Nancy J. Ring (Tribute by Teena M. Stewart, SALT sister)

In the next couple days I've asked my SALT (Struggling Artists of Literary Talent) Sisters to write a few words about our good friend, Nancy, who died on Saturday, March 13, 2010. (Read yesterday's post to learn more about this remarkable writer.) We already miss her so much on our writers' Yahoogroup. Please welcome our founder, Teena M. Stewart, as my guest today.Teena is also the artist who created Nancy's logo which appears on her blog.

By Teena M. Stewart

When I think of Nancy I visualize a butterfly—a periwinkle blue butterfly, to be specific.  Periwinkle blue was Nancy’s favorite color and the butterfly--it symbolizes what she became.

When she first joined  SALT, our online writer’s group, she was very young,  years younger than the rest of us. She shared a fantasy story that one group member fondly refers to as a Care Bear type of story.  It was innocent and whimsical. Nancy had dreams of being published writer and she worked hard to perfect her craft—taking clues and suggestions from some of her published, older SALT sisters.

The odds were stacked against her, but she’d been fighter all her life. Born with spinal bifida, she endured countless operations.   I met her face-to-face several years ago at Mt. Hermon Writer’s conference.  Young, and fresh-faced, her pale complexion and ruddy cheeks seemed to radiate a girl-next-door freshness.  She was a determined young lady who didn’t let the hilly terrain of the location stand the way of getting to classes, even if it meant using her crutches uphill.

She could take on the best of them. She was a fighter. She had to be.

She fought to advocate for the clients she worked with in social services. She fought to make her way to  the city bus in order to get to work in the frigid, snow-laden  Illinois winters.  She gritted her teeth and determined she would be a published writer while juggling full-time work and many other responsibilities. Before long she had several articles published. She dug in her heels and went for her master’s and we cheered her on, celebrating the triumph with a gift basket of goodies and a bespectacled Teddy Bear.  For years she dreamed of having a place of her own, and she went without in order to set aside enough money to make a down payment.  Before you knew it she had  conquered that hill too and moved into her long-dreamed of condo.

When she learned she had cancer, she clenched her teeth, rolled up her sleeves, and prepared for the fight of her life.  This was a fight, however, sheer willpower could not win.  It seemed at long last she had been defeated…But a closer look reveals it is not what it appears to be. Just as the caterpillar spins her cocoon until it surrounds her and she lies dormant inside, to all appearances dead,  Nancy too had to die.  And just as the caterpillar emerges after fighting a battle to be free of its fragile shell…Nancy too has emerged triumphant.  In the time I knew her she was being transformed. Now she emerges, colorful, elegant, and delicate, a remarkable and beautiful creature.

Here’s to you my Periwinkle Butterfly. Fly away home…

------------

Teena Stewart is a published author and artist. She and her husband, Jeff, operate Java Journey a Christian coffee shop ministry (http://www.javajourney.org.)  Her most recent book is Successful Small Groups from Concept to Practice.  For more info about Teena visit http://www.serendipitini.com. You are welcome to email her with questions or comments at smartwords@embarqmail.

Nancy J. Ring: Exploring the Path Home

Anchors,Signposts and Wanderings

Forks, bends, detours, scenery, and fellow travelers I've discovered while Exploring the Path Home.

This is what you'll find on freelance writer and community mental health counselor Nancy J. Ring's blog. That, and a whole lot of wisdom and truths that just leave you breathless. I am having a tough time telling you just one post to read, so let's just say that you should read the whole thing including quotes, favorites, and  things. Nancy found the ultimate path Home on March 13, 2010.

A native Chicagoan, she graduated with a Master’s in Community Counseling  and held her Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) certification. She worked with adults who have severe and persistent mental illness, so she knows a lot about how it can be tough to find the path home. She worked at the same place for nearly 10 years and loves that her work focuses on helping people achieve their vocational goals, as well as working on emotional health and well being. Besides work she also volunteered in her church and worked on setting up a food pantry.

When asked about how all of this affected her writing she said,"Helping people become who they are meant to be is a theme that runs through my writing, my counseling, and my ministry."

I know I gain many insights into myself and my own writing from Nancy and her blog and I will miss her so much in our group where we shared so much. She is in a great place now and wouldn't want to come back, so someday I will go to her and that comforts me somehow. She has been a writing buddy in my Struggling Artists of Literary Talent (SALT) for many years, so I love her as a sister, and my fellow SALT sisters are suffering today along with me. We got together over 10 years ago to critique each others' writing, but we bonded as sisters and cared about and prayed about every aspect of our lives. She was the youngest of the group, but seemed wise beyond her years.

Nancy wrote nonfiction articles for women, adults, and teens on all kinds of inspirational, Christian living topics. She's  also written Sunday School curriculum for her church and award-winning grants for her vocational program at work.

Her blog started as a way to get back into writing after she had finished graduate school.
Nancy said, "It’s helped me find my voice, connect with other writers, and helped me identify writing topics I might not have otherwise considered."

Sometime back I interviewed Nancy for my blog, When I Was Just a Kid. I think it's appropriate to share that interview again. I want to celebrate her life, which was lived to the fullest. Amen.

Childhood Ambition: When I was a kid, I wanted to be a doctor, a gymnast, a scientist, and an artist. Sadly, I wasn’t very good at any of these things. When I discovered how much math was required to be a scientist or doctor, I ditched those goals right away.

I still like gymnastics and art, and I’m still not good at either one of them.

Fondest Memory: Ok, I’m having trouble coming up with one stand-out memory. I think it’s mostly the little memories that I’m fond of. Our family Christmas traditions, getting ice cream or Gene & Jude’s hot dogs when me & my brother had good report cards, and having my aunt’s family over for brunch after church on Sunday. I’m sure there’s more extraordinary memories, but these are the ones I recall at the moment.


Proudest Moment :A lot of my proudest moments seem to be related to academics. I guess I’m a nerd. When I was in 7^th &  8^th grade, I won 3^rd place in a spelling bee. At the time I was disappointed that I didn’t place better, but I’m proud of that now. I was also a finalist in a regional story writing contest. I’d been interested in writing ever since I’d read The Hobbit back in 3^rd grade, but this was the first time I received real, genuine, encouraging feedback about my writing. Even though I was only a finalist, I was proud of this at the time. Go figure.

Biggest Challenge as a Child or Teen: Most people would think my biggest challenge was growing up with a disability. Spina Bifida has always been a part of my life. I’ve never known life to be any different, and being disabled is only an issue when it’s an issue. Snow on the ground creates an unpleasant experience, but it’s hardly the biggest challenge I’ve ever encountered. The quadratic formula, now that’s a challenge. Does anyone know why we needed to learn that thing anyway?


My First Job: My first job was as a telemarketer for a basement waterproofing company. Cold calling at the age of 14. Despite the fact that most of the calls were rejections, we had fun in the office. Our boss was young himself & would do all sorts of goofy tricks to try to keep our spirits up. He taught me to think outside of the box when you need to address a problem. And if that doesn’t work, go next door to the Hostess shop and buy everyone Twinkies.

Childhood Indulgence: As a kid I was always asking to stay up late to read “just one more chapter.” Also, when my dad was working overnights as a paramedic, on Fridays Mom & I would get pizza and a movie. I looked forward to those nights all week.

Favorite Outfit as a Child: Well, there’s the tea bag Halloween costume my mom made me out of pillowcases. (No, I do not have a picture). I also had a mint green Easter dress I loved when I was about 5 or 6 years old. It had pink ribbon, and lace, and a layered, pleated skirt. I loved that dress.

Favorite Childhood Movie: I loved The Muppet Movie. I still do. Kermit the Frog is wonderful.

Favorite Childhood Book: I read all the time when I was a kid. My mom would buy me chapter books at the beginning of a shopping trip to keep me quiet and by the time she finished shopping I was always asking for another one to sustain me over the car ride home. So while it’s hard to pick just one book, I’d have to say my favorite is The Hobbit by JRR Tolkien. This was the book that made me decide I wanted to be a writer. I remember reading the opening paragraphs and trying to figure out what the magic stuff among the words was, what made those words do what they did.

Favorite Childhood Activity: Well, there was reading, of course. And playing on the swings. I still loved to do that. The neighbors across the street had a swing set, but we never did. When my parents did some renovating in the backyard I lobbied for a swing set. Instead, they put up a 2-car garage. My beloved lilac bush was also sacrificed in favor of this ugly, mustard yellow & brown monstrosity. Mom would say that it was “her” lilac bush, but it’s not like she lobbied to save it from the invasion of the garage.

Childhood Hero: I think my favorite childhood hero would have to be Jim Henson. I mentioned this at work the other day, and several of my clients laughed at me. I just think the guy was a creative genius. Kermit the Frog & I seemed to understand each other, and that was very important to me at times when I was growing up.

Favorite Childhood Ritual: Well, there’s the pizza & movie nights with Mom that I mentioned. At Christmas, our family would also hold auctions, where the kids would get to bid on dime store items. For some reason, that was almost as exciting as opening presents. I think I liked knowing that it was something special about how our family celebrated the holidays; something other families didn’t do.

Sample of Nancy's Writing Expertise:
"The Need to Be Needed," reprinted for Ministry in Motion
She has also written for Discipleship Journal, Young Salvationist, Christian Standard, The Christian Communicator, and other publications.

Nancy says about her development as a writer, weaving in all aspects of her life and her philosophy behind it:
"Both my jobs (writing & counseling) are driven by a passion for communication. I’ve also recently discovered the art of making handmade books. I’m very interested in how making books can be used in a therapeutic manner. I think handmade books can be a great bridge between my interests in writing and counseling."

 

Here's a rainbow from her balcony in Chicago that God hung just for her.

Anchors, Signposts, &  Wanderings


Here's a few of Nancy's favorite things from our photo album:

Bears (these are real bears in fellow SALT sister Paula's yard in Alaska, but she also had a collection of stuffed bears!)

 

Nancy was able to adopt a gorgeous gray velvet cat whom she named Katerina. Her tales of Kat's adventures kept us entertained!

 

Nancy was very creative and was able to sell some art. This is a "star book" she created.

 

This one above is entitled, "She wondered if her eggs would hatch" and has "faith, hope, love" on the eggs. Nancy definitely hatched those three eggs in her own life.She had a delightful sense of humor and whimsy that came through everything she did.

 
This is Nika, her dog who went on before her. Maybe even now she is running with Nika in heaven. It's a heartwarming thought for me.

Nancy loved periwinkle, bears, her Katerina the Kat, lilacs, JRR Tolkien and The Hobbit & Lord of the Rings, Kermit the Frog, purple, Levenger pens, Alaska, moose, writing, making art and art books, butterflies and rainbows, as well as her friends and family. A fascinating person, full of warmth and wisdom and whimsical dry humor, I will miss her but am reminded of her each time I encounter any of these things.

And a quote from Nancy:


 "Well, as Kermit the Frog would say,'Time's fun when you're having flies.'”

Missing you, Nancy J. Ring
January 21, 1974-March 13, 2010

More on Finding Your Voice

Someone asked me to give examples of "voice." In 2005 the writers' group, Chi Libris, published a book called What the Wind Picked Up. The point was to show how you could take a single beginning sentence and how each author would come up with their own unique story. In doing so each author spoke in their own unique voice, too.

The authors were (with some writing advice within the book:)

Karen Ball
James Scott Bell
Ron and Janet Benrey
Stephen Bly
Janet Chester Bly
Mindy Starns Clark
DeAnna Julie Dodson
Doris Elaine Fell
Linda Hall
Veronica Heley
Roxanne Henke
Angela Hunt
Clay Jacobson
Yvonne Lehman
Gail Gaymer Martin
Cindy Martinusen
Nancy Moser
Donita K. Paul
Gayle Roper
Jefferson Scott (Jeff Gerke)
Robert Whitlow


They all started with this line:
"The wind was picking up."

Each story was about 6 pages long.  (If you use a formula that would probably be about 1250-1500 words, but maybe up to 2000 words.)

So if you were given this assignment, what would you come up with? Try this exercise. You have to make all the same decisions that you do for a long story--genre, characters, plot, setting, conflict, etc.

Let me know if you try this. Also, maybe it will be the start of finding where you need to be. You'll be using your own experiences, your interests, your humor or drama, your mood, YOUR STYLE and most importantly YOUR VOICE. Do not write more than 6 pages, but try to at least write 1000 words. Remember, this is a short story. If you really get going and develop it into a full length book, let me know that. You don't have to share your story, just let me know if you tried it and what you discovered about your voice.

I'll try to come up with a quiz on voice in the meantime.

Hoosier Ink and A Writer's Voice

Over on Hoosier Ink, the Indiana ACFW blog, I'm writing a little about a writer's voice today. It starts like this:

 One of my all-time favorite authors is Mark Twain. He speaks a language I recognize, relish and actually "feel" in my soul. I grew up on the river, and still live near a river as an adult. So when he says something like this:

"The face of the river, in time, became a wonderful book . . . which told its mind to me without reserve, delivering its most cherished secrets as clearly as if it had uttered them with a voice. And it was not a book to be read once and thrown aside, for it had a new story to tell every day."
Mark Twain, Life on the Mississippi

...I hear it with my whole heart, as if it were my own heartbeat.  There are some authors who do that for me.

Then I go on to ask these questions:


Do you have insights on voice?
Do you have questions about your voice?
Whose voice (an author) do you feel is close to your voice?
Which author would you WANT to have a voice like? 

One of the exercises I've done is to list my favorite authors/books. What are your favorite books? What kind of a voice do these books have? I've thought a lot about this but always come to an impasse--my reading is all over the place! My journey has taken me from one side of the wilderness to the other (or universe!)

Share some of your favorite books with us. Do you think you have a voice anywhere near your favorite authors?

Discovery on the Journey

It's true that as we go along we discover new things about ourselves, as well as finding out about wherever we are.

I'm getting ready to speak on Saturday. I've done this many times before on various topics. I taught elementary students for 10 years, Sunday school and have led Bible studies. I thought about just pulling out something I'd talked about before, but this group is special to me. I decided to dig around in my past and into my scads of published and unpublished writing. And I found something that I wrote years ago, but never sold. I think it just didn't have a good hook, but it fits the topic I am to address on Saturday. So, while I worked on what I will say, I got to thinking about that pile of writing I have. Wow. I've written a lot. And I've helped a lot of others get published. But for my own writing, I tend to just toss it off and not bring it on the journey.

I think it's time to look at the journey and see how where I've been in the past might help on today's road. When I started this blog at the urging of a friend, encourager and mentor, Terry Whalin, I had to pick a blog address and it became Christian Book Scout. That is the one thread in my life I continue to pull. It's who I am at my core, though at the time I was just trying to just pick anything. (I didn't even post anything on this blog for a whole year!) I thought several times that I would quit this blog, but I had started the blog to find my voice. That's all it was supposed to be. A voice-finder. Not a journey.

But I'm a scout, and I do scout out--talent, writers, stories, books, hearts, authors, dreamers, helps and in that search, I give you a look, too. I never realized that before now.

So, expect me to delve deeper into that aspect of myself. Scouting out the stories in the writing universe.Right here. With me.

Where are you on your journey today?

Answers to Quiz Me

Answers To Quiz:


1. The one sport in which neither the spectators nor the participants know the score or the leader until the contest ends: Boxing.

2. North American landmark constantly moving backward: Niagara Falls - The rim is worn down about two and a half feet each year because of the millions of gallons of water that rush over it every minute.

3. Only two vegetables that can live to produce on their own for several growing seasons: Asparagus and rhubarb. (I never thought of rhubarb as a vegetable, but I guess it is!)

4. The fruit with its seeds on the outside: Strawberry.

5. How did the pear get inside the brandy bottle? It grew inside the bottle. The bottles are placed over pear buds when they are small, and are wired in place on the tree. The bottle is left in place for the entire growing season . When the pears are ripe, they are snipped off at the stems.

6. Three English words beginning with ‘dw’: Dwarf, dwell and dwindle.

7. Fourteen punctuation marks in English grammar: Period, comma, colon, semicolon, dash, hyphen, apostrophe, question mark, exclamation point, quotation mark, brackets, parenthesis, braces, and ellipses.

8. The only vegetable or fruit never sold frozen, canned, processed, cooked, or in any other form but fresh: Lettuce. (The exception to this is that my mother-in-law makes "wilted lettuce" where she cooks it with bacon grease.)

9. Six or more things you can wear on your feet beginning with 'S': Shoes, socks, sandals, sneakers, slippers, skis, skates, snowshoes, stockings, stilts.

Quiz Me

A friend sent me these questions and I have to admit that some of them were challenging. See if you can answer them and then I'll post the answers tomorrow. Maybe knowing these will help you if you're caught in Cash Cab in NYC.

1. Name the one sport in which neither the spectators nor the participants know the score or the leader until the contest ends.

2. What famous North American landmark is constantly moving backward?

3. Of all vegetables, only two can live to produce on their own for several growing seasons . All other vegetables must be replanted every year.What are the only two perennial vegetables?

4. What fruit has its seeds on the outside?

5. In many liquor stores, you can buy pear brandy, with a real pear inside the bottle. The pear is whole and ripe, and the bottle is genuine; it hasn't been cut in any way. How did the pear get inside the bottle?

6. Only three words in standard English begin with the letters and they are all common words. Name two of them.

7. There are 14 punctuation marks in English grammar.Can you name at least half of them?

8. Name the only vegetable or fruit that is never sold frozen, canned, processed, cooked, or in any other form except fresh.

9. Name 6 or more things that you can wear on your feet beginning with the letter 'S.'

Rainy Day Games: Fun with the Animals of Noah's Ark by Andy McGuire

Rainy Day Games: Fun with the Animals of Noah's Ark by Andy McGuire


My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I used this book as part of my convocation about writing and authors for an elementary school. Andy McGuire not only wrote the copy in this delightful book, but did the hilarious illustrations. The students in grades 1-6 all loved it! They laughed at the words and illustrations. They appreciated, as well, Andy's own story about his childhood and how he got started in drawing as an elementary student. It was inspirational for them. I interviewed McGuire on my blog < When I Was Just a Kid so I was able to help them see that they could start their writing now.

While this perspective on the animals of Noah's Ark was contemporary and for fun, it was personal and just plain fun. This is a book I've given for gifts over and over, and I will keep on my shelf if I ever get grandkids! (LOL)

View all my reviews >>

Finding a Mentor/Being a Mentor

Betty Southard in her book, The Mentor Quest said about mentor myths:
“Even the title ‘mentor’ often scares away a potential mentor or seeker. It implies lessons, structure, discipline, accountability, and maybe most discouraging, time…we don’t really want to spend a lot of time working on growth.”

A couple days ago someone who once was very important in my life and spiritual growth made a comment to me. It brought back not only memories of how she influenced my own growth, but how much I adopted her style into my own mentoring of others. I had been going along wondering just what my next step should be, realizing how bored and uninspired I've been lately, and along came Bev--at just the right time--to awaken me to remembering what God called ME to do. I remembered some of my goals in writing at that point. I had contemplated writing in directions that wasn't really me, and just her one encouraging comment made a huge impact on me. Those are what I call God-moments!

I hear a lot of people question just how do you find your mentors--and how do you recognize them or get them to mentor you? Here's a few tips I've learned.

Recognize your own responsibility for your growth.
I realized that I'd gotten lazy in my growth, stagnating, floating on my back. I needed to quit thinking of what could've been and get on with it.

Look for mentoring in everyday activities and chance encounters.
Sometimes a person mentors you without them being aware of it. You don't have to bother them, just absorb the moment. This happens a lot for me when I read countless blogs I'm fond of dropping in on.Recognize the mentors around you. Wherever you are, keep a teachable spirit. People who read my blog teach me so much, as well. I'm often encouraged by the comments left here.


Southard says to list people who make a difference in your life. ( I adjusted it to writing, too.)

Here's a list to consider:
1. Teachers from school/conferences/editors/agents/Bible studies.

2. Three writer friends/friends

3. Five people who taught you writing/(or taught you whatever you wish to be mentored in)

4. A few people who made you feel appreciated or special (in writing, if it applies)

5. Five people (writers)with whom you enjoy spending time

6. Heroes (Authors) whose stories (writing journeys) inspire you.

These people mentor you. Maybe it is a conscious thing or maybe not. But becoming aware of those mentors and mentoring moments, can only add to your growth.

You can also be any of the above at one point or another, can't you? I know I have been, and I feel a great responsibility to respond at times, just like my mentor, Bev, did for me this week (though she wasn't even aware she had mentored me so much.) It's a scary thing to think someone is watching you, admiring the way you deal with issues (in whatever field you wish for a mentor) because we all know we are only human. Ultimately, if you are a Christian, we should keep our eyes on our Ultimate Mentor--Jesus. But God also places people in our lives either directly or indirectly to help us to grow.

So, can you tell us about one mentor in your life? How did that person come into your life?

Dorothy Hamill Talks about Hair, Skin and Breast Cancer Survival

In the 1970s (in college when I cut my hip-length hair!) I had the "Dorothy Hamill wedge cut." I liked it! However, Dorothy wasn't too keen on it, I guess. This video was great. Do take time to see it as she has great tips on skin care, and talks about her breast cancer survival.(For you young thangs--Dorothy was an Olympic champion ice skater back in the day. Look her up.) She also has a book out where she talks about her struggle with depression.


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O_pKqAOJDXk&feature=player_embedded

Groundhog Day at Last!

 

I love the movie Groundhog Day. It's funny, insightful to humans (and groundhogs!) and just different. There are quotes galore that I use all the time like:

Phil to Groundhog Phil while driving the truck to the cliff:
"Side of your eye, side of your eye."
"Don't drive angry, don't drive angry!"

Phil: Well, what if there is no tomorrow? There wasn't one today."


Phil Connors: Excuse me, where is everybody going?
Fan on the Street: To Gobbler's Knob. It's Groundhog Day.
Phil: That's still only once a year, right?

Phil: You want a prediction about the weather, you're asking the wrong Phil. I'll give you a winter prediction: It's gonna be cold, it's gonna be gray, and it's gonna last you for the rest of your life.

Phil: It's the same thing your whole life: "Clean up your room. Stand up straight. Pick up your feet. Take it like a man. Be nice to your sister. Don't mix beer and wine, ever. Oh, yeah, Don't drive on the railroad track."
Gus: That's one I happen to agree with, Phil.

Phil: Who's up for flapjacks? Is it too early for breakfast?


Phil: This is pitiful. A thousand people freezing their butts off waiting to worship a rat. What hype. Groundhog Day used to mean something in this town. They used to pull the hog out, and they used to eat it. You're hypocrites, all of you!


Have you seen the movie? If so, what's your favorite scene? Do you have a favorite quote? Who's your favorite character?

Oh, and Punxsutawney Phil saw his shadow. Six more weeks of winter, bad weather. Makes you understand why Phil Connors is so cranky when the movies first starts.

Word.

The rules: Answer the following questions with single word answers then pass this along to other bloggers. Simple enough! Feel free to steal. This is extreme editing.

 Your Cell Phone? Chocolate
Your Hair? Blonde!
Your Mother? Saint
Your Father? Ain't
Your Favorite Food? Potatoes
Your Dream Last Night? Bizarre
Your Favorite Drink? Coke
Your Dream/Goal? Western
What Room Are You In? Hall
Your Hobby? Band
Your Fear? Mistakes
Where Do You See Yourself In Six Years? Grandmama?
Where Were You Last Night? Home
Something That You Aren't? Grandmama
Muffins? Lemon
Wish List Item? Finished
Where Did You Grow Up? Indiana
Last Thing You Did? Eat
What Are You Wearing? Sweatshirt
Your TV? Off
Your Pets? Lizzie
Friends? Love
Your Life? Sleepy
Your Mood? Tense
Missing Someone? Mom
Vehicle? Aspen
Something You Aren't Wearing? Shoes
Your Favorite Store? Amazon
Your Favorite Color? Diamond
When Was The Last Time You Laughed? Minutes
Last Time You Cried? Hours
Your Best Friend? Chris
One Place You Go To Over And Over Again? Past
Facebook? Daily
Favorite Place To Eat? Savannah

Beginnings

 

Everyone has to start somewhere. First solid food, first steps, first words, first day of school, first grade, first dance, first kiss, first day of high school, first love, first place, first day of college, first day on the job, first marriage (I'm still on that and plan to stay there,) first child...well, you get my drift here.

I always hated first days, actually. I tend to block out those beginnings. I can't remember my first solid food, for example (though they tell me it was pear preserves that my grandmother made. Sure liked them.) There is some excitement, of course, but still not only the anticipation, but the actual trying to do that first thing is a bit of a pain. 

Because of Books & Such's Etta Wilson's blog on writing your first book, I was thinking about my writing in high school. I was the school newspaper's art editor and my high school's first woman sports editor. (I had two football players for my flunkies! It was cool.) But my desire was to write fiction. So, I wrote almost every day in these notebooks I kept, specifically with that in mind. I wrote about my own life, and it was raw and unchecked and painful. My high school years were quite painful--not the high school days which were my relief, but my home life. I kept it all hidden, but didn't hide it from my "book."

When I graduated, I was off to college with a journalism scholarship and couldn't wait to leave home. But before I left home, I took my book and burned it in a barrel, page-by-page. It felt great. I thought I was on a whole new chapter of my life and that I could leave it all behind. No one told me that you carry all that with you--that it was written in my mind and heart. I'm sure a lot of that book deserved the flames of editing ("just burn that thing!") but I never forgot how it felt to write it out, how it felt to start that book. 

Interestingly enough, the only person I ever let read even a small portion was my cousin, Sally Jo. She was a daughter of missionaries and they were on furlough from Africa. We older kids stayed in my family's camper in the driveway and of course, that meant long talks and giggling. I pulled out my notebook and let her read portions. She claimed later that inspired her to begin writing, too. She later published many articles and books. She suffered from lupus, but died of pancreatic cancer. She was fearless. She accomplished much in her too short life. 

I've had many people come to me with their writing, wanting me to read it and more importantly, to see if they could find a way to publish their writing. I always think of Sally and encourage them to work hard on it. It is a joy in my life to have a part in someone's success. Yes, I might set fire to a few words in the process, but I never completely burn it to the ground, like I did my own writing.

Some of that which I burned on the eve of heading to college has somehow sprouted anew in this late stage of my life. I've been thinking over what I could use from those years where I first wrote so raw and furiously. I sometimes wish I had those words to look over, to feel that first empowerment of directing characters and my own life--to have that control I so didn't have over my own circumstances. It may be why I'm so unsatisfied with anything I write today. Or maybe I just need to start at the beginning. Use that first fire to warm my soul.

Like Lilacs in Snow

 If your lilacs are already in bloom do you mourn that the cold snow may have killed the blooms? Or do you take a photo, stop the moment and enjoy the unexpected, temporary beauty?


So many things lately have been unexpected. I hate things coming unexpectedly. I would probably be worried (if I had a lilac bush) that the snow or ice killed my lilac bush. I would fuss and knock the snow off--maybe put a bag over the blooms in order to save them. I am ashamed to say that if things don't go according to plan, I don't look for the joy in the moment--I probably worry about what will happen because of it veering off the track of how I thought it should go.

I was worried about family traveling on the ice-covered roads early this morning. But each one was able to cancel travel plans and are snug at home (for the moment!)

So today I decided to learn to appreciate the temporary, because isn't all of life temporary? We really don't know what the next moment will bring, so I think you have to live right now, blooming for all you're worth.

And that's my thought for today.

"In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy." Philippians 1:4 (NIV)

New Writers Blog at Hoosier Ink

Hoosier Ink is the new blog of the Indiana American Christian Fiction Writers chapter. A long list of chapter members are writing posts and you should check it out! People like Cara Putman, Colleen Coble and Denise Hunter will be contributing and giving insight on writing fiction. I love the IN ACFW people--and I was proud to serve them as president and then advisor to the board in the past.

Do come by today as yours truly will be posting once a month and it's my first post there. Already there have been some great posts and I look forward to hearing from my fellow IN ACFW chapter members.

Calico Christmas at Dry Creek by Janet Tronstad: Historical Romance

Calico Christmas at Dry Creek by Janet Tronstad


My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I love Janet's Dry Creek series with Love Inspired, but this is a Love Inspired Historical--going back to the early days of Dry Creek and Miles City. It's a Christmas story, but you could read it any time of the year.

In 1879 Elizabeth O'Brien is a young widow who loses her husband and baby to influenza not long after coming to the Montana territory. Jake Hargrove is desperate, looking for someone to nurse his baby niece and help him with her older sister--little girls who are half-Sioux, orphaned not long after Jake's brother asks Jake to take care of them when their mother dies. Jake has never been married and must find help quick--and no one else will take little girls who are half-Indian. 

I love the details in this story--of Elizabeth's expertise in cooking and dyeing cloth, of the harsh realities of living in the Northwest and how to survive, mourn, of prejudice and fears and relying on God.


View all my reviews >>

Tell Me a Story

The woman on the right is my grandmother.(Anna) The other two are her sisters.(Mina and Jeanette) I never met any of them, but I've heard many stories about them over the years. The one on the left (Mina) left writings to describe their lives. I started transcribing some of those stories into fiction and it has been fascinating to me to think about how a couple generations ago they were living, hurting, loving, surviving, as well as developing into strong women, and how they loved God, too. 

I still struggle as to whether to write historical romance or contemporary romance. I keep trying both. But which will win out? A writer must write. I am a storyteller, but which stories to tell?

What stories do you like to read/hear? I admit openly how much I love historical and historical romance. I have tried to figure out why,  but I decided it is just part of who I am. But can I write those kinds of stories? Only time will tell. And this is the year I resolved to tell these stories outside of my own circle of family. In the meantime I have already come under attack.

Redeeming Gabriel by Elizabeth White

Redeeming Gabriel by Elizabeth White


My rating: 5 of 5 stars
It seems that there are few Civil War era books out there, but this one fits the bill. Twists and turns, all the issues that were part of the day had me turning pages, including the historical facts. This was the war that tore families apart--and this book doesn't back off this tender topic. I've always loved Civil War history and novels, too, so I was glad that the Love Inspired Historical line came out with one.


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Military Daddy by Patricia Davids

Military Daddy by Patricia Davids


My rating: 4 of 5 stars
I really liked this story. One thing that stood out to me was the fact that it deals with really touchy topics. Annie Delmar is a recovering alcoholic. Corporal Shane Ross never really had a family. When a poor choice and one night stand leads to a pregnancy, both have a lot of issues to face.

If you think edgy topics aren't addressed in the "sweet" romances of the Love Inspired line, then you are wrong. Start with this one.

View all my reviews >>

Janet Tronstad and Her Dry Creek Series with Steeple Hill Love Inspired

At Home In Dry Creek by Janet Tronstad


My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I love a good romance, something to escape for just short time. While I really like the Dry Creek series by Janet Tronstad, this may be my favorite one so far. I rarely shed tears in reading Love Inspired stories, but this touched me so much.

All Barbara wants is a home for her and her two children, something that hasn't happened while she was married to her abusive ex-husband who is now in jail for bank robbery.

I love this story and if you love Christian romance, you'll want to pick this one up. Dry Creek is one of my favorite series from Steeple Hill.

View all my reviews >>

FictionFinder.com: Finding Christian Fiction the Easy Way

 ACFW Launches a New Free Online Resource to Search for Titles

PALM BAY, Fla. — With over 500,000 books published each year, it is harder than ever to find a new book that’s just right. A simple Amazon search in the Christian literature and fiction category yields more than 17,000 results. Consumers wading through the exhaustive, seemingly endless list of choices now have a more manageable resource to help them purchase their next book.

American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW), the nation’s leading Christian fiction writers’ organization, is launching FictionFinder.com, a new free resource for retailers, readers, media and other Christian fiction fans to search for authors and books. The search engine allows users to sort by author, title, genre, topic, publication date, and target audience.

Cynthia Ruchti, president of American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW), believes this trusted, easy-to-use resource is a significant development in the search for Christian fiction authors and new titles.

”The idea rose from a roundtable discussion between the ACFW leadership team and Christian booksellers looking for a better way to connect their customers with great Christian fiction,” says Ruchti. “ACFW responded by rolling up our sleeves and creating a comprehensive database to serve readers, booksellers, publishers, authors, book club coordinators, librarians and others on the hunt for information and inspiration.”

The site also allows readers to learn about the nature of the content of each book. Each title is rated for action, conflict, humor, mystery, romance, spirituality and suspense, in addition to more sensitive issues like language, sensuality and violence. Users can also post reviews to the site and learn more about soon-to-be-released titles.

The database is the first of its kind and is not limited to books written by ACFW members. The organization is also working with publishers to ensure Christian novels by other authors are incorporated as well.

ACFW’s presence as the voice of Christian fiction and its industry prowess has long been recognized, and its authors are a mainstay on bestseller lists. FictionFinder.com is the organization’s latest effort to make finding the best in Christian fiction as easy as possible for fans around the world.

Quick facts about fictionfinder.com:
* Book information pages include facts about the publisher, main themes, setting and the author’s other titles.
* A special “similar books” section offers other titles the user may be interested in reading.
* Users can create an account with their preferences, making it easier to find new favorites.

With nearly 2,000 members and 19 chapters in 14 states nationwide, ACFW seeks to promote Christian Fiction through developing the skills of its authors, educating them in the market, and serving as an advocate in the industry. Founded in 2000 under the banner of American Christian Romance writers, in 2004 the organization was renamed American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW) to reflect its dedication to Christian fiction writers of all genres.

ACFW is headquartered in Palm Bay, Florida. Their advisory and operating boards work to give writers the tools they need to develop their craft, grow ACFW’s extensive publishing knowledge and secure relationships with industry professionals. To learn more about ACFW and their authors, please visit www.acfw.com .

Squeezing Good Out of Bad by James N. Watkins: Win a Lemon Prize!

Lately I've felt that my world has grown quite a few lemons. Even though I live in Indiana, those lemon trees can grow here, too. What do you do when life hands you lemons? Well, we all know you're supposed to make lemonade, but just what is that recipe? (Read on but don't forget to leave a comment to win a basket of lemony goodness! )

Jim Watkins, an author, husband, father, grandfather, humorist, cancer survivor and over-all glass-half-full guy, not only will help you to be encouraged by the goodness of God in your bad circumstances, he will provide a few laughs along the way. Jim has had his share of life's lemons, came up with a few recipes of his own and shares them with us in his new book.


Squeezing Good Out of Bad by James N. Watkins

Sour circumstances left you feeling down? Unemployment, foreclosures, divorce, bankruptcy and cancer don't even begin to peel the skin off all the bad news in our world today. At a time in history when the evening news contains more bad than good, people wonder if sweeter days will ever come. In steps James (Jim) Watkins with a fresh perspective on life, love and the pursuit of happiness serves readers a refreshing cup of encouragement and hope.

Written from his own experiences with cancer, unemployment and other life-puckering crises, Jim prompts readers to look at the cup of suffering with eyes focused on the true thirst quencher--Jesus Christ. Readers will be pleasantly surprised at the balance of readability and deep wisdom offered within the pages of Squeezing Good Out Of Bad. With scripture references, humor-filled lists, and a creative manuscript, Watkins brings the bitterness of hard times and blends it with the sweetness of God's presence. He's been there. His transparency is as refreshing as, you guessed it, a tall, cool glass of lemonade.



Jim agreed to answer some questions about his own life:

1. Jim, you've been in the literary world for a while, give us a quick recap of how you got started to where you are today.

By second grade, I knew I wanted to be a writer. I felt the suspension of disbelief was stretched too thin when the real-live puppet Pinocchio became a real live boy. So I rewrote the ending having the wooden puppet die a painful, prolonged death of Dutch elm disease. (At that point, I'm sure my parents and teachers weren't sure if I'd become a writer or a life-long patient at a psychiatric hospital.) I later went on to become the editor of my high school paper, worked at a Christian publishing house as an editor during college, and then dabbled in writing while holding down a real job. Since 1988 I've been writing and speaking full-time.

2. In Squeezing Good Out Of Bad you give many insightful tips on how to turn around sour circumstances. Share a practical way we can be encouraged during tough times.

My "top ten list" of chapter titles 10-4 provide practical steps for dealing with lemons, but the real secrets are found in chapters 3-1. (Yes, like a true top ten list, the chapters are numbered backward.) Romans 8:28 promises that that God is working all things out for our good to accomplish His purpose in our lives. But we have to read on to verse 29 to find that purpose: "to be conformed to the image of His Son."

3. No life is perfect. Can you give us an example of how you got through a challenging situation and were able to use these principles to see the good in it?

I think it's so important that we take our faith seriously, but I certainly don't want to take my situation or myself too seriously. So I create a mental "top ten" list of what good can come about in this situation. For instance, last year I had radiation for cancer and it totally depleted me physically and mentally. My family dubbed it "radiation retardation." Because of that, I was fired from a wonderful part-time job because I just couldn't do it. So, "Top Ten Great Things about Losing My Job": 10. I'll be paying less taxes next year. 9. I've got twenty hours a week of free time. 8. . . .

Our family is going through something right now that is far worse than cancer, and I can't see a single good thing that can come out of it. So, at those times, you just keep hanging on--with white knuckles--to the fact that God loves you and the Romans 8:28 is still in effect.


4. What do you enjoy doing in your spare time?

Spare time? What's that? I'm a firm believer in "redeeming the time" so I try to keep busy doing things that matter for the Kingdom. But after my little brain is worn out--usually around 7 pm--nothing beats a session of "Freecell."

5. What's the last book you read and why?

Strength to Love by Martin Luther King, Jr. Unfortunately, the only real reading for pleasure is on airline flights. The King book is research for a book I'm proposing as we approach the 50th anniversary of the Civil Rights Act.

6. What do you hope readers will gain by reading your book?

I wrote the first draft nine years ago, and even though I have a great agent, we just couldn't find a publisher. That was before cancer, family crisis, unemployment. . . . So it's a much more comforting, honest book. And it forced me to not be so flippant and casual about the serious issues people are dealing with. Henri Nouwen talks about "wounded healers." I think, because of the lemons that have piled up in my life, I can more compassionately offer comfort to those buried under a pile of lemons.


(Crystal here:) I've prayed for Jim and his family for years. Thanks, Jim, being open and honest about your pain and giving us your thoughts on how to handle such issues. Many of us feel alone when the lemons pile up. It's good to know that "wounded" people can become "healers" and find comfort, too.

Here's a little more info on Jim:
James N. Watkins is the author of sixteen books and over two thousand articles. He is the acquisition editor for Wesleyan Publishing House, an editorial advisor for ACW Press, instructor at Taylor University and a sought-after conference speaker. He’s won Campus Life’s Book of the Year award and various other awards for writing and editing. He’s married to Lois. They have two children and four grandchildren. His family is the lemonade in his life.

Now here's the part about you winning. Read on and comment!
Blog Tour Giveaway:

The blog host with the most comments will have the opportunity to send in one commentator's name for the grand prize giveaway. Here's what they'll win:

First prize: Jim will stop by your house with fresh-baked lemon cake and hot lemon tea. (Disclaimer: Offer available only to residents of Corn Borer, Indiana. Alternate prize includes a copy of Squeezing Good Out Of Bad, mixes for lemon tea, lemon cake, lemonade and assorted lemon candies. Not available where taxed or licensed. Winner responsible for safe and proper use of products.)

If Jim's disclaimer isn't enough humor for you, read on:

When life gives you lemons . . .

10. Don't confuse them with hand grenades (Identify the problem)

9. Check the delivery slip (Determine if it's your problem)

8. Sell them on eBay (Profit from the problem)

7. Paint smiley faces on them (Laugh at the problem)

6. Join a citrus support group (Share your problem)

5. Use as an all-natural, organic astringent (Grow from the problem)

4. Don't shoot the delivery driver (Forgive the problem-maker)

3. Graft to a lime tree for a refreshing, low-calorie soft drink (Take the problem to a higher level)

2. Grow your own orchard (Live a fruitful life despite—or because of—the problem)

1. Give off a refreshing fragrance (Live a lemon-fresh life)

They Say It's Your Birthday!

Yup, yup, I turned another year older. I love birthdays! Since I've gotten to be so old and so wise, I have lots of things to say and advice for people. What's great is I give it out, and I don't even care if you take it or not! The joy for me is just saying it. And yeah, I'm still young enough to know everything.

So here's my 2009 Gifts of Crystal's Truisms:

Obey Gravity—It’s the law.
Wipe the blood off...and continue!  Charley Wright, MGHS golf coach and history teacher
If you’re happy and you know it—Go away! (Just kidding.)

Here's your things  to do today:
1. Get up
2. Breathe in and breathe out
3. Survive
4. Breathe in and breathe out
5. Go back to bed.
6. Keep breathing. Don't even think about it.

Take my advice—I’m not using it. 
I’ve seen Elvis. He was sitting next to Big Foot on the UFO. (Love Elvis. So sue me.)
I childproofed my house. They still get in.
So many books, so little time.
It’s all good! (I use that one all the time.)
Have a nice day! (Just leave me out of it.)
Always being right is an awesome responsibility. I take my responsibility seriously. 
Your opinion, though interesting, is irrelevant to me.
I’m not anti-social. I’m just not real friendly.
Organized people are just too lazy to look for things.
It IS as bad as I think and THEY are out to get you. (And my Aunt Adeline used to think that the Russians controlled the weather.)
Everything I say is fully substantiated by my own opinion.
Yes, it IS always about me.
I am not obsessive I am not obsessive I am not obsessive I am not obsessive
You’re never too old to do goofy stuff. –Ward Cleaver
Celebrate with ketchup and potato chips! (I do.)
If I don’t write it down, I’ll forget it. Now where did I put my pen?

God is good, all the time, whether you appreciate it or not. And loves you more than anyone can ever love you. I won't always be perfect in that, like Him.

Do you have something you say all the time that makes you smile? Or quotes that show your personality? Go ahead and share!

Copper and Candles by Amber Miller Stockton

Copper and Candles by Amber Miller Stockton


My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Felicity Chambers, daughter of wealthy Detroit elites, leads a double life in 1875. While doing charity work she takes on the job in a candle factory for the woman in her charge. Not wanting to appear out of place, she dresses and acts the part, but to her surprise she finds she loves the freedom and the work.

Felicity meets a young man, Brandt, while walking to work who works in the copper factory next door. The two agree to walk together and soon become good friends. Trouble comes as the two worlds collide.

The setting was unique--Detroit during the factory boom in 1875. Stockton captures that world and its challenges well. As this is the first of a three-book series, I will be reading the next two historical romances set in this city and time.

View all my reviews >>

Used to Be

This is my brother, mother and me in about 1971 on Thanksgiving Day. (The photo was taken by my dad.) That was one year it was just "us." If we could, we usually traveled from Indiana to Tennessee to gather with my dad's people, but some years we gathered with my mom's sister and her 5 kids. Thanksgiving was always my favorite holiday. I had less worries about what was going to happen, it just covered a few days instead of being over a couple weeks, and we got to eat amazing food.

When I grew up, I got to host my own Thanksgiving dinners where I would have 50+ family and friends in my home. I loved it. I also loved the years we had Thanksgiving with my husband's extended family. No worries or family drama--just a good time! One year when I was pregnant with Son #1 (he was born in January so I was quite large,) we gathered at my husband's Aunt Gladys' and Uncle George's house in Kokomo. Their house wasn't very big but the usual crowd was there. There were people in every room eating the sumptuous feast.(They were good cooks!) It was great. For entertainment Aunt Lola got out the family films and we watched (thankfully in black and white) as Grandpa Phil Small and his troops killed a hog. (Obviously they were farmers, not some sort of Lord of the Flies family. Sheesh.)

On the Monday following the good time I had a doctor's appointment. He asked me about our plans and was astounded at how many people were there. He asked me if we rented a hall. I had to laugh. Then I told him what kind of family films we had watched. Since he never said too much, I always wondered what he thought. (He had a strange look on his face.) But I was happy and healthy, so I suppose he didn't dwell too long on this patient.

Even in the worst years I would reflect on how thankful I was and I still loved Thanksgiving. It's a peaceful holiday.

This year was the first time that I had to struggle to find just what it is for which I'm thankful. But looking back and finding the pleasant moments was a start. I panicked just two days before because one of my cousins (she was my matron of honor in our wedding) had surgery for brain cancer. She's young, beautiful and doing important things. But even in the midst of thinking that this stinks! there were moments of thankfulness.

So, while I'm thankful for many things, I'm praying like mad for Annette. If you think of me, pray for her. And for that I'm thankful, too--I have people who will pray when I ask them to do so.

Heavenly Birth by Denise Taylor: A Mother's Journey, A Daughter's Legacy

Heavenly Birth by Denise Taylor



My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Mom Denise Taylor journaled through the illness and death of her daughter, Jonnae, a witness to hope and the important lessons in life. Jonnae would say, "I get to" instead of "I have to," and this simple attitude in approaching life's struggles, gave her incredible strength. (And if you want the purple armband,"I GET TO," they are available.)



Jonnae's example and legacy is how to really live, think, and walk in faith when on the ropes. This book truly uplifts the reader even while you experience the emotional and physical pain along with Jonnae, Denise and their loved ones. Moments of humor and deep insight are hallmarks of this book. You will find quotes to uplift you in your own times of trial. Reading this book will give you tools for courage in your own situations.



There have been a lot of books written, both fiction and nonfiction, about cancer and death, but this book is one that will help readers understand, and find truth and faith in the journey.



It's one I recommend to anyone--you will grow and then, stand up and cheer when Jonnae finally is born "in heaven," even as it makes you cry.



View all my reviews >>

Cara Putman: Love Inspired Suspense Trial by Fire

Cara Putman talked this week on Steeple Hill's Love Inspired Suspense books' site about her writing journey, and how she does it. And that's not an easy thing--how she writes amidst all else she does. She's a wife, mom to 3, homeschooler, attorney, university instructor, friend, daughter, sibling, ACFW advocate, active in her church AND a published author. I'm sure I'm missing something that she does in addition all those roles!


Do check out Trial by Fire at eharlequin's Love Inspired Suspense line of Steeple Hill.

Trial by Fire by Cara Putman



My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I love reading Love Inspired Suspense and Cara Putman doesn't disappoint me with this latest offering.



If you read her first story in this series, you will recognize a few of the characters, but this book can also stand alone. Deputy county prosecutor Tricia Jamison is trying to move forward and help as many people as she can, but the domestic violence cases pile high.



When arsonist fires break out all over town, including the first at her mother's house, she knows she will have to get help from fire fighter, Noah Brust. Of course, Noah's deceased dad's fire fighter reputation was questioned due to Tricia being unable to protect him, and Noah was shredded on the witness stand a year ago.



Tension runs high and the fire investigations bring the two ever closer together and ever closer to the arsonist.





View all my reviews >>

Once Upon a Time

Once upon a time is an old way to start a story. Trite and tried. Familiar and full of expectations, but depending on who is doing the telling, you can't expect every author's twists and turns. There is a hope with the beginning being "once upon a time."

That is what I look for when I'm reading someone else's story. I look for a different voice, a different perspective, even if it may be the same ol' place or the same ol' time span. How many ways can you tell a love story?

Last night I saw 27 Dresses for the first time. Ok. The format is very familiar to me. I told my husband that it was like reading a Harlequin romance. High concept and somewhat predictable. Still, I loved it, just because I knew no matter how bad things were going to get, it would somehow turn out all right. And I loved all those dresses. What silliness and fun.

Do you have a familiar old story that you go back to over and over? Characters you want to revisit? A favorite genre? Or do you like to mix it up?

Tell me your favorite stories--the ones you go back to when you need comfort.

Linore Rose Burkard

I read Linore's first two books in this series, Before the Season Ends and The House at Grosvenor Square. They are Christian Regency books and capture you to take you away.

Linore is so knowledgeable about the time period and has quite a lot of information on her web site, too. She includes a glossary in each book, which I appreciate. Because she writes so well the meanings are self-explanatory in context,so you aren't flipping back and forth much.

Ready for high tea? But there are also quite a lot of hijinks in her books, too! If you love Pride and Prejudice and Mr. Darcy, well, you will probably like Linore's books, too. Fun!

Walking the Talk in Texas

There's a high school in Texas where they walk the talk. This story deserves to be passed around.

Review of the Book: Find Your Strongest Life by Marcus Buckingham

Find Your Strongest Life: What the Happiest and Most Successful Women Do Differently by Marcus Buckingham


My rating: 4 of 5 stars
I really, really liked the things he had to say in this book, and I took the free test on his web site. Discovering my strengths, though, was a bit of a journey. I had to take the test a few times in order to realize how I would REALLY react to the situations presented. After reading what he said in the book, I soon found what really represented my true self. That was the first step.

Then, I went back and reread the book with my information/results of the test. My only complaint with the book was that I needed more information on my particular profile and how to implement this knowledge. I still am not sure how to practically find my moments of strength, though I'm quite motivated to do so.

I don't know if by reading some of his other books that I can then find practical ways to come into my strongest life, or not. But I'm anxious to learn more.

View all my reviews >>

The Strong Life Test for Women

I took this test put out by Marcus Buckingham and then bought the book(Thomas Nelson) While reading the book, it became apparent to me that maybe I had not answered the questions according to how I REALLY would act, so I retook the test. I really thought about these questions and just how I would react or choose. This time I came up with a totally different outcome. So, wanting to make sure the test outcome was valid for me, I took it days later (so I wouldn't remember the previous answers.) This time my results were the same as the second time. Going back to read the book again, these results seemed to make me relax. I saw that it was more in line with the moments in my life when I felt strong.

Here are my results. What were your results? (Women only at this time.)

YOUR
LEAD ROLE
TEACHER

You begin by asking:
'What can she learn from this?'
Your focus is instinctively toward the other person. Not her feelings, necessarily, but her understanding, her performance, her skills.
Your best quality:
Your faith in the others’ potential
Always:
Tailor your style to each student
Be careful you:
Don’t come to believe that everyone is capable of everything
Your smartest career move:
Any job where you’re paid to facilitate the success of others.


Your
Supporting Role
Creator

You begin by asking:
'What do I understand?'

You aren’t immune to the feelings and perspectives of others, but your starting point is your own insight, your own understanding.

Your best quality:
Your ability to find patterns invisible to others

Always:
Find time to be by yourself

Be careful you:
Don’t think so long, you never do anything

Your smartest career move:
Any job where you’re paid to produce new content.

What made me realize this was more accurate was the "Be careful" parts to both. I can think tooooo long. I also think ANYONE can have potential and it sometimes takes me thinking too long to realize that there are a lot of things which must line up in a person for them to learn something.

Now, what were your test results? Do you think it was accurate? If you think it might be off, then try answering the questions again and see what happens. Wait a couple weeks and then retake the test.

And while I really like what this book has to say, I wish that it gave me more practical tips on how to get into my strengths and what I should be doing to make my life strong NOW.

Break 'Em All!

You know that old saying if you don't aim at anything, you won't hit anything? (Something like that.) I really understand this as I used to compete in trapshooting. Making analogies between shooting and writing became so easy for me.

Let me tell you just a little about trapshooting. In trapshooting it is tricky because a clay target is thrown out of a traphouse by this machine that only has so many angles, but you never know which way it will come out. You stand on one of five stations, and each time you change stations, the picture changes. There are things like wind, heat (that gun can get hot!) and distance to contend with your shot.

A shooter looks down the sight of her shotgun, and even the recoil can mess with your shot. (Especially if it hits you in the face and you begin to "flinch" when you shoot. Kind of like getting bad reviews or rejections.)You get someone beside you or even behind you saying or doing something annoying, and that can also play with your shot (and play with your mind.)

So many things. You pull the gun in tight, place your face against the stock, and look into an area above your gun. You call for the target, and expect to see it rise up above your gun. Once it comes into your sight ("touching" the end of your gun in the sight) you pull the trigger. If you are behind the target, it's a miss. ("Loss!") If it has gotten out too far before you pull the trigger, you miss. Sometimes you shoot too quick. Sometimes you shoot too slow. (Just like reading the market!)

Over the years everything I do seems to come down to what I learned in shooting. I found I could apply the lessons I learned from my coach, Kay Ohye (an amazing mens' champion) to most of my life. I could hear his voice in my head as I would shoot. ("Don't get too quick! Patience!"--My biggest problem was shooting too fast.) No matter how I shot on one trap, I had hope when I moved to the next station. The point was to move on. You didn't quit just because you missed every target on the first station. (Five shots, but if you hit the rest of them, you get a 95!)You didn't let down and relax just because you hit 99 straight shots and just had "one more." (There are a 100 shots/targets total--4 traps/25 shots per trap/5 shots per station.)

So over the course of writing this blog, I'll probably refer to trapshooting now. If you just "throw" the end of your gun toward the target, you will not hit your target. Focus. Focus on the target. This is the word I wrote down in my "goals" folder I started.

Think about what kinds of goals you have. Here's a template I use. You might want to try it.

Words for the Year: Crystal: Look/Focus/Act


Spiritual Goals:

* Read the English Standard Version of the Bible
* Continue study with the Messianic Jews on the Torah
* Pray specifically for someone other than my immediate family or self each day.

Personal Goals:
(I've actually met some of these so far this year, so I'm adjusting these.)

Overall Professional Goals:



Professional Goals for the Year:

(This is me in Savannah, GA competing in a Southern regional shoot.)

Those of us in shooting have a saying to encourage our fellow shooters--"Break 'em all!"

Let me know some of your goals and I'd love to hear what your current "word" is that will help you with your goals.

Trying a New Look, A New Voice

I've been working on my own fiction (as soon as I finish two more clients, I'll concentrate even more) and things are starting to come together for me.


I will still post books I'm recommending, author intros/subjects, writing advice, but I'll also focus more on things I'm interested in, as well, maybe as related to my own writing. It's a process.

I have been looking at the kind of fiction I read all the time to see just where I should be writing myself--and it seems to be romance as the overwhelming theme--romantic suspense, sweet romance, historical romance, medical romance and romantic comedy. I'm just a romantic at heart.

If you're looking for books to read, do check the link over to the right for the Fiction Finder on the American Christian Fiction Writers site. Awesome tool for readers.

And I do hope you'll join me as I will determine my post days. Let's meet on Monday and Thursdays and see if that works.

Anything in particular you want to talk about? If you could ask me any question, what would it be?