Writing Prompt Wednesday 6/29/16

I've not posted a writing prompt for the last couple of weeks, so I do apologize if you have been missing it. 

Here’s how it works. Each Wednesday throughout the summer, I will post some sort of writing prompt on this blog. It might be a picture, a word or phrase, or a bit of dialogue. It could even be a feeling or a smell.

Anyone who wishes to play along may write a scene or an entire story using the prompt. You can keep these stories to yourself if you like, using this as an exercise for your writing brain, or you may share with us in the comments below. Occasionally I will share my scene or story as well.

If you choose to share your story in the comments, please keep it clean. I started this series by request of a student, and would like to keep it where people of all ages and backgrounds can participate.

There are no winners and losers here, no prizes or fame to be had. My intent is for everyone who participates to have fun and be encouraged. 

Here is the writing prompt for this week.

To get you started: Who are these people? Do they know each other, or have they just met? Is the little boy coming or going? Answer as many or as few questions as you want in your story.

Share your story with is in the comments.

How NOT to Publish Your First Book



1. Have a great idea/inspiration.

2. Get so excited you write it on your drive home (using talk to text).

3. Talk about it all the time, but don’t actually do anything with it.

4. Finally get around to asking someone to illustrate it, but give them no clear direction except a manuscript.

5. Give page by page illustration breakdown to the illustrator (after realizing he has no direction)

6. Make sure illustrator lives so far away that everything has to be done by email and phone/text.

7. Send manuscript to editor after the illustrator begins work.

8. As you revise, be sure to include pages that you cannot think of any way to illustrate.

9. Make revisions that require illustration changes.

10. Add pages together to eliminate the un-illustratable pages (also eliminate some pages that your illustrator worked really hard on).

11. Now that your illustrations are finished and you realize that you aren’t great at cover design, ask your illustrator to do that too, but don’t give him any direction. It’s just a cover, how hard can it be?

12. Get frustrated because you picked an illustrator that has a life and doesn’t do things on your timetable.

13. Get frustrated because the cover is not what you envisioned (even though you didn’t share your vision with the illustrator).

14. Take time to talk to your illustrator while they are actually at a computer and can send you pictures.

15. Decide you hate the first page of your book (after it has been approved by your editor).

16. Change it—the whole first page.

17. Change stuff on most of the other pages too.

18. Worry that you probably made some grammatical mistakes when you changed all that stuff.

19. Celebrate because your book looks great in Kindle Kid’s Book Creator—you are finally done!

20. Get mad because it doesn’t look right in Preview mode.

21. Delete the whole file and start from scratch because you can’t figure out how to make the changes like you want.

22. Send it to your Beta readers (even though your editor hasn’t seen it after the changes).

23. Wait impatiently for Beta readers to respond.

24. Create a book launch party on Facebook to help spread the word. Request reviews.

25. Get so busy with your “real” job that you don’t have time to make suggested revisions.

26. While on break at said “real” job, use phone as hotspot to get revisions uploaded.

27. Click Publish.

28. Tell friends and family.

How to be a Good Neighbor

I want to take just a minute to talk about the Orlando shooting. First, let's stop arguing about whether the shooter is an American extremist, or a Muslim extremist. The point is, he killed people and their families are hurting.

You know what hurts the families even more? Everyone arguing over whether this guy hated their loved one because they were American or because of their LGTBQ lifestyle. Those people don't care why their loved one was killed, but they might care what we are all going to do about it.

And, before you go there, I am NOT going to say increase gun control. That's not the answer folks, and it never will be. (Unless, of course, guns begin loading, aiming, and firing themselves.)

What I am referring to, is being the change this world needs. If each and every person who reads this post will commit to loving others the way that Jesus loved, it could spark a small movement. If everyone who reads, also shares it, the movement would grow.

As the Lorax said, "Unless someone like you cares a whole awful lot, nothing is going to get better. It's not." So, what about it? Do you care "a whole awful lot?"

Christians these days are being portrayed as haters of Muslims, Gays, Trans, Blacks, Mexicans and so on. Let me ask you, Christian, is that who you are? No?

So tell me how you are showing God's love to those people then? Do you preach at them? (Not love.) Invite them to church so they will see the error of their ways? (Not love.) Boycott their business because of their political affiliation, race, religion, or lifestyle choices? (Also, not love.) Refuse to make their wedding cake because you disagree with their choices? (Still not love.) Maybe you really believe that you have every right to refuse them service, and maybe that's true, but does it further the kingdom of Heaven? Does your refusal to make their cake reflect Christian love and forgiveness? Those people you refused to serve, God loves them too. 

And they aren't the only ones looking at you. The eyes of lost people everywhere are on you too. Are they thinking, "Wow, I want what she has--that kind of conviction about my beliefs--to be able to just turn down that order and their money?" Or are they thinking, "Wow, Christians are bigots and terrible people. How can they be so heartless?"

So, like I asked, are your actions furthering the kingdom of Heaven? Or paving the road to Hell? Personally, I don't believe that God is going to turn me away from heaven for choosing to love others rather than alienate them.

Here are a few ways that you can love your neighbor.

-Invite them to places (not just to church, but to family dinner, BBQs, and hanging out at the pool.

-Accept them where they are--this does not mean you have to agree with their lifestyle, or religious or political views--just that you value them as a person.

-Let your kids play together. (This may necessitate a conversation with your child beforehand about how Jenny has 2 dads, and we should show them love and kindness even though we may not agree with their choices.)

-Stick up for them when you hear others talking down or gossiping. (This may make you unpopular with the modern day Pharisees.)

-Pray for them--not just that they realize their choices are "wrong" but pray that God moves in their life and blesses them abundantly.

Remember Matthew 22:39 "Love your neighbor as yourself." Not, Love your neighbors with similar political views, or love your neighbors if they are straight, or love your neighbors if they are good people. NO! It says Love your neighbor.

Remember the story of the good samaritan? (Luke 10:30-37). The Samaritin was supposed to hate this guy he helped--maybe he was a Trans man or woman who got beat up/robbed/raped because of his/her lifestyle. Maybe he helped a mama that has been shamed about allowing her child to fall into a gorilla pit. Let me ask you, can YOU be the Good Samaritin to THAT man or woman?

Lord, help me to learn to Love like Jesus. Help me to be willing to look past the labels and lifestyles, and to rise above the name-calling, judgemental person I can sometimes be. Help me to be the change that my community needs. Amen.

Writing Prompt Wednesday 6/8/16

Another week; another Writing Prompt Wednesday. 

Here’s how it works. Each Wednesday throughout the summer, I will post some sort of writing prompt on this blog. It might be a picture, a word or phrase, or a bit of dialogue. It could even be a feeling or a smell.

Anyone who wishes to play along may write a scene or an entire story using the prompt. You can keep these stories to yourself if you like, using this as an exercise for your writing brain, or you may share with us in the comments below. Occasionally I will share my scene or story as well.

If you choose to share your story in the comments, please keep it clean. I started this series by request of a student, and would like to keep it where people of all ages and backgrounds can participate.

There are no winners and losers here, no prizes or fame to be had. My intent is for everyone who participates to have fun and be encouraged. 

Here is the writing prompt for this week.

A few questions to get you started. Where are you at? Why is it so foggy? Is the light a beacon of hope or an ominous sign? Are you heading towards the light or running away from it?

Share your story in the comments.

Coming this week: The Littlest Frost Fairy

I cannot tell you how many revisions I have done, or how many hours I have poured into this book. And I thought children's books were supposed to be easier to write! For goodness sake, this is a 30 page picture book, how hard can it be?

Just because it is shorter than a novel, does not mean it is easier to write or that less work goes into it. I made so many changes and revisions, I lost count. Sometimes it was just a word here, and a word there, other times it felt as though I had replaced every other word.

Then, I would look at my revisions, shake my head, and change them all back. Sometimes I'd go back and forth several times.

I read the story to myself, read aloud, read to my kids, read using fairy voices. I changed words, rearranged sentences, combined pages, separated pages, and all around beat myself (and my book) nearly to death.

Finally, it was done. Complete. Perfect! As close to perfect as my feeble brain could get.

Then I waited for the rest of the illustrations to be perfected. While I was waiting, I sent the manuscript to my editor. She didn't tear it to pieces, but did suggest some changes. But it seemed that for everything I changed, something else didn't sound quite right. Together we got it to an even more "perfect" state.

When the illustrations were finally ready and I went to put it all together, my nearly perfect manuscript had big problems. I hated the first page. Something was wrong with it. It was an incoherent jumble of words with no rhythm or pace.

So, after my editor and I had spent weeks perfecting what was there, I changed it...the whole first page. And then I loved it liked it again.

Then I did that for the whole book, except I mostly only changed a word or two here and there.

I was worried that I might have made grammatical errors, since my editors did not see these changes, but I sent it to my beta readers anyway.

And...I had made some grammatical errors and typos. Lucky for me, someone pointed them out, while at the same time complimenting my book. Ok, so the positive here is that a handful of beta readers did not hate it!

I'm busy working on implementing the changes suggested, and plan to publish this week. I'm certain there is such a thing as over-editing, but I want my book to be as good as it possibly can. This time next year, I will hopefully be an even better writer, but for now, it's the best I can make it.

After waiting so long to share it with the world, I'm nervous, but excited that it is finally ready.

Look for the e-book later this week on Amazon.

The Great Bathroom Debate

Okay, so someone somewhere passed a law that tells us where we can legally use the bathroom.

Wow, can you say “micromanage?” I mean, really? Can you tell me which brand of toilet paper to use? Oh, and I would love to know which hand I am supposed to be wiping with. Should I use soap afterward? Or hand sanitizer? I’m not really sure.

Why on earth are we giving someone else this kind of control to micromanage our lives?

I know some will say, “But I don’t want those perverts in there with my daughter,” and I could agree, but I won’t. Hear me out…

Men that identify as women will be dressed as a woman (maybe to the point where you wouldn’t even know the difference, barring a physical check of parts…which is just “eww” to even think about). Most of them have been using the women’s restroom for years. If they were in a woman’s dress and walked into the men’s room, wouldn’t that seem just as strange?

These people may have a perverted sense of self, but probably are not “perverts” in the way that we use that word. It’s not the man in the dress that is taking pictures of our daughters in the public bathrooms. It is some other deviant who has snuck into the bathroom for purposes other than relieving their bladder.

I completely agree with wanting to keep our children (boys and girls both) safe while using public restrooms. Here are a few ways we can keep them safer:

-Check the bathroom before they enter. (It’s ok to open the door and ask “Is anyone in here?” before physically walking in (if you are not the gender of the child using the restroom.)

-Teach your child to physically check each stall and look under the doors of stalls that appear to be locked and empty.

-Teach your child to be aware of their surroundings—not playing on their phones or listening to music (headphones) while in public bathrooms.

-Have your child use the family restroom.

-Go into the restroom with your child (if you are the same gender or your child is very young).

There is so much hate being spewed about this bathroom “issue” that really was not an issue for transgender people (as they were already using the bathroom they self-identified with). Honestly, non-transgenders did not have issues with the previous arrangement. In fact, maybe we were blissfully unaware that the high heels and pantyhose in the next stall belonged to a man.

We are called to love as Jesus loves.

Jesus came to save sinners, not the righteous. And guess what! “There is none righteous, not even one.” Romans 3:10.

“All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” Romans 3:23

That means that last week, when you looked down your secretary’s shirt, or wished your husband looked like Brad Pitt instead of Danny DeVito, you sinned too. There is no “big sin” or “small sin,” there is just sin.

That means that Caitlyn Jenner’s sin and my sin are EQUAL in the eyes of God. Not only that, but as I am judging Caitlyn on ‘her’ sin, God is judging me on mine.

It is not my business how Caitlyn chooses to live her life unless God calls me to speak to her as a friend to lead her towards Him.

If we are busy judging and spewing hate, we are missing opportunities and closing doors. The Bible tells us in 1 John 1:9 “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from ALL unrighteousness.” (Please note: this does not say “all unrighteousness except being a transgender person.” ALL means ALL. Everyone has the opportunity for God to cleanse them of their sins, including Caitlyn Jenner.)

So, unless you are without sin (in which case, I am very pleased that Jesus/God saw fit to read my blog post), I would propose that we learn to love people where they are and pray for God to move in their lives so that they become who He wants them to be.

Here is another post I wrote on gender identity and guiding your children to biblical truths.

I welcome respectfully worded comments.

Writing Prompt Wednesday 5/25/16

Another week; another Writing Prompt Wednesday. 

Here’s how it works. Each Wednesday throughout the summer, I will post some sort of writing prompt on this blog. It might be a picture, a word or phrase, or a bit of dialogue. It could even be a feeling or a smell.

Anyone who wishes to play along may write a scene or an entire story using the prompt. You can keep these stories to yourself if you like, using this as an exercise for your writing brain, or you may share with us in the comments below. Occasionally I will share my scene or story as well.

If you choose to share your story in the comments, please keep it clean. I started this series by request of a student, and would like to keep it where people of all ages and backgrounds can participate.

There are no winners and losers here, no prizes or fame to be had. My intent is for everyone who participates to have fun and be encouraged. 

The picture prompt this week is from my soon-to-be-released book called Meadow Fairies:The Littlest Frost Fairy Gets Her Name. 

Here is the writing prompt for this week. 

A few questions to get you started thinking (remember, I'm asking you to make something up based on the picture, not write about what might be happening in my book): 

Who are these people? What are they discussing? Why does the little one look sad?

Share your story in the comments! I can't wait to read your interpretations.

Do I really have to obey my husband?

As a wife, God has called me to be obedient to my husband. In this particular thing, I must admit that I have failed Him time and time again.

I have never liked that word, “obey.” I made sure the preacher did not use it in our wedding ceremony and I considered myself to be excluded from that command.

“Wives, likewise, be submissive to your own husbands…” 1 Peter 3:1

Yep, that one. That verse was written a long time ago. Women did not have jobs or rights back then. Surely God did not mean for that to apply to me.

“Actually, I did.”

I mean, I’m a strong, independent woman.

“So…”

I have a job and am a provider for our family. Actually, I make MORE money than he does. Shouldn’t he defer to me instead?

“No, No, and No” 

But…

“You’re just not getting this, are you?”

But God, my husband does not believe like I do.

“So”

Well, surely that excuses me, I mean he can’t possibly know what is right for me in your eyes.

“My command stands.”

What?!

“It stands, read the rest of the verse.” “That even if some do not obey the word, they, without a word, may be won by the conduct of their wives,”

But, God, he won’t even let me tithe out of my own money, so I have to disobey him, right?

“No. Obey him.”

But, God…

“I know you want to tithe, but it should not be a point of discord in your marriage.”

http://www.focusonthefamily.com/marriage/money-and-finances/money-management-in-marriage/tithing-when-your-spouse-objects

“When you place yourself under your husband’s authority, you are also under his umbrella of protection. If your husband is a believer, he is under My umbrella. If he is a non-believer, you are still under My umbrella of protection because you have followed my commands. If you remove yourself from his authority, you are also denying My authority over you.”

I felt led to write this post as a conversation between myself and God. I believe God spoke to my heart as I was writing. 

But I also know there is corruption in the world, and there are men who abuse their wives and children.

Personally, I cannot tell you what to do in that situation. My belief is that this alters the circumstance to a certain degree.

If you are in a situation of abuse, and seeking a way out, I suggest that you pour your heart out to God and listen for his guidance.

I’m not asking you to wait for an audible answer, but if you pray for God’s guidance and your phone rings on the “Amen,” it may be an answer to your prayer. It could be your sister, on her way with a truck to get you moved out, or it could be your husband, calling to apologize and tell you he wants to try counseling.

Just listen for God’s guidance. If you are in this situation now, I pray that God will give you peace about whatever answer He sends.

The opinions expressed here are my own, and are just that, opinions.

Feel free to share your own story or experience in the comments below.

Writing Prompt Wednesday 5/18/16

Another week; another Writing Prompt Wednesday. 

Here’s how it works. Each Wednesday throughout the summer, I will post some sort of writing prompt on this blog. It might be a picture, a word or phrase, or a bit of dialogue. It could even be a feeling or a smell.

Anyone who wishes to play along may write a scene or an entire story using the prompt. You can keep these stories to yourself if you like, using this as an exercise for your writing brain, or you may share with us in the comments below. Occasionally I will share my scene or story as well.

If you choose to share your story in the comments, please keep it clean. I started this series by request of a student, and would like to keep it where people of all ages and backgrounds can participate.

There are no winners and losers here, no prizes or fame to be had. My intent is for everyone who participates to have fun and be encouraged. 

Here is the writing prompt for this week.

              Hot dogs and coffee.

Here are a few questions to get you started. Why hot dogs and coffee? Who is eating? Is this breakfast or lunch? Does this combination taste good to them?

Remember, you can answer all of the questions, some or none.

_________________________________

"Those earthlings don't know what they are missing" Valdar spoke into his comlink. "They don't even eat hotdogs and coffee in the same meal, much less together."

"Is it better than pah pah and kesh?" asked a tinny voice over the comlink.

"Oh yes! They have this goop called mustard to put on the hotdog, and if you dip the hotdog in your coffee, it is amazing. The mustard helps flavor the coffee and the coffee makes the hot dog bun so soft and yummy."

"Well, maybe we could leave a human or two alive long enough to teach us how to make this delicacy. I will join you soon for lunch."

________________________

Thanks for reading. I'd love to hear your interpretation: add it in the comments.

Encouragement is SO Important

 

I recently attended the Mid-South Christian Writer’s Conference. I learned many things I didn't know, and was reminded of things I did know. One such reminder was from keynote speaker, Edie Melson. She said “You are blessed if you have a spouse who supports your writing.”

Yep. I agree with Edie, wholeheartedly. 100%  I know this perhaps better than others because my husband does not support my writing, and refuses to read any of my stories or blog posts. I have to work harder to follow my dream knowing that he doesn’t want me to. (I am blessed to have my mom for support, but I can use all the encouragement I can get.)

My husband knows that my ultimate goal is to quit my job and support myself (and my family) through writing, and frankly, I think this scares him to death.

You see, I am the primary breadwinner right now. My husband does work, and his job pays decent for our area, but I do make more. My nursing position has allowed our family to enjoy some comforts that we might not have otherwise. So, I can understand not wanting to give that up.

Additionally, I have embarked on several money making opportunities in the past, that did not pan out; jewelry parties, in-home daycare, and telemarketing from home have made my husband leery of any unconventional ideas. (Probably for good reason.)

I understand that my track-record is not the best, but this is not a get rich quick scheme. I don’t plan to get rich with my writing, and getting rich is not my goal. It could be a wonderful by-product, but I am not trying to be the next J.K. Rowling here.

I don't think he really understands where I am coming from with this writing stuff. First, I have stories in me that are begging to be written. Second, I love writing and I love being home with the kids. And third, I am not going to quit my job on a whim. I actually have a plan.

I plan to begin replacing my income by self-publishing books on the side. Until I am generating sufficient income from those books, I plan to continue working.

While I am waiting for my book income to be sufficient, I plan to work on reducing our overall debt. With fewer bills, less income is required to get through the month. For example, if I can reduce our bill payments by $1,000 per month, then we should be able to live on $1,000 less income per month as well.

Perhaps my husband would be more understanding if I could find a way to explain all of this to him. I certainly feel that my writing, and my self-confidence, would improve with his support.

Does your spouse or significant other support your writing? If not, do you have another person in your life who shows their support? If you don't have someone who fills this void in your writer's life, find someone! Trust me, it's important.

Writing Prompt Wednesday 5/11/16

Another week; another Writing Prompt Wednesday. 

Here’s how it works. Each Wednesday throughout the summer, I will post some sort of writing prompt on this blog. It might be a picture, a word or phrase, or a bit of dialogue. It could even be a feeling or a smell.

Anyone who wishes to play along may write a scene or an entire story using the prompt. You can keep these stories to yourself if you like, using this as an exercise for your writing brain, or you may share with us in the comments below. Occasionally I will share my scene or story as well.

If you choose to share your story in the comments, please keep it clean. I started this series by request of a student, and would like to keep it where people of all ages and backgrounds can participate.

There are no winners and losers here, no prizes or fame to be had. My intent is for everyone who participates to have fun and be encouraged. 

Here is the writing prompt for this week.

A few questions to get you started: What kind of spider is this? Why is it this color?  Where is it going? Who saw it? (Remember, you don't have to address every question: I only answered two in the story below.)

_______________________

"Who knew you could Kool-Aid dye a spider?" asked Kasey, "That is the cutest spider I have ever seen."

"Cute?" said Kim, "You have got to be kidding me...I was trying to kill the ugly thing. I hate spiders!"

"You shouldn't kill spiders, they are highly beneficial," said Kasey.

"I don't care if they can cure cancer and eliminate world hunger," said Kim, "they all need to die."

___________________________

Thanks for reading. Leave your story or scene in the comments if you would like.

The Big Lie that TV is Telling our Children

Watching TV tonight, I noticed a recurring theme; something I have never really paid attention to before, though it should have been obvious.

This recurring theme is alcohol. When anyone had a bad day on this show, they would go have a drink. When they had a good day, they go have a drink.

This programming is sending signals to our children, and not good ones. Our kids begin to think that drinking is the proper and “grown up” way to deal with their problems, as well as the best way to celebrate.

When I have a bad day, I go to bed early, cry myself to sleep, or binge watch my favorite TV show. Sometimes I curl up with a great book and lose myself in the pages for awhile. I am experienced enough to know that alcohol will not solve my problems. In the morning, I get up, go to work—and meet the problem head on.

We need to be teaching our children to face their problems. They need to learn to lean on a friend, get counseling if needed, work harder, try again, take out frustrations through exercise or journaling, or building and destroying Lego sculptures.

Instead, we let the sitcoms teach them that alcohol is the answer.

When someone on TV is battling alcoholism, the TV lies. This person is still their normal, beautiful self, but with an alcohol problem. Long-term alcohol abuse changes the body; sunken eyes, sallow skin, red face, dull hair.

Ever notice how “easy” it is to “recover” from alcohol abuse on these shows? In just a few episodes, they have moved past the alcoholism and can enjoy a social drink with their buddies again.

This isn’t how alcoholism works people! You don’t just get over it and go back to social drinking. You might pull it off for awhile, but eventually a trigger will cause the alcoholism to begin spiraling out of control again.

Chronic alcohol abuse ravages the body and mind. I’ve seen men in their 40s, living in Nursing homes with alcohol-induced dementia, who have lost control of their bowel and bladder functions. Men who could no longer feed themselves or wipe their own butt.

Alcoholism tears families apart. People say things when they are drinking that they would never dream of saying sober. They drive away their friends and family and go deeper in the bottle because everyone has “abandoned them.”

And yet, we glorify alcohol on TV. We let our teenagers, and even younger kids watch these lies, and we don’t bother to tell them the truth. We assume they already know it because we know it.

Oh yeah? How did you learn? Experience? Watching it tear someone’s life apart? Spoon feeding applesauce to a 40 year old man because he let alcohol ruin his life and he can no longer feed himself?

And now? Will you teach them? Or let them learn the hard way?

Writing Prompt Wednesday 5/4/16

Well, it’s Wednesday and I still have not come up with a hip name for my Writing Prompt Wednesday, so guess what we are going to call it. That’s right! Writing Prompt Wednesday.

Here’s how it’s going to work. Each Wednesday throughout the summer, I will post some sort of writing prompt on this blog. It might be a picture, a word or phrase, or a bit of dialogue. It could even be a feeling or a smell.

Anyone who wishes to play along may write a scene or an entire story using the prompt. You can keep these stories to yourself if you like, using this as an exercise for your writing brain, or you may share with us in the comments below. Occasionally I will share my scene or story as well.

If you choose to share your story in the comments, please keep it clean. I started this series by request of a student, and would like to keep it where people of all ages and backgrounds can participate.

There are no winners and losers here, no prizes or fame to be had. My intent is for everyone who participates to have fun and be encouraged.

Here is the writing prompt for this week.

You open the door to your backyard and see this. How did it get there? Where did it come from? What are you going to do about it?  (These are just some questions to get you thinking...answer one, all or none.) Have fun.

Plotting AND Pantsing my way to a Novel (or Two)

 

Plotter and Pantser are just labels, and I don’t fall wholly into either category. I am currently writing two different novels (crazy, right?), each using a completely different approach. Actually, both of these novels have been on the back burner for some time, but I am looking to begin working on them again.


The historical fiction novel I am working on has been a little more to the plotting side of things. I determined a basic course of action for my character before I ever sat down to write, and I have jumped around very little, writing mostly from the beginning through to the end. With the exception being, I do have a rough sketch of the middle finished after reading “Write Your Novel from the Middle” by James Scott Bell.

I have my plot points outlined in my head (probably on paper too if I could find the right notebook). I have differed very little from my original outline, other than to add something I originally considered backstory. I decided to make it the event that gets my characters “up a tree.” I love the direction this book is headed, and I enjoy the way that I am writing it.

　

On the pantsing side of things, is my speculative fiction novel. First of all, I never planned to write speculative fiction—ever. I still don’t see myself as a spec-fiction writer. I began this book with a bit of flash fiction in response to a photo prompt on Flash Friday.

I wrote the one little scene and then put it down, but I couldn’t get the characters out of my head. They wouldn’t let me be, but when I sat down to try to outline, I got nothing. The characters wouldn’t speak to me. So, I decided to try a different approach.

The next time Flash Friday rolled around, I took my characters and placed them in the picture prompt. Suddenly, my characters were speaking to me again, and I was able to get another scene down on paper.

Most Fridays, I could add to my growing stack of scenes. Though they are just little tidbits, when I flesh them out, I think I will have a pretty decent start on a novel.

Unfortunately, Flash Friday has since ceased to provide picture prompts, so I will need to prompt myself to finish this one.

　

Speaking of prompts, I plan to post a prompt to this blog, (in the form of a picture, bit of dialogue, word, or phrase) each Wednesday throughout the summer. (This was originally requested by a student in the Creative Writing class I teach for my local homeschool co-op, but everyone is welcome to play along.)

Are you a plotter, pantser, or somewhere in between? I’d love to hear more about your writing process. Leave me a comment!

Labels and Gender Identity: a Bible-based Guideline for Talking to Your Child

Under 18? Due to the sensitive nature of this topic, please ask a parent before reading.

 


Recently, my nine year old asked me a difficult question.

“Mom, am I a tomboy?”

I wanted to give her a short and easy answer like “Yes, and there is nothing wrong with that,” but with everything that is going on in the world today (including the buzz about gender identity), I felt I owed her a better explanation.

I would like to share my response with you and invite you to use it for yourself, if and when you decide to broach the subject with your own children.

Firstly, the word “tomboy” is just a label, nothing more. It can be a label given to you by someone else, or one that you use for yourself, but it is still a label.

Labels are our way of trying to fit people into categories, but people don’t fit into nice neat categories. No two people are exactly the same. One girl who identifies as a “tomboy” might still enjoy playing with dolls or playing dress up, while another “tomboy” might not like any “girl things.”

God made each and every one of us special and different.   


People have created these labels of “girl toys” or “girl colors” and they try to get people to fit into their mold by telling little boys “don’t play with that doll, that’s a girl toy,” or “pink is a girl color, you should like blue instead.” (I, too have fallen into the trap of saying these things to my children at times.)

This can be confusing to children, and the more they hear it, the more they start to believe that maybe God messed up when they were born. Maybe they really should have been born a girl instead of a boy, or vice versa.

Some people feel this so strongly that they have surgery to make them look more like a girl or more like a boy.

As Christians, we know that God doesn’t make mistakes. He made us each different on purpose because he has a different plan for each of us.

The Bible tells us in Psalms 139:13 “For You (God) created my inmost being; You knit me together in my mother’s womb.” Here is another article which explains this verse in more detail.

I want you to be who you are and to be always seeking to be who God wants you to be. If you like being called a “tomboy,” then you can call yourself one. If not, you can just be a special kind of girl who likes hunting and Tae Kwon Do.

I also want you to remember that God does not want us to judge those people who choose this surgery or to make fun of them. He loves them even though they sin, just like he loves us even though we sin.

Thank you so much for reading to the end of this post. If you use this to help explain this sensitive subject, I would love if you would come back and share with all of us in the comments.

Coping with the Death of a Sibling





After chemo and steroids had changed her appearance.



It’s been over seven years since my sister died.

Cancer.

Thanks.

No, I’ll never be “okay” again, but I appreciate the sentiment.

She was diagnosed with cancer at 24 years old and died a few months after her 25th birthday.

One of my favorites from before diagnosis.

 

At the funeral, I felt numb half of the time. That was the easy part; the rest of the time, I felt like my heart was being ripped from my chest. Friends asked if I was okay—of course I wasn’t. A large part of my life had been taken away and there would always be a hole there.

When I walked into the funeral home that morning, my brother and half-sister met me in the entry way. All I could think was that one of us was missing. They must have felt it too and we fell together in a three-way embrace.

We cried, held each other up when our knees buckled, and smiled through our tears at some memory of her. We were safe and loved in this cocoon of arms, heads and tears.

How long we stood there, I’m not sure. Other mourners and family members passed by, but no one bothered us.

We stood for some time not speaking, just holding each other up. Words were unnecessary in our sibling cocoon—this embrace was all that was needed. Words could not replace our loss; but knowing we were there for each other somehow made it more bearable.

In the days following her death, we returned to this embrace several times. We blocked out the world feeling closer to each other, and closer to Rebekah.

It’s been awhile since the three of us have been together. I think it may be time to revisit this hug. And someday in heaven, we will share it with Rebekah too.

Have you lost someone before their time? How did your family cope?

Trash in My Hand

“Here, Mom.” An empty candy wrapper appears in my hand, placed there by my 2 year old. It is quickly joined by another from my 9 year old. Other times, it’s a sucker stick, soda can, or previously chewed bubble gum.

I admit, sometimes this drives me crazy. I want to yell, “Just find a place for it!”

But I know better. I know the “place” they will put it will be on the ground, or stuck into the crack between my car seats. And that would drive me crazy too.

Walking through the park with my kids, I see trash littering the ground. Candy papers and popsicle sticks. I see a little boy, trailing behind his mama, drop his M&M bag on the ground. Mama turns around and tells him to come on, but leaves the candy bag.

My son runs over and picks it up. He looks up at me and asks “Throw trash?” I lift him up so he can reach the trash can and he tosses it in. See, I’m not always a human garbage magnet. The kids will throw things away themselves if they know where a trash can is.

I’m happy they don’t want to throw their trash on the ground, and that they are willing to pick up after others as well.

So, even though I walk around with sticky fingers and trash wadded in my palm; even though I am constantly in search of a trash can so that I can relieve my pockets of the refuse within; I am glad that my children hand me their trash. And when sticky fingers press used chewing gum into my palm, and I want to say, “Eww, go throw that away,” instead, I can smile and say “Thank you.”

Do your children use you as their personal trash collector? What is the yuckiest thing you have ever been handed?

Are we asking for earthly praise?

I was blessed to hear another great message this weekend from Pastor Craig at +Life.Church  My Monday posts won’t always be about Life Church, but I feel compelled to share this.

Pastor Craig is currently doing a series called “Love Like Jesus.” Last week’s message was on forgiveness. (See this post from last Monday.) This week’s message is on serving. 4/10/16

Something Pastor Craig said really hit home with me.He said we should be honored to use our gifts to impact someone else’s life (without getting credit).

Ouch. I enjoy serving, but I also (pridefully) want others to know about this great thing I did.

I don’t want to shout it from the rooftops, but can I just tell my brother? Or my mom? Come on…let me tell someone! I need them to tell me how great it was that I did this thing.

Wait, what? I NEED(?) them to tell me I did a great work? Why do I need anyone to tell me I did something great? Firstly, that’s all ego. Secondly, the Bible tells me to serve.

Jesus said “whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me” (from Matthew 25:40 NIV). Those who served in the way Jesus commanded, will have their reward someday in heaven. I know this to be truth. But I still struggle.



Earthly validation and praise make us feel good while we are here, but do nothing for us in heaven.


As a matter of fact, the Bible says “Be careful not to practice your righteousness in front of others to be seen by them. If you do, you will have no reward from your Father in heaven.” (Matthew 6:1 NIV)

If you struggle with this as I do, I encourage you to read Matthew chapter 6. What?! If I do this for show, I have already had my reward? Ouch again!

This is a very real personal struggle for me. I have had to consider long and hard what my priorities in life and Christian service will be. I performed an act of service (and even now, I want to tell y’all what it was), and I wanted to tell my brother why it took me so long to meet him…then I wanted to tell my stepson so that he would consider others before himself.

Both of those sound like good reasons to tell someone, but I know it would really be to stroke my own ego. Only my daughter saw what I did, and I explained to her why I did it. Partly because she asked and partly because I want her to grow up with a servant’s heart.

The last point that really stuck with me was that if you look and listen and care, you will find opportunities to serve everywhere. Keep watching for them, and don’t borrow from the glory that God deserves when you act in His service.

Is this something you struggle with? Is the praise of others important to you, or do you serve in secret, anticipating your heavenly reward?

Is it Monday Already?

Blargh, It’s Monday again. Time to leave your family and go back to the everyday monotony that is work. If you are blessed to have a job that you love, praise God for it. If not, I have a few tidbits for you. I had planned to share this as part of a larger post later this month, but God laid it on my heart yesterday to go ahead and post it(and helped me to wake up early enough to finish it).

For the last few weeks I have been attending a church that streams in messages from +Life.Church . The pastor yesterday spoke about forgiveness, and used the very verse I had planned to share. Click here for the message from 4/3/2016.

Jesus tells us “…love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you,” Matthew 5:44

If you have a job you love, thank God for your blessings and pray for others who are not so fortunate. If you dislike your current job or situation at work, pray about it.

God knows our wants, but He also wants us to ask for help and believe that He will help. It may not be in the way that you expect, or ask for. Your boss may not get run over by a bus, but he might transfer to another department, or get an unexpected job offer in another state.

Try to pray for your boss as well. Pray for good things for him instead of evil. If nothing else, it will help your own outlook, but it may help his as well.

What is your Monday motivation this week? Is there a verse or quote you are focusing on to get you through it?