Jen Cudmore's Blog, page 28
February 27, 2014
My Posts on Other Sites: February 2014 Recap
In case you missed seeing them on my social media accounts, here are the posts I contributed to these great sites this month!
Moms of Faith:
Books for Kids Part 1: Christian vs Mainstream
“What we read stays with us for most of our life, and it’s our responsibility as parents to protect and nurture our children–which includes reviewing their entertainment. Was I being paranoid in assuming the world’s sinful influence would seep into the books on the shelves of the school library, and possibly cause my children to stumble in their faith?”
Books for Kids Part 2: 4 Benefits of Reading Christian Novels
“This world is not our home, and that means sometimes we can’t participate in all the things the world embraces… It is essential to our children’s spiritual growth that they read novels written from a Christian world view.”
Real Christian Wives:
Why is Managing Stress Essential to a Marriage? “…anxiety and irritation make us unattractive and unapproachable. It creates a barrier between us and others. God made women to be beautiful and inviting. Unmanaged stress hinders that purpose.”
Under the Cover of Prayer:
Where do I start? 4 Tips for those who feel inadequate
“I remember sitting down to pray in my dorm at college and wondering where to start. Often my mind went blank, and I couldn’t think of what to say.”
©Jen Cudmore 2014, All Rights Reserved
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February 26, 2014
2014 Prayers: In the Midst of Adversity
Theme: Adversity/Trials
Thank You, God, that You don’t despise or disdain those who suffer, but You listen to cries of help (Psalm 22:24). I call out to You in the midst of adversity & ask for deliverance from ____. Teach me patience & help me to appreciate this experience.
I cast off all doubts to make room for the growth needed to receive the promise. Like Paul, may I learn to be content (Phil 4:11-12). Your grace is sufficient for me (2 Cor 12:18).
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For more encouraging prayers, click here to see what’s been posted recently.
February 25, 2014
I’m Writing Novels About Vikings!
Usually when I tell people I’m writing novels about Vikings, they give me an odd look. After all, the general feeling about Vikings is that they were violent, greedy pagans. However, archaeological evidence shows a different perspective.
I’ve come to realize the Viking people were not who we thought they were.
As I say in the preface of my first manuscript, “The traditional understanding of Vikings with horned helmets and iron hammers is slowly changing with each new archaeological discovery…Vikings have been described, and are generally thought of, as men of the north, inhabitants of Scandinavia, and marauding pagan barbarians. Old texts and poems of various origin refer to them more specifically, and more positively, as sea-warriors or men who traveled on grand and lengthy expeditions.”
I don’t know about you, but I’m tired of modern Viking novels consisting of mostly violence and erotica. I want to read a wholesome story set in an interesting historical time period, and figured others did too. So I wrote one!
Book 1 in the Tavland Sagas has been completed for quite a while now but I’ve been unable to find a Christian publisher willing to give it a try. As I stated in another post, most publishers don’t feel such a topic will appeal to the average reader. Part of the problem is that most Christians have a skewed view of the Viking Age. I believe as people become more educated, they will be fascinated rather than skeptical!
I thoroughly enjoyed the Thor movies, but they have added to the misunderstandings about this time period and it’s people. I’m not an expert, but I’ve done enough research to establish a background for my series (which is now expanding past the 4 books I originally meant to write!) While I try to decide how to proceed with publishing, I will start sharing some of the facts I’ve learned, and some tidbits from my novels. More to come – I promise!
My new friend Heather Day Gilbert wrote a novel based on the the first documented European woman to birth a child in America. I’ve talked about God’s Daughter before and I highly recommend this story! You’ll come away with a new perspective on the life of the Vikings.
SAVE THE DATE! Heather and I have an interview on the G-Zone (Blog Talk Radio) next Thursday, March 6th! We’ll be talking strictly about Vikings, the myths people believe, and our novels. I will post the link on my social media.
©Jen Cudmore 2014, All Rights Reserved
Subscribe to my blog or email newsletter on the right side of the page!
February 24, 2014
So You Want To Write A Novel? Here’s My Biggest Advice.
This post is part of a Blog Hop set up by my new author friend Ruth Snyder. Today we’re all discussing what advice we would give to a new writer.
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There is so much involved in writing a book. It’s easy to become overwhelmed, or at least it was for me when I started. Like any new skill, learning to write well takes commitment and time. I’ve only been writing for 7 years and I know I’m not a master yet!
So you want to write a novel? Here’s my biggest advice:
Be patient with the process.
The keyword is PROCESS. When you break it down, the craft includes characterization (interesting characters and their growth), plot twists and arcs, setting choices and descriptions, realistic dialogue and the proper use of beats and tags, show versus tell, and so much more. Not to mention basic sentence structure and grammar rules. There is also the business side, learning how the publishing world works and what it takes to market your products. It’s exhausting to think about!
Because there are so many facets, the only way to succeed is to nail down the details (many of which I didn’t even mention above). Olympic gold-medalists, award-winning chefs, Oscar nominees – they all had to practice over several years to become great.
A few years ago I took a tae kwon do class with my family. When I first started, I was a white belt, barely knowing any of the moves and completely awkward! But eventually with hard work I mastered the basics and earned my yellow belt, then orange, then green. (Unfortunately, I had to stop there due to scheduling conflicts, but I hope to one day go back and earn my black belt!)
The key was accepting that it takes years to earn a black belt, which means putting in plenty of time practicing. My instructor has spent thousands of hours honing each kick, punch and block. That level of skill cannot be learned merely in a few months.
My point: Every person who was great at something had to put in a lot of time and effort. So new writer, please be more patient than I was and don’t try to rush it! Be open to learning and practicing. Be patient with the process!
(For more specific writing tips, I have a series of lessons I learned that you might find helpful! click here)
February 22, 2014
Want Good Health & Abundant Life? You Were Made to Crave
As I mentioned in an earlier post, last November I decided it was time to do something about my poor health. I took a 30 day journey where I cut out caffeine and fake sugars, as well as cut back on calories and sugary foods. I felt better than ever before in my entire life! I am gaining a better understanding of what my body needs and doesn’t need.
For me, it’s a spiritual journey toward what scripture refers to as ‘abundant life’. I’ve now begun what I call phase 2, where I’m being more strict about my carb intake and focusing on veggies and proteins. I’m also making myself exercise every day.
All this to say, I found a fantastic book! Lysa Terkeurst from Proverbs 31 Ministries wrote a book called Made To Crave. It’s been out for a couple years, and I’m surprised I’d never heard of it. I started reading a couple weeks ago and have been quite inspired in regards to fighting the urges of my flesh for better health.
If you’re contemplating a healthier lifestyle and feel God nudging you to make better choices, this is the book for you! You will come away with spiritual empowerment to break away from bad habits and satisfy your deepest longing with God rather than food. Far too many people use food as a comfort or a reward, and that was never God’s intention.
I particularly love how each chapter is short but to the point. She touches on multiple facets that all interconnect. She gave me some great scriptures to add to my arsenal of truths to fight instant gratification and momentary pleasures. It takes time to change old attitudes about food and exercise. Moment by moment, you have to replace the excuses and rationalizations with the truth.
Poor health habits affect us more than we think they do! What has helped you make wise choices about food and exercise?
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Has food become more about frustration than fulfillment? The New York Times bestselling book Made to Crave is the missing link between a woman’s desire to be healthy and the spiritual empowerment necessary to make that happen. Author Lysa TerKeurst personally understands the battle that women face. In Made to Crave, she will help you:
Break the cycle of “I’ll start again on Monday,” and feel good about yourself today.
Stop agonizing over numbers on the scale and make peace with your body.
Replace rationalization that leads to diet failure with wisdom that leads to victory.
Reach your healthy goals and grow closer to God through the process.
This book is not a how-to manual or the latest, greatest dieting plan. Made to Crave is a helpful companion to use alongside whatever healthy eating approach you choose — a book and Bible study to help you find the “want to” in how to make healthy lifestyle changes.
Join Lysa and experience all that you were made to crave!
February 20, 2014
Motivation for Following the Dream, Part 4: Stay Positive
Over the past few weeks I have been sharing tips for success in reaching a goal (mainly focusing on writing a book). Staying motivated can be tricky. You must be intentional.
Achieving a goal take perseverance. The road to success isn’t quick or easy. You’ll have days when you feel like giving up. But remember that attitude is everything. You can’t rely on your feelings to guide you. How will you respond when obstacles come?
In Part 1, we discussed Staying Organized.
In Part 2, we discussed Staying Inspired.
In Part 3, we discussed Staying Focused.
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Stay Positive: Successful people use the power of encouraging thoughts and words.
The power of faith has been proven time and again. Believing in yourself is an important tool in reaching your dream.
The truth is, you can do anything if you try hard enough. My Mama always told me you create your world with your words. It’s your choice: be positive and see good happen, or be negative and live in defeat.
Never say: I’ll never make it, this is too hard, it’s too much work, I’m too stupid or dumb, I don’t have the right tools, there are too many complications, there is too much stacked against me.
Instead, say these often: Reaching a dream takes hard work and perseverance, anything is possible if I just believe, I am smart and dedicated, look at how far I’ve come, I can do this, it will be worth it in the end.
Can saying something often enough make it true? Absolutely!
Within reason, of course. I’ll never be full-blooded Japanese, no matter how hard I try. I’ll never be a gold-medalist in the Olympics because I never trained for it. I’ll never be able to go back in time to stop my mother from dying of cancer.
But what I can do is keep a positive attitude on my journey and have faith in a bright future. The Bible says “Everything is possible for those who believe.” (Mark 9:23)
Do you believe?
February 19, 2014
2014 Prayer: Loving Others
Theme: Relationships
“May I love You, God, with all my heart, soul, mind, and strength, and love others as myself (Matt 22:37-39). Let me not judge anyone, but celebrate the diversity of human life. I choose to look at what’s inside a person’s heart, as You do, rather than the outward appearance, as the world does (1 Sam 16:7). Remind me daily that love is patient and kind. It does not envy or boast, and is not proud. Love honors others, it is not self-seeking or easily angered, and it keeps no record of wrongs. Love always protects, trusts, hopes, and perseveres. Love never fails (1 Cor 13). Let my home be a place of peace and love, where everyone feels comfortable and welcome.
(For more encouraging prayers, click here to see what’s been posted recently.)
February 18, 2014
Review by Miki: Premiere
Title and Author: Premiere by Melody Carlson
Short summary: Teens Paige and Erin get to have their own TV show! Erin isn’t very interested. Paige is so happy she goes a little crazy. Erin must keep Paige in check. Find out if she can.
What I liked about the story:
1) It’s all about fashion.
2) Erin gets dragged into a lot of problems she has to solve.
3) Erin has to quit photography school, giving up an important part of her life to help her sister.
What I liked about the writing: It was easy to understand.
Reviewed by Miki, 11 years old.
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From the author’s site:
A recipe for success or a design for disaster?
Although they’re sisters, Paige and Erin Forrester are like oil and water, night and day, denim and silk. Paige is an outgoing fashionista who loves to be the center of attention, while Erin is more comfortable sporting vintage garb and recording the action around her. When a near disaster turns into the opportunity of a lifetime, these two very-different sisters are given the chance to star in their own fashion-TV show. A guest spot on a hot teen-reality series and their first big red-carpet assignment give this unlikely partnership plenty of room for success—and even more for failure.
February 17, 2014
‘Whispers’ is only $2.99 on Amazon!
Just a quick note to let you know that if you haven’t purchased a copy of my historical romance The Whispers of Angels, it’s now on sale for only $2.99! You can see it here.
Also, it should only be a couple more weeks before the book is available in paperback! I know there are some diehards out there like me who prefer to hold bound paper in their hands. I’ll keep you posted on the release date.
To learn more about Eliza, click here.
To learn more about Raymond, click here.
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After being shunned by society for most of his childhood, Raymond Foss has learned to let ridicule roll off his back. Abandoned by his father and despised by his step-father, he does his best to run the farm and ensure his family can survive on what little they have. All that matters to him is helping his mother raise his siblings to be responsible and considerate.
Eliza Potter’s life has been entirely opposite of Raymond’s. Both her parents doted on her and her sister, providing a loving home where they could flourish. Heartache and misfortune are troubles she knows very little about. Yet despite her good upbringing, she never became acquainted with her closest neighbors, the ill-fated Foss family.
When Raymond’s mother dies and he’s left to care for his four small siblings on his own, Eliza and her parents step in to help. Preferring to hide away on the family farm, Raymond struggles with reaching out to others. Eliza soon learns there’s much more to the odd neighbor boy who has been avoiding her.
Just when the young couple comes to an understanding, Raymond’s stepfather returns from his travels. As events unfold, Raymond and Eliza realize just how complicated life can be and how much a simple mistake can affect their future.
When life becomes increasingly difficult, what will they hold on to? And what will they let go?
Be sure to catch other stories by Stardust Romance!
The Blue Heaven romance series has plenty of other great short stories and novellas!
February 14, 2014
A Serious Mental Condition
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I enjoy hearing author’s stories of how they got started in their careers. Mine isn’t all that exciting. Actually, in the beginning, it was mortifying.
My husband found some notes I had scratched out on a piece of paper. What are the odds he’d choose that day of all days to help me sort the family mail basket, which I thought would be a safe place to hide personal notes because he usually makes me handle all the mail? After spending one summer catching up on some novels I’d shelved out of busyness, I discovered some ideas of my own swishing around in my brain, so I wrote one of them down.
And he cornered me, paper in hand. “What’s this?”
I tried to tell him it was nothing and he didn’t believe me. So thanks to my husband (God bless his interfering hide) I started working on a manuscript. He encouraged me to really put the effort into it and even bought me a computer, making no effort to hide the fact that in ten years he expected to retire and spend his days on the golf course while I worked on my fifth best seller.
I owe my beginning to my selfish and greedy husband.
At first I wasn’t serious about it. I just dabbled and had some fun. In school I’d always done a decent job on all my papers, so I figured I had the skills to pull off a decent manuscript. But I was not even close. Once I decided this was really what I was supposed to do, I figured I’d best get involved in some writing groups and take some classes. So I volunteered for the local writers conference committee, which was the best thing I ever could have done. And I kept on writing, editing, and submitting until finally a publisher sent me a contract .
I don’t know any other author who was forced to write a book by their spouse. (Is ‘forced’ too strong of a verb? Maybe ‘coerced’ is better.) I guess you could say my writing career had a unique beginning. No, my husband wasn’t the inspiration for any of my characters (although that is a good thought for my next villain.) But I couldn’t have done it without his nudging, or his encouragement over the years.So, yes, I felt obligated to dedicate my first book, The Lawmen of Clayton County:Athena Creek, to my husband. Probably because I have a serious mental condition.
©Jen Cudmore 2014, All Rights Reserved
(This post was originally featured on Pattodorof.com.)
