Stories and more

Don't know if this will work but had to try! Here is a link (finally) to most of my stories on Faithwriters.

The Pants

I finished reading the third book in the Travelling Pants series...sniff...sniff. Now to pack the book up and ship it off to my daughter across the country. I love reading a book that I can feel the characters' feelings. This author does a great job getting us into the head of each girl. It is written simply but packed with emotion.

Sometimes I think writers strive to use big words and ornate speech when just writing it in a reader's own language - the language of the heart- making it possible to cry when you resist and to laugh when you are having the most rotten day of all days - well, that is the kind of writing I would want to say was my best.

Focus

I seem to be all over the place this week and haven't had a chance to accomplish much! Can't say I added many words - but did do some editing. Also submitted two different places so met my goals there. What seems to be happening is I sit down and then get a call, or an email or something and no focus. Hmmmm...one more day this week to go!

We are going car shopping with a friend on Saturday. We love the challenge, the haggling and hopefully will walk away with a good deal. Good way to freshen up the mind. I have to think of a story with Melody as the theme and so far I am getting NOTHING. Not a word I often use considering I don't sing, and carry one.

A Thought

An opportunity came up to send a story in to a person who is publishing stories about miracles. I just so happen to have one - then, I, along with another writer looked at her website and the dilemma came up as to whether we wanted our writings connected with someone who didn't share our views about God.

One thought - if a story I wrote was published there - someone might read it and God and his attributes might be shown to them

Another thought - I used to sell books in the Christian bookstore that I know were not all of my beliefs. I also have been published in another denomination before.

Question - where does one draw the proverbial line and still get God's word out there?

Who's counting?

3o, ooo and more for anyone who is counting! I have gone back and started doing some editing before I finished - not sure if that is advisable but it works for me. Biggest struggle I have had is finding the voice of my main character- I don't want her snotty, or too bold, or too shy or too sweet...somewhere in between.

I've picked up a few more writing friends as time has passed and from the conference. I love to hear how everyone is progressing in this process to get what we need to say out there or better yet - what God needs us to write.

Spoke with my mother this am, actually, I call everyday. It worries me that I'm not there to mop her floors and shop for her food and a dozen other chores while she recovers. Times like this make you appreciate the people around you and the need to offer help where it is needed. I have a sister there - she works and organizes her life like a spreadsheet so she has little time to assist. Has been said my mother might get too dependent on her - Doubt it!

We go on vacation to Palm Springs a month from today. I cannot wait! Our first real FUN vacation in awhile. The new regulations for flying are discouraging though but necessary I know. I always do carry-on...not anymore. Guess I'll bring extra underwear in my backpack!

Decisions

I was unable to go forward at all with my book the past few days but I did write a challenge article for Faithwriters. I am finding I like to try different styles out - now is the time to do that I think when I am in my beginning years.

I read a few books last week - 2 Christian ones and a secular. I find also it is difficult now to read for pleasure without breaking down the style and noting great phrases the writer uses.

Lastly, I honored my goal of submitting and sent two stories out different places. In the past few weeks, I had a story accepted in a magazine and a devotional book. Still can't decide if I should commit to Jerry Jenkins course - praying God will clearly direct me on that by fall.

Working at Home

26,000 words and counting...I'm trying to complete a book I started seven years ago. I love it when I hit a scene and I'm there and the words pour out. The characters come to life in my head and I see every movement in their hands, their faces...then I hit a wall and I have to walk away until the next segment in the story comes to life in my head again.

I was working right along today and the phone rings. My daughter. I discuss her grocery trip, hang up, settle in my chair and the phone rings again. A solicitator who refuses to be called one asks for money. I brush her off and sit down again and my husband rings through checking on our gym date. My stomach growls and I realize it is lunch time - then I have to call my mom to see if she is feeling better today. 400 words. I shut the computer down. The moment is lost.

Why is it if you work at home most people think you are there for them while they are out in the world working too?

Family Changes

My mother had major surgery last week when I was in the area for my writer's conference. I was able to peek at her twice in the ICU before I had to leave to catch my flight home. They said she had only two valves and needed to replace one so she would live. She looked as though she had died - white and still. Since I have been home, I call her each day to gage her health. The part of me that wants my mother back kicks in with hope when I first start dialing. When I hear how her voice has changed - slightly- but enough that I know my mother is different, I want to weep.
My own daughter called me today and I checked the sound and words of my own speech too wonder if I am changing already in her world. I worry when the day comes and she wishes for her mom back - the one that tucked her in and listened to all her problems. I worry I won't be the mom that is always there for her...that she will have to be there for me. I dread that day but pray that all of us will be ready when it arrives.