Writers' Rest

What I learned from watching TV

2012-02-18T17:07:00.000-08:00

posted by Teresa Slack
Come on, now. Let's be honest. Like me, you probably watch TV than you're willing to admit at gunpoint. Since most of us here are writers we can legitimize those wasted hours by calling it research. I bet you've learned a thing or two over the years about what works in storytelling and what is just plain stupid.

TV can be very predictable and boring and give a writer more than enough examples of what doesn’t work. But occasionally if you’re patient and watch closely enough, you’ll notice a few things that do work, even when they are done poorly.

Turn on your television and you’ll find plenty of suspense and cop dramas in which the bad guy is discovered because he coughed while driving to the victim’s house. Or the dog spit up on the carpet in 1998 after licking the wound of a victim and the DNA is still on the floor even though the carpet was used to wrap the body and burned in another state.

Nothing gets by these super-sleuths and investigators. I’ve been told by those in the know not to use prime time TV as research. Real life doesn’t happen that easily. DNA results takes months and local authorities seldom follow Fido around to see if he’s carrying a victim’s DNA in his digestive tract.

But you can pick up a few tidbits.

Successful TV dramas these days are high wire tension. But they don’t maintain the nail biting tension for an extended length of time. You must give the viewer—or in our case—the reader a chance to breath.

The next time you are watching your favorite nighttime drama be mindful of how they cut from scene to scene. Just as the high tension scenes aren’t long, neither are the ones that slow down the action and get into the personal lives of the participants.

It’s all about balance. Create a high tension, edge of your seat scene and end on a cliffhanger. Then just like they do on TV, switch to a scene where the hero visits his parents. His mother makes a stunning announcement. End your scene before he has a chance to react and cut back to high tension.

What about you? Have you learned anything from television--besides how to turn it off--that has helped with your writing? Even those guilty pleasure programs can teach us something if we look closely enough.

Happy Writing.

POWER OF THE TONGUE

2012-02-10T13:38:00.000-08:00

(And Contest Winner Announced)

by Molly Noble Bull
http://www.mollynoblebull.com/

Stick and Stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me.
In my opinion, nothing could be more false. Words spoken in anger, haste or with a hint of sarcasm can and do hurt and can be as painful as a sharp sword.
The human tongue is powerful, and the Old Testament Book of Proverbs has a lot to say on that topic, warning people to control anger and always speak in love. The scriptures below all come from the Book of Proverbs. (Good New Bible) When you finish reading them, scroll down to learn the name of the winner in the Will You Sell Before the Rapture contest. Please leave a comment.

Proverbs 17: 5
If you make fun of poor people, you insult the God who made them. You will be punished if you take pleasure in someone=s misfortune.
Proverbs 12: 18
Thoughtless words can wound as deeply as any sword, but wisely spoken words can heal.
Proverbs 16: 24
Kind words are like honeyCsweet to the taste and good for your health.
Proverbs 12: 25
Worry can rob you of happiness, but kind words will cheer you up.
Proverbs 14: 17
People with a hot temper do foolish things; wiser people remain calm.
Proverbs 14: 29
If you stay calm, you are wise, but if you have a hot temper, you only show how stupid you are.
Proverbs 15: 1
A gentle answer quiets anger, but a harsh one stirs it up.
Proverbs 15: 4
Kind words bring life, but cruel words crush your spirit.
Proverbs 13: 3
Be careful what you say and protect your life. A careless talker destroys himself.
Proverbs 15: 28
A good man thinks before he speaks; the evil man pours out his evil words without a thought.
Proverbs 16: 21
A wise, mature person is known for his understanding. The more pleasant his words, the more persuasive he is.
Proverbs 16: 23
Intelligent people think before they speak; what they say is then more persuasive.
Proverbs 16: 27
Evil people look for ways to harm others; even their words burn with evil.
Proverbs 16: 28
Gossip is spread by wicked people; they stir up trouble and break up friendships.
Proverbs 18: 20
You will have to live with the consequences of everything you say.
Proverbs 18: 21
What you say can preserve life or destroy it; so you must accept the consequences of your words.
Proverbs 19: 11
If you are sensible, you will control your temper. When someone wrongs you, it is a great virtue to ignore it.
Proverbs 19: 19
If someone has a hot temper, let him take the consequences. If you get him out of trouble once, you will have to do it again.
Proverbs 20: 3
Any fool can start arguments; the honorable thing is to stay out of them.
Proverbs 20: 19
A gossip can never keep a secret. Stay away from people who talk too much.
Proverbs 24: 11
Speak up for people who cannot speak for themselves. Protect the rights of all who are helpless. Speak for them, and be a righteous judge. Protect the rights of the poor and needy.

And the winner is. Terri Gillespie. Please leave a comment on the article or the contest.

Contest Update/WILL YOU SELL BEFORE THE RAPTURE?

2012-02-09T09:09:00.000-08:00

Several that entered the contest failed to leave an email address so they could be contacted. Another person's entry was posted after the deadline and thus disqualified. If those who entered on time but failed to leave an email address will leave one as a comment to this message by midnight Thursday, February 9th, their enter will still be considered.
Thanks.
Molly Noble Bull

WILL YOU SELL BEFORE THE RAPTURE CONTEST Closes soon

2012-02-06T08:16:00.000-08:00

by Molly Noble Bull
http://www.mollynoblebull.com/

WILL YOU SELL BEFORE THE RAPTURE CONTEST will close at midnight on Tuesday, February 7, 2012. Enter now. Scroll down to the article just below this one to read the rules.

WILL YOU SELL BEFORE THE RAPTURE CONTEST?

2012-02-01T12:10:00.000-08:00

by Molly Noble Bull

www.mollynoblebull.com

Contest Rules:

Reply to this blog by leaving a comment, telling why you think you should sell a book before the Rapture in 50 words or less. Include your email address and a sentence or two about your story. The winner will receive a free critique from Molly Noble Bull of the first 50 double-spaced pages of a manuscript.

Molly has placed first in two national contests for published authors and also placed high in other such contests.

So enter now.

GIANTS OF THE ANCIENT WORLD?

2012-01-27T20:30:00.000-08:00

by Molly Noble Bull

http://www.mollynoblebull.com

Did giants once walk on earth? Were the giants mentioned in literature as well as the Bible real? And did you know that giants were also called the Nephilim?

I didn’t know any of the above until I read a book titled The Omega Conspiracy by I.D.E Thomas. Other books were written after this book came out and on the same topic, but I like this one best.

If you like mysteries, science fiction or Bible prophecy all neatly packaged under one cover, perhaps the Omega Conspiracy will interest you. It might even change your thinking as it changed mine.

The Bible says—

There were giants in the earth in those days; and also after that, when the sons of God came into the daughters of men, and they bare children to them, the same became mighty men which were of old, men of renown. Genesis 6: 4 KJV

But who were these sons of God?

Who were the daughters of men?

Were they the daughters of Cain as some think? Or was something else going on here? And why were the men called “sons of God” while the women were called the “daughters of men?” If they were all humans, wouldn’t they have been called the sons of men and the daughters of men?

And where did the giants come from?

King David killed a giant named Goliath, and according to the Bible, giants lived in tribes. The tribes had names, and later in the Bible, God told His people to kill every man, woman, child and animal in certain tribes. Why—when God also said “Thou shall not kill?” Why did God tell His people to kill members of certain tribes?

To learn the answers to these and other questions, buy and read The Omega Conspiracy. To read about the book, go to Amazon.

http://www.amazon.com/Omega-Conspiracy-Satans-Assault-Kingdom/dp/0978845358/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1327724238&sr=8-1

Or visit Prophecy in the News (a fantastic website) and learn about topics like this.

http://prophecyinthenews.com

I promise you will not be bored or disappointed.

Please leave a comment. We want to hear from you.

SPEAK UP

2012-01-21T19:56:00.000-08:00

by Molly Noble Bull

http://www.mollynoblebull.com/

Speak up for people who cannot speak for themselves. Protect the rights of all who are helpless. Speak for them and be a righteous judge. Protect the rights of the poor and needy. Proverbs 31: 8-9.

Two important events in American history took place on January 22, 1973. Do you know what they were?

I’ll give you a hint. One was about the life and death of a man. The other was about the life and death of millions.

I remember that day well.

By 1973 I had been a pro-life Christian for some time and was a member of a group called The Ad-Hoc Committee in Defense of Life. On January 22, 1973, I was watching our black and white television set when a TV commentator announced that the United States Supreme Court issued a landmark decision, stating that a right to privacy under the due process clause in the Fourteenth Amendment to the United States Constitution extends to a woman’s right to have an abortion. I was devastated.

I needed to talk to someone—share what I’d just heard. In my rush to phone Alice, my pro-life friend, I didn’t even bother to turn off the TV set. I just dialed her number, weeping as I explained what had just happened—that Roe vs. Wade was now the law of the land.

Suddenly, the TV newsman said something like, “I have another announcement. Former President Lyndon Baines Johnson has just died at his ranch near Johnson City, Texas.”

The stories about the death of the 36^th President of the United States were on the front pages of every newspaper in the country the next morning. Roe vs. Wade was considered of lesser importance and was pushed to perhaps page ten. However, the future death of millions of unborn children was the big story for that day and any day.

As a result, I helped start two pro-life organizations, marching and speaking up for life. According to the Bible, when we speak up for those that cannot speak for themselves, we will be blessed.

Heaven Father, give us ears to hear the cries of those who cannot speak for themselves and the hands and hearts to protect the rights of the poor, the needy and the helpless. In the blessed name of Jesus. Amen and amen.

Accountability--that elusive business partner.

2012-01-19T08:07:00.000-08:00

posted by Teresa Slack, a super busy writer with a 9-5 job, a growing direct sales business, and a mad passion to get a book contract by the end of the week.

All these recent posts about settings has really got my creative juices flowing. Most writers agree that those first moments in the planning stages in a book are the most exciting. It's like falling in love. You're still learning about your characters. You might not even know the hero's name yet or why the heroine is afraid of the dark. You are just embarking on your journey and you can barely contain your excitement long enough to sit still at your desk.

Of course you must also choose a setting that works with the story. I once did a book signing in Fleming County, Kentucky. The other writers around me started talking about all the local legends and stories they'd heard growing up. My favorite was the haunted jailhouse. I can't remember where the jailhouse was, but I definitely wanted to check it out.

All the way back to Ohio, I could barely keep track of the story ideas stirred up by listening to those other writers.

Here's my question--once you get your idea and you've chosen a setting and you figured out a few of your hero's quirks and insecurities, what keeps you writing? Do you have a crit group that demands you produce a certain amount of words before the next meeting? Do you belong to online writers' groups? Or are you your best taskmaster and won't cut yourself a break until that daily goal is met?

I recently joined an accountability group on FaceBook called 1K1HR. The point is to announce to the group when you plan to start writing. There is always someone online to join you so you keep each other accountable. At the end of your hour--or writing session if you go beyond an hour--you let the group know how you did. It also works if you're in the editing or research stages of your book.

I need accountability. Someone breathing down my neck. If you are the same or just like connecting with other writers, check out the group. 1K1HR is a closed group so you have to ask to join. Or you may decide to start a similar group with friends.

What works for you? What keeps you writing? Please share. I need all the accountability I can get.

LOOKING FOR A GREAT SETTING?

2012-01-15T19:56:00.000-08:00

Try Berkeley Springs, West Virginia

by Lillian Duncan—Guest Blogger

http://www.lillianduncan.net/

Many years ago, I worked for the Morgan County Schools which included Berkeley Springs, Great Cacapon, and Paw Paw, West Virginia for a short time. My career there as their Speech Pathologist didn’t work out, but I loved the area.

So, it wasn’t surprising when I decided to include it in my book, PURSUED. I wanted an area that was rural but still not too far from Washington DC—since one of my characters works for the government in an agency that will remain nameless. (I could tell you, but then I’d have to kill you—read the book if that confuses you.)

Berkeley Springs and surrounding area has it all—history, natural beauty, warm mineral springs, good neighbors, communes when I lived there in the 70s, near Washington, DC, and a castle!

Yes, that’s what I said. Berkeley Springs has a castle. Built of local stone, the castle has 13 rooms plus a basement dungeon. The original owner known as Queen Rosa was evicted from it in the 1920s. Queen Rosa was known for her extravagance and outrageous parties—which certainly contributed to her eviction.
But the area has much more than castles to boast about. Some of the most famous warm mineral springs in the country are located there. And in fact, the original name of the town was Bath, the name given by George Washington and his cronies when they formed a town around the springs in 1776 (according to Berkeley Springs’ website).

But Berkeley Springs isn’t the only party in the county, so to speak. Take route 9 and you’ll end up at Great Cacapon located on Cacapon Mountain. National Geographic lists it as one of the top 5 panoramic views in the east. Having seen it in the fall, I promise you it is spectacular!

Keep going south on route 9 and you’ll eventually end up in Paw Paw. How can you not love a town called Paw Paw? I once got lost when I was working there and ended up in three different states before I found my way back to civilization.

I’m beginning to wonder why I ever left the area.

And then there’s the Apple Butter Festival.

To learn more about Lillian Duncan and her books, visit: http://www.lillianduncan.net/ To celebrate her newest book, DECEPTION, there is a contest with a NOOK as the grand prize.
Click below to enter the contest.
http://www.lillianduncan.net/contest.html

LOOKING FOR A GREAT STORY SETTING?

2012-01-11T13:40:00.000-08:00

HOW ABOUT JEROME, ARIZONA?

by Jeff Reynolds -- Guest blogger

Jeff Reynolds

“Have you ever been to Arizona?” I asked a fellow summer missionary.

“No. I don't like the desert.”

I resisted laughing out loud. Arizona is a stereotypical place for westerns; after all, it's the home of Tombstone, site of the gunfight at the OK Corral. Having lived in northern Arizona, particularly in Verde Valley of Yavapai county, I knew better.

Yes, Cottonwood (where I lived) is dry and gets temperatures of 100+ in the summer. But if I took the main road, Highway 89A, north 50 miles, I'd go through beautiful Oak Creek Canyon to Flagstaff, altitude over 7,000 feet, snowed in every winter. Or I could go south 40 miles on the same highway, over Mingus Mountain, and arriving in the county seat, Prescott, mile high (same as Denver).

If you're a writer, you can find a lot in Yavapai county. Now, I currently live in Indiana, where the average county has less than four hundred square miles. In comparison, Yavapai has over eight thousand. From the red rocks of West Sedona to Indian ruins like Tuzigoot and Montezuma's Castle to Prescott National Forest, there are several sites of interest, places that can inspire the writer.

But can any compare with Jerome, Arizona? Home of the traveling jaihouse? It's just off the main road, but the side it sat on depends on the year. It crossed the highway and is close to a cliff?

Matthew 5:14 states a city built on a hill cannot be hid. Could Jesus have been referring to Jerome? If you drive down Mingus Mountain toward Cottonwood, you'll see what appears to be nice one story houses on the left side of the road. After you take a hairpin turn, you 'll see the back side. How'd you like to live in a two story house built on the side of a mountain?

Why did Jerome get built up in the first place? Gold? No, copper. As our country celebrated its centennial, this community got its start. By the 20's, it was a booming mining town, but by the '50's it became a ghost town. Wouldn't it's transformation make an interesting novel?

Or how about it's rebirth in the late '60's, when hippies discovered this town? No, I'm not talking about Hell's Angels. I'm talking about the artistic type, who restored the town to a tourist trap. But the town had a reputation. Can you imagine where else a mayor would be busted for smoking pot and it's not considered a scandal?

What would I do as a writer? Currently, I'm writing mysteries – I have one I'm seeking publication for that takes place at an apologetics conference. The ones I'm working on are in Indianapolis, but maybe I should consider Jerome. What better place for a murder mystery?

But a quarter century ago I had an idea I never followed through on, when my interest was in adventures. That idea was to have a chase in Jerome, where the hero wore roller skates and the bad guys borrowed bikes and skateboards. How'd you like to roller-skate down a mountain with curves and cliffs?

Jerome. Plenty to write about, plenty to capture one's imagination.

Leave a comment. We want to hear from you.

And if you want to see a fantastic video on Heaven based on Bible scripture, scroll down.

HEAVEN AND LONDON BRIDGE

2012-01-07T14:57:00.000-08:00

What do they have in common?

More than you might think.

by Molly Noble Bull

http://www.mollynoblebull.com/

At one time, I “sort of” believed that Heaven existed but that hell probably didn’t. But according to the Bible, both these very different locations are real and as different as light and darkness—as dissimilar as good and evil.

As a child, did you ever play London Bridge is Falling Down? To brief you, two children join hands, lifting them high above their heads to form a bridge, while the rest of the children line up in front of them. The children waiting in the line are expected to go under the bridge, one-by-one. Once a child goes under, he or she is imprisoned in the middle of the bridge and then expected to make a choice before being set free.

I remember two of those choices from my childhood days. Did I want to be a golden apple? If so, line up behind Mary. Or did I want to be a golden pear. If so, line up behind Tom—in preparation for a tug-of-war at the end of the game.

Golden apples or golden pears were nice choices. But what if one of the choices wasn’t nice? What if one was wonderful while the other was terrible?

What if one of the bridge-makers was Jesus (Yeshua) while the other was Satan? Now there are clear choices. To choose Jesus meant spending all eternity in Heaven where people lived forever in mansions on streets made of gold and ate from the Tree of Life. But to choose Satan meant constant thirst and burning in hell.

Some might say, “I don’t believe in God or Satan. So I don’t have to choose either one.”

But according to the Bible, to not choose the Lord is to choose Satan.

How many people would actually choose Satan if they really knew what that decision meant? How many would refuse to choose if they knew the outcome of not choosing?

The beautiful eight-minute video below is titled “A Place called Heaven.” Turn on your sound system, click below and take a quick tour of heaven according to the scriptures.

http://youtu.be/jGRx8-SANW8

When you’ve finished watching, decide who you will stand behind on Judgment Day and tell others to do the same. If Jesus, follow him. If Satan, follow him.

But don’t decide not to decide. To not choose could send you to hell.

So decide—right now. Repent while in prayer and ask the Lord to save you. He will if you truly mean it, and you’ll be glad forever.

Molly Noble Bull is a published Christian novelist. However, her newest book is non-fiction and written with four other Christian novelists. Titled The Overcomers: Christian Authors Who Conquered Learning Disabilities and written by Molly, Ginny Aiken, Margaret Daley, Jane Myers Perrine and Ruth Scofield, the book is designed to encourage others with similar problems. Learning disabilities never go away completely, and Molly should know. She is a dyslexic. The book tells how with God’s help all five authors discovered how to go around their learning problems and become published writers.

The Overcomers: Christian Authors Who Conquered Learning Disabilities is available in paperback and as an e-book. Click below to learn more.

http://www.amazon.com/Overcomers-Christian-Conquered-Disabilities-ebook/dp/B006BU95EU/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1325915575&sr=8-2

Please leave a comment. We want to hear from you.

What you should've done differently in 2011.

2012-01-03T19:56:00.000-08:00

Disappointment—if you’ve been writing longer than a couple of weeks you know all about it. Never is disappointment more prevalent than during the last few weeks of a year. I don’t know about anyone else but as November winds down and the cold, dreary days of December with all its distractions stretch ahead of me, I wonder what happened to the year and all the big plans I had for it.

2011 was no different. I had a lot of plans, a lot of dreams.

Last week (pre-2012) I was talking to my supervisor for my regular (the paycheck thing) job about the upcoming year. In a moment of honesty I admitted to her I didn’t feel like I’d accomplished a thing in 2011. She said, “You completed a lot of cases.”

That’s true. I did complete a lot of cases. So much so that my part-time federal government job became permanent. But is that what any of us desire to look back on at the end of our earthly journey? We completed a lot of cases. Closed a lot of deals. Made a lot of money. Or whatever.

My supervisor meant to encourage me. Instead she made me think of all the things I hadn’t done. Don’t get me wrong. 2011 was great. Not only did I attain success at my day job, my Scentsy business has taken off more than I ever imagined. I even earned a trip to the Dominican Republic next summer! (Shameless plug alert: Call me if you ever want to know how to make it work for you.)

What didn’t happen were all the writing goals I set at the first of ‘11. I didn’t complete the final edits on any of the books I wanted to submit to my agent. I didn’t get a contract. I didn’t start a new book. Any other accomplishments mean very little in light of that.

So like most years I didn’t want to see the last one end. Just one more month, one more week to make something happen. If only life came with do-over’s.

Then as always happens, just as I was about to lose the first month of 2012 to self-pity, my pastor’s wife put it all into perspective with one scripture verse.

“…this one thing I do, forgetting these things which are behind and reaching forth unto those things which are before.” Philippians 3:13

Scripture tells me looking back with regrets and disappointment goes against everything I believe in as a woman of faith. It doesn’t say I can’t look back and wish I’d done the year differently, just that I shouldn’t desire to.

I can’t get back 2011. I can’t un-watch TV when I should’ve been writing. I can’t reclaim time wasted with phone calls or hours on FaceBook. It’s over. All I can do is “…press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 3:14.

That’s all that matters in the grand scheme of things. Not cases closed or deals made or millions earned. Not even lucrative book contracts.

So I’ll press on. God created in me a purpose. A calling for this day and this hour. May I work harder this year, grow ever closer to achieving those goals, but not waste one precious moment in disappointment, wishing I’d done things differently in the past.

MEET GINA CONROY

2011-12-29T19:12:00.000-08:00

I would like to introduce our third guest blogger, Gina Conroy.

It’s Christmas Time In New York City
by Gina Conroy

“City sidewalks, busy sidewalks
Dressed in holiday style
In the air there's a feeling of Christmas…”

When I think of Christmas, I think of New York City. The chill in the air. The bright tree in Rockefeller Center. Watching skaters navigate the ice with grace, buying chestnuts from a street vendor to keep warm, and the Rockets Christmas show.

I’ve only attended the Radio City Christmas Spectacular with the Rockettes a couple times in my life, but both times they made an indelible impression on me. One when I was little. I remember standing in line holding a brown paper bag full of chestnuts too hot to eat. I remember the chill in the air, the long time waiting in line, and warming my hands from the warm paper bag. I don’t recall the Radio City Christmas Show, but I remember my mom telling me about how her mom would always take her into New York City to see the Christmas show. I wanted my children to have the same experience, but we lived smack dab in the middle of the United States. When I heard the show would be playing in Branson one year, I made reservations for the show and was more excited than my children.

When we walked into the theatre, I couldn’t remember the details of the show. Didn’t even know if the show would be the same, all I knew was that it was spectacular and I couldn’t wait for my children to experience it.

The show lived up to its name. It was spectacular! The costumes, the music, the dancing, the Rockettes chorus line, even Santa showed up. It was a lively, show that kept the attention of my small children, but what I didn’t know was that it was going to be a moving spiritual experience for me that I would remember for a life time.

The moment came after all the glitz and glamour. The show was almost over, but the lights dimmed. Then “the show’s pinnacle since 1933” began. In reverent procession the live nativity, with hundreds of people and live animals, started down both isle telling the story of the first Christmas without words.

My breath caught and my spirit was stirred as the wise men and their entourage brought their gifts to the baby Jesus. The king of the Jews whom they had come to worship. I’m not sure how long the procession lasted, but it was long enough for me to worship like they did.

All the “spectacular” of the show faded away and in that moment, in a dark theatre it was Christmas. God’s presence moved me, his love, the gift of his son, floored me. And no other Christmas show has come close!

For more information on the show visit the Radio City Christmas Spectacluar and to see if there’s a show near you.

Gina Conroy used to think she knew where her life was headed; now she's leaning on the Lord to show her the way. She is the founder of Writer...Interrupted where she mentors busy writers and tries to keep things in perspective, knowing God's timing is perfect, even if she doesn't agree with it! ;) She is represented by Chip MacGregor of MacGregor Literary, and her first novella, Buried Deception, in the Cherry Blossom Capers Collection, releases from Barbour Publishing in January 2012. On her blog Defying Gravity and twitter she chronicles her triumphs and trials as she pursues her dreams while encouraging her family and others to chase after their own passions. Gina loves to connect with readers, and when she isn’t writing, teaching, or driving kids around, you can find her on Facebook and Twitter.

Book descriptions:

My Novella: Buried Deception

Mount Vernon archaeology intern and widow Samantha Steele wants to provide for her children without assistance from anyone. Security guard and ex-cop Nick Porter is haunted by his past and keeps his heart guarded. But when they discover an artifact at Mount Vernon is a fake, Nick and Samantha need to work together, set aside their stubbornness, and rely on each other or the results could be deadly. Will Samantha relinquish her control to a man she hardly knows? Can Nick learn to trust again? And will they both allow God to excavate their hearts so they can find new love?

Collection Summary, releasing January 2012

Four townhouse neighbors encounter romance and mystery near our nation’s capital. In State Secrets, White House assistant chef Tara Whitley and FBI agent Jack Courtland stop a plot to sabotage a State dinner—and find love still hidden in their hearts. In Dying for Love, attorneys and opponents Ciara Turner and Daniel Evans uncover love while searching for justice. In Buried Deception, archaeologist Samantha Steele and security guard Nick Porter dig up love while uncovering a forged artifact. In Coffee, Tea and Danger, amateur sleuths Susan Holland and Vince Martinelli find love while investigating a string of mysterious accidents.

MY FAMILY FOUND PARADISE AND PEACE

2011-12-25T16:31:00.000-08:00

In Fruita, Colo.

By Guest Blogger

Ada Brownell

I’m Ada Brownell, retired newspaper reporter from The Pueblo Chieftain in Colorado and a free lance writer who has sold to Christian publications since age 15. I’m the author of two books. Swallowed by LIFE: Mysteries of Death, Resurrection and the Eternal . recently released on Amazon and should be available soon at other outlets. Another book is Confessions of a Pentecostal, published by the Assemblies of God. Both books will be available soon as e-books.

In the late 1930s, my parents packed a few dilapidated possessions, leaving enough space for their seven children in the flat-bed truck with sideboards.

The old tires spun through the dusty Kansas roads and then took the narrow paved road toward Colorado, through the mountains, and on to the Grand Valley.

For the moment Mama forgot the time Dad had to find his way to the house during a dust storm by following the clothes line. She didn’t think about the long days and nights she spent covering her children’s faces with wet rags so they wouldn’t get dust pneumonia during the storms.

She hoped the severe poverty caused by The Great Depression, the drought , dust storms and grasshopper plagues was finally over.

My oldest brother, Virgil, went with Dad to check out the Western Slope of Colorado to see whether they could buy a little parcel of land and move. They bought a little farm in Fruita, 10 miles west of Grand Junction, the large city in the area where the Colorado and Gunnison rivers intersect.

Along the highway Virgil stood up in the truck and watched as they left the flat brown plains behind. Virgil had his share of heartaches, too. The Shetland pony he loved so much got into Grandpa’s grasshopper poison and died. Virgil had covered the garden with screen wire—even the onions—and the grasshoppers ate it all, even the onions right out of the ground, leaving vacant holes.

I can imagine Mom, pregnant with me, praying things would be better now. Then suddenly she felt the cool fresh breeze through the open truck window. They’d hit areas of irrigated land and green lush blankets of hay and winter wheat covered the valleys to the edges of the white-topped mountains. Some of the fertile soil was being plowed; some tender plants were growing here and there.

When they reached the Grand Valley which would be their new home, Mama felt she’d landed in Paradise. Flat-topped peach trees blossomed in the valley next to Palisade, and climbed all the way up to Orchard Mesa and covered it.

“Won’t there be danger of frost?” she asked Daddy.

“Maybe, but some peach ranchers use smudge pots and it will save most of the crop.

Homes everywhere had green irrigated lawns and flowers blooming. Wild flowers even blossomed along the road.

The tiny white house Dad bought had only two bedrooms and a back porch, but Mama was delighted.They hung a curtain to divide the largest bedroom. The three boys slept on one side; the four girls on the other.

It was only about a mile to the bridge that crossed the Colorado River and then the red Rocky Mountains that held the Colorado National Monument in their bosom rose high in the sky. The view out the windows of our home was better than paintings for the walls.

Lush fertile land surrounded the little home and Mom and Dad had 10 acres. The garden was huge and Mom and some of the older children worked in it many hours from early spring until fall—when I was born. That made 10 of us in the house for Daddy to feed.

Daddy and Virgil got a job shoveling coal from railroad cars onto trucks and were paid $1 for a 12-hour day.

Times were still hard, but things were better than Kansas.

A local church in the midst of a great revival heard a large family was moving to town and began praying for us. The lady across the street came over carrying her Bible. Mom had been raised in a Christian home, but her tattered spirit lay dry and nearly empty.

God sent a good Christian friend to every one of my older brothers and sisters when they started school. Soon the whole family was serving God, full of joy. Singing and music filled our house. I grew up in that kind of atmosphere.

Because they canned and preserved everything they could, our table was spread lavishly with fruits and vegetables and unexpected company was never a big deal. All we had to do was go out in the chicken pen, to the garden or down to the cellar and we ate better than lots of folks eat today. Mom often asked the preacher, evangelists and missionaries for dinner.

When we had company, as soon as someone prayed Mama looked around the table at each of us and said “FHB.”

That meant “family hold back” and make sure the guests have plenty to eat.

When I was age 8, my parents bought a big two-story house in town with four bedrooms, three porches, and room for my married siblings when they came home as well as guests. They still had several acres, a milk cow, chickens, raised other animals and grew most of their food.

I live in Missouri now and when I go back to Fruita, I am amazed at the beauty there. What an awesome Creator we have!

Blog: http://www.inkfromanearthenvessel.blogspot.com
Website: http://www.adabrownell.com

HANUKKAH -- The Festival of Lights

2011-12-22T20:23:00.000-08:00

by Molly Noble Bull

http://www.mollynoblebull.com

The Menorah, The Jewish candelabrum or lamp stand, ordinarily has only seven candlesticks—three on the right side, three on the left and one big one in the middle. But the Hanukkah lamp stand is different. It has four on the right side, four on the left and one big "Servant" candle in the middle. The servant candle is used to light all the other candles.

Hanukkah is also known as the Feast of Dedication and the Festival of Lights to celebrate the eight-day Jewish holiday commemorating the rededication of the Second Temple in Jerusalem at the time of the Maccabean Revolt in the 2nd century. Christians believe the servant candle represents Jesus—the Light of the World.

As the story goes, the Jews had only enough oil to light the Menorah for one day. Yet a miracle took place. The lamps remained lighted for eight days.

I read that the first Hanukkah took place after the Old Testament was written. Though the Jews celebrated Hanukkah, it is not mentioned in the Old Testament. However, Hanukkah appears to be mentioned in 2 Chronicles chapter 7 and verse 9. I report. You decide.
[And on the eighth day they held a solemn assembly, for they kept the dedication of the altar seven days and the feast seven days.]
So perhaps it was mentioned in the Old Testament after all. In any case, according to the New Testament Jesus celebrated Hanukkah. See the Gospel of John.
[And it was at Jerusalem the Feast of Dedication, and it was winter. And Jesus walked in the temple in Solomon's porch. Then came the Jews round about him, and said unto him, How long dost thou make us to doubt? If thou be the Christ, tell us plainly.

Jesus answered them, I told you, and ye believed not; the works that I do in my Father's name, they bear witness of me. But ye believed not, because ye are not of my sheep, as I said unto you.

My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me: And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish; neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand. My Father, which gave them me, is greater than all; and no man is able to pluck them out of my Father's hand. I and my father are one.]

John 10: 22-30

In 2011, Hanukkah began at sundown on December 20th, ending at sundown on December 28th.

Lessons from Little People

2011-12-18T19:14:00.000-08:00

by Teresa Slack www.teresaslack.com
This is the most fun time of year to have kids in your life. No way you can be a Grinch while witnessing the wonder and excitement on their faces as they take in all the sights and sounds of the season.

So what can we learn from them as we consider the goals we set back at the launch of 2011 and the realization of how short we've come in reaching those goals?

(I don’t remember where or when I first stumbled across this list. I made a few tweaks to apply it to writing, but you can apply it to any goal setting or dream building you want. I hope it encourages and inspires you to try something new today.)

1. Everything can be a game. Add a little fun to your writing. Compete with yourself. Aim for personal records. You might find something that works no one else has ever thought of.

2. Don't walk when you can run. Every day is full of opportunities to increase your productivity. Don’t hold back. Don’t be afraid of breaking the rules. Don’t worry about what everyone else is doing. Just take off and enjoy the wind in your hair.

3. If you don't like it, don't write it. Don’t write what you think the market is looking for. By the time your book is written, tastes and trends would’ve changed anyway. Write a book you would want to read.

4. Laughter feels good. Kids seem to inherently know that laughter can ease blood pressure, help your brain function, give you energy, and help you reach your goals.

5. Playtime is important. We get so caught up in work, and "have-to's" that we forget to take time for ourselves. Not only does relaxing make life worthwhile, it has real health benefits.

6. The world should be full of color. Splash your life and experiences with as many colors as possible. Try new things. It will benefit everything you put your hand to.

7. It's always more fun with friends around. Children tend to gravitate toward other children. It gives them spirit and makes them want to play all day. Whatever you’re striving for, find a group that understands what you’re shooting for and will support you in it.

8. Adventures are found outside, not inside. Every kid knows that the good stuff is in the great outdoors--fresh air, wide open spaces, limitless possibilities. You can't find those things cooped up in your tiny, stale office. Open the door and start a new adventure every day.

9. It's important to use your imagination. You can be Major Fantasia or Stupendous Woman any time you want. Give yourself permission to believe in your own super powers and let your mind take you wherever it wants to go.

10. Anything is possible. No fear, no self-doubts, no negative self talk, no self-criticism, no worries, no destructive anxieties or thoughts of failure. To a child, he/she can do anything. And do you know what? They're right.

11. You have your whole life ahead of you. Here's your chance to do it right.

HOW TO WRITE A BEGINNING HOOK

2011-12-15T21:18:00.000-08:00

by Molly Noble Bull

http://www.mollynoblebull.com/

The first sentence of a novel should grab the reader’s attention instantly. We call this a beginning hook. The beginning hook should introduce a problem or reveal something about the main character. Can you spell provocative?

Think of this one sentence as a headline, book title, or chapter title. The one sentence can ask a question, and the shorter the better.

. If you absolutely can't come up with a headline, write the first line of a dialogue. But that first line of dialogue MUST be interesting, causing the reader to want to read more in order to find out what is going on and what will happen next.

Below are some examples.

Headline

She'd seen him again.

(This opening came from The Rogue’s Daughter—one of my published novels.)

Was he dead?

Where was Sally?

Why did he come here after all these years?

What does he think he was doing?

A bang broke the quiet of the small library.

Was someone following her?

NOTE: YOU CAN NAME A CHARACTER IN A BEGINNING DIALOGUE. BUT DON'T NAME YOUR MAIN CHARACTER IN A HEADLINE. NAME HIM OR HER IN SENTENCE TWO.

Dialogue

"I'm not marrying him, Father." Melissa North turned toward the door. "If you try to force me to, I'll run away."

"He's the murderer, and he knows I know." Jane Scopes pulled her suitcase from the top shelf and carried it to the bed. "I'm leaving."

"I'm taking the next stagecoach out of Tombstone—whether you like it or not."

I would like to propose a challenge. Write a beginning hook of only one sentence for either a prologue or a chapter one and post it at the end of this article as a comment. I will comment on your hooks.

JUST THE RIGHT TIME

2011-12-12T16:19:00.000-08:00

Molly Interviews Jennifer Slattery

(http://jenniferslatterylivesoutloud.com)

Molly Noble Bull:
Hi. Today I am interviewing Jennifer Slattery. She writes for Jennifer Slattery Writes for Christ to the World Ministries, the Internet Café Devotions, Samie Sisters, and the Christian Pulse. Visit her devotional blog, Jennifer Slattery Lives out Loud to find out more about her and her writing. Welcome Jennifer. Tell us what you mean when you say, “Just the Right Time?”

Photo of Jennifer Slattery

Jennifer:
I don’t know about you, but often I think God and I are on totally different schedules. When I want to go forward, He pulls me back. When I’m dragging my heels, He nudges me forward. Over the years, I’ve learned by experience His timing is always perfect.

Molly:
I agree. The Lord’s timing is always perfect. Please, tell us more.

Jennifer:
The Bible is full of divine moments enacted after long, difficult waiting periods. Consider the ancient Israelites and how they slaved in Egypt waiting for their deliverer. Or think about David, the anointed king, who spent years hiding out in caves as the ruling king sought his life. What about Joseph? You remember him—the dreamer—the one who would one day rule over his brothers? The one who was thrown in a pit, sold into slavery, spent seven years in prison, to one day stand as the second in command to all of Egypt. What do you think he was thinking while he slept on the prison floor?

Molly:
My mind would say that the Lord forgot about me, if I found myself on a prison floor. My heart would say, “Have faith in God.” What say you?”

Jennifer:
How many nights did his heart cry out to God, asking, “Where are you? When will Your promise come?” But each time God did come through, at just the right time.

Molly:
God is good. But imagine what the Children of Israel must have thought, waiting for the promised Messiah.

Jennifer:
For years the people of Israel waited for their Messiah. They had the promises—from Genesis chapter three all the way through Malachi. While evil kings rose to the throne, Isaiah spoke of an eternal just Ruler. When the Israelites were taken into Babylonian captivity they cried out for a Savior. I’m sure many felt as if God had abandoned them. That God couldn’t see them.

Molly:
I’ve been in that situation—many times.

Jennifer:
But God hadn’t forgotten, and He wasn’t off-duty. He was waiting for just the right time. Jesus came at just the right time.

Molly:
He always does.

Jennifer:
Step back about 2000 years to the Roman world. Greek and Roman development helped make the first century AD the perfect time for Christ to come on the scene. The roads created by the Romans increased traffic and commerce, allowing the rapid-fire spread of Christianity to the ancient world. The Romans developed a sense of unity under their universal law that helped pave the way for the idea of monotheism. (A large proportion of ancients were polytheists.)

Molly:
Monotheism. The dictionary calls that the doctrine that there is only one God. And polytheism is the belief in and the worship of more than one god. So what you are saying is that the Romans were prepared for the worship of only one God at just the right time. Awesome.

Jennifer:
“The sense of solidarity within the empire created an environment favorable to the reception of a gospel that proclaimed the unity of the human race in the fact that all men are under the penalty of sin and in the fact that all are offered a salvation that makes them part of a universal organism–Christianity.” (Cairns, p. 35)
Non-Romans could become Roman citizens and people could move freely throughout the Roman Empire. Such travel would have been difficult prior to the reign of Augustus Caesar in 27-14 BC. As Rome conquered neighboring lands, natives began to question their polytheistic views. If their gods had abandoned them into the hands of another, then perhaps their gods were not as powerful as they thought.

Molly:
Interesting. And then what?

Jennifer:
And then came the Greeks and the expansion of ideas that they brought. They brought a universal language that later aided in the communication of the gospel. They also brought the study of philosophy and a love for debate. Philosophers like Plato and Socrates encouraged people to look for an eternal Being. All of these things set the stage for Christianity.

Molly:
Isn’t it amazing that God had all this planned hundreds if not thousands of years in advance?

Jennifer:
And I could go on, but in a nutshell–Christ came at just the right time. At the fullness of time. When all the pieces of the puzzle were locked in place.

Molly:
Praise the Lord.

Jennifer:
Just like Paul says in Galatians 4:4, “But when the time had fully come, God sent His Son, born of a woman, born under the law, to redeem those under the law, that we might receive the full rights of sons.”
And the Bible records this story–God’s love story–throughout its pages. A love story that will ultimately conclude in a great wedding feast. Are you coming?

Molly:
Jennifer, do you have any closing words for those who need this message the most?

Jennifer:
Maybe you’re in Babylonian captivity right now, crying out for a Savior. Now is the time of salvation. Maybe you’re enslaved by the problems of this world. God sees you. He loves you. And He’s coming. Even now He’s working out His plan. His good plan. His loving plan. Hold tight.

Molly:
Thanks, Jennifer. You have inspired me, and I feel sure you have inspired others as well. I hope many will comment on this interview.
I would like to close with a blessing found in the six chapter of the Book of Numbers, verses 24 to 27.

[The Lord bless thee and keep thee: The Lord make his face shine upon thee, and be gracious unto thee: The Lord lift up his countenance upon thee, and give thee peace. And they shall put my name on the children of Israel; and I will bless them.
Again, please leave a comment. Then stay tuned for the bibliography.

1) Cairns, Earle E. Christianity Through the Centuries. Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan; 1954.

NEED GUEST BLOGGERS

2011-12-11T12:17:00.000-08:00

by Molly Noble Bull

http://www.mollynoblebull.com/

Along with our regulars, I am opening the Writers Rest blog to guest bloggers. What I want are interesting settings from around the United States or elsewhere. Tell us about your hometown and state or a town and state or country you especially like.

I am also open to Christian movie or DVD reviews. If you are interested in doing a blog on any of these topics, post a comment at the end of this blog, telling the area of the country you would like to write about or the movie you want to review.

Near the end of the actual blog, you may tell about your newest book. Photos of towns, states, countries, movie posters and book-covers are welcome.

The Overcomers: Christian Authors Who Conquered Learning Disabilities by Margaret Daley, Ginny Aiken, Jane Myers Perrine, Ruth Scofield and me, Molly Noble Bull.

To find this book at Amazon or a walk-in bookstore, write Molly Noble Bull in the search slot.

Making a list & checking it twice.

2011-12-07T16:59:00.000-08:00

We all have one. That hard to shop for person on our list. My friends tell me I'm the ONE on their lists. Every year around Thanksgiving they ask what I want for Christmas and I can't think of a single thing to tell them. It's hard to tell someone what I want. Most of the time it's even hard to know myself.

Coming up with a Christmas list for myself is tough enough. Harder still are gift requests you can't put under a tree. So let's play around a little. If you could wish for anything this Christmas that doesn't fit under your tree, what would it be?

Let's have fun here & be totally selfish and self-serving. No wishes for world peace or that everyone would finally learn the true meaning of Christmas. Those are great but for another post. For now tell us what's on your wish list that can't be bought or wrapped with a big red bow. Maybe a secret desire you haven't even told your friends or loved ones about. Like to get a book published. Or lose 30 pounds. Or fall in love. Or go skydiving.

For me, I would like more time to devote to my writing career. But maybe more time isn't what I need. Discipline should probably be the first thing on my list. Or a renewed passion to actually put those words on paper.

What about you? What's on your list that can't be put under the tree? Have fun with your answers. You're even entitled to a whole list. And shoot for the stars. After all, it's Christmas.

MOVIE REVIEW: Seven Days in Utopia

2011-12-03T09:32:00.000-08:00

Reviewed by Molly Noble Bull

http://www.mollynoblebull.com

A strong opening hook and a Christian message are musts for me in books as well movies. However, settings come close behind, and Seven Days in Utopia, starring Robert Duvall, was set in a beautiful place—Utopia, Texas.

The setting was especially meaningful to me because it was set in the Texas hill country on the Sabinal River, and my family ate many a meal at the Lost Maples Café—featured in the movie. Yep, the Lost Maples Café is a real place, and several scenes were set in that restaurant. We even ate there before it was remodeled—way back when you had to go outside and up a flight of stairs if you needed to go to the restroom.

The plot is about a golf pro who thinks winning at golf is the most important thing in the world. After spending seven days in Utopia, he realizes that there are other things in life more important than hitting a little ball with a stick. This movie has a good Christian message. Nevertheless, the ending was weak.
Several conflicts mentioned in the movie were never resolved. I sat there in my chair, waiting for part 2 to begin, but it never came. We were told to go to a website to see if the hero made his last golf shot.

Before Mel Gibson’s movie about Jesus came out, my then pastor said that Christians didn’t know how to make movies. Mel Gibson proved him wrong. The people that made Seven Days in Utopia are learning.

I will see the sequel to this movie whenever it comes out because Seven Days had a Christian message. I just wish the screenplay had been a little stronger.

I cannot end this article without mentioned my newest book, The Overcomers: Christian Authors Who Conquered Learning Disabilities by five Christian novelists. They are Ginny Aiken, Margaret Daley, Jane Myers Perrine, Ruth Scofield and me, Molly Noble Bull.

This book will soon be available in paperback from Westbow Press. But you can read it right now as an e-book at a cost of $3.03, if you go to Amazon and write Molly Noble Bull in the search slot.

SEVEN DAYS IN UTOPIA: The Movie

2011-12-02T15:49:00.000-08:00

Tonight (December 2, 2011,) I plan to watch the Christian movie Seven Days In Utopia on Dish Network—Pay per view. If you have Dish Network, you can watch it too. God willing, tomorrow I will do a movie review of that movie.

I am looking forward to seeing Seven Days in Utopia because we lived within twenty-five miles of Utopia, Texas for about twenty-five years. Utopia is in the heart of the famous Texas hill country and beautiful.

For us, this will be a sort of "going home" time.

Stay tuned.

Molly

GET TO THE POINT

2011-11-29T17:15:00.000-08:00

When Writing a Synopsis

By Molly Noble Bull

http://www.mollynoblebull.com/

A synopsis should begin with a hook just like many others types of writing. At the same time, it must get to the point of the story. Quick.

However, women in general have a hard time getting to the point in normal conversations. According to my husband, I have that problem in particular. How many times have I heard him or one of our sons say, "Get to the point." Or "Can we hear the short version?"

The conversation below makes this problem clear--at least in my mind. Hope you agree. I also hope it will make tight synopsis writing easier.

"Would you like to drive into the city?" the man asked.

“I’d have to go to Target first,” the woman replied. “No question about that. And I need to have my nails done.” She showed him her hands. “Just look at these. Have you ever seen fingernails this bad? Well, my toenails are worse, if you can believe it. And of course, I’ll have to phone Anita. I promised I would.”

“Get to the point, honey.”

“Oh, I almost forgot about Pretty Cat. We can’t leave her behind when she's expecting kittens. I guess we could leave her in the back seat with a window down a little.” She shook her head. “No, she could become overheated. We’ll just have to leave her at home in the air conditioning. Besides—”

“Honey, I asked you a questions twenty or so paragraphs back, and there can only be one of two answers—either yes or no. So, would you like to drive into the city?”

“My goodness, sweetie. Weren’t you listening? I already answered that question.”

Did she or didn’t she? You can only give one answer. Either yes or no.

Does this dialogue sound like it came from the mouth of you and your husband? It sure sounds like countless conversations my husband and I have had.

The gift for gab is fine when writing a novel. But when writing a synopsis, you need to get to the point. In other words, write it the way your hubby would.

Example:

“Would you like to drive into the city?” the man asked.

“Yes.”

Don't forget to leave a comment. We want to hear about your "get to the point" hubby.

Speaking of getting to the point, I have another one.
Check out my first non-fiction book that I wrote with four other authors titled The Overcomers: Christian Authors Who Conquered Learning Disabilites by Margaret Daley, Ginny Aiken, Jane Myers Perrine, Ruth Scofield and me, Molly Noble Bull.

NEW BOOK FROM MOLLY

2011-11-23T18:25:00.000-08:00

by Molly Noble Bull

http://www.mollynoblebull.com/

I would like to introduce my newest book—The Overcomers: Christian Authors Who Conquered learning Disabilities.

Yep, I’m dyslexic.

My previous books were novels. This one is non-fiction and written by five published novelists—Ginny Aiken, Margaret Daley, Jane Myers Perrine, Ruth Scofield and me, Molly Noble Bull. All five are multi-published.

My father and my maternal grandfather were real for sure Texas cowboys, and I spent part of my growing up years on a big cattle ranch in Kenedy County, Texas, living there during until January of my first grade year. I had a wonderful mother, but she was not a schoolteacher. Nevertheless, she was my home-school teacher, while we lived on the ranch, and not being in a regular school might have delayed discovering that I had problems.

The book, The Overcomers, is divided into five parts, and each of the five published authors tells how their learning problems affected them as children and teens. For years, I tried to keep others from knowing my secret—that I had a learning problem. However, with the writing of The Overcomers, all five of us came out of the closet.

In my part, I share what it was like to seem normal but be the dumbest kid in my elementary school, and if you can image pushing a one hundred pound rock up a hill with nothing but a toothpick, you have some idea how difficult it is for a child with a learning problem to read or spell ten simple words. I also share some of my experiences as a teen and young adult, living on the Santa Rosa and the La Paloma Ranches.

This photo was taken on the Santa Rosa Ranch, and I am the twelve-year-old girl on the left.

The next photo is of my grandfather, Seth Woods, in a lineup with the ranch cowboys. He is the cowboy to the left of the man on the wagon, and the child is my late uncle, Mack Woods. Seth Woods ran the Santa Rosa Ranch in Kenedy County for almost forty years. Mack Woods was once president of Polled Santa Gertrudis Breeders Association.

To find The Overcomers and my other books at Amazon, write Molly Noble Bull in the search slot. You will need to scroll down to find The Overcomers. But you can’t miss it with that bright yellow cover. The Overcomers is available as a Kindle e-book for $3.99. To go to Amazon and see the e-book now, click below.
http://www.amazon.com/Overcomers-Christian-Conquered-Disabilities-ebook/dp/B006BU95EU/ref=sr_1_6?ie=UTF8&qid=1322110408&sr=8-6
A printed copy of this book will also be available soon in time for the holidays.

First things First

2011-11-19T18:03:00.000-08:00

Today I spent some time with an aspiring writer overwhelmed by the idea of beginning a book, let alone writing the whole thing. She considered our meeting a God moment since she'd been praying about what to do with the stories that had been rattling around in her head for years.

She'd bought the right books, even signed up for a conference aboard a cruise ship with Karen Kingsbury this coming March. But still she was overwhelmed and unsure of what to do about all those stories. We had a great time talking. I shared a few experieces along my journey to publication and did what I could to encourage her. But other than a pep talk and reassurance that she was doing what God designed her to do, she needed something concrete that would help her get that story out of her head and onto the paper.

My advice for the very first thing to do was join some online writing groups and connect with other writers. During the next few months while waiting for her cruise I suggested she get those characters out of her head and give them life of their own. Take notes, organize plot lines, sketch a few characters, and don't edit, regardless of how strong the desire to do so.

All she had ever done was think about her stories. She'd never written the first word. Sometimes the first word is the most intimidating. We've all been there. That blinking cursor mocks and the voices in our heads tell us we don't know what we're doing so why even bother. But we have to ignore the negative voices, surround ourselves with encouragers who've been where we strive to go.

Happy writing, Janet. I wish you all the success in the world.

What about everyone else? What advice would you give a fledgling writer who doesn't know where to begin? What first thing would you do first? Please share so others may grow and be encouraged in their walk?

OPENINGS ARE INVITATIONS

2011-11-16T19:10:00.000-08:00

by Molly Noble Bull

http://www.mollynoblebull.com/

Molly Noble Bull

Remember those birthday party invitations we all got as children? One that I recall had a cowboy on the cover, signaling that the party had a cowboy theme, and I will never forget what was written on the inside of that card. I call the cowboy on the cover a sort of hook, encouraging friends to attend special events, but the meat of the invitation was found inside.

The W Rule

What do party invitations have to do with writing chapter and scene openings? More than you might think. To make my point, below is an example of a typical birthday invitation.

Who? Tom Brown

What? His tenth birthday party

When? Saturday, September 25, 2012

Where? 308 Creek Drive, Rockdale, Texas;

Why? Because we want to celebrate Tom’s birthday, that’s why.

Like the cowboy on the cover of party invitations, every chapter should begin and end with a hook, and every chapter and scene should start with a problem. However, I have also found that successful chapter openings and scene changes are identical in many ways to the format used in writing party invitations.

As an author, my goal is to invite the reader to a party of words, my words. In order to do that, I must send him or her an invitation answering all the who, what, when, where and why questions--henceforth known as the W rule.

Full-Bodied Sentences

A full-bodied sentence is one that answers the W rule questions, but writing full-bodied sentences at the beginning of every chapter and scene opening might not be the best way to coax readers to taste one’s work. However, I have learned that when I include the information found in the full-bodied sentence, my scene openings become more inviting to the reader.

The man went to town is a simple sentence, but it can become full-bodied. To answer the “who” question, I gave the man a first and last name, Jim Cooper. Jim Cooper went to town. Naming my character improved the quality of my sentence, but more information was needed before it became full-bodied.

The full-bodied sentence below answers all the W rule questions. Here’s how.

(When?) “Early on an October morning, (Who?) Jim Cooper (Where?) left his small farm in rural Mississippi and (How?) drove his team of mules (Where?) to Oakton Corners (Why?) to buy medicine for (What is the problem?) his sick wife and child.”

“How” is an emotional question and optional. The reader might also want to know “what” the weather is like? The final version of this sentence, answers the “how” question and tells about the weather. “Early on a (What is the weather?) cold, windy morning in late October and (How is his emotional state?) trembling with worry, Jim Cooper left his small farm in rural Mississippi and drove his team of mules to Oakton Corners to buy medicine for his sick wife and child.

Openings vs. Scene Changes

Every novel is divided into three parts: the beginning, the middle, and the ending. I once read or heard that the beginning part of a novel ends when all the W rule questions have been answered.

These questions can be answered easily in one full-bodied sentence. However, it often takes a page or two to allow that same information to flow smoothly into the text of my novels.

Scene changes are different from chapter openings in that all the beginning questions need not be answered a second time. For example, if the reader knows all about Jim Cooper, scene two could begin with “An hour later, he finally got to town.”

All my manuscripts don’t have a cowboy on the cover to hook the reader, but I never fail to issue invitations. I have learned that when I invite the reader to choose my novels by beginning with a hook and a problem and then answering all the questions listed above, readers attend my parties and read my books.

***

CBA author, Molly Noble Bull, lives in Kingsville, Texas, and her novels have been published at Zondervan and Steeple Hill and two were reprinted by Guideposts, the Book Division.

The Winter Pearl, her Steeple Hill long historical, was set in Colorado in 1888 and was published in trade paperback in 2004 and in mass-market paperback in 2007. It is now an e-book. Brides and Blessings, another of Molly's Love Inspired novels, is also an e-book. Molly's newest book, The Overcomers, will be published in December 2011.

Note: This article by Molly Noble Bull was first published in the Christian Communicator magazine in 2005.

Mind Over Madi by Lynda Lee Schab

2011-11-10T06:55:00.000-08:00

Today we're so excited to welcome Lynda Lee Schab to Writer's Rest. Lynda's first book, Mind Over Madi, is being released this month by Oak Tara Publishers. Lynda, welcome to Writer's Rest and congratulations on the release of Mind Over Madi.

What is the book about? Tell us a little about the plot.

Madi McCall is a 38-year-old mom of three whose insecurities are destroying her marriage. When she suspects her husband Rich is cheating with the mother of one of his fourth grade students, she kicks him out of the house and he moves in with his bachelor brother. Madi is then forced to take a deeper look at herself and her insecurities. She does this with the help of a counselor, her best friend Sylvie, and a few cartons of Edy’s Dibs. At a 20-year get-together with former high school classmates, Madi runs into “the other woman” and things come to a head. It’s a lighthearted story about taking a true look at ourselves and accepting God’s grace when we think and do dumb things.

Which character is most like you, and why?

There is a lot of me in Madi. Insecurity is something I’ve always struggled with. As a child, I was very shy. As a teenager, I was insecure about everything, which resulted in a lot of rebelling and contributed to hundreds of my mom’s migraines, I’m sure. As an adult, early in my marriage I experienced some of the insecurities Madi deals with, regarding her husband and his faithfulness. That isn’t something I deal with anymore today, but I still have similar insecurities about what others think of me, as well as doubts about God’s love for me. Other ways I’m like Madi is that we share bad eating habits, a love for coffee, a tendency to waste hours of time playing computer games, and an insane fear of spiders.

I absolutely love the book's cover. I'm sure it will influence a lot of shoppers. On the cover, “Madi” is wearing a tiara. What is the significance in that?

Madi’s therapist challenges her to think of herself as a princess – the daughter of the King. Madi has never thought of herself this way, and throughout the story, there are references to various Disney princesses as Madi tries to figure out which one she most relates to. I had fun with the theme, even giving “the other woman” the fairy tale-ish name of Fawn Witchburn.

What do you want readers to take away from reading Madi’s story?

An understanding of just how infinite God’s love is. That no matter what we’ve done, God will never stop pursuing our hearts or desiring a relationship with us. His mercies are new every morning and His grace covers our weaknesses, our mistakes, our ignorance.

Are you planning another book? If so, what is the story?

I am currently working on book #2 in the Madi series, titled, Madily in Love. Now that Madi and Rich are working things out, she attends a class at church to try to put the romance back into her marriage. But with her mother-in-law living with them, Madi’s new job, and issues with her kids, things don’t exactly go as planned. It’s a fun book that will look at finding peace –and romance - in the middle of chaos.

There will also be a book #3. I have the title and the premise, but I’ll save the details for later, when I have the plot worked out.

Yay! We can't wait. Now that we know a little more about the book, I'm always curious to hear about an author's publishing journey. When and how did you get interested in writing?

I’ve always loved to read, which seems to be a precursor for all writers. I don’t remember exactly when I picked up a pen and started to write, but I remember writing a story in 6th grade called The Summer I Went to Honolulu (no, I’d never been there – and still haven’t!), complete with caricature drawings. I moved on to writing plays for my cousins and me to perform for our parents, then tried my hand at poetry. In high school, it was all about poetry – some of it was pretty good, but some was very, very bad. I still love to write poetry, but prefer to create funny, rhyming poems for retirement parties, milestone birthdays, bridal or baby showers, and other fun occasions.

What is the writing process like for you?

Honestly, I don’t have a typical process. As this is my debut novel, I’m on a learning curve. While writing MIND OVER MADI, I basically wrote when I felt like it, with no set schedule. Now that I have contracts for the next two books in the series, which my editor wants to publish 6-9 months apart, I’m doing everything I can to learn how to organize my time effectively. But I do tend to work better on a deadline, so hopefully that will work out for me. We’ll see!

What is your favorite and least favorite part of being a writer?

Favorite: The creative process. Thinking a story through from beginning to end and then seeing my vision come to life through the characters and situations I create.

Least favorite: Definitely the self discipline it requires. Time management is something I’ve always struggled with. Making myself sit down and focus when I know the basement needs cleaning, laundry is piling up, my office needs to be organized, or I want to watch the episode of Survivor I missed the night before is my biggest challenge.

What’s the best piece of writing advice you’ve ever received?

That’s easy: Apply the Butt Glue and just write. Discipline has never been my biggest strength, but that book won’t get written unless I park my behind in the chair and start typing. Even when I don’t feel like it. Even when I have a million other things to do. One of my favorite quotes on writing is “You can fix bad, but you can’t fix blank.”

Who or what inspires you?

People in general inspire me. Whether it’s hearing a moving testimony or just witnessing someone’s positive outlook on life, I find inspiration to be a better person by various people I meet. A good message from my pastor, a pep talk from a friend, or a song I hear on the radio. Inspiration is everywhere. All that’s required is a heart to receive it.

What would be your dream job if you weren’t a writer?

I would probably being doing something in the field of mental health, whether as a counselor or in research or something. Why people do what they do fascinates me and I love learning about human behavior. I’m constantly analyzing people and my husband is always telling me I should have been a psychologist. He’s probably right. In writing, I think this helps me in character development.

Or an ice cream tester. Now that would be a dream job.

Wouldn't it?! If you find one, be sure and get me an application. But seriously though, could you tell us what Bible verse is Mind over Madi based on?

Well, I have a couple of scriptures on which Mind over Madi is based. First, Isaiah 26:3 tells us that it’s only when our minds are stilled, we’ll have peace. “You will keep in perfect peace, those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you.”

Another one I think is especially fitting with Madi’s insecurity and trust issues is: “… It (Love) always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.” 1 Corinthians 13:7

Thanks so much, Lynda, for spending some time with us today, and congratulations again on the release of MIND OVER MADI. Could you let us know how readers can connect with you and more importantly get their hands on a copy of the book?

My website address is www.lyndaschab.com. I also have a blog with various writing and reading-related material at www.on-the-write-track.blogspot.com. You can also connect with me on Facebook and Twitter.

THE WAY: A Movie Review

2011-11-07T10:45:00.000-08:00

By Jane West

It’s not often a movie comes around that you’d recommend to friends. The Way (based on a pilgrimage called The Way of Saint James) is such a wholesome experience, and I want to tell you about it.

The Way is the story of a father’s love for his son, which heals his heart and changes his life. Martin Sheen portrays the father with sensitivity and pathos. On the pilgrimage Way, which he would never have taken on his own initiative, he begins to clearly see the beauty of our world, which puts other things in perspective. Walking this long, difficult pilgrimage over the Pyrenees Mountains, gradually his busy, scheduled life fades, relegated to a lesser place in the importance of life. He meets other pilgrims on the Way, and finishes his route with three of them who trek with him. Totally different from him, they become companions, making an unusual foursome.

The photography is wonderful, with wide, sweeping views of valleys and villages and people who live in Eastern Spain past the western slopes of the mountains.

The powerful, yet simply story draws you in right away, and one scene has a pro-life message, but not blatantly. Because The Way is the story of a man’s pilgrimage to commemorate his adult son’s life, the movie is not one that young children would find interesting.

A wholesome movie. What a refreshing surprise; what a nice gift for the moviegoer. The Way is not highly advertised, and most people have gone because of word of mouth from a friend, as I did.

Click below to see the trailer,

http://theway-themovie.com/

I would like to introduce Jane West, the newest member of our Writers Rest family. Welcome Jane. It’s great to have you.

Jane West is an author and teacher mentor. She has written books, short stories for adults and children, how-to’s, newspaper articles, a manual for her position as Administrative Assistant in Marion County psychologist’s office, and a play which was performed in church. Her poem Tumbleweeds won first prize in the Southern Oregon. Poet’s contest. She teaches a writing class in Oregon, where she lives, near her children and grandchildren.

Gratuitous language--True to Character or Lazy Writing?

2011-11-04T05:27:00.000-07:00

Yesterday I finished reading a book that started out quite promising. It was a secular romantic comedy with a subplot of suspense by an author I’ve never read before. Within the first few chapters I was ready to call my library to track down every previous book by this author. Slowly though two minor characters came into prominence. They were there to offer romantic counsel for the heroine and comedic relief. Unfortunately they weren’t very funny and they became more obnoxious and annoying as the story progressed.

Before long I was skimming sections where these characters turned up. Not only were those scenes only marginally integral to the storyline, one of the characters had a habit of dropping the F-bomb for no reason whatsoever.

I realize in fiction some writers feel the need to give their rebellious characters a colorful vocabulary. It’s especially true in thrillers and military intrigue. I can usually skip over a police officer with less than choir boy diction. But these ladies were hair stylists. Not usually a profession known for its stressful situations.

In a light-hearted moment of recollecting past loves where you or I…or just about anybody for that matter…might react with a “Seriously?” or “Wow.” the character in question dropped the bomb nearly every time she opened her mouth. Our heroine who had just met these women expressed no reaction though she never used profanity herself. Mind you, the story took place in a small Texas town, not a barroom or the Gaza Strip.

In the last chapter while our heroines were hot on the trail of the bad guy, who happened to already be sitting in jail by this time, the second hair stylist began dropping the bomb with every other word. Again, no reaction from other characters. To her credit she was in a stressful situation, but wouldn’t one of the other characters notice the alteration in her personality?

I’m sure there are hair stylists out there who let their hair down, so to speak, when I’m not around. But it seemed so unnatural and out of character for such language in normal, everyday conversation. I can overlook a lot of the language when it’s warranted, at least on some level. But it ruined the story for me and convinced me not to bother reading more books by this author.

What do you think? Am I a stick in the mud who needs to lighten up and enter the 21st century? Or does an author have some responsibility to her reader? Just wondering.

CHRISTIAN CHAIN LETTERS:

2011-11-01T09:45:00.000-07:00

Are They Innocent? Or Something Else?

I don’t know if you have ever received a chain letter, but I have. And I find them bothersome. Do this; do that?

Recently, I have been receiving “so called” Christian chain letters. Again, I was instructed to do this; do that. And if I did exactly as the email requested, I was promised a blessing.

Now for the big question.

Does the Lord require us to forward X number of messages in order to get a blessing? And if we refuse to do as the message states, does this mean we are a follower of Satan?

As strange as it might sound, one of the messages I got recently put forth that exact question at the end of the message.

The message ended with a test to see who followed Jesus and who followed the evil one. The message suggested that those that forwarded the message to ten people were on the side of Jesus. Those that didn’t were not. The message claimed to speak for God when saying that those that did as the message demanded would receive two (Big) favors.

Does any of this sound like something you might find in the Bible?

Yes, the Lord does tell in scripture that if we will do certain things we will get a blessing. But do Christian Chain Letters agree with those scriptures or any scriptures?

I have no doubt that many if not most of those who forward emails like this are true believers. But what of the person who created the chain letter? Can any of us vouch for that person? Do we even know who wrote it the first time?

Let us keep watch always. Remember the evil one goes out to see whom he may devour. Should we allow our minds and bodies to be a meal for Satan?

And don’t believe everything I tell you in these articles either. Though I try very hard to speak the truth in love, I can be deceived.
We all can.

Search the Bible for answers. It is truth.

I cannot leave without giving you the opportunity to watch a wonderful video on the Names of God. I was blessed by it. Maybe you will be blessed, too.

http://youtu.be/T5-6gwssX0Y

And don’t forget to leave a comment.

HALLOWEEN VS. CHRISTIANITY

2011-10-26T21:14:00.000-07:00

By Molly Noble Bull

http://writersrest.blogspot.com/

Halloween was first practiced as the ancient Celtic festival of Samhain (pronounced sow-in) and pagan to the core. According to an article by David L Brown, Ph.D., for wiccans, pagans and Satanists, Halloween is one of their most important holidays. He quoted Margot Adler, a witch, with the following information.
"All the Great Festivals of Paganism, wherever they may be found, correspond in common with Solstices, Equinoxes, and other natural annual cycles of life. Most of these ramain with us today in more of less disguised form as the so-called Christian holidays of Christmas (Yule) Easter (Ostara) May Day (Beltane) Thanksgiving (Harverst Home) Halloween (Samhain) and even Groundhogs Day (Oimelc.)"
He also quoted the late Anton Szandor LaVey, a Satnist, as saying, "Halloween and Walpurgisnacht are celebrated by the Church of Satan."
The Celts of Ireland, the United Kingdom and northern France celebrated their new year on November 1st, the end of the harvest season and the beginning of the cold and dark of winter. It was also associated with human death.

As I child I went to a Christian denominational church every Sunday with my parents, and I loved everything about Halloween. I will always remember my first Halloween costume. I was in the second grade, and there was to be a Halloween carnival at my elementary school.

I wanted to be a witch, and my mother made the costume from black material, complete with a black witch’s hat. I can’t remember if it had a point at the very top of it or not, but I remember the black hat. I think I recall wearing a black mask that only covered my eyes.

At the time, nobody connected anything really bad with Halloween. It was thought of as merely a kid’s deal where children dressed up in costumes, ate orange colored candy and went around saying, “boo,” a lot.

What could be more innocent?

Little did I know.

Years later, I starting reading the Bible, and I learned God’s opinion of pagan holidays and witches in particular. The Lord’s thoughts on this topic are pretty clear in the Book of Deuteronomy chapter 18 and verses 10-15.

There shall not be found among you any one that maketh his son or his daughter to pass through the fire, or that useth divination or an observer of times or an enchanter or a witch, or a charmer, or a consulter with familiar spirits or a wizard or a necromancer.

For all who do these things are an abomination to the Lord: and because of these abominations the Lord doth drive them out from before thee.

Thou shall be perfect with the Lord thy God.

For these nations, which thou shalt possess, hearkened unto observers of times, and unto diviners: but as for thee, the Lord thy God hath not suffered thee so to do.

The Lord thy God will raise up unto thee a Prophet from the midst of thee, of thy brethren, like unto me, unto him ye shall hearken;

As soon as I discovered those scriptures, I got my dictionary and looked up all the words I didn’t know, starting with necromancer. If you will do the same, you might come to the same conclusions I did.

Halloween is about as innocent as a rattlesnake, coiled and ready to strike.

THE ROOTS OF CHRISTIANITY

2011-10-22T21:09:00.000-07:00

The Divided Kingdom

by Molly Noble Bull

http://www.mollynoblebull.com/

In my opinion, certain Bible facts are not clearly explained in Christian religious services today. Yet a lack of knowledge of these scriptures prevents Christians from fully understanding the Bible. One of these topics is known as the Divided Kingdom.

The Book of Genesis explains in chapters 22 to 50 that Abraham begot Isaac, and Isaac begot twin boys, Jacob and Esau. Of the two, God loved Jacob best.

Jacob fell in love with a lovely young woman named Rachel, and her father promised to give her to Jacob in marriage, if Jacob worked for him for seven years. Jacob agreed to these terms, but at the end of the seven years, Jacob was given Leah, Rachel’s older sister, instead. He had to work another seven years to get Rachel.

So Jacob had two wives, Rachel and Leah, and he also had some concubines. But he loved Rachel best. Therefore, it is not surprising that he loved Joseph more than his other sons because Joseph’s mother was Rachel, and he gave Joseph a coat of many colors. Later, Jacob and Rachel had a second son, Benjamin, but Rachel died in childbirth having Benjamin. His wives and concubines gave Jacob twelve sons plus Levi, and Levi headed the priestly tribe.

And God changed Jacob’s name to Israel. (See Genesis 32: 28.)

Each of Jacob/Israel’s sons headed a tribe—called the twelve tribes of Israel.

You might also want to read Jacob/Israel’s prophecy concerning his sons found in Genesis, chapter 49.

Jacob’s descendants were called the children of Israel—later called the Nation of Israel.

The Nation of Israel’s first king was Saul. But King David soon replaced Saul as King of Israel. When King David died, his son, Solomon, became King. But after King Solomon died, his son Rehoboam reigned as king.

During Rehoboam’s reign, the twelve tribes were divided—the result of a sort of civil war. (1 King 12: 1-43 and 1 Kings 13: 1-10) The southern tribes were made up of Judah, Benjamin and the Levites. Since Judah was the main tribe in this group of three, the southern tribes were called Judah, and their capitol was Jerusalem. Rehoboam remained king in the southern tribes, and later, the name was shorted from Judah to Jew or the Jews.

The tribe of Joseph was the main tribe of the ten northern tribes, and Jeroboam reigned as their king. In the Bible, the northern tribes are called Joseph, but they are also called Ephraim and Israel. Some from the northern tribes turned away from God and worshipped at Bethel instead of at the Temple at Jerusalem. (1 Kings 12: 16-33)

Both the tribes of Judah and the tribes of Israel were eventually captured by their enemies and led away into slavery. Israel was taken to Assyria, and Judah was taken to Babylon— modern day Iraq. The tribes of Judah (the Jews) were eventually released and allowed to return to Jerusalem to build the second Temple. But the ten northern tribes were never seen again—until fairly recently when some (but not all) were found. The recent discovery of some of the lost tribes is another reason we know that Jesus is coming soon. However, most of the ten tribes are still lost. Only God knows where the descendants of the northern tribes are located today.

Knowing the facts about the tribes of Judah and Joseph/Ephraim/Israel makes it easier to understand Ezekiel chapter 37 and other scripture verses.

Ezekiel 37: 15-17 says,

And the word of the Lord came again unto me, saying,

Moreover, thou son of man, take thee one stick, and write on it For Judah, and for the children of Israel his companions: then take another stick, and write on it, For Joseph, the stick of Ephraim, and for the House of Israel his companions.

And join them together into one stick, and they shall become one in thine hand.

Ezekiel 37: 20-22 says,

And the sticks whereon thou writest shall be in thine hand before their eyes.

Say unto them, Thus saith the Lord God; Behold, I will take the children of Israel from among the heathen, whither they be gone, and will gather them on every side, and bring them into their own land:

And I will make them one nation in the land upon the mountains of Israel; and one king shall be king to them all: and they shall be no more two nations, neither shall they be divided into two kingdoms any more at all.

Selling Yourself--Create a compelling proposal

2011-10-19T05:03:00.000-07:00

posted by Teresa Slack www.teresaslack.com
Anyone who knows me knows I can be long winded. It’s the reason I can easily slice and dice about ten thousand words, minimum, after I finish the first draft of a manuscript. Convoluted writing doesn’t generally hurt anything during first drafts. Writing is all about rewriting. Tightening. Making the story better. Writers can spend years doing this.

But meandering and taking forever to get to the point is the worst thing a writer can do when creating a proposal. The toughest part about writing is taking the shortest route to saying the most about your book in a way that will have editors and agents begging for more.

I was recently told my proposals do not do my writing justice. A little discouraging but good to know. It isn’t a lagging plot or poorly drawn characters or lack of style that has kept this particular book from finding a home. I have a product worth buying, I’m just not doing a good job selling it.

Besides writing I am also a Scentsy consultant. Scentsy is a product I believe in so it’s not hard to sell. The question is, why haven't I translated my amazing sales prowess to selling my writing? What's holding me back? Do I lack confidence in the quality of my writing? Or, and I suspect this is the real reason, have I not taken the time to craft a succinct, compelling proposal that will make editors take notice?

What about you? Does your lack of confidence in your writing keep you from approaching editors and agents? Or is your proposal like mine and so convoluted and confusing no self-respecting editor would slog through it to find the diamond in the rough?

This week I challenge you to go over your proposal all over again. Ask yourself if someone who has never seen it before might get confused or just plain bored with the premise. You have a product worth buying. All you have to do is sell it.

LENA NELSON DOOLEY'S NEWEST NOVEL

2011-10-15T20:23:00.000-07:00

by Molly Noble Bull

http://www.mollynoblebull.com/

Today I am interviewing Lena Nelson Dooley from Hurst, Texas, a multi-published author as well as an old friend. Lena writes Christian fiction. Welcome, Lena, it's great to have you here.

“Thank you, Molly. It’s my pleasure.”

“I just bought a copy of your newest novel, Maggie's Journey, and can hardly wait to read it.”

Maggie's Journey by Lena Nelson Dooley

“So, tell us about Maggie's Journey.”

Lena:

Maggie has grown up an only child. Her parents came west on the Oregon Trail, and finally settled in Seattle, Washington Territory. In 1885, near her 18^th birthday, Maggie finds information that turns her world upside down. She journeys to find the answers about this information and discovers what’s really important in life and love.

Molly:

Sounds great. Now, briefly tell us about each of the other books in the series. Are these books connected in some way? If so, how?

Lena:

My McKenna’s Daughters series is about identical triplets who are separated at birth and the different directions their life paths take. The girls are close to their 18^th birthday before they know they have sisters. Books 1 and 2, Mary’s Blessing, are about the girls who were adopted. Book 3, Catherine’s Pursuit is about the girl the father kept. There are a lot of issues that have to be dealt with as well as the search for their sisters.

Molly:

Now I really want to read the books in this series.

So, Lena, tell us a little about your Christian walk.

Lena:

I was raised in a Christian home. Accepted Jesus as my Savior when I was seven years old. As I traveled toward adulthood, I made many mistakes, but God never took His hand from me. In my twenties, I had a dynamic experience with the Lord that strengthened my walk with Him. I can’t imagine not having Him as the focal point of my life. He has taken me to many amazing places both physically, spiritually, and in my career.

Molly:

What is your web address? Who is publishing your book? And how can we get a copy?

Lena:

My blog is http://lenanelsondooley.blogspot.com/ . There are tabs at the top of the blog that take you to pages that tell about me and my books.

The McKenna’s Daughters series was contracted by Realms, the fiction line at Charisma Media. I’ve also signed another 3-book contract with them for after this series is finished. The books are available in Christian bookstores, at Barnes & Noble, and on other websites, such as Amazon.com and Christianbooks.com. The titles come in print and as ebooks.

Molly:

Great. How do you decide where to set your novels?

Lena:

When I wrote for Barbour Publishing and Summerside Press, the publisher pretty much chose the settings, but I did have input into the choices. With the Realms books, I’ve chosen the settings myself. McKenna’s Daughters books are set in Seattle, Little Rock, Oregon City, Portland, and San Francisco.

With the next series, the first book starts in Colorado, but books two and three are set in Texas. I’ve only had one other book that was completely set in Texas—Wild West Christmas.

I’ve visited or lived in some of the places where I set the books. In others, I do a lot of research to make the setting authentic to the time period, whether it’s historical or contemporary.

Molly:

Thanks again for coming by, Lena. And come back real soon.

Lena:

Anytime, Molly. I always enjoy connecting with you and your readers.

Molly:

To find Lena's books in bookstores or online, write Lena Nelson Dooley in the search slot.

Molly Noble Bull’s first non-fiction book, The Overcomers: Christian Authors Who Conquered Learning Disabilities, will be published by Westbow Press in early 2012. Besides Bull, the book is by Ginny Aiken, Margaret Daley, Jane Myers Perrine and Ruth Scofield, and all five are Love Inspired authors.

Brides and Blessings, Bull’s modern day western set in Texas, came out from Love Inspired in paperback and is now also available as a kindle e-book. Click below to learn more.

http://www.amazon.com/Brides-and-Blessings-ebook/dp/B0056I1C9Y/ref=sr_1_3_title_0_main?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1318719813&sr=1-3

Please scroll down and continue reading Molly's articles on the roots of our Christian faith.

SUKKOTH: FEAST OF TABERNACLES

2011-10-13T09:11:00.000-07:00

by Molly Noble Bull

http://www.mollynoblebull.com/

As a Christian, I like to learn about the Roots of my Faith, and the Feast of Tabernacles is the third of three fall Feasts of Israel mentioned in the Book of Leviticus—chapter 23. This year, that seven-day feast begins on October 13^th.
The Feast of Tabernacles or Sukkoth is Israel’s Thanksgiving, also called the Feast of Booths. In some Bible translations, it is called the Feast of Shelters. This feast required a pilgrimage to Jerusalem to worship at the Temple there.

During this seven-day feast, the Children of Israel were to gather corn stalks, reeds, sticks, tree branches and wooden planks and build temporary shelters called booths or tabernacles. They were to live in these shelters for seven days to remind them of the days after Moses led them out of Egypt when they lived in tents in the wilderness. During the Temple services connected with this feast, the Jews tied the branches of palm trees, myrtles, and willows together with a golden thread and waved then at certain times during the worship services.

According to the Book of Zechariah (chapter 14, verses 16 to 19) during the thousand- year kingdom when Jesus reigns on earth, the people must gather in Jerusalem for the Feast of Tabernacles once a year. To refuse to do so would result in a lack of rain and a break out of certain diseases.

Christians are sure to recall that when Jesus entered Jerusalem, riding on a donkey, the people waved Palm leaves as mentioned above.

The Feast of Tabernacles is normally celebrated in October while America celebrates Thanksgiving in November. Was America’s first Thanksgiving a delayed celebration of the Feast of Tabernacles?
Scroll down to read about the other two fall Feasts of Israel. Day of Atonement and Feast of Trumpets.
Please leave a comment. We want to hear from you.

YOM KIPPUR--DAY OF ATONEMENT

2011-10-07T15:12:00.000-07:00

by Molly Noble Bull

www.mollynoblebull.com

The Day of Atonement (Yom Kippur) is second of the fall feasts of Israel, mentioned in the Book of Leviticus—chapter twenty-three and beginning with verse twenty-seven. In 2011, the Day of Atonement begins at sunset on September 7^th and ends at sunset on September 8^th.

For the Jews, Yom Kippur is a High Holy Day and the most solemn day of the year. The theme of this very special and Holy day is atonement and repentance, and secular Jews who might never attend services otherwise go to synagogue on You Kippur. Synagogue services on this day include a public confession of sins and fasting.

The first four Feasts of Israel were known as the Spring Feasts and were fulfilled with the birth, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. However, the Day of Atonement is the second of three Fall Feasts of Israel, and many believe that the fall feasts are yet to be fulfilled.

What I learned at the ACFW conference

2011-10-04T03:42:00.000-07:00

Desperate to get a publishing contract, I spent the better part of 2011 writing a contemporary romance that I was sure would awe every editor at the ACFW conference in St. Louis. The first night in the conference bookstore I was discouraged to see most of the titles on display were nothing like mine. I know it’s good to have a distinct style, but if you want to get published you must write what the reading public is buying. The stories I wanted to write didn’t fit into what I saw on display.

After the book I had worked so hard on this summer was firmly rejected by my dream editor, I began to rethink my publishing strategy. Was I missing the point? Was I writing for the market instead of writing the stories the Lord had placed in my heart, even if they weren’t the most popular topics and genres of the day?

At a mentor appointment on the last day of the conference, my suspicions were confirmed…and validated. Andy Meisenheimer from The Editorial Department advised I write what I am passionate about instead of writing for the market. Who knows? I could be the forerunner for the next big trend in Christian publishing.

“Give it two years,” Andy said. “Write your dreams first. If after all that time, you have no success, no one says you’re growing or headed in the right direction of achieving your dreams, then sell out.”

Good advice, Andy, and something I’ve taken to heart. Instead of working on projects that don’t speak to me, I’m going to write the stories that burden my beleaguered writer’s heart. The projects that excite me. Not what might be the hottest trend on the market today, but the stories that speak to me.

What about you? What did the Lord teach you at the ACFW conference? Did a meeting or encounter impact your life or career? How has your writing focus changed since the conference? Most importantly, how have you put it into action? Please share that we all might learn and become better writers and disciples of the Lord we serve.

THE RAPTURE

2011-09-30T14:43:00.000-07:00

What is it? When is it? Do you know?

by Molly Noble Bull
http://www.mollynoblebull.com/

The Rapture is a future event mentioned in the Bible but not by name. It is merely described.
At the Rapture, true believers in Jesus Christi will be resurrected. Soon afterward, all believers alive on earth at that time will disappear from sight in the twinkling of an eye. And both groups will reappear in Heaven to live and reign with the Lord forever.
Some say that the Rapture of the church will take place during one of the three fall Feasts of Israel, also called Feasts of the Lord.

The Fall Feasts are....

The Feast of Trumpets

Also called Rosh Hashanh

Sunset Setptember 28 to Sunset September 30th

2011

Day of Atonment

Also called Yom Kippur

October 8th

2011

Feast of Tabernacles

Also called Feasts of Booths and Sukkot

October 13th for seven days

2011

To understand what I am about to say next, you must first know that trib stands for tribulation or as some might call it—really bad times for folks living on planet earth. In the Bible, the Book of Revelation has a lot to say about the tribulation period.
But according to the Bible, nobody knows the day or the hour when the Rapture of the church will take place.
Nevertheless, some believe they know the season, and there are three possible times or seasons. They are Pre-trib, meaning the beginning of the last seven years of earth's existence, mid-trib, meaning the middle point of those last seven years, and post-trib, meaning the end of the seven last years.
At this point, I'm not sure what I believe regarding the Rapture. All I know for sure is that there will be a Rapture of the church because the Bible describes it.
However, I just found a 4 minute video that puts a unique slant on what is called the pre-trib Rapture. I cannot say that I believe the premise on the video completely, but I can say that the findings are interesting.
The video mentions Rosh Hashanah, the Feast of Trumpets, as a possible season of the year when the Rapture might take place. The Feast of Trumpets is one of seven feasts mentioned in the Book of Levities, chapter 23.
In 2011, the Feast of Trumpets began at sundown on September 28^th and ended at sundown on September 30^th. To learn more about the Feast of Trumpets, scroll down and read my article titled Rosh Hashanah.
And when you’ve finished, please leave a message. I want to know what you think
Click below to hear the 4 minute video.

http://youtu.be/sVQr-a8nJtI

ROSH HASHANAH: Feast of Trumpets

2011-09-27T20:38:00.000-07:00

September 28^th to September 30, 2011

Article by Molly Noble Bull

www.mollynoblebull.com

Many if not most Christians have heard of the last trump--also called the last trumpet. However, some never heard of the Feast of Trumpets mentioned in the Bible or if they heard of it, know little about it.
Yet at sundown on Wednesday, September 28^th, Jews from around the world as well as Messianic Jewish Congregations will gather to celebrate Rosh Hashanah, the Feast of Trumpets. The feast of Trumpets is mentioned in the Book of Leviticus chapter 23 and verse 24, noting the Jewish New Year with the blowing of a ram’s horn called the shofar. Click below to hear a very short blowing of the shofar.

http://youtu.be/lIHMf30IQEY

The Feast of Trumpets, Rosh Hashanah, falls on the first and second day of the Jewish month of Tishri and is the first of three feasts held in the fall of the year. This year, the Feast of Trumpets ends at sundown on September 30^th and is a time of reflection and prayer.

The actual date when Rosh Hashanah begins on any given year is determined by the new moon.
Since in times past nobody knew the day or the hour when the new moon would appear, Rosh Hashanah is a two-day celebration instead of a one-day feast.

Click below to hear "Blow the Trumpet in Zion," a song that made me think of Rosh Hashanah.

http://youtu.be/tcsDdGI19_Q

And don't forget to leave a comment.

Do Men Read Romance Novels?

2011-09-23T09:50:00.000-07:00

Over the last couple of weeks, I've received correspondence from two men about my Love Inspired title, First Mates. Both men said that they enjoyed the story and they wanted to know if I had other titles available. One of the men is thirty years old and the other is in his seventies. This recent correspondence gave me the idea for the topic of this blog post.

Do you know any men who read romance novels?

When I think of romance novel readers, I picture women of various ages engrossed in the pages of romance paperback novels. I realize this view may be a bit out-dated so I'd like the opinions of others. If you know of any male romance readers, tell us about them. What do men find appealing about a romance novel? If you are a man who reads romance, please respond and tell us why you read it.

Leave your responses in the comments! :-)

~Cecelia Dowdy~

ACFW conference 2011--I'm not ready!!!!!!!

2011-09-18T19:24:00.000-07:00

The annual ACFW conference starts this week. I’m leaving Wednesday. Wednesday. Where has the summer gone? I can’t believe it’s time already. What I can believe even less is how ill prepared I am. One sheets? Do editors really look at those? Proposals? At this point I can barely remember what my book is about, let alone be ready to pitch it to a publisher.

Did I mention my travel plans have sort of fallen apart in the last three days and I’m not sure how I’ll get to St. Louis?

Sigh. To say I'm a little freaked out at this point is an understatement.

To prepare--or perhaps bluff my way through how little prepared I am--here's how I’ll spend the next two days before I leave for conference.

Get real. I won’t have as many stories polished and ready to go as I had hoped when I registered for conference earlier in the summer. I’ll be happy if I remember to pack my shoes. But I have a project or two I hope to talk about. I will do what I can and not sweat—at least not too much—over the things I simply don’t have time for.

Saturate every moment in prayer. I can’t stress this one enough. I’ve been so overwhelmed and frustrated over what I won’t finish before I leave—in two days—I haven’t had time to get excited about the opportunities awaiting me and my career. In fact I dread Wednesday and almost wish I could stay home. But I want to enjoy myself. I want to learn and grow as a writer. I want to network with other writers and spend time with people who understand the doubts, joy, and frustrations of creating another world through my words.

Expect the unexpected. The only thing I know for sure about this year’s ACFW conference is that God enabled me to go by providing the financial means to make it possible. As soon as I realized I could afford to go, I believed God had a purpose for sending me. So I’m going to make the most of the experience, have fun, make friends, and grow in my writing.

Hope to see you there.

CONTEST FINALIST: Published Author Category

2011-09-16T08:35:00.000-07:00

Her Healing Ways by Lyn Cote

Reviewed by Molly Noble Bull

www.mollynoblebull.com

Remember Dr. Quinn Medicine Woman? If you liked that TV series, you will love Her Healing Ways by Lyn Cote.

In 1868, Dr. Mercy Gabriel and her adopted black daughter, Indigo, travel to the Idaho Territory to practice medicine and find themselves in the middle of a cholera epidemic, and when they try to help, using their doctoring and nursing expertise, the intolerance of the townsfolk regarding woman in the medical field becomes obvious. Mercy and Indigo are God-fearing medicine women with hearts that matched their amazing healing skills, and the last thing they expect is for Lon Mackey, a carefree gambler, to come to their aid. Lon admires Mercy’s determination and courage under fire, but he also thinks she is an attractive woman. Will this unlikely couple resolve their differences on the wings of faith and find a love that lasts?

With many published novels under her belt, it is not surprising that Cote’s Her Healing Ways is a finalist in a major contest for published authors. Her writing is strong and sure, and her plotlines are well thought out and believable. Besides the other things just mentioned, I especially like her settings for this novel. She made me feel that I was actually living in the town of Idaho Bend and knew these characters personally.

Way to go, Lyn Cote.

Award winning novelist, Molly Noble Bull, from Southern Texas, introduces The Overcomers–her first non-fiction book. Besides Bull, authors Margaret Daley, Ginny Aiken, Jane Myers Perrine, and Ruth Scofield will reveal how they overcame learning disabilities and became successful. Westbow Press will publish The Overcomers in 2012.

WHO HAS GATHERED THE WIND?

2011-09-15T09:38:00.000-07:00

Who has ascended into heaven and descended? Who has gathered the wind in His fists? Who has wrapped the waters in His garment? Who has established all the ends of the earth? What is His name or His son's name? Surely you know.
Proverbs 30:4.

True Christians love Israel and the Jewish people because they gave us the Word of God, the Bible. And Christians pray for the peace of Jerusalem as scripture says to do.
The Bible warns us not to divide God's land, and many are praying that the UN will not divide Israel or Jerusalem.
Yet the Jews and others need to read Proverbs 30:4 in the Old Testament because it proves that God has a son. As Christians, we know His name.
It's God Almighty -- our Heavenly Father.
We also know His son's name.
It's Jesus.

A Free DVD Movie: DEJA VU

2011-09-11T21:29:00.000-07:00

By Molly Noble Bull

http://www.mollynoblebull.com/

Did you see Denzel Washington in Deja Vu when it first came out? Now you can watch the entire romantic mystery-thriller movie by clicking below. Just read this article and scroll down.

ATF agent Doug Carlin (Denzel Washington) is investigating the bombing of a New Orleans ferry when he begins to suffer from a mild case of Déjà Vu. He senses that there is something familiar about this case—as if he’s been there before.

Déjà Vu, the movie, came out in 2006. However, you can still buy it from Amazon and/or rent it from Netflix.
Better yet, you can watch it for free right now by clicking below.
The movie stars Washington and Paula Patton, and we rented it not long after it came out in DVD. My husband and I saw it together, and then we watched it again on the same night—more about that later.

I like romantic movies, and Déjà Vu is. While my hubby doesn’t like what he calls chick-flicks, he liked Déjà Vu because it is really more of a science fiction action thriller with a twist. Therefore, this is a movie that husbands and wives can watch together—a rare find.

. Why did we watch the movie twice in one night?

It’s a great movie, and there are clues at the beginning of the story that we missed the first time. We watched it again because we wanted a better understanding of how this amazing plot came together.

I am a novelist and a very picky movie watcher. Many movies and books bore me. This one kept me on the edge of my seat.

. I gave Déjà Vu four stars. I would give it five, but there is a brief nude scene near the beginning of the movie that I didn’t like.

Yep. You can watch the entire movie for free on your computer, if you click below, all two hours and six minutes of it.
http://youtu.be/KTC3KYAYRwA ,
Then please leave a comment.

Simple Pleasures!

2011-09-08T18:43:00.000-07:00

What's your favorite dessert?

When I write my stories, I notice that I habitually tap into the senses of smell and taste - especially taste! I've had a number of readers to say that they get hungry while reading my stories. I love writing about different foods, but I'm very passionate about sweets. I love eating them, describing them, making others crave a nice piece of buttery pound cake, or a dense slice of cherry-coated cheesecake with a graham cracker crust. I thought I'd share one of my favorite recipes with you today. I've had at least two people tell me that this is the best pound cake they've ever eaten. It's simple and it's oh-so-good! When you bite into this pound cake, the tart lemon glaze is a stark contrast to the buttery lemony pound cake, and it'll just make you close your eyes and enjoy bite after bite! :-)

If you try this pound cake, let me know if you enjoyed it. I know I shared this recipe with one of my former co-workers and she said when she made it, it didn't taste as good as mine...not sure why?

So, what's your favorite dessert? Leave a comment and feel free to share the recipe with us!

~Cecelia Dowdy~

OLD FASHIONED LEMON POUND CAKE

1 ½ cups butter (3 sticks)
3 cups sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon lemon extract
Fresh lemon juice from one lemon (I use one of those bulb-shaped, cheap plastic juicers that people use for orange juice in order to juice my lemon. You get more juice that way. Be sure to remove any seeds. )
Grated lemon rind from one lemon
6 large eggs
3 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon salt
½ cup evaporated milk

Heat oven to 325 degrees. Grease and flour 10-inch tube pan. Beat butter in large mixing bowl until light and fluffy. Add sugar ½ cup at a time, creaming well after each addition. Stir in vanilla, lemon extract, juice and rind. Add eggs, one at a time, blending well after each addition. Sift together flour, baking powder and salt; add to creamed mixture alternately with milk. Stir thoroughly after each addition. Pour into prepared pan. Bake until wooden pick inserted in center comes out clean, 70 to 80 minutes. If cake is not done after 70-80 minutes, bake longer, until wooden pick comes out clean. Cool for 20 minutes; remove from pan.

GLAZE:
Sift one cup of confectioners’ sugar into a bowl. Squeeze juice (or use a a juicer - mentioned above) of one lemon into a separate bowl. Remove seeds from the lemon juice. Mix lemon juice with confectioners’ sugar and drizzle over cooled cake.

Enjoy! :-)

Writers' Rest: MEET YOUR WRITING STYLE TWIN

2011-09-05T06:59:00.000-07:00

Writers' Rest: MEET YOUR WRITING STYLE TWIN: By Molly Noble Bull www.mollynoblebull.com Ever wondered if your writing style was like that of a famous fiction author? Read on, to f...

MOTHER OF THE GROOM

2011-09-04T18:57:00.000-07:00

by Teresa Slack

September 4, 2011

That's me, Teresa Slack, Mother of the Groom

Weddings are on my mind a lot lately. Not only am I a writer hoping to contract my first romance in several years, my son is getting married next week. Just about every proposal, wedding, and falling in love scenario has been done more times than a writer can count. In movies we've seen prospective grooms propose in airports, on the Jumbo-Tron at any number of sporting events, in skywriting or over a candlelit dinner where the groom either catches something on fire or the bride gulps down the engagement ring hidden in her wineglass.

My question is: Does this ever happen in real life? Did it happen to you or someone you know? My son proposed very romantically to his then-girlfriend last year on her birthday. He popped the question at a spot on the Ohio River in Cincinnati where they like to picnic and hang out. It has beautiful memories for them, and now the most beautiful of all.

My husband proposed to me while I was cooking dinner at the tiny stove in my mobile home kitchen. I shrieked yes before he could even get out the entire proposal. I was never good at curbing my enthusiasm. What about you? Was your proposal wildly romantic? What moment from the wedding stands out in your mind? Is there anything you wish you would've done differently? Besides picking a different bride or groom that is...

Please share and let's see if we can get those romantic creative juices flowing.

You've met the mother of the groom, Teresa Slack. But did you know that she is also a published novelist? Scroll down to see the covers of her books, and then if you would leave a comment, that would be great.

MEET YOUR WRITING STYLE TWIN

2011-08-26T19:47:00.000-07:00

By Molly Noble Bull

www.mollynoblebull.com

Ever wondered if your writing style was like that of a famous fiction author? Read on, to find out.

An interesting article on writing styles at Steve Laube’s website tells exactly how to find your writing style twin, and it turns out that mine is Margaret Mitchell, author of Gone With the Wind. In fact, I took the test twice, and Mitchell’s name came up both times.

Before you play the game, choose a couple of paragraphs as an example of your best writing from one of your manuscripts and prepare to cut and paste it to the game board. Or simply write a paragraph or two from scratch in the space provided.

When you are ready to play the game, click onto the web address below.

When you have finished, please leave a comment at the end of this article and let us know the name of your writing style twin.

http://iwl.me/

I write like
Margaret Mitchell

I Write Like by Mémoires, journal software. Analyze your writing!

UNDATE:
I played the game again, using a different novel, and I have another twin. Read on to learn his or her name.
The envelope, please.
And winner is
Stephen King.

Molly Noble Bull

I could not end this article without giving you a blessing. Click below, turn on your sound button, and you will have one.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JAv63gGtbEA&feature=relmfu

African-American Books By Cecelia Dowdy

2011-08-23T03:42:00.000-07:00

Posted by Cecelia Dowdy

Do you read books by African-American (AA) authors?

Many African-Americans will only read books by AA authors. Also, most bookstores have a separate section for AA books.

While I was growing up, there were few AA authors, so I read ANY NOVEL that I could find, the race of the author didn't matter to me! I was joyous when the publishing scene exploded with lots of AA books (I was an adult by this time.)

My question to all of you is, if you are NOT African-American, do you mind reading African-American fiction? Do you feel that AA books are only written for other African-Americans? If you go to a bookstore, and see the AA section, would you go to that section and browse, or do you feel that those books are only for AA readers?

And if you are AA, do you ONLY read books by AA authors, or do you read books by people of all races? Over the years, I've met several African-Americans who tell me that they'll only read AA authors.

I'll start by responding to my own question. If you've visited my blog, you'll probably already know my answer. I'll read a novel as long as it's well-written and enjoyable. I don't care if the author or characters are AA or not, I'm gonna read the book regardless. If I don't like it, I won't finish reading it!

I doubt that God would want us to separate our reading tastes like this. I'd think he'd want us to be open-minded and read books by authors of all races.

Leave your responses in the comments! :-)

~Cecelia Dowdy~

What would you do with a little ME time?

2011-08-19T06:03:00.000-07:00

by Teresa Slack www.teresaslack.com

I can’t remember the last time I’ve been this busy. I’ve gone back to work full-time, have put over 700 miles on my car in the last 4 days, am filling orders and coordinating 6 parties along with my own open house for my budding Scentsy business, and trying to order tuxes and plan a rehearsal dinner for my son’s wedding which takes place in less than 3 weeks.

Oh, yeah, and I’m trying to prepare for the ACFW conference. I don’t remember my flight plans or the classes I’m taking or even what day the conference starts. Forget about preparing pitches and finishing my current manuscript in time.

There are probably writers out there just like me facing similar challenges and feeling a little overwhelmed and out of their league. So I thought it might be fun to play a game this week. Imagine if you will a solid day of nothing to do but what you want. No laundry. No husband wanting dinner and clean underwear. No kids needing a ride anywhere. No dogs to walk. No committee at church wanting to know when you’ll finish the project you were gently railroaded into volunteering for.

Twenty-four hours of unadulterated ME time.

What would you do with it?

My gut answer is take a nap, but that’s because it’s 8:30 p.m. and my feet hurt and I’ve been up since five. A nap is almost a waste of ME time. What do you really have to show for it? So come on, everyone. Chime in and give me some ideas in case I get a day like that…sometime after my son’s wedding and I’m back from conference.

A trip to the library sounds nice. I'd love to browse the shelves for an hour or two and chat with the wonderful ladies who work there and get me like few others do. I might stop at a dairy bar—remember those?—and order a foot long hotdog, onion rings, and a large milkshake without worrying about calories and fat grams. Maybe I’d get my nails done. I love the way they make me feel but can never justify the cost. After that, I might come home and sit under the maple tree in my front yard and read some of the guilty pleasure books I got at the library. More than likely, I’d follow it all up with a nap.

So what would you do with a little ME time? You know you deserve it.

HEAVEN IS FOR COWBOYS

2011-08-17T02:59:00.000-07:00

And regular folks, too

By Molly Noble Bull

www.mollynoblebull.com

There is a place of quiet rest

For me, Heaven was once a scary place because in order to go there, one must die. But books like Heaven Is for Real by Todd Burpro and others made God’s dwelling place more real to me. Now, the fear is gone—replaced by excitement and great joy.

According to the scriptures, animals will be in Heaven. In fact, Jesus and his saints will return to earth one day riding white horses. As a cowgirl or sorts, I look forward to mounting up and riding a white horse—with Jesus leading the way.

Heaven is described in the Bible as a place of beauty and quiet rest. Best of all, God the Father is real, and He will be there. Click below and take a short video tour of Heaven straight from the Holy Scriptures.

http://youtu.be/jGRx8-SANW8

Earth is a wonderful place to those who love the Lord because God’s Holy Spirit is in them. But Heaven is far better. I believe that once you have seen the video and studied the scripture verses noted in it, all fear of death will disappear, and you will be eager to go there when your days on earth finally end.

HOUSE CHURCH -- What is it?

2011-08-14T11:33:00.000-07:00

by Molly Noble Bull

To understand what a house church is, you must first know what a church is.

I will give you a hint. It’s not a building or a denomination. The church is people who sometimes worship in a church building. Other churches worship in homes—thus House Church or Home Church. Click below to see exactly what I mean.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WZ8GZocTdz4&feature=youtu.be

Below are more videos that define a House Church. Then scroll down and read House Church 2 about the House Church that I attend.

Warning signs to watch for
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5GBHG6ko2Gg&feature=related

NBC news on house church

http://youtu.be/eubArgoMo-M

Chuck Messler on House Church

http://youtu.be/owEvbGr763U

HOUSE CHURCH 2

2011-08-12T09:32:00.000-07:00

This photo was taken in around 1900.

Article by Molly Noble Bull

www.mollynoblebull.com

I am sure the term house church means many things to many people. My definition only applies to the house church I attend and my interpretation of that term. So let us begin.

I have always been pro-life, and after Roe vs. Wade made abortion the law of the land, I read in a national magazine that the denominational church I was raised in went along with the right-to-choose abortion format. Since I knew from the Book of Jeremiah chapter one and verse five that human life begins at conception, I also knew I must leave the church of my childhood and early adulthood and find a Bible-Believing church. As a result, I became a fundamentalist, and I thank God for that fundamentalists’ denomination for teaching me more about the Bible. But even there, I saw things in the Bible that didn’t completely jive with the teaching of the church.
Saint Paul said in 1 Corinthians chapter eleven that women should cover their heads when in prayer, and the women of our Bible study group cover their heads during prayer in our House Church. We believe that our tithes and offerings should go directly to the poor and needy and not to pay for the expenses of a church building, and the leaders of our group are employed elsewhere. But until now, I have not revealed to my Christian friends the rest of our beliefs because they are vastly different from the norm within Christian circles. But before I continue, let me make it clear that I love the Lord our God with all my heart and soul and mind, and I try always to love my neighbor as myself. I believe in the virgin birth of Jesus, and the Bible is the only Holy Book I live by. I believe that Jesus Christ is the only begotten Son of God the Father, and therefore, Jesus is God the Son. Jesus paid for my sins with his blood on a cross nearly two thousand years ago, and Jesus is my Lord, Savior and King. I hope to serve him forever.

Though we are not Jehovah’s Witnesses, we do not celebrate Christmas, Easter and Valentine’s Day anymore. To learn why, click below. http://www.goodnewsaboutgod.com/studies/holidays2.htm

So now in these end-times, we house church, meaning a group of believers meet weekly in homes instead of in church buildings.

Click and read the article above, and then decide in prayer whether we are right or wrong, regarding these holidays. The Lord has promised to lead us into all truth. However, He also said to test the spirits to see if they are from the Lord.

I covet your comments.

Food In The Church by Cecelia Dowdy

2011-08-08T03:49:00.000-07:00

Food In The Church by Cecelia Dowdy

Do you remember the events at your church (both past and present) that involved food? If so, what were your favorite dishes?

Growing up, I don't really recall having many events in my congregation that involved us enjoying food. I grew up a Jehovah's Witness and at the congregation where my family attended, I only remember a couple of picnics with hot dogs and hamburgers - there may have been other JW food events, and it's possible that it's escaped my memory, that was so long ago. These JW events were never at the place of worship, but usually at a park.

Later, as an adult, I initially joined an AME church and they served us spaghetti on the day that they hosted the New Member Class. I recall, I thought the spaghetti was just okay and the church ladies prepared it in the church kitchen in the basement. The AME church also sponsored an annual picnic every fall. I only attended this picnic one time and it was catered. The food was just okay. I recall eating a hamburger, hot dog, and baked beans.

Later on, right before we got married, my husband and I joined a Baptist church - we still attend this church. The only food event that our church sponsors each year, which we attend, is their annual picnic. Like the AME church mentioned in the previous paragraph, the Baptist church picnic is catered. We didn't enjoy the food much this year - the burgers were underdone. I hate seeing pink meat in my burger.

What's the point of this blog post? Well, over the years when I've had conversations with people, they'll sometimes reminisce about church/pot luck suppers sponsored by their church. They'll also recall certain dishes prepared by the parishioners that were their favorites. Usually it was a favorite dessert (pie, cake or cookies), or a favorite casserole dish. I've never had this kind of experience within the church and I wondered if any of you blog readers have? Also, on my other blog, I enjoy talking about food occasionally and I've also shared recipes.

So, do you remember any favorite church events, past or present, that involved food? What kind of event was it? What were your favorite dishes? Were any of these events catered, or did the parishioners provide the food?

Leave your responses in the comments!

~Cecelia Dowdy~

Be anxious for nothing--Write On

2011-08-04T06:37:00.000-07:00

posted by Teresa Slack teresaslack.com
Last week word came down that Heartsong Presents was ceasing publication on its book club selections. Aspiring authors everywhere groaned a collective sigh of despair. How could this be? Heartsong had launched the careers of countless authors who began writing for this line. If Heartsong was no longer publishing short novels, what would be the next to go? Was there any chance left for writers hoping to get their foot in a door that closes a little tighter each year?

I was among those despairing authors. I watched the threads in my writing groups as authors discussed what this meant for the future of publishing, especially among the romance genres.

The next morning though, the Lord had a special word of encouragement I’d like to share here. During my devotional, meditative time—which often ends in me whining about how unfair this business can be, and how it robs writers of their passion and dreams—the Lord told me to stop worrying about things I can’t control or change.

A sweet still voice whispered in my spirit; “Daughter, be obedient. Write the stories I’ve put on your heart, and let me worry about market changes and the economy.”

I was so heartened by these simple words. I don’t often post to many of the writing threads. But I was burdened to share these words with other writers, who like me, wonder how they’ll ever get another publishing contract when so many doors in the business are closing.

Regardless of how things look to our natural eye, God is in control. If he gave you a gift or calling—and I believe he has done so for every person on the planet—be obedient to that gift. Use it to bless others and God will work out the details.

Happy writing.

Love Letters By Cecelia Dowdy

2011-07-23T04:35:00.000-07:00

by Cecelia Dowdy

Do you remember your very first love letter?

My last Writers' Rest blog post about my childhood pen pals made me think about other forms of written communication from my childhood, mainly, my first love letter.

The first time I received a love letter was when I was in the sixth grade and I was eleven years old. I sat at my assigned desk during math class. When I was about to leave, I looked down and saw a piece of notebook paper under my seat. I picked it up and was shocked to see the words from a secret admirer...my secret admirer! I don't remember what the note said, BUT, I do remember that this person had taken a piece of masking tape and attached a nickel to the note as a gift for me!

Believe it or not, I never did find out who wrote me that letter! I recall being kind of upset that he'd only left me a nickel...it was the seventies and there wasn't much that you could purchase at the store for five cents! I recall wishing he'd left me a dollar instead!

After that, I don't really recall writing love letters very much, but, I remember my female friends in high school and college writing letters and secret notes to guys that they had a crush on. The only time I remember exchanging love letters was with my husband and it was via email. We met through an online dating service and while we dated we sent several emails to each other. As a matter of fact, we still exchange emails! :-)

So do you remember writing or receiving your first love letter? Who was it from? To whom did you address your first love letter?

Leave your response in the comments!

~Cecelia Dowdy~

What does True Grit & Country Strong have in common?

2011-07-19T05:44:00.000-07:00

posted by Teresa Slack www.teresaslack.com

In the last week I watched two movies—True Grit (the new, Jeff Bridges version for all the John Wayne purists out there) and Country Strong with Gwyneth Paltrow. What do these movies have in common? Absolutely nothing. The point is not to review either but to explain what I learned from both, as far as storytelling, and how I can apply it to my own writing.

In this post I won’t even tell you what the movies are about. All that matters here is what I learned about character development—or the lack thereof—pacing, tension, and the good old art of storytelling.

I don’t remember the John Wayne version of True Grit. So I won’t discuss the failures of Jeff Bridges in the role of Rooster Cogburn. The poor guy had mighty big boots to fill. The True Grit I watched was more about the girl who hired him. She had a goal, a mission, and an incredibly large, logical motivation set into motion in the first scene.

Each scene flowed logically into the next. Each obstacle thrust in front of the heroine became larger and more impossible to overcome. As the story unfolded more and more obstacles arose, even after she seemingly overcame her opposition. I wasn’t encumbered with memories or comparisons of the original True Grit so I was free to enjoy the unfolding of the story and wait with anticipation for its satisfying conclusion.

I don’t blame Country Strong for not living up to the character of True Grit. It wasn’t supposed to. The only reason I compare the two is 1) they’re the only movies I’ve seen recently, and 2) it failed in every way that True Grit succeeded.

The heroine in Country Strong had equally big, heart wrenching issues. Huge, tangible, logical obstacles rose up from the word GO. Unfortunately the story did not deliver. My biggest problem with this movie was I had no one to root for. I thought I did in the first few scenes. Then that character would do an about-face and make me think; “What a jerk. You’re mad at X for doing the same thing you’re doing.”

As the movie progressed I kept thinking of that old saying: “There’s a five dollar fine for whining.” Every character in that movie ended up owing me five dollars, except for the guy who started out as the antagonist. By the end of the movie, he’s the only character I liked.

I know, I know. Country Strong was about real people with real issues. I have nothing against flawed characters. I can’t abide characters who aren’t. The characters in True Grit were plenty flawed. But the viewer still wanted them to succeed. With Country Strong I didn’t even care after a while. I kept forgetting the movie was on and leaving the room. Then I’d have to rewind to see what I missed.

I knew what I was getting when I turned it on. But come on. Give me something. Give me some grit, some motivation I understand, and characters I can root for. Don’t tell me they’re strong. Show me in the way True Grit did.

WESTERN NOVELS -- ARE THEY BACK?

2011-07-15T08:17:00.000-07:00

Authors this month:

Stephen Bly and Molly Noble Bull

By Molly Noble Bull

http://www.mollynoblebull.com/

Throw the Devil Off the Train by Stephen Bly

On the twenty-seventh of each month, I write an article for a blog for readers and writers of western fiction called Bustles and Spurs.
http://www.bustlesandspurs.com/
My articles were always published right before Stephen Bly published his monthly article, and he often left comments after my posts. However, author Stephen Bly recently relocated to Heaven.

I will miss his kindness. But his talent for storytelling will go on and on.

Below is a brief summary of his newest western novel titled Throw the Devil Off the Train.

It's 1880. Catherine heads west to marry her fiancé. She's desperate for escape and a change when she meets Race. He heads west determined to get justice for his dead brother, and Catherine and Race hate each other on sight. A holdup, hijack, kidnapping and gold mine swindle bring them together, and throwing the devil off the train is the only thing they agree on. Fiery, opinionated and quick to react, can they make peace long enough to get the job done?

Brides and Blessings by Molly Noble Bull

Brides and Blessings, my 1999 inspirational novels with a western setting, came out from Kindle on July 15, 2011, and the novel can be purchased as an ebook from Amazon for only $3.99. Click below.
http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss?url=search-alias%3Dstripbooks&field-keywords=Molly+Noble+Bull&x=17&y=18

Brides and Blessings is set in the Texas hill country west of San Antonio and is about identical twin sisters separated at birth. One twin, Suzan, was born in California and is a movie star, and Suzan dreams of an ordinary life. Holly, the other twin, is a church librarian in a small Texas town, and she hopes to grow closer to her sister as well as help Suzan achieve her goal.

Suzan falls in love with a cowboy pastor by the name of Josh Gallagher, and he falls for her. But will he still love her once he learns her true identity?

To buy Brides and Blessings as an ebook, go to amazon.com and write Molly Noble Bull in the search slot. You might have to scroll down to see a photo of the cover of this novel. When you see it, click on the word Kindle. Or click on the paperback version and buy and read Brides and Blessings in a paperback format.

Pen Pals! :-) By Cecelia Dowdy

2011-07-08T04:12:00.000-07:00

Photo courtesy of Free Digital Photos

by Cecelia Dowdy

Does the title of this blog post bring back memories? Have you ever had pen pals? If so, do you remember their names and where they were from? How long did the writing relationship last?

Pen pals is a somehwat "archaic" term. The reason I say this is because with the advancement of the internet, I don't think people write letters to one another anymore using pen, ink, envelope and stamp. When I was growing up, I believe my fascination with pen pals was one of the indications that I'd become a writer when I got older.

I recall reading the Archie Comic books and there was a list of people from which to choose pen pals listed in the book. Also, you could send in money to the comic book people and they'd mail you the address for a pen pal. I recall taping approximately 75 cents onto the order form and mailing it out to the comic book people. In return, I received pen pals.

I recall two of my pen pals quite well. One was named Karen G. (I won't reveal the last name, but I remember it.) and she lived in Jacksonville, Florida. The other one was named Tammy K. and she lived in...Maine, Montana, Massachusetts? I only recall that Tammy's home state started with a M. I exchanged pictures with both of them. Karen had short curly dark hair and Tammy had long brown straight hair. Sometimes, we'd exchange gifts. Tammy sent me a necklace once and it had a pendant in the shape of a chocolate ice cream cone! :-)

I wrote to these girls for about a year or so? Then, the relationship just tapered off to nothing. The letters stopped suddenly and when I wrote, I finally received no response from either of them. I wonder where these ladies are today and if they even remember writing to me back in the seventies.

So, have you ever had pen pals? If so, do you remember their names and where they were from? How long did the writing relationship last?

Don't forget to leave a comment!

~Cecelia Dowdy~

Independence Day Quotes

2011-07-03T19:34:00.000-07:00

Since Fourth of July is my 2nd favorite holiday topped only by Christmas, and I'm always on the lookout for fun or inspirational quotes, I thought I'd combine the two in order to celebrate our nation's Independence. So enjoy these quotes and add a few of your own while nabbing another hot dog off the grill and enjoying your community's fireworks display.

"You have to love a nation that celebrates its Independence every July 4, not with a parade of guns, tanks, and soldiers who file by the White House in a show of strength and muscle, but with family picnics where kids throw Frisbees, the potato salad gets iffy, and the flies die from happiness. You may think you have overeaten, but it is patriotism."
Erma Bombeck

"Better to starve free than be a fat slave."
Aesop

"I have always been among those who believed that the greatest freedom of speech was the greatest safety, because if a man is a fool, the best thing to do is to encourage him to advertise the fact by speaking."
Woodrow T. Wilson

"Patriotism is not short, frenzied outbursts of emotion, but the tranquil and steady dedication of a lifetime."
Adlai Stevenson

"Liberty means responsibility. That is why most men dread it."
George Bernard Shaw

“Ask not what your country can do for you—ask what you can do for your country.” ~John F. Kennedy

"A real patriot is the fellow who gets a parking ticket and rejoices that the system works."
Bill Vaughan

Those who won our independence believed liberty to be the secret of happiness and courage to be the secret of liberty.
Louis D. Brandeis

Add your favorite quote to the list.

STRANGE SIGHTINGS IN THE SKY

2011-07-01T13:06:00.000-07:00

By Molly Noble Bull

www.mollynoblebull.com

Strange is not a strong enough word to describe two unique videos I think you will find interesting.
The first shows a possible UFO over the Temple Mount in Jerusalem, Israel. When you have seen the first one, click on the second UFO video before you scroll down and click on the video below. The second UFO video is clearer than the first.

Click to see the youtube video of the UFO.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zQ-bNOy_CKQ

The second video is of an otherworldly-like rider on a pale green horse, and apparently, the photo was taken in Egypt during the recent protests. This video is less than two minutes long, and the first minute and a half shows pretty much what is going on in the streets of Egypt that you've seen on your TV sets dozens of times. Then about one and a half minutes into the video, you'll see in the center of your screen a pale green guy on a pale green horse. The covering over the horse's body reminds me of what you might see at a sporting event in Ivanhoe's day.

The green horseman moves to the right of your screen, appears to go upward, disappearing into the sky completely.

Wow!

Click to see the greenish horseman video via youtube and World Net Daily.

http://www.wnd.com/?pageId=260049http://www.wnd.com/?pageId=260049

The Bible gives the following warning in Luke 21:11.

And great earthquakes shall be in divers places, and famine, and pestilences; and fearful sights and great signs shall there be from heaven.

All these photos are unusual to say the least, if not down right mysterious.

I can’t vouch for them. The UFO and the green horseman could have been staged, making it an outlandish hoax.

In any case, it makes for interesting viewing.

Comments?

Kylie's Kiss Blog Tour

2011-06-27T05:26:00.000-07:00

We're excited to welcome Delia Latham to Writer's Rest to share with us her latest book, Kylie's Kiss. Today's blog blitz is to celebrate Delia's birthday. Leave a comment for Delia & you might end up being the one getting a gift. Delia will give away FOUR pdf copies of Solomon's Gate books to FOUR readers who leave comments at any or all of the various blogs involved in her birthday blitz June 27 through June 30. Winners may choose either Destiny's Dream (Book One) or Kylie's Kiss (Book Two). The first-prize winner of the oil bottle necklace will be chosen from comments left on June 27th ONLY.

Blurb for Kylie's Kiss

On a dare, Kylie Matthews lands smack in the middle of Solomon’s Gate—Castle Creek’s new Christian dating agency—and she finds herself revealing exactly what she’s waiting for in a relationship: “The kiss that steals my breath away.”

What she doesn’t reveal is her lack of self-esteem or her irrational reaction to facial disfigurement. Neither is applicable to her quest to find the perfect match. But that seemingly superficial malady becomes all-important when her first agency-arranged date is Rick Dale—a man who is everything Kylie is searching for. He’s handsome, smart, fun. Rick has it all…including an angelic six-year-old daughter with severe scarring on one side of her face.

Hard at work founding a therapy camp for young female victims of deformity or disfigurement, Rick wants Kylie to be a part of those plans. She’d love to say yes…but how can she, when every contact with the facility’s guests—and Rick’s own daughter—will make her violently ill?

Kylie is ready to admit their relationship doesn’t stand a chance, but she’s forgotten that God makes a way where there seems no way.

Rick settled into a seat across from Kylie and Clay and sat in silence for a moment, a slight frown drawing his dark brows together. Finally he looked up, first at Clay, then in her direction. “Kylie, I haven’t had a chance to share with you about Lea, though I believe Clay knows a little.”

Her heart sank and her gaze flew to her boss, who nodded. Yes, he knew about Lea, whoever she was. This didn’t sound good. “Who’s Lea?”

“She’s my little girl.” Kylie drew in a slow, deliberate breath, forcing herself to stay calm. So he had a daughter. As long as a wife wasn’t the next announcement, she could handle that.

“You have a child. How old is she?”

“She just turned six.” Rick’s expression softened as he spoke, and Kylie knew without a doubt that Lea was his life. His green eyes, startling against the olive of his skin, met hers without flinching. “She’s a special child, Kylie. Smart, beautiful, charming….” Kylie found herself fascinated by the adorable little self-derisive grin that played about his lips. “And sweet as cotton candy.”

Kylie couldn’t help smiling. “You don’t like her much, huh?”

“She is my heart and soul.” A little sheepish, but unrepentant.

“When do we get to meet this perfect child?” Clay’s grin lit up his craggy face. “Destiny’s already looking forward to it, but be warned—she’s going to try to keep her. My wife has a thing with kids, man. She loves ’em, and they always love her right back.”

Rick laughed a little, but his tone was serious. “I hope she still feels that way after she meets Lea.” He pulled a wallet from his pocket, then sat for a moment, saying nothing.

Puzzled, Kylie watched him run slender fingers through his thick black hair. Again and again he invaded the thick waves, managing to somehow leave them only slightly mussed. Finally he opened the billfold and pulled out a photo.

When he raised his head, revealing the torment in his eyes, her heart nearly stopped. What was wrong with Lea? Whatever it was, did Rick think it would make a difference in how she or Clay might feel about the child? If so, he certainly didn’t give them much credit.

“This is Lea.” He handed the photo to Clay, who smiled and passed it on to Kylie.

“She’s a cutie all right, my friend. You weren’t exaggerating. So what’s the problem?”

Kylie wondered the same thing. The photo showed a partial silhouette of an extraordinarily beautiful child. Unlike her olive-skinned father, Lea was a vision of light. Golden hair, porcelain skin, eyes the color of a robin’s egg. Kylie met Rick’s gaze, mystified by his obvious unease. “She’s lovely.”

“Thank you. I think so.” He pulled out another photo and handed it to Clay. “In spite of this.”

Kylie’s stomach clenched and threatened to revolt. Her boss’s flinch was slight, but unmistakable. Oh, dear God, please help me handle whatever this is with grace. How ironic that her first real prayer in years would be one of such a pitifully begging nature. Somehow she knew her reaction to this photo could mean life or death for her relationship with Rick. How strange that she’d be thinking in terms of a relationship now, when only moments before she’d been ready to concede defeat.

Clay nodded slowly, then met Kylie’s eyes. He held briefly to the picture even after her fingers closed on it. His words were directed to his friend, but his gaze held hers. “You’re right, my friend. Nothing could make this child anything less than perfect.”

He released the photo into Kylie’s grip. By now she did not want to look at it. Something in Rick’s eyes and Clay’s voice told her she could be in trouble. But what choice did she have?

Her eyes moved in slow, jerking movements from Clay’s face to the photo in her hands. She gasped, overwhelmed with sympathy—and total panic.

Another silhouette, shot from the opposite side of Lea’s face. Long, lumpy red welts stained her exquisite skin, puckering her cheek into an inhuman mask. Kylie had no idea she was crying until the tears tickled her face, even as her throat closed and her stomach lurched.

The photo fluttered to the floor as she leaped to her feet. Sending the two men a desperately apologetic look, she flew out of the room with a hand over her mouth.

Born and raised in a place called Weedpatch, Delia Latham moved from California to Oklahoma in 2008, making her a self-proclaimed California Okie. She loves to read and write in her simple country home, and gets a kick out of watching her husband play Farmer John. The author enjoys multiple roles as Christian wife, mother, grandmother, sister and friend, but especially loves being a princess daughter to the King of Kings and Lord of Lords. She loves to hear from her readers. You may contact her through her website or send an e-mail to delia AT delialatham DOT net.

Clothing Filled With God's Spirit

2011-06-23T03:45:00.000-07:00

Photo courtesy of Free Digital Photos

Do you think the early Christians had deeper faith than the present-day Christians?

On my other blog, I've been talking about the early Christians. The church was so much different back then - at least different from the churches of which I've been a member. The miracles that happened within the early church were truly amazing. I'd like to take this moment and share some scriptures that show clothing filled with God's spirit. I blogged about this first scripture years ago, but, thought it'd be good to talk about again since this scripture pertains to the early Christians, mainly, the Apostle Paul:

Acts 19:11-12
11 God did extraordinary miracles through Paul, 12 so that even handkerchiefs and aprons that had touched him were taken to the sick, and their illnesses were cured and the evil spirits left them.

That's so cool, awesome and totally amazing! Can you imagine, an apron or handkerchief that had touched Paul could be taken to a sick person and the item could cure his/her illness and drive out evil spirits! Man....like, wow!!!

Paul's miraculous miracles, stored in clothing items that he touched....

Wow!

I was talking to my husband about this last night and he reminded me of the following scripture - when the bleeding woman touched Jesus clothing and was healed:
Luke 8:43-48
43 Now a woman, having a flow of blood for twelve years, who had spent all her livelihood on physicians and could not be healed by any, 44 came from behind and touched the border of His garment. And immediately her flow of blood stopped.
45 And Jesus said, “Who touched Me?”
When all denied it, Peter and those with him said, “Master, the multitudes throng and press You, and You say, ‘Who touched Me?’”
46 But Jesus said, “Somebody touched Me, for I perceived power going out from Me.” 47 Now when the woman saw that she was not hidden, she came trembling; and falling down before Him, she declared to Him in the presence of all the people the reason she had touched Him and how she was healed immediately.
48 And He said to her, “Daughter, be of good cheer; your faith has made you well. Go in peace.”

I would like to witness something like this happening myself. Yes, I do realize that it's still possible for this to happen today, people can get healed, but, I wish I could travel in a time machine and go back to the days of Jesus and the Apostle Paul and witness these healings as descibed in the above-mentioned scriptures.

So, do you think the early Christians had deeper faith than the present-day Christians?

Leave a comment.

I'd also like to mention that my novel collection, Chesapeake Weddings, is still available for a low price of $2.79 on Christianbook.com.

Also, my novel, First Mates, is available on Kindle as well as other e-readers for the low price of $3.99.

~Cecelia Dowdy~

What I Learned in the Trenches

2011-06-18T19:30:00.000-07:00

Tips on surviving the ACFW writers' conference
Posted by Teresa Slack
www.teresaslack.com
I finally did it. After much inner debate and rechecking the balance in my checkbook I registered for the ACFW conference to be held this September 22-25 in St. Louis. I attended last year, a little overwhelmed and out of sorts. This year I vow to get more out of the experience.

The thought of meeting with editors shouldn't cause any undo stress. Your idea will either resonate with them or it won’t. Every story idea doesn’t appeal to every editor. Nor will it fit every current need. It’s not a statement on your worth as a writer. It’s just a matter of fact. If you’re going to the conference and freaking out over how to approach editors or your dream agent, remember they are people doing a job who really, really, really want to see you succeed. If you succeed, so do they.

Last year, besides equipping myself with beautiful one-sheets and fortifying doses of chocolate, I made note cards on each of the editors present at the conference (Didn’t do this with agents since I am already agented by the fantastic Terry Burns.). If they were interested in romance, I wrote that down. If the editor was a dog person, I made sure to tell her about my heroine’s animal rescue endeavors. If he liked military heroes, I made sure to mention that my hero was just home from Iraq. When I met an editor over lunch or during a face-to-face meeting, I knew at a glance what they liked and if I could supply it or not. No use belaboring an editor who deals only in romance with an extensive outline on my gothic thriller.

I added to my note cards throughout the conference during late night chats and at every opportunity. No telling when this little nugget may come in handy.

Be well read in what you write. Several times an editor asked me who or what my work could be compared to. The example I used was from a popular secular fiction series. Both editors recognized it (hard not to notice books that sell in the millions) and appreciated my comparison.

The most important bit of advice I can give myself and you too—relax and have fun. Last year I was too worried I wouldn’t get enough out of the conference. Consequently I don’t believe I did. This year I’m going to look harder for those God appointments and not freak out about over-scheduling every minute of the day.

Hope to see you there. I’d love to hear your advice for conference goers or questions if you haven’t been yet. Definitely take time to meet other writers. That’s the best part. My hit pick for Miss Congeniality—Lena Nelson Dooley. She rocks. If you see her, give her a hug and thank her for everything she does for nervous, first-time attendees. You’ll be glad you did.

CATTLEMEN OF THE BIBLE

2011-06-12T19:48:00.000-07:00

by Molly Noble Bull

www.mollynoblebull.com

Cowboy in South Texas herding cattle.

The dictionary defines a cattleman as someone who raises cows, bulls and steers, but at one time, the word cattle applied to all domesticated animals, including sheep and goats. By the old definition, Abraham, David and others mentioned in the Bible were cattlemen. So what is it about cattle raising that would cause so many of the old patriarchs to choose it as their livelihood? Nobody knows. But I would like to make a guess.

Remember the song, Home on the Range?

Give me a home where the buffalo roam and the deer and antelope play. Can you think of a more peaceful setting?

Gone are computers, the blaring sounds of a radio or a television set, the maddening scramble to get to school or work on time. Traffic. Horns honking. Brakes squeaking. Schedules. Pickups and drop offs. Meetings and sports events.

No wonder we don’t have time for God.

But if a cattleman is riding his horse across the open prairie with the sky above and the earth beneath or watching a herd of sheep by night, he has time not only to pray but also to listen to God—and expect an answer. In fact the Bible says that Jesus, the Prince of Peace, and his saints will return to earth riding white horses, and as a cowgirl of sorts, I like that promise.

In our busy world of today, let us all spend time with God as the cattlemen do. Another song says that there is a place of quite rest and that the place is the heart of God.

Writers' Conference Tips By Cecelia Dowdy

2011-06-08T04:01:00.000-07:00

Writers' Conference Tips by ~Cecelia Dowdy~
Have you ever attended a writers' conference? If so, do you have any useful tips to share?

I realize a lot of writers have never attended a writers' conference. Currently, I notice a lot of buzz going on various authors' and writers' loops about the upcoming annual Romance Writers of America conference. I used to attend this conference every year, but, since I've joined ACFW (American Christian Fiction Writers) I don't attend the RWA conference often. I doubt I'll be attending the ACFW conference this year, either. Another conference that I've attended is the Philadelphia Christian Writers Conference. Since all three conferences are coming up, I thought I'd post a few conference tips that I've learned over the years.

When attending a conference, be sure to meet as many people as possible! Exchange business cards, and if your manuscript is complete, be sure to make appointments with editors and agents to pitch your work. Making these kinds of contacts is very important within this industry. You can also network outside of conference hours. Meet other conferees for lunch, dinner, or late-night get togethers! Just chatting with other authors and writers makes your career feel less lonely.

When you meet with an editor or agent, be prepared. Perhaps have a business card handy to give to the editor or agent. You may want to write the name of your book on your card. Just be sure to relax and not be nervous while pitching your book. You may even want to practice your pitch several times before your meeting. Some people usually start practicing weeks before they meet with the editor or agent.

Attend workshops and learn as much as you can from the speakers! Most conferences have the workshops recorded on CD. I've found that the conference CDs are helpful, especially since it's nearly impossible to attend all of the courses that are provided during the conference.

So, have any of you ever attended a writers' conference? If so, do you have any useful tips to share?

~Cecelia Dowdy~

The Gospel--A Movie Review

2011-06-03T18:53:00.001-07:00

A review by Teresa Slack www.teresaslack.com
Netflix Overview:
David Taylor is a dynamic young R&B star whose chart-topping albums have earned him fame and wealth, but his decadent lifestyle has estranged him from his father, the Bishop of his hometown church. When David learns his father is ill and near death, he returns home to try and reconcile and discovers his former best friend, Charles, is poised to become his father's successor at the church--and threatens to ruin everything David's father worked so hard to achieve. Torn between his successful new life and the one he used to know, David has to decide whether he can give up his own desires to protect his father's legacy and make peace with his family, his beliefs, and, ultimately, himself.

Yesterday I borrowed The Gospel from my local library. This movie caught my eye. It was the type of story I usually like. Redemption, prodigal son returns, romance—all the ingredients for a good movie. But I think I might’ve missed the point. I found myself in the Villian’s camp more often than the Hero’s. Of course the villian’s motives were motivated by jealousy and greed, while mine were based on Biblical principal.

Here’s the deal: David (hero) and Charles (antagonist) grew up together with the same goals and values. Frank went into the ministry while David became a secular singer. His song, Baby, Undress Your Man, is moving up the charts when he returns home to help out Dad. The whole neighborhood is thrilled to see him and entranced by his charm and celebrity. They put him in charge of the choir to raise money for the building fund despite his unrepentant and unapologetic approach to his wild, womanizing ways.

David becomes unequally yoked with the Heroine, something she doesn’t seem to have a problem with even though her faith is important to her. I won’t say much more to keep from spoiling the story for potential viewers. Not a bad picture, all in all. Guess it depends on your own beliefs and standards. Call me “Old School”. I’d never put an open sinner in a position of authority just because he’s talented, amazing, and the son of a bishop.

The music alone makes this movie worth watching. The sound track features artists like Yolanda Adams and Kirk Franklin and is beyond awesome.

Have you seen The Gospel? Am I too judgmental? Please chime in and give me your thoughts. I’d love to know what you thought of the movie.

Posted by Teresa Slack

ACFW CONFERENCE 2011 -- Encouragement -- My Testimony

2011-06-01T14:31:00.000-07:00

by Molly Noble Bull

http://www.mollynoblebull.com/

There are writing conferences, and then there are writing conferences. In my opinion, there are none better than an ACFW conference, if you’re looking for fun and Christian friendship as well as the knowledge of writing one obtains from attending ACFW conferences, and I would love to attend this year. However, unless I sell another novel real quick, I cannot justify the cost – especially in this economy. And I haven’t sold a novel in a long time.

My novel below is titled Sanctuary, and it did fairly well when it came out in 2007.

Sanctuary won the 2008 Gayle Wilson Award for Excellence in the Inspirational category, and it also tied for first place in the 2008 Winter Rose Contest. Both for published authors.

Not only that, my publisher promised that Sanctuary would be Book One in a series of three long historical novels, and my publisher presented me with even more good news. They gave me three more book contracts for a total of six contracts in all. The bad news was that my publisher went out of business, and only Sanctuary came out in book form.

But things got even worse.

At that point, I might have stopped writing fiction all together. After all, I had a monthly column in a local newspaper and wrote for several blogs. Wasn’t that enough to keep my writing juices flowing?

Did I truly think I would suddenly start selling again after all this time?

I was ancient history. Right?

If I’d never attended an ACFW conference, I might have believed that. I might have concentrated on becoming a better journalist. I might even have turned my computer into a vehicle for playing solitaire and other games and given up writing completely.

But ACFW rocks.

They encouraged me to keep writing fiction, convincing me that I am a part of the future of ACFW and the publishing industry. Not the past.

And even if I am unable to attend the ACFW Conference this year, I’ll be there in spirit, a cheerleader and a prayer warrior for all those who attend.

Please leave a comment. I would like to know what encourages you.
And if you've been wanting to rent movies from Netflix but don’t know how to get started, read on.

MOVIES ON DVD ---- That Don't Make You Blush

2011-05-30T09:01:00.000-07:00

By Molly Noble Bull

http://www.mollynoblebull.com/

With Blockbuster and Hollywood Video in our rearview mirrors, watching a movie on DVD is not as simple as it once was. Add to that the fact that theaters aren’t showing movies that Christians would care to see. But if you like old movies or the few suitable new ones now available, I can make a suggestion.

Join Netflix.

Note:

I am not an employee of Netflix nor am I being paid to say this.

Nevertheless, for ten dollar a month (via a credit card) you can have movies on DVD sent directly to your home with a return envelope and free postage included. Simply watch the movie, put it in the envelope and send it back. Here is the address for Netflix.

http://movies.netflix.com/WiHome

Tips:

Netflix has thousands of available movies you can rent on DVD. To see what movies they have, click BROWSE DVD's at the top of the screen. To see if a movie you might want is available, look near the top of the screen on the right.

In small letters, you will see the words [Movies TV shows, actors, directors, genres] Delete those words and write in the movie you want to see in its place. For example, write The Kings Speech over those words. I KNOW they have that movie, but you could write in that title as a kind of practice.

The Kings Speech will come up. If you like that movie and want to see it, click on it. There will be a place to click on again, stating that you want them to send you that movie as a DVD. At that point, they will show you other similar movies. Click on the one you want. If not, write another movie in the spot (Movies TV shows----etc.]

To get you started, here is a list of movies you might like. These are all "clean" movies, and you might have seen some of them. But it's always fun to see them again.

Here is the list:

Unconquered Emma

Pride and Prejudice Mansfield Park

Sense and Sensibility Jane Eyre

Samson and Delilah Ann of a Thousand Days

Raintree County Persuasion

The Ten Commandments Ben Hur

The Inheritance Tuck Everlasting

Vertigo The Secrets of Jonathon Sperry

Great Expectations Tale of Two Cities

Deja Vu The Red Pony

National Velvet Blind Side

Anne of Green Gables Little Lord Fauntleroy

David and Bethsheba El Cid

National Velvet Blind Side

While You Were Sleeping Oliver Twist
The Count of Monte Cristo Rear Window

After you have made twenty or thirty DVD selections, go to the top of the screen and click YOUR QUEUE to see a list of the movies you have selected. When you reach that page, you can decide the order of the movies you want sent.

I will be adding more titles in the days and weeks to come and reviewing many of these titles. If you like good movies and don’t like most of the ones available in theaters today, Netflix might be the way to go.

Movie Review -- ATLAS SHRUGGED

2011-05-27T18:59:00.000-07:00

Part 1

by Molly Noble Bull

http://www.mollynoblebull.com/

According to the dictionary, atlas is like an exclamation of disappointment, regret or sorrow. And to shrug is to draw up the shoulders in displeasure, doubt or surprise.

I shrug when asked a question and don’t have an answer.

I’m supposed to be writing a movie review on Atlas Shrugged. Trouble is, I haven’t been able to see the movie yet.

Why?

The movie is only available in big cities. We live in a small town.

Therefore, this will be what I call a do-it-yourself movie review. I’m depending on all of you to tell us about this movie. However, I do have a copy of the movie trailer. Let’s watch it, and we’ll talk again later.

The movie, Atlas Shrugged—Part 1, comes from a 1200 page novel by Ayn Rand, and apparently, there will be a Part 2 and Part 3. According to the product description on the book, Atlas Shrugged is about a man who promised to stop the motor of the world—and managed to do it.

So why is the movie so controversial? Why did Hollywood prevent it from being shown in most theaters around the country? Some think it was because the book and movie paint free enterprise in a good light as opposed to the welfare state.

As I said, I have not seen the movie yet. But if and when the movie is available on DVD, I will let you know via a post on Writers Rest.
Please leave a comment. And if you have seen the movie, please tell us what you think.

Childhood Favorites

2011-05-23T03:33:00.000-07:00

by Cecelia Dowdy
What are your favorite childhood stories? Which books really resonated with you?

If you know me very well, you'll know that I LOVE READING! It's one of the few things in my life that has been constant from early childhood until now. When I think about my time as a kid, I think about some of my favorite books. I've listed A FEW of them here, but, as I think about it, I'm sure there are others:

1. The Dick And Jane Series - Actually, I don't consider this one a "favorite" but, these books kind of stay in my mind because these are the books that were used to teach me to read. I just remember the joy of being able to string words together and to actually read an entire book aloud!

2. Laura Ingalls Wilder's Little House Series - I read these books over and over again. I really enjoyed seeing these characters through the pages of these novels! The family went through lots of trouble in the wilderness and Laura had lots of struggles with her nemesis, Nelly Olsen. There was also a popular TV series on in the seventies that was based upon the characters in the Little House books. I watched most of the episodes of Michael Landon's series, too.

3. The Boxcar Children - A group of four orphaned children hide out in an abandoned boxcar to escape the care of their "evil" grandfather. The rest of the series focuses on their being raised by their grandpa and the adventures they faced. I read this entire series a couple of times I believe when I was around nine or tenish?

4. The Nancy Drew Mysteries - the originals. I read the original Nancy Drew mysteries when I was in the fifth grade. I was mesmerized by this courageous, smart, 18-year-old woman who solved mysteries and...she didn't accept payment for her services. Her mother died when she was three and she was raised by her lawyer father, Carson Drew and her housekeeper, Hannah Gruen (sp?).

5. Heidi

6. The Secret Garden

I recall reading Heidi twice and I believe I read The Secret Garden more than once. Both of these stories involved ill children, struggling to get well. In Heidi, she lives in the mountains with her grandfather, the Alm Uncle (sp?) and there's a shepard boy named Peter in this story too. Heidi loves to read and I recall her reading to a blind woman in the story. I believe this book took place in the Swiss Alps. My memories of The Secret Garden are a bit sketchy, but I recall teh garden served as a solace to a sick child as the youngster struggled to get better.

So, what are your favorite childhood stories? Why were they your favorites? Have you read any of the stories that I've listed above?

~Cecelia Dowdy~

HEAVEN IS FOR REAL -- A Book Review

2011-05-18T12:55:00.000-07:00

by Molly Noble Bull

http://www.mollynoblebull.com/

Heaven Is for Real by Todd Burpo with Lynn Vincent

Do you believe that Heaven is a real place?

You will if you read Heaven Is For Real by Todd Burpo. Todd is a pastor and the father of Colton Burpo, the most astonishing little boy you would ever hope to know. At the age of three and a half, Colton was seriously ill and in the hospital, and during that time, he went to Heaven, met Jesus and had some incredible adventures. Then he came back to earth, and he has been here ever since.

His parents knew nothing about Colton’s Heavenly visit. They learned of it quite by accident when some time later the family drove by the hospital and his mother ask Colton if he remembered staying there.

[“Yes, Mommy, I remember!” he said, according to page # xvii of the book. “That’s where the angels sang to me.”]

From that moment on Colton’s parents, Todd and Sonja Burpo, started asking questions, and they soon learned some amazing facts about Heaven and the people who live there. You will be amazed, too, when you read

Heaven Is For Real –A Little Boy’s Astounding Story of His Trip to Heaven and Back.

After you have read the book, you will have a better understanding of child-like faith in God, and there is a good chance you will never fear death or dying again. Instead, you will be eager to go to Heaven when your time on earth ends—to see what Colton saw and know what he knows.

With a score from 1 to 5, I give this book five stars.

It’s that good.

Put Your Money Where your Mouth Is

2011-05-14T17:13:00.000-07:00

AND MORE

by Teresa Slack

I’m posting a few days late thanks to trouble with Blogger and my own issues with sticking to a regular blogging schedule. Not a good testimony on my part considering this post is the final installment in my series about setting and achieving goals.

We talked earlier in the series about stepping out of our comfort zone in order to reach our goals. The first step was to identify those goals and decide how important they are to us. Then we discussed a proper attitude necessary to carry one through to the completion of those goals. Goals are awesome, but will not get you far in reaching them if you have a self-defeating attitude.

You’ve decided on your goals and determined the staying power necessary to stick with them. You’ve spent the last few days working on a positive, success oriented attitude. Now you’re ready to roll up your sleeves and make those goals a reality.

Here’s where the rubber meets the road. We can talk all day about setting and reaching goals, but until we put plans into action, we’re no closer we were to reaching them than we were before I started this series.

ACTION—energetic, conscious habitual exertion of power.

Nothing will ever change in your writing life until you take action. Like me, you’ve probably read a thousand books on how to write a best selling book and get it published. You’ve attended writers’ conferences and joined writing groups. But until you put into action all the lessons you’ve learned, you’re not one page closer to completing your book.

Robert B. Parker, prolific writer of the Spenser: for Hire novels and scads of other best selling books, reportedly wrote 10 pages a day. 10. Didn’t matter if it was Christmas or a family wedding. 10 pages a day.

10 pages is quite a goal; not one I’m ready to tackle at this point in my life. Consequently I’ll never be as well known or successful as Mr. Parker. Each action we take—or don’t take—comes with consequences. Everything we do, every choice we make is a tradeoff. When I decide to sleep a few extra minutes instead of getting up early to workout, I must deal with excess weight and health issues. When I don’t pursue leads for my Scentsy business on a daily basis, I reap low sales numbers. When I choose to spend my day on the phone or in the flower garden or shopping instead of at my desk writing, I don’t come any closer to completing one of the writing projects on my hard drive.

What action will you take today to make your dreams come true? 10 pages of your manuscript a day? 5? Or just committing to 30 minutes of uninterrupted writing?

They’re your goals. Only you know the necessary action required to make them come true. But take action. Do something. Jump into the great unknown and grow your wings on the way down. They will grow. But not until you jump.

THE POWER OF GIVING THANKS

Molly Noble Bull lives in South Texas -- near the southern tip of Texas. It rained there this week, and she thanked and praised the Lord for it. They also had a inch and a half of rain a few days earlier, and she thanked and praised the Lord on that day, too. These rains were a blessing to thristy Texas. But too often, we ask for the Lord's blessing and then forget to thank Him when we get what we prayed for.

Please join us in prayer for rain in Texas and relief from the floods and tornadoes elsewhere.

Heavenly Father,

We thank and praise you, Lord, for the rains you sent this week to parts of Texas, and we thank you in advance for the rains you are going to send to the dry areas. We also thank you in advance for relief from all floods, tornados and hurricanes.

In the blessed name of Jesus,

Amen and amen.

Attitude Makes the Difference

2011-05-07T18:17:00.000-07:00

by Teresa Slack

Welcome back to Writers Rest and Part Two of my series on how to achieve your goals. I'm Teresa Slack and the last time here I posted about Ambition. Hopefully I got you thinking about what you want, why you want it, and if you’re willing to pay the price to get it.

Ambition is the key ingredient necessary in answering these questions. Chances are if you’re reading this blog, your chief ambition is to write a novel or polish that novel enough to get it published. Even thinking about writing a novel requires more ambition than 95% of the world possesses. But you have the desire, you’ve counted the cost, and you’re ready to do whatever it takes to attain your goals.

What matters now is ATTITUDE.
"It is our attitude at the beginning of a difficult task, which more than anything else, will affect its successful outcome." William James

Our attitude is the only thing we have control over. Positive or Negative. Success or Failure.

We all face doubts—artists and those in the entertainment industry possibly more than any other group. Think of all those amazing, talented, tortured souls before us who committed suicide or drowned their doubts and demons in the bottle. This is a tough, tough industry. It is not for the faint of heart.

Our attitudes determine our actions. Are you pumped or pitiful? Pestering or empowering? Bothering people or blessing them?

The best way to check your attitude is to measure other people’s reaction to you. Do friends come to you for advice and encouragement? Do they avoid sitting next to you at parties? Are you a giver or a taker? If friends must continually prop you up and feed your ego to keep your engines firing, your probably need an attitude adjustment.

A good or bad attitude doesn’t only affect those around you. It affects how much effort and zeal you put toward reaching your goals. If you approach your goals with the attitude that you don’t have time or a supportive spouse or whatever else is holding you back, then you probably won’t accomplish much.

So how’s your attitude? Are you determined to give your dreams everything you’ve got? Or are you going to wait to see what the economy does or how your mother-in-law reacts to another of your silly pipe dreams?

If you suspect you have an attitude problem, you probably need to rekindle your passion. The best way to do that is to surround yourself with people you wish to emulate. If you haven’t already, join some writing groups, online and in your local area. Follow some encouraging blogs online (like this one, I hope). Nurture positive relationships that have nothing to do with what you want. The world is bigger than ourselves after all.

“You’ve got to give something to get something.” Billy Blanks—Taebo creator and fitness instructor

Next time we’ll talk about taking ACTION. All the best laid plans in the world won’t do any good if you don’t have a plan of action and the tenacity of a pit bull to stick with it.