Ralene Burke - Faith Without Limits

Raquel Byrnes and Plot/Character

2011-06-23T07:14:00.000-10:00

Hey everyone! The end of June is almost here--time to make that transition over to my new website! Please come join me over there as I would be sad to lose any of you during this transition. I'm offering the same content, the same dry humor, growing faith, fun content that you've grown accustomed to. Let's continue this journey together, as I am just as excited to learn from you as I am to have the opportunity to share with you.

This week on the new website:

Today: Character Tour-Raquel Byrnes' character shows us how a real writer treats her characters. I'm glad to know I'm not the only one who tortures them!

Yesterday: Plot or Characters? Which is more important? My take...and some discussion from the readers.

Monday: What Makes Suspense Different? You know, I didn't start out writing suspense...

Keven Newsome AND My Website

2011-06-15T22:30:00.003-10:00

Ok, ya'll...listen up! :)

Keven Newsome's first novel just released this month. Yay! His main character, Winter, has begrudgingly taken time out of her schedule to rant and rave with me over at the new website. She's quite the feisty character, let me tell ya! So come on over to the new webiste and drop us a line--at the new website.

Did I mention the new website?

No?

You remember...I'm moving this blog to my website. So, if you love me, you better go join up over there b/c I'm going to quit posting here permanently at the end of the month. Sad, I know. But I promise I'm just as awesome over at my new website.

Who's Indie?

2011-06-08T23:01:00.001-10:00

Hey all! I hope you're getting ready for the weekend.

If I could steal a bit of your time, head on over to the new website to find out who Indie is. I mean, a feisty lady, for sure...but that's all I'm saying. :)

My new website is really taking shape and I'm excited to share it with you all. Remember, at the end of this month, I will stop posting on here--so hurry over and save the new website so you don't miss any of the other great posts on the Character Tour this summer!

Come visit with Jo Walker

2011-06-06T22:23:00.000-10:00

Hey all!

The Character Tour is hosting Jo Walker today. Come on over to my new website to visit with the protagonist from her novel!

Win a free book!

2011-06-02T07:51:00.000-10:00

I forgot to post this earlier today--my brain just isn't here these days.

The Character Tour is off to a great start! You can visit with Amber Miller, and her character, Raelene (great name, huh?). If you leave a comment, you're entered to win one of Amber's books.

So hurry on over to the new website and show Amber your support!

The Character Tour Begins!

2011-05-30T22:05:00.000-10:00

Hey everyone,

The time has come. I am now going to be posting only at my new site. I'll post reminders on here for a couple of weeks, and then it'll be all crickets in here. So, if you haven't already made your way over to my new blog, go. Now. What are you waiting for?

Need more motivation?

The Character Tour I've been going on about starts today, and you can only read about the crazy antics of characters and writers THERE! <-- Click. Link. Now.

June 3in30

2011-05-29T20:46:00.003-10:00

Oh goodness gracious! Is it June already? May seriously flew by way to quick. Sadly, it flew by quicker than I could accomplish my goals. No worries, though, I’m pushing them aside and not giving them a second thought—at least not on this post. The power of prayer and positive thinking!

I thought I’d take a key from my friend, Aurie, and go with all new goals this month. I’ve been so focused on water/exercise, and obviously I’m not ready to make those commitments yet (although, with a unit ball and an awards ceremony coming up in a couple of months, I kind of need to!).

So…new month=fresh start. Here we go:

1. Finish Dividing Spirits by June 10th and get started on editing The Impossible Choice. For those who are in the know—The Impossible Choice, while not my first novel, is my most cherished. I’m going to breathe new life into it and see if I can’t have it ready for the ACFW conference in September. That’s going to be a lot of work, but as long as I can focus, I know it’s possible! Keep me accountable, okay? Anyone want to be accountability partners?

2. Get back into my diabetes diet. Yes, I fell off the horse again this month. I was doing so well in March/April. Then Connor got sick, and after being in the hospital for a week—well, I just didn’t get back into the swing of things. So, this month, I’m really going to focus on meal planning ahead of time, to make sure we aren’t relying on eating out or pizza three times a week. I KNOW my plans…now to put them in action!

3. Keep up with my Bible studies! Through my local homeschool group, we’re going through a book entitled “Ministry of Motherhood”, and then I think the PWOC might do something this summer. Not quite sure yet. Anyway, I tend to commit and then fall behind on these. My ideal is to wake up 30 minutes before the kids do in the morning to have some quiet time—however, it seems the earlier I get up, the earlier the kids get up! It’s a conspiracy!

This month has so many exciting new things in store for me, I just know it. May found me adding in assertive couponing, and June will find me officially homeschooling Kindergartners (I was going to wait, but the girls are so insistent about wanting to start now—that’s a good thing, right?). Now, hopefully I can take this juggling act on the road! Wish me luck—and pray for me! I’m going to need it!

Head over to my new website for chances to win points toward May's Grand Prize!

Google Friend Connect

2011-05-24T22:53:00.000-10:00

We’re nearing the end of the month—but we still have points up for grabs! Next Tuesday is the last day of my BeachFest Birthday Bash, and the first day of the Character Blog Tour—from one exciting activity to the next!

If you don’t follow me on Facebook or Twitter, you can still earn up to 10 points by doing so and leaving a comment here.

GOOD NEWS! I have added the Google Friend Connect gadget to my website! You can earn 15 points by heading over to my new blog/website to follow me there (as Faith, Hope, and Suspense will be closing)—www.raleneburke.com The Character Blog Tour will take place completely over there.

Short post today as I have lots going on and trying to organize through it, but will be back on Thursday with my normal, witty posts. Until then, enjoy Hump Day and I’ll see you on the flipside! Remember, the weekend is almost here!

Perseverance--American Idol Style

2011-05-23T22:00:00.001-10:00

Perseverance American Idol Style

I have a confession to make. I love American Idol!

It’s funny because the first couple of seasons, I didn’t care to watch it. Then I caught a couple of episodes when some network moved my typical TV show to another night/time. After that, it was all downhill—I was hooked.

Every year, along with millions of others, I choose my favorites early on and cheer them on (until they are voted off). Still one of my favorites typically ends up in the final 3. This year is no different. Scotty and Lauren were favorites from the start. I just love their obvious charm and their vocals are stellar for their age.

This week, as you all are probably aware, American Idol hosts their Season 10 Finale at the Nokia Theatre. As I look back on the last several weeks, I’m reminded of all that these people have been through, which, in turn, reminds me of all I’ve been through.

The American Idol journey is quite similar to the writer’s journey. While I can go through and make comparisons of each step of the Idol and writer’s journeys, I’ll refrain to keep this post within an acceptable limit. Yes, you can thank me later—when that post really does show up.

Anyway, one thing that I notice that both an American Idol and a writer have to have is PERSEVERANCE.

Dictionary.com describes perseverance as a “steady persistence in a course of action, a purpose, a state, etc., especially in spite of difficulties, obstacles, or discouragement.” Sound familiar? Here we are on this course (insert chosen passion) where we still face the everyday. Families, work, obligations—the list goes on.

When you want something so much, be it singing, writing, an education, there are always things that stand in your way. It’s how you handle those situations that gage not only your character, but your dedication to that which really matters to you.

So, you tell me: Who are you cheering for on American Idol? Who do you think is going to win?

ProACTIVE in 4 Steps!

2011-05-22T22:00:00.000-10:00

Last week, my husband and I faced some possibilities that really brought our whole lifestyle into question. Due to some issues (mostly health related), my husband may not be in the military for more than 2-3 years—a lot of things up in the air with this.

These developments called to the forefront one of the main aspects that God charged us with in life—taking care of our family. If my husband were to get out (especially before he finishes his degree), depending on how things play out, we could be in some serious trouble financially.

Now, I’m not asking for prayers on this, I’m merely sharing a bit of my life to illustrate the point of this blog post.

My husband and I could sit around on our laurels, waiting to see what happens, but that would do nothing but cause us more worry and grief…and increase the number of gray hairs on our heads exponentially! Instead, after a day of venting and complaining, we got proactive. The military wife’s motto is: prepare for the worst and hope for the best. I’m not sure it has any Biblical basis, but I will say that it is a good motto anyway. God charges us to be good stewards of everything entrusted to us (see, I knew I could make a link between the two!), and it’s our responsibility to do what we can.

FOUR STEPS TO PROACTIVE!

1. Brainstorm! The next step for us was go over our budget to determine the best ways to stretch our dollar, see how much we could get into savings. Living in Hawaii is not cheap! There’s a reason that they give soldiers a cost of living allowance—so far I haven’t been able to save much. So, hubby and I sat down and discussed what could be done.
2. Research! Once we had a list of ideas, I jumped on the computer and did some research. One way we decided to pursue was to cut our monthly grocery bill in half. Right now, we’re spending about $800/month for groceries and eating out. As I’ve seen Extreme Couponing more in the last week than ever before, I see the value in taking some time to clip coupons. While I don’t think I would ever be as diligent as the people on the shows, I can afford a few hours a week to ensure we keep our bill within our budget.
3. Plan! Now that I’ve taken our brainstorming to the next level with the research, I formed a plan of action. In the couponing aspect, I created a price/coupon binder. I also signed up for several coupon sites and “liked” many of my favorite companies on Facebook.
4. Action! Once I have a plan in place, all that’s left is to DO whatever it is that needs to be done. With coupons, this means keeping up with circulars, printing coupons off the web, sorting/storing coupons, and making more precise grocery lists.

As early as my next shopping trip, I should be seeing the fruits of my labor. I don’t expect to get $600 worth of groceries for $1.50 (and I think I’d feel kind of bad if I did), but a little bit can go a long ways!

These steps can apply to just about any circumstance—not just money. Too often, we sit back and let life happen to us, without putting ourselves out there. We complain. We moan. We bury ourselves under blankets and pillows or social media or food (I’m guilty, guilty, guilty) instead of facing our problems head on.

What gets accomplished then?

Nothing.

What do we have to show for all the pouting?

Nothing.

What do we get out of it?

More pain. More frustration. More avoidance.

So get up, get pumped, and get proactive!

Is there anything that you could be more proactive about in your life?

ASK ME Revealed! (Winners, Too!)

2011-05-19T22:00:00.000-10:00

I believe that the best way for writers to reach their audience is to be open to vulnerability and the sharing of knowledge, experiences, and all that jazz. So, when I blog, I try to be honest--I don't put on a show if I'm having a bad day, I don't pretend that I agree with everyone, and I don't make excuses for who I am or what I believe.

It is under that statement of connection, that I opened my blog up for questions from followers on Tuesday. In addition to the fun of birthday week, it is a chance for people to get to know me a little bit better.

So, without further ado--here we go!

Aurie asks: What is your favorite state?

As most of you know, I was a military brat who married into the military, so we know that I've been all over. I think my favorite state is Virginia. I love the mountains in the summer and fall, and there is so much to see and do. Plus, my family is there!

Wendy asks: What's one, silly, non-writing talent you'd like to have. (i.e. Being able to stand on your head and drink and entire gallon of milk before you fall over.)

Oh, goodness--can I have that one? I'd be the life of the party! If I knew I wouldn't break anything, I'd love to be able to break dance. I've always found it completely fascinating. Or pop-n-lock. I know, I'm such a nerd!

Sarah asks: What curriculum or curriculums are you currently using? And how does writing fit around schooling?

Alana and Kyra are starting Kindergarten this year. I have most of their curriculum planned out--okay, not planned out, but chosen. Math-U-See Primer for Math, All About Spelling Level 1 for Phonics/Spelling, Etiquette Factory to learn proper manners, ABC Bible Verses for Bible memorization, and Lesson Pathways for Science/Social Studies when the kids are anxious for more! Throw in some arts and crafts, some life skills...and you'll have our homeschool in a nutshell. Oh, and I am big on the Charlotte Mason style of learning.

Writing happens mostly at night from seven on--something my husband and I agreed upon. Blogs/emails/social media happens mostly from 6-8 in the morning, homeschool from 9-11ish, Reviews/Blog writing/articles/etc from 1-3 (during rest/reading time), and then working on my novels happens after 7. I grab what I can get!

Annie asks: What do you like the most about yourself? And what quality do you seek above all else in others?

LOL! We all know how insecure I can be! So to be a little corny, the thing I like most about myself is that I am beloved by Christ. I may not see myself as anyone worth much of anything, but Jesus loves me, cherishes me--who could ask for more?

In others, I value honesty and compassion above everything else.

WINNERS!

Congrats to Wendy! She won C.J. Darlington's Thicker Than Blood from Monday's post!

Congrats to Annie! She won John B. Olson's Shade from Tuesday's post!

The score for the Grand Prize Giveaway is:

Sarah: 60

Annie: 22

Aurie: 30

Wendy: 16

Don't worry! There will be several chances for points next week! Don't forget, if you go follow my new blog/website: www.raleneburke.com, then you'll get 15 more points! Hurry, there's still time to catch up!

Ralene's BeachFest Trivia Question:

Where did I attend college (even though I never graduated)?

This Blog is Moving...

2011-05-19T13:58:00.002-10:00

I've finally decided to take the advice of so many wise people in the publishing business. I've read it time and again, but I kept putting it off. Finally, though, after some reflection on the next steps I need to take, I made the tough decision.

I'm moving my blog.

I've had a blog here on Blogger for some time. I haven't ever been able to successfully connect it to my website, though, which has also kind of pushed me to ignoring my website, and in turn, I've been wasting money with it just "sitting" there. So...

I've completely revamped my website so that it runs through WordPress. I can host my blog and my website in the same place! So, now comes the arduous process of directing you all, my favorite readers, to my new place. I figured, what better incentive than to start when we have an ongoing contest!

Whoever goes and follows my new website/blog during the month of May will earn 15 points toward the grand prize. PLUS, I will be drawing from those people for a $20 gift card to Amazon. Sounds great, right?

I'll maintain this blog for awhile. I'll be "double" posting through the end of May. Then I'll move to posting reminders on here starting in June. At the end of June, I'll quit posting on here completely. This means, though, that the whole Character Blog Tour will be hosted on the new website--so hurry over so you can join in the fun!

But, Ralene, where do we go?

GOOD QUESTION!

www.raleneburke.com

Once there, up in the top, left corner is an RSS feed button. Click on there to follow my blog! Then leave a comment here, so I can credit you with the points and enter you into the drawing.

Guess what? TOMORROW IS MY BIRTHDAY! YAY!

I'll be answering all the questions from Tuesday and sharing the other winners and updated scores!

God bless!

Don't forget...

www.raleneburke.com

Ask Me

2011-05-16T22:00:00.003-10:00

Ralene's BeachFest Challenge:

ASK ME!

Okay, as you all know, over the summer I'm hosting a Character Tour right here on my blog. There is an awesome line up of authors from all genres! I am so excited to have everyone join in to make this tour a huge success--and even more, to show these writers the support they deserve!

On top of that, this week is my birthday AND the beginning of the last part of the month--so the amazing prize package is still up for grabs! The score right now?

Sarah: 30

Wendy: 6

Annie: 2

Now, I know Sarah looks like she's WAY ahead, but we have some MAJOR points available over the next two weeks, starting with todays challenge. There are THREE ways to earn points.

1. Ask me a question! Leave an appropriate question in the comments and you earn 5 points, easy-peasy.

2. Refer your friends! Use your email, blog, Twitter, Facebook--whatever to persuade your friends to visit my blog. Have them leave a comment (or a question!), along with YOUR name, and you earn 10 points per person who drops your name. Oooo... I know, right?

3. Go follow me on Twitter or Facebook to earn 5 points a piece! (You have to leave me a comment to let me know you did). And b/c I love you all, if you already do both, then you automatically get 10 points...you just need to remind me that you are.

To top it all off...if I reach 100 followers before the end of the month, I'll award 2 people 30 points a piece...if it happens before the end of the week, I'll choose 4 (at random)!

In case you missed the post about Ralene's BeachFest prizes, here's a reminder:

Grand Prize: A homemade basket filled with goodies! These baskets are made by my parents, they sell them at various craft shows around the country. You can check them out at Heartworks Crafts. The goodies include a combination of yummy goodies, reading goodies, paper goodies, and whatever other goodies I get excited about. :)

1st Prize: $20 Gift Card to Amazon

2nd Prize: $10 Gift Card to Amazon

Doesn't that all sound like a lot of fun? I'm excited to see what questions you all come up with for me! I'll be answering the questions in Thursday's post, so be sure to stop by again!

MORE FUN:

I'll draw a random commenter from today for John B. Olson's SHADE.

Mid-May 3in30

2011-05-15T22:00:00.001-10:00

So...it's mid-month, how are you doing with your goals?

The month of May is just getting away from me! It's been crazy trying to keep up with everything. Doctor appointments ruled the first two weeks. Between myself, my husband, and our son, someone was at the doctor just about every day during the work week. Whew! That can be exhausting!

What did all this craziness mean when it came to my goals? Well, it meant I did not accomplish as much as I had hoped.

1. Reducing the amount of Diet Coke I drink: The first week, this was actually going pretty well. I was alternating soda and water throughout the day. This kept me down to about 3-4 sodas, which was a start! However, when week number two rolled around and life wasn't settling down, my will power gave way-esp when in line at the McDonald's drive-thru.

2. I have actually made quite a bit of progress on the line edits for Dividing Spirits. I'm about 1/3 of the way through, and anticipate finishing well before the end of the month. Yay! On the downside, I did find out on Friday that Dividing Spirits did not final in the ACFW Genesis contest. I moped around Friday, but pulled myself together on Saturday and dove back in!

3. Exercising: ugh. This is one that I keep meaning to do, but can't seem to work it into my schedule. About the only time that I can see a possibility of fitting it in is from 3:30-4:30 in the afternoon, which just seems like a strange time to try to squeeze in a sweaty workout that requires a shower. Anyone else want to weigh in on that conundrum? On the up side, though, I have been "moving" more. I've cut my computer time during day, and have been playing with the kids, cleaning, etc. Things that require me to get up/out and move!

The nice thing about a mid-month check up is that it gives you time to evaluate and refocus. I still think my goals are attainable, I just need to buckle down and work hard!

What are you looking forward to in the latter part of this month?

Ralene's BeachFest Trivia Questions: (Points are doubled this week!)

What was my dad's profession growing up?

What does my husband do?

What is the name of my current work-in-progress?

MORE FUN:

I will draw a random commenter from today to win C.J. Darlington's Thicker than Blood.

A CLEAN Birthday

2011-05-10T20:01:00.002-10:00

Okay, the first BeachFest Challenge was to tell me about your favorite birthday in 300 words or less for 30 points toward the grand prize. Unfortunately, this round I only had one entrant. So, congratulations, Sarah Tipton! Below is her favorite birthday.

But before I let you read that, I'm also excited to announce the winner of Brandilyn Collins' book--Rebecca Burgener! Rebecca, email me your address at raleneburke at yahoo dot com and I'll get the book out to you ASAP.

Now, on to Sarah's favorite birthday!

My favorite birthday was my fourteenth. That year, I received one of my best presents ever. A clean room.

A few weeks before my birthday, I decided to thoroughly clean my bedroom. This meant emptying my closet, bookcases and every drawer and piling all of the junk in the middle of the floor. I planned to sort through everything and organize it back where it belonged. Except, this was me. I am not a neat and tidy person. So my bedroom was an ankle-deep sea of stuff. Looking back, I’m surprised my parents allowed me to have a slumber party that year. But they did. Four friends came over to celebrate and spend the night. We did the usual--pizza, movies, junk food. Since I am not a night owl, I was the first one asleep in my sleeping bag on the living room floor. I vaguely remember someone trying to pull me back into the party, but I’m not so nice during the dark single digits.

Of course, being the first one asleep meant I was the first one awake the next morning. Leaving my sleeping friends on the floor, I went to take a shower. When I walked into my bedroom, I found an amazing sight. Carpet. And a neatly made bed. Every single thing was put away. Pillows and stuffed animals covered my bed along with a sign: “Happy Birthday!” What an awesome gift.

Then I found a gigantic spider on the bathroom floor. Oh well. Balance in the universe and all that, I suppose.

Registration Complete!

2011-05-09T19:22:00.005-10:00

I did it!

I made the big leap.

I crossed the line.

I'm free falling....

AND

I'm going to the American Christian Fiction Writer's Conference in September! *happy monkey dance*

I went to the ACFW conference in 2009--my first conference--and it was the experience of a lifetime. I learned so much and I made connections with writers that have lasted me over the last two years.

Last year, because of finances and my husband's work schedule, I was unable to attend. Okay, so the three month old baby had a lot to do with that decision as well. I just couldn't leave him!

This year, it's all thanks to the Lord's providence! We had some financial things come through. And, though my husband still has to work, MIL is THRILLED to come out and help take care of the kids for a week. And why shouldn't she be...we're in Hawaii!

I feel so blessed and honored that with the Lord's blessing (and my husband's) I can take on this adventure once again. I've got some stellar roommates (already!) and the promise of some great workshops and speakers. Granted, there's still the pulse-pounding TERROR that comes with agent appointments, I signed up for two! Now, how to talk myself into going to them?

And the Awards Banquet...how fun! We get to get all glammed up and support our friends as the staff hands out awards for Genesis (unpubbed)awards, as well as Agent of the Year and Mentor of the Year. Eek!

So...

Praise the Lord--St. Louis, here I come!

Ralene's BeachFest Trivia Question:

What STATE was I born in?

Top 11 AMAZING Facts About Me

2011-05-07T22:00:00.002-10:00

First, let me say a hearty HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY! to all my fellow mothers out there. We have a tough job, but the rewards are many and well worth it. I pray that God blesses each of you today. On to today's regularly scheduled program...

I don't know that there's that much AMAZING about me. But, well, here's some fun facts about me. I was going to wait until closer to my birthday to post something like this, but since Wives of Faith insisted…

1. I had surgery when I was 2 days old to remove a large tumor in my neck (think man’s fist in baby’s neck). The doc’s said there was a 95% chance I would be physically/mentally handicapped to the point of being unable to take care of myself. Other than a paralyzed shoulder that limits how much I can lift, I’m completely normal. Well, you know, as normal as I can be.

2. When I was little (like 6 or so), I tricked my sister into thinking a tomato cage was a Chinese trap. With her arms pinned to her side, she attempted to hop to my dad and fell flat on her face—result? Not good…she had to black eyes and a big goose egg on her forehead. Yeah, is it any wonder I still don’t like tomato cages?

3. I was published in the city-wide literary magazine when I was in the 3rd grade for a little piece on Martin Luther King, Jr.

4. I am the blessed mother of three darlings. I wouldn't trade this job for the world!

5. I’ve been to Disney World TWICE! I went with my high school band my junior year, and the school dance team my senior year. Fun times! I so intend to take my kids in a couple of years!

6. I’ve lived in 6 states (one state four times) and one foreign country.

7. I graduated Top 10 in my high school class.

8. I married the love of my life and he still surprises and delights me.

9. My first pregnancy/delivery was my hardest. I had diabetes and eclapsia by the time they induced labor. It took 20 hrs of labor and almost 2 hrs of pushing, but Alana was finally born. Both mother and daughter recovered from the experience nicely!

10. My passion is to share the extraordinary ways that God works in our lives through fiction writing.

11. I am human. I know, shocker. I make mistakes, but I am redeemed by a loving Savior and share an inheritance befitting a princess.

Now that you know a little more about me, what about you? Tell me something AMAZING about yourself.

Ralene’s BeachFest Trivia Question:
Alana starts Kindergarten this year—where is she going to school?

DON'T FORGET! Last night to enter a short 300 words on your best birthday for 30 points toward the grand prize package! Also, go back and leave a comment on Friday's post for a chance to win Exposure by Brandilyn Collins!

Top 11 Fun Things I"m Determined to DO in Hawaii!

2011-05-06T22:00:00.001-10:00

Yesterday, one of my 11 reasons I love being a military wife is the opportunity to make the most of every place we go. Somehow, my husbanded landed a much coveted duty station—Hawaii! Now, while I wasn’t totally excited at first, I am loving it here. Due to some circumstances beyond our control, we haven’t actually been able to get out and do much, but boy do we have a list!

1. Island-hop. There are like 125 islands that make up the Hawaii chain. While I don’t intend to visit that many, I do want to visit Maui and the Big Island.

2. Spend a day out at Diamond-head.

3. Take a leisurely drive around the entire island (except for the one little part where there’s no roads).

4. Take in an official luau.

5. Visit the Polynesian Cultural Center.

6. Visit the Dole Plantation.

7. Have a weekend with my hubby at the Hale Koa.

8. Spend a day at Pearl Harbor.

9. Visit the zoo and the aquarium.

10. One day, when I have more stamina, I want to go on one of the several beautiful hikes.

11. This one I’m almost embarrassed to say I haven’t done yet—hit the Stadium Swap Meet!

There are several other things we plan to do while we’re here, but these are what I’m most excited about. We have 2 ½ years left here, so plenty of time to take it all in! What do you want to do where you are? (even if you’ve been there for years!)

Ralene’s BeachFest Trivia Question:
For what website am I the newborn/baby blogger? Hmm…

DON'T FORGET! Email me your best birthday in 300 words or less for a chance to win 30 points toward the grand prize package! (due tomorrow night)

Top 11 Reasons I LOVE Being an Army Wife!

2011-05-05T22:00:00.000-10:00

Some people may be giving me that crazy look. You love what? Seriously? What meds are you taking? But I do. Maybe it has to do with the fact that I was raised in a military home, or maybe it’s just that I’m people-oriented—but I love being an Army wife.

In honor of Wives of Faith’s Blog Carnival, here is my Top 11 Reasons:

11. It teaches your independence and self-reliance. I’ve talked to some women who wouldn’t have a clue what to do if their toilets, mower, etc broke. I know other women who have complained about having their husbands gone for a weekend. Trust me, you learn quickly in the military.

10. An inside look on how the military works. I’m sure it looks a lot different to those on the outside not “in the know”, you know?

9. People are impressed when I tell them all the places I’ve been. Not that I’m trying to impress them, but you know. Hehehe…

8. Okay, I hope that I don’t sound greedy/selfish here, but I love the discounts. If you know anything about the military, you know we don’t get paid nearly as much as we should. *cough, cough* Although there are several other perks that we enjoy. Still, with the economy the way it is, every little bit helps. I am so grateful for the way that businesses treat their soldiers/military families.

7. My kids will have so many experiences that they would not likely have if we were settled in one place for the majority of their childhood. From learning how to make friends to learning how to let go, from interacting with different types of people to living in different cultures, from the importance of values to the importance of discipline—my children will grow in many ways just from living the military life.

6. Amazing opportunities to encourage and minister too other women. Programs like PWOC offer ways for military wives to fellowship and study the Bible together. Other volunteer positions in program like the FRG (Family Readiness Group) and Spouse groups offer chances to meet other women. Online, one can find a plethora of groups for the military spouse (like Wives of Faith!).

5. The most interesting places. No matter where the military sends us, our home is what we make of it. I wasn’t too happy about going to Hawaii and being secluded from the rest of my family. But now that I’m here—I still miss my family—but I’m making the most of it. The scenery is downright beautiful—we see rainbows on a daily basis around here. Yet even in the most mundane of places (like Ft. Leavenworth, KS), there’s still so much to see/do nearby.

4. Meeting new people! In the many travels of a military family, you run across all kinds of people from different races, religious, cultures. You realize just how diverse this world is and how connected we all are.

3. This one may sound a bit off, but I love being a military wife because it forces me to rely on God. Whether my husband is deployed, or safe at home, or I’m moving from my home state to a completely different culture, or I stress about normal, everyday things—I have to turn it all over to God or I’d completely use my sanity. God and I have done nothing but grow closer over the years.

2. The bonds we form with other military wives. I don’t remember where I saw/heard this, so I’m paraphrasing here. But as military wives get to know each other and go through the stuff that we do, our friends become our family. They become who we turn too when it all gets too much. They are the ones who know how to encourage us, who know what we need. It’s a very unique bond that I think little others know, especially because it can form so fast

1. The number one thing I love about being a military wife? The honor and pride in being married to a man not afraid to lay his life down for his family and his country.

As you can see, I enjoy many aspects of being a military wife, but I most cherish the relationships forged and the memories made. Join me tomorrow when the Wives of Faith Blog Tour subject is 11 Fun Things I want to See or Do in Hawaii!

Ralene’s BeachFest Trivia:
What genre do I write in?

Leave a comment about your favorite thing about being a ______ wife/husband to be entered to win a copy of Brandilyn Collins’ Exposure! Winner drawn Monday.

Character Blog Tour Announcement!

2011-05-05T00:01:00.000-10:00

Today, I have an exciting announcement. I’ve already been proclaiming this on FB, Twitter, and on some email loops, but I’ll go ahead and post it here too. After all, this is where the big event is going to take place! Mark your calendars, people!

This summer, I am hosting a Character Blog Tour here on Faith Without Limits. Exciting, I know! I’m going to have a slew of writers, published and unpublished, visiting every Tuesday and Thursday for the months of June, July, and August. The fun part is they will be blogging as/with the main characters from their novels! Yes, yes, all sorts of creative juices will be flowing for this one. Some people are even going to offer giveaways. This will be an event to remember!

If you’re a writer and would like to participate, sign up now! I have 2 slots left! All you need is an MC to do the talkin'. The guest post can be about whatever you want as long as your MC is involved.

If you are a graphic artist of some type, or just good with creating stuff on the computer, I'm looking for someone to make a logo I can use for these posts for cheap (read: free).

In other news, for those who were wondering, Connor is doing great. He's completely recovered from his stay in the hospital. I took him for a follow up on Monday, and the only new development is he can't stand the doctors. Now, he's just toddling/crawling around getting into anything and everything not tied down or hidden away. Don't you just love toddlers? I do!

Ralene's BeachFest Trivia Question:

How many siblings do I have?

Prizes Announced!

2011-05-03T19:39:00.002-10:00

I have finally figured out the prizes for Ralene’s BeachFest!

FIRST PLACE: A homemade basket (pictured above, but different material) full of all kinds of goodies—books, candy, coffee, stationary, cards, and more are all possible goodies to be found in this basket!

SECOND PLACE: $20 gift card to Amazon

THIRD PLACE: $10 gift card to Amazon

So come on and join in the party! Remember, the daily trivia is worth one point, but today I also introduce Ralene’s BeachFest Challenge—the winner gets an automatic 20 points!

Ralene’s BeachFest Trivia Question:

Where did I graduate from high school?

Ralene’s BeachFest Challenge (due by Sunday, May 8^th):

Tell me about your favorite birthday in 300 words or less. Email them to me at raleneburke at yahoo dot com and I will post the winner next Tuesday.

Taking a Hold of Destiny!

2011-05-03T00:01:00.000-10:00

As I move into the next decade of my life this month, I’ve done a lot of reflecting on what I’ve done so far. It’s nice to think back on the things I’ve accomplished over the last 30 years.

Normal stuff like graduating from high school, getting married, having children.

Career stuff like working my way up to restaurant manager before realizing that wasn’t where I needed to be, making the big decision to focus on my writing, going the extra mile by attending the ACFW conference.

And not so normal stuff—surviving surgery at 2 days old, growing up with little evidence of physical disability (and no mental disabilities), surpassing everything the doctors ever said, adjusting to life with diabetes/high blood pressure.

Lately, I’ve felt like my life has reached a point where it’s not going to change much for the next several years. A rut as some would call it. I don’t feel like I influence much beyond the inner circle of my family. That’s not a bad thing, don’t get me wrong. But I just have this big faith that wants to set the world on fire—to get out there and DO something. Then that fire dwindles to an ember because I tell myself that I have responsibilities—kids, a husband, a home, the military. Like I can’t have it all.

But there’s good news. God is bigger than me! God is working all around me. I have to be open to both the BIG and small ways. I’ve said it before on here (and we all know how good I am at taking my own advice), but if you want to change the world—start with one person, one act, one choice.

I’m turning 30, and I don’t feel that I’ve made my mark on this world. But—who cares? I am only 30, and it’s not like I have one foot in the grave. I’m still young. Yes, I might have limitations because of my family (whom I adore!), but that doesn’t mean that God can’t use me in BIG ways.

So, this year, I’m pulling my head out of my self-centerness, and opening my eyes to all the possibilities. A good friend of mine, Kimchi, told me before I moved to Hawaii that she knew that God was going to use me in BIG ways while I’m out here. I, of course, doubted her and said sure, sure. But I’m going to take her words and raise them to the Lord. I am His servant and I want to be used!

Can I get an AMEN?

Ralene’s Beachfest Trivia Question:

What is my favorite color?

May 3in30

2011-05-02T00:01:00.000-10:00

Okay, so if you followed by blog at all last month, you know that April was one of those up and down months. I semi-finaled in the ACFW Genesis contest (yay!), but my 10-month old son also spend a week in the hospital (boo!). So, when it came to my goals for the month, I seriously lacked focus, motivation, and time.

I did make some progress on one of the goals: Drinking more water. Yay! I figured out how to make the yucky Hawaii water taste better, so am more inclined to drink it. I pulled out my trusty, green water bottle and filled it up, stuck it in the fridge. And there it sat. So pretty. I did manage to get through at least one water bottle a day, so now I just need to keep using it more and more. Take it with me when I leave the house—stuff like that. One thing that I’m going to try to do to help with my water intake is the basis for my first May goal.

1. Limit my soda intake. Right now, I probably drink the equivalent of a 2-Liter of Diet Coke a day. Yes, it’s THAT bad. My goal over the next 4 weeks, is to start replacing some of that soda with water. I hope by the end of the month, Diet Coke becomes an occasional treat (like when eating out), instead of a daily necessity. This will also help me save a few bucks in the budget department.

2. Finish up this round of edits for my WIP as well as the query letter/synopsis to go along with it. After I find out about the finals for the Genesis contest, I plan to start the querying process with this novel.

3. Exercise! I want to start exercising 3-5 times a week. Over the last month, I acquired a few new accessories to help me with this. Hubby got a great deal on a Kinect that a buddy who is moving to the mainland was getting rid of. It came with Zumba! I also invested in The Biggest Loser workouts for Kinect as well. On top of that, hubby finally cleared out the garage and set up his weight bench and my Gazelle. Now, we really don’t have an excuse not to workout. I hope to start walking a bit too, even if it’s just to take the kids to the park that’s not right next door.

So, there you have it folks. My plan for May.

Ralene’s Beachfest Trivia Question:

What is my middle name?

May is My Birthday Month!

2011-05-01T00:01:00.001-10:00

Everyone already knows that I'm weird, so I'll just add to the pot. I LOVE my birthday. Seriously. I don't even mind that this year is a doosie--the big 3-0. That's right, I'm rockin' into a new decade, and I'm gonna do it up right!

So...

We're going to be celebrating for the ENTIRE month of May. Hey, it's my party, and I'll make as long as I want to. As much as I enjoy getting presents and being treated like a queen, I also am all about the giving. This month is going to be crazy with giveaways, contests, trivia. Oh man, are you in for it! You readers will probably make out better than I do!

My big contest for the month is Ralene's BeachFest! Here's how it works. Throughout the month, I'll be hosting different contests, challenges, and trivia to help you earn points. I have an spreadsheet where I'll keep track of names and points. The top 3 scores at the end of the month will win some great prizes from ME! I haven't quite decided on them yet, but I promise they will be awesome. When I do figure it out, I'll announce them and then post on the side of the blog.

Every day, I'll be posting a Ralene trivia question at the bottom of my post. These are worth ONE point to the first person with the right answer. Some of the answers can be found throughout the web at places like Facebook, Twitter, Writing.Com, Wives of Faith, this blog and my personal website. Some of the answers you're just going to have to guess. Yes, I can be evil like that--it's my birthday! :)

So for the first point...

Who can tell me on what day I was born? (Month/Day)

Have fun!

You Can Find Me...

2011-04-26T22:00:00.000-10:00

...Still at the hospital. Yes, today (Wednesday) should be Connor's last day in the hospital. He has been doing wonderful--he's off IV fluid, his appetite is back, and he is getting sufficiently annoyed with the confining crib in his room. Too bad he has to be hooked up to a pulse oximeter or I'd just let him run.

You can also find me over at my good friend, Jill Kimerer's blog. She asked me five questions...I answered five questions. Go join in the conversation! :)

For all you military wives out there, you can find me over at Wives of Faith, I haven't posted anything in the past week, but you can look me up or just read some of the other great articles by fellow military wives.

Do you have any news to share? Any place around the web we should be looking for you?

Update on Connor

2011-04-23T10:00:00.002-10:00

If you follow me on Facebook or Twitter, you are probably already aware that my son is in the hospital. Let me catch you all up:

Connor has been sick since last Monday night. On Tues, the doc said it was a cold and gave us an inhaler to use when he had trouble breathing. During the day on Tues and Wed, he was fine except for a runny nose. But at night he had trouble breathing and was unable to sleep except when I was holding him upright on my shoulder.

Thursday morning it didn't go away. In fact, it sounded a lot worse, he was literally sucking air. By the time my husband got home from work, I was frantic with worry b/c he had quit eating and just wanted to be held all afternoon.

After a little emotional breakdown on my part (after all, I hadn't slept much since Monday night and my son was really sick), hubby told me to take Connor to the acute care center on post. (Acute care center is kind of like an ER, but they aren't open 24/7 and they only handle small stuff...everything else they rush off to Tripler Army Medical Center or a closer ER).

They immediately took him back and started him on steroids and breathing treatments. After they got him a little more comfortable breathing-wise, they called an ambulance and took us up to Tripler. There we had various tests run, including chest x-rays. The diagnosis basically came back as some viral infection was causing his bronchial tubes and trache area to swell, causing strider (the sinking in of the chest on inhale), and use of accessory muscles to help with the extra strength to breathe.

We were admitted late Thurs night. Since then, he's been getting breathing treatments every 2-3 hours. They decided that he has a bad case of croup that is causing the swelling. Every time the doc thinks he's sounding better and starts to extend the time between treatments, he gets worse and his O2 stats drop.

Today he finally started coughing up mucous stuff and his O2 seems to have leveled off in the mid-90s (not great, but def better). Doc said that he will still need treatments for several hours, so he will be staying overnight again.

Hope against hope, and praying, Connor will get to go home tomorrow so we can celebrate Easter at home! So, please, keep praying that God will heal him. Thank you for all your love and support!

Writing Moral Dilemmas by Alex Lidell

2011-04-21T00:01:00.001-10:00

It is my pleasure to once again welcome Alex Lidell to Faith Without Limits. Alex has been a long time critique partner who is a fantastic writer. Her novel, Service of the Crown, will be published by Dial Books soon! One of the aspects that I love about SOC, is that she peppered the novel with moral dilemmas that really make the reader reflect on the situation. So, I asked her to write a blog post about just that! Without further ado...

WRITING MORAL DILEMMAS

My muse savors moral dilemmas – with savage consequences for my characters in Service of the Crown. Nonetheless, when Raregem asked me to write a blog post on the topic, I found that dissecting dilemma creation is trickier than I presumed. A moral dilemma is a conflict between two opposite but ethically comparable choices: should you tell on a friend who broke the law? What if you are a police officer? What if the friend had a good reason? You get the idea.

So far, so good. Things get interesting when you start writing this stuff, because, unlike real life, you get to control not only the dilemma but also the definitions of right and wrong. In fiction, mass murderers (“assassins”), robbers (“rogues”) and juvenile delinquents (“misunderstood teens”) can be beloved protagonists. Lots of strings to play with here.

Let’s get practical. There are two types of dilemmas and you need to know which one you are going for. The two types are

1. Dilemma your character experiences. This deepens characterization and is easier to control.
2. Dilemma your reader experiences. This taps the reader’s emotions directly and is more dangerous.

Character dilemma

Here, the character, Jane, is caught between two choices. The reader will judge Jane’s actions largely by Jane’s own values. Should Jane skip church to go to a party? is only a dilemma if Jane if a faithful churchgoer to begin with. Whether or not the reader goes to church is secondary. At the end of the scene, the reader will get a deeper understanding of Jane, and not necessarily a deeper contemplation his own approach to spirituality.

Yes, yes, yes, I hear your shouts of indignation. Readers identify with characters. I agree. But at the moment we are comparing the two types of dilemmas to each other. A character’s dilemma primary examines the character, any introspection the reader does is a second layer.

Reader dilemma

Here the characters are clear on what they want, but the desires of sympathetic characters conflict each other, leaving the reader to judge right from wrong based on the reader’s own values:

Jane protests greedy Norm’s plan to fire Kate, an elderly employee who’s been with the company over thirty years.

But

Norm knows that Kate does nothing, and has kept her position thus far through blackmail. Plus, he has to let someone go.

But

Kate has no other income and will be homeless without a job. Plus, back in her twenties, she worked hard and saved the company.

But

Kate purposely turned down an offer of free housing to “ensure” Norm can’t fire her. She’s done nothing for the past twenty years because she’s entitled to a break after the sacrifices she made for the company in her youth.

You get the idea. The reader is left torn between Jane’s desire to find an alternative solution, one that would not turn an old woman out on the street and Norm’s plight for fairness and keeping the company afloat. Show that both Jane and Norm are contentious, compassionate and good human beings, and you’ve got the reader torn and involved. The danger is that the reader’s conclusion may not be the one you want him to make.

What do you think? Do you introduce dilemmas into your work? What have you read where dilemmas have been handled well… or not so well? What made them work, or not? Curious minds want to know!

By Alex Lidell
www.alexlidell.com
Author of Service of the Crown, upcoming from Dial Books for Young Readers.

Are Blogs and Websites Necessary?

2011-04-20T00:01:00.000-10:00

The BIG question.

Gone are the days when a writer can shut themselves away and forget the world exists except on the days when their precious novel ships off to the editor. With the advancement of technology, readers want to connect with writers, to get to know who they are and why they write. On top of that, people just like us are on the lookout for tips and tricks on how to make it all work. Like we have it all together…pfft.

So, then we start hearing all about blogs and websites. Do we or don’t we? When? Now? How much attention does it require? Oh, the questions!

Here is what I have garnered from my own research mixed with my personal opinion: Blogs are a must. Unless you have something else to offer, a website can wait until you’ve signed with an agent (at the earliest).

BLOGS

Okay, I’m sure you’re looking at me all cross-eyed now that I’ve declared blogs a must, but let me explain. Blogs are a must for every writer the minute they decide to become a writer. I think their blog should start out as more personal and grow into a professional blog. This may sound a little counter-intuitive—hear me out. I think one thing a lot of writers need, especially in the beginning is some sort of accountability, as well as something that will hold us to deadlines. Blogs can do that. A lot of experts say that when you start up your blog, you should choose a niche that way you can attract the most readers from an audience that will want what you have to offer. I agree that your blog should be that eventually, but in the beginning, it shouldn’t be about the readers.

Blogging, in its rawest form, is a lot like journaling. It’s an opportunity to share your experiences, your hopes and dreams, what makes you tick, etc. For writers, this is an important, and often untapped, resource. Our writing is based on who we are deep down, and we best express ourselves through words. So, in the beginning, set up a blog with this in mind. It’s just a journal. Make up your mind to post only as often as you can fit it in—but at least once a week. You probably won’t garner many followers at first, and that’s okay.

The more comfortable you become with blogging, and the further you progress in your writing career, you can start to channel your blog into what you have to offer—what you’ve learned, what you are working on, what you’re exploring. If you’ve followed me long, you know I’m all about three things—faith, writing, and family. I talk about life as a Christian, military wife, homeschooling-mama who wants to be a published author.

As you take your blog to a more professional level, you’ll want to increase how often you post. The adage is that you will attract more readers the more often you post. So, once you hit professional level, it’s best to post AT LEAST three times a week. I typically post 3-5 times a week depending on how busy I am. The next is my downfall—be consistent about it. If you’re only going to post M-W-F, then post M-W-F. Your readers will come to expect it—and readers can be rather fickle. We still love them though.

Blogging can be a great marketing tool once you’ve been contracted. If you’ve spent the time building up your following ahead of time—when your dreams come true, you’ll have a team of people ready to support you after all you’ve done for them! Mutual giving.

WEBSITES

I don’t have a lot to say on this at the moment. Websites are not necessary in the beginning stages of writing, or even as you get into it. Websites are where people go to find out more about you and your product. If you have nothing to offer, there’s no reason to have a website beyond your blog.

Once you become contracted to be published, a website is good to help promote the upcoming book. It gives you an opportunity to display more about you and your writing and invite people to interact with you.

Now, if you do have something else to offer—maybe you’re a freelance editor, or maybe you write historical romance and also make handcrafted items indicative of that era—then a website will help promote both sides of your world in one, central location. Something to be considered.

What about you? What are your opinions on blogs and websites? Please share!

My Lil' Boy...

2011-04-19T07:03:00.004-10:00

So, my plan for today was to post a reflection on Easter as it approaches in less than a week. However, this morning, all I can be is a worried mom.

My son woke up at about 3:45 this morning wheezing like crazy. I could hear him breathing from another room! It was very scary. I got dressed and rushed him to what I thought was a 24 hour urgent care (that's what we'd been told) on post. We were told they'd assess him real quick and if need be put him in an ambulance to rush to an ER. Yeah, it wasn't even open.

By this time, his breathing had returned to normal, so I turned around and went home. I figured I'd either take him to the urgent care when it opened at 6, or if Connor was doing better, I'd just make a same day appointment.

We got home and he pretty much went straight to sleep. I stayed with him just to listen to him breathe until I was sure he was fine. Then I went back to bed for an hour (days like this you wish the older kids would just sleep in).

Now, I find myself plagued with worry. My reflection on Easter has turned into a prayer for help and of thanks. Without the sacrifice made on the cross that day, and the fact that 3 days later, Jesus rose from the dead--I would not have the humble ability to go before my Savior and lift up my son.

When Connor woke up again, he sounded awful! Wheezing again, stuffy nose. Poor baby. He has an appointment in a little while. Hopefully we can find out what's wrong with him. I'll keep you all updated!

Stories, Articles, and Blogs...Oh, My!

2011-04-17T20:10:00.002-10:00

Over the last couple of weeks, we’ve talked about steps to take toward making writing a career instead of just a hobby—to include making a schedule that includes writing time and a special space to write. Now it’s that time. We push everything else aside to sit down with a blank computer screen for a couple of hours. What do we do next?

For many, they just want to sit down and start on that novel they’ve had simmering inside for weeks, months, even years. That’s great! It’s exciting to have that motivation and desire to get it all out on paper. If you can think of nothing else you would like to do—go for it. Just start writing. That’s how I wrote my first couple of novels (the ones that are in the back of the closet and will probably never again see the light of day).

Take a minute, though, to consider a few other options. In Jerry B. Jenkins’ book on writing, Writing for the Soul, he ventures to suggest that we should start small—articles and short stories. He began his writing career with articles for his local newspaper on area sports; it was many years before he joined with Tim LaHaye to write The Left Behind series.

For the most part, I agree with Mr. Jenkins. When we start writing, we should use articles and short stories to teach us how to make our writing tighter and to use stronger verbs/nouns to make the prose pop. This doesn’t mean we can’t work on our novels—after all, sometimes those characters won’t let us rest!

This is where a good writing schedule comes in. It’s nice to set aside at least one writing day a week just to focus on articles and/or short stories. The continued practice will only help you in your overall writing style, but there’s an added bonus.

Articles and short stories are a way to get your name and style out there before you reach the end of your novel. If you’re looking to earn a little extra cash, selling articles to magazines and online content offer a quicker turnaround (and slightly better odds) than waiting on your novels.

Don’t think you have what it takes to write articles? Take a moment to take stock of your interests and expertise. For me, I can say that I am a follower of Christ, a wife, a mom, a writer. I am into homeschooling, learning how to cook and organize my home, reading, accomplishing goals…the list goes on.

There are many different types of articles, from how-tos to devotionals to features. While you may find it harder to break into features, starting out with how-tos and short devos will open many doors. Study up on the different types of articles and match them up with your interests/expertise. Then start looking for places that want what you have to offer. Check out the market guides, local/regional options, do a little research online. You’ll find there is a lot out there for you to get some experience under your belt.

I cannot express enough the benefits of incorporating articles and short stories into your writing routine. Even poetry and blogs can help. Poetry allows you to use more colorful, flowery language, often with even tighter word restrictions. You also learn more about rhythm and flow, meter and cadence. Blogs…well, we’ll talk more about that on Wednesday!

Join me tomorrow as I reflect on my journey with Christ as we venture into the last week before Easter. Wednesday, we’ll talk about blogs and websites…do writers need them and when. Thursday, Faith Without Limits will welcome my CP and good friend, Airdale, as she talks about moral dilemmas in our writing. Earth Day is Friday and we’ll see what I can whip up for then! Something about Easter and Earth Day…there has to be a way to connect the two. Welcome to another week at Faith Without Limits!

Schedules: Get Your Family Involved!

2011-04-14T16:56:00.003-10:00

Know what’s harder than putting a schedule together and making it work?

Putting it together and making it work when it involves people other than yourself.

Everyone is different. They have different priorities, different strengths and weaknesses. Different routines. And they don’t all fit into the nice-sized gift box that is our own vision of a schedule. Son is more active in the morning and can accomplish his chores as soon as he wakes up, while Daughter has to be dragged out of bed, kicking and screaming. Hubby’s mornings are rushed, but he gets off at a decent time and has some spare time between work and dinner.

I hope that you kept that in mind as you built your personal-slash-family schedule. Now that you’ve got the schedule planned out, it’s time to get the family involved!

Call a family meeting. Relate the schedule as you see it…don’t forget to include the why and wherefore. Sometimes people are more cooperative when they understand where you’re coming from.

Listen. Really listen. The kind of listening that workshops talk about. That means open your mind to the possibility that the schedule is not yet perfect (trust me, it’s probably not). My hubby and I had to discuss in depth how much time I would to devote to my writing, and when it was best to work in that time. We came up with an excellent schedule that actually afforded me more time than I had anticipated!

Work out the kinks they point out. If Son thinks his grades would improve if he dropped one of his three extra-curricular activities because he’d have more time to study. Go with it. If hubby says it’s too much of a stretch to make it home for dinner at 5:30, but he could definitely make it more consistently at 6. Go for it. It doesn’t hurt to try.

One big fact to realize is that, just like a schedule isn’t right for every family, it may not be for every person in the family either. Some people freeze under such structure, others thrive in knowing exactly what comes next. As long as the routine is understood and everyone is knows what is expected of them (i.e. Son takes out the trash at night before he can watch TV) then you are on the right track.

When your family is on board, it makes everything easier. You don’t have to fight them tooth and nail at every point in the day. In fact, isn’t that the point of a schedule? To make sure you get the necessary things done and out of the way so you can enjoy more time with the ones you love?

God bless and have a great weekend!

Make Your Schedule Work for YOU! Pt 2

2011-04-13T23:23:00.001-10:00

Welcome back to our exploration of that thing called a schedule. In the last post, we discussed the first four steps in my 10 Steps to Creating YOUR Schedule! We made a list of everything we do in a typical week (to include boring, everyday stuff like cleaning). We made a list of our priorities in life. We then combined the lists, placing each activity with a priority, and then we prayed over the lists.

Today, after having a day or so to think and pray, we can sit down and continue.

5. Grab your calendar and mark down anything that occurs on a weekly basis at a specific date and time. Bible study, church, meetings, playdates, work, school…you get the picture. Your schedule has to work around these.

6. Create your priority schedule. With the remaining activities on your priority list, start filling in your schedule. Start at the top and work your way down. For me, I start under my God priority. The first thing I work in is my quiet time at 5:45-6:30 in the morning. This way I start my day off in the right mindset! Then comes my husband—gotta make him a priority, so I schedule date night before my week gets too cluttered. Keep working your way down until you reach the bottom.

7. Make a cleaning schedule. I used to be one of those that didn’t have a schedule and I would end up spending hours on Saturday making everything just right, or hurrying to clean up the house before company came over. Then I discovered Flylady… If you’ve never heard of her, run over to Flylady.net, you won’t be sorry! Talk about a time (and sanity) saver. But here is what my general cleaning schedule looks like:

Monday—Great Room plus Daily Mission (DM) from Flylady
Tuesday—Bedrooms (wash linens every other week), DM
Wednesday—Bathrooms, Meal/Grocery planning, DM
Thursday—Laundry Room/School Room, Grocery Shopping, Errands, DM
Friday—Van, Great Room, DM
Saturday—Yard/Porches
Sunday—Laundry catch up (my goal is to not have to do this, but some weeks…)

***Side Note: These are intense cleaning days, it doesn’t mean I ignore the room completely until the next time I’ve scheduled to clean it.

My suggestion is to work cleaning into your schedule 15 mins at a time. Flylady’s motto is that you can do anything in 15 mins—you’d be surprised on how much you can accomplish! I can clean the entire bathroom, to include sweep and mop, in 15 mins!

8. Don’t forget down time! There is nothing wrong with watching TV. There’s nothing wrong with reading a book. There’s absolutely nothing wrong with sitting on the back porch sipping iced tea while the kids run around in the backyard. Everyone deserves, and is better for having, some downtime. If you know you won’t give it to yourselves (I’m mostly talking to the perfectionists out there…you know who you are), schedule it in. Now. It’s a must.

9. Move things around, try something new. Now you’ve got this schedule all laid out. Maybe one or two things aren’t looking right. Maybe you realize you’re not devoting enough time to one area, or maybe too much to another. Change things up. Like I said earlier, I used to do my quiet time at night, but because I was so tired, I only had that time maybe once or twice a week. Since I’ve moved it to the morning, it happens almost every day without effort.

10. Put your schedule to work—but be flexible and open to change. This is a work in progress. Every Sunday night for the first few weeks, sit down and tweak the schedule as you see fit. Once you get the hang of it and everything falls into place, you’ll be all the happier, and more accomplished!
Know what I did today?

Changed the bedding, cleaned the kitchen (a doc apt through off my schedule yesterday), 2 load of laundry, homeschool (2 hours for preschoolers), a review for my critique workshop, 2 blog posts, caught up on emails/blogs, and spent time with hubby and the kids—and it’s just now 3:00 pm. All I really have left to do today is to vacuum the bedrooms and make dinner. Then I have an FRG meeting later tonight, and maybe some writing time.

It’s amazing what we can accomplish when we have a plan. No matter how loose or strict it is, it’s a blessing if it works for us!

Make Your Schedule Work for YOU!

2011-04-13T00:01:00.001-10:00

Every discussion I’ve encountered concerning schedules often has at least one person (often more) who say, “I just can’t stick to a schedule” or “I prefer more flexibility”. This is all well and good, but we still need some structure or we will whittle away time with laziness, selfishness, or busy-ness. In case you’re curious, I have definitely been guilty of all of the above! So they say, better to have a plan and not need one than to not have a plan and need one.

If you’re a writer, working in time to write/review/read/study the craft is necessary. If you work outside the home, making time and inventing way of accomplishing household tasks is a must. If you’re a homeschool parent, it’s likely that you’ll lean towards focusing too much on school or not focus enough as you let housework, activities, etc take over.

We all need some sort of routine to keep us on track. The key is finding the schedule that will work for us, not just a schedule that will make us work. So here is my 10 Steps for Creating YOUR Schedule:

***First, you will need a pencil/paper, a calendar, appointment book (if you have one), and some time to sit alone (or with your spouse) and think/talk.

1. The first step is to make a list of everything you need to do during a TYPICAL week. If you have a few things that happen on a regular basis in a month (but not necessarily every week), list those as well. This should be as complete as you can make it. Be sure to include stuff like housework, grocery shopping, church, etc.

2. Next, put that paper aside, and on a separate sheet of paper, consider your priorities. List them, leaving a few spaces between each. Based on Biblical principles, mine looks something like this:
*God
*Husband
*Kids/Home
*My Health (if you knew all my health issues…)
*Extended family/Friends
*Ministry
*Church activities (not church itself)
*Other activities (FRG, MOPS, etc)

3. Now, assign each of the activities from the first list to your priorities. What this exercise does is find areas in your schedule that are unnecessary or not being used adequately. This is just a visual for you and something to get your brain firing up before you start making your schedule. For instance, I recently cut out most of my TV time, because I found that I could have more time for both my kids and my writing, if I put that aside. Sounds like a duh-thing, I know. But sometimes you don’t want to give up shows you like. Now I just stick to two or three favorites, which I DVR so that I can watch them on MY time.

4. Pray over your lists. Take the time to consider what is important and why. Does Sally really need to be in soccer, dance, AND cheerleading at the same time? Would it be better for spouse to pick up Bobby from football on his way home from work, so that you can squeeze in 45 minutes of exercise/cleaning? Make notes as they come to you, but don’t start trying to work a schedule yet. To keep from making any rash decisions, these thoughts need to stew and simmer until…

THURSDAY!!!

A Day in the Life of Ralene

2011-04-11T00:01:00.001-10:00

Last week, we discussed the steps anyone who wants to be a writer should take. One of the suggestions was to make time in your schedule to write. After all, how will you ever be a writer if you don't get to write?

Now, I know in this day and age we have so much to keep us busy. If you're anything like me, you have everything from work to family to house to writing. Oy! It all adds up!

People keep asking me, both on the blog and in real life, how I do it all. Honestly, I'm bewildered because I definitely don't think I have it all together. There are days when I am stressed beyond belief. Still, I thought I'd give you a peak at "A Day in the Life of Ralene". Then, on Wednesday, I'll offer tips and tricks for carving out a schedule that works for YOU (not me, YOU).

A Day in the Life of Ralene:

5:45-Alarm goes off

5:45-6:45-Quiet time and morning rountine

6:45-8:00-Emails/Blogs/Social Media
7:00-Wake up kids (if they aren't already)
7:30-Breakfast (yes, I'm a horrible mother, I check my emails during breakfast)

8:00-9:00-Misc, sometimes I clean, sometimes I finish up emails, sometimes I help the kids get ready for the day

9:00-11:30-School
9:00-Baby goes down for nap

11:30-1:00-Lunch and cleaning

1:00-3:00-Kids rest time, me writing blogs/reviews

3:00-5:00-Free time to hang with kids/watch a TV show/read

5:00-Start on dinner, we usually eat about 5:45/6

7:00-Hubby takes over with kids, writing for me

8:00-Bedtime for kids

10:00-Reading

10:30-Lights out for me

For me, this is a good balance. It offers time for the things that need to be done (housework, school) with the things I like to do (writing, spend time with family).

Of course, this is an ideal day. I have to keep myself flexible for the needs of those in my life--family, friends, church family. Sometimes I'll have a week that needs to be more writing focused (like when I am prepping for a contest), or one that is more family dependant (like when I have a sick kid or there's a holiday).

The first thing that suffers if things get out of whack is the houskeeping. It's my least favorite, so I have absolutely no qualms with putting off dusting until tomorrow...or the next day, or the next. If that goes on for too long though, I go into cleaning overdrive!

So, that's a glimpse at my day and what goes on. Stay tuned because on Wednesday, I'll offer tips and tricks for making your schedule work for you.

In the meantime, what about you? What do you do to get it all done?

Get Real Friday

2011-04-08T00:01:00.004-10:00

UPDATE: Yay! I'm a semi-finalist in the ACFW Genesis contest! We're going to party here on FHS next week. :) Schedules and a party? Do those even go together? lol...

Hey everyone--Happy Friday!

I don't know about you, but I am so excited the weekend is just about here. I need the break! So, a little update from me:

*Yes, the above photo is the actual picture of our washer and dryer. Aren't they pretty? lol... The piles of laundry are gone AT LAST!

*The Genesis contest semifinalists should be announced sometime today. Eek! I can't tell you what a ball of anxiousness I am. Originally, I thought I wouldn't care if I made it to the next round or not, I really just wanted some professional feeback. However, if I'm completely honest--getting cut in the first round still sucks.

*I have not been working on my 3in30 goals. I know, it's horrible. But since I've felt so good this week, my focus has been on finishing up my house. And this week was a review frenzy in my critique group, so most of my writing time has been reviewing my good friend Kurt's story.

*Connor started walking! Yes, it's very exciting. He doesn't go very far, only a few steps at the moment...but he's being very brave and letting go of the couch/table/hand. My hubby loaded a video on Facebook. You'll have to go to my page and check it out!

*I've been participating in the Bible in 90 days challenge and I'm keeping up with that fairly well. It's an interesting goal, one I've never attempted before. Still, reading through the OT now, I am enjoying those old Bible stories.

So my first week of April has been productive, though not necessarily as much as I would like. Any progress is better than none! What about you? Do you have any news to share? Spill it!

So You Wanna Be a Writer? (Pt 2)

2011-04-06T00:01:00.000-10:00

So You Wanna Be a Writer…Pt 2

On Monday, we discussed what comes next after you decide that you are, in fact, a writer. As a quick refresher:
10. Start to Budget for extras.
9. Join national/local groups for writers.
8. BICHOK
7. Start small, dream big.
6. Join a critique group.
5. Adjust your schedule to allow time to write.
4. Don’t give up on reading!
3. Write, write, write!
2. Read every book on the craft you can get your hands on.

And now for the ugly truth.

The number one thing that a new writer has to do is…

LET GO OF YOUR ILLUSIONS.

I know, I know—“But, Ralene, I don’t have any illusions. I don’t expect to be the next “insert name of famous author here”.” (Did I even punctuate that right? Oy!)

Trust me…that’s not the only myths that new writers (and some not so new writers as well). I could start a whole different Top 10 for that, and maybe I will someday, but not now. Instead, I just want to let you in on a few little secrets.

Writing isn’t easy.

That’s the biggie. You may have cranked out 70-200K words blindfolded with one hand behind your back. Sorry—it ain’t that easy. Some of the best times for a writer are when they are creating a new story. They get to live vicariously through their characters and experience things they may not otherwise (or possibly re-experience something they already went through). It’s fun to discover new people, places, and ideas.

It’s also hard work and little immediate return. When you commit to writing, something always gets sacrificed. For some it’s time with family, others it’s their social life, and still others (like me) it’s stuff like housekeeping, hobbies, etc. For some, it’s all of the above. Writing can be a very lonely profession. (And people wonder why we’re obsessed with Facebook, Twitter, Blogs, and other social media!)

Sometimes, though, we just want to give in. Give in to that TV show, give in to that date with the girls, give in to that voice in the back of our head telling us we’ll never amount to anything so crawl under a rock and hide. Writer’s block hits and we’re ready to throw in the towel—is it really worth it?

Inside we discover a strength we didn’t know we had, and we push through and move on. We do what we do because it’s our passion, our heart, our lifeblood.

Just so you know, the publication process is slow.

The average wait time for a novel to go from contract to book shelf is about 12 months. Sometimes shorter, often times longer. And that’s AFTER it’s been contracted. No one told me that it can take up to 2 months to hear back about a stinkin’ query letter…IF I hear back from them at all. Or that, even though the agent/editor sounded SO excited in their request for a full manuscript that it could be anywhere from 1 month to 6 before I hear a yay or nay.

The joys of writing.

All that to say…writing is tough. Not just anyone can write, and write well. That’s not to discourage anyone…but to reveal the ugly truth. Let go of your illusions, roll up your sleeves, and dig in for the long haul.

Here’s just a few fun quotes from fellow writers:

Diane M Graham: “One of the best parts of being a writer is creating a world and characters. One of the worst parts of being a writer is the responsibility of that world and its characters.”

Kimchi Lya McMahon Blow: “The worst thing and best thing...the creative "voice" in me never shuts up!:) Sometimes that's bad and sometimes it's good!”

Katie Ganshert: “The best thing about writing is writing. The worst thing about writing is writing.”

Do you see a trend in those quotes?

So You Wanna Be a Writer...Now What?

2011-04-03T19:01:00.001-10:00

Almost five years ago, I made the biggest decision in my life next to getting married and having kids. I wanted to write professionally. Of course, that’s easier said than done. I can say I’m a writer, but what makes that so? It has to be more than my verbal announcement.

The decision to write professionally means a lot of changes. Some are fun, and , well, some aren’t. Let me tell you right off the bat: Writing is not easy. That’s not to say it isn’t fun, but it’s definitely not as easy as it appears at first.

When I first sat down to crank out my first novel—I had the time of my life. I wrote and wrote and wrote. The words came effortlessly, the story and characters were fun and interesting. Then, thanks to a critique group, all my hopes and dreams were dashed. What was all this about plotting and character arcs? What in the heck is wrong with adverbs? Don’t even get me started on the intricacies of query letters, synopses, and pitches.

There are things that took me awhile to discover on my own, so I thought I’d share my expertise (pfft!) with you. First things first! You’ve made the decision to become a writer. That’s great. Here’s my Top 10 for New Writers (in ascending order):

10. Start to budget for extras. Being a writer comes with its own unique set of expenses. From printer ink and paper to writer conferences, sometimes it isn’t cheap. The sooner you start saving, the more freedom you have later on. (I highly recommend getting yourself down to a good writers conference!)

9. Join local/national writing groups. There’s nothing like a group of like-minded people who get together and cause trouble! There’s also nothing like a good support group when you get stuck—whether it be research, schedule-juggling, or just plain writer’s blues. There are several out there, and for different genres. I am a member of the American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW)—a fabulous group with a wealth of information and support, not to mention and kickin’ conference in September!

8. BICHOK (Butt in Chair, Hands on Keyboard)—sit down and write! Nothing is better for a writer than practice. And we all know that practice makes perfect, or at least as close as we’ll get this side of heaven!

7. Start small, dream big. I first read this concept in Jerry B. Jenkins book, Writing for the Soul, a few years ago. He suggests that a writer start with producing articles and stuff of the like, then moving on to short stories, and finally a novel if they so wish. I don’t necessarily agree with the whole of that concept—I see nothing wrong with writing articles and working on a novel at the same time! I do agree that mastering different types of articles and the art of short stories can do a lot to enhance your skills as a novelist.

6. Join a critique group. Our eyes are only as good as our brains. And what happens when our brains see the same thing day in and day out? They become accustomed to what’s put before them. We cannot be unbiased readers of our own novels. It would be like being an unbiased judge in a cutest baby contest that your child is in. There are several different ways to go about this—several online writing sites have different kinds of critique groups. I belong to one on Writing.Com and have had some really big breakthroughs with them. Some groups, like ACFW, offer critique loops that encourage the formation of unique critique groups. If nothing else, you can advertise that you’re looking for a critique group and see what happens! For a while, I also had a dedicated critique partner. She was a great asset and it was nice because she knew MY writing style and all about my novel!

5. Adjust your schedule to allow time to write. We all have busy lives. Me? I have three young kids (5, 4, and 9 months), a husband who is in the military, active in my church and local playgroups. This year, I also start officially homeschooling two oldest. I have to make writing a priority or I’d never get anything done. This does not mean that I make it more important than my other responsibilities, but I know I have to make certain sacrifices (like TV time, extra time with kids/hubby). With the help of my supportive husband, we work out a schedule that allows me time for writing and for extra stuff like reviews, blogs, and building my platform (yeah, I’ll talk about that eventually!).

4. Don’t give up on reading! Great writers and great readers. If you push reading to the side, then you’ll lose a major area of both enjoyment and opportunities to learn. Read everything—good, bad, and in between. Learn from the masters, learn from the mistakes—what worked? What didn’t? While I wouldn’t go so far as to analyze every book you read, it definitely helps to reflect on what you can learn from it.

3. Write, write, write! Did I mention this before? My mistake…it must be doubly important! You’ll never learn if you don’t try. Trial and error is the best way to find everything from your writing style, to your genre, to your voice.

2. The second most important thing every new writer should do is to read as many books on the craft as you can get your hands on. This is very important. There is so much good advice available to you out there. If you can’t afford to purchase the books, borrow them, check the library—just read! Another great option is to find and follow the blogs of published authors, agents, editors, and other publishing professionals. They are a wealth of information. Just don’t go all stalker on them…

Here's a SHORT list of some great books on writing (both Christian and non) to get you started:

On Writing by Stephen King
Plot and Structure AND The Art of War for Writers by James Scott Bell
Writing Fiction for Dummies by Randy Ingermanson
Bird by Bird: Some Instructions on Writing and Life by Anne Lamot
Writing the Breakout Novel AND The Fire in Fiction by Donald Mass

And stay tuned on Wednesday for the number one thing that new writers need to do! Yes, I’m completely evil that way. For those of you experienced writers, what do you think of this list? Anything you’d add to it?

April Goals for 3 in 30

2011-03-31T19:18:00.001-10:00

In the month of March, I participated in the 3 in 30 challenge hosted by two amazing blogging mamas. At the end of February, I posted three goals I wanted to accomplish for this month. You probably don’t remember, so here is the short recap.

1. Finish major edit of Dividing Spirits.

2. Drink more water.

3. Start walking.

Well, you’ll be happy to know that I accomplished exactly ONE of those goals. If you’ve been keeping up with my blog, then you already know I finished my major edit of Dividing Spirits. Exciting, I know!

Now is the time to let you in on what my goals are for April.

The first two are going to be the same goals I had in March, but was not successful with. So, my first goal is to drink at least 8 glasses of water a day. Since society has successfully ingrained in my head to be scared of tap water, and bottled water is ridiculously expensive, I invested in a filtered pitcher (the nozzle on our tap isn’t the right kind to hook up a filter). This way there is always cool, healthier water for me in the fridge.

I’m also going to start walking more. The park is about a half mile away, so if I take the kids there three times a week, that’s a mile—which is definitely a start right?

My third goal is probably the one to put the most pressure on me. I want to read and rewrite most of The Impossible Choice. IC (as I fondly refer to it as) was the novel before Dividing Spirits. The story was beloved by many of the people who read it (professional writers and good friends/family). However, I set it out to 3 agents and pitched it at a conference with no bites. At first, I was pretty bummed and put it aside to write Dividing Spirits. Lately, though, I’ve felt the push to go over it again.

Last night it hit me. I knew how to fix IC! Most of it anyway. I started jotting notes down like crazy. My mind just would not be quiet—which is a good thing, I suppose. So, for those of you who thought I gave up on that emotional and suspenseful novel, have no fear. It’s coming back bigger and better!

I hope you were able to accomplish your goals last month! If you would like to share your goals for April here, we can keep each other accountable—a checkup mid-way.

Happy April!

Inspire Me!

2011-03-28T19:17:00.000-10:00

One day…

One day I will have an office to call my own, and not a little corner of a room. When that time comes, I’ll have the freedom to design it however I please. I can draw inspirations from here and there to create a place that is wholly and purely—me.

However, being a military family that lives on post more often than not, that’s not likely to happen anytime soon. So, instead, I have my own little corner carved out in the bedroom. There’s not much to it, really. A desk, a file cabinet with a printer on top. Yep—that’s about it.

So, how do I take a place like this and make it my own?

1. Personalize it! You have your own unique tastes—allow yourself to splurge just a little to use those tastes to create your work space. Like colored sticky notes instead of the plain yellow? Get a few to go crazy with. Maybe you always wanted a mouse pad with Taz on it (if you don’t know who Taz is, quit reading immediately. Just kidding!). Personally, I love all things color, so I have colored sticky notes, colored pens, colored paper clips…the list goes on. What can I say? Color inspires me!

2. Play with it! Just like when you first move into a house, sometimes the first set up doesn’t end up being the most ideal. Maybe you thought having the notebooks stored below the desk was best, but you found that you were spending too much time digging for a specific one. Instead, maybe they need to be stacked neatly in the open space above the computer so you can select the one that you need with ease. Make these changes as needed, don’t let them fester and get under your skin. It’s easy to take a few minutes to rearrange.

3. Plaster it! Don’t forget…your walls are your friend. So, invest in a couple of corkboards or whiteboards. These are great ways to keep track of lose papers, hold calendars, and jot notes. Don’t go overboard—unless that’s your personality. Clutter often gets me down more than inspires me creativity.

4. Pictures! Paper! And Parcheesi? You know what sometimes inspires us the most? Those little trinkets that make us smile, the ones that distract us just enough to all our minds to muddle through that last road block. So put up a couple of pictures of family/friends, or of beautiful mountain views, flowers…whatever tickles your fancy. Write your favorite quotes or short excerpts of books/poems on colorful paper and post them around your work area. And Parcheesi? Sometimes games that work our brains will stimulate more activity. Now, I technically have no idea what Parcheesi is…it just started with a ‘P’.

I’m still in the process of getting my “office” sorted out. As the days go by, I hope to start incorporating my inspirations into my work space. I know I have those pictures somewhere…

What are some steps you can take to up the inspiration quota of your work area?

UPDATE: I just finished the substantial edit of Dividing Spirits! Yes, I’m super excited to have that done. I’m putting the novel aside for a bit to work on the query/synopsis/proposal part of the writing process. After that, I’ll probably do some more planning for Sam’s Way. The story is really starting to come alive in my head. In a couple of weeks, I’ll come back and do another run through Dividing Spirits to pick up anything I may have missed, possibly add in some more layering. Fun stuff!

Where in the World is Ralene?

2011-03-28T06:27:00.005-10:00

Okay, so the title didn't have the same ring as Carmen SanDiego. I tried...but it all sounded strange.

Anyway, this week I'm blogging over at Encourage. Empower. Extend. on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. Normally, I don't let those posts interfere over here. But, I wrote a devotional on peace as we prepare for the month of April. Won't you join us over there to share what you think of when you think of peace?

Encourage. Empower. Extend.

Tomorrow, I'll be back here talking more about the work environment that inspires us.

Homeschool Saturdays

2011-03-26T06:48:00.003-10:00

In the past, I've made it a point not to post on the weekends. However, as my life takes some more twists and turns, I find three things taking over my life. Writing, of course, but also family (duh), and HOMESCHOOLING.

For those of you who hadn't heard, my husband and I decided to homeschool are kids pretty much from the start. We got all those arguments from family and friends on whether or not we were doing the right thing, but this is the route we feel led to take for a variety of reasons.

Up until now, I haven't talked about it much on here. We've been "unofficially" homeschooling our two daughters who are pre-k age. Alana just turned 5, though, and would be starting Kindergarten in the fall. Time to look at things from a little more official standpoint.

I don't plan to start the Kindergarten curriculum until August, but now is the time that I'm doing my research and making my plans. Believe it or not, I'm actually not procrastinating. And as I do my research, make my plans, etc, I'm going to share my journey with you guys. I figure those of you who homeschool might find some new insight, even if you've been at it for years. Those who don't, maybe you'll get a peek at a world you've not been exposed to before.

Monday through Friday is still all about faith, books, and writing...but Saturdays are for Homeschool Wrap-up!

Don't Sit There!

2011-03-24T19:01:00.001-10:00

As the unpacking process reaches the point of “no boxes”, I’m busy arranging, rearranging, and changing my mind again. You know that crazy indecisiveness as your mind toys with the million and a one choices and strategies—even as I type, I’m resisting the urge to move the living room furniture once again.

Part of this process is, of course, setting up my work environment. Being a writer, I have specific requirements for optimum creativity. Ideally, I like a quiet place with lots of light and few distractions. In my old house, I was blessed to have areas to make a complete separate office. However, due to circumstances that I won’t talk about because I’ll just want to scream, our new house is bigger, but a different setup. I don’t have the extra rooms like before.

After much contemplation, measuring, mouth-twisting, I finally made some decisions. My work area is now split into two areas. Downstairs, right off the kitchen, the house has a built-in desktop. This area is my work station during the day. It’s where I compose my blog posts and delve into reviews. I check my emails and play on Facebook and Twitter. It’s also where I do all the rest of my organizing of life—menu planning, organization plans, homeschool schedule, etc.

Our big desk fit nicely on one wall of our bedroom. Now, normally, I would not like the desk in our room. After all, the bedroom is supposed to be a sanctuary, a place to relax. But due to space constraints, this was the best option. So all my novel-related work will take place up there. We have a nice big window to let in lots of light. I can shut the door on the world and settle into some peace and quiet.

Now it’s time to set it up in exactly the way I think will jumpstart the most creativity. Not sure what that is yet, but I’ll have fun playing with the set up. I do know that I want to get one corkboard for character/setting notes/pictures. I’m a pretty visual person, so I think that will help stimulate my muse and get me “in” the story.

I’ve noticed that I have different preferences depending on what I’m writing and where I am in that project. When I’m writing a first draft, nothing bothers me. I can be inside/outside, standing up/sitting down, on the couch or at my desk. I just get excited to write! When I’m researching or editing, though, I’m much pickier. I want quiet. I want a specific set up. The biggest difference, I think, is that when I’m writing a first draft, I can do that in short spurts. Twenty minutes here, thirty there. When I research/edit, I get frustrated with anything less than an hour. Strange, huh?

Work environment can be pretty essential to who we are as writers. It can affect our energy, our focus, and our creativity. Do you know what your preferences are? How do you mold your surroundings to fit those preferences?

What's on Your Shelf?

2011-03-23T08:11:00.005-10:00

Quick personal update:

We got our new washer and dryer yesterday! Hallelujah! My mountain of laundry will take a few days to get through, but still...doing laundry in my own home. *sigh* No, the picture is not of our exact set (I couldn't find a picture of the one I have), but it's close except for one big thing. Mine's crimson! They're so pretty...lol.

Okay, back to the blog post.

I've been trying to read some more lately. I figure if I can't be working on my WIP as much as I want, I can supplement that time with good books.

I typically have three books in rotation at one time--a fiction, a non-fiction, and a book on writing. Currently, those three are:

Blood Ransom by Linda Harris (Kindle)--This is an overseas suspense novel about a woman and a doctor who get caught in the middle of a political scandal in Africa. So far, it's pretty good. It's not the best book I've read, but it's entertaining and keeps me turning the pages.

The Complete Guide to Getting and Staying Organized by Karen Ehman (paperback)--If you've ever been to my home, you know that I am not the most organized person in the world. In fact, quite the opposite--I'm messy without being dirty. Cluttered maybe? lol... Anyway, I won this book in a blog giveaway a few months back. Now that I'm getting into my new home, time to get organized!

The Art and Craft of Writing Christian Fiction by Jeff Gerke (Kindle AND paperback)--I'm sure most of you have heard of this book. It is an awesome tool to own. I have started it a couple of times (please don't let that be a reflection of his work as it is my own fault), but life keeps dragging me away.

What's up on my TBR pile next? Frank Peretti in my fiction pile, Max Lucado in the non-fiction, and Plot and Structure by James Scott Bell for writing.

What about you? What's on your shelf right now? What are you looking forward to reading?

New Beginnings

2011-03-20T20:00:00.000-10:00

It’s that time again, folks. I’m reaching the end of my major edit in Dividing Spirits—I hope to finish by the end of the week, possibly the end of the month if the ending fights harder than I’d like.

With one project ending, another one is beginning!

On Saturday, I didn’t have what I considered enough time to edit before I had to tackle more boxes. So, instead, I contemplated what my next project would be. Over the last few weeks, I’ve been slowly planning out the next novel in the Dividing Spirits series. However, earlier last week I read a blog post that got me thinking.

I have not sold Dividing Spirits to a publisher yet. There is no guarantee that it will ever be picked up (though I hope and pray that it is!). So, if I put a lot of effort into the next book in the series, but Dividing Spirits is never picked up (or it isn’t picked up for a few years), then I’ve put in all this effort without a chance to bring it full circle.

So what do I do next?

Well, I’ve decided to go ahead and outline the next two books, and then an overall outline for the series (it’s a trilogy of trilogies, so NINE books). That way if Dividing Spirits is picked up, then I have the lineup for the publisher to check out before I delve into it.

As for my next project, though, I started brainstorming one of my other ideas. The overall plot has been in my head for a year or so, and I’ve been jotting notes here and there as they come to me. So, on Saturday, I started to flesh it out more by talking to the characters! Let me tell ya, these are some interesting people…and a few scary ones as well. I mean, c’mon, I do write suspense. Eek!

I got the short bio for my antagonist written out, even found the perfect photo for her online. Turns out she looks an awful lot like Lauren Graham (mother in Gilmore Girls, also some bit parts in several movies). She’s also an abused wife—which will require some research on my part to be sensitive to what she’s gone through. Her sister died from a disease when MC was in high school, which inspired her to become a doctor. Well, I won’t bore you with the details now.

I’m sharing with you because I’m excited for this new journey. As sad as I am to put Ninevah to the side for a while, I’m ecstatic to meet new friends to occupy my head for the next several months!

Tentative Title of the next project? “Sam’s Way”, it’s the name of the town that the majority of the novel takes place in. Yes, it is a supernatural suspense. Eek! Watch out for all the demons and ghosties! Hehehe…okay, not quite.

Back to Dividing Spirits, I don’t remember if I mentioned on here that I entered the ACFW Genesis contest. It’s the first 15 pages and 1 page synopsis of the novel. The first round will be wrapping up in the next two weeks. I’m anxious to get some professional feedback from the judges (one of the perks that makes the entry fee totally worth it!).

After I see how it goes with Genesis, I plan to start querying. Eek! That’s an exciting and terrifying time in itself.

So look for upcoming posts on both the querying and the planning process. FUN!

What are you working on? If you’re not a writer, do you have some other project to work on? (On Wednesday, I’m going to talk about my latest reads and catch up on the latest from you all!)

Happy Birthday, Alana!

2011-03-17T20:35:00.003-10:00

Today, my oldest child turns 5!

I know, right? It seems like just yesterday--ok, not really. It actually feels like so long ago. It's hard to remember life before kids. The kids are sucking out my brain!!!!

Okay, I'm better now.

As I was saying, Alana is 5 today! I remember it all very clearly (except for about 12 hours during/after delivery). We had just moved to Fort Hood. We'd been in temporary housing for 3 weeks and had JUST got our house. It went like this: Friday, sign for housing; Monday, household goods arrived; Tuesday, go in for blood pressure check and get admitted to the hospital immediately.

Yeah, you can imagine the thoughts zooming through my head as the nurse wheeled me (in a wheelchair--as if I couldn't walk!) from the Women's Care Clinic upstairs to Labor and Delivery. I finally called my husband and somehow amidst my blubbering, he figured out that he needed to get to the hospital ASAP! Talk about freaked out! I could hardly think straight. It was my first child, we were on a new post where we knew no one, we had just got a house and nothing was unpacked.

Then my doctor comes and tells us that they aren't going to induce labor right now, but they are admitting me to the hospital, hopefully for two and a half weeks. Um...but my house isn't unpacked!

Well, that didn't last. Two days later, due to complications, they induced labor.

I won't go into the horrors of the labor/delivery, it might scare some people. Let's just say 21 hours of labor and 2 hours of pushing, Alana finally made her appearance! At 5 lbs 11 oz, she was a tiny bundle of joy!

Groggy mommy didn't notice much for the next few hours as she came off of some meds and some shock effects to her body.

Today, she is a super smart pre-schooler who loves to learn and draw. When she's not curled up with her pencils/crayons, she likes to play dressup with her sister and running around outside!

Happy Birthday, Alley Cat! (it's what my dad nicknamed her b/c of how she sounded when she was born)

Contest for Writers!

2011-03-16T06:44:00.003-10:00

Calling all my writer friends--you must check out this contest!

We're always looking for fresh eyes, right? This editor has plenty of experience and she's GIVING IT AWAY! The prize for this contest is a free substantial edit. Yes, you heard me right...a free SUBSTANTIAL EDIT.

But hurry, time is running out.

http://www.editorcassandra.com

Sunday Night Done Right

2011-03-14T07:38:00.004-10:00

I don't watch a lot of TV anymore. I just can't get into a lot of shows. However, Lifetime does Sunday night up right.

Last Sunday (not yesterday, but the week before), Army Wives premiered with it's fifth season. It's a promising season that has me on pins and needles! Yay!

Premiering along with Army Wives was a new show called Coming Home. You know all those videos of soldiers coming home you've seen haunting the web--well the made a tv show out of it. I was kind of skeptical of how they would sustain a show like this, but after two episodes, I can see it has staying power. It's like America's Funniest Videos meets One Last Wish foundation. People send in videos of their homecomings to share with all of us (and make us cry). But the show also sets up a big homecoming for a lucky fammily. The first week it was for a father and son who loved sword fighting. Yesterday it was uniting a single father with his violin-playing daughter at a symphony. Can I hear the collective "Aw..."? lol...

So, what do I do on Sunday nights? I pop some popcorn, grab a Diet Coke and box of tissues, and settle down (usually in my bedroom) in some comfy PJs. Two hours of tear-jerkers...

Boxes, Boxes...What's a Tsunami?

2011-03-11T08:10:00.004-10:00

Okay, contrary to the title, I do know what a tsunami is. It's that thing that drowned New York in the move "The Day After Tomorrow". It's also the thing that hit Hawaii really early this morning. Guess what?

I slept through it.

I know, it's bad to say, but I did. We're far enough inland and up high enough that we were unaffected by the waves. The coastal areas were hit, but so far no major damage...at least not compared to the coast of Japan.

I awoke this morning, not thinking about much. I set the kids up with some cartoons and turn on the computer. I started to contemplate breakfast as I pulled up Facebook. Voila...a bunch of posts on my wall expressing concern and prayers. Um...did I miss something? Oh wait, there was supposed to be a tsunami last night. (Yes, sometimes I'm a little slow in the morning)I rushed to find my phone--sure enough, voicemails and texts. Oy! Darn that time difference!

First thing I did after that was call my mom.

Since then, I've been trying to update everyone. I hate that I made everyone worry so much. I wish I had been up earlier so that I could have assured everyone I was okay.

Now, though, my prayers go up for all the people in Japan who suffered, not only a earthquake with hours of aftershocks, but also a 23-foot tsunami.

At some point, I'll get back to unpacking. :)

Boxes, Boxes...Where'd the Baby Go?

2011-03-08T21:45:00.000-10:00

Just kidding!

We didn't lose the baby. I don't think. Wait...where'd he go? *big grin*

So, yes, today we are knee-deep in boxes, well, more like chest-deep. They are stacked in every corner, by every piece of furniture. Whereever you turn...there they are. I'm imagining a Stephen King novel called "Attack of the Cardboard Boxes". Yeah, pretty scary stuff.

For now, NO ONE is allowed to touch them. No one but ME! That's right. I prefer to do the unpacking all by myself. That way everything goes where it needs to go and not just thrown around. Hubby doesn't argue because he hates moving/unpacking. He takes the kids to the park, to the store, out for dinner...and I get set up house. LOVE IT!

It's amazing to me that our whole lives are packed into all these boxes. Each one a small snapshot of our lives. From a vox of DVDs to a tub of toys, what do they say about us? I'm sure I'm being too philisophical for a mid-week blog post, and it's probably because I'm too tired. Maybe once the insanity recides, I can see more clearly and turn this paragraph into a more formal post.

I'll keep this short for now. These boxes aren't going to unpack themselves. Although, how cool would that be? In the meantime, how do you feel about moving--love it, hate it? Any good moving stories out there? Let's dish!

Anticipation

2011-03-06T21:11:00.003-10:00

The long awaited day arrives tomorrow.

My family finally gets to move into our very own house!

I cannot tell you how we have counted down the days, hours, and minutes. It has been a long, frustrating road. Let me give you just a peek at the past few months.

On December 6th, 2010, movers came to pack our stuff up and haul it off to be shipped to Hawaii.

On December 13th, hubby and I dropped the van off in St. Louis for it's long trip overseas. Then proceeded to take our 30 day vacation (a little less than 30 days).

On January 9th, we began the 14 hour trip from St. Louis, to LAX, and finally to our home state for the next few years...Hawaii. We check into the nice little inn on post.

February 8th was our original move in date, but due to circumstances beyond our control, we lost the house. A new move-in date was set for a different house--March 4th. Did that happen? Nope.

Here it is--tomorrow is March 8th and we'll finally be in our new digs.

YAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

On just as happy of a note, my youngest daughter celebrates her 4th birthday today! Unfortunately, we don't get to celebrate quite as fully as we normally like to, as we are hurriedly packing up the room so we can move tomorrow. However, we plan to throw a family party on Tuesday evening.

Four years ago, I lay in hospital room surrounded by my mom and two sisters (husband was deployed at the time...he has a knack for arranging that when I'm pregnant). Labor was induced at about 8 in the morning, and Kyra arrived 8 1/2 hours later with only a few issues.

Today, she is a excitable drama queen with lots of energy. She's rarely without a smile and she loves to be the center of attention. Her favorite color is pink and she is obsessed with princesses. That's what she is...our lil' princess.

Happy Birthday, darling!

Let's Share--Websites

2011-03-04T07:53:00.004-10:00

Yes, that's my son. He STOLE my husband's cupcake at a FRG meeting last month. It was hilarious. Hubby gave him a small taste, and the next thing we know, Connor swings himself forward, mouth wide, right into the cupcake. Yeah...too funny.

On Wednesday, I shared with you all some of my favorite websites. Now it's your turn! Let's share some more websites that we find useful, edifying, or just plain fun.

Have a great weekend all!

Oh, the Places You Should Go

2011-03-02T07:20:00.003-10:00

I'm kind of at a loss of what to blog about today. Rather than having the kind of writer's block where I have nothing to write, I'm facing the opposite problem. I have too much that I want to write about and not enough time at the moment to organize it into separate, coherent posts. I know, why am I complaining about such a "problem"? No worries, I'll get everything organized pretty quickly.

In the meantime, I thought I would highlight some of my favorite sites to visit, or blog posts that stood out to me.

Hope for Women Magazine- This is definitely a girl-y magazine--but in a good way. From profiles and interviews with some pretty amazing women to health to fashion to life in general, Hope for Women strives to encourage women to be strong pillars of faith in all areas of their lives.

If you're a military spouse, Wives of Faith is a wonderful community of Christian women who support and encourage each other through the ups and downs of military life. The site offers a host of different activities like Blogs, Bible Studies, local groups, and even a community forum.

Also a big thumbs up to PWOC International for their blog. Their devos are poignant and I love reading the updates from the different regions. If you're a military wife and haven't heard of PWOC, visit their website for more information!

And if you want to hear about the daily dealings of the fab Army wife, visit my good friend Kimchi's blog: Fab Life, Army Wife.

When it comes to writing, there are a hundred blogs I could point you toward, but two of my favorite are Jill Kemerer's and The Writing Alley. Both blogs feature fantastic women who are fun and witty. Both blogs offer different perspectives on writing and the writing life.

So, go, peruse, enjoy!

3 in 30 March Goals!

2011-02-27T19:28:00.002-10:00

In case you haven’t heard of 3 in 30, it is basically a large support group geared toward helping people achieve 3 of their goals in 30 days. They began in January, but March is the first month that I’m joining in. So here are my goals for March:

My first goal is to drink more water. I’ve gotten out of this habit and completely fallen back on Diet Coke and I can tell the difference. If I want to be active and lose weight, I need to stay hydrated. I’ve got a nice water bottle in storage, so when we get that out, I plan to use that to keep track of how many ounces of water I’ve had for the day—flylady style. I’ll keep colored bands around the bottle, and every time I fill the bottle up with water, I’ll move a strap up. This way I don’t forget how much I’ve had or try to cheat myself out of the benefits of staying hydrated.

Second on my list is to start walking…another habit I’ve let fall to the wayside. With all the moving and the frustration of getting three little kids ready to go out and being in hotel…well, I just haven’t had the patience to do anything. But now I say, no excuses. Get out and do it! Be a force of Nature (see my other blog!). I want to start by walking 3 times a week.

And last on my list is the most exciting for me. I want to finish my WIP, Dividing Spirits. I mean, finish it completely, editing and all that jazz. I’m on chapter 23 of my big edit/rewrite, which means I have 18 chapters left. After that will be at least one other run through to pick up anything I missed. I plan to devote at least 2 hours, 6 days a week to get this done.

So, who wants to join me? What are your goals for the month? Let's share and keep each other accountable!

Let's Share--Kids Say... Pt 2

2011-02-24T22:00:00.000-10:00

As you all know, I've been complaining a lot about my situation over here in Hawaii the last few weeks. It's been rough--we've dealt with everything from illness to floods to broken air conditioners. Every now and then, we just need a good laugh.

So...

Back in October or November, I hosted the first "Kids Say..." post. It was a big hit and we all got some pretty good laughs. If nothing else, it's good fodder for us writers out there.

Bring it on! What hilarious or endearing things have your children said?

Let's see--for my story. Hmmm...there's so many to choose from.

Well, a couple of night ago, Alana and Kyra were playing in the hotel room. They lined up the three chairs in the room and were hopping from one to the other. Connor so wishes he could play with his sisters, so he does his funny lil' crawl over to a chair and pulls himself up.

The next thing I know, Kyra is shaking her head and yelling at Connor.

"What's wrong, Kyra?" I asked.

"Connor is eats greasy balls."

Certain that I did not hear her write, I said, "Excuse me?"

"Connor has crazy balls."

My husband was now paying attention. "What?" he asked, laughing.

She shook her headful of curls and yelled at the top of her lungs, "Connor is driving me crazy nuts."

*SIGH* Kids...

You're turn!

Rejection Musings

2011-02-22T22:00:00.001-10:00

It is my honor to introduce you all to a dear friend of mine. He's definitely one of a kind, but no one can hold a candle to the size of this guy's heart. He writes YA/MG fantasy novels and causes all around mayhem within our critique group. Ladies and gents, without further ado, Mr. Kurt Chambers!

First, can I just say, thank you so much, Ralene, for inviting me as a guest on your blog. It’s a real honour. Now I have to think of something to talk about. I’m currently in the process of submitting my fantasy novel, Truth Teller, so the first thing at the forefront of my mind is the dreaded ‘rejection letter.’ Dum, dum, dummmm! Yes, I know it’s not the nicest subject to talk about, but one all us writers have to face quite a lot.

How do you deal with rejection?

I think rejection is something that affects people in different ways depending on what stage in publishing game you are. I remember the first time I submitted my first novel. How exciting it was! I was so green, I knew absolutely nothing. Then, after checking my email every hour for the next few weeks, I finally got my reply. I quote…

Dear Mr Kurt Chambers.

We would like to thank you for submitting your material to our agency. After careful consideration, I am pleased to tell you we would like to offer you representation with our agency. Please find a copy of our contract attached to this email.

Yes, the first ever novel I wrote, and the first ever submission I sent, and I get offered a contract. I knew I was good, but that even surprised me! What were the chances of that happening? It was that very question that started alarm bells ringing in my head, what WERE the chances of that happening? Unfortunately, they turned out to be a bogus company after I did more research. A good lesson for all of us; always do your homework.

I’ve spoken to a few newbie authors that were actually pleased to receive a rejection letter. That always makes me laugh. I can remember feeling like that myself. The novelty soon wears off, trust me.

The biggest mistake I made when starting out was submitting before I was ready. I sent out blanket submissions to all the top agents and soon gained a big pile of rejection letters. I’m sure every up-and-coming author is guilty of this when starting out. It’s actually quite damaging. Every time you are rejected by someone, that’s your lot. It’s over! If you want to submit anything else to that agency or publisher, you have to write a new novel.

My advice to any new authors who are considering submitting: don’t be too hasty. Make sure your manuscript is as good as it can be. Tackle the dreaded synopsis and get a good critic group to look at it. And most importantly, have a killer query letter that will grab their attention right from the off. Easier said than done, I know, but your manuscript will not even be read if you don’t get your query just perfect.

To all those writers out there that have been rejected more times than they care to think about, I would just like to remind you that rejection comes for many different reasons. Way too many for me to list here in this blog. The least likely reason for rejection is because they didn’t like your work. Never take a rejection personally. If you are being rejected time and time again, take another look at your query letter. Consider writing another one. Read the many articles of advice you can find on the internet, then try again. After ten rejections, do this all over again.

Rejection sucks, but it’s something we all have to deal with. Never let it put you off or get you down. It only takes one acceptance and you’re off and running! Every successful author will tell you, the key to success is to never give up. Don’t let rejection erode your confidence, it’s just part of the game. I wish you all the luck in the world. You’re going to need it! Hahahaha! *evil laugh*

The Rejectionator.

A Taste of Suspense

2011-02-21T14:25:00.004-10:00

So, I totally spaced on posting today. I had it in my mind this morning to do so, but got lost in my edits. I went on a editing spree today--46 pages so far, may do more later tonight. We'll see how things go.

Anyway, so I thought I'd give you a taste of one of my suspense scenes, or well, part of it. Brief background: Graham and Ninevah have just arrived at Pastor Dan's house. The house is dark even though both Pastor Dan and Miralee's cars are there. Ready? And...go!

“That’s odd,” Graham said, shutting off the headlights.

“What?”

“It’s only,” he glanced at the clock, “8:27, and the house is dark.”

Ninevah swung her legs out of the car. With a glance over her shoulder, she shrugged. “They’re probably just watching TV in the den. We wouldn’t see the light from here.”

“Yeah, the den.” His heart slowed to listen for the slightest sound as they climbed the steps. He turned the knob and eased the front door open. There was nothing. Silence. Darkness. He put an arm out to keep Ninevah behind him as he stuck his head inside.

She crossed her arms and rolled her eyes.

Ignoring her, he pulled his gun from the holster at his side. Quiet as he could, he cocked the hammer.

Ninevah’s eyes widened, her jaw dropped. “What are you doing?” she mouthed.

He shook his head and motioned again for her to stay put. He hoped his stern glare told her he was serious this time. Something wasn’t right. Tension oozed from the house.

He started with the den, straight back behind the stairs. With his gun pointed down, he kept to the wall and edged down the hall. He listened for a moment. No sounds. He stuck his head around the corner. It was dark in the room, but the glow of a streetlamp gave off enough light for him to see that the room was empty.

He turned around and moved back to the living room. Ninevah gave him a questioning look as he stole past the front door, but he held a hand to his lips. In the living room, the ticking of the grandfather clock unraveled the last bit of peace of mind he possessed. He swallowed hard and wiped the sweat from his brow.

A loud crash from the room beyond made him jump.

“Graham, are you okay?” Ninevah called from the porch, but he didn’t respond.

He put his gun out before him again and rushed through the entry. Nothing. No one was there. He eased the gun down and searched the kitchen for the source of the noise. Ninevah’s footsteps reached his ears. He turned to order her back to the front porch when he noticed the back door was open.

The screen door creaked on its hinges, swinging with the wind.

“I heard a cra—”

Graham waved for her to be quiet. Through the door, he could see the backyard. The trees tossed to and fro by the winds of an oncoming storm. He aimed his gun again and took two steps toward the back deck. That’s when he saw it.

A small pool of dark crimson caught his eye. His lungs froze.

He took another step. Blood pooled under a hand.

Another step. His heart thundered in his ears.

Another step.

Miralee lay on the wooden floor.

Okay, back to reality. What did you think? After some advice from a friend, I fleshed out the scene a bit.

Share the Love!

2011-02-13T21:00:00.000-10:00

Happy Valentine’s Day!

Did you know Valentine’s greetings have been popular since the Middle Ages? The written form didn’t appear until after 1400 AD, and the oldest known Valentine is in the British Museum. Interesting tidbits, right?

I love Valentine’s Day just because it is a celebration of love and romance. I know some people view it as another holiday propagated by big business, but not me. I think that these days we are all so busy rushing through our lives that I’m glad that there’s a holiday that reminds us to take time for the loved ones in our lives—be it a significant other or our family.

Let me tell you about one of the sweetest gifts I received from my husband. On our first Valentine’s together (we were still dating), my husband gave me a Valentine’s Barbie Doll. Yeah. At first, I was astounded…I had no idea what to say. A Barbie? Seriously?

On closer reflection, though, I realized that it was a symbol that he was paying attention. In my apartment, I had some rather expensive collector Barbie dolls on display that were given to me by a friend of my family. Although I had never mentioned them, he noticed. He noticed and he cared enough to invest in my interests. It’s not huge…no diamond earrings or vibrant roses, but perfect all the same.

And even to this day, my mom sends me a crisp $20 bill in a card with a little note telling me/us to splurge on my/ourselves. Not allowed to spend it on groceries or bills or anything “rational”.

Love comes in all shapes and forms and all kinds of fun! Here are some wonderful ways to show people you care:

1. Leave little notes around for them to find. I even heard a story about a mom and daughter who had an ugly shirt that somehow they started passing back and forth whenever they’d visit one another. The visitor would find a creative place to hide it where the other wouldn’t find it for awhile, and then when they found it, they would be reminded of the other person and their special bond.

2. Make a nice dinner—this can be for family or SO. Splurge a bit and get the good steak and whip up some fantastic sides. Light some candles. Use the good china. Or even make it a living room picnic!

3. Find your favorite photo, blow it up (doesn’t have to be huge), and find a nice frame. On the back of the frame, write a short blurb about why this is your favorite photo and then place it in a prominent spot for all to see.

4. Give them a call at work or on the cell just to say hi and tell them that you love them. Ask if there’s anything they need. Often when we call people, we have some ulterior motive, something we want. Make it all about them!

5. Show interest in a hobby of theirs. You may not be blown away by it, but you might learn something. Or better yet, pick up a new hobby together!

The nice thing about these suggestions is that they can be done anytime (not just V-day) for anyone. Now it’s your turn! What do you do to show your loved ones that you care? Or even better, what can we do to show those we barely know that we care?

Have a blessed day!

Patience is...

2011-02-12T08:39:00.003-10:00

Patience is what keeps me from marching over to the housing office and ripping off some heads.

Whew! Glad I got that out of my system.

No, I don't have violent tendancies, though sometimes life in the military may lend toward that. lol... The content filter at the hotel where we're staying keeps blocking out Blogger. It's very frustrating and annoying. I can't communicate with all my lovely blogging buddies, nor can I keep up with my obligations to you, the readers, here or over at Encourage. Empower. Extend. and that just makes me miss you all so much more!

For now, though, the filter is letting me through and I'm taking full advantage! If I don't respond to comments, though, you'll know why. The evil content filter has struck again!

Because of my other obligations, I am making a couple of changes here at Faith, Hope, and Suspense. I'm going to cut down my posts to Monday, Wednesday, Friday, which will help me maintain my sanity. I'm also going to open my blog to guest bloggers!

That's right...I'm going to let others use my blog to have their voice heard...whatever they want to say about writing or faith, I'm up for it. Well, not "whatever", but you know what I mean. If you're interested, you can email me at raleneburke (at) yahoo (dot) com and we'll see what we can work out. This will usually be on Wednesdays, offset by interviews, I hope.

Preparing for Genesis

2011-02-02T09:09:00.002-10:00

I'm braving it this year. This year is the time to step out of comfort zone. To just do it. To take a deep breath and plunge into the unknown.

This year...

I'm entering the Genesis contest!

I've been putting it off for a couple of years with life excuses--and this year I could do the same. I'm tired of excuses though. My motto for the year: "No excuses."

So, now I'm in the midst of preparing for the ACFW Genesis contest. Here are my tips for contests:

1. Read the guidelines carefully. It is really pointless to enter a contest and be disqualified because you used the wrong format, especailly since it is easily avoidable.

2. Grammar should be superb. With all the information out there these days, there's really no excuse. Programs like Microsoft Word can catch a lot of grammatical errors, but that doens't mean you should depend on them alone because they don't see everything.

3. Use extra eyes. Have several people read over your entry. Sometimes we are too close to our story to see what needs fixed. Try it out on a few readers just to make sure you're not missing anything.

4. Get the entry in several days before the deadline. This gives you a cushion in case anything should go wrong. If there's a fee, you want to make sure it has time to go through so that you still have time to resubmit the fee if it doesn't go through the first time.

Right now, I'm working on my synopsis. This is only the second one I've written and I'm kind of nervous about it. Like most novelists, I'm great at expanding on something and turning it into a 90K novel. However, condensing a novel down to ONE page. Oy! I think I've done it, though. I just hope it's moderately interesting, especially with all that telling!

What about you? Have you entered any contests lately? Are you entering the Genesis contest?

Over the next week on my other blog, Encourage. Empower. Extend., we're hosting a Valentine's contest. So stop by and join in the fun!

Over on EEE

2011-01-30T21:00:00.001-10:00

Hey everyone!

I hope to get back on schedule soon. Things with the internet have been a bit crazy here at the hotel in Hawaii. Want to hear the "good" news? We're stuck here until the beginning of March. Yeah...four more weeks. Ugh!

Anyway, I have been trying to keep up with my other obligations. As such, you can find me of at Encourage. Empower. Extend. where I spout wise sayings about love and foundations. Yep. WISE.

FORGOT TO ADD WEBSITE ADDRESS: http://encourageempowerextend.blogspot.com

In the meanntime, here's a couple beach pics for you to drool over. Muahaha...

(Late) Goals 2011

2011-01-20T20:38:00.001-10:00

So, exactly how much thought did I give my goals for 2011 over the last two days? About five minutes.

Quit laughing.

Actually, I only gave them about five minutes of thought because I already knew what most of them were going to be. I just needed to figure out how to phrase them in the “proper” way. There’s a proper way, you ask. Yes, yes there is.
Goals need to have the five W’s and the H. You learned them in school, and here they’re popping up again.

Who? What? When? Where? Why? And How?

Who: Who is doing this? Is it just you? A family goal? A goal with a business partner?

What: Be specific when making a goal. It shouldn’t be I want to lose weight. It should be I want to lose ten pounds.

When: Give yourself a deadline. Without a deadline, we are more inclined to procrastinate. I want to lose ten pounds by June 1st.

Where: Is not always applicable, but sometimes with the “how” you need a where. Like maybe for a weight loss goal you need a gym.

How: We are more apt to stick with goals if we have a plan. If we leave the goal as just that, it kind of hangs out there—mocking us. Yes, goals can be evil like that. Again, be as specific as possible. I want to lose ten pounds by June 1st by sticking to a 1500 calorie diet and going to the gym three times a week.

I saved “Why” for last because I think it is the most important, and the least thought about. Why are you setting this goal? You feel it is important enough to actually set as a goal, a commitment, but why? Going back to the weight loss, there are many possibilities—health, feel better about how you look, keep up with kids, envy, embarrassment…whatever it is, if you nail the reason, you’ll have that metaphoric yellow, polka-dot bikini.

So, short summary—be specific and go deeper, set deadline and a plan. One more big thing—make sure the goal is attainable, but also challenges you. If it’s too out there, you won’t follow through, and if it’s too easy, either it won’t stick or, again, you won’t follow through.

My goals? So glad you asked…

I want to lose twenty pounds by June 21st (my anniversary), and then another ten by the end of the year. I am going to follow my diabetic diet and walk/workout at least four times a week. I want to lose weight so that I can keep up with my kids and feel better about myself, knowing I’m taking care of me.

I will write at least 500/day, six days a week (excluding Sundays), by using my free time more productively. These words can be my novels, blogs, or articles—as long as it’s something other than emails and Facebook updates. I want to develop a routine that becomes second nature to me so that I can better my craft.

I will follow Flylady.net’s routines to the letter for six months in my home. I am a crazy housekeeper and I need to change my ways so that I’m not embarrassed when someone appears at my door unannounced. Hopefully, by the end of six months, some of it will be ingrained in my thick skull.

Those are my top three. What about you? What are your goals for 2011? Let’s keep each other accountable. I will revisit my goals (and yours) in three months to see where we are and what changes may need to be made.

*GASP* That’s right. You can CHANGE your goals because life sure doesn’t stay the same!

New Year, Really?

2011-01-18T21:00:00.000-10:00

You know what happens when you move? If your not careful, you lose all ability to tell time. Yep. I'm sure it's a proven fact. Somewhere. On the web.

So, it occurs to me that it's already 2011 and I really haven't thought much about my goals for the year. I know, I'm SO behind. I mean, I know I want to lose some weight (hello, I'm IN Hawaii). I know I need to finish Dividing Spirits so I can move on the next novel in the series. I know there are probably several other things that I'm forgetting.

Time just gets away from me sometimes. Part of the reason I haven't considered my goals too seriously yet is that I am an organized person (usually), and right now my life is total chaos.

I live in a hotel room with two rambuncious (but cute!) preschoolers, a feisty and demanding seven-month-old, and an equally exhausted and frustrated husband. We don't know what exactly is happening with my husband's job, we're trying to get out of getting screwed over by the housing department, and I'm trying to "manage" the daily stuff like homeschooling, cleaning, writing without all the stuff we're used to having around.

Obviously, I don't thrive in chaos.

Anyway, the best way to beat the blues is to get on top of them. Be proactive. Take and running start and LEAP. Weeeeeeee...and see where you land.

So.

On Friday, come back to see what I come up with for my goals. I'll also probably go ahead and post last year's goal post for those of you who don't know all about "setting goals". There is a formula. It works. Most of the time.

Happy Hump Day! See ya right before the weekend. God bless!

A Small Hop to Hawaii

2011-01-16T21:00:00.002-10:00

My how time flies when you’re moving! I can’t believe it’s the new year already—and we’re in Hawaii. If you’ve never moved over the holidays (or with the Army), let me tell you, it’s quite the experience. I’ve never done an “overseas” move with the military before, and there’s a lot that goes with it—from figuring out how to get your vehicle to where you’re going, to planning the best way for you and your family to get there in one piece (i.e. not throwing your hubby out of the plane at 28,000 feet).

Our entire journey was quite the…um…yeah.

As you all know, we took thirty days to visit our families before we made the little hop to Hawaii. Originally, our plan was to fly out of Virginia after visiting with my family—but the Army wouldn’t pay for that, and if we paid for the tickets and got reimbursed, we would have been out a thousand bucks. So…we had to make our way back to St. Louis. There was this whole vehicle situation b/c our van was already on its way to Hawaii, so all we had was our car, which my sister in Virginia was buying. With a little give and take, we ended up taking our car to my in-laws, who then followed us to St. Louis with the plan to take the car back with them and meet up with my sister at a later date.

So, we get to St. Louis on Saturday to stay the night because our flight left at 10:25 on Sunday. At about 12:45 in the morning, my husband gets a automated phone call saying that our connecting flight to Dallas was canceled. What!? (Side note: We had to get to Hawaii on Sunday because hubby had to be at work Monday morning) We spent the next hour on the phone trying to reach American Airlines—only to find that their computers were down. Call back later.

The next morning we call again. The nice agent was able to get us on a flight to LAX and then on to Hawaii. Great! Problem? It leaves in two hours—and we’re not packed (nor have we had breakfast). Rush, rush, rush—we make it to the gate with twenty minutes to spare.

This is the first flight for all my children. They survived the four and a half hour trip to LAX with little trouble. Some fighting there at toward the end, but nothing too major. Well, except for the constant complaining about being hungry, but who could blame them. We didn’t have breakfast. Did you know that American Airlines does not serve complimentary snacks? Not even peanuts! Grrr…

When we got up above the clouds though, Kyra asked me, “Are those clouds?”

“Yes.”

A big smile crossed her face. “Where’s God?”

Then we had a five hour layover at LAX. Oh boy… During this time I discovered a huge whole in my pants, and I’m not kidding when I say huge. I was so embarrassed I wore my jacket tied around my waist. Yeah. The girls were getting antsy having to wait all that time. We made a few trips to the restroom, but mostly, while our gate was empty, I let them run around. May not have been very proper of me, but I know how energetic my kids are.

The second flight, the girls slept most of the way. Connor, however, was just fussy, fussy, fussy. I think he was getting tired of being cooped up all day. Car seat, stroller, car seat again… So everyone got to sleep, except for me. Again, they didn’t have any complimentary snacks as we flew over dinnertime. I don’t think I’m so much a fan of American Airlines.

At last, we make our decent into Hawaii and it’s dark out. How’s that for fun? We spend about an hour waiting on our ride, and finally arrive at the inn where we’re staying at like 11:30. This is when we find out that, instead of a suite like we hoped, we’re staying in an hotel room. A hotel room for up to 60 days—with 3 kids, 3 energetic kids. Yes, I’m counting Connor because he’s crawling and getting into everything.

Anyway, hubby goes to the convenience store to get us some dinner (finally!) Just as he returns to the room, the electricity on like half the island goes out. Did I ever mention my girls are afraid of the dark? *sigh* Everyone to bed…

When the electricity went out, all the lights were on, as well as the TV. Three hours later, when everyone was asleep, the power came back on—along with everything else. Yeah…I needed the whole next day to recover.

Then it rained. And rained. And rained. Rained so much at one point, the hotel started to flood and they put sandbags in front of our door. Luckily, we’ve had an afternoon or two of sun to let the kids get out a bit, and on Saturday it was just gorgeous. We got out and did some exploring. Next? The beach…if the weather holds out.

On a completely different subject. You have to check out the new blog I'm writing for with one of my blogging friends. It's a website for women about getting back to the basics of life and remembering who we are as women beyond what society says.

Encourage. Empower. Extend.

Moving Day

2010-12-06T03:50:00.003-10:00

Hey everyone!

Well, it's that time. Again.

Packers will be here in a little bit to put our whole world in boxes, ready to ship it across the Pacific. As such, my posts on here are about to get, well, sporatic at best. I hope to be able to get on once in awhile to let you know I'm still alive and what I'm up to.

In Jan 2011, though, you can look for me to be back at full speed. I'll be in Hawaii, lounging by the beach--and who couldn't be inspired by that!

Who Can Resist My Hook?

2010-12-03T03:37:00.003-10:00

In October, I entered the ACFWOhio Chapter’s Hook Me Contest. I turned in a back cover blurb along with the first 1000 words to see if I would “hook” the judges into wanting to read my novel.

I finally got the results back, along with some great feedback. No, I didn’t win, but that’s okay. I still did really well. My main reason for entering was that I needed some feedback on my first 1000 words as I’d been receiving conflicting opinions.

I belong to two critique groups which are wonderful and I absolutely respect the opinions of these fellow writers—however, in certain cases they tend to disagree a lot. And the first few pages of my first chapter was one of them. Some people like it just the way it is and believe it accomplishes introducing the characters in a good way before the horrible tragedy at the end of the chapter. Others think that the first few pages are not interesting enough to garner the reader’s attention and keep them engaged to get to the second part of the chapter.

So, for awhile I’ve been debating on who was right and what I needed to do about it (if anything). After receiving the feedback from the judges and then brainstorming with my wonderful hubby, I’m excited to say that I think I’ve finally figured out which path I’m going to try. Which one do you ask?

Well, I’m going to make some changes, but I’m not exactly giving up the first few pages. A little relocation, deletion of a character, and shortening the length of the opening scene will help to introduce the important characters in the “normal” life before I throw that life out of whack.

Too bad I’m up to my head in moving stuff or I’d go rewrite it now! I’m hoping that after we’re packed up and on vacation, I’ll have plenty of time to edit the rest of my novel and go over it a couple more times.

My goal is to be completely done by February. I’m going to try my hand at the Amazon Breakout Novel Award again (despite the disaster that occurred the first time), and then enter the ACFW Genesis contest in March. FEEDBACK! After that, then I hope to start querying it. We shall see!

Hello, December!

2010-12-01T02:00:00.001-10:00

Hello, December! Oh how I've missed you. So glad you've come around again.

Now, for all of my faithful readers, picture this:

Wet snow perfect for sledding and building snowmen

Hot chocolate (or coffee)

Crackling fireplace with a stack of books and that perfect throw

A bare Christmas tree just begging to be decorated

A nativity scene with a missing baby Jesus (yes, I hide mine until Christmas morning)

This is my time of the year!

This year is a little different for us though. We didn't get to put up a tree and decorate the house. We'll be having Christmas "on the road" this year. As we prepare for our transition to Hawaii, we are taking four weeks to visit family (who knows when we'll see them again!).

That's what I'm looking forward to most this year. Spending time with our families. Being military, we very rarely live anywhere close to family. Right now, my family is in Virginia and my husband's family is in Kentucky--we're in Kansas (soon to be Hawaii). Family get togethers only happen a couple of times a year.

This year will be extra special.

What are you looking forward to this Christmas season? Anything special or different? Or are you reveling in the gift of a "normal" Christmas celebrating the birth of Christ?

Farewell November

2010-11-30T04:27:00.004-10:00

Wow! Who can believe it is the last day of November already? It just seemed to fly by for me--so much to do, so little time.

This month is all about Thanksgiving.

You know, I think we learn (or are reminded of) something when we reflect on what we are most thankful for. Sometimes we are reminded of just how lucky we are. Sometimes we learn that good things come to those who work hard. Sometimes we learn that while the day to day is important, nothing compares to time shared with family. Sometimes we learn something completely off the wall!

So before we enter a season of sparkling snow, blinking lights, carols, and a special birthday celebration...let's consider what we learned.

I learned that even in the midst of chaos and craziness when you can't celebrate holidays with traditions, just being with your family can fill you with that special holiday spirit.

What did you learn?

To Kick off the Christmas Season...

2010-11-29T03:45:00.003-10:00

It’s official folks! We have entered into my favorite time of the year. Christmas. I look forward to December from the moment we flip over into the new year all the way until the day after Thanksgiving (which is when I am able to convince hubby to finally pull out the Christmas decorations). I am one of those weird people that would let my house look like Christmas all year long if my husband didn’t threaten to chuck all of the decorations. Hehehe…

My favorite part, though, is definitely the aspect that has diminished over the years. I love celebrating the birth of our Lord, Jesus Christ. That’s the whole reason for the holiday, right? My girls are getting old enough to start understanding what Christmas is all about, and I so look forward to imparting this bit of good news to them.

Know what else? I love Christmas music.

Yep, that’s right. I would also listen to Christmas music all year long if…well, you know. My favorite Christmas song is “Mary, Did You Know?”

As parents, from the time we know we are expecting, we dream of what our children will be when they grow up. We have lofty aspirations for them and try our best to equip them to be the best person that they can be. I’m sure Mary and Joseph were no different.

In the first chapter of the Gospel of Luke, an angel comes to Mary and relates to her God’s will for her. “But the angel said to her, "Do not be afraid, Mary, you have found favor with God. You will be with child and give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus. He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David, and he will reign over the house of Jacob forever; his kingdom will never end."

Now, talk about some lofty aspirations. I wonder how hard it would be to grasp that kind of news. Never mind the part about being a virgin and giving birth, but to know that your son is meant to be THE king in the house of Jacob, or as the angel says in his next line, the Son of God.

When Mary gave birth in a stable and laid her son in a manger, how hard was it to comprehend how this lowly birth would rise to the right hand of God? How would we even know how to train our child for something like that?

One other thing that I love about the song, “Mary, Did You Know?” is that it does a wonderful job of displaying both the deity and the humanity in Jesus. I can’t listen to that song without tearing up each time. Just imagining myself in Mary’s place is enough to humble me.

I have been blessed beyond belief with two daughters and a son. Of course, I dream of what my children will be when they grow up. My biggest hope is that they will be compassionate, God-fearing people who aren’t afraid to make a difference.

Mama's Holiday Wish List

2010-11-22T15:32:00.001-10:00

TodaysMama (link to: http://bit.ly/tmwishlist) and GameStop (link to: http://bit.ly/gamestop10) are giving away a sleighful of gifts this holiday season and to enter I’m sharing this meme with you.

1. What is your holiday wish for your family?

That we will have a safe and smooth transition from Kansas to Hawaii (yes, we’re moving over the holidays).

2. What is your Christmas morning tradition?

We get up when the girls do, open presents, read the Christmas story while monkey bread bakes in the oven.

3. If you could ask Santa for one, completely decadent wish for yourself, what would it be?

A new laptop! Mine is 2 ½ years old and, as much as I use it, has started overheating (even with one of those air fans), and sometimes the internet freezes for no particular reason that I can tell.

4. How do you make the holidays special without spending any money?

Remembering that Jesus was all about helping others, it’s fun to find ways to help friends and neighbors. We also make time for family night with special dinners and Christmas movies.

5. What games did you play with your family growing up?

Oh we are a big game family and played lots of different board/card games. Our favorite was Scrabble for many years, but Cranium may have taken over.

6. What holiday tradition have you carried on from your own childhood?

Opening one present on Christmas Eve, and monkey bread for breakfast on Christmas Day.

7. Where would you go for a Christmas-away-from-home trip?

To visit family, of course! Or somewhere that really goes all out for celebrating Christmas.

8. Check out GameStop (link to: http://bit.ly/gamestop10) and tell us, what are the three top items on your GameStop Wish List this year?

1. Nintendo DS
2. World of Warcraft: Cataclysm (for hubby)
3. Zumba Fitness for Wii

New Photos

2010-11-22T03:29:00.008-10:00

So, a few weeks ago, my blogger friend, Kimchi, and I spent the morning with a professional photographer. We had an amazing time! I don't normally like having my picture taken, but we were having so much fun that I didn't even care. hehehe... The photographer did a fabulous job of making me look halfway decent. lol... Anyway, I thought I'd share a sampling of those photos:

Mini-Review of "Rooms"

2010-11-18T02:40:00.003-10:00

I am on page 115 of the novel, Rooms by James Rubart. I had heard so many good reviews about this story that I just had to pick it up. So far it is living up to all the hype.

From Amazon description:

"On a rainy spring day in Seattle, young software tycoon Micah Taylor receives a cryptic, twenty-five-year-old letter from a great uncle he never knew. It claims a home awaits him on the Oregon coast that will turn his world inside out. Suspecting a prank, Micah arrives at Cannon Beach to discover a stunning brand new nine-thousand square foot house. And after meeting Sarah Sabin at a nearby ice cream shop, he has two reasons to visit the beach every weekend.

When bizarre things start happening in the rooms of the home, Micah suspects they have some connection to his enigmatic new friend, Rick, the town mechanic. But Rick will only say the house is spiritual. This unnerves Micah because his faith slipped away like the tide years ago, and he wants to keep it that way. But as he slowly discovers, the home isn’t just spiritual, it’s a physical manifestation of his soul, which God uses to heal Micah’s darkest wounds and lead him into an astonishing new destiny."

There is quite the wide range of reviews on Amazon concerning this novel. Reading through some of them, most of the 1 star ratings come from people who were bitter because they didn't realize ahead of time that it was a Christian novel and felt "duped". Others just missed the entire point of the book and thought it was just about how money/success and God don't mix (which in not what I am getting so far).

Anyway, so I'll keep you updated as I read this book. I hope to finish it this weekend. Have a fabulous day!

Let's Share! -- Thanksgiving Traditions

2010-11-12T03:17:00.002-10:00

As a child, I always looked forward to Thanksgiving. Most years my family headed out to my grandmothers for the weekend. Now, this may not sound too exciting, but you'd have to know my family. Here are some important stats:

1. My grandmother had 9 kids--all married--all with at least 2 kids of their own. Talk about a full house!

2. My family is VERY big on board/card games, and people are always bringing new games to try out.

3. One of the favorite things for the kids was BINGO. The parents collected little prizes throughout the year and put them in a big box. Yay!

4. BIG family means LOTS of food. I mean TONS! (And not just for the actual Thanksgiving Day event)

5. My grandmother lives in the middle of nowhere. This means all kinds of things for kids to do outside. Dig holes. Play ball. Walk the creek. Go deer hunting. Play with electric cattle fences.

6. Nothing compares to the wonderful feeling of togetherness when surrounded by family.

Now that most of the grandkids are grown and having kids of their own, Thanksgiving isn't quite the same. Not everyone makes it out anymore. A lot of the family has diabetes, so the food has changed as well. Still, I retain those fond memories from childhood of a true Thanksgiving complete with all the trimmings of family.

What are some of your favorite Thanksgiving traditions? Memories?

Thankfulness with a Kick

2010-11-10T02:42:00.004-10:00

Every now and then it occurs to me that my attitude towards certain areas of my life needs some adjusting. I think it always comes to my attention at the end of the year. With Thanksgiving and Christmas, my focus is more finely tuned to the things in my life that I’m thankful for (and too often take for granted).

Monday I talked about joy in all situations—and today delves into that from a different aspect. “Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Jesus Christ for you.” (1 Thess 5:16-18) Not only should we have joy, but we should give thanks in all situations.

Too often I dwell on how much I despise housework. Yet, how often do I stop and thank God that not only do I have a house, but I have a family who would benefit from the loving care of a home. Some people consider home under a bridge or a cardboard shanty.

Too often I grumble about making dinner at the end of a long day (yeah, not so much the cook here). But how often do I thank God that not only do I have food to prepare, but that I have choices—when so many people across the world survive on the basics of basics, if any food at all.

Too often I feel stressed with all the demands on my time. When do I stop to thank God not only for my health, but for such wonderful opportunities to make friends and witness to others?

Too often I get down on myself for neglecting housework, not eating healthy, or being sick a lot. How often do I remember that I was bought at a price? That I am redeemed by a Savior who loved me enough to die for me? That I am a daughter of the King of kings? Why is that not a daily encouragement—the first thought in the morning, and then last one before I go to sleep?

We have so much to be thankful for, and I think we forget about that sometimes. We see reminders sometimes—a commercial on TV to help the starving kids, walking downtown in a larger city, when this time of year comes around and we start seeing more on all the charities like Operation Christmas Child, Salvation Army, etc.

We have a life and we have abundance—we need to live life abundantly with joy and thanksgiving. What do you need to remember to be thankful for?

Joy in All Situations

2010-11-08T02:23:00.000-10:00

Matthew 1:18-23

I grew up a military brat, and the middle of my sophomore year my dad received PCS orders for Fort Knox, Kentucky. When were we moving? Christmas break.

Now Christmas is, and always has been, my favorite time of the year. I love celebrating Christ’s birth. I cherish the family traditions—from decorating the tree to fixing monkey bread for breakfast to hearing the Christmas story one more time. How were we going to maintain those traditions if we were “on the road”?

Over 2000 years ago, a young man faced a situation he dreaded as well. Joseph took a wife who was already with child, a mark of shame in their culture and grounds for divorce.

God had other plans.

An angel appeared to Joseph and revealed the joy in his situation. This baby was the answer to the prophecies of old. His destiny would be to save the nations from sin.

As for me, my parents made the trip memorable. They gave my sisters and I a set of small ornaments and strung a wire around the interior of our van—our mobile Christmas tree. They stocked up on Christmas CDs, goodies, and a couple of presents. We got to spend two weeks visiting family, both in Kansas and Virginia. I had my family.

What I had anticipated to be a horrible holiday turned into one of the best. Even in the darkest of moments, there is joy to be found. Is your heart searching for those possibilities?

Let's Share! -- Who are You?

2010-11-04T17:17:00.004-10:00

Happy Friday everyone!

The year has passed by to quickly and we're already in the last couple months of 2010. November, as we all know, is a time to be thankful. Our blessings make us realize how fortunate we are.

This year one thing I'm thankful for are my blog readers! Yes, that's right. Each and every one of you. You have shown me encouragement and support, you've challenged me to be better and delve deepers. You've cheered with me and prayed with me--you've witnessed me at my best and at my worst.

I could not have asked for better friends over the last year.

Then I came to realize...I don't know all of you that well. So, for this week's Let's Share!, how about we turn the tables. I want to get to know you! Share with us a thing or two about you and let's get to know each other better.

Have a FAB weekend!

Justice

2010-11-03T04:30:00.000-10:00

Let’s pretend.

It’s late at night. You had to work late and now you’re rushing to the car to get home to catch the tail end of dinner and a few moments with the kids before they head off to bed. In your hurry, you fumble the keys and they fall to the ground. When you bend over to retrieve them, the sound of footsteps echo in the parking lot.

You spin around to find that pesky guy on the third floor who’s had his eye on your job for awhile. He thinks you did something nefarious to get the promotion instead of him. With a wild look in his eye tonight, who knows what he’s got on your mind.

You open your mouth to greet him. Before a sound gets out, his fist slams into your nose. Your mind reels as your body falls back. Your unsteady legs search for balance when his fist sinks into your stomach. Doubling over, you stumble to the ground.

He goes to kick you, but you block his foot with your arm. He tries again. This time, you catch his foot and shove him. He stumbles back and trips over the curb, flips over a fence, and slams his head into a tree before sinking to the ground. Dead.

Now you find yourself in a precarious situation. You did nothing wrong—but there is a good chance you will go to jail on manslaughter charges—especially if there were no witnesses to the incident.

My husband and I got into a discussion about this yesterday. Self-defense that leads to prison. Or another example. The robber who breaks into the house, hurts himself, and then sues the owners because he was injured on their property.

Where’s the justice in that?

We live in an imperfect world. Sometimes the bad guys win. Sometimes we do nothing wrong, and still our lives are ruined.

Jesus did not promise us a life free from injustice. Being a Christian doesn’t grant us an immunity to this fallen world.

God does assure us, though, that vengeance is His. He is the ultimate Judge. Each person will have to answer for what they’ve done.

I may get frustrated with events like the ones described above, but I know that God sees all. What goes unpunished or without justice here on earth, will be rectified in Heaven. Praise the Lord!

New Month, Renewed Hope

2010-11-01T01:47:00.001-10:00

“For this reason, ever since I heard about your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all God’s people, I have not stopped giving thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers. I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the Spirit] of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know him better. I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in his holy people, and his incomparably great power for us who believe. That power is the same as the mighty strength he exerted when he raised Christ from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly realms, far above all rule and authority, power and dominion, and every name that is invoked, not only in the present age but also in the one to come. And God placed all things under his feet and appointed him to be head over everything for the church, which is his body, the fullness of him who fills everything in every way.” Eph 1:15-23

Praise the Lord!

We serve an awesome God. A God who created this world and everything in it. He spoke and it came into being. A God who demonstrated His power over and over again in the Old Testament—from raising a young boy from shepherd to king of Israel to stopping the sun in the sky to bringing victory to an army of 300.

We serve a God who sacrificed His own Son for our sins—and then raised him from the dead.

Hallelujah for Jesus reigns!

Jesus, the Son of the Most High God, sits at His right hand. The Son who was made man, who walked among us for a time, showing us how to live and love one another. A Savior who, in obedience, hung on a cross that we might live. He offers us eternal life through his death. King of kings, he rules the church—his bridegroom, his body. And now, he is the Great Intercessor, interceding on our behalf.

What an encouragement to contemplate as we enter the holiday season! We have so much power at our fingertips. We are sons and daughters of God, we share in the same inheritance that Christ has (1 Peter 1:3-5). We need only have faith. Faith that God is who He says He is, faith that Christ’s death was not in vain. When we embrace who we are in Christ, we open the door for God to work in our lives and bless us beyond what we could ever imagine.

Let’s start this month with praise and worship for our Creator and our Savior. Let us raise our hands, our voices, and our hearts, pouring out our thanksgiving and our hopes, but also allowing God to fill us with His Spirit that we may live life…not just live it, but live it abundantly (John 10:10).

NaNo No-No

2010-10-27T01:38:00.000-10:00

Are you participating in NaNoWriMo (National Novel Writing Month) seems to be the question of the week. Of course, it would be since NaNo starts next Monday. A month dedicated to writing 50,000 words on a new writing project. Why they chose the month that begins the holiday season, I have no idea, but still it continues to grow in popularity.

I’ve participated twice in the past. Both times, something major came up that kept me from completing the novel—or even the 50,000. I was planning on giving it another go this year, but in light of a big move in December, the absence of my husband for 18 days, and not having completed the edits on Dividing Spirits, it’s just not going to happen (again).

I do, however, plan to devote as much time as I can to editing. I want the first round of edits, and possibly another once over, done by the time the movers come to pack up my house.

My pom-poms are out though. I’m ready to cheer on my friends. I know that this coming month will be full of pressure and fun, rough spots and excitement—and for those who survive, a sense of accomplishment and a neat little certificate.

Write on!

Dancing before the Lord

2010-10-25T01:51:00.000-10:00

David, wearing a linen ephod, danced before the LORD with all his might…” -2 Samuel 6:14

It’s Monday morning—the start of a brand new week!

Last week is gone—in the past, old news—we’ve been there, done that. Next week is so far off and never guaranteed. But this week, today, is here and now. A gift from the Lord.

Monday is especially special—the day after Sunday. The day after we join with others to worship the Lord along with other believers. Our cups have been refilled and we’re ready to tackle another week with renewed vigor.

How often do we worship the Lord during the week? I’m not just talking prayer…but uninhibited worship?

In 2 Samuel 6, David brings the Ark to Jerusalem. As the Ark came up the street, he sacrificed a bull and a fattened calf. Then he danced.

I love to dance. It is freeing to use all of my body in expression. I turn up the praise and worship music…and just let go. (Of course, sometimes my husband catches me and looks at me weird, my girls just join in. lol…)

Dance is not the only way to worship the Lord, of course. Music of any kind, prayer, thanksgiving, work…anything can be worship when done to the glory of the Lord. Obedience is a big one…but that is a whole other post in itself.

Today, though—today I am going to dance.

Let's Share! -- Excerpts

2010-10-21T08:17:00.003-10:00

I know you all are ready for another teaser. This comes from the end of my most recently edited chapter. I'm open to any advice or comments. And feel free to post your own short excerpt--I'm anxious to see what my friends are writing as well. :)

In this scene, Graham and Ninevah are caught in a fire at a factory. All normal escape routes are either blocked, or they don't know how to get there, forcing them to the one window without bars on the second floor. Here ya go:

Her balance wavered, but she pulled herself onto the window ledge. She stood there, motionless.

“What are you doing?”

She didn’t answer.

“Ninevah, are you okay?”

“It’s too high.”

He groaned. Why did she have to be afraid of heights? He wiped a hand across the sweat on his forehead. It was hot. “Ninevah, I know you’re scared. But you have to jump.”

“I can’t.”

“Yes, you can. I know you can. It’s not as far as it looks.”

“Graham, I can’t.”

So much for easing into it. “Ninevah, do you want to die? Because that’s what’s going to happen if you don’t jump.”

She whimpered, but didn’t move.

He reined his voice in. “Ninevah, look at me.”

She turned her head to peer down at him.

“Ninevah, I know this is scary. I’m scared for you. But you have to do this.”

She nodded ever so slightly.

“On the count of three, okay?”

She turned back to the outside.

“One.”

Her fingers turned white against the dark frame of the window.

“Two.”

Her knees bent.

“Three.”

A piercing scream rang out above the din of the fire as her body disappeared from his view. The sound faded until he couldn’t hear anything. He waited. Nothing. Did she make it?

He raced to the window and hoisted himself up in a second. He balanced his boots on the window sill and searched for Ninevah. He found her on the rooftop in a crumpled heap. He watched, but she didn’t move.

Taking a deep breath, he jumped—arms spread, lungs frozen. The world rushed beneath him. The rooftop approached at lightning speed. He bent his knees to brace for impact. His feet hit, and he bent forward into a rolling tuck. The jolt took his breath away. No time to relax. He turned to his side.

Your turn--let's share!

Fun with Writing Quotes

2010-10-20T02:50:00.003-10:00

WRITE!

That’s right, that’s what today is about.

Writer’s write. That’s what we do when we cut to the basics—when we ignore the pesky guidelines, when we push aside the outlines and the character sheets, when we manage to BICHOK—Writers write.

But sometimes, we reach a point where we get discouraged. Or we suffer from a bout of writer’s block. Or life keeps getting in the way.

How about a little inspiration? Let’s explore some fun quotes on writing.

You must stay drunk on writing so reality cannot destroy you. ~Ray Bradbury

Well, if that isn’t a call to write every day, I don’t know what is. Writing is like any talent, I’m sure. It fades a bit if you don’t use it. Don’t use it long enough, and it has to be redeveloped—if it’s even still there.

Writing is a socially acceptable form of schizophrenia. ~E.L. Doctorow

Yes! The voices in my head are normal. I just tell people I’m a writer, and suddenly it’s okay that I talk to myself, answer myself, carry on whole conversations with myself. And it’s only mildly amusing when I start dancing around the living room as I act out scenes.

I try to leave out the parts that people skip. ~Elmore Leonard
Noble advice—good habit. DO NOT write the parts people skip. ‘Nuff said.

The pages are still blank, but there is a miraculous feeling of the words being there, written in invisible ink and clamoring to become visible. ~Vladimir Nabakov

I included this quote because one thing I love about the blank page is the infinite possibilities. As writers, we have the power to make anything happen. Anything. If we want a hero to rescue a damsel-in-distress, we can. If we want the damsel to save the hero, hey, more power to our uniqueness. If we want aliens to come down from outer space and zap the hero and damsel to their spaceship and do experiments on them—well, we may need a little help—but it’s still entertainment!

Don't tell me the moon is shining; show me the glint of light on broken glass. ~Anton Chekhov

This quote just makes me want to go back through my manuscript and find as many “moons” as I can to improvise a more elegant way of showing. A challenge issued—I will prevail!

Ink and paper are sometimes passionate lovers, oftentimes brother and sister, and occasionally mortal enemies. ~Terri Guillemets

A wonderful quote of the overall writing experience. I know that there are many days where I fight to get words on the page; it’s like dragging a cat to the bathtub. But there are quite a few days where I don’t struggle so hard and manage some decent headway. Then there are those rare days when it all just clicks. The characters, the plot, action, dialogue—it’s all working and I write with such fervor until I am completely spent.

What’s your experience?

Be Strong and Take Heart

2010-10-18T01:58:00.002-10:00

“Wait for the Lord, be strong and have heart and wait for the Lord.” Psalm 27:14

Over the past couple of months, I’ve realized that the Lord is preparing me for a season of change. Little by little, bit by bit, He is revealing His plan. It’s kind of hard, though, to know only part of the plan.

I have the type of personality that when big changes are coming, I need all the information. I need to be able to formulate my plan of “attack”—lists, schedules, you know the deal. A good example is this looming Hawaii trip. I know we’re moving. Yet, other than going through my household to get rid of trash and other items we no longer need. I can’t plan much else. My husband has all this stuff that has to be completed before he can get his orders cut and we can start making plans. It’s driving me nuts!

God works the same way as the Army sometimes.

We know from the Bible that, like the Army, we are on a need to know basis with God. He has a plan, and if we’re willing, He will use us. When He has something for us to do, He may disclose a small part of what’s in store, in order that we can start making the appropriate changes in our life.

In the Old Testament, God told Abraham that He would bless him with a son—yet that didn’t happen until twenty-five years later. In the New Testament, God had a plan for Saul (who later became Paul), and incited a change in him, even though it was years later before He sent Paul to the Gentiles.

In this verse, we are not only told to wait on the Lord, but to be strong and have heart while we do so. This is the part most of us struggle with. It can be frustrating and discouraging to wait—but it really shouldn’t be. God wants us to be strong and have heart because He has something in store for us—something better than we can imagine.

I know something big awaits me in Hawaii, and I know God has used the past couple of months, and will use the next couple of months, to prepare me. I’m not fretting over what that “big thing” is, instead, I’m using this time to deepen my relations ship with the Lord, letting Him shape my life to fit His plan so that when my time comes, I’ll be ready.

Are you waiting? What have you done to stay strong and take heart?

Let's Share! -- When I Grow Up...

2010-10-15T01:55:00.003-10:00

Happy Friday!

No one quite has the imagination of a child. Also, no one can change their minds on a whim as much as a child. Yet, we should approach our dreams with child-like imagination. The stars are the limit...well, these days, even those aren't the limit.

When I was younger, I wanted to be a teacher, a dancer, and a newspaper reporter. When I got oldereeeee (high school), I bounced back and forth between a teacher and a drug & alcohol abuse counselor. These are all in addition to being a writer, of course, which I've loved since I could pick up a pencil.

Those dreams changed, of course, except for being a writer. Although they still manifest in my life in different ways. I don't want to be a teacher in a public school, but instead, I desire to train my children up in the way of the Lord and give them a solid education myself. I don't want to be a drug & alcohol counselor, but I still am an open ear to whoever needs to talk. And when the Lord leads, I can bring them a bit of peace, a word of advice. And, oddly, I hate the news. I never watch it. However, I am finding a love for article writing that I never thought I'd have (preferring fiction).

What about you? What did you want to be when you grow up? Anything influence what you did become?

Dare to Dream

2010-10-13T03:26:00.002-10:00

It occurs to me this morning that there are only 79 days left in 2010. 79! That’s crazy. Remember those goals we made almost 10 months ago? Yeah…only 79 days left to fulfill those goals. Oy!

Possibly more important than those goals, what have you done to reach your dreams?

Do you know what your dreams are?

Over the next several weeks (until the day after Thanksgiving), I’m going to be focusing on achieving our dreams, no matter how big or small, in most of my Monday/Wednesday/Friday posts. (Tuesdays will still be Get To Know interviews, and Thursday will still be writing related!)

We’re going to prepare to make 2011 the year of dreams come true—Cinderella-style! Okay, maybe not Cinderella-style, but I’m sure she’ll make an appearance.

In the meantime, be thinking on those questions: Do you know what your dreams are? What have you done to reach them? Let your mind wander…

10 Top 10 in 2010

2010-10-10T04:46:00.002-10:00

10 Top 10 in 2010

Welcome to my opportunity to throw out some link love to friends and websites that have made a difference in my life. As well as give you a few other lists that I want to share. Most of these lists are in no particular order.

Top 10 Favorite Websites

1. Facebook – Yes, I’m addicted.
2. Writing.Com – If you didn’t catch my post on it, read it here.
3. Wives of Faith – One of my new favs, this website is a support and encouragement for military wives.
4. Twitter – Yes, I’m addicted.
5. Cafemom – a great place to meet other mothers. I use it when I find out I’m PCSing to make some friends ahead of time.
6. Swagbucks – a new place for me, I’m trying to earn Amazon gift cards!
7. ACFW – a wealth of information for the Christian fiction writer
8. GA Peach Homeschool – a great resource for homeschoolers on a budget!
9. Brightly Beaming Resources – A homeschool website for tots to Kindergarten, we are using their Letter of the Week curriculum this year.
10. Faith Writers – Kind of like Writing.Com but specifically for Christian writers.

Top 10 Websites I Visit Almost Every Day (not including blogs)

1. Yahoo Mail
2. Facebook
3. Twitter
4. Writing.com
5. Wives of Faith
6. Weather.com
7. My bank website
8. Swagbucks
9. Amazon – I have a very long wish list.
10. Cafemom

Top 10 Favorite Blogs

1. Word Vessel – blog of my ACFW critique partner. She’s a darling and does fab reviews/giveaways.
2. Confessions of a Homeschooler (homeschool)
3. The Writers Alley (writing)
4. Tuckers Take Tennessee (homeschool)
5. The Kill Zone (writing)
6. Building His Body (Christian)
7. Jill Kimerer (writing)
8. The New Author Fellowship (writing--but a good mix of other stuff too)
9. SM Blooding and Crew (mostly writing)
10. Chasing Dreams (one woman's tale of her writing journey)

Top 10 Favorite Authors

1. Frank Peretti
2. John B. Olson
3. Karen Kingsbury
4. Ted Dekker
5. C.S. Lewis
6. Luanne Rice
7. Mary Higgins Clark
8. Mary Connealy
9. Cathy Bryant
10. Alex Lidell

Top 10 Childhood Authors

1. Shel Silverstein (Children’s Poetry)
2. Lois Duncan
3. Beverly Cleary (Ramona and others)
4. Lurlene McDaniels (Six Months to Live Series and others)
5. Carolyn Keene (Nancy Drew)
6. Lois Lowery (The Giver and Number the Stars)
7. Scott O’Dell (Island of the Blue Dolphins, Black Star Bright Dawn)
8. Francine Pascal (Sweet Valley Series)
9. Carolyn Cooney (Face on the Milk Carton Series and others)
10. Gertrude Chandler Warner (The Box Car Children)

Top 10 Places I Want to Visit

1. Italy
2. Australia
3. Israel
4. Disney World (ok, I’ve already been, but am so excited to take the kids)
5. Niagra Falls
6. San Francisco
7. Hawaii (oh, wait, I’m going to be doing that soon!)
8. Aspen
9. Caribbean
10. Egypt

Top 10 People Who Influenced Who I am Today

1. Mom – She was a wonderful mother and I can only hope to be half the woman she is.
2. Dad – He did his part to serve our country and taught me about standing up for what I believe in.
3. Ms. Melodie Pooler and Mrs. Kirby – English teachers I had growing up that encouraged me to write.
4. Shel Silverstein – He is who inspired me to write at such a young age.
5. Beth Moore – Helped me evolve in my relationship with God.
6. My husband – Taught me to follow my heart and not give up.
7. My kids – Taught me to ease up and enjoy life.
8. My aunt – She got me to go back to church after several years.
9. Helen Keller – has been a role model for me since childhood.
10. A certain Sunday School teacher who tried to teach me that it was okay to be a Christian and be different from the rest of the world—although that wouldn’t stick for years to come.

10 Things about Me

1. I had surgery to remove a tumor in my neck when I was two days old.
2. I was a military brat growing up, and then I married back into the military. Sheesh—you think I’d try to get out of it.
3. I was published in a city-wide literary magazine when I was in the third grade for a paragraph on Martin Luther King. Hehehe… Go me! Does that count as a publishing credit?
4. I was in 4-H for several years, and was bummed to have to drop it when we moved to KY and they didn’t have the program for high school students.
5. My favorite movie is Enchanted, followed closely by the LotR and Star Wars trilogies. Yes, I am very eclectic in my tastes.
6. Right now, my family all live in different states. My parents in VA, one sister in KY, one in NV, and me in KS (soon to be HI). I know, that was random.
7. I have always had series health issues.
8. I just recently started blogging for Wives of Faith.
9. All my kids’ names are Celtic in origin b/c my husband is part Irish.
10. I graduated in the Top 10 in my class—and I don’t think I remember anything outside of English.

10 Things I Love

1. My family
2. My friends
3. Rainy days when I can curl up with a good book/movie
4. Snow (I’m an oddball)
5. Disney movies
6. Pizza and Lasagna
7. The color purple
8. Teaching my children
9. WRITING!
10. Social Media (horrible, I know)

10 Things I Despise

1. Beans and Fish
2. Diabetes
3. Crude humor
4. Politics
5. People who are fake
6. People who disrespect the military
7. Spiders and small, dark places
8. Doing the dishes
9. Gratuitous sex/violence/cursing in books and movies
10. Speed Limits—hehehe…

Update

2010-10-08T03:07:00.005-10:00

(The girls were flower girls in my good friend and college roommates wedding last weekend.)

Happy Friday!

I apologize that this month's update is coming about kind of late. It slipped my mind that I hadn't posted one yet. That's ok, just more to tell, right?

Well, if you don't already know, my husband received orders last month. We're moving to Hawaii! We are very excited. I am a little sad to be leaving my friends and fellow writers here in Kansas, but military life is a transiate one, and I'm used to it. It's how I end up with friends all over the country.

The move is a quick one. We'll be leaving here the beginning of December, taking about thirty days to visit family, and then arrive in Hawaii either the end of Dec/beginning Jan. You all may think I'm crazy, but I'm going to miss the snow. Yes, I love snow.

The kids are doing fabulous. We started homeschooling in September. If you saw my post the other day, you know that so far it is going pretty well. It's taking me some time to figure out how to get organized for each week and each day, but it hasn't been discouraging. The girls love it though. And they are so smart!

Connor is getting huge! He's in 6-9 month clothing. He's not big by any means, he's just long for his age. A little wiggler, too. He is squealing, cooing, smiling--so entertaining. I think he might be starting to teeth, too. Not sure I'm ready for that. He's starting to grasp toys and play with them. It's fun to watch and interact with him. He has his four month appointment on th 17th. I can hardly believe he's already four months.

Due to life in general, not much writing has taken place over the last month. I don't have time during the day to focus, so editing is kind of out of the question. But, by the time the kids are all in bed, I'm too exhausted to do much of anything. I don't know, though, if I'm going to call myself a writer, I need to start kicking myself in the pants.

My goal for this month is to edit another ten chapters. I know that's not a lot, but it's more than nothing.

What are your goals for October? Oh, and who's going to participate in NaNoWriMo?

Hooks and Endings

2010-10-07T03:17:00.002-10:00

We all know that we have mere pages to hook our reader’s interest in our story. There are certain things that need to be in the first paragraph, first page, first chapter that will engage the reader and keep them reading.

But what about after the first chapter? What keeps them from putting the book back on the shelf? Or cleaning the kitchen? Or, worse yet--*gulp*--turning on the TV?

Hooks are a continuous part of our novels. Each chapter beginning should start with something to grab the reader’s attention, just like the first chapter. It doesn’t have to drop you into the middle of a big action scene, but it should spark the reader’s curiosity.

Just opposite of the beginning, of course, is the end of the chapter. The end of a section is a good opportunity for the reader to put the book down for a bit or even so they can go to bed. A writer’s job is to make that as hard as possible. Yes, we can torture our readers as well as our characters.

The end of chapter should end propelling the reader into the next chapter (where they will be hooked by the beginning…see the endless, vicious cycle?) to find out something. Great places to stop our called cliffhangers. Some will be stronger than others, some are emotional and others are physical situations. Either way, they should leave the reader with a question in their mind? Will the heroine escape the fire? Will Bob cave to his fear and not ask Miss Marilynn to marry him? Where’s the baby? Got milk?

So, how do we accomplish these tasks over and over again? Here’s some tips and tricks:

*Create conflict/tension at the beginning of the chapter, stop at the height of it in the end.

*Drop the reader into the middle of an action scene, stop before an action scene is completely resolved.

*Avoid pleasantries to open/close a chapter. I’ve read in different places that most of the time, a writer can cut the first few lines, or the last few lines from a chapter, and the reader will still have all the information they need, but the pacing will be better (and possibly the tension/conflict stronger).

*Before you answer a story question, propose another one. Also, put off resolutions until the next chapter, but don’t forget to raise the stakes.

*Unless you’re writing a suspense/thriller/horror novel, not every chapter can be filled with non-stop action. Even in those novels, writers have to give the readers a break. Work on finding emotional hooks/cliffhangers to keep the tension high without resorting to someone getting killed or landing in the middle of some precarious situation.

*Never take the easy way out.

Here’s an example from my WIP:

End of Chapter 11:

She stood and brushed the loose grass from her pants. “Did you come back to harass the crazy lady?

“Do you really think you can help?”

She drew her lips into a line and shook her head. “I don’t know. I have no idea what God intends for me to do with this gift. The fact is I witnessed the murder for a reason and now I need to see it through.”

He stared off into the distance. His jaw muscles twitched.

She didn’t care if he believed her—it wasn’t like he needed to—but she needed to solve this puzzle. Her whole body ached for answers.

At last, he jerked his head toward the car. “Get in,” he growled. “But not a word to anyone as to why you are with me. Understood?”

Beginning of Chapter 12:

Axriel approached Rochester’s new office with his blood boiling. The human body’s reaction to anger aggravated him even more. The racing of his heart, the drumming in his temples, the way his skin turned an ugly shade of scarlet never ceased to irritate him. Sure, he got angry. In fact, he got angry quite a bit, but his demon form showed no physical signs. He was free to act on that emotion as well. He didn’t have to cower behind human confines and relegate his anger to a small corner of his mind.

What do you think?

When we keep our hooks/endings strong, that’s when we hear of readers who stayed up til 3 a.m. to finish our novels. We get to be the blame for tired moms, zombie employees, and children who fall asleep in class. That’s quite the accomplishment, isn’t it?

What other tips and tricks do you have to offer? Also, I would love to read your favorite chapter endings/beginnings from your own WIP.

They Get It!

2010-10-06T02:58:00.002-10:00

Wow! They really get it.

By "they" I mean my daughters. As you all know, we began homeschooling this year with a laid back pre-k curriculum. We've been at it officially for a couple of weeks.

It has been such a blessing to be able to watch them learn in a purposeful environment. We are learning our letters (well, they already know most of them) and their sounds through the Letter of the Week curriculum. It incorporates all basic subjects under the focus of that weeks letter.

For instance, this week we are on the letter "B". In addition to learning the sound and how to write, we are also studying bears, butterflies, ballerinas, and bananas. We're lacing butterflies, matching bears, dancing like ballerinas...just having a ball. Reading is becoming a favorite activity--finally.

They love it (most of the time). And I get a thrill when I ask them a question in a review and they KNOW the answer. It's also great to see the differences in the girls--in their learning styles (which are still developing) and in their strengths subject wise.

You know...maybe with God's help, I can do this.

VOTW - Whose Approval?

2010-10-03T17:12:00.003-10:00

I ran into some friends the other day that I hadn’t seen in years. In fact, I hadn’t seen them since I had kids—over four years ago. It’s always nice to get together with people after an extensive time apart and catch up, especially if it feels just like old times, don’t you think?

I love catching up with old friends, except for one thing, I’m not who I was back then. As I’ve matured and grown closer in my relationship with Christ, I’ve become a different person on a different path then the girl these people knew. I’m not afraid to be different, not worried about following the crowd. Yet, when questioned about some lifestyle choices (in a curious fashion, not a judgmental one), like homeschooling, I found out I still want to be accepted. I felt the need to qualify my decisions, even though my friends weren’t questioning my choices. My defenses went up automatically.

“Am I now trying to win the approval of men, or of God? Or am I trying to please men? If I were still trying to please men, I would not be a servant of Christ.” Gal 1:10

This verse comes in the beginning of Paul’s letter to the Galatians, who were falling prey to false gospels. They were compromising their beliefs to fit in, much like the old me.

This is an area of weakness I know I have to fight. As believers, we are not here to win the hearts of those around us. In fact, the Bible says that the world will not understand us, nor will they like us. Instead, we seek to please God. We cannot serve two masters—the world and God. Their moralities don’t mix.

So, as we go into the first full week of October, let’s reflect on whose approval it is we seek!

Christmas Spectacular Blog Tour!

2010-09-29T10:47:00.002-10:00

Christmas is just around the corner! What fun! How exciting!

I am in the beginning stages of planning a blog tour for Christmas—a chance for all of us to share our thoughts and memories of the holiday season.

The tour will last for four weeks—each week with a theme. All of it leading up to the big party on Christmas Eve Day on my blog. The themes are:

The Holidays are Here!—a survival guide and why the holidays are so exciting.

Holiday How-Tos—anything from tying a bow around a Christmas present to avoiding scary extended family to more serious subjects like keeping Christ in Christmas.

A Treasure of Traditions and Memories—Self-explanatory. What are your favorite Christmas traditions? Or what are some unique ones you’ve heard of? What are your favorite memories?

The Reason for the Season—Thoughts and reflections on what makes this season so special

What I need now is blogs!

Each volunteer will pick a day of the week (hopefully there will be a few each day) to create a post around the theme of the week. I’ll organize the days and keep everyone up to date. The posts can be funny or serious, long or short (but not too long…), whatever your feeling for the week—as long as you are uplifting, encouraging, and celebrating—avoid blatant negativity. Every day on my blog, I will post the blogs that are featured that day, and I invite everyone else to do the same.

If you can commit to one post a week between Black Friday (the day after Thanksgiving) until Christmas Eve Day, leave a comment on this post!

If you don’t want to participate (or even if you do), and would still like to help, I am looking for festive gifts for the big party on Christmas Eve Day. Books, baskets of goodies, ornaments…use your imagination. You won’t have to send it to me, I’ll send you the winner’s information (which will be in the US). If this sounds like a wonderful opportunity to give back this holiday season, leave a comment below.

I am hoping this will be a fantabulous party that we can all enjoy, as well as entertain our followers. In case you can’t tell—I love Christmas!

A Personal Q&A

2010-09-28T02:07:00.003-10:00

What's your greatest fear?

Well, on the surface, it would seem that spiders are my greatest fear. Yes, I am very arachnophobic. I can still remember my sister chasing me around with Daddy Longlegs and screaming my head off.

If you look deeper, though, you’ll see my greatest fear is linked to my greatest desire—to make a difference. My fear is that I will not make a difference, that I will be ineffectual.

What was the most dangerous thing you ever did?

Most dangerous? Oh, I am so not a risk-taker like that. Sleeping on a dock with nothing to keep me from rolling into the water is the only thing that comes to mind. Well, that, and getting pregnant in spite of all my health issues.

What's your dream?

Besides becoming a published author and making a difference? My dream is to raise my wonderful children to be considerate, loving adults who trust in God the same way I do now.

How many manuscripts do you have under your belt?

Technically, I’ve written four novels. Two of which will probably never see the light of day if I have my way. One which I wrote, revised, and pitched—but then put on the back burner. My current WIP is completed and in the editing process.

Name the top 10 people you would most like to meet in the world, in order of preference?

Number one would be Alex Lidell. She is one of my favorite writing partners and although we’ve conversed for about three years online, we’ve never met. The rest are in no particular order:

2. Beth Moore—her Bible studies are the main “human” reason I am where I am in my relationship with my Savior.

3. John B. Olson—I loved his novel, Shade, and look forward to reading Powers. He writes in the same genre as I would like to.

4. Dawne Dominique—A lady who has been so supportive and encouraging as I explore this crazy world of writing and publishing.

5. Annie and Jay—Part of the East Coast Trio (including Alex Lidell), these two are great writers, fab reviewers, and well, just all-around good people to know.

6. Ren Black—Another critique partner, her and I both hope to be published by the same publisher one day. We also have a lot in common when it comes to our lifestyles—from writing to homeschooling.

7. The Ladies of The Writer’s Alley—One of my favorite blogs, each woman is so unique and fun, I’d just love a chance to meet them all one day.

8. Sandra Byrd—My mentor in the Christian Writers Guild Apprenticeship program, she has helped me grow so much over the last couple of years. I’d love to meet her one day and give her a great big hug!

9. Sara Horn—Founder of Wives of Faith, a ministry focused on supporting and encouraging military wives. I’ve always had a heart for women, but recently found God leading me to encourage those who are just like me, which is why I’ve been so blessed to be a blogger for Wives of Faith.

10. Oh, and I guess I want to meet Kurt Chambers too. He’s a rockin’ MG writer and a fantabulous friend.

Those are my answers to your questions. Now you know me just a little bit better. I’ll meander in a few times today, so if you think of anything else you want to know…leave a comment!

Gimme Your Best Shot!

2010-09-27T02:36:00.002-10:00

Last Friday I left an open post. Ask me any question you've always wanted to know, and I'd answer that for tomorrow's Get to Know psot. So far, only one person stopped by to comment and leave a question (or three). Now, that isn't going to make the best kind of interview.

So, for today, I say the same. Leave a comment with your burning questions and we'll see what tomorrow's post will look like!

In the meantime, Happy Monday!

Get to Know: ME

2010-09-24T02:21:00.002-10:00

Well, I've been immersed in this blogging world for a couple of years now (off and on, different blogs), but I don't think I've ever given my followers the chance to get to know me.

I mean, you all know the basics. I'm a Christian, and a SAHM with three kids--2 girls and a boy. I married an Army soldier and we're about to move to Hawaii. :)

But what else do you want to know?

Post your questions here today and on Tuesday for my normal "Get to Know:" post, I'll answer them. Be creative, silly, funny...or serious.

Oh goodness, what am I getting myself into?

Love Begins at Home

2010-09-22T01:17:00.002-10:00

“You are the bows from which your children, as living arrows, are sent forth.” --Kahlil Gibran

We often wonder how we are supposed to raise our children in this era, when there are so many demands on our time and our energy. After all, we’re not superhuman. So how do we instill our children with good things…love, compassion, patience, perseverance?

It begins with a decision.

What are your priorities? Where do your children fall in your life?

Children are a blessing from God, and we are entrusted with their care and their rendering. Below our relationship with God, our family should be the most important thing in our life, whether male or female.

So the first step is to decide to put your family first. This decision naturally leads into the second step.

Make time.

For a typical day, right down everything that you do—anything requirements on your time. As a busy mom myself, I understand that much of this list cannot be shaved any shorter than it already is. However, you can work in time with your children.

- Car ride to and from school/sports/activities

- Nightly dinners

- Have children help with cleaning, talk while you work together

- Family Night

- Take a half an hour to do something with them—help them with their homework, read them a bedtime story, paint a girl’s fingernails or help a boy with a model car.

- The overall idea is to show the children that they are important enough to devote your precious time to.

“Be the change you want to see in the world.”

This quote sums up the next step. If you want to teach your children the type of people to be, model these traits yourself. Of course, no one is perfect, we’re going to mess up. We will lose our temper instead of exercising patience. We will give in at times when we should hold our ground. We will say things out of hurt or anger, instead of out of love. But if we make the conscious effort to be the person we want our children to be, they will take notice, even if they don’t seem to.

When we get our priorities straight, spend time with our children, and exemplify the traits we want to teach our children, we’ve taken three major steps to raising good and loving children. Of course, they won’t always model good behavior or make the right choices, but that’s part of learning. They still look to us and trust our guidance. If we show them from the beginning that we are there for them, that trust will remain and grow. Before we know it, the loving and compassionate adults we have raised become parents themselves.

Love begins at home.

How Fertile is Your Land?

2010-09-20T01:00:00.001-10:00

Land that drinks in the rain often falling on it and that produces a crop useful to those for whom it is farmed receives the blessing of God. But land that produces thorns and thistles is worthless and is in danger of being cursed. In the end it will be burned. – Hebrews 6:7-8

I’m not a farmer. I come from a military family. Yet, even I know that the land requires water and nutrients or it will dry up and become useless. It is the same way with believers.

We are the land. When we drink in the rain (God’s word) and nutrients (provided by the Holy Spirit), we become immersed. We begin to produce crops. Everywhere we go, people know who we are by what we do, what we say.

But when we profess our belief in God with only our mouths, without any deeds, we dry up. We become like the soil that fosters thorns and thistles. What does a farmer do with land like that? He burns it.

“A sower went out to sow his seed. And as he sowed, some fell by the wayside; and it was trampled down, and the birds of the air devoured it. Some fell on rock; and as soon as it sprang up, it withered away because it lacked moisture. And some fell among thorns, and the thorns sprang up with it and choked it. But others fell on good ground, sprang up, and yielded a crop a hundredfold.” When He had said these things He cried, “He who has ears to hear, let him hear!” Luke 8:5-8

In direct correlation with the verses from Hebrews, is the parable of the sower. As we mature as Christians, it becomes our responsibility to help grow new believers. They look to us for examples of what it means to be Christians, children of God. If our land is dry or rocky, what will they have to latch onto?

Satan will swoop down upon them before they have a chance. Two birds with one stone—the Christian and the believer rendered useless.

How do we keep our land fertile and our crops fruitful?

Study God’s word. Pray. Listen for the movement of the Holy Spirit inside of you. Make sure your deeds reflect your beliefs (or show vs. tell for you writers out there). Find a community of believers to help teach and encourage you, for the road is long and the battle against the world is tough, but when you remain in the Lord, He will be your strength.

How fertile is your land?

Let's Share! -- Fear and Excitement

2010-09-17T01:08:00.002-10:00

This week has been a whirlwind of activity and changes for me. I've hardly been able to sleep as my mind has just been going, going, going like a mini-Energizer Bunny. Yeah, I'm going with the cliche there, it's a little early in the morning for me to be too creative.

Anyway,the beginning of the week was just busy enough to wear my girls out (who knew that could actually happen--I didn't). It also included discovering a hole in the ceiling that was caused by a water leak, which maintenance can't come fix until next week. Grrrreeeeaaat.

Then the phone call came.

"Hello?"

"I got orders today." (It's hubby on the phone)

"What? For where?"

"Hawaii."

"Are you kidding me?" (Not the shriek of excitement)

That's not exactly how the conversation went, but it's the basics. That's right. We're on orders for Hawaii.

Now, when I first heard this, I freaked out. I was going to have to leave my friends (which I just started making some new offline friends through PWOC and church), my ACFW writing group--not to mention going to visit family wasn't going to be a feasible option more than once or twice while we're over there. Lots and lots of bad thoughts running through my mind.

I put out a plea on Facebook and Twitter for prayer assistance from friends and family. Boy, did they pull out the stops for me! What a blessing! I spent the rest of the evening and well into the night researching the area where we'll be (poor kids, they're so neglected sometimes)and learning about what it takes to move to a place like that. All that did was add to my freak out.

Then I felt a pulling. A soft voice, if you will. I needed to go do my Bible study for the night. This time a mental "Are you kidding me?" came. HellooOOooo...I just found out I'm moving very, very far away and I need to what? But the voice wouldn't leave me alone. So, being the obedient if somewhat begrudged child of God, I sat down and had my quiet time.

As you know, I've been going through Experience God with my PWOC Bible study group. The lesson was Day 1 of Unit 4, and part of it was to read Gen. 22:1-18, which is the story of God telling Abraham to sacrifice his son as a burnt offering, but then at the last minute, God provides a ram and commends Abraham for his faith. So, in the context of the lesson, it was emphasizing Abraham's willingness to walk by faith, even though he obviously didn't want to kill his son, and then how God provided for Abraham.

I just sat there nodding my head. Yep, God, I get it. I hear ya loud and clear. We're going to Hawaii, and You must have great plans for me. I just have to be willing to follow and put my trust in You.

I woke up yesterday morning light as feather. We were going to Hawaii! I was excited for all the wonderful experiences we'll have, the things we'll get to see. Yes, sad about leaving all my friends and plans, but trusting that God was putting us in Hawaii for a reason.

What about you? Have you ever felt equally excited and fearful about something in your life?

Praises

2010-09-15T01:34:00.000-10:00

After my plea to you all for prayers last week, I must rejoice. Our prayers are being answered. While my lifestyle changes will not happen overnight (or they haven’t yet), my hope has been restored. I have a renewed sense of faith in the fact that I can do anything through Christ.

It may take time and practice. I may not change old habits overnight, but I will make strides. Little by little, with baby steps, I’ll find God leading me down the path to a healthy life.

I want to thank all of you for your prayers and suggestions. You all are wonderful friends and I feel truly blessed to know each of you. God brings people into our lives for a reason…and He has used each of you to touch my life, and I am humbled at that thought.

So on this beautiful Wednesday, I will not complain about my messy home, or the whole in the ceiling that is leaking, or my mounting inbox, or backed up reviews, or the homeschooling that needs to get done, or anything else in my life today. I am grateful for all of it. They are tests of faith (and patience) and I will choose to be proactive, with the Lord’s guidance, and all my day will fall in line to glorify Him.

Patience

2010-09-13T03:32:00.000-10:00

“But those who wait on the LORD
Shall renew their strength;
They shall mount up with wings like eagles,
They shall run and not be weary,
They shall walk and not faint.”
(Isaiah 40:31)

Wait on the LORD. In other words, be patient.

Patient is something that I am not very good at. I have always been an impatient person. I’m an act now type of person. I think, I do—no waiting.

I’ve been working through the Bible Study, Experiencing God, with my group. One thing that this study is teaching me is that I need to be in God’s will at all times in order to succeed. This is frustrating sometimes, because in order to be in God’s will, I have to be willing to wait.

Abraham waited 25 years (I think, without looking it up) for God to bless him and Sarah with a child. Saul waited for years after God confronted him on the road to Damascus before he began to preach to the Gentiles. Why? Why was there so much waiting?

God had a plan. God wanted these men to be part of that plan. God wanted them to know they were part of the plan. But they weren’t ready—yet. God had to bring them to a position in their lives where they were most equipped to carry out the plan.

Those who wait, tough, are deeply blessed. God renews their strength and helps them to soar. We are prepared to run the marathon, to traverse the mountain. We are more than we could have been without God.

Wait on the LORD.

Let's Share! -- Application

2010-09-10T07:23:00.003-10:00

With the ninth anniversary of 9/11 tomorrow, many people have been remembering and talking about the day that changed America, wondering how we swore to never forget and how we had, etc.

9/11 was an awful day, one of the worst in the history of the U.S. Some people still struggle with how God could allow something like that to happen.

I do not want to downplay what happened on that horrible day. And I do think that we should never forget. But what about the good things that come out of such an event? What about the sense of community, of togetherness that was present for several months, even years, after that?

People are right when they say that was the day that changed America.

I know it changed me.

Yes, I can say that it reminded me of the preciousness of life, to live each day as if there was no tomorrow.

But how else?

At the time, I was in a bad place in my life. I was doing things I'm not proud of today--I wasn't proud of it back then either. I had fallen away from the path God had laid before me. I was lost.

I wish I could say that after 9/11, I did an about-face and got my life in order, but the sad truth is that I didn't. I did acknowledge that day that I needed to make some changes. I needed to find my place in God's plan once more.

Pride and humiliation kept me from taking any steps forward. With all the stories that surfaced over the next several months, I started taking baby steps. Baby steps to changing my life.

It was another couple of years later, when my husband was shipped off on his first deployment (because of the ensuing war after 9/11), that I stepped back into a church. I renewed my relationship with God, and found comfort, love, and support with many new friends.

9/11 brought me back to God. It took some time, but I know that's when it all started.

What about you? How did 9/11 change you?

A Little Discouraged

2010-09-08T02:37:00.003-10:00

On Wednesdays, I like to blog about something that comes under the umbrella of "hope". Today, I am not feeling that hope. In fact, I'm the one in need of hope.

Normally, I don't show the world my more pessimistic side. I would not classify myself as a pessimist, however, there are certain aspects of my life that I tend to view in a more hopeless light. My health is one of those areas.

If you've known me for very long, you know I suffer from several ailments--diabetes, asthma, high blood pressure, and severe allergies. Most of the time, all of these (except the allergies) are managed quite well and I don't have many side effects.

Lately, though, my health has been out of control. My blood sugars are insane (even after the doc switched my meds), I've been having several asthma attacks a week, and though I have no proof, the shiny little spider-web thingies I see ever now and then tells me my blood pressure probably isn't doing all that great either.

And I'm discouraged.

I know that part of the problem (maybe most of it) lies in my diet and exercise (read: not following my diet, and the exercise I get is cleaning the house). Doc said I needed to lose the rest of my baby weight and that would help a lot.

This is my dilemma. I WANT to lose weight. I WANT to change my diet and start exercising more. I WANT to be healthy. I even go so far as to plan stuff out so that these things are included. I started planning my meals for the week so that I would buy the right groceries and always know what I was making so I wouldn't be tempted to go out to eat or make something less-than-healthy for me.

But then I always fail. Always.

I've even tried praying that God would imbue me with the continuing motivation to do this.

Then the morning comes and my blood sugar is insanely high (this morning, my fasting was 183 and it's supposed to be under 100) or my allergies are at their peak--and I just don't do it. I'll be too tired to exercise. I'll be too tired to make that salad for lunch. You can see the downward spiral.

I don't know what to do, so I'm coming to you all for help. I need prayer, lots of prayer. I need to turn my life around. I have the know-how, just not the energy/continuing motivation.

Enough about me. I think sometimes I can be too self-focused. What about you? Is there anything you are struggling with that you would like me to pray for?