Rejection -- Schmejection!

I'm sharing this post from my archives. Sometimes it's good to ponder this message again and again.

Rejection is an ugly word, especially to a writer. But we need to keep it in perspective. To help you put rejection into perspective, I’d like to discuss my shoes.

I have a pair of lovely leather shoes. I really like my shoes. They are stylish, look good with many types of clothing, and are comfortable to wear for many hours. I love, love, love my shoes.

A few months ago, I noticed my shoes were beginning to look worn out and were no longer attractive to wear with dress pants. I thought about purchasing another pair of shoes, and then I had the bright idea to bring them to a shoe repairman. The repairman put new heels on my shoes, polished the leather, and blackened the soles. After some effort and work, my leather shoes are spiffed up and look as good as new.

Now, if I offered my shoes to someone and they don’t love them like I do, should I be heartbroken? Does their rejection of my shoes make me less of a person? Does it make my shoes less attractive? Does it make me less worthy?

Think about it, I bet my shoes wouldn’t fit just anyone. They wouldn’t be right for a number of people with different tastes and different needs. But that doesn’t make my shoes less valuable or less worthy.

That’s the way I look at rejection. My manuscript (shoes) is polished and ready to go out into the world. But perhaps the agent/editor (consumer) needs a different size or is looking for a different style. It’s easy to look at the situation from this perspective and see that it’s not always personal when your manuscript (shoes) is rejected!


Rejection is an ugly word, especially to a writer. But we need to keep it in perspective. If we’ve been gifted/called to write, then we should keep writing and polishing our manuscript in obedience to our Lord. Perhaps the work we put into our manuscripts will never yield the results we desire, but if we work in obedience, I believe it will always yield the results the Lord has intended for us. Perhaps our work will lead us in a direction we never expected. I don’t believe the time and effort spent polishing our manuscripts will ever be rendered wasted. We are a work in progress, and only God knows where that will lead.

Another take on the Digital vs. Paper debate

A French TV ad continues the digital vs. paper debate in a cute and clever way!

Celebrating with my friend!

It's a happy day for my friend Beth Vogt. Her sophomore novel, Catch a Falling Star, releases today!


I was honored to read Catch a Falling Star and offer my endorsement. (Yes, it's so cool that you can open my friend's book and see my review!) I love Beth's writing style!

Here's what I had to say about this delightful novel:
 "Catch a Falling Star, Beth Vogt's sophomore novel, delights with an intriguing cast of characters, a page-turning plot, unexpected twists, and sharp writing. I loved this tender story framed in second chances and heartfelt dreams that proves fairy-tale lives come in all shapes and sizes." 

I'm so happy for Beth. She's a generous woman and a fine writer. Treat yourself, and buy this book today.

I'm happy to spread the good news about my friends' books. It makes me think of Romans 12:15 because I'm that kind of gal.

"Rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep."

Vote for your favorite or worst book cover

The annual cover contest is going on at Cover Cafe right now.

The contest showcases the best and worst in romance book covers released in 2012.

I love looking at covers, don't you? Take a hop over to their site and vote, it's fun!

But let me warn you -- the "worst" covers are so bad you'll want to wash your eyes out after viewing them. Blech. What were those people thinking?

Consider the Glen Eyrie Writer's Workshop

Looking for a great writer's seminar to hone your skills and fire your enthusiasm?

Consider attending the Glen Eyrie Writer's Workshop in Colorado Springs.

I've been to this workshop a few times, and I can vouch for its value. Led by authors Nancy Rue, Angela Hunt, Kathy Mackel, and Bill Myers, the event offers excellent instruction in a small group atmosphere.

Oh, and it's held in a castle. That's not too shabby.

The workshop will be held June 16th - 19th. For the attention you'll get, the price is an amazing bargain. Only $288 (plus lodging) for four days that could very well take your writing career to a new level. The brochure promises you'll, "Grow professionally, spiritually and personally. Leave better prepared to write your masterpiece!"

If you have the time and the money, consider going to this fine seminar. You won't regret it.

And you are?

I read an article about famous Hollywood types who feel compelled throw around their celebrity to get their way.

"Do you know who I am?"

Apparently that question opens doors, gives them discounts, offers a way out of legal situations, etc.

But sometimes it doesn't work (see linked article).

Unfortunately it must work occasionally because these people have learned how to get what they want by throwing the weight of their fame in the faces of anyone opposing their desire. That's too bad.

I've always been an Acts 10:34 gal, treating everyone equally. After all, if it's good enough for God, it's good enough for me. If you're wondering, here's the verse: Then Peter replied, “I see very clearly that God shows no favoritism."

I've never dropped the do-you-know-who-I-am line, but I did have an awkward moment once when someone was trying to figure out who I was. I had been invited to a private study group that meets in Denver. The event that day was a field trip to some local cultural site. After the presentation, refreshments were served. I knew practically no one there.

A middle-aged woman came up to me, and we introduced ourselves.

"Now who are you?" she asked.

The question caught me off guard since I'd just introduced myself. Not knowing what to say, I smiled and repeated my name.

"We've never met, have we?" she asked.

"No."

"Well, who are you?"

I explained that I was invited to the event as a guest of the group's coordinator.

The lady nodded. "Still . . ." She looked me up and down. "You must be someone's daughter, right?"

At this point I was growing uncomfortable with the scrutiny. She obviously didn't think I had the qualifications to be among that revered group. She cocked her head, and I could see the wheels turning as she tried to figure out how I landed in her world.

Then I found my voice. "Yes." I shrugged. "I am someone's daughter." I took a sip of my lemonade, put down my glass, and left the gathering.

Clearly, she thought I didn't belong in that gathering. That happened nearly 19 years ago, and I still recall the feeling of being pushed out by the cool/mean girl.

I wish I'd had a snappy retort. But more importantly I remember how it felt to have someone scrutinize me and finds me lacking. I vowed I'd never treat a stranger that way.

So in the long run, that moment of discomfort was a good thing. It helped me to grow and understand how important it is to treat everyone respectfully. I've become that person who welcomes new people into a group or saves a seat for someone who's coming to a writers' event for the first time.

Oh, and by the way -- yes, I am someone's daughter!

So, do you know who you are?

Sometimes I take a trip on the crazy bus. How about you?

Okay, I'm going to put this out there: I'm an emotional woman.

Morguefile.com photo

Sometimes I let my emotions get the best of me and hop on the crazy bus. And then once I'm on that crazy bus I tend to stay aboard, holding tightly to the seat in front of me and swaying to the rises and dips and twists and turns as it carries me away.

Usually, before too much time passes, I'm able to realize I'm captive to my own emotions. I take the initiative and step off that bus back onto Reality Blvd.

That happened to me the other day. I was feeling blue and weary, feeling not particularly productive, and not really sure what my purpose was. I met a friend for coffee, and while listening to her, I realized I'm not alone. Other people feel blue and weary, not really sure what their purpose is.

Thank God for friends. If they're close enough to us, they often serve as a mirror--reflecting our doubts and insecurities, but also assuring us we're not really crazy. It's a relief to know I'm not the only one with insecurities and doubts. I'm not the only one who feels like the odd one out at times.

We talked, and I ended up praying with my friend. The amazing thing is that I had hoped to make her feel a little better, but as I drove home I realized that I also felt better. Part of my problem was that while I was riding my little crazy bus I didn't look around and realize that there were other passengers. We're not alone, friends.

The bottom line? Reach out to friends with love and prayers and assurances. Also, learn to give yourself a break -- treat yourself with the kindness you give to your friends.

That's a good plan. Don't you think?

Pressing on

Keep the faith, press on! 

Post-Boston Marathon: Pain, confusion, questions without answers

Like most Americans the news of the terrible bombing at the Boston Marathon left me stunned and saddened.

Senseless tragedies sweep into being and change lives. Forever.

Why? Why me? Why him? Why her? Questions survivors and victims' loved ones ask will never get a satisfactory answer. In a moment the rest of their days have changed. Their memories will divide time into "before" and "after."

Tears have come easily since I heard the awful news yesterday because I know what it's like to get a call and have someone tell you something you never imagined your family would have to deal with. An unexpected tragedy sweeps the rug out from beneath and leaves you stepping forward into a future without a loved one. I know the pain of grieving someone who was taken violently and unexpectedly.

It's hard. I've been praying for the broken survivors and the families that have been forever changed. I know that every step for a long while will feel like walking uphill on a rocky path.

But a truth I live with and cling to is this, "The Lord is close to the brokenhearted; He rescues those whose spirits are crushed." ~Psalm 34:18

Last night I was reading Lucille Zimmerman's new book Renewed, and she quoted a poem that I'm happy to share.

'Tis a fearful thing
To love
What death can touch.
To love, to hope, to dream,

And oh, to lose.
A thing for fools, this,
Love,
But a holy thing,
To love what death can touch.

For your life has lived in me;
Your laugh once lifted me;
Your word was a gift to me;

To remember this brings painful joy.

'Tis a human thing, love,
A holy thing,
To love
What death can touch.
                ~Judah Halevi, 12th Cent.

Isn't that wonderful? 

Lord, bless the people affected by this awful act. Be close to them and their loved ones. Let them be comforted by Your love, send helpers to them to ease their burden.

See it, smell it, feel it, taste it, hear it . . .

I recently read a story that left me wholly unsatisfied. The author skimped on writing in the sensory details. I felt disoriented while reading and found myself eager to be finished.

When I read, either fiction or non-fiction, I need to feel as if I'm dropped into the scene and can experience what the character can experience.

The photo on the left is taken from the window of a luxury resort in Beaver Creek, Colorado. (I cashed in lots and lots of loyalty points to enjoy a few days in the Rockies.)

If I were reading a scene that takes place in that resort I'd like to know what the room looked like. How did the luxurious bedding feel to a weary body? How big were the windows, and what kind of shadows fell across the floor? How did the wind sing as it wove its way through the pines? Can you hear the whinny of horses as they cart vacationers through the mountain trails? Did the breeze carry the fragrance of pine boughs? What color blue was the sky? How plush was the carpet? What speciality was the hotel's chef known for?

All those little details woven into the story help to transport the reader. If I take the time to read your book, please transport me.

Conversely, if I'm writing a novel my goal is to pull the reading into the story by using sensory details in the narrative. Here's a tiny bit from one of my wips: Scott stepped forward, and together they strolled over crisp snow. A breeze threaded down the basin through the spindly aspens and pine trees wearing winter’s glitter. The wind stirred up fresh powder, swirling it around them in an icy spray.

I want my reader to feel the chill of the air, the sting of snow on their cheeks, and see the magical beauty of fresh snow on mountain trees. 

How about you? What do you hope to experience when you read or write?

What famous author do you write like?

A couple years ago, I posted a link to an online quiz about what type of writer you should be.It's a fun short quiz. My answer was screenwriter.That tickled me because I think novels should run through your mind like a movie and also because I'm going to turn Searching for Spice into a screenplay. Well, I'm going to make a good try at doing it.

Anyway, here's another fun quiz that tells you which famous writer you write like. I took the quiz a few times with different excerpts, but you can also use a blog post, journal entry, or comment.

Here are the results when I used my current wip:

• Margaret Mitchell
• James Joyce
• Anne Rice
• Kirk Vonnegut

Here's the results with my completed Lady in the Locket:

• James Joyce (again!)
• K.J. Rowling
• Douglas Adams

According the quiz, my text from Searching for Spice resembled the work of:

• David Foster Wallace
• Chuck Palahniuk
• Charles Dickens (go figure!)

Have fun, and tell me what famous author you write like!

Loving Words during National Poetry Month

 Did you know April is National Poetry Month?

I'm not a poet, but I am in love with words and occasionally read poems. I love to read a poem and either be transported to a different world, see my world in a different way, or have someone from another time nail a thought or impression I've had. 

I was paging through an old poetry book and found a poem I don't remember seeing before. It's a poem by Emily Dickinson, and I love it because it's relatable to me. Written in the 19th Century, it's an acknowledgement of the existence of God. 

I Never Saw a Moor

I never saw a moor,

I never saw the sea;

Yet know I how the heather looks,

And what a wave must be. 

I never spoke with God, 

Nor visited in heaven,

Yet certain am I of the spot

As if the chart were given. 

Another poem I like, and one that's been residing in my brain, is a poem I'd memorized many, many years ago. If thou must love me, let it be for nought is one of the poems found in Sonnets from the Portuguese. It's quite lovely.Sonnets from the Portuguese is a collection of poems that Elizabeth Barrett Browning wrote for her husband, Robert Browning. I think she nails the desire of women to be loved simply for who they are. That's the kind of love that lasts--one not built on image or convenience.

If thou must love me, let it be for nought...

If thou must love me, let it be for nought 
Except for love's sake only. Do not say 
"I love her for her smile—her look—her way 
Of speaking gently,—for a trick of thought 
That falls in well with mine, and certes brought 
A sense of pleasant ease on such a day"— 
For these things in themselves, Beloved, may 
Be changed, or change for thee,—and love, so wrought, 
May be unwrought so. Neither love me for 
Thine own dear pity's wiping my cheeks dry,— 
A creature might forget to weep, who bore 
Thy comfort long, and lose thy love thereby! 
But love me for love's sake, that evermore 
Thou may'st love on, through love's eternity.

Do you have a particular poem that resounds in your head or your heart?

That lovely photo is one I took in Columbia, SC at the capitol last January. Isn't it lovely?

Mid-week Writing Encouragement!

Here's a little mid-week writing encouragement. Write on, friends!

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

~Anton Chekhov

There are three rules for writing the novel. Unfortunately, no one knows what they are.

~W. Somerset Maugham

Fiction is a lie, and good fiction is the truth inside the lie.

~Stephen King

You can't wait for inspiration, you have to go after it with a club.

~Jack London

When we are born, we are granted by God a specific number of exclamation points. When we use them up, it is our time to go.

~Dean Koontz

The lovely, inspiring photograph is of the craggy coast of Big Sur, California. I was refreshed and encouraged last October when I went to Monterey for a writers retreat. 

Context, context, context . . .

Sometimes an unexpected juxtaposition is cool, sometimes it's just unfortunate. Take a look at this article.

Perspective and Relativity

Writers need to get inside the head of their characters, and they need to adapt the point of view to the character's age, gender, beliefs, location, etc., or the story will fall flat. Characters must be true to themselves and different from other people in the story.

I once overheard this conversation:

"I was rear ended in my Dad's SUV last week."

"What happened?"

"An older guy, in his late thirties, didn't stop for the stop sign at the corner . . ."

Funny, isn't it? Obviously the gal speaking was young, in her early twenties, I'd guess.

Fortunately perspective changes as we age. Once you leave your twenties, someone in their late thirties doesn't seem so old anymore.

Everything's relative to perspective. Often a writer needs to research a character to stay true to his/her traits. It pays to put time into fleshing out the folks that populate your book. A tip I recently learned was to go on youtube and watch videos taken where your book's set (if it's a location you're not familiar with). You'll see the setting and hear the way the locals talk and refer to things. Clever, isn't it?

See the photo above? I took that a few years ago at Evergreen Lake in Evergreen, Colorado. I love it. I can smell the piny scent in the crisp air and recall a pleasant morning spent with friends. But someone with a different perspective would react quite differently in the same setting. Apparently some people don't care for the cold or the mountains and would hate spending time in a frosty setting. But that's okay, it's just a difference of perspective.  :)

Good News!

Did the title of this blog grab your attention? Are you eager to hear some good news?

I ran across a NYT article that has some interesting ideas on how news disseminates.

In general, television news is filled with doom and gloom, partly because that's what's believed to draw audiences. The old "if it bleeds, it leads" mentality.
But researchers are discovering that when people choose which news is shared, -- via social networking -- good news spreads faster than bad news.

"Neuroscientists and psychologists have found that good news can spread faster and farther than disasters and sob stories."

According the article, thoughts/news about other people and what appeals to them is more often spread around on social media.

Isn't that lovely? Perhaps human nature is kinder than we thought. We're happy to share good news with our friends. In light of this, my last post makes even more sense, doesn't it?

Now, go forth and spread good news and joy!

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Social media proves that folks like to share good news with others.

Celebrating tonight!

I'll be celebrating the release of a new book tonight. No, it's not one of my books.

My friend Lucille Zimmerman has strived for six years to bring her book to publication. I'm so very happy for her. She's worked hard, and her book, Renewed, is stellar!

As I was thinking about the book launch party she's throwing tonight, I realized I was (nearly) as excited for her as I was when my first book released.

And that's what I've been pondering. 

I'm blessed to be able to experience joy at someone else's good fortune. When God made me, He fashioned my heart to be a Romans 12:15 person. Be happy with those who are happy, and weep with those who weep.

I get teary just thinking about someone else being happy and weepy when I know someone's in distress.  As much as it's an inconvenience -- being so emotional can be an embarrassment -- I'm grateful I'm built this way.

I'm grateful I'm not a jealous person. I've known some jealous people, and I don't think they'll ever be truly happy or at peace. I've seen authors turn green over someone else's book contract or magazine article. It's not attractive. Someone else's accomplishment does not diminish yours, and it shouldn't affect your dreams and goals.

When I was younger I had a jealous person in my life. She's no longer in my life, but I recall her pressed lips and tight expression when she'd heard I accomplished something, been complimented, or had good fortune. I cared deeply for her, loved her, and to have her close up and not acknowledge my joy hurt me deeply. Her jealousy grew with each year. It wasn't enough for her to have the best or be the best, it seemed she didn't want others to come close to what she enjoyed. Eventually she began to disparage me to others, and I even discovered she'd told people I'd made unkind statements about them. Those lies still haunt me because I'm unable to track them down and plead to be believed that I'd never say such a thing.

I've given you a glimpse into my painful past. Despite the heartache that still visits on occasion, I've moved forward. Although she's never asked forgiveness, I've given it. The experience of going through that pain and disappointment has given me perspective. It has made me a better person. I weep more freely. I love with more abandon. I embrace others' joy and try to be a soft place for others' pains and disappointments. I've learned to look outside myself when people are going through something -- good or bad -- and respond with true enthusiasm or empathy.

I've grown in my capacity to be happy with those who are happy, and weep with those who weep. And  despite the sorrow that has scarred my heart, I'm certain it wasn't a wasted time in my life. Despite my occasional tears, I'm a stronger, happier person. I'm a Romans 12:15 person.

To get back to Lucille's book -- it's fabulous. I'd like to say I read it through, but my darling daughter borrowed it and I've just recently regained possession. I started the first few chapters and was hooked! The complete title is Renewed: Finding Your Inner Happy in an Overwhelmed World. The book is beautifully written and filled with practical advice and simple tips. Buy it for your own benefit, and buy some extra copies to give away (that's what I did!).

What writers can learn from chef Gordon Ramsay

Have you ever watched Gordon Ramsay's show Kitchen Nighmares?

TV chef Gordon Ramsay takes on the challenge of turning around a failing restaurant. At the start of the program he goes into the restaurant as a diner, choosing several dishes to order.

He finds fault with each dish. The seafood's been frozen, the soup's under seasoned, the beef's too tough, the vegetables aren't fresh. He always sends all the food back to the kitchen with a scathing comment.

The next scene shows Ramsay talking to the restaurant's owner who disagrees with all of the chef's assessments. The owner always argues that the food is delicious and his restaurant is wonderful. Keep in mind, this is a failing restaurant. Yes, the person responsible can't see the flaws that are holding them back from success.

Sometimes it can be the same way for writers. They think their talent allows them to create perfect sentences formed by perfect words to constitute perfect chapters ultimately giving them the perfect book. But that's not so.

Authors often can't see the flaws in their writing. They think of a million other reasons why their work isn't making it to publication. They complain that people don't understand their concept, that agents or editors are too picky.

The reality is that they're not doing all they can to learn the craft. They're not asking for help in the form of a critique or a paid edit OR they just think other writers are jealous of their work and (again) not understanding their writing. Truly, I've heard comments like these.

The truth is that if you're failing to find success, you need to seek out help and LISTEN to advice. See that photo on the left? It's a critique I received. All those written comments are not praises, they're criticisms and suggestions on improving my skills.

The bottom line? Seek out help from other writers or paid critiques or paid edits. Open your eyes to the flaws in your work. Attend seminars and conferences, read books on craft. Learn the discipline of writing well. And above all, don't think you're the best writer on the planet.

Have you ever watched Ramsay's show? Have you seen how dumb the restaurant owners make themselves out to be? Don't do that. 

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What writers can learn from chef Gordon Ramsay.

While you're waiting . . .

In publishing, as in life, there's a lot of waiting to do. It's not easy.

Today someone passed on a poem about waiting that's too good not to share.

Wait
by Russell Kelfer

Desperately, helplessly, longingly, I cried;
Quietly, patiently, lovingly, God replied.
I pled and I wept for a clue to my fate . . .
And the Master so gently said, "Wait." 

"Wait? you say wait?" my indignant reply.
"Lord, I need answers, I need to know why!
Is your hand shortened? Or have you not heard?
By faith I have asked, and I'm claiming your Word. 

"My future and all to which I relate
Hangs in the balance, and you tell me to wait?
I'm needing a 'yes', a go-ahead sign,
Or even a 'no' to which I can resign. 

"You promised, dear Lord, that if we believe,
We need but to ask, and we shall receive.
And Lord I've been asking, and this is my cry:
I'm weary of asking! I need a reply." 

Then quietly, softly, I learned of my fate,
As my Master replied again, "Wait."
So I slumped in my chair, defeated and taut,
And grumbled to God, "So, I'm waiting for what?" 

He seemed then to kneel, and His eyes met with mine . . .
and He tenderly said, "I could give you a sign.
I could shake the heavens and darken the sun.
I could raise the dead and cause mountains to run.

"I could give all you seek and pleased you would be.
You'd have what you want, but you wouldn't know Me.
You'd not know the depth of my love for each saint.
You'd not know the power that I give to the faint.

"You'd not learn to see through clouds of despair;

You'd not learn to trust just by knowing I'm there.

You'd not know the joy of resting in Me
When darkness and silence are all you can see.

"You'd never experience the fullness of love
When the peace of My spirit descends like a dove.
You would know that I give, and I save, for a start,
But you'd not know the depth of the beat of My heart.

"The glow of my comfort late into the night,
The faith that I give when you walk without sight.
The depth that's beyond getting just what you ask
From an infinite God who makes what you have last.

"You'd never know, should your pain quickly flee,
What it means that My grace is sufficient for thee.
Yes, your dearest dreams overnight would come true,
But, oh, the loss, if you missed what I'm doing in you.

"So, be silent, my child, and in time you will see
That the greatest of gifts is to truly know me.
And though oft My answers seem terribly late,
My most precious answer of all is still . . . Wait."

While a writer waits for success, there are certain things to do (in addition to writing!). One of the most important is to go to writers conferences and seminars. 

Two conferences that I've enjoyed are the Colorado Christian Writers Conference (CCWC) held in Estes Park each May and the Glen Eyrie Writer's Workshop held in Colorado Springs in June.  

Don't assume that you've got to live in Colorado to take advantage of either of these fine learning opportunities. People fly from all over to hone their craft, get to know other writers, and meet agents and editors. 

It's not too late to register for either event. The photo on top was taken at the CCWC and the photo of the castle (Yes! The GE Writer's Workshop is held in a castle.) was taken at Glen Eyrie. In addition to soaking up knowledge and making new friends, you'll get to enjoy some incredible beauty as well. 

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In publishing, as in life, there's a lot of waiting to do. It's not easy.

Writers need the gift of perspective

Happy is the person who dreams dreams and is willing to take the steps to make them come true. Don't be afraid to start climbing and I'll see you at the top! ~ Zig Ziglar

I’ve been thinking about perspective lately. So much of life’s experiences depend on perspective, especially for writers. We commit ourselves to long periods of solitary work and then endure the difficult process of publication. Even after publication, it's not a walk in the park. 

But whether you succeed in being published or not, I think the journey's worth it. Writers tend to learn about themselves and their place in the world through the practice of writing. 

Here are two quotes on life, which author do you think had a better life?

• We are born wet, naked, and hungry. Then things get worse.  ~Author Unknown

• Here is the world.  Beautiful and terrible things will happen.  Don't be afraid.  ~Frederick Buechner

 The challenge in life is to gain control of your perspective. Look for the positive, even in the midst of a down cycle. It's possible, trust me. 

You can look at the hours of writing and creating as work, or you can view that time spent as being obedient to what you believe is your call or your duty. Time spent in creativity is never wasted -- either it will impact the world or it will impact you. Either way, it's good!

Be brave. Write despite the fear your work will never be read. God planted this dream in your heart. Write to please Him, and don't worry about the rest. 

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Be brave. Write despite the fear your work will never be read. #writing

Work less, accomplish more -- really

Yes, really.

An article in the New York Times caught my eye with the headline, "Relax! You'll be more productive." Intriguing.

The gist of the article is that we need to rest more to increase productivity. Apparently the work-a-holics aren't as productive as those who work less hours and take the occasional vacation.

"The importance of restoration is rooted in our physiology. Human beings aren’t designed to expend energy continuously. Rather, we’re meant to pulse between spending and recovering energy."

It gets even better. The author discusses an interesting method to writing a book. He says that his productivity has been better when he works in three 90-minute sessions with rest or restoration between sessions.

It's a good article. Read it yourself: Relax! You'll be more productive

The photo shows one of my favorite spots to rest and restore myself, my hammock. Ahh.

What writers can learn from Jennifer Lawrence's trip up the stairs

It's okay to be human.

Look at poor Jennifer Lawrence -- she tripped while going to receive her Oscar for best actress. Being the professional she is, she recovered immediately and even made light of her predicament saying,"You guys are just standing up because you feel bad that I fell, and that's really embarrassing, but thank you." 

I could relate to Jennifer. I've been known to "test gravity" myself on occasion.

Honestly, I think her oops moment only served to make her more endearing. She was relatable. Who hasn't tripped and tried to make a graceful recovery?

Here's where this ties in to writing: perfect characters have imperfections. Whether they're good or bad,  the characters we create must be relatable. We like less-than-perfect people and we relate to them.

So the next time you're creating a character be sure to rub some of the polish off. Make them ordinary, and give them some minor flaws. Let them act like real people who sometimes trip or spill a drink or walk into the kitchen and forget what they're there for.

And also, if you haven't seen the movie that Ms. Lawrence was in, Silver Linings Playbook, go see it! It was one of the most satisfying movies I've seen in a long, long time.

Inspiring thoughts

See that photo? It's of a hiking trial in Maroon Bells outside of Aspen, Colorado. I walked that trail a few years ago. It wasn't all that difficult, although this particular stretch was interesting. Uphill. Stumbling over rocks when I was already weary. But doable.

I think of the writing journey in much the same way. Difficult. Interesting. Uphill. Occasionally stumbling. Weary. But doable.

One of the inspiring thoughts that has motivated me for years came from a sermon I heard in the early 90s. The pastor, Robert Emmitt from Community Bible Church in San Antonio, said, "It's better to try and know for sure than to do nothing and always wonder."

If we don't act on our dreams and goals we'll never know what we could have accomplished.

What inspiring thought has gotten you to act on your dreams?

Hangover!

Yes, I've got another book hangover, and this one's really bad. I can't stop thinking about Julie Cantrell's lovely novel Into the Free.

I loved everything about this book: the cover, the soft texture of the cover, the title, the era, the characters, the pacing, the beautiful and heartbreaking words.

Sigh. I've got a hangover, and I've got it bad.

Here's the blurb:

In Depression-era Mississippi, Millie Reynolds longs to escape the madness that marks her world. With an abusive father and a "nothing mama," she struggles to find a place where she really belongs.

For answers, Millie turns to the Gypsies who caravan through town each spring. The travelers lead Millie to a key that unlocks generations of shocking family secrets. When tragedy strikes, the mysterious contents of the box give Millie the tools she needs to break her family's longstanding cycle of madness and abuse. 

Through it all, Millie experiences the thrill of first love while fighting to trust the God she believes has abandoned her. With the power of forgiveness, can Millie finally make her way into the free?

Saturated in Southern ambiance and written in the vein of other Southern literary bestsellers like The Help by Kathryn Stockett and Crooked Letter, Crooked Letter by Tom Franklin, Julie Cantrell has created in Into the Free—now a New York Times Best Seller—a story that will sweep you away long after the novel ends.

***

Millie's story got under my skin. I grieved for her small, desperate world, and loved (most of) the characters in it. Told through the eyes of a young girl, Into the Free takes you on a journey of discovery. I yearned for peace and purpose for dear little Millie. Through it all, there was an underlying glimmer of hope that this girl would eventually find her way out of her life and into the free. Ms. Cantrell's prose was lovely and heartbreaking at the same time. She spun scenes with a delicate hand that painted vivid images in your mind. This is one of those novels that lingers in your thoughts long after you close the book.

I was delighted to learn there will be a sequel to Into the Free, and I can't wait for it to release!

Loving in spite of imperfection

Happy Valentine's Day. I've been thinking about my loves (my darling family), and that made me think of our kitchen table.

A few years ago I refinished my old 1990s table with a beautiful coat of purple and dark brown paint.

Boy did it turn out great. See?

It looks sleek and glamorous and chic (IMHO). We refinished the table in November of 2008 and I’m still thrilled with it.

I was cleaning off the table yesterday and couldn’t help but notice how smudged and scratched it had gotten. It’s been rubbed up.

Surprisingly, it doesn’t bother me one bit. All the scratches and marks were from sharing meals and living life with my family over the same table that we’ve gathered around for more than 18 years.

So here’s the thing: sometimes life’s messy. In the give-and-take of living we rub up against one another. I’m not saying that’s necessarily a bad thing. It’s wonderful when family and friends step in to give you the perfect piece of advice or offer a cautionary word. I think that kind of rubbing has a polishing effect. And sometimes when we're all rubbed up, the best thing is to love in spite of the rough parts.

My table illustrated that fact to me. It’s scuffed and scratched, but still beautiful because it’s my sturdy, reliable table. I hope that the scuffed and scratched me is still as appealing to my loved ones, and I know that those I care for aren’t any less valuable because of their scuffs and scratches.

Sometimes life’s messy and we get a bit scuffed up, but that's okay. Scuff marks just add character.

I wish you love and peace today, friends!

Liar, liar pants on fire

I'm not particularly gullible person, but I have a tendency to want to believe what people say to me. I speak honestly to others and expect the same in return.

I'm stumped when people lie. And when they lie about stupid things, I'm even more stumped.

Have you seen any of the Lie Witness News episodes that appear occasionally on Jimmy Kimmel Live? They're quite remarkable. He sends a camera crew out onto the street to ask people about an event that never happened, and they go on and on lying and lying.

Here's one clip of them discussing the Super Bowl a week before the event took place. Why, oh why are people compelled to make up elaborate stories to go along with the lie?

Flight of the Earls

Wow!

I finished Flight of the Earls last week, and I can't stop thinking about the characters I met. Fortunately, it's the first book in a series.

Here's the blurb: When famine strikes in 1846, Clare Hanley leaves Ireland for the promise of America. But the journey isn't what scares her the most, it's the fact that her older sister and uncle emigrated five years earlier---and vanished! Arriving in New York, can she overcome her fears and a terrible secret that could destroy her family?

I so enjoyed the fast pace of this story, and I'm looking forward to reading the entire Heirs of Ireland series. It feels like one of those epic series--like Winds of War or North and South. You just want to keep reading.

I'm delighted to know the author (we're represented by the same literary agency), and Michael agreed to visit my blog.

   Michael, what is your favorite turn of phrase or word picture, in literature or movie? 

What I miss most from the classic black and white movies is the importance of dialog. We’ve gotten so distracted by special effects, violence and loud noises that we’ve lost our appreciation for brilliant character interaction. My favorite movies are Humphrey Bogart’s because of how well the dialog was written and executed. If you look at a film like Casablanca, there are so many all-time classic lines written into that one script.

But in literature, for me Hart Crane’s poem The Bridge offers the quintessence of stunning word pictures. “How many dawns, chill from his rippling rest, The seagull’s wings shall dip and pivot him, Shedding white rings of tumult, building high, Over the chained bay waters Liberty.” Crane brings the Brooklyn Bridge to life by describing its abstract qualities…and to great effect. As a writer, we know each word has to have a unique purpose and carry so much weight or we lose our readers. Word pictures are so critical to our success and you’ll see them on pretty much every page of Flight of the Earls.

   Which compliment related to your writing has meant the most and why? 

One of the wonderful things in releasing Flight of the Earls has been hearing how much people have appreciated the descriptive qualities of the novel. Many people share how they could vividly experience the plot and characters and settings as if they were actually in the book themselves. I was concerned people might find the writing too heavy, or too classically based in nature, but so far it has seemed to resonate, and in fact, there seems to be a real hunger for this type of prose.

BUT…there is no question that it’s the change a reader experiences after finishing a novel that is the greatest complement to the author. I mean, why just entertain, when you have the unique opportunity to inspire? Several readers have shared how they have related to the journeys of the characters in Flight of the Earls and it brought encouragement to their own personal challenges. Ultimately, if people aren’t being brought closer to God, and feeling a renewed sense of hope, then I’ve wasted quite a few words. About 105,000, in fact. 

   How much of yourself do you write into your characters? 

The competition to get a book published is so intense. There is so much talent out there. The struggle to have a reader discover you in this over-saturated world of media bombardment is so difficult. So, you as the author can’t afford to hold anything back. You can’t hide parts of your being and personality in the attic. You’ve got to drag that all down and blow the dust off of it. How much of me are in the books? All of me in one shape or form.

   What would you like to tell us about Flight of the Earls? 

The novels of the Heirs of Ireland Series are unapologetically built on the spiritual foundation of my Christian beliefs. But I wanted them written in a way that everyone could enjoy them without feeling pummeled by dogma. I specifically wanted a believing woman to feel comfortable sharing the book with her non-believing husband. I’ve been incredibly encouraged to see Flight of the Earls being embraced by people in secular society and by those of many varied faith backgrounds. That was my hope and prayer for the novels.

   How can readers find your book on the Internet?

You can go to my website at www.MichaelKReynolds.com to find some links to online retailers or you can go directly to your preferred vendor (be it Amazon.com, Barnes & Noble, ChristianBook.com, etc.). But, I would encourage you as well to make a visit to your local bookstore and bless them with your purchase.