I’ve been reading them from the start– probably as far back as 2009. My first attempt to draft No Eye Has Seen started with me reading several “time-slip-like” YA novels. At the time, I was writing “Momma Jane” (original title) as a YA and was taking a course in writing children’s fiction. The two books I read as examples, and which I loved so much I still have copies on
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The Hidden Fault of Comparing Myself to Myself
How can I know all the sins lurking in my heart? Cleanse me from these hidden faults. Keep your servant from deliberate sins! Don’t let them control me. Then I will be free of guilt, and innocent of great sin. May the words of my mouth and the mediation of my heart be pleasing to you, O Lord, my rock and my redeemer. ~Psalms 19:12-14 As part of January 23rd’s
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Will 2019 Be the Year I Finally Simplify and Enjoy Life?
As 2019 approached, I found myself melancholy as I reflected on all the major events and milestones in 2018. So many amazing things happened (so many I might forget one or two) — my older daughter’s second pregnancy announcement my other daughter getting engaged and getting married planning and executing a wedding in 6 months (with my daughters of course) hosting our grandson’s 2nd bday and the reveal that our
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Using the Emotional Wound Thesaurus and More to Prep for NaNoWriMo
When I discovered the list of Emotional Wounds on www.onestopforwriters.com last year, I was beyond excited. One of my novel projects would involve the POV of three sisters facing life-changing events and I needed to get to know each of these characters personally and separately in order to give each woman her own voice, struggles, fears, etc. I had an idea of their current personality conflicts, but wasn’t sure how
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10 Take-Away Moments from Mount Hermon Writers Conference 2017
It’s been ten days since I left the 2017 Mount Hermon Writers Conference. Yesterday morning was the first time I’ve had a chance to write since I was on the airplane. I could give you excuses, but excuse or not, I needed to allow myself time to decompress. So, before I venture into my world of women’s fiction, I thought I’d share ten take-away moments (I started calling them lessons, but
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40 Days to Mount Hermon – Fasting and Prayer Week 2
DAY 8 – Friday “Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.” Romans 12:12 Somehow, I woke out of a deep dream in time to get my son to school. Another full day ahead and a birthday on Saturday (my youngest turned 13) – I realized writing time would be minimal. Yet, I was feeling better than ever — really good actually! I was excited and felt confident
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Mount Hermon 2017 and My 40 Day Preparation Fast
In the time since my last post, God’s prompted me with things I need to let go of and change for my writing pursuits to reach their full potential. I’ve been excusing my lack of discipline and focus due to the constant change and chaos in my life. As a result, I’ve begun efforts to change my normal default tendencies. I’ve eliminated gluten and other foods that increase my bouts of
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TOP 10 Ways I Use Real Life to Inspire My Fiction Writing
I have lived a relatively profound life. Some things “happened” to me, and were beyond my ability to control. Others were the result of poor choices, ignorance, or a secret desire to create drama when I felt things were a little boring. As I have matured as a woman and in my walk as a Christian, I have realized that each experience–every defeat, hurt, or challenge–has led me to a
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5 Things I’ve Learned as a NaNo Noob
It was October 31 and the deadline for submitting my final draft to my publisher for No Eye Has Seen: Book 1 Beyond the Valley. During the previous week, I had psyched myself about finishing Book 1 and diving right into Book 2 by participating in National Novel Writing Month 2014. Last year, I signed up but that was about all. But this year, I felt I needed to follow through.
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Invest in the Dream: 4 Tips to Keep Writers Writing
Since being released from circumstances beyond my control, I have been working hard and writing and editing. The more I dig in, the more I feel energized in spirit, even when my mind and body are tired. Here are a few things I am learning are vital to improving my craft while understanding the always-changing market, trends, and publishing industry. 1) Read something, anything about the craft of writing DAILY.
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A Blend of History: A Walk Down Memory Lane in the Middle of Historical Research
I side-stepped my plans to write this weekend in order to complete a bit more historical research at The Foley and Searls historical libraries in Nevada City, California. I’m inserting 3 to 4 chapters in advance of my original start to Part 2 (I’m no “pantster” so I will be completing a detailed outline prior to a writing session). I’m overwhelmed at the many facets of daily living back in 1904.
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March Madness Minus Basketball {flashback}
This post has nothing to do with basketball. I don’t even know enough about the game to draw any parallels. Yet, madness describes my month so far. At least I would be going mad if I didn’t believe there was a purpose beyond myself in it all. As much as I find solace in the ability to plan, write lists, attempt goals, and cross each item off as I go;