"That beautiful season the Summer!
Filled was the air with a dreamy and magical light;
And the landscape
Lay as if new created in all the freshness of childhood."
- Henry Wadsworth Longfellow
Isn't this true? Summer brings out the freshness of childhood for me. Fresh peaches. Sparklers and fireworks. A lazy day by the pool or on the beach. Long days. Long walks. Thunderstorms and humidity. Drizzles and rainbows. Fireflies and staring at clouds.
I always feel a bit sad on the last day of July. We have one month left of summer, and this year the weather was erratic. We had twenty-one days in a row of rain. Last Sunday the newscasters talked of record lows in our area. When it is hot, it's out-of-control humid, and we get severe storms. But you know what? It's still summer! I'll take it. :)
Is July one of your favorite or least favorite months? Why?
Hope you enjoy the final hours of July!
Wednesday, July 31, 2013
Monday, July 29, 2013
Gearing Up for VBS!
This week I have the privilege of leading a group of preschoolers at our church's vacation Bible school. When I was young, VBS was always a highlight of summer. I loved singing fun songs, snacking on cookies, and making crafts. My mom usually volunteered, and I would see my friends from Sunday school.
It's been a few years since I've taught VBS, so I had to dust off all the tricks I've learned from various teaching gigs. One thing I'm very grateful for--my classroom helper, my own daughter!
A successful week depends on a number of things.
Our church is using a block-style, rotation schedule, but the youngest kids will be done with the "singing" block well before the allotted twenty-five minutes. It's my job to keep them occupied. :)
a. 2-3 songs with actions, like "This Little Light of Mine"
b. Foam sticker projects
c. Washable markers and paper animals to color
d. Stickers
e. Coloring Sheets
f. A few games geared around the theme, Go Tell It On the Mountain
My goal is for the children to learn about God in a fun environment. Aren't we trying to create happy memories? The kids aren't only hearing the lessons, they are watching our actions. Let's let our lights shine!
Children are precious to me. I pray for them to be saved, to have good home lives, and to let God's love see them through each day.
The exciting week always, always exhausts me! I will be taking naps and taking it easy.
Did you go to VBS as a child? What are your best memories?
Have a terrific day!
It's been a few years since I've taught VBS, so I had to dust off all the tricks I've learned from various teaching gigs. One thing I'm very grateful for--my classroom helper, my own daughter!
A successful week depends on a number of things.
* Preparing a variety of ten minute activities appropriate for ages four to six.
Our church is using a block-style, rotation schedule, but the youngest kids will be done with the "singing" block well before the allotted twenty-five minutes. It's my job to keep them occupied. :)
a. 2-3 songs with actions, like "This Little Light of Mine"
b. Foam sticker projects
c. Washable markers and paper animals to color
d. Stickers
e. Coloring Sheets
f. A few games geared around the theme, Go Tell It On the Mountain
* Having a relaxed attitude.
My goal is for the children to learn about God in a fun environment. Aren't we trying to create happy memories? The kids aren't only hearing the lessons, they are watching our actions. Let's let our lights shine!
* Prayer.
Children are precious to me. I pray for them to be saved, to have good home lives, and to let God's love see them through each day.
* Rest.
The exciting week always, always exhausts me! I will be taking naps and taking it easy.
Did you go to VBS as a child? What are your best memories?
Have a terrific day!
Friday, July 26, 2013
Discussing Plot: Complication or Situation?
For the next couple weeks, I'm doing one of my favorite things--studying books on the writing craft! Woo-hoo!
The Complete Handbook of Novel Writing was put together by the editors of Writer's Digest. Featuring seventy-seven essays on writing, this book appeals to my need for bite-size lessons. Gail Gaymer Martin wrote chapter forty-three, "What is Christian Romance?" Needless to say, I have an author crush on Gail!
Anyway, I recently read Monica Wood's excellent chapter, "The Plot Thickens," where she discusses complications in a novel. She explains that many newer writers mistake a situation for a complication. For instance, a bomb destroying a building our heroine just exited sounds like a complication, right? If the character runs to her car, drives to her boyfriend's house, and continues living her life with little consequence, the bomb was merely part of a situation.
Ms. Wood explains, "A good complication puts emotional pressure on a character, prompting that character not only to act, but to act with purpose."
Sometimes we come up with a great problem to throw at our characters, like the bomb above, but we fail to fully capitalize on it. We settle for letting the heroine escape with a racing heart rather than giving her a reason to act.
After I write a scene, I immediately take fifteen minutes to review it and ask a few questions.
- Did the viewpoint character learn anything in this scene?
- Did the scene answer a question? If yes, is a new question presented?
- How did the viewpoint character grow? If she didn't grow, did she regress?
- How did this scene move the plot forward?
I almost always find a way to bring the scene to a new level by doing this. It doesn't always take much to take a "good" scene to a "compelling" scene.
The questions go back to the dilemma of situation or complication. Sometimes we think we've written a complication, but when we analyze the writing, we haven't pushed our characters enough. We've either made the situation too tidy or we've ignored a potential complication in order to push our own plot agenda.
How do you turn situations into complications for your characters? I'd love to hear your thoughts!
Have a terrific weekend!
The Complete Handbook of Novel Writing was put together by the editors of Writer's Digest. Featuring seventy-seven essays on writing, this book appeals to my need for bite-size lessons. Gail Gaymer Martin wrote chapter forty-three, "What is Christian Romance?" Needless to say, I have an author crush on Gail!
Anyway, I recently read Monica Wood's excellent chapter, "The Plot Thickens," where she discusses complications in a novel. She explains that many newer writers mistake a situation for a complication. For instance, a bomb destroying a building our heroine just exited sounds like a complication, right? If the character runs to her car, drives to her boyfriend's house, and continues living her life with little consequence, the bomb was merely part of a situation.
Ms. Wood explains, "A good complication puts emotional pressure on a character, prompting that character not only to act, but to act with purpose."
Sometimes we come up with a great problem to throw at our characters, like the bomb above, but we fail to fully capitalize on it. We settle for letting the heroine escape with a racing heart rather than giving her a reason to act.
After I write a scene, I immediately take fifteen minutes to review it and ask a few questions.
- Did the viewpoint character learn anything in this scene?
- Did the scene answer a question? If yes, is a new question presented?
- How did the viewpoint character grow? If she didn't grow, did she regress?
- How did this scene move the plot forward?
I almost always find a way to bring the scene to a new level by doing this. It doesn't always take much to take a "good" scene to a "compelling" scene.
The questions go back to the dilemma of situation or complication. Sometimes we think we've written a complication, but when we analyze the writing, we haven't pushed our characters enough. We've either made the situation too tidy or we've ignored a potential complication in order to push our own plot agenda.
How do you turn situations into complications for your characters? I'd love to hear your thoughts!
Have a terrific weekend!
Wednesday, July 24, 2013
The Royal Baby and Downton Abbey
I love babies. I also love Regency period romance novels and British accents.The term "fish and chips" makes me hungry. Do I long to someday tour London? Yep. Am I overly enamored with the royals? Uh-huh. Congratulations, Prince William and Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge, on your new baby boy!
The royal baby would have gotten major press regardless, but I think the success of Downton Abbey brought the fevered "royal pregnancy watch" to a new level. There's nostalgia for a time when Britain was the world's only superpower. We wonder what it would have been like to be born in one of the wealthy aristocratic families, with maids and servants and parties and wardrobes. Even the emerging middle-class often had a servant or maid to help with daily tasks. Of course, not many of us fantasize about being born poor and having to slave away for eighteen hours a day with a few hours off every couple weeks. I know I don't!
While Downton Abbey gives us a fun peek into fictional lives, the British Monarchy provides a real link to a long gone era. Tradition abounds. William and Kate don't flaunt the rules--they were married in a church, Westminster Abbey to be precise. They follow protocol, and we love them for it! Even the birth announcement for the new baby clung to tradition by being displayed on an easel in the forecourt of Buckingham Palace. Proving the royals aren't stuffy, the announcement also went worldwide through Twitter.
A little old. A little new. Kind of like the time period of Downton Abbey. Everything is changing, and it's fun to watch the characters cling to the old while trying the new.
Did you follow the "royal baby watch"? Why or why not?
Have a lovely Wednesday!
The royal baby would have gotten major press regardless, but I think the success of Downton Abbey brought the fevered "royal pregnancy watch" to a new level. There's nostalgia for a time when Britain was the world's only superpower. We wonder what it would have been like to be born in one of the wealthy aristocratic families, with maids and servants and parties and wardrobes. Even the emerging middle-class often had a servant or maid to help with daily tasks. Of course, not many of us fantasize about being born poor and having to slave away for eighteen hours a day with a few hours off every couple weeks. I know I don't!
While Downton Abbey gives us a fun peek into fictional lives, the British Monarchy provides a real link to a long gone era. Tradition abounds. William and Kate don't flaunt the rules--they were married in a church, Westminster Abbey to be precise. They follow protocol, and we love them for it! Even the birth announcement for the new baby clung to tradition by being displayed on an easel in the forecourt of Buckingham Palace. Proving the royals aren't stuffy, the announcement also went worldwide through Twitter.
A little old. A little new. Kind of like the time period of Downton Abbey. Everything is changing, and it's fun to watch the characters cling to the old while trying the new.
Did you follow the "royal baby watch"? Why or why not?
Have a lovely Wednesday!
Monday, July 22, 2013
Another Guilty Pleasure: Writers' Workspaces
InStyle magazine originally featured two celebrity homes in each new issue. I subscribed for years just to see these rooms. It's not that I don't like fashion and makeup, but the real draw was the peek into stars' lives. Somewhere along the way, InStyle changed, and now it only sporadically shares celebrity rooms, which explains why I rarely purchase the mag. Bummer.
What hasn't changed? My gravitation to photographs of how other people live. I was so excited to find The UK's online publication, The Guardian, has a terrific segment archived under "Culture," "Books," and "Writer's Rooms." Skim through dozens of writers who share pictures and essays of their offices. Prepare to get addicted!
Compact. Two windows with transoms above. The view appears to be the neighbor's brick wall, but a cute little gate is visible too. An enormous bulletin board is within easy reach of the chair, and it's filled with pictures. Bookshelves line the walls. Cute knickknacks reflect the author's whimsical side.
The room obviously functions well, as evidenced by the filing cabinets, printer, and office supplies in easy reach. It's like a perfect little cave of creativity. I could write in this space!
This summer I'm taking a cue from teachers and putting new art on my bulletin board. I'm rearranging my pictures and knickknacks. It's up to us to create an inviting workspace!
Are you fascinated with other writers' workspaces? Describe your ideal office!
Have a fantastic Monday!
What hasn't changed? My gravitation to photographs of how other people live. I was so excited to find The UK's online publication, The Guardian, has a terrific segment archived under "Culture," "Books," and "Writer's Rooms." Skim through dozens of writers who share pictures and essays of their offices. Prepare to get addicted!
Gillian Slovo's office grabbed me. You can see it here, "Writer's Rooms: Gillian Slovo." The sheer volume of desk area made me salivate!
What I love about the office? (Click on the above link to see the photo.)Compact. Two windows with transoms above. The view appears to be the neighbor's brick wall, but a cute little gate is visible too. An enormous bulletin board is within easy reach of the chair, and it's filled with pictures. Bookshelves line the walls. Cute knickknacks reflect the author's whimsical side.
The room obviously functions well, as evidenced by the filing cabinets, printer, and office supplies in easy reach. It's like a perfect little cave of creativity. I could write in this space!
This summer I'm taking a cue from teachers and putting new art on my bulletin board. I'm rearranging my pictures and knickknacks. It's up to us to create an inviting workspace!
Are you fascinated with other writers' workspaces? Describe your ideal office!
Have a fantastic Monday!
Friday, July 19, 2013
Been Writing a While? Keep the Details Fresh
Last year, I noticed a wart on my latest work-in-progress. The scene seemed fine, but something was off. I stepped away. Analyzed. And it hit me. I'd written a similar situation in one of my previous books.
Oh no! I'm not only repeating words and phrases--I'm repeating actual plots too? Get the smelling salts!!
Once I recognized the issue, it didn't take much to fix it. A few hours of brainstorming led me to a different plot twist, one I hadn't used before.
Apparently repetition comes in many forms.
Recently I shared my latest book with a critique partner. She pointed out a repeat technique that I'd been relying on and, unfortunately, unaware of. Thank goodness for extra eyes! It forced me to find better, more creative ways to deepen the point of view.
Another trap I fall into time and again is using the same old action beats. It's not easy (for me!) to come up with fresh "movement" with dialogue. Sometimes my brain skips these tired phrases when I'm revising, so I've had to add another layer to my revising process--printing the book out single-spaced in a different font. Not much gets by me with that method!
As my writing develops, I find I have to be diligent about coming up with new plot twists, better descriptions, deeper character development, and unique characters. Anyone who has been writing a while strives to keep the details fresh.
1. Ask yourself if the plot feels familiar? Why? Why not?
2. Work hard to avoid needless word repetitions. Find/Replace is your friend. Use it.
3. Challenge yourself to introduce new-to-you situations in your work-in-progress.
Chances are, these new situations will create problems for your characters too. For instance, I write contemporary romance. The external conflicts are usually related to the characters' jobs or personal lives. One way to "spice" it up, is to stay on top of current events and add a subplot based on one.
Think about it. Natural disasters continue to increase in frequency. Droughts or heavy rains devastate areas. Recessions dampen dreams throughout the country. Foreign adoption rules change all the time. Some countries are dangerous for missionaries or even travelers. Any of these could trigger a problem and subplot for the characters.
4. Picture the scene in your head to come up with better action beats.
This is a weak area of mine. I have to work hard when it comes to movement within a scene.
5. Keep a mental (or written) log of the sensory details you typically share. Are your scents, tastes, and descriptions tired, overdone? Come up with new ones!
The longer I write, the more I realize writing isn't something to conquer. I will never say: I made it! My first draft is a masterpiece! My manuscripts will always need multiple revisions. It's my process. It's how I take my draft from "cute idea" to solid book.
Writing is something we can always improve. Each new book provides another opportunity to pay careful attention to our craft.
How do you keep the details fresh?
Have a fabulous weekend!
Oh no! I'm not only repeating words and phrases--I'm repeating actual plots too? Get the smelling salts!!
Once I recognized the issue, it didn't take much to fix it. A few hours of brainstorming led me to a different plot twist, one I hadn't used before.
Apparently repetition comes in many forms.
Recently I shared my latest book with a critique partner. She pointed out a repeat technique that I'd been relying on and, unfortunately, unaware of. Thank goodness for extra eyes! It forced me to find better, more creative ways to deepen the point of view.
Another trap I fall into time and again is using the same old action beats. It's not easy (for me!) to come up with fresh "movement" with dialogue. Sometimes my brain skips these tired phrases when I'm revising, so I've had to add another layer to my revising process--printing the book out single-spaced in a different font. Not much gets by me with that method!
As my writing develops, I find I have to be diligent about coming up with new plot twists, better descriptions, deeper character development, and unique characters. Anyone who has been writing a while strives to keep the details fresh.
Ways to Keep the Details Fresh in Your Manuscript
1. Ask yourself if the plot feels familiar? Why? Why not?
2. Work hard to avoid needless word repetitions. Find/Replace is your friend. Use it.
3. Challenge yourself to introduce new-to-you situations in your work-in-progress.
Chances are, these new situations will create problems for your characters too. For instance, I write contemporary romance. The external conflicts are usually related to the characters' jobs or personal lives. One way to "spice" it up, is to stay on top of current events and add a subplot based on one.
Think about it. Natural disasters continue to increase in frequency. Droughts or heavy rains devastate areas. Recessions dampen dreams throughout the country. Foreign adoption rules change all the time. Some countries are dangerous for missionaries or even travelers. Any of these could trigger a problem and subplot for the characters.
4. Picture the scene in your head to come up with better action beats.
This is a weak area of mine. I have to work hard when it comes to movement within a scene.
5. Keep a mental (or written) log of the sensory details you typically share. Are your scents, tastes, and descriptions tired, overdone? Come up with new ones!
The longer I write, the more I realize writing isn't something to conquer. I will never say: I made it! My first draft is a masterpiece! My manuscripts will always need multiple revisions. It's my process. It's how I take my draft from "cute idea" to solid book.
Writing is something we can always improve. Each new book provides another opportunity to pay careful attention to our craft.
How do you keep the details fresh?
Have a fabulous weekend!
Tuesday, July 16, 2013
Overdone Pins in My Pinterest Feed
Lately I haven't been as engaged on Pinterest, and I took forty-seven seconds to figure out why. Is it the layout? No. I like that I can scroll down forever. It's the trends in my feed.
My Pinterest feed has become saturated with DIY project pictures leading back to blogs. Some of these are cool, and I click through. But there can be too much of a good thing. :)
I miss simple pictures. Where did the untouched photographs go? And what if I just want to waste some time and not take on a major project? Pinterest has begun to make me feel inadequate--as if I need more of that in my life! Ha!
a. A fleeting desire to create closet organizers out of PVC piping
b. The urge to find out the Six Tricks to a Flat Stomach
c. A scrunched up nose at How to Make Fondant
d. Annoyance at anything having to do with wooden pallets
e. Guilt that I didn't announce my pregnancies with elaborate, staged photo sessions
f. Despair about the super-cute clothes either completely unaffordable or beyond wrong for my body
g. Dismay at even thinking of painting any piece of my furniture. Apparently this is only to be attempted by master furniture gurus. We're talking high-level security, sirens-will-go-off if you dare consider painting an end-table.
h. Squinty-eyes wondering why anyone would take a beautiful photo and manipulate the colors to such unnatural proportions. What was wrong with it to begin with?
i. The snarky thought: How long will the gluten-free phase last? Six more months? Twelve?
j. Why are we thinking about back-to-school organization in mid-July? I don't like to think of that until two days before school is in session. Or two days after.
I love Pinterest. Still waste plenty of time there. But I will not be making furniture out of pallets, nor will I be attempting homemade fondant or jewelry organizers. I might skim the flat-tummy article, but I will in no way, shape, or form actually do the exercises. Painting furniture? Will a secret security sect strike me dead if I don't follow the proper tips? I'll leave it to the professionals.
Are you on Pinterest? What pins grab you? What would you like to see less of?
Have a fabulous Wednesday!
My Pinterest feed has become saturated with DIY project pictures leading back to blogs. Some of these are cool, and I click through. But there can be too much of a good thing. :)
I miss simple pictures. Where did the untouched photographs go? And what if I just want to waste some time and not take on a major project? Pinterest has begun to make me feel inadequate--as if I need more of that in my life! Ha!
*The trends on MY Pinterest feed aren't the same as the ones on yours because we don't follow the same people.*
My feed is full of pins that trigger the following:
a. A fleeting desire to create closet organizers out of PVC piping
b. The urge to find out the Six Tricks to a Flat Stomach
c. A scrunched up nose at How to Make Fondant
d. Annoyance at anything having to do with wooden pallets
e. Guilt that I didn't announce my pregnancies with elaborate, staged photo sessions
f. Despair about the super-cute clothes either completely unaffordable or beyond wrong for my body
g. Dismay at even thinking of painting any piece of my furniture. Apparently this is only to be attempted by master furniture gurus. We're talking high-level security, sirens-will-go-off if you dare consider painting an end-table.
h. Squinty-eyes wondering why anyone would take a beautiful photo and manipulate the colors to such unnatural proportions. What was wrong with it to begin with?
i. The snarky thought: How long will the gluten-free phase last? Six more months? Twelve?
j. Why are we thinking about back-to-school organization in mid-July? I don't like to think of that until two days before school is in session. Or two days after.
I love Pinterest. Still waste plenty of time there. But I will not be making furniture out of pallets, nor will I be attempting homemade fondant or jewelry organizers. I might skim the flat-tummy article, but I will in no way, shape, or form actually do the exercises. Painting furniture? Will a secret security sect strike me dead if I don't follow the proper tips? I'll leave it to the professionals.
Are you on Pinterest? What pins grab you? What would you like to see less of?
Have a fabulous Wednesday!
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