I Hit 20,000

Words, that is!!!

I had a vision for my manuscript This Crazy Love I Never Expected. It's a long story, but basically I've written almost the entire book in third person, hero/heroine point of view. Then I decided I wanted to write it in first person, heroine point of view, so I started over. The first chapters have done great in contests, but somewhere along the line I lost my vision of the story. I couldn't decide in which direction to go in. It was truly crazy.
I started another story which I believe God gave me to write. I have a good beginning of that story. Which is where it is stopping for now.

Because I have to finish This Crazy Love......
I just have to.
And I sent my Cuz the first three chapters to read and she was such an inspiration. She gave me encouraing words regarding the story and said she wanted to read more. My mother read them and liked them and said she would like to read the rest of the story.

Well, Cuz, Mother, hopefully before the end of the year you'll be able to read the whole book. I'm moving along,things are coming in place. I've written a synopsis that I have by my laptop as I work and I'm tweaking that as I go along.

Thanks to Missy to who read the synopsis. You guys are very helpful and encouraging at the same time. I couldn't do this without you.

So today I hit 20,000 words.

Keep watching the meter on the right of this blog to check my progress. In other words, keep me accountable. If you don't see it going up, comment!! Ask me what I'm doing and why I'm not writing!!

Thanks!

Read Me Please!!!!

I had to share today's devotion. It's from Daily in His Presence by Andrew Murray.
June 5:
Faith
Don't be afraid, just believe. Mark 5:36

How simple, yet complex.

But it's true. We don't have to be afraid. We can just believe. Not that all of life is going to go well. Not that there won't be things that break our hearts. Not that you won't have a bad day, or a flat out mad day. But there is a hope. There is an underlying joy at the base of these not going well, breaking our heart, bad, mad days.
Jesus.
Don't be afraid, just believe.

Healing Promises-Amy Wallace

I'd like to introduce to you Amy Wallace, Rita Award Nominee for Ransomed Dreams.
Today we are talking about her second book, Healing Promises which will be available April 15th. I'll be drawing for a free copy tomorrow morning. So leave a comment today and check back to see if you are the lucky one to receive this great book.

I had the privilege of asking Amy a few questions.

Belinda: What was the biggest difference in writing Ransomed Dreams, then Healing Promises?

Amy: When I first wrote Ransomed Dreams, I knew nothing and had a ball just getting the story on the page. I also had a number of years to hone my craft and then rewrite the story under the guidance of my incredible editor.

Writing Healing Promises was done with a great deal more knowledge of the publishing world and skills needed for writing well. It was also written during a time of intense physical pain and spiritual searching. Due to all that, it was less than a thrill ride. But the experience taught me even more how to cling to God when storms hit full force.


Belinda: Did you prepare differently for writing Healing Promises?

Amy: For all three books in the Defenders of Hope series, tons of hours went into research, praying and laying out the stories. But Healing Promises dipped deeper into my heart and many of the issues believers struggle with when life hurts. I had to open up a lot more and pour myself out onto the page—and I thought I poured out all I had with Ransomed Dreams! But God is so faithful to fill us up and give us exactly what we need to tell stories that will touch hearts.

Belinda: Is there any advice you can give to those who write romantic suspense on how to balance the suspense with the romance and let the two compliment each other?

Amy: My advice for any type of writing is to let who God is and who you are flow through your fingers. That’s the uniqueness each writer brings to the table.

In terms of writing romantic suspense, there are a few basics to make both plot threads believable and cohesive. First, I’d suggest not writing a kiss scene in the midst of the hero and heroine being chased by some deranged antagonist. When/ if they do kiss, make it count and have it happen at a time and place that are believable. That’s not to say they can’t kiss in the midst of what appears to be a dangerous situation. Dee Henderson did a masterful job of that in The Guardian.

Another important thing a romantic suspense author can do is fully research their story. There are a ton of ideas tucked away in good research. Read biographies about and talk to people in your character’s professions. Some folks I’ve interviewed have shared great ideas for bringing together the suspense and romance plots just by telling stories of their lives.

And lastly, I’d say really getting to know your characters is one of the best ways to blend the romance and suspense well. Pray about each character’s basic lie. What do they believe about themselves? They’re unlovable? They’re not good enough? And also find out what do they want most or hope with everything in them won’t happen. Knowing these things about your characters will enable you to write them well. Praying about them will help you see what God wants to do through your story to touch hearts.

Wow!

Amy has shared valuable insights with us today. And not just about writing. Search your heart for what God would have you write. He has gifted Amy with the ability to put on paper what she has gleamed from Him into fiction that leaves us breathless and satisfied at the same time.

Remember, leave a comment to be eligible for a free copy of Healing Promises.

Thank you Amy for sharing so much with us.
PS--You HAVE to visit Heart Chocolate below----it's one of the coolest websites I've ever seen. Check it out and see if you agree.


Dark Chocolate Suspense newsletter
Heart Chocolate
Ransomed Dreams--Buy Now!
Healing Promises--Buy Now!
Ransomed Dreams first chapter
Healing Promises first chapter

Give It Up

Everyone is different. Everyone has their own talents, gifts and things they excel at. I'm reading a book right now titled Plot and Structure by James Scott Bell. He is convinced that you can learn to write. Which is a good thing, because I don't think I'm one of those people who have innate talent. (In anything!)
There are aspects of writing I have learned and at this point I have found my voice. I have found the style of writing that brings out the best response in readers.
But no amount of craft books or that thrill of finding your voice will be of any use to you if you don't give it all over to God.
Give your story to God and see what happens. You'll be surprised.
I started journaling every morning before I write. Sometimes its just a couple of sentences, sometimes it's longer. I start out with what I would like to accomplish in my scene or chapter or whatever block of the story I'm working with, then I give the story to God. Ask Him to guide me in the way of His truth for the book.
So far, so good.
Are there any special steps you take to assure you're writing for God? I'm sure, like the innate talent, there are people who do this naturally.
How about you?

It's All Free!!!

Don't you just love the freedom we have in Jesus?

I think some people view living a Christian life as living a boring, rule-filled existence where they can have no fun. Nothing can be further from the truth. The reason God sent Jesus to this earth is nothing short of a miracle. Jesus was alive and well, interacting with people just like you and me. But he was perfect-void of sin. We are not.
The message of Jesus is love. I know I can't begin to imagine the whole, perfect, complete love God has for us. But the little I can wrap my mind around thrills me. Knowing our God, loves us so much, He sent Jesus to us to teach, live and live out the love He embodies.
Jesus is alive and active today in all of our hearts. He wants us to show the love our Father has for us as we live out our lives. Knowing we have such an awesome teacher, mentor and guide gives us the freedom to be who we are in Jesus---Praise God!

There has been some stirring in my heart all week, and I feel these words sum it up.

Let the love of Jesus flow
Take it with you where ever you go.
He's in your heart, He's in my heart.
From the love of Jesus we never part.
Be free! Live free! Love free!
In Jesus that's how we will be.

Perpetual Inspiration

Today's post is taken from my devotional I'm reading by Andrew Murray. The book, Daily In His Presence is an awesome book and I have mentioned it here before.

This is what is says for September 13th.
Perpetual Inspiration
"I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Counselor to be with you forever." John 14:16
Then in the text is this:
"It is a mistake to confine inspiration to particular times and occasions, or to prophets and apostles. Inpspiration is for every Christian who trusts to be continually led and inspired by the Spirit of God."

What I take from this is that God inspires us as we continually pray and ask God for guidance. He is our inspiration--the author of our ideas--then he sees them to fruition. Completion.

If you're a writer and are stuck on a certain area of the manuscript, lay it down, pray it up, and see where you're at. I love it that we can rely on such a creator for our creations.

Oh, and one last thing--
HAPPY BIRTHDAY KAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Have a fun day my friend!