The Springs Writer workshops at Woodmen Valley Chapel have been a true blessing. This month was such a timely teaching for me.
Author, Beth Vogt, shared about writing dialogue. Since we all talk it should be easy, right? Well, not really.
Dialogue is one component of writing where I struggle. Somehow the words just don't sound right or I'm not sure what to say. Another challenge I face is writing a story set in the 1800s when the dialogue was different than today's.
Beth shared some great tips about using dialogue to my advantage and moving the story forward. I came away from the meeting full of inspiration and motivation!
Goals for the next 30 days:
1. Write every day (journal, blog, scenes from the story)
2. Increase blog traffic
3. Re-read submissions/assignments from Christian Writers Guild course
4. Attend ACFW meeting
5. Read, read, read
I'm amazed at the opportunities God continues to lay before me.
Saturday, October 31
Friday, October 30
Writing Critique Group
At the last Springs Writers workshop I heard some wonderful teaching about writing dialogue. (more details on tomorrow's blog)
At the end of the meeting I talked with two ladies interested in forming a writing critique group. Joining such a group has been on my mind for a while because I could receive constructive criticism and help improve my writing. This was a definite answer to prayer.
Then if that wasn't enough, Scoti, the director, announced plans to form a critique group in January. I was about to jump out of my chair and hug her! :)
I thank God for His guidance aand future opportunities.
At the end of the meeting I talked with two ladies interested in forming a writing critique group. Joining such a group has been on my mind for a while because I could receive constructive criticism and help improve my writing. This was a definite answer to prayer.
Then if that wasn't enough, Scoti, the director, announced plans to form a critique group in January. I was about to jump out of my chair and hug her! :)
I thank God for His guidance aand future opportunities.
Thursday, October 29
Snow Again!
I love snow during conditions like today. I'm sitting at the computer, looking out at the white flakes falling (and blowing)! The electric fireplace next to me and my steaming mug of hot chocolate are keeping me warm!
We've been under a winter storm warning for the last two days and work was cancelled today. We are blessed to have an employer that cares about our saftey and will even pay us for a snow day!
The weather in this part of Colorado is interesting. The northern part of the city (slightly higher elevation and only 10 miles from where I live) has been hit hard with up to a foot of snow in some areas. My employer is located there and closed today due to the extreme weather conditions.
We live in the central part of Colorado Springs and only have a few inches of snow on the ground. Of course, the howling winds are blowing it all around so it's hard to tell exactly how much we really have!
I just read on line that a stretch of Interstate 70 east of Denver and Highway 24 from Calhan to Limon has been closed because of blowing snow.
What a great day to relax and read a book!
We've been under a winter storm warning for the last two days and work was cancelled today. We are blessed to have an employer that cares about our saftey and will even pay us for a snow day!
The weather in this part of Colorado is interesting. The northern part of the city (slightly higher elevation and only 10 miles from where I live) has been hit hard with up to a foot of snow in some areas. My employer is located there and closed today due to the extreme weather conditions.
We live in the central part of Colorado Springs and only have a few inches of snow on the ground. Of course, the howling winds are blowing it all around so it's hard to tell exactly how much we really have!
I just read on line that a stretch of Interstate 70 east of Denver and Highway 24 from Calhan to Limon has been closed because of blowing snow.
What a great day to relax and read a book!
Tuesday, October 27
You Never Know
I remember a lady I worked with years ago. She never talked to me, smiled, or laughed. It was hard not to take her slights personally and I really thought she didn’t like me.
One day a co-worker told me that Linda’s teenage son had been killed in a tragic accident (along with 22 other kids and 4 adults)a few months earlier. Their church bus was hit head on by a drunk driver going the wrong way on the interstate. After that day I felt much more compassion in my heart for this dear lady.
A few months later I left that temporary job and moved on. On my last work day I received a nice coffee mug and note from Linda. She thanked me for my work on her team and for being sensitive to her “moods”.
We just never know what people are going through. Job layoffs, divorces, deaths in the family or any other number of tragedies affect people every day.
When I think about Linda, it reminds me to always be kind and considerate of everyone I come in contact with. I never know what they are going through.
My prayer is that God will help me always be sensitive to others and set my own feelings, thoughts and agendas aside.
One day a co-worker told me that Linda’s teenage son had been killed in a tragic accident (along with 22 other kids and 4 adults)a few months earlier. Their church bus was hit head on by a drunk driver going the wrong way on the interstate. After that day I felt much more compassion in my heart for this dear lady.
A few months later I left that temporary job and moved on. On my last work day I received a nice coffee mug and note from Linda. She thanked me for my work on her team and for being sensitive to her “moods”.
We just never know what people are going through. Job layoffs, divorces, deaths in the family or any other number of tragedies affect people every day.
When I think about Linda, it reminds me to always be kind and considerate of everyone I come in contact with. I never know what they are going through.
My prayer is that God will help me always be sensitive to others and set my own feelings, thoughts and agendas aside.
Saturday, October 17
My Good Samaritan
One of the things I love about my husband, Steve, is his heart to help people. Just in the last week he has helped the next door neighbor with a frozen pipe; aired up a low tire for the neighbor across the street and helped the lady down the street with a furnace problem. He does these good deeds with a very humble attitude and would probably be embarrassed if he knew I was writing this!
Through the 31+ years we’ve been married I can think of countless ways Steve has helped people. And I have benefited greatly from his generosity.
You see, I strongly believe in the Biblical principle of sowing and reaping. Steve and I are one in God’s eyes and I reap from Steve's sowing.
One time in particular comes to mind. We lived in the country in Tennessee at the time, about 10 miles from town. I was on my way to work and had just turned onto a two lane highway. As I increased in speed, I heard a loud pop and felt one side of the van fall. I maneuvered safely to the side of the highway and discovered a tire had exploded! A man in a pickup, going the opposite direction saw the blow out, turned around in the next intersection and came to my rescue. I have to admit I was a little leary about accepting a complete strangers help but said a prayer for God’s protection. The very nice man changed my tire and though I offered, would not accept payment.
I truly believe Steve had sown good seeds ahead of time when he stopped to help pull people from snow covered ditches, helped women with flat tires and performed other Good Samaritan acts of kindness.
I’m grateful that God gave me such a wonderful husband and very appreciative for all I have reaped from his generosity!
Through the 31+ years we’ve been married I can think of countless ways Steve has helped people. And I have benefited greatly from his generosity.
You see, I strongly believe in the Biblical principle of sowing and reaping. Steve and I are one in God’s eyes and I reap from Steve's sowing.
One time in particular comes to mind. We lived in the country in Tennessee at the time, about 10 miles from town. I was on my way to work and had just turned onto a two lane highway. As I increased in speed, I heard a loud pop and felt one side of the van fall. I maneuvered safely to the side of the highway and discovered a tire had exploded! A man in a pickup, going the opposite direction saw the blow out, turned around in the next intersection and came to my rescue. I have to admit I was a little leary about accepting a complete strangers help but said a prayer for God’s protection. The very nice man changed my tire and though I offered, would not accept payment.
I truly believe Steve had sown good seeds ahead of time when he stopped to help pull people from snow covered ditches, helped women with flat tires and performed other Good Samaritan acts of kindness.
I’m grateful that God gave me such a wonderful husband and very appreciative for all I have reaped from his generosity!
Thursday, October 15
My Sister, My Friend
Fifty years ago today a red haired, strong lunged child came into the world…..my baby sister.
Through the years we argued and fought, like most siblings. I thought she wanted to grow up too fast when she insisted on tagging along everywhere I went. One time she went on a date with me and my boyfriend to a drive- in movie!
As we grew older, we formed a special bond. Now we think and act so much a like it is sometimes scary. One year when we lived thousands of miles apart, we sent the same greeting card to our Mom. (With all the greeting cards out there, what are the chances of that happening?)
Our husbands even notice our similarities and point them out to us. When we are together there is no doubt that we are sisters. We have bought the same clothing (though we live hundreds of miles apart). I tell people that we are twins born five years apart!
My sweet sister is my best friend and I feel so blessed!
Through the years we argued and fought, like most siblings. I thought she wanted to grow up too fast when she insisted on tagging along everywhere I went. One time she went on a date with me and my boyfriend to a drive- in movie!
As we grew older, we formed a special bond. Now we think and act so much a like it is sometimes scary. One year when we lived thousands of miles apart, we sent the same greeting card to our Mom. (With all the greeting cards out there, what are the chances of that happening?)
Our husbands even notice our similarities and point them out to us. When we are together there is no doubt that we are sisters. We have bought the same clothing (though we live hundreds of miles apart). I tell people that we are twins born five years apart!
My sweet sister is my best friend and I feel so blessed!
Sunday, October 11
My Rearview Mirror
At the recent Worship Arts Conference one of the speakers made the following statement, "My rearview mirror has shrunk and my windshield has expanded."
I've made the decision, with the Lord's help, to shrink my rearview mirror and stop looking at past failures that paralyze me from moving forward.
When I look at the past, I'd rather see how the Lord has protected me, blessed me and led each of my steps.
And my windshield....wow, I'm excited about the endless opportunities that lay before me.
I've made the decision, with the Lord's help, to shrink my rearview mirror and stop looking at past failures that paralyze me from moving forward.
When I look at the past, I'd rather see how the Lord has protected me, blessed me and led each of my steps.
And my windshield....wow, I'm excited about the endless opportunities that lay before me.
Saturday, October 10
Winter Weather
Seems way too early in the season for snow and ice but that's just what we've had this week.
The snow didn't amount to much (just got a dusting at our house) and it was pretty on the trees and landscape.
This morning was a different story. Freezing fog/drizzle created black ice and caused numerous chain reaction collisions. So far a pileup (estimated up to 50 cars) on I-25 at South Nevada and a 16 car pileup at Fountain and Circle have been reported.
I'm glad I stayed in my warm, snuggly bed this morning!
The snow didn't amount to much (just got a dusting at our house) and it was pretty on the trees and landscape.
This morning was a different story. Freezing fog/drizzle created black ice and caused numerous chain reaction collisions. So far a pileup (estimated up to 50 cars) on I-25 at South Nevada and a 16 car pileup at Fountain and Circle have been reported.
I'm glad I stayed in my warm, snuggly bed this morning!
Saturday, October 3
Saying Yes
I loved an illustration Cindy West gave at the Saying Yes Conference.
She pointed to an empty chair on stage. On it was an envelope she explained was a "special invitation". It was our personal invitation from the Creator and we had the choice how to respond.
Some would receive the invitation for the very first time. Others would blow the dust off and think about this special invitation again, maybe for the first time in a long time.
This invitation felt so personal to me. To think that the Creator of the universe was inviting me to create for Him. It was a very powerful moment.
(Cindy is the director of Worship Arts at Woodmen Valley Chapel)
She pointed to an empty chair on stage. On it was an envelope she explained was a "special invitation". It was our personal invitation from the Creator and we had the choice how to respond.
Some would receive the invitation for the very first time. Others would blow the dust off and think about this special invitation again, maybe for the first time in a long time.
This invitation felt so personal to me. To think that the Creator of the universe was inviting me to create for Him. It was a very powerful moment.
(Cindy is the director of Worship Arts at Woodmen Valley Chapel)
Friday, October 2
Saying Yes Conference - 2009
Just returned from a Worship Arts Conference that was AWESOME!
So much happened in the last 2 1/2 days....I'm still processing it all.
About 200 people gathered at Woodmen Valley Chapel in Colorado Springs to share their creativity through music, dance, drama, painting and writing. Some were on a distinct path and shared their gifts and talents. Others were asking God to show them how to realize some forgotten dreams. Still others were testing the waters and asking for God's guidance on their new journey to discover their passion.
And me? I was in all three places. The Breakout groups on writing rekindled my love for the written word, especially in a novel. Through the encouraging words of the gifted speakers and the annointed worship times, I felt God's Spirit wooing me and giving me motivation and inspiration to realize a dream that I have put on the back burner. I am also testing the waters with some new ideas and will see where God takes them.
So much happened in the last 2 1/2 days....I'm still processing it all.
About 200 people gathered at Woodmen Valley Chapel in Colorado Springs to share their creativity through music, dance, drama, painting and writing. Some were on a distinct path and shared their gifts and talents. Others were asking God to show them how to realize some forgotten dreams. Still others were testing the waters and asking for God's guidance on their new journey to discover their passion.
And me? I was in all three places. The Breakout groups on writing rekindled my love for the written word, especially in a novel. Through the encouraging words of the gifted speakers and the annointed worship times, I felt God's Spirit wooing me and giving me motivation and inspiration to realize a dream that I have put on the back burner. I am also testing the waters with some new ideas and will see where God takes them.
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