To the right of this post is a word meter. I"ve got a new book idea and it absolutely won't leave me alone, so I"m going with it. Watch the meter. I started the book yesterday and have 1600 words. So I will update each weekend. I've titled the book Summer Dream, which may or may not stick. I"ll see how it goes.
So pray that I"m on the right track with this story. It's fun, sad, and is writing itself all day long as I'm at my day job.
So, time to TIVO all Idol episodes, Grease episodes and watch them in half the time.
Here I go on another wild journey.
Stay with me, please?
In The Beginning
I am such a people person. I LOVE people. I love interacting with them, talking, and creating.
Yes. Creating people. Otherwise known as characters. There's been a recent media frenzy that has inspired a storyline in my brain. It will not leave me alone. (I think this happens a lot to writers.)
One time there was a photo of a journalist in the paper. I saved it because he looked like someone I would like to write about. I was in church one Sunday and sat behind the "perfect" family. Oops! Story idea. What if someone came and ripped away everything they believed in.
You never know what will be an inspiration. The beginning of a 400 page novel.
Now some of these inklings go nowhere. There is a lot of tension in the beginning idea itself, but then nothing really happens to move the story forward. But it's fun imagining.
How about you? Where do your story ideas come from. And if you're not a writer, what type of beginnings do you like? What catches your attention?
Yes. Creating people. Otherwise known as characters. There's been a recent media frenzy that has inspired a storyline in my brain. It will not leave me alone. (I think this happens a lot to writers.)
One time there was a photo of a journalist in the paper. I saved it because he looked like someone I would like to write about. I was in church one Sunday and sat behind the "perfect" family. Oops! Story idea. What if someone came and ripped away everything they believed in.
You never know what will be an inspiration. The beginning of a 400 page novel.
Now some of these inklings go nowhere. There is a lot of tension in the beginning idea itself, but then nothing really happens to move the story forward. But it's fun imagining.
How about you? Where do your story ideas come from. And if you're not a writer, what type of beginnings do you like? What catches your attention?
Venezuela For Christ
Mission.
What comes to mind when you hear that word.
Missions.
How about that? Different with the s?
Matthew 28 gave us all the great commission-
Matthew 28:19-20
"Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the end of the age."
We all have a responsibility to spread the word of Jesus.
There is an organization Venezuela For Christ that is doing just that. They are providing seminary training for pastors in Venezuela. Someone had a vision, and this is where it has led.
Missions are all around us. They are in our own family, our neighborhood, our community, our county, our state, our country, our world.
See how they expanded?
Each one of those areas need something. Whether it be material things, spiritual guidance or just an ear to listen.
We are all created different to do different things. You may sign up to head an organization that will collect clothing items for those in need. If the person living next door did the same thing, great. There will be a lot of clothing to be had by all. If the lady who lived two doors down collected clothing well, you're on your way to making sure everyone has something to wear.
But we all can't do the same thing.
Not all of us are going to go global in our commission. People are needed locally as well.
So how about you? Do you have a mission? A way to reach out?
Remember, when much is given, much is expected in return. (I know a lot of people have said that, but I"m going to give the credit to Beth Moore-cause I heard it from her first.)
What comes to mind when you hear that word.
Missions.
How about that? Different with the s?
Matthew 28 gave us all the great commission-
Matthew 28:19-20
"Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the end of the age."
We all have a responsibility to spread the word of Jesus.
There is an organization Venezuela For Christ that is doing just that. They are providing seminary training for pastors in Venezuela. Someone had a vision, and this is where it has led.
Missions are all around us. They are in our own family, our neighborhood, our community, our county, our state, our country, our world.
See how they expanded?
Each one of those areas need something. Whether it be material things, spiritual guidance or just an ear to listen.
We are all created different to do different things. You may sign up to head an organization that will collect clothing items for those in need. If the person living next door did the same thing, great. There will be a lot of clothing to be had by all. If the lady who lived two doors down collected clothing well, you're on your way to making sure everyone has something to wear.
But we all can't do the same thing.
Not all of us are going to go global in our commission. People are needed locally as well.
So how about you? Do you have a mission? A way to reach out?
Remember, when much is given, much is expected in return. (I know a lot of people have said that, but I"m going to give the credit to Beth Moore-cause I heard it from her first.)
Write From Your Heart-Part 3- (Late)
Yes, this post was supposed to be posted on Saturday, but it didn't happen. So I thought, better late than never, right?
The third and final part of my Write From Your Heart deals with passion. Not the kind of passion where there is a man and woman on the front cover barely wearing anything.
I'm talking the kind of passion that burns in your heart. The passion that is a part of you being a writer. Because without the passion, I don't know if it will happen.
Not everyone can write a book. If you're a writer, and you tell people you're a writer, how many people say, "Oh, I've thought about writing a book."
The truth is, very few people who start out to write a book ever finish one.
So if you have-congratulations. You have just won half the battle.
Passion is the thing inside of you that's going to sit your rear in the chair while others are watching the television, sitting outside, reading a book. Or sleeping, maybe.
Passion is the excitement of having one of your characters surprise you as you type and being thrilled about it.
Passion is the you inside that has a story that won't leave you alone.
Draw on this passion. It will sustain you.
Don't forget, I"m the Monday blogger on the F.A.I.T.H. blog today.
The third and final part of my Write From Your Heart deals with passion. Not the kind of passion where there is a man and woman on the front cover barely wearing anything.
I'm talking the kind of passion that burns in your heart. The passion that is a part of you being a writer. Because without the passion, I don't know if it will happen.
Not everyone can write a book. If you're a writer, and you tell people you're a writer, how many people say, "Oh, I've thought about writing a book."
The truth is, very few people who start out to write a book ever finish one.
So if you have-congratulations. You have just won half the battle.
Passion is the thing inside of you that's going to sit your rear in the chair while others are watching the television, sitting outside, reading a book. Or sleeping, maybe.
Passion is the excitement of having one of your characters surprise you as you type and being thrilled about it.
Passion is the you inside that has a story that won't leave you alone.
Draw on this passion. It will sustain you.
Don't forget, I"m the Monday blogger on the F.A.I.T.H. blog today.
Write From Your Heart Part 2
Voice.
Ahhh...The one word whose meaning and comprehension seems to elude all new writers. Of course some have their voice, they just don't know it. Others, like me, have to write a long time to figure it out. This is just a short snippet on voice. Talking about it can take days, weeks, maybe.
But the best way to define voice is when you're loving, I mean absolutely loving writing your story and people love, I mean absolutely, love reading it. When you find your voice the story seems to spin itself into existence. Really, it does.
Finding your voice means you have a tone to your story that clicks with you. All stories need all emotions of course, but usually stories have the main tone, focus to them.
Don't fight your voice. Go with it. Love it. Be it.
If you're a writer have you found your voice?
If you're a reader who are your favorite authors?
Join me Saturday when we'll wrap up Write From Your Heart.
Ahhh...The one word whose meaning and comprehension seems to elude all new writers. Of course some have their voice, they just don't know it. Others, like me, have to write a long time to figure it out. This is just a short snippet on voice. Talking about it can take days, weeks, maybe.
But the best way to define voice is when you're loving, I mean absolutely loving writing your story and people love, I mean absolutely, love reading it. When you find your voice the story seems to spin itself into existence. Really, it does.
Finding your voice means you have a tone to your story that clicks with you. All stories need all emotions of course, but usually stories have the main tone, focus to them.
Don't fight your voice. Go with it. Love it. Be it.
If you're a writer have you found your voice?
If you're a reader who are your favorite authors?
Join me Saturday when we'll wrap up Write From Your Heart.
Write From Your Heart--Part 1
What do we love? What are our passions? What interests us above all?
These are the things we should be writing about. The situations that are dear to our heart, soul and mind are what will inspire us to dig deeper, be bold and go where no one else has gone before. Because what's in your heart is yours and no one elses.
Don't worry about what's hot right now. It won't be hot by the time you finish and submit. The market changes-your heart doesn't.
Think of your favorite writer. The one who when their books come out you just pick them up, regardless of cover or back story blurb. Chances are you know what you're going to read, in a way. A good way. You don't know the story yet, but you know what type of read you will have.
And chances are you won't be disappointed.
That's because the writer is true to themselves. They write from their heart. You can feel it.
If you're a reader, tell me about the books you like.
If you're a writer, tell me about the books you like to write.
On Thursday I'll be talking about voice. What it is and why it's so important.
PS-Click over to our F.A.I.T.H blog and check out our guest blogger Jane Myers Perrine. She's talking about the faith element in our story.
Coming this week.....
Don't forget I'm the blogger on F.A.I.T.H today.
I'm posting here on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday's from now on.
So come back tomorrow and check out the first part of my Writing From Your Heart.
After all it is Valentines week-It's all about the heart.
Stay tuned....
I'm posting here on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday's from now on.
So come back tomorrow and check out the first part of my Writing From Your Heart.
After all it is Valentines week-It's all about the heart.
Stay tuned....
Untravelled Road
Here is another member of my family. Jeff Aebi.(He's on the left.) His girlfriend Judy and another guy, Rex, make up the Untravelled Road Band. They are awesome. Go here to sample some great music.
Or if you're having a party, you can book em!!
Oh, Brother!!
As I've been gently reminded I have an extremely talented brother who is a musician. So I've labeled this musician week and today we are featuring Matt Aebi.
Whenever we have a family gathering Matt always brings his guitar. We usually end up singing something or like here he's recruited my son Alex to play along.
Matt has made a couple of CD's. Go here to his website. It's great having a musician in the family. A real live one who can play, and sing.
Actually our family has quite a bit of talent. I'll feature another member tomorrow.
But for today, go to Matt's website and listen to some tunes. (Maybe even purchase a CD!)
Love you, Matt!!!
Whenever we have a family gathering Matt always brings his guitar. We usually end up singing something or like here he's recruited my son Alex to play along.
Matt has made a couple of CD's. Go here to his website. It's great having a musician in the family. A real live one who can play, and sing.
Actually our family has quite a bit of talent. I'll feature another member tomorrow.
But for today, go to Matt's website and listen to some tunes. (Maybe even purchase a CD!)
Love you, Matt!!!
Warning!!
Although it's already into the second month of the 2007 I have to warn you about something that will happen every so often on this blog. I will post a picture and blog about David Crowder. I took quite a few pictures when I had the opportunity to see him back in Nov of 2006 and will post different ones throughout the year.
His music is awesome, his voice is awesome and this man and his band love the Lord. Just listen to a song or two.
He's a part of the praise and worship moving across the world and I'm glad I'm on board.
If you've never heard him go here to see what he and his band are all about.
Can you say Yummy!! (it's all about the prize!)
Guess what? Our F.A.I.T.H blog is having a contest this week. Check out Angie's blog to find out what the fabulous prize it. The rules are posted at F.A.I.T.H.. Since I'm the Monday blogger I get to ask the first question. Go and visit. Play and get your name in the hat for that fabulous prize.
Go on, now. Don't be shy.
Go on, now. Don't be shy.
My Friend Missy.....
Sold a book! The working title Michael's Surrender was bought by Steeple Hill books last Tuesday.
Missy is a great friend of mine and has worked hard for this opportunity. I'm so very excited for her. Her release date is Feb 2008 and I'll post the title as soon as it's been decided on.
Here's me and Missy at the 2006 Golden Heart Ceremony where she was a finalist.
Congratulations Missy!!!!
Missy is a great friend of mine and has worked hard for this opportunity. I'm so very excited for her. Her release date is Feb 2008 and I'll post the title as soon as it's been decided on.
Here's me and Missy at the 2006 Golden Heart Ceremony where she was a finalist.
Congratulations Missy!!!!
I've Been Tagged
My friend Meg tagged me to play a game called Six Weird Thing About Me.
So here goes:
1. I can not talk about, hear about, see or read anything medically related. I have a hard time watching hopital shows, reading certain authors, and while I'm concerned about your ailments, please, just ask me to pray. Don't go into details.
2. I, like Meg, can't stand Almond Extract. The Jergens stuff makes me have a headache and become naseaus. (Meg, they do make unscented Jergens.)
3. I can't have any type of artificial sweetner. None. Same thing, dizzy, headache, naseaus.
4. My favorite secular song in the whole world is Angie-by the Rolling Stones.
5. I skip through my house.
6. I love to do crossword puzzles.
There. 6 things about me.
Now, my turn to tag. Let's see.
Missy-who I'll be blogging about tomorrow, Angie, Mindy, Christy, Jennifer, (yes, all my faith blog ladies), and hmmmmm.... Michelle.
So, come on ladies, let's see all your secrets!!
So here goes:
1. I can not talk about, hear about, see or read anything medically related. I have a hard time watching hopital shows, reading certain authors, and while I'm concerned about your ailments, please, just ask me to pray. Don't go into details.
2. I, like Meg, can't stand Almond Extract. The Jergens stuff makes me have a headache and become naseaus. (Meg, they do make unscented Jergens.)
3. I can't have any type of artificial sweetner. None. Same thing, dizzy, headache, naseaus.
4. My favorite secular song in the whole world is Angie-by the Rolling Stones.
5. I skip through my house.
6. I love to do crossword puzzles.
There. 6 things about me.
Now, my turn to tag. Let's see.
Missy-who I'll be blogging about tomorrow, Angie, Mindy, Christy, Jennifer, (yes, all my faith blog ladies), and hmmmmm.... Michelle.
So, come on ladies, let's see all your secrets!!
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