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Showing posts with label books. Show all posts
Showing posts with label books. Show all posts
Thursday, May 3, 2018
Writing Techniques ~~ "Planting & Harvesting"
Monday, April 9, 2018
Answers in Faith ~~ "A Grandmother's Double Delight"
To my delight and unspeakable joy, I became a grandmother several years ago. When the first was born, the miracle of birth, of two people becoming three, amazed me even more than when it happened to me. As I held that tiny boy, my heart swelled with so much love that tears leaked out of my eyes. It happened again when the second boy was born.
We live in another state from our grandsons, so our trips to
see them are far between. I send cards, but preschool kids don’t appreciate
them like they will when they learn to read. When we visit, I always take gifts
for both boys so now they expect it. I usually take them books, but from the
looks of their two full bookcases, it may be time to expand my selection of
gifts.
Watching these boys grow up and learn new things is
rejuvenating for me. Seeing the world through the eyes of a child makes me feel
young, although it’s exhausting to keep up with them. They can play and run for
hours, but I cannot. I do the best I can before resting and telling them to
continue their play.
We spent two weeks helping our son with our two grandsons
while our daughter-in-law was on an overseas business trip. During those two
weeks, we played on the floor, read books, drew pictures, ran races, played
outside, went to the park, went to stores, went to McDonalds, and in general,
did everything they wanted to do. We even did a few things they didn’t want to
do, like picking up toys and being quiet while their dad worked in his office.
We ate together, watched TV together, played games together, and lived together
for two weeks.
At the end of our time there, I was packing my bag when the
oldest grandson came in to watch. “I’m going home tomorrow,” I told him.
He gave me a very puzzled look and said, “But I was just
beginning to like you.”
I hope someday my grandsons will appreciate the time I spent
with them. I hope they never forget me. I hope they pass on my songs and
lessons I’ve tried to teach them. I hope they grow up into responsible, caring,
Christian men. It’s my prayer.
II Timothy 1:5 “…when I call to remembrance the genuine
faith that is in you, which dwelt first in your grandmother Lois and your
mother Eunice, and I am persuaded is also in you.” I hope I’m like the
grandmother Lois, and I will establish the faith of Christ in my grandsons so
that they know it from childhood (II Tim. 3:15).
“But the mercy of the Lord is from everlasting to
everlasting on those who fear Him, and His righteousness to children’s
children, to such as keep His covenant, and to those who remember His commandments
to do them” (Psalms 103:17-18 NKJV).
I want to thank my guest blogger and fellow author, Carol Kjar, for this uplifting and instructive writing. My favorite line from the blog is when her grandson looked at her and said, "But I was just beginning to like you." I'm confident that's a precious memory that will stay in the Kjar family for quite some time.
As Carol mentioned in her blog, long-distance grandparenting can be a challenge. The Lord will give us wisdom how to accomplish this in a memorable way as our legacies continue.
For those of you who are already grandparents or about to become ones, celebrate and enjoy your gifts from God as your legacies live on!
Happy grandparenting!
I want to thank my guest blogger and fellow author, Carol Kjar, for this uplifting and instructive writing. My favorite line from the blog is when her grandson looked at her and said, "But I was just beginning to like you." I'm confident that's a precious memory that will stay in the Kjar family for quite some time.
As Carol mentioned in her blog, long-distance grandparenting can be a challenge. The Lord will give us wisdom how to accomplish this in a memorable way as our legacies continue.
Carol C.S. Kjar, (pronounced "care") lives with her long-time first husband in their empty nest in Boise. She spent her life doing many different things. She’s been a stay-at-home mom, a teacher, a secretary, a statistician, a literacy tutor, a newsletter editor, a timber sale accountant, an archeological technician, and best and longest of all, a technical writer/editor.
After retiring, Carol focused on writing fiction. Her novels are sweet and wholesome, suspenseful with a touch of romance. She has also written children's, middle age books, and one non-fiction book about quilting. When not writing or traveling with her husband, she loves to quilt, sew, read, draw, paint, and read to her grandsons.
Here's Carol's contact information where you can read her blogs, take a look at the books she's published, etc.
Here's Carol's contact information where you can read her blogs, take a look at the books she's published, etc.
My blog is found at www.cskjar.com/blog
I’m on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/cskjar/
I’m on Twitter at @cskjar
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
For those of you who are already grandparents or about to become ones, celebrate and enjoy your gifts from God as your legacies live on!
Happy grandparenting!
Wednesday, March 28, 2018
Writing Techniques ~~ Writing a Successful Book Series
According to a poll conducted by Goodreads in 2015, more
readers liked reading books that were part of a series than stand-alone books, although
it was close. Knowing this, many writers embark on the road to writing a
series.
The key to writing a successful book series is creating a
believable world and lovable characters. Book series are popular IF readers
fall in love with the characters. If readers love the characters, they will
want to know more about them and their journeys in life.
Preplanning for a series is imperative. Before writing a
series, a writer needs to do a lot of prework and answer a series of questions:
(1) Will the series be about the world where the characters live
or about the characters and what happens to them? A writer should determine what
the focus of the series will be. Consider the novels of James Michener that
were long and could have been broken individual series. He wrote about places
and the people who lived there. The characters came, changed the place, then
died or moved on. The next characters in time came and picked up the story of
the place. His focus was the world of his novels. The most successful series ever
written was about the characters of Harry Potter and his friends. The wizarding
world was an important element of the series, but the characters were the focus
of the series.
(2) What is at the core of the series? An overarching antagonist
or evil to be overcome should weave its way through the whole series. Harry
Potter didn’t kill Voldemort in the first book; it took the whole series to
bring him down. Smaller enemies and problems (subplots to the whole story) were
resolved by the end of each book in the quest to take out Voldemort. The same
can be said of the original Star Wars movies. The characters resolved battles
by the end of each movie, but the overarching nemesis of the Empire wasn’t
destroyed until the final movie.
(3) How does each book end? Don’t end the first or second book
with a cliffhanger or end a book mid-scene. Each book should have its problems
or issues (subplots) that are resolved by the final page, but leave the reader
wondering if the final victory will be won. That’s what draws them into the
next book.
(4) Where does the story take place? The writer must create the
world where the characters live; not only create it but describe it in great
detail.
(a) Draw a map on paper. Find pictures of what the imagined world looks
like and keep them close.
(b) What does this world physically look like?
(c) What kinds of people are in it, and how do they dress?
(d) What are the ethics and beliefs of
society?
(e) What issues are facing the population?
(f) Do they have enemies and
allies?
(g) Who are the characters? All the characters must be defined
before writing. What do they look like and how to they act? Who are their
immediate family members, and how were they brought up? What notable physical
traits and what special powers or skills do they have? What morals do they hold,
and what would it take to push them outside of their beliefs?
(5) Whose point of view (POV) will be used? Most series are
written in third-person limited to one or two characters’ POV unless the focus
is on the place.
(6) When will the story end? Through the course of the series,
the characters should move from their faulty beginnings to their new and
improved selves. The best series have happily-ever-after endings. The reader can
hope for the same.
Readers who like series generally waited until all the books
in the series were out before starting the first one. Writing, then releasing
two, three, or more books at once may seem intimidating. Releasing them one at
a time may result in more sales after the last one comes out.
Please check out these helpful resources:
I’m on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/cskjar/
I’m on Twitter at @cskjar
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Thank you, Carol, for this well-crafted guest blog to assist writers who desire to author a series of books.
My friend and fellow author, C.S. Kjar, (pronounced "care") lives with her
long-time first husband in their empty nest in Boise. She spent her life doing
many different things. She’s been a stay-at-home mom, a teacher, a secretary, a
statistician, a literacy tutor, a newsletter editor, a timber sale accountant,
an archeological technician, and best and longest of all, a technical
writer/editor.
After retiring, Carol focused on writing fiction. Her novels
are sweet and wholesome, suspenseful with a touch of romance. She has also
written children's, middle age books, and one non-fiction book about quilting. When not writing or traveling with her husband, she loves to
quilt, sew, read, draw, paint, and read to her grandsons.
For those of you so inclined, pick up your pen or sit down at your computer, and write on. Get that book series published!
Tuesday, January 31, 2017
Winter Vacation ~~ The Perfect One Day Writing Getaway!
Phyllis Nettleton, Sheila Eismann, Carol Green, and JoEllen Claypool
Who are the four smiling authors in the featured photo? Why, they are none other than the co-founders of ICAN, i.e., Idaho Creative Authors Network who are getting reading to host their Second Annual Spring Writers Symposium on March 4th from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the Parma High School Commons Room, 137 Panther Lane, Parma, Idaho 83660. Actually, one of the reasons for their large smiles was the near 100 degree temperature on the date the photo was taken in July of 2016 compared to the teeth-chattering 29 degrees as I type this blog post . . .
Our group is pleased to offer opportunities for already published authors as well as those who are just entertaining the thought of writing. Our event includes writing contests, writing instruction, writing activities, a networking luncheon, and hands on activities including designing a book cover. Plan to bring your laptops!
Workshop No. 1 will feature published author and Texas Writing Academy participant, Carol Green Kjar, who will be presenting techniques on how to add power to your writing and strengthening the overall process.
Workshop No. 2 will cover preparation of your manuscript and titles presented by conference speaker and inspirational author, Phyllis Nettleton.
Workshop No. 3 will be an interactive workshop with Sheila Eismann, author and publisher of soon to be 10 books, dealing with the many aspects of manuscript development.
Workshop No. 4 deals with a most important aspect of any kind of writing ~~ edit, edit, and still more edits presented by children's & inspirational author, JoEllen Claypool, who pastors Sand Hollow Baptist Church along with her husband, Dallas Claypool.
Workshop No. 5 is the grand finale which will include instruction on designing a book cover. If you bring your laptop for the day, this workshop promises to be ultra instructional & functional taught by premiere Social Media Coach, Carol Green, a/k/a Running Granny Green, author of The Hard Run along with her children's books with the Gary Learns theme.
February 4th is the deadline to register for the Spring Writers Symposium and to enter the writing contests. Here is the Eventbrite link with all of the details and to register:
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/ican-spring-writers-symposium-and-writing-contest-2017-tickets-29596900125?aff=erelexpmlt
Your paid registration includes the workshops, writing contest submission, and luncheon catered by Laura McCullough, a Treasure Valley favorite. She is back by popular demand of our former attendees!
Attending events is far more enjoyable if you plan to go with a friend or fellow writer. So dial them up, plan to register, pack your laptop or memo pad, and join us for a fabulous day!
For additional information regarding ICAN, please check out our website: http://www.idahocreativeauthorsnetwork.com/
Happy Writing & stay warm, happy & healthy this winter!
Saturday, May 21, 2016
Writing Techniques - Flow
A manuscript, short story, poem or literary work can be analogous to a living organism in that it seems to have a mind of its own. The flow of words from our spirit onto the keyboard or paper can be as gentle as a stream or as strong as the water flowing from the featured waterfall. This corresponds to the rising and falling action within the piece.
During his retirement years, my father spent a lot of time in the high desert mountain regions. He was intrigued by the intricate dams built by the beavers. In some cases, these produced jams in the flows of rivers and streams, much to the dismay of farmers and ranchers. Suffice it to say, it probably takes a lot more work to clear those obstacles than it does for those appearing in our manuscript.
It has been my experience that if I try to force or rush the words, they quickly become quite bellicose. It’s as if they can speak directly to me and let me have a piece of their mind. “I don’t want to go there today.” “Why are you trying to make me do something I don’t want to do?” “You are putting the cart before the horse on this one.”
Let’s take a quick gander at the meaning of the word flow which is the action or fact of moving along in a steady, continuous stream. That corresponds beautifully to what our literary goal should be which is to keep those words moving right along until the project is completed.
If you are experiencing a “log jam” of sorts, talk to that literary piece and figure out where the blockages are located. You might need to sleep on it overnight, but surely by the next morning the answer will have arrived.
I am enjoying penning fiction far more than I thought I would. Once the characters are created, it seems as though they take on lives of their own. One of my tasks is to follow them and find out where they are going. Occasionally, we need to have a face to face meeting to decide whether or not their arcs are changing from flat, negative, or positive. In addition, some of them might need to attend an AAM ~~ Attitude Adjustment Meeting.
After Jantzi’s Jokers, Book One of The Sabblonti Series, was published, I started to receive emails and written letters from readers expressing their concerns over the choices the main characters would make in Book Two. One of the challenges in authoring fiction is keeping our readers happy, but I fully realize this is not entirely possible as some of them may not approve of the choices the characters have made or where the flow of words has taken them. Welcome to Literary Land!
As a word of encouragement to writers on their writing journeys, if your flow isn’t flowing, have a heart to heart talk with it!
I would love to receive input from you as to methods you have implemented to keep your writing moving continuously.
Best wishes on your writing journeys and Write On!
Tuesday, May 10, 2016
Writing Journeys - Flow
There are times when aspects of the writing journey can
be likened to the great outdoors which contains a myriad of living
organisms. My husband and I were hiking
in the state of Colorado a few years back when we came upon the beautiful
waterfall featured in the photo above. I
can remember standing very still for a period of time just listening to it and
wondering where it ultimately flowed. The
sound of the crashing water echoed down the canyon for miles. Suddenly, a chilly wind ushered in raindrops.
Our pace quickened as we worked our way
down the mountain trail. We were able to
get inside our vehicle and roll up the windows just before the torrential
downpour arrived. Whew, saved by the
hiking shoes on that one!
A manuscript, short story, poem or literary work can be analogous to a living organism in that it seems to have a mind of its
own. The flow of words from our spirit
onto the keyboard or paper can be as gentle as a stream or as strong as the
water flowing from the featured waterfall.
This corresponds to the rising and falling action within the piece.
During his retirement years, my father spent a lot of
time in the high desert mountain regions.
He was intrigued by the intricate dams built by the beavers. In some cases, these produced jams in the
flows of rivers and streams, much to the dismay of farmers and ranchers. Suffice it to say, it probably takes a lot
more work to clear those obstacles than it does for those appearing in our
manuscript.
It has been my experience that if I try to force or rush
the words, they quickly become quite bellicose.
It’s as if they can speak directly to me and let me have a piece of
their mind. “I don’t want to go there
today.” “Why are you trying to make me
do something I don’t want to do?” “You
are putting the cart before the horse on this one.”
Let’s take a quick gander at the meaning of the word flow
which is the action or fact of moving along in a steady, continuous
stream. That corresponds beautifully to
what our literary goal should be which is to keep those words moving right along until the project is completed.
If you are experiencing a “log jam” of sorts, talk to
that literary piece and figure out where the blockages are located. You might need to sleep on it overnight, but
surely by the next morning the answer will have arrived.
I am enjoying penning fiction far more than I thought I
would. Once the characters are created,
it seems as though they take on lives of their own. One of my tasks is to follow them and find
out where they are going. Occasionally,
we need to have a face to face meeting to decide whether or not their arcs are
changing from flat, negative, or positive.
In addition, some of them might need to attend an AAM ~~ Attitude
Adjustment Meeting.
After Jantzi’s
Jokers, Book One of The Sabblonti Series, was published, I started to
receive emails and written letters from readers expressing their concerns over
the choices the main characters would make in Book Two. One of the challenges in authoring fiction is
keeping our readers happy, but I fully realize this is not entirely possible as
some of them may not approve of the choices the characters have made or where
the flow of words has taken them.
Welcome to Literary Land!
As a word of encouragement to writers on their writing
journeys, if your flow isn’t flowing, have a heart to heart talk with it!
I would love to receive input from you as to methods you have implemented to keep your writing moving continuously.
Best wishes on your writing journeys and Write On!
Friday, February 26, 2016
Poetry's Presence ~~ "Someday"
SOMEDAY
Someday
I’ll find the time
to do the things I want to do.
I’ll
venture into the attic
and find the recipe for that roux.
The
ancestral trees on both sides
continue to call my name,
Reminding
me ever so gently
that they’re nowhere near the same.
Aunt
Allene’s heirloom quilt
must be removed from its display
rack,
As
it beckons me to follow
the nine patch pattern in the stack.
Audrey
insists her roma tomatoes
produce the finest salsa yet,
To
which one must add cilantro,
and jalapenos for extra zest!
Foreign
lands seem so intriguing
and not just via the news.
The
globe is meant to be traveled
while one can still pick and choose.
So
many books with so little time
carry me to enchanting places.
Rella’s
brown velour couch or chair
vie for the comfortable spaces.
Orion
and the Big Dipper glisten
as diamonds in the night sky.
Shall
I purchase a nice telescope
to watch them by and by?
Alas,
yesterday is history and
tomorrow may not be.
If
I continue to wait for someday
my desires I will never see.
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