or two. I’m curious. What about you? Do you have a favorite Sinclair Sister? One you most identified with? Or one whose journey ministered most to you?
Take Our Poll
Which Sinclair sister (or sister-in-law) did you choose as your favorite? Why?
January 27, 2013
A Purpose-Driven Life: Eleonore Forder Remembered
When I think of a purpose-driven life, I think of Rick Warren, Billy Graham, Mother Teresa, Corie ten Boom, and many others, including Eleonore Forder.
Eleonore and Reg Forder
In the late 1980′s, when I first started attending writers’ conferences, Reg Forder and his wife Eleonore became the new directors of the Arizona Christian Writers’ Conference in Phoenix. Soon, their ministry to writers grew becoming American Christian Writers (ACW) and expanding to include conferences, workshops, and writing groups throughout the United States.
I was a beginning writer when I first met Eleonore, writing for Sunday school take-home papers and magazines. In 1991, Eleonore was there, when I taught my first writers’ conference workshop for ACW in Phoenix. In the past two decades, I’ve had the privilege of teaching at several ACW conferences in various locations, including Arizona, Washington, and California.
For the past 25 years, Eleonore has been referred to as the “First Lady” of writers conferences. She was known for her ready smile, gracious spirit, generous helpings of encouragement, and her willingness to do anything she could to equip writers for their work in God’s Kingdom.
There’s a good chance Elenore served many of your favorite authors, conference speakers, and workshop teachers. Perhaps you’ve attended an ACW conference. If so, you received a welcoming smile and a warm greeting from Eleonore Forder. Eleonore was a woman with a purpose. And for all who knew her, she was a model.
Eleonore modeled . . .
Having a servant’s heart
Partnering in a work that would have Eternal value
Believing in the power of words
Equiping others to serve God
Planting seeds of encouragment
Trusting God when plans changed
Making a difference in the Kingdom
Just a few days short of her 68th birthday, Eleonore went home to the arms of her Jesus on Thursday, January 24, 2013.
Thank You, Lord, for the time You gave us with Elenore Forder. Help us carry on her legacy of complete devotion to You.
Do you have a favorite ACW memory?
January 17, 2013
Writing for Children: YWAM Course
In addition to the historical fiction I write for WaterBrook Press, my writing credits include nearly thirty children’s books.
Have you ever dreamed of being a children’s writer?
February 11-15, 2013, I will return the the YWAM (Youth With a Mission) Woodcrest campus in Lindale, Texas to teach a five-day course on Writing for Children and Youth. The last time they offered this course was in 2006. Don’t miss this opportunity!
1. You don’t have to be a “YWAMer” to participate in the writing workshops.
2. You can choose to attend only the week or weeks that interest you.
Come spend the week with us . . .
Learn the various formats for age group divisions from early childhood to young adult.
Receive an overview of writing for children–board books, picture books, early readers, middle grade fiction and nonfiction, and YA (Young Adult) novels.
Explore how to write for children’s magazines.
Consider the the possibiliies in writing for publication.
Remember how to think like a child.
Discover the building blocks necessary for for a solid story structure.
Learn how to add pizzaz to your writing for kid-appeal.
Enjoy critique sessions with yourr peers.
Discuss your ideas and your manuscript in a private consultation with your instructor (me).
Leave this course having drafted a picture book or an early reader in proper submission format!
Learn to submit your work to editors and agents like a pro.
Enjoy Christian community.
Experience corporate worship in a comfortable setting.
YWAM Resonate School of Writing. Learn more.
Learn more about me and my books at www.monahodgson.com.
If you want to write for children? Want to learn how to write for publication? Consider joining me in Lindale next month for five days focused on the opportunty of writing for children birth to seventeen.
Do you want to write for children?
January 15, 2013
Endorsements for Dandelions on the Wind
A broken soldier. A nearly-blind abandoned bride. Will love bind their hearts together, or will stubborn pride unravel the family they both love?
One of Three Novellas in The Quilted Hearts Series
What a blessing it was to have well-respected authors read Dandelions on the Wind and offer endorsements! A wheelbarrel full of Thank You’s to each one of the authors listed below for reading Maren Jensen’s story, the first in The Quilted Heart Series. And, of course, I’m thrilled they enjoyed the books!
“In Dandelions on the Wind, Mona Hodgson weaves a tale of broken promises, wounded hearts . . . and the power of forgiveness–a heartwarming reminder that we walk by faith, not by sight. Maren is a heroine you’ll cheer for!”
—Carol Cox, author of Love in Disguise and Trouble in Store
“Like a warm breeze ripples across a lake, Dandelions in the Wind offers a gentle crossing in this first-in a-series novella. Mona Hodgson gives readers characters we care about, a bit of intrigue, love, and a satisfying ending that promises more in the second series book. Well done!”
—Jane Kirkpatrick, bestselling author of Where Lilacs Still Bloom.
“Filled with true-to-life characters and fascinating historical details, Dandelions on the Wind is a heartwarming story of second chances in the turbulent days immediately after the Civil War. Don’t miss this, the first of Mona Hodgson’s The Quilted Heart trilogy. If you’re like me, you’ll be waiting eagerly for the second.”
—Amanda Cabot, author of Waiting for Spring.
“Dandelions on the Wind is a sweet tale about the merging of two hurting hearts. The characters drew me, and I can’t wait to read more about their lives … and their love!”
—Tricia Goyer, best-selling author of 33 novels including The Memory Jar
Release Date: February 19th!
Format: eBook from WaterBrook Press
Available now for pre-order from your favorite eBook seller! For your convenience, I’ve included the links to three booksellers.
Do you have a eReader? Which one? Or will you read Dandelions on the Wind on your computer or phone?
January 13, 2013
Mr. Boney: Quirky Sidekick or Guardian Angel?
Festus (Ken Curtis) and Ruth from Gunsmoke, inspiration for Mr. Boney and Sal
When I ask a group of Sinclair Sisters of Cripple Creek fans about their favorite secondary characters in the series, Boney Hughes is always in the top two listed. I think we find Boney so likeable because he’s not only a sidekick character throughout the series, but also serves as an atypical mentor and a charming guardian angel.
A few snapshots of Mr. Boney in action:
His heart still racing, Morgan jumped out of the buggy and retrieved the wayward wheel. What was he thinking, leaving the comforts of Boston to head to parts unknown? Now what? Fixing this mess was a two-man job, and that was after he found the nut that had come off the hub.
“That was one wild ride there, Mister.”
Morgan looked up into a face as roughhewn as the peaks behind him.
“This here’s one time I’m thankful for Sal’s sluggish nature. Any faster, and I could’ve been in the middle of your mess.”
By the looks of things, Morgan didn’t suppose the jenny could’ve gotten riled if she’d wanted to. Picks, shovels, and whatnot hung from every inch of the rigging that weighed her down.
“I’m Boney Hughes.”
A fitting moniker for the rail-thin man who slid off the mule.
“Hello, little lady.”
Kat startled, and spun around. She saw the mule first, then a wiry man in grubby overalls on the other side of the animal.
“Boney’s the name. Boney Hughes.”
“Kat . . . Katherine Sinclair.”
“Well, Miss Sinclair, you look about as out of place here as udders on a bull.”
Shivering from the cold water, Ida Sinclair lifted her head to wipe her face with her sleeve. A snort startled her, and she looked up into the large snout of a drooling mule.
“That’s Sal, ma’am. And we’d be right pleased to help you.”
Ida looked past the mule at a wiry man with unruly gray hair.
“Name’s Boney Hughes.” He reached out his hand, giving her a chance to grasp it. The miner gently lifted Ida out of the muddy mess then pulled a canteen from Sal’s side and removed the cork.
”Don’t forget . . . Miss Vivian does have a passel of sisters.” Boney drained his coffee mug. “She could’ve met up with any one of ‘em and stopped somewhere to jaw.”
Miss Hattie stiffened and narrowed her eyes at the miner.
“Now don’t go gettin’ your feathers ruffled, Hattie,” Boney said. “Didn’t mean any disrespect. Just sayin’ that those young women could out talk a gaggle.”
Carter snickered, earning a scowl from the widow.
“Don’t encourage the old coot,” she said.
Hattie covered her mouth, but the giggle escaped anyway. Boney Hughes lay under her kitchen sink, his upper body concealed by the cupboard. His legs sprawled over her linoleum flooring.
Boney scooted out from under the sink and peered up at her. “You think me rappin’ my old knuckles on these leaky pipes is funny?”
Unable to stifle her amusement, Hattie nodded. “You look like a…” She fanned herself, trying to regain her composure while he stood. “Like a fish out of water.”
Boney’s winter-white eyebrows arched. “A big old river catfish?”
Giggling, she studied him from his wiry beard to his worn boots. “A smaller fish perhaps, but surely one with a big heart.”
Sidekick characters and mentors add compelling layers to our favorite stories.
A sidekick interacts with the main character, allowing the reader to get to know him or her and provides contrast and variety. A mentor usually serves the main character as the voice of reason, provides wisdom, plays the devil’s advocate, and provides information that will help the main character make decisions. A mentor may be an unlikely character for such a role.
Think about your favorite stories. Chances are good that sidekicks and mentors come to mind. I created Boney Hughes in the tradition of the stories I’ve loved. And I’m thrilled to say that Mr. Boney has even more “page time” in Twice a Bride.
Who are your favorite sidekick characters?
January 9, 2013
Choosing the Right Writers’ Conference
Perhaps you’ve read my post 20 Reasons to Attend a Writers’ Conference, and you’ve decided to participate in a wrtiers’ conference in 2013. Since one workshop doesn’t fit all writers, you now face the task of selecting the right conference for you. I can help.
Think about what it is you wish to gain from a writers’ conference
Decide which of the following objectives apply to you. You want to attend a writers’ conference ~
1. To meet other writers.
2. To have your writing critiqued by a published author.
3. To participate in a peer critique group.
4. To enter a writing contest.
5. To take classes on the craft of writing.
6. To discover possible markets for your writing.
7. To meet agents.
8. To have an agent consider representing you.
9. To take a comprehensive course on a specific genre or aspect of writing Historical Fiction, Writing for Children, Building Your Online Presence, Screenwriting…).
10. To meet editors.
11. To have an editor evaluate your writing for possible publication.
12. To be fed spiritually.
13. To strengthen your writing in a specific genre or sub-genre (fiction/mystery writing, Nonfiction/memoir, Children’s Writing/middle grade novels..).
14. To receive inspiration and direction.
15. To participate in mentoring sessions.
16. To receive instruction on market research submission formats.
17. To meet representatives from Christian publishing houses.
18. To meet representatives from general market houses.
19. To learn more about the possibility of self-publishing.
20. To gain some savvy when it comes to social media marketing.
TIPS
Prioritize your list of objectives for attending a writers’ conference.
When perusing a conference website or brochure, keep your objectives in mind.
Two resources that offer a listing of writers’ conferences: 1) Writers’ Digest Magazine, May issue. 2) Christian Writers’ Market Guide.
Add to the conversation. What else would you consider when choosing which writers’ conference to attend?
© 2013 Mona Hodgson, Author and Speaker
January 6, 2013
32 Life Lessons (Being) Learned
This New Year has me thinking about what I know and what I don’t know. So I’ve come up with 32 lessons life has taught me, or is teaching me.
A gift from my dad, thirty-some years ago
Kindred spirit friends are few and far between, and oh so valuable.
If a difficult circumstance doesn’t kill you, it can make you stronger (in the Lord).
Core muscles do matter.
Make Jesus your Everything. Now.
There is a whole lot I don’t know.
Wear 100spf sunscreen on your face and neck. The sooner you start doing so, the better.
God’s Sovereignty is trustworthy.
Keep your legs and hips limber.
Uninformed expectations don’t make good companions.
Quality of life is about the condition of your heart.
My unforgiving spirit wounds me first…most.
I can’t make a difference on my own. I need help!
Children are energizers.
Deadlines are motivaters!
Prayer changes me.
Family is a forever fabric in our lives, but their presence is not.
Bubble baths are refreshing respites.
God’s love endures forever.
Story is part of God’s love language.
Gratitude is the grease that keeps my heart pliable.
Pay attention.
Solitude is essential for mental and spiritual health!
Lines are made to be crossed, and boxes made to be opened.
A sense of wonder breeds awe, which fosters gratitude.
Community is critical.
God is an audience of One, so I don’t have to concern myself with pleasing everyone.
Surround yourself with people who are smarter and wiser than you, and have more talent. Then listen and watch.
My head and my heart can lose connection with one another.
Music is a wonderful companion for contemplation, celebration, and worship.
Don’t be afraid to do nothing until the right thing to do is made clear.
Talent or ability without perseverance is like havnig a trumpet and no lips to play it.
God’s Word is a Lamp unto my feet!
I’d love to hear from you. What life lessons have you learned, or are you learning?
© 2013 Mona Hodgson, Author and Speaker
January 1, 2013
A Haiku: Winter Dessert
I penned poetry and taught poetry workshops long before I saw my children’s books published or began writing historical novels for WaterBrook Multnomah.
Haiku is one of my favorite poetic forms. I credit its concise and precise format with teaching me to pay more attention to words–their sounds, their meaning, and their power. And to the world around me.
The best thing about writing haiku?
You get to play with words and syllables! Haiku is written in syllabic verse, rather than in metered verse.
The traditional pattern consists of 17‑syllables in three lines. Five syllables in the first line. Seven syllables in the second line. And five syllables, again, in the third line. No titles are attached in traditional haiku, but you’ll find titles on most of mine. I like to use titles for easy identification.
WINTER DESSERT
Frosted mountains sit
like chocolate cupcakes on
God’s dessert platter.
As you can see, word economy is vital. Basically, a haiku is a broad picture woven into three little lines.
Ten Tips for Writing Your Own Haiku!
Think about all things connected to winter.
List your observations, impressions, memories, sights, sounds, smells, tastes, feelings.
Think specific details.
Remember, you’re going to write a tight word picture.
Include any ideas and concepts that occur to you.
Choose favorites images, details, and concepts.
Match images. You may find yourself adding new images.
Arrange several of these image-couples into three-line units.
With some reordering, you’ll have a haiku.
Have fun!
Ready to give it a try?
Do you have a favorite form of poetry?
© 2013 Mona Hodgson, Author and Speaker
December 30, 2012
Building Strong Relationships
Go
d created us for relationship! Relationship with Him. Relationship with one another. Family. Friends. Employers. Employees. Clients. Personal relationships. Business relationships.
That’s all good and well…until our humanity flexes its muscles and creates cracks in the mortor, eroding friendships, spiritual stamina, marriages, and other relationships.
In Philippians, the Apostle Paul lays out Jesus’ masterplan for building and maintaining strong relationships.
“In your relationships with one another, have the same attitude of mind Christ Jesus had: who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to His own advantage; rather, He made Himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness.” Philippians 2:5-7, NIV
Following Jesus’ example, what is at the core of building strong relationships?
1. Humility. Jesus, regardless of His heavenly status, didn’t use His status to His own advantage. (Proverbs 16:18)
2. Servanthood. Humbling Himself, Jesus became a servant, caring more about the needs of others than His own. (Luke 22:7)
Is there a Bible verse that is especially helpful as you work to build strong relationships?
© 2012 Mona Hodgson, Author and Speaker
Real Life Cripple Creek Woman
Mollie Kathleen Gortner was one of those women in Cripple Creek, Colorado.
In the spring of 1891, Mollie Kathleen’s son Perry left their home in Colorado Springs as a surveyor to map mining claims in Cripple Creek. All he talked about was the gold there. Wanting to see for herself what the fuss was all about, Mollie Kathleen loaded the family wagon with supplies and joined other wagons headed to Cripple Creek. She set up housekeeping in the log and canvas tent Perry had recently completed.
One day that September, Perry returned home from surveying with stories about seeing a huge herd of elk. Again, Mollie Kathleen decided to go out and see for herself. But she never made it up high enough to see the elk. When Mollie Kathleen stopped to rest, she looked downward and noticed an interesting rock formation winking at her. Pure gold laced in quartz. Having seen several prospectors in the area, Mollie Kathleen forced herself to remain calm and hid the ore sample in her clothing.
Consequently, Mrs. Mollie Kathleen Gortner became the first woman in the Cripple Creek District to discover gold and strike a claim in her own name.
Although Mollie Kathleen staked the claim and owned the mine, it was her son Perry who kept an office out at the Mollie Kathleen Mine. As soon as Mollie Kathleen would set foot on the mine site, the miners would scramble up out of the tunnels. Turns out they were a superstitious lot who refused to be caught in a one-thousand-foot vertical shaft with a woman on the grounds.
In each of the four Sinclair Sisters of Cripple Creek novels, readers meet at least one real-life woman from Cripple Creek history. I introduced Mary Claver Coleman, the Reverend Mother of the Sisters of Mercy, in Two Brides Too Many. In Too Rich for a Bride, business entrepreneur Mollie O’Bryan helped add layers to Ida Sinclair’s journey. Doctor Susan Anderson, known as Doc Susie, came alongside our cast of fictional characters in The Bride Wore Blue. Mollie Kathleen Gortner is the primary real-life woman in Twice a Bride. Like the women in the previous stories, Mollie Kathleen’s portrayal in the story is a fictionalization.
I begin with fact—what I can learn about the woman from research. Then starting with what I know about “her story,” I figure out where her experience might intersect with my main characters in their story.
As a secondary character in Twice a Bride, Mollie Kathleen Gortner plays a pivotal role in Trenton Van Der Veer’s adjustment as a businessman in the Cripple Creek Mining District. Mollie Kathleen also serves as an inspiration to newcomer Willow Raines Peterson, a widow in search of a fresh start.
Fun Fact: The Mollie Kathleen Mine on the outskirt of Cripple Creek, Colorado is open to the public and offers underground tours into the 1,000 foot vertical mine shaft. See what life was like for the Old West hard rock miner. A fun and educational summer stop for families. For more information on the mine and the tour season, go to: http://www.goldminetours.com/goldmine....
Have you visited a mine? Gone into an underground mine? Which one?
© 2012 Mona Hodgson, Author and Speaker
