Do Writers Owe their Audience by Julie Arduini

Posted on March 26, 2014 by juliearduini

(This post contains spoiler alerts if you haven’t yet watched The Good Wife on DVR.)

I love to discuss writing when it comes to television. When I find a well-written show, I’m a fan. I still talk about the episode of LA Law when Roz walked into the elevator while talking, not seeing it was out of order. She fell to her death, a move I never saw coming. She was a regular character with a solid storyline.

Or so I thought.

It was the same when on 30-Something they teased a major death. Well, one character had cancer. They led you to believe she was going to be the one, and it made sense. Imagine my surprise when it was another character, the beloved Gary, who died in a bicycle accident no one saw coming.

I’m probably not the average television observer because I do look at it from a writing perspective. When I turned on the TV Sunday, I settled on The Good Wife because it was supposed to be The Mentalist. I was writing and although The Good Wife isn’t a show I watch often, between commercials and the little I’ve watched, I was familiar with the storyline. About 2/3 way though, I looked up and realized something unexpected was taking place. There was no foreshadowing that I was aware of, minus the minute before the shooting.

When the credits rolled I couldn’t believe it. The show eliminated the hero.

As I read online about it, killing off Will Gardner (played by Josh Charles) was a surprise to the audience, but not to anyone connected to the show. In fact, they had known for a year Josh Charles was leaving.

Audience reaction was mixed. Some, like me, found it a bold move that allows for new storylines to jump off the page.

But a lot of fans felt betrayed. They’ve been watching in anticipation of an official pairing between the hero and heroine. Will and Alicia. They’ve tuned in week in and week out, waiting. And now all hope of that romance returning and lasting is gone. And fans are angry.

That got me thinking. How many times as a reader have I been disappointed because the ending didn’t go “my way?” Who was the writer creating for? The reader and guessing what they might want, or for them and their own plot?

The Good Wife producers knew there would be a backlash, so they even had a letter for fans. Josh Charles even admitted they talked about the ways to say goodbye to his character. The actress who played the heroine, Julianna Margulies, went through this once before when her romantic pairing on ER, George Clooney, left the series. Back then they opted for his character to move to Seattle, and when the series ended, the two characters reunited and fans were delighted. The Good Wife cast and crew even tossed out the “move to Seattle” idea, one that would have ultimately given fans hope for Will Gardner’s return and possible romance with Alicia.

But with his violent death, Will Gardner’s dead and any hope of him and Alicia is gone.

These characters won't have a chance at love thanks to writers. The Good Wife, courtesy CBS

These characters won’t have a chance at love thanks to writers.
The Good Wife, courtesy CBS

And that’s real life, and the ultimate reasoning behind why the writers went the way they did. Life is messy. Sometimes the loose ends aren’t tied into a pretty bow. There are days you wake up with no indication you have hours left to live. The writers felt exploring the reality of life was a better direction to take the show than give into fan loyalty to two characters.

That makes me ask, what about you? As a reader and/or television viewer, what do you expect from writers? For them to follow their gut and plotting, or create with your happiness in mind?

Like I confessed, I come from a writer’s angle. I want to be surprised. I want that shocking moment that I don’t see coming, as long as it makes sense. I know it creates new challenges, but I find those storylines exciting and full of opportunity. When fans get their way, I think ultimately they end up disappointed and writers stifled. My example? Moonlighting, the 80’s show that paired Bruce Willis and Cybill Shepherd’s characters, and the show died a fast death.

I’d rather see a major character experience the death.

What are your thoughts?

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On Writing

Posted on March 21, 2014 by kristenheitzmann

There are few joys like that of writing, to use what we take in, what we experience, what we long for, what we rage against to make something lasting and worthwhile. To draw from our imaginations the filaments that spin a web and snare winged glimpses of something more.

This is beauty. This is joy. An irresistible spring of a creative elixir we cannot help but drink. We are drunk with it, this act of writing that demands our participation. We are immersed and at its mercy.

But this beautiful world is fraught and perilous and not for the weak of spirit or faint of heart. According to Virginia Woolf:

“Every secret of a writer’s soul, every experience of his life, every quality of his mind, is written large in his works.”

And still we write. We write because there’s a purpose and pleasure in telling tales, true or imaginary—and permit me to say the imaginary are also true, as true or more so than real life. Stories have souls made of words that transform and inform—perhaps the writer most of all.

It’s a journey of discovery, a peeling by Aslan’s claw of all our defenses until we step out and stand before him naked.

Flannery O’Connor says, “I write because I don’t know what I think until I read what I say.”

The act of writing reveals the writer as creation reveals the Creator. We become known even to ourselves through the words on our pages. And if we’re willing, if we have no fight left in us, we become known to the One who put that spark inside us.

We must be willing to enflesh the seed and let it grow until with great pains it comes forth. And when we look into the face of our beloved, we must be strong enough to accept it might be ugly, weak, barely formed and in drastic need of surgery.

Only then can we claim to be writers.

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Iodine: A Break From the Usual by Hannah Alexander

Posted on March 18, 2014 by alexanderhodde

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This is a break in our regularly scheduled post on romance to make a special report on your health, my health, the health of a majority of people in the world, and I think I can get away with it because, not only do I write about romance, but I write about medicine. Please bear with me, because this is something that might very well affect you.

I recently read that in the last century, an erroneous report was given by some so-called scientists who stated that iodine was bad for our health. Because of this error, the iodine that was used as an agent in commercially baked bread was switched to bromide. Gradually our cars, our clothing, our households were mixed with bromide as a fire retardant. Did you know that in 1994 Canada banned bromide from the country? In 1990, England had already done so. But us? The FDA didn’t see a problem, so we are still being inundated with bromide, which is a poison to our systems. We’re eating it, living in it, sleeping in it, breathing it every day. Thanks, FDA.

I, however, have recently discovered what to do about that. For the past 17 years I’ve struggled mightily against various physical problems that mystified me. First I had food allergies, then I developed fibromyalgia, in which the pain and fatigue were so great I was unable to function without narcotic pain killers–something I hope to soon stop taking. You must surely know someone who is struggling with some kind of weird illness that has come out of nowhere, and has changed their lives. Maybe that person is you or a loved one.

My husband can tell you I’m always willing to be a human guinea pig for him, for our patients at the clinic, for my own healing. My friend, Colleen Coble, who is always researching new ways to treat her own symptoms and sharing them with others–what a wonderful friend–shared her new treatment plan to several of us. This plan is the addition of iodine to our diets–but it takes more than just iodine alone. You see, when bromide replaced iodine in our bread, and when bromide was used as a fire retardant, our bodies were purged of the necessary iodine we need. The bromide became so powerful in our bodies that the iodine was forced out. When this happened incidents of breast cancer increased, prostate cancer, in fact, many kinds of cancers increased, and we were left desperately seeking an answer. No one realized, in the 70s, that bromide flushed our much-needed iodine from our bodies and set us up for a myriad of thyroid related illnesses.

Every cell in our bodies needs iodine, and we weren’t getting it. Oh, sure, a tiny fraction of iodine was added to our salt, but it wasn’t nearly enough. Millions of people developed symptoms, particularly hypothyroidism, which meant our thyroids didn’t have enough iodine to keep them working properly, and our bodies began losing the ability to control weight. Notice our overweight people? Maybe you shouldn’t blame them. All this weight increase began after iodine was yanked from our bodies.

Since Colleen convinced me to start an iodine protocol–I desperately want OFF my narcotics–I had only been taking the supplement Iodoral for two days when I found my energy again. A week later, my pain–which was constant until then–just didn’t return one morning. Unfortunately, I didn’t even think about it, I stopped taking the majority of my narcs all at once. Bad idea. I ended up with some good research about what a drug addict goes through in withdrawal.

Because the addition of iodine in the form of Iodoral (easier on the stomach than regular iodine) begins to force bromides from the system, our bodies begin a toxin dump, which will make us feel worse for a while. Of course, I was dealing not only with that, but with nasty withdrawal symptoms from stopping my narcotics so suddenly. I got so sick I couldn’t take my iodine or the supplements needed to go with it, and my fatigue eventually came back, my pain returned, and I had to restart the narcotics–a personal failure for me.

I asked Colleen what I was doing wrong, and she lovingly kicked my butt for trying to go cold turkey off my narcs. She also explained that sea salt water and extra water is vital to detox the system of bromide, heavy metals and other toxins, so that was what I needed to do first. I now take up to a couple of teaspoons of sea salt (must be sea salt, unrefined) in water throughout the day, followed by more fresh water. I take Iodoral in the morning (my dose is 12.5 mg, but others are much higher, depending on how much one needs to get healthy) along with 200 mcg of selenium, as much vitamin C as my body can handle without upsetting my digestion (2,000 to 4,000 mg) and others take zinc and B vitamins, vitamin A, etc. I take a vitamin/mineral supplemental powder from Life Extension to ensure I have the support I need without getting confused about the supplements. At first I couldn’t take that because I was so sick, but now I can. I have a lot of detoxing to go, but this is working.

If you do this, I highly advise going to yahoogroups and finding an iodine support group that will walk you through this. There aren’t any iodine educated docs in our area, but Mel, my husband, the hunk on the picture, is learning now. He’s traditionally trained as a Doctor of Osteopathy, worked as an ER doc for 22 years, and now runs our clinic here in town. He, too, is doing the iodine protocol, and is mentioning it to his patients, as well.

If you’re interested, look up Dr. David Brownstein online. He’s one of the docs helping pioneer the iodine march, and he has a lot to say.

Please take my words into consideration. Please think about it. Iodine is vital to our bodies, and we simply don’t get enough. It’s an epidemic all over the world. We could be much healthier than we are, and I, for one, am desperate to get off my narcotics and other supportive meds and get on with life. How about you?

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The Wearin’ of the Green by Kathi Macias

Posted on March 17, 2014 by alandkathi66

I must confess to not being a big follower or celebrant of St. Patrick’s Day, mostly because I forget about it until someone reminds me that I’m not wearing green. (When you work at home, as I do, that seldom becomes an issue.)

            At the same time, as one whose mother’s grandparents came to America from Ireland to escape the potato famine, I suppose I should at least acknowledge the holiday. And as a writer, I need to do so with some basic research under my belt.

            St. Patrick’s Day is, as the name denotes, a day to celebrate Ireland’s patron saint, Patrick. The date is set on what is commemorated as the day of his death. The day became an official feast day in the seventeenth century, and it is formally celebrated by several denominations: the Catholic Church, Eastern Orthodox, Lutheran, and
Anglican Communion. The day is meant not only to honor Ireland’s patron saint but also the arrival of Christianity to Ireland. With that in mind, I decided I should become more proactive in celebrating this holiday. I started researching the roots and meaning of this day, and quickly discovered it was more than getting pinched on the playground because you forgot to wear green.

            Here’s a fascinating point: The color originally associated with St. Patrick’s Day was blue, but that changed over the years. Before long celebrants began wearing a green shamrock to honor the day and to signify good luck—or “the luck of the Irish.” It is believed that St. Patrick used the shamrock to explain the Trinity to the pagans, who otherwise struggled with its concept. As a matter of fact, I remember a Lutheran pastor using that very example to explain it when I was a child, and I admit that it greatly simplified the concept, even to my young mind. In what is known as the “1798 Rebellion,” Irish soldiers dressed completely in green on March 17; from that point on, the phrase “the wearing of the green” began to spread until most everyone was familiar with it.

            March 17 became an official holiday in Ireland in 1903, and I imagine the Irish are celebrating it there with gusto today, though I wonder how many—in Ireland and elsewhere—observe the true roots of St. Patrick’s Day. Not only is it more than a day to wear green to avoid being pinched or to down a bunch of beer at a local pub, it is a day to honor a man who used something as simple as a shamrock to explain the mystery of the Trinity to unbelievers. Maybe today, as we observe this century-old holiday, we too can find a way to use “the wearin’ of the green” to introduce others to the Christ that St. Patrick followed.

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Writer at Work by Tara Randel

Posted on March 13, 2014 by tararandel

If you’ve ever been in a public place, watching people and coming up with characteristics from the people you observe that are a perfect fit for future characters in a book…you might be a writer.

As an author, I’ve found an interesting aspect of creating characters is to watch people. Where ever I go, I observe what people do, how they do it, what they say and how they say it. I can be at the mall, at a sporting event, even in church, and pick up tidbits that help shape my characters or story to some degree.

Creating characters in not easy. With each character, I must determine their inner struggles and how those struggles impact the story line. I go so far as using a character check list, not only to flesh out the inner conflict, but to detail physical attributes. Names sometimes pop into my head as I create a character, or the name comes to me and from there I draw the character sketch. Kind of a which came first scenario, the chicken or the egg? And depending on the type of book I may be writing, I search for names for their specific meaning to the story line.

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Once I have the characters and story established, I gather nuances from life around me. For example, I plotted my 2013 Harlequin Heartwarming release, Orange Blossom Brides, while attending a bridal fashion show. As I wrote the book, I remembered the conversation going on around me, room decorations, what the models wore and the time of year. Little bits of this added creative touches to my story. Also, remembering the details gave my imagination a jumping off point. From there, anything is possible.

Inspiration comes to writers in a myriad of places. I once named a character Ruby Sue after the cool name of a friend’s cat. I watched a Civil War reenactment and listened to the crowd for color commentary in a scene I later used in a book. Even when my writer friends and I meet for coffee, and ultimately start discussing our works in process, people wonder if our characters are real live people. And please, don’t discuss how to commit a literary crime because that raises a few eyebrows.

I bring a notebook with me everywhere I go so I can jot down impressions or take notes. Just recently, I went for a helicopter ride. I had to take notes because, hey, I may have a character who travels in a helicopter. My husband humors this behavior because he’s grown used to my note taking. Anywhere I go I can find something that will enrich my story.

There is a big world out there and so much of it can be used in conjunction with my imagination. That is the fun part of writing. Not only does life imitate art, but every day experiences create a treasure trove for writers. Even if you aren’t an author, who hasn’t sat on a park bench and watched the world around them? God made humans to be very diverse, interesting and multifaceted. Observing human nature is very compelling, and I get to do it in the name of research.

Kind of makes you want to take up writing just to be a student of human nature. Or read a book and see the world as your favorite author sees it. Either way, people watching is lots of fun.

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June Foster and Why She Wrote Ryan’s Father by Julie Arduini

Posted on March 12, 2014 by juliearduini

Julie’s Note:

I had the pleasure of growing leaps and bounds as a writer under the mentorship of June Foster when we were in the same critique group. I admire her writing about subjects that are difficult and even controversial. This is the case with her latest book, Ryan’s Father, a winner with the Clash of the Titles reader-driven contest.

Ryan’s Father conquers the subject matter of homosexuality and Christianity. As you can imagine, June has come up against negativity for writing this book. I asked her to share why she wrote it, and her thoughts on tackling such a hard subject matter. Here is June Foster’s reply. Thanks, June!

The Story Behind Ryan’s Father

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Many years ago when my daughter was in high school, a young friend of hers would join us in the morning before school for a short Bible study. This young man was being raised by a busy father and no mother in the home. Once the teen pulled me aside and asked if we could chat. The precious guy confessed to an attraction to another boy in our church and asked my opinion. I could see how he suffered and needed direction. At the time I explained the best I could about what the Bible says about homosexuality. The boy’s situation grabbed my sympathies and wouldn’t let go.

Another time, an almost identical incident occurred. A young lady, a relative on my father’s side, asked me the same question.

Then years later after I had begun writing novels, the two events sparked an idea. I wanted to write a book which reflects a Christian worldview on the subject of homosexuality. In my book, a young Christian school teacher discovers same sex attraction, yet as a believer, he doesn’t want to go into the lifestyle. With Ryan’s Father I’d like to offer hope for any who wish to find freedom. For others who are happy where they are, this book is not for you.

When I read the Bible, in particular the books of Leviticus and Romans, God makes it plain that homosexual relations are not pleasing to Him. There are people who don’t care what the Bible says and others who would like to twist those passages, interpreting them to say what they’d like to hear. One argument is people are born gay. But I’d like to know why God would make someone gay if it’s against His will.

I realize that some may have a predisposition toward homosexuality. But because a person is born with a predisposition to anger doesn’t mean he should commit murder. Or like me, with a legacy of alcoholism. Though I struggled for many years, God set me free, and I don’t have to practice alcoholism.

Okay, now for the S word – sin. I believe homosexuality is a sin. But Christ died for all sin and wants to forgive us. Homosexuality is no worse than any other wrong—murder, adultery, lying, gossiping, you name it.

I believe God has a perfect plan for each of our lives. I’d love to see many find that purpose. When a person lives a homosexual lifestyle, I don’t believe they are experiencing God’s best. I want to see others set free. Frankly, I question whether a person in a gay relationship is truly happy, but only the individual can answer that.

All that to say, with Ryan I wanted to convey the message that homosexuality is wrong, but it is possible to be set free of the lifestyle. I’m not so naive to believe freedom could happen with one decision or a counseling session. In time, God can draw us out of that pit of deception. But only if we first call on Jesus Christ for salvation. Then God’s infinite power, peace, and truth can permeated our lives.

On a side note, I’ve been accused of being homophobic. I need to say—if I judged a homosexual in the lifestyle, I’d have to condemn myself as well. Jesus died for all sins, not just some. I love homosexuals and would welcome them into my church and life.

I’d like to make one last point clear. I’ve heard the question asked: “Will homosexuals go to heaven?” I believe we could fit any other word in place of homosexuals and ask the same question. Thieves, murderers, abortionists, gossips, etc. Ephesians says it is by grace we are saved through faith and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God. Anyone including homosexuals who have called on the name of Jesus for salvation will live for eternity with Him, finally set free of this sin-infested world.

Junefoster June Foster is a retired teacher with a BA in Education and a MA in
counseling. June has written four novels for Desert Breeze Publishing. The
Bellewood Series, Give Us This Day – February 1, 2012, As We
Forgive – September 1, 2012, and Deliver Us – April 1, 2013, and
Hometown Fourth of July – July 1, 2012. June’s book, Ryan’s
Father, is available from WhiteFire Publishing January 2014. Red and
the Wolf will be available April 2014. For All Eternity and
Misty Hollow, God willing, will be published in the near future.
June loves to write stories about characters who overcome the issues in
their lives by the power of God and His Word. June uses her training in
counseling and her Christian beliefs in creating characters who find
freedom to live godly lives.

To purchase Ryan’s Father, click here.

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Christians Read is being Redesigned!

Posted on March 11, 2014 by Vicki Hinze

Hello, Everyone.

Just wanted to let you know that over the next two weeks, we’ll be redesigning our site and getting a spiffy new look.  The christiansread.com url will be down off and on during that time, but you can always reach the blog posts at:  https://christiansread.wordpress.com.

Letting you know so that it doesn’t surprise you.  Know that we’ll be moving as quickly as possible to transition.

Blessings,

Vicki Hinze

 

 

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The Little Joys by Maureen Lang

Posted on March 5, 2014 by Maureen Lang

512px-Colours_of_Happiness_3The other day I had a brief email chat with a friend about the emotional life most writers experience. Writers as a group generally tend to be on the sensitive side. My friend mentioned how hard it is to open yourself up to possible rejection, which is a feeling all writers experience in one way or another sooner or later. My first reaction was to remind her God didn’t necessarily create us just so we could be happy. If that were the case then everyone would come to God just for the happy bucket and faith would be unnecessary.

I also reminded her of the old Campus Crusade pamphlet with the image of a train. The locomotive/engine is Fact (The Word of God) and the coal car fueling that fact is Faith. Emotions come last, as the little caboose tagging along for life’s ride.

As soon as I finished minimizing the importance of our emotional lives, I remembered that she happens to be writing a wonderful book on Joy – a very real human emotion. Of course God does want us to have an abundant life (John 10:10), and Paul set an example for us to learn to be content in all circumstances (Philippians 4:11). In fact, one of the fruits of the spirit is joy (Galatians 5:22). So obviously part of life is to experience emotion. Emotions can be a great blessing.

But our culture seems to see happiness as the most important thing in life. Ask many parents nowadays what they want for their children and a number of them would probably say they just want their kids to be happy. Is that really the most important thing we should hope for our children? What about a faith-filled, responsible life of integrity? Wouldn’t happiness come as a result of a fruitful, meaningful life—as a byproduct, so to speak, of a life well lived?

I guess I’m thoughtful about happiness because it’s easy to fall into a trap. Eat this, it’ll make you happy. Watch this movie, it’ll leave you happy. Buy this product, it’ll make you happy. Even . . . dare I say this to another faithful reader: read this book, it’ll bring you happiness.

That’s all well and good, and some of those promises may come true, at least on a temporary basis. But I still maintain that happiness shouldn’t be our main goal in life. Sometimes eating the wrong thing that tastes good is bad for us. Or watching a movie that doesn’t fill our mind with the best images, or buying something we can’t afford, or even reading a book that might not be something we should let muddy our minds. Happiness can sometimes be self-indulgent.

However, I didn’t start this post with the idea of chastising anyone, myself included. I’m not even sure I’m totally on board a train analogy that puts so little value in emotions, since we were obviously created as emotional beings. Emotions, if we can, should be filtered through fact and reason, but they certainly play a huge part in every human life.

I was thinking about a little joy I felt today when a book was delivered to my door. It’s just want I need to help me research my current project. When the Postal Truck pulled up I watched with interest as she put a few things into the postal box on the road . . . but when I saw her add that flat cardboard container I burst into a full-fledged smile. My book arrived!

Ah, those little joys in life shouldn’t be taken for granted, should they?

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The Death of a Romance by Hannah Alexander

Posted on March 4, 2014 by alexanderhodde

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I’ve been blogging about love and romance lately because that’s what I write about in my day job, but this morning it occurred to me that  I have also written about the fallout of a dead romance–divorce. Tragically, love dies far too often, and those hit by it are left floundering in an effort to put their lives back together again. It seems each person I’ve talked to lately, believer or nonbeliever, has gone through the horrible experience. Since I’ve endured the pain of being rejected by a spouse and fought the long fight of divorce, maybe I can give comfort and a little direction to someone reading this who has experienced divorce, or knows someone going through it.

First of all, I hope this doesn’t offend anyone who has lost a mate to death, but the victim of a divorce has experienced not only the death of a marriage, but rejection from the one person in the world who was supposed to know and love them more than anyone else. It’s like a double death. It cuts a person to the core and takes a chunk out of their confidence. My comfort for anyone at this stage is to resist the devil and he will flee, because he is the one whispering to you that you’re unworthy. You’re no less a person now  than you were when your spouse married you. There are multiple reasons–hundreds to thousands of reasons–for someone to ask for a divorce, but my comfort has been that the person who divorced me was unable to work through his own personal difficulties, much less work through the difficulties of making a strong marriage. Maybe the two of you didn’t take time to get to know one another well before marriage. Whatever the reason, divorce is seldom about one person, but about two people being unable to make a relationship work.

If you’ve been rejected by a spouse, particularly when that spouse leaves you for someone else,  you’re left wondering what’s unacceptable about you. What’s lacking? What did you do? If only you could go back and do it over, find out what they really wanted, and do that thing, then this wouldn’t have happened. Recognize this? It’s one of the much-touted five stages of grief. You’re bargaining to get your spouse back. You will likely endure all five stages at different times for many months, even years. You might be in a hurry to find someone else and plunge back into marriage. Don’t! This could easily lead to yet another divorce, and believe me, the second one is even more devastating than the first. The time after a divorce should be an opportunity for you to heal, find someone who can counsel with you, discover what could have been done differently. Take a divorce recovery class, grow strong within yourself so that, if you remarry, you’re better prepared to make sure the next relationship works.

If you’ve been rejected by a spouse, you might be losing your home, you will likely be losing your way of life, and you might be cut off financially–spousal support and child support can end up being empty promises, and you are forced to find an attorney to help you fight for them. Most vital, if you have children, you might fear losing them, as well. I recall wanting to crawl into a hole at this stage and never come out again. If you’re enduring this stage, you’re either gaining weight because eating is a comfort, or you’re losing weight because you’ve lost your appetite. You might be developing stomach problems from the stress, and you might even lose your temper more and more often-yet another stage of grief. You must remember you are not alone. This is normal. Learn to love and accept yourself, and work on growing. Discover your own likes and dislikes. Learn to do activities by yourself until you’re comfortable with yourself.

One small piece of advise I learned when I was helping teach divorce recovery was to pull myself together when I met with my attorney, and go prepared for the appointment. The hardest thing for me to resist was crying, but time with an attorney is expensive, and I needed to be ready with answers to any question I was asked, not waste time weeping. The attorney is not your therapist or confessor, but a legal entity who is there to ensure that you will not find yourself penniless and childless after the ordeal is over. Weep after the meeting, not during.

If you need someone to talk you through this time one-on-one, then find someone who specializes in counseling those going through divorce. Watch yourself, however. You’ve been freshly wounded, and the most natural thing for you to do is attempt to reconnect with someone, anyone. I would suggest finding a therapist not of the opposite sex, and often your friends can walk with you through this. The One who can best help you through this, of course, is always with you, always loves you, always accepts you. Turn to Him, pour out your heart and ask for direction. God is always there for His children.

There are so many more aspects I haven’t covered about the death of a romance. I could write a whole book on the subject, but multiple books have already been written, and I advise you to look for them and read them. Some of the best are written by those who have experienced the loss of divorce, themselves.

Until later, I wish you well, and I wish you healing. It will come. Never forget it always comes.

 

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Dream, Destiny, Or Both? by Tara Randel

Posted on February 27, 2014 by tararandel

When I was growing up, I loved to read, but never had the inclination to become a creative writer. I went to college to be a dental hygienist, and while I wouldn’t say a job in dentistry was my dream, I liked the work and looked at helping patients as my destiny.

At the first office I worked in, I met another fellow reader. We’d exchange books and discuss the story lines. One day, my friend uttered these famous words, “We can write a book.” How many times have you heard someone you know make the same claim? Probably multiple times. And truth be told, I was intrigued.

So, not having a clue what a writing career entailed, I dove in. I read books about the craft of writing, as well as the business of writing. Soon, I was actually typing words on a blank page. And while those pages were far from Pulitzer worthy, I began a journey that started as a dream and turned into my destiny.

I now write full-time. The road wasn’t easy. I took workshops. Joined writer groups. Spent hours coming up with plot lines and characters. All while working in the business my husband and I own and raising my daughters. My overnight success took nine years to achieve. And still, I worked part-time even though I couldn’t shake the idea that there was more to the writing career than I knew.

My point is, go after your dream because it can become your destiny! God has given each of us a talent and a purpose. Sometimes we know what the talent is, other time it sneaks up on you, just like the idea of being published came to me. Trust me, during the times when I couldn’t get an editor to look at any proposals, I wanted to quit. But the Spirit of the Lord told me to keep at it. I did. Even when the hope of getting published again looked grim. I decided I would always write, even if it was just to fill the well. But I kept the dream and God’s promise tucked in my heart and suddenly, I began to sell projects again. I have seven published books, two new books will be released this summer and I’m currently working on number ten.

Did I have any idea God had this destiny planned for me? No. I thought I’d be in the dental field my entire life. But once the writing fever took hold, I prayed about it. Asked God to help me with my talent and to open doors. Persistence, faith and a strong dose of stubbornness made my dream come true. If I can do it, you most certainly can.

Seek God. Put yourself out there. And soon, you’ll have your own success story to tell.

Look for Tara’s 2014 releases:
Rival Hearts, Quilts of Love, June 2014
Magnolia Bride, Harlequin Heartwarming, July 2014
http://www.tararandel.com

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What I Learned from Johnny Carson by Julie Arduini

Posted on February 26, 2014 by juliearduini

I’m intrigued with the late night talk show changes and last week I blogged about what I’m learning from Jimmy Fallon. Over the weekend my husband and I took advantage of our Amazon Prime membership and watched a documentary on Johnny Carson.

I’d read about his life and knew quite a bit, but there was something in the show that was news to me.

Johnny’s mom wasn’t even close to being encouraging. In fact, she was so harsh that when he won a prestigious governor’s award and he called her to tell her, her response was, “Well, I guess they know what they are doing.”

Johnny Carson photo: Johnny Carson Carnac Carnac.jpg

Ouch.

His need for her praise was so driven that as the show went on, the writers connected the dots that perhaps his failed marriages, isolation, drinking, and fidelity issues could be traced back to the encouragement he sorely needed from his mom, and never received.

Most artists/entertainers admit the foundation of their comedy or gift came from adversity. Laughter hid their pain and gave them attention. Even if they got in trouble at school, they confessed it was okay. Because at least someone was recognizing them.

I learned a few years ago that if I depend on the praise of man to dictate my joy I’m going to be disappointed. A lot. As a writer seeking publication, that’s an essential truth to embrace. There are going to be rejections. Negative reviews. People who don’t understand the sacrifices of the craft. Loved ones who hear of an accolade and aren’t impressed.

When I finally surrendered my fear of rejection and promised God I’d write for Him, a mentor took me aside and shared what her pastor had taught her.

“Have the heart of a dove, and the skin of a rhino.”

I’ve tried to keep that in mind as my writing life progresses. Watching that documentary and hearing his dear friends admit that as talented as Johnny was, happiness eluded him.

We can’t wait for circumstances for joy, and I turned the TV off feeling sad that a man lived a rich life by the world’s standards to die in what felt sad to me. Isolated. Disappointed. There wasn’t mention of a personal faith. And as wealthy as he was and as generous loved ones found him to be, he couldn’t buy joy.

Whether my writing life reaches platinum levels or stays right where I am, I know this: joy comes from the Lord. He is enough, and He is absolutely enthralled by you. If no one on earth encourages you, let His love comfort you.

You have given me greater joy
    than those who have abundant harvests of grain and new wine. Psalm 4:7, NLT

Photobucket

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In the Run-up to Easter…Encourage Someone!

Posted on February 24, 2014 by alandkathi66

Easter isn’t until late April this year, but I always start thinking about it at the first signs of Spring, and the signs of new life that come with it. (And that happens early here in Southern California where I live!) I wasn’t raised in a Christian home, though it was “back in the day” when the majority of the country still openly celebrated the religious aspects of Christmas and Easter. As a result, I knew at least the basics about those holidays, but I must admit that my primary focus was Santa and the Easter bunny. Therefore, it was no surprise when our third-grade teacher asked us to write an Easter story and mine centered on colored eggs and candy.

What was a surprise, however, was the fact that the teacher thought my story was so well written that she showed it to the principal, who decided to turn it into a play for the entire PTA. Wow, I was stunned! I was also hooked. I think I knew from that moment that I would be a writer one day.

As the years went by, I received other words of encouragement about my writing; I also received rejections, which goes with the territory. But I was so impacted by that third grade teacher and the principal who believed in me that I never gave up pursuing my dream.

I want to be like those two women who spoke encouragement into my life so many years ago, don’t you? Regardless of what a child’s dreams may be, it is so important for us as adults to encourage those dreams and help steer their fulfillment in the right direction. As we approach the coming Season of Lent, let’s ask God to give us opportunities to encourage someone else’s dreams. We never know where those dreams may take them, or how they may impact future generations.

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Great Escapes by Elizabeth Goddard

Posted on February 20, 2014 by bethrachg

In previous posts, I’ve often written about reading as an escape. Years ago, I read as much nonfiction as fiction. Self-help books, mostly. But these days I’m all about writing and reading fiction. The last few weeks, several family members have been dealing with serious health issues and I feel like my family is under attack. I have never needed an escape more, and as a result I’ve read more books recently than I have in the last few years.  Some for endorsement, others for pleasure, and then there are those authors I read to learn more about writing in my genre.

I have never started a book that I didn’t finish, that is, until recently. Maybe that’s because in the past, once I checked out that library book or I bought or borrowed the book, I didn’t have easy access to hundreds of other books that were calling to me. That’s a warning to authors that you’d better draw the reader in and quickly. Now, if I’m not drawn in with the writing or the premise, I have too many other choices.

That said, here are a few of the unforgettable books I’ve read over the last few weeks.

season of changeA Season of Change by Lynette Sowell

This is an Amish story, yes, but a different kind of Amish story set in an unusually place. It’s the first Amish book I’ve read in twenty years. That’s right, I don’t usually read Amish, but this author has a way of pulling you in with not only her voice, but with her storytelling. Natalie is a circus worker looking for answers to her past in the Amish community. See what I mean?

Healer of Carthage by Lynne GentryHOCbook

Lynne Gentry is one amazing writer, her voice and writing steps above others—but she’s also created a story like no other. A time-travel—sending a doctor to the Roman past, and you can count on the research. This story was a thrilling, historical and romantic ride. Like all my favorite genres woven together.

stresstest

 Stress Test by Richard Mabry

I haven’t read Mabry before, but now I plan to read all his novels. He writes medical romantic thrillers, and he knows his stuff. I love the fast-pace of his novels, and the medical details. The romance is second to the suspense plot and that’s fine by me. I look forward to his upcoming release, Critical Condition.

Thanks for taking the time to read through my recommendation for great escapes.

Blessings!

Elizabeth Goddard

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Are Readers Seeing The Change?

Posted on February 19, 2014 by Maureen Lang

Lately there has been so much talk about the changes in the publishing world that it seemed as if everyone must see those changes. Perhaps the Internet was the beginning, with a move from brick and mortar stores to online retailers, including the ready availability of reviews by which many readers decide whether or not to purchase. The opportunity to move from exclusively paper bound books to digital reading was the next big shift, leading to further consolidation of publishers. It’s also led to price changes; cover changes to fit a digital market; a growing number of small publishers; a growing number of self-publishers as well as writers who work with publishers and who also self-publish. The list of changes can go on and on and on.

But if I were to talk to my sister, an avid reader who cares only about a good read and not at all about the business end of things, she would say she wasn’t even aware of many things on that list. She enjoys digital books, more reader-friendly prices, but that’s about it. How do I know this? Because when she mentions a good book to me and I ask about details, all she can tell me is the title and the author. She notices book covers but it doesn’t get in the way if she doesn’t like it, especially if someone has recommended the book to her. She likes having a book loaned to her (harder to do in digital format) but likes not paying full price for trade or worse, hardback prices.

She has never cared about which publisher puts out a book, whether it’s traditionally or independently published, whether it’s a translation or not, even whether it’s a bestseller or not. She only cares about the story.

When talking to other readers, it seems obvious they don’t care much about the business end of things, either. In fact, these days many readers assume if you’ve written a book you must have paid to put it out there. If they learn a “real” publisher paid for everything the next assumption is that the writer has made a lot of money from the project.

When I talk to other writers, though, everyone feels the ground shifting beneath us. For the most part writers seem to be optimistic, at least the ones I’ve talked to. Going “indie” has some appeal (self-publishing) particularly for writers who already have a few readers looking for a particular author’s next book, a ready-made audience. I’m not sure publishers or agents feel quite as optimistic, but the fact is traditional publishing continues to hold a certain amount of status, meticulous editing (most of the time), wonderful covers (most of the time), better distribution (most of the time).

That status, though, is mainly noticed among writers. Readers just want a good story!

Am I right?

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Have You Been Touched by a Book by Vicki Hinze

Posted on February 17, 2014 by Vicki Hinze

This past weekend, I read a book for an endorsement, written for the general market by Skye Taylor.  The book was about a couple falling in love.  Both had challenging past issues and complicated present lives.  Both suffered stunning disregard by people who purported loved them.  How quick others were to deem what was right and wrong and just and morally acceptable for these two.  While they had every reason to feel put upon and, well, like martyrs, they didn’t.   They rose to the challenges and made the effort to do what was right.  Not easy or convenient, and not right just for themselves, but for all.

I loved that.  I finished the book at nearly one this morning, then went off to bed, thoughtful and well pleased with the book.  It enabled me to forget I write for a time, and as any writer can tell you, it’s hard to read for pleasure and not think like a writer when reading.  So when it happens, it’s thrilling.  And because it happened, I could really get the messages in the book.  I loved that, too.

Fallen Rose

Fallen Rose

For the past two months, I’ve had a dear friend tapping at death’s door.  This morning, death answered and she has now gone home.  When I lose someone close, I always feel so divided, much like one of the character’s in Miss Taylor’s book.  There is the way I feel I’m supposed to react–the celebration because she isn’t at home here but is now truly at home.  The surety that all in Heaven were waiting with open arms to welcome her.  The relief that the suffering is over and the pain endured here is in the past.

And there’s the way I do react.  That very human part of me that struggles still  with letting go–for totally selfish reasons.  I will miss her.  Her humor.  Her caring ways.  Her penchant for making lemonade.  If there was an upside to be found, she would and did find it.  And no slacking because something was hard.  No, ma’am.  You deal with it.  Now.

As we grow older, the inner circle of those we know well, and those who know us well and find it in their hearts to love us in spite of our many flaws, dwindles.  It’s natural, normal, inherent to the circle of life and a reminder to us all that we’re here for a twinkling.

While we understand and accept our place in this world and the one to come, it doesn’t diminish the value we place on those here with us.  To mourn them isn’t an expression of a lack of trust or faith.  It’s acknowledgement that while here, the deceased made a difference in our lives.  The role played was significant to us.  We respect it, and we will miss them.

The pragmatic female lead in Ms. Taylor’s book drove that home to me this weekend.  And this morning I learned that my friend had slipped away during the night.

My point is a simple one.  The book touched me at a time I needed to be touched.  I needed the reminder about the normality of reality, and that acceptance and being accepted opens hearts to healing wounds.  All manner of wounds.

In the rush of daily  life, it’s easy to forget the potential for books to touch lives.  And for that reminder, I thank Ms. Taylor and my friend.  Like life, love and loss are often complicated and messy and maybe that’s what makes them such a blessing.

In the book, the characters loved well.  By its end, they were also loved well.  My friend loved well and was well loved.

There’s an innocent beauty in that.  A reassuring certainty about taking on the challenges warning us to close our hearts to prevent being hurt or experiencing pain and ignoring those warnings and opening our hearts anyway.  Loving anyway.  And doing it knowing the risks, knowing loss is possible.

Perhaps it does take courage to love and suffer loss–to truly experience either, I mean.

But it takes perhaps even more courage to willingly do either knowing pain is possible.  And maybe, just maybe, the wisdom shared in books like Ms. Taylor’s remind us at just the right moment of why we should continue to open our hearts.

I like to think that’s the case.  It’s like a divine hug, a blessing.  It’s reassurance of what we need being provided to us when we need it.  I feel that way today, and it is humbling and welcome.

Has a book appeared in your life and touched you when you most needed touching?  Helped you through a hard time?  Given you insight or guidance when you faced a challenge?

If so, I hope you’ll share it in the comments.

Blessings,

Vicki

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