Thank you for your very helpful posts. I am feeling much better and am happily back to writing and getting those creative energies flowing. For any of you that might now know these wonderful friends, be sure and click on their links and read more great ideas and thoughts on their blogs!
If it is one thing I have learned it is that writers are quick to help one another, whether it be helping with needing research, a phrase we just can't get, or finding that "just right word" that is right beyond the reach of our finger tips...or helping restore balance to blockages! I have also seen them reach deep into their pockets for a sister in need, and help anyone who needs help if they can. Beyond their books they are real people with big hearts, and this is just a part of their ministry. When you buy their books you might be helping support the Wolf Sanctuary in Paradise, Pa. or giving to Wounded Warriors (Loree Lough's favorite charities), or helping someone pay their back taxes as a group of writers did recently after hearing a sister was about to lose her home. You might be helping people rebuild in Joplin, Mo. or buying food and clothing for a family in the other storm ridden areas. They don't get paid a lot, but they are willing to share what they do have with others who need it more. Writers are an interesting breed of people.
In the coming weeks I hope to introduce you to some of these fine people and tell you more about the books they write. Tricia Goyer and Gina Holmes will be my featured author next week, but don't look for a favorite recipe from Gina...she says she cooks like she writes, "From the seat of her pants"! While her husband says she is a good cook, they both agree nothing turns out the same way twice, lol! Til then...keep reading!
It's Tea Time With Cheri'! My thoughts are always ready, my technical abilities are still needing lots of help! Please have patience with me! In the meantime, grab a cup of tea, or a mug of coffee, and of course some chocolate...pull up a chair at the kitchen table and let's visit a little bit... so, what's new with you?
Showing posts with label writers. Show all posts
Showing posts with label writers. Show all posts
Saturday, October 8, 2011
Wednesday, July 6, 2011
How's that writing going?
What do you mean you aren't done yet? Well, you are at least half way finished, right? (I'm laughing, of course! I ever expected you to be that far along.) Did you pray before you started and allow God to bless you with all the words you needed? How'd that go for you? I sincerely hope it went better for you that for me. Somehow every time I do that it signals smoke signals to the opposition on the Horned One's side to bring on the warfare! Anything to keep me away from the keyboard...phones that keep ringing, kids with problems, bills not paid, hey, who let the dog out??? Now where was I?
Writing is a ministry, just as preaching, teaching, and missionary work. If you do your job right, then you will leave your readers pondering the thoughts you planted in their minds long after that last page is finished. For some, it might mean making a decision to accept Jesus as their Lord and Savior. For others it might be the catalyst to wake their spiritual life up and get them on fire again. I remember when I read "Love Finds You In Paradise, Pa." by Loree Lough, I talked about it to everyone for weeks. There was an element to the story that challenged what I was willing to do for Christ. Where was I drawing the line? At what would I, and what wouldn't I do to be more Christ-like? Could I have the relationship with Jesus that Loree gave her characters in the book? Or would I stay within my comfort zone?
This really upsets the enemy and he wants to distract us from finishing, at any cost. Just like tonight...my keyboard refuses to type every letter I hit and has decided to pick and choose the ones that will work. Of course I need to clean it, but it is frustrating none-the-less.
That is all trivial in contrast to the things I have received prayer requests for this week. E-mail after e-mail has come through to ask for prayer for some of the hardest times these people have ever had to go through. Some have faced death in their family, and others facing foreclosure and loosing their homes. For me it has mean my youngest son going through the worst rebellion in his 19 years and moving out of my home. The enemy has done his homework and knows our Achilles Heel. Husbands have lost their jobs, and children have faced health issues that threatened their lives. But the true writer keeps on typing....believing this is their ministry. One precious writer, Sandi Rog, continues to blog from her hospital room as she fights stage four cancer. Now that is a precious child of God! My own trials seemed so small next to hers...I signed in my blog and prayed that God would help me get through this day.
These are just a few of the things that you have to face as you dedicate your talent to God and choose to write for Him. Today, would you take just a few minutes to lift up everyone who has made that choice? I will return soon with an inspiring interview with Laurie Alice Eakes, and a recipe for her favorite dish! The week of July 11, watch for an interview with another favorite of mine Janice Hanna Thompson and her newest release "Love Finds You In Groom Texas" and her recipe for Chicken Fried Steak (Hey she is a Texas girl!)...
Writing is a ministry, just as preaching, teaching, and missionary work. If you do your job right, then you will leave your readers pondering the thoughts you planted in their minds long after that last page is finished. For some, it might mean making a decision to accept Jesus as their Lord and Savior. For others it might be the catalyst to wake their spiritual life up and get them on fire again. I remember when I read "Love Finds You In Paradise, Pa." by Loree Lough, I talked about it to everyone for weeks. There was an element to the story that challenged what I was willing to do for Christ. Where was I drawing the line? At what would I, and what wouldn't I do to be more Christ-like? Could I have the relationship with Jesus that Loree gave her characters in the book? Or would I stay within my comfort zone?
This really upsets the enemy and he wants to distract us from finishing, at any cost. Just like tonight...my keyboard refuses to type every letter I hit and has decided to pick and choose the ones that will work. Of course I need to clean it, but it is frustrating none-the-less.
That is all trivial in contrast to the things I have received prayer requests for this week. E-mail after e-mail has come through to ask for prayer for some of the hardest times these people have ever had to go through. Some have faced death in their family, and others facing foreclosure and loosing their homes. For me it has mean my youngest son going through the worst rebellion in his 19 years and moving out of my home. The enemy has done his homework and knows our Achilles Heel. Husbands have lost their jobs, and children have faced health issues that threatened their lives. But the true writer keeps on typing....believing this is their ministry. One precious writer, Sandi Rog, continues to blog from her hospital room as she fights stage four cancer. Now that is a precious child of God! My own trials seemed so small next to hers...I signed in my blog and prayed that God would help me get through this day.
These are just a few of the things that you have to face as you dedicate your talent to God and choose to write for Him. Today, would you take just a few minutes to lift up everyone who has made that choice? I will return soon with an inspiring interview with Laurie Alice Eakes, and a recipe for her favorite dish! The week of July 11, watch for an interview with another favorite of mine Janice Hanna Thompson and her newest release "Love Finds You In Groom Texas" and her recipe for Chicken Fried Steak (Hey she is a Texas girl!)...
Friday, July 1, 2011
So you want to write a book...
So you have a great idea for a story...and you can tell it pretty well..."so why not turn it into a book", someone asks. Hmmm, not a bad idea, or so you think!
How hard can it be? After all you did get an A in English, and creative writing was one of your favorite subjects! Hey, you read "Twilight" and look at how popular it was, even if it wasn't very well written in your opinion!
Suddenly you see yourself riding in a limo on premier night...walking the red carpet...signing your autograph for thousands of screaming fans clamoring for your attention. You jump on craigslist to see how much those fancy motor homes are going for, there will be book signings and interviews to attend. Dollar signs fill your thoughts, and you can't wait for all that extra money!
BUT WAIT!!! I hate to throw water on your fire, but it doesn't work exactly like that! In the next few weeks we are going to be introducing you to some published authors and they are going to share their experiences along the yellow brick road to seeing their name on the cover of their sweat and tears in a material form. Rules change, styles change, and everything you thought you knew about writing changes...are you ready to start learning all over again? Some of the great writers of all time would be rejected by today's rules.
Once you get your story written, you have to pull up your steel plated granny panties and face the critiques...and trust me this is the hard part! You thought your work was awesome! You gave it your all! And then people start telling you what they really think. You are handed a list of no-no words, what!?! Why can't I use a word ending in ly? You are told that the middle of your story starts to drag, you are telling and not showing! Your dialogue is slow. You better rewrite and submit it again..."But Mom liked it!" you whine.
Before we really get into the minds of some of my favorite writers, I would like you to visit the blog of Suzanne Hartmann. She has some wonderful links on her blog, and it is very insightful. I found her blog a good place to begin...so take a look, and don't be afraid to ask questions.
In the coming weeks I am going to feature some wonderful writers in a variety of genres, let them tell you about why they write and how they got started, and give you a few of their favorite tips to reaching success in publishing your work. If there is anything you would like me to ask, feel free to email me at cherihorgan@hotmail.com and I will be happy to ask for you! Now...get back to that computer and start that next Great American Novel!
How hard can it be? After all you did get an A in English, and creative writing was one of your favorite subjects! Hey, you read "Twilight" and look at how popular it was, even if it wasn't very well written in your opinion!
Suddenly you see yourself riding in a limo on premier night...walking the red carpet...signing your autograph for thousands of screaming fans clamoring for your attention. You jump on craigslist to see how much those fancy motor homes are going for, there will be book signings and interviews to attend. Dollar signs fill your thoughts, and you can't wait for all that extra money!
BUT WAIT!!! I hate to throw water on your fire, but it doesn't work exactly like that! In the next few weeks we are going to be introducing you to some published authors and they are going to share their experiences along the yellow brick road to seeing their name on the cover of their sweat and tears in a material form. Rules change, styles change, and everything you thought you knew about writing changes...are you ready to start learning all over again? Some of the great writers of all time would be rejected by today's rules.
Once you get your story written, you have to pull up your steel plated granny panties and face the critiques...and trust me this is the hard part! You thought your work was awesome! You gave it your all! And then people start telling you what they really think. You are handed a list of no-no words, what!?! Why can't I use a word ending in ly? You are told that the middle of your story starts to drag, you are telling and not showing! Your dialogue is slow. You better rewrite and submit it again..."But Mom liked it!" you whine.
Before we really get into the minds of some of my favorite writers, I would like you to visit the blog of Suzanne Hartmann. She has some wonderful links on her blog, and it is very insightful. I found her blog a good place to begin...so take a look, and don't be afraid to ask questions.
In the coming weeks I am going to feature some wonderful writers in a variety of genres, let them tell you about why they write and how they got started, and give you a few of their favorite tips to reaching success in publishing your work. If there is anything you would like me to ask, feel free to email me at cherihorgan@hotmail.com and I will be happy to ask for you! Now...get back to that computer and start that next Great American Novel!
Friday, April 1, 2011
What makes you want to leave a comment about something you like or hate?
There has been a lot of talk lately about reviews people leave on commercial sites, so today I would like to ask you what prompts you to forever record your opinion of someone's labor? We are a very opinionated society, and for the most part we usually only voice those thoughts if we are unhappy for some reason. I didn't like the service I received from that vendor, or I hated the food in that restaurant, so lets tell the whole world. We rarely take time to go out of our way to say nice things, even though we should.
But what happens when you are talking about writers? These are people who have devoted a HUGE chunk of themselves, their time, and their heart into birthing their creation. For most of the people I know that means dedicating long hours everyday to the keyboard, writing, re-writing, and editing...then submitting it for critique to a group of peers and professionals, then starting the NEW rewrites and edits. Once that part is finished, there is the hard part of writing the synopsis, preparing the necessary presentations for agents and publishers, and all the stuff most people are unaware of, to find someone willing to make a commitment to publish your heart's work. Most writers are always attending conferences to improve their craft, and writing blogs and independent pieces to keep their name out there in the public's mind. We wont even go into the promotion of the book once it is published.
Finally! It is finished! The book hits the shelves and the book signings begin. People begin to read the intimate results of your labor. You rush to read the reviews...and you either die inside or are encouraged...they like you!
The real test of your strength is when your readers begin their reviews. I have seen a number of excellent writers fall to pieces over a bad review that was written not to encourage improvement, but to tear down the author to tears! Mean spirited, hateful reviews over things like "it was too preachy" or "I didn't like that she/he wrote....." and "I wouldn't waste my money again!" Even for free downloads on kindle, people complain. They weren't aware it was a christian book and found it too religious, and that upset them because they weren't believers. But they write in bitterness and sound so angry as they stress that they DIDN'T LIKE THE BOOK! And would never read anything written by this writer again. I even read one review that said a book wasn't realistic...that's because it was a parody! It was meant to be funny. It was written with wildly colorful characters you fell in love with. Apparently they didn't get it.
I remember my grandmother always saying, "If you can't say something good..." (Come on, you know it, lets say it together) "DON'T SAY ANYTHING AT ALL!" You can leave constructive criticism without being mean or hateful. You don't have to say you loved the book, but you don't have to say you hated the writer. We all have different tastes, so let the next person decide for themselves.
That said, I will now jump down from by little wooden soap box and go find some April Fools pranks to pull on my children...
But what happens when you are talking about writers? These are people who have devoted a HUGE chunk of themselves, their time, and their heart into birthing their creation. For most of the people I know that means dedicating long hours everyday to the keyboard, writing, re-writing, and editing...then submitting it for critique to a group of peers and professionals, then starting the NEW rewrites and edits. Once that part is finished, there is the hard part of writing the synopsis, preparing the necessary presentations for agents and publishers, and all the stuff most people are unaware of, to find someone willing to make a commitment to publish your heart's work. Most writers are always attending conferences to improve their craft, and writing blogs and independent pieces to keep their name out there in the public's mind. We wont even go into the promotion of the book once it is published.
Finally! It is finished! The book hits the shelves and the book signings begin. People begin to read the intimate results of your labor. You rush to read the reviews...and you either die inside or are encouraged...they like you!
The real test of your strength is when your readers begin their reviews. I have seen a number of excellent writers fall to pieces over a bad review that was written not to encourage improvement, but to tear down the author to tears! Mean spirited, hateful reviews over things like "it was too preachy" or "I didn't like that she/he wrote....." and "I wouldn't waste my money again!" Even for free downloads on kindle, people complain. They weren't aware it was a christian book and found it too religious, and that upset them because they weren't believers. But they write in bitterness and sound so angry as they stress that they DIDN'T LIKE THE BOOK! And would never read anything written by this writer again. I even read one review that said a book wasn't realistic...that's because it was a parody! It was meant to be funny. It was written with wildly colorful characters you fell in love with. Apparently they didn't get it.
I remember my grandmother always saying, "If you can't say something good..." (Come on, you know it, lets say it together) "DON'T SAY ANYTHING AT ALL!" You can leave constructive criticism without being mean or hateful. You don't have to say you loved the book, but you don't have to say you hated the writer. We all have different tastes, so let the next person decide for themselves.
That said, I will now jump down from by little wooden soap box and go find some April Fools pranks to pull on my children...
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