Jen Cudmore's Blog, page 34

Review by Kayla: Clash (Bethany Hamilton Fiction)

Title and Author: Clash (Book 1 in the Soul Surfer Series) by Bethany Hamilton

Short Summary: This is a fiction story about Bethany when she was about 14. A new girl on the island of Kaui named Jenna wants to surf. Bethany overhears Jenna talk back to her mom. At first Jenna tries to be friends with Bethany but Bethany won’t give her a chance. Will the two girls be friends after all that happens? All that and more lies in this book.

What I liked about the story: I liked how some parts I didn’t know what to think. I like how it switches girls so you can see how they both think of the situation. If I could ask Bethany any question, it would be ‘How did you have enough courage to write a fiction story with you in it and reference going back to the shark attack?’

What I like about the writing: I really like that Bethany has the courage to ask Rick Bundschuh for help writing her book.

Review by Kayla, 10 years old

Summary from Bethany’s website: In Clash, it’s a challenge to their tight-knit group when a new girl with a secret crowds Bethany and her friends. Important heart issues lead to difficult decisions. It took real faith and courage to get Bethany back on a surfboard after losing her arm to a shark. In this new four-book fiction series based on the life of surfer star Bethany Hamilton, Bethany and her friends discover God’s love and guidance as they tackle the waves that life hands them.

Character Profiles: Orabella Madison and Gram Ellis

Today I’ll share a few tidbits about two minor characters who are both dear to my heart. They come from The Lawmen of Clayton County: Athena Creek.

Orabella Madison:

Physical features – At age 46, still very beautiful, with only a hint of grey in her hair.

Personality – Formidable enemy when crossed and one tough cowgirl. Very protective of her friends and family. Doesn’t tolerate people with little integrity. Bitter about her husband’s death because she believes he was murdered.

Backstory – Her and her husband were one of the first families in Clayton County. They purchased a herd of cattle from John McLoughlin at Fort Vancouver and established one of the first ranches in the area.

Creative process – Originally I envisioned Orabella playing a larger part in the story. But as the novel progressed, I found I didn’t need her. Sometimes characters have to be cut back or taken out altogether if they don’t advance the plot. Thankfully, I didn’t have to cut her!

Francine Ellis, aka Gram:

Physical features – White hair and slight build.

Personality – Tough and feisty, independent  and stubborn (sound like someone else in the story?)

Backstory – When her husband ‘retired’ from the Hudson’s Bay Company, they moved to Clayton County to start a farm. He dies about a year before the story takes place. Although she’s fond of her dog and goats, she quickly grows lonely until Lynette and Kate come to live with her.

Creative process –When I first started the story, I wasn’t sure exactly what I wanted from Gram. The more I wrote, the more she jumped off the pages at me. At first I was afraid she, Lynette and Orabella were too much alike, but I eventually decided it worked because they served different purposes. Gram becomes a healthy role model for Lynette and helps her ‘find her way’ after leaving her parents and fiance behind.

What is one of your favorite attributes of Gram or Orabella?

©Jen Cudmore, 2013 ___  Subscribe to my blog or my email newsletter on the right side of the page!

 

Respect Your Man

One book I found particularly helpful in understanding my husband was For Women Only by Shaunti Feldman. She tackles the topic of respect from a man’s perspective, reminding the reader that men process life differently than females. I was impressed with how well she broke down the subject and gave specific examples.

She stated most men would rather feel unloved than disrespected. They want unconditional respect, and if they feel a lack of admiration from their wives, they will feel unloved by their wives. We must choose to trust and honor them.

Men show anger and irritation when they feel disrespected. They are afraid of being (or appearing to others) as inadequate. With their wives, they should be able to fully let their guard down. They don’t do that with any other person, so we must count that as a privilege.

Shaunti presented a list of exactly what it means to respect men.

1)      Respect his judgment. Accept his knowledge, opinions, and decisions. Defer to him and his way of doing things rather than trying to take over or tell him what to do.

2)      Respect his abilities. Let him do it. Trust him to figure it out on his own. When he does, he’ll feel like he conquered something, and that’s a need deep-rooted in a man’s heart.

3)      Respect him in communication. Be careful about offhand comments and don’t nag (he heard you the first time).

4)      Respect him in public. No criticizing, teasing, or questioning his judgment in front of anyone because it makes him appear weak, especially to other men. Find out what he’s okay with you saying in public. And when he’s not around, praise him.

5)      Respect him in our assumptions. Allow him to have separate priorities from yours. Remember, just because he doesn’t choose to help doesn’t mean he doesn’t care about you – he probably didn’t notice. When you disagree, accept part of the blame rather than pinning the issue on him.

Women have incredible power over their men. We can either build them up or tear them down. It’s important to demonstrate that we’re proud of our husbands. When they feel respected, they are happy to slay dragons for us.

“If a man’s wife believes in him, he can conquer the world – or at lease his little corner of it.”

 

Chasing Your Dream – Are You Up For The Challenge?

Three years ago I had the privilege of meeting Phil Vischer, the creator of VeggieTales, and hearing him speak at a writers conference. I purchased his new book, Me, Myself & Bob and took it home to read.

It took me nearly a year to get the courage to read the book. You see, I learned that I was quite similar to Phil in a lot of ways. I knew God wanted me to learn from Phil’s mistakes.

The book is about how Big Idea Productions, the producers of VeggieTales, grew into a huge company, and then fell apart 12 years later. He explained how crushed he was that God didn’t come to the rescue and save his beloved company from the lawsuit that forced them into bankruptcy. What he ultimately learned was that his dream had become more important to him than anything – including God.

We can’t let our dream become our identity.

Phil says in his book that it’s not about the destination – it’s about the journey. Achieving the dream is supposed to be hard. If it was easy, what would we learn? How would we grow? Phil states that walking with God, spending time with Him often, should be our primary focus. Not the dream. We’re God’s representatives, and people are watching. He wants to change us and make us better.

One song I’ve found very inspiring is “The Climb”. We have to keep our head held high. Sometimes we’ll lose and sometimes we’ll make mistakes. We keep going and stay strong. It’s not about how fast we go or what’s on the other side of the mountain – it’s about the climb. We have to stay positive and learn as we go. We can’t grow selfish or stingy, but must continue to think of others.

In the end, as long as you don’t let your dream consume your life, you’ll be a whole different person. Stronger. Smarter.

That’s why achieving the dream is so hard – to make you a better person.

Are you up for the challenge?

Review by Nate: Athera’s Dawn

Title and Author: Athera’s Dawn (White Lion Chronicles) by Christopher Hopper

Short Summary: High King Luik was about to propose to his girl when his kingdom is attacked by demons. While he charges into battle, his fiance is kidnapped. Armed with his Vinfae and a promise, he leaves to save his home and find his girl.

What I liked about the story: I liked that the words of power could also be thought of as quoting scripture. The author also created a language for his characters.

What I liked about the writing: I liked that it switched points of view often but never told you what the bad guy is thinking.

Review by Nate, age 13

Goodreads summary: Those in deepest darkness fight most valiantly for the light. Hard pressed on every side, the Dibor struggle to overcome insurmountable odds in an effort not just to regain territory, but to survive. In addition to the growing ranks of the taken, Morgui has summoned the powers of nature to search out and destroy the saviors of Dionia. Tempests hunt those forced to flee by sea, while an otherworldly fire storm chews up the ancient forest of Grandath, destroying anything – or anyone – in its path. While most of the Dibor manage to survive, the whereabouts of the ill-fated Princess Anorra continues to be unknown. Her faithful friends are unaware of her suffering behind the gates of Haides. The remaining Dibor soon discover that there is more to Morgui’s madness than simple mayhem, as the dwarves reveal startling knowledge about the Two Trees, and worse still, about Morgui’s attempt to forever thwart the Most High’s plan for victory. As Creation itself endures death throes caused by mounting evil, one thing is clear: Dionia and her champions will never be as they once were. Nor will those in worlds beyond.

Did You Pray About That?

All too often when adversity comes, the first impulse is to scream and yell. Whine and cry. Protest and complain. It’s human nature to get upset when things don’t go our way. We seek out an sympathetic ear.

Most people believe that venting frustrations is healthy. And truthfully, sometimes it does feel good to release stress to someone who understands. However, what we forget is that complaining breeds discontent, which is probably why God tells us not to do it (Philippians 2:14).

And even well-meaning Christians can encourage us to hold onto issues that are better left alone. They understand our perspective and feel bad that we are put in situations that cause us stress. They give us platitudes and condemn the other people involved for wronging us. Isn’t that what a good friend does – takes our side on the issue?

Actually, there shouldn’t even be sides. Rather than choosing to be offended, we must choose to let God handle the situation. We must choose to see the best in people, to believe that they had good intentions and that God is working in their heart even if we can’t see it at the moment. We must choose not to dwell on the little things that irritate us. Give others grace to make mistakes.

And God can help us, if we turn to Him. Our prayer can’t be “Lord, fix this,” but rather “Lord, how do You want me to respond? What do You want me to learn from this? How can I be useful in spreading Your love around me rather than focusing on how I’ve been wronged?”

I spent too many years grumbling and venting when things didn’t go my way. Slowly over time I learned how destructive that behavior was, to me and to others. Now, I try to take everything to the Lord in prayer, no matter how trivial.

When you’re tempted to complain, stop and ask yourself: Did you pray about that?

Building A Character Arc

One of the first things a new writer learns when crafting a story is that character development is essential. The protagonist must go on a journey of some kind and learn a lesson so they can rise to the occasion. Two great examples from classic literature are A Christmas Carol and Pride and Prejudice. The protagonists present a certain world view in the beginning of the story but by the end they realize they had it all wrong.

One of the best examples I’ve seen is the book To Die For by Sandra Byrd, a story told around the history of Anne Boleyn. This book was a finalist for the 2011 Christy Award and I highly recommend it! The reader follows Anne over the last several years of her life through the viewpoint of her friend Meg. The tagline of the story grabs the reader immediately and identifies the character’s personal journey and what’s at stake:

What would you sacrifice for your best friend? Would you die for her?

Sandra taught me how to construct a character arc. She said to show the reader the character’s flaw and hint that it needs to be fixed. Then show small steps toward growth throughout the novel until the climax where the character has that ‘ah-ha!’ moment. Sandra told me to show:

~ the odds stacked against them

~ the consequences if they fail

~ the freedom if they succeed

The trick is to be subtle as you weave character development through the plot of the story. What I found is that while it was clear in my head how the character got from A to Z, I wasn’t conveying it correctly to the reader. It took some coaching from Sandra for me to delve deep and nail down the journey of each protagonist in my Lawmen series.  Now I try to write out a character worksheet before I get too far into my stories. I can refer back to this worksheet and make sure my protagonist is developing the way I intended.

When you start developing your characters, ask yourself:

~ What do they want more than anything?

~ What problem must be overcome?

~ How do they grow throughout the journey?

©Jen Cudmore, 2013 ___  Subscribe to my blog or my email newsletter on the right side of the page!

EXCERPT: The Whispers of Angels

Here’s a peek at the first 2 pages of my new story! The Whispers of Angels is Volume 5 in the Blue Heaven Romance Series from multiple authors at Helping Hands Press. To order from Amazon, click here.

And the three winners who will receive a free copy:

Rachelle Powers, Amy Shirley, and Rudy Bosley – Thanks for supporting me by following my email newsletter!

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Prologue

Oregon State, 1885

She twirled, her golden hair trailing behind her like a shooting star across the sky. Her smile, soft and graceful, stretched between rosy cheeks, lighting her pale face with such beauty that he felt his jaw fall open.

Raymond had never seen an angel before. But from the perch on the high limb where he’d stretched out, hiding in the green pine needles, he knew that’s what she was. He inched closer, bark scraping against his shirt. At this height, triple his own, he could clearly see the young girl dancing in front of the house. Beside her another girl grinned and clapped her hands.

Abraham’s house looked just the same, but instead of two boys with caramel-colored skin playing in the yard, he saw two girls with blonde hair. That yard was where Raymond and Abraham had spent countless hours sailing ships, defeating pirates, saving damsels. Abraham had been his only friend when he and his ma moved to town just over a year ago. Abraham understood Raymond, knew what it was like to be different. With a negro pa and a Chinook ma, his heritage wasn’t appreciated by the folks in town. But neither Abraham nor his parents cared what others thought of their heritage. And Raymond tried not to care, either.

But now Abraham was gone. Looking down on the two figures in the yard, Raymond felt a sense of awe. He didn’t know anything about the girls. Their long hair and ruffled dresses intrigued him.

He tensed when they came toward him, moving beneath the tree with their hands clasped. Their laughter rose, surrounding him like thick fog. He held his breath.

The taller one pulled the shorter one’s hand toward the path winding through the pines, elderberries, and ferns. “Look, Eliza!” She pointed into the trees. “Where do you think this trail goes?”

Raymond waited until they disappeared into the trees before scrambling off the limb and down the trunk. His ma wouldn’t be happy that he’d swiped pitch across his shirt, but he’d stayed too long. He couldn’t get caught staring.

He’d have to go around to the road rather than follow them. Spinning about, he tripped, landing on the ground with a humph. He gasped and whipped his gaze toward the forest. Had they heard him fall?

A small face appeared around the bend, the angel named Eliza. She gazed at him with curious eyes.

Raymond jumped to his feet, cheeks aflame. He’d been caught. Thinking only of escape, he darted through the brush, away from the girls, away from the home that used to belong to his only friend.

©Jen Cudmore, 2013 ___  Subscribe to my blog or my email newsletter on the right side of the page!

What I Learned From Studying The Anatomy Of The Eye

Big welcome to all my HHP Road Rally guests! My Twitter and Facebook links are at the top of the page. My Pinterest and Goodreads links are here.

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One of my favorite classes in college was Cognitive Psychology, probably because it was taught by one of my favorite professors, Dr. Kevin Leach. When I attended Northwest College (now Northwest University), I graduated in the first round of the newly created psychology program. Originally my goal was to earn my masters in Clinical Psychology and become a family therapist. My, how life can change!

I found most of my classes fascinating. But one day during my Cog Psych class, Dr. Leach began explaining the anatomy of the eye. While I usually find science rather boring, I was struck by how cleverly the eye was designed (can I get a shout out to our Creator!)

Image courtesy of Eyesight Laser Surgery Center in Sydney

Finally the lesson ended and Dr. Leach reminded us of a familiar Bible story – the blind man who was healed by Jesus (John chapter 9). He challenged the class to really consider just how big this miracle really was. This man was blind from birth and had never seen anything in his life.

Jesus didn’t just suddenly make the eyes see again. He restored the connection between the eyes and the brain. He healed the man’s brain so it would accurately interpret the information received by the eye. The entire system was restored.

Our body is an amazing gift. We must never take it for granted. Nor must we forget just how amazing Jesus’ miracles really were. Today doctors can correct a small percentage of blindness, but they need surgical equipment. Jesus only used mud!

Since that day I have never looked at the eye, or Jesus, the same again.

©Jen Cudmore, 2013 ___  Subscribe to my blog or my email newsletter on the right side of the page!

Making Time For The Dream

We all know that good intentions don’t always lead to practical application.

As a writer, it’s been tough for me to make time for writing when I have to take care of my house and family, and that’s after I’ve gotten home from my day job! Let’s face it – life happens. It’s our choice how we prioritize our time.

Here are some things I keep in mind:

A) Set aside regular time for your goal. It doesn’t just happen – you have to plan for it. Develop a schedule/routine that works for you and your family. Figure out how much time you can set aside for writing each day, week, or month, and then stick to it. The protect it – don’t let anything get in the way. And if you don’t feel like using that time for writing, maybe you’re too tired or your brain is mush, choose to push through it and write anyway. If you only work when you feel like it, you’ll never reach the end goal.

B) Sometimes changing the timeline might be necessary. If you have a chance to do something else that is important to you, then just rearrange your plan. But don’t stop working toward the dream. For example, when I was volunteering on the conference committee, the whole month before the writers conference I focused solely on that – not writing. Then when the conference was wrapped up, I went back to my regular routine of writing a few times a week.

C) Balance it all out. Make time for family, friends and fun. Your brain (and your body) will need a break. I’ve found that as much as I love to write, it can be exhausting. I try to make sure I get enough rest and exercise (notice I said ‘try’). I’ve found that I’m more productive when I space out my writing times between other activities.