otherworld

I recently attended the Write! Canada conference. While standing by one of the book tables, I chatted with conference organizer N.J. Lindquist. She highly recommended one of the books named a finalist in the Canadian Christian Writing Awards.

Before I headed home, I picked up a copy of otherworld by Erin E.M. Hatton. Although I’ve only read a couple of chapters, I also give it two thumbs up. Because I was participating in the debate on which is the best type of story ending (see Join the Debate) and because I had a fairly good idea how the book would end, I jumped ahead and read the last couple of paragraphs.

Did it ruin the story? Not at all. More than ever, I wish I had more time to read. And speaking of endings, Teams Hopeful and Realistic – and maybe even Team Happily Ever After – would find it a very satisfying conclusion. Though the future of the main characters is certain, that future occurs at some point after the end of the book. So, there’s a good chance members of Team Open-ended would also be happy.

otherworld is a love story … a story of pain and heartache … a story of redemption and triumph … a story of sacrifice. It’s also a story of hope and promise.

There has also been another debate floating around cyberspace. Should Christian fiction come with a “warning”? I suppose I would want to know if a book contained course language and graphic violence — and to what degree. Perhaps, other readers would want to know beforehand if a novel contained religious content. That would be all right with me.

What I would deem unwise, however, would be dismissing a book simply because it bore that label. I’ve read young adult books, mysteries, and love stories that I’ve quite enjoyed that weren’t “Christian.”

In the same vein, I would encourage both Christian and non-Christian readers to give otherworld a chance. It’s just plain a good story: one, if you’ll excuse me, I’m going to read a little more of before heading to Dreamland.

You can buy your copy at Erin E.M. Hatton’s website.

Goodnight, All … and Happy Reading!

6 Reasons You Need a Fitness Assessment

I joined a gym this week. Why . . . when I have equipment and multiple DVDs in my house? Like many people, there are just too many other things begging for my attention when I’m at home.

I sucked it up and decided to go for a fitness assessment despite the fact that I knew the results would be disheartening. It isn’t fun to confront those excuses you’ve been making, especially when you know none of them are really valid. Oh, well! It’s just another step toward a healthier, fitter future. Right?

I also found out some interesting things that no-one had told me before. Apparently, one leg is significantly stronger than the other, as is the opposite shoulder. Oh, joy! Oh, bliss!

And my muscles are tight, tight, tight. Time to look into getting massages to loosen me up and some specific exercises to strengthen my muscles.

So, why would I advise being assessed by a trained professional?

1. In less than an hour, a pro can learn some invaluable information about your fitness level.

2. With proper training, the pro can spot things such as muscle imbalances. (Feel free to ask what training they’ve had in this area.)

3. The right professional will not give you a cookie cutter program. Your specific goals and physical limitations will be taken into account.

4. Fitness professionals can help you set ultimate and short term goals.

5. They can help you confront each and every excuse and show you how to overcome them.

6. When you have issues beyond their expertise, a pro with integrity will refer you to others with the expertise you need.

A few things to always, always remember:

First, make sure the fitness professional you work with is right for you. For example, I want someone to hold me accountable without shaming me, talking down to me, or making me feel inferior.

Second, getting healthy and fit benefits every area of your life.

Third, you are loved and valuable just the way you are.

Welcome to Round 3

It’s that time again, time to record your writing and editing goals (and others you’d like to share with your fellow ROWers).

Join us for Round 3 of A Round of Words in 80 Days and get the accountability and encouragement to help along the way.

I’m thrilled to once again be a sponsor. (According to the website, Kait still needs one more sponsor. Pop by and let her know if you’re interested.) I have the privilege of stopping by some of my fellow ROWers sites and offering them an encouraging WTG. By the way, you’re welcome – encouraged even – to do so, even if you’re not a sponsor.

I am currently covering for our church’s office administrator while she’s on maternity leave. Therefore, my writing and editing goals will be modest for Rounds 3 & 4. Even so, it’s good to be accountable.

So, all you writers out there, set goals and seek to accomplish them. And if you’re so inclined, join us at “The writing challenge that knows you have a life.”

My Goals for Round 3

Writing

My focus will be primarily on getting back on track with my blogging schedule and working with my clients.

Editing

My goal here is to complete my current projects for clients and any others I may take one. I’ll probably try not to overextend myself, being in the church office four days a week and all.

Submitting

I still plan to submit two works to paying markets each month.

Reading

I kick myself that this has slipped so far down my list of priorities.

During this round, I hope to finish Words from the Fire by Mohler and otherworld by Hatton. I also hope to read/finish two others, one fiction and one non-fiction (skills development).

Exercising

I joined a gym yesterday. Because I don’t have all the equipment and videos I need at home? Nope. Because I don’t know how to workout properly? Nope. Because I like spending money for what I technically don’t need. It’s not that either.

We’ve all heard it before: When we pay money for something – especially on an ongoing basis, we’re more inclined to use it. That’s one reason.

Another reason is place and purpose. I work from my home office (aka a corner of my dining room). I enjoy recreation with my family at home. I watch TV. I read. Occasionally, when absolutely necessary, I cook and clean. So, there are several other things beckoning if I try to add “workout” to the list. On the other hand, when I go to the gym, I will be there exclusively for the purpose of exercising.

My current plan is to go after work Mondays and Wednesdays and at some point during the day Friday. I would love to go six times per week, but I have to be realistic and start (read “restart”) slowly.

Just a Note

Round 3 starts on July 2. If you haven’t signed up, I invite you to do so at A Round of Words in 80 Days.

Join the Debate

There is quite a debate going on among four bloggers, two of whom I know.

They are discussing which book and movie endings they prefer. So far we’ve heard from Lisa Hall-Wilson, who likes realistic endings; from Melinda VanLone who prefers the happily ever after fairytale ending; and Marcy Kennedy-Saylor who likes to walk away feeling hopeful. Today we’re all invited over to Diane Capri’s blog. Diane prefers an ending that leaves several possibilities on the table.

While we’re invited to leave comments, the real fun will happen on Friday evening beginning at 5:00 p.m. EST. Pop by Twitter and use the hashtag #storyend to join the conversation/debate.

As the title of this blog site indicates, I’m eclectically-interested. The same goes for movies and books.

The following are examples of my wide range of tastes.

Open to Multiple Endings

Breaking Dawn by Stephenie Meyer (I know a lot of people don’t like the series for various reasons, but I went along for the ride and quite enjoyed the books, especially the last instalment which I read twice, something I rarely do with a novel.)

Red starring Bruce Willis (Being “a woman of a certain age,” I thought this was fun and silly and motivating. Not to worry, I don’t plan to become a spy anytime soon. Read never. Realistic? Absolutely not! Happily ever after? Kind of. Hopeful? I’d say yes. Open ending? For sure.)

Hopeful Endings

otherworld by Erin E.M. Hatton (I’m kind of cheating here. I’m currently reading otherworld. Since I had a pretty good idea how it would end, I read the last few paragraphs. You know something? It is beautiful and definitely hopeful, and yes, it’s realistic as well. While I’m at it, I could add HEA, but not in the Disney sense.)

Sabrina starring Harrison Ford and Julia Ormond (I know. I know. Sappy. Sappy. Sappy. But hey, I like sappy from time to time. And yes, it probably belongs more under the HEA category, but I see a lot of hope in this movie: hope that the girl who lives over the garage can make it big; hope that the butler can get rich; hope that the player can smarten up; hope that the grumpy old executive can learn to really live. Yep, I guess I am kind of a sap.)

Happily Ever After Ending

Love Comes Softly by Janette Oke (The reason this book holds a special place on my shelf – and in my heart – is because it was the first Christian novel I ever read. In fact, I have a signed copy. It’s light. It’s sweet. And it introduced me to the ever-deepening world of Christian fiction.)

Enchanted starring Amy Adams (Sh, don’t tell, but even my hubby liked it. It’s just plain fun.)

Realistic Endings

The Host by Stephenie Meyer (minus the epilogue)

Freedom Writers starring Hilary Swank (probably my favourite movie ever) (I had a difficult time deciding which category this belonged in. However, as Lisa says, “Realistic doesn’t mean depressing.” If the ending fits, it can be hopeful or open ended, even HEA on occasion.)

So, how about you. Which kind of ending is your favourite? 

12 Reasons I Need a List

I’d be lost without my lists. Here’s why:

1. If it isn’t on a list, I may very well forget it – no matter how important it is.

2. I don’t have to juggle a mental To Do list. I have enough balls in the air already.

3. It gives me a chance to prioritize the many things calling for my attention.

4. From my list, I decide what to add to my Google Calendar and what alarms to set on my phone. (More and more, I’m realizing a smartphone would be a good idea. For now, my “dinosaur phone” serves the purpose.)

5. And just an aside re: Google Calendar. It’s SO easy to hit “recurring event” and the program does the work of filling it in across the board. If I’m going to make lists, I might as well enjoy myself. (grin)

6. If I take a close look at my list, I realize some very important things are getting neglected. I add them to the list and Poof! it’s harder to overlook them.

7. Though I’d say that spending time with family is a definite priority, it takes some serious planning to make it happen. Enter – the list.

8. A list properly set up can remind me of deadlines. Some projects come with an expiration date.

9. When reality hits – like being exhausted after eight hours in the office, for instance – I realize it’s time to revamp my list and keep the Best and the Better while relegating the Good to last place. The Unnecessary? That’s what the delete button is for.

10. I’m one of those people who don’t mind filling out forms. I can arrange my To Do list under headings and subheadings. I actually enjoy it. Who’s with me?

11. I must remember to add “Celebrate” to my list every now and then. There will always be more to do, but it’s important to do even a little happy dance when I cross something off my list.

12. That being said, I must examine my life. As long as I’m breathing, I will have a To Do list. It can’t all be about getting to the end of said list. For when that happens, I’m thinking so is this life.

On a lighter note . . . let’s make it a baker’s dozen.

13. I love my Procrastination List. It feels ten times better to cross off one thing that I’ve been neglecting than ten things from my regular To Do list.

One of my Facebook friends calls her To Do list a Get To list. I love her perspective, though I’m not be quite there yet.

Are you a list maker? Tell me why.

Unexpected Error

Warning: Unexpected Error

That’s what popped up on my computer one day last week.

Craziness.

My computer had been sluggish and was giving me problems.

The warning made me smile though.

Seriously.

Think of the alternative.

Warning: Expected Error

We knew it was going to happen.

We just didn’t tell you.

We wanted it to be a surprise.

So, there you have it.

SURPRISE!

Maybe the server thinks we’ll be more forgiving if the error is unexpected.

As parents, we usually give our children more leeway if their indiscretion was a spur of the moment thing.

Goodness! Even the legal system takes premeditation into account.

(So, the next time your computer – or life – hands you an error message, if possible, try to find a reason to smile. Then come back and tell me about it so I can laugh with you.)

 

Which Way Do I Go?

Are there days you wish there was an arrow telling you which way to go?

Me too.

The problem is there are arrows.

Some point to the right.

Catch up on the housework.

Exercise.

Find a way to make your son’s birthday a happy one.

Others point to the left.

Work on writing and editing.

Keep track of the goings-on on the social networks.

Read those blog posts that are piling up in your inbox.

Catch up on your own blogging.

Some arrows point down.

Read one of those books you started.

Pay close attention to family and friends.

Let go of something.

But what?

And then, I remember the most important arrow.

This arrow points up.

Oh, yeah!

It’s more than mental assent.

It requires action.

It’s more than a quick prayer as I tumble into my day.

It’s more than a promise to read the Word – later.

It’s more than acknowledging what I should do.

It’s doing it.

I don’t forget.

It’s worse than that.

I know . . . and don’t do.

Things must change.

This is the arrow I must follow

Each and every day.

If anyone, then, knows the good they ought to do and doesn’t do it, it is sin for them.

James 4:17 NIV

Last Round 2 ROW Check-in

To sum up . . .

Editing Goals

Complete edit of 90,000-word manuscript on prayer ~ DONE

Complete edit of 27,000-word fiction manuscript ~ needs rewrite, goal for Round 3

Edit three poems ~ All of my friends poems have been edited.

Continue as first editor of the Write! On news bulletin ~ check

Writing Goals

Blogging ~ This has fallen by the wayside; I must get back at it for Round 3.

Two five-minute skits for our mid-week kids’ program ~ DONE

Submissions Goals

Submit two items per month starting this month ~ didn’t happen; goal for Round 3

Ultimate Goal: catch up for missed months ~ forget playing catch-up; I don’t want to set myself up for ongoing “failure”

Reading Goals

Reading for my course ~ DONE

Reading to maintain my PTS certification ~ DONE

Skills development ~ Steve Laube (a literary agent I met at the writers conference) gave us his recommended list of the best books for skills development; my Round 3 goal will be to read at least one of his four top picks.

Fiction ~ My revised, doable goal will be to read/finish three novels by the end of the year; I didn’t do much fiction reading from January through June.

Doula Certification Requirements

It’s all in the hands of those who will mark it now. I’m just waiting for word on how I did.

Exercise & Fitness Goals

Tee hee! Tee hee hee! (Next time . . . I’ll do better next time.)

Row Specific Goals

Check in twice per week ~ only missed once

Check in with other ROWers ~ I need the accountability of being a sponsor; Kait has graciously welcomed me back.

Keep in touch with my writing buddy ~ very casually; usually through FB, sometimes Twitter

Don’t know what ROW is, check out A Round of Words in 80 Days and join us next time.

Quote of the Day

I think I can! I think I can!

The Writer’s Journey

Life is a journey.

Much of what we do in life is also a journey.

As you know (if you read my blog a few days ago), I recently attended a writers conference. There were writers there at every stage of the journey.

The starry-eyed hopeful . . . who still dreams of the romantic life of a published writer

The novice . . . who has gotten down to business and realizes there’s a lot to learn

The newly-published . . . who realizes it’s a lot of fun to see one’s name in print, who wants that feeling again, and who realizes there’s a lot to learn

The intermediate . . . who has published a number of articles and maybe even a book or two, who realizes there’s still a lot to learn

The pro . . . who is making a living with their writing and possibly speaking engagements as well and yes, you guessed it, knows there is even now lots to learn

Do you see a theme here?

I attended Steve Laube’s continuing class, “From Idea to Print.” He summarized his thirty years in the industry in just six hours. Among the handouts was a list he carefully prepared of skills development books he recommends. He encouraged us to never stop learning.

Steve broke it down by month, thirty-six books in total. However, he also included his “If You Will Only Read One” list. Here are those four books by category:

Fiction: Self-Editing for Fiction Writers by Renee Browne and Dave King

Non-fiction: An Introduction to Christian Writing by Ethel Herr

The Writing Life: Bird by Bird by Anne Lamont

The Business: The Essential Guide to Getting Your Book Published by Arielle Eckstut and David Henry Sterry

I will likely share some of Steve’s other recommendations in the future, but this looks like a great place to start.

Happy Reading/Happy Writing

Write! Canada Conference

Got home yesterday from …

What a great time!

A special thanks to Denise Rumble, Managing Director of The Word Guild, to Les and N.J. Lindquist, and to Wendy Nelles.

There are so many others who worked together to make this weekend a success, I would be sure to miss more than I could name. (See the Write! Canada website for bios of the staff and faculty and for faculty interviews. There are several more volunteers, however, who are not listed.)

There was a lot of talk about teamwork over the past three days, and that’s what any great event is about.

Last year, I volunteered at the conference for the first time, and I promised myself I’d never go again without doing so. It is so amazing to be a part of the team.

Among other meetings, I attended Steve Laube’s continuing class and Thomas Umstattd Jr’s workshop. Thomas Froese took on the challenge of being the last keynote speaker. As the music leader said after his presentation, “Is it possible to be exhausted and thoroughly energized at the same time?” The answer seems to be yes.

I am so very thankful for the Cyber Age. I can follow friends and professional contacts throughout the year.

How about you? How are you taking advantage of the Internet to develop friendships and network with others in your profession or areas of interest?