Adventures in Fasting

I wonder if I should fast. This is pretty serious.

My friend Allison was scheduled for an MRI. She had been operated on for a brain tumor a year ago, and this was a routine check up, but I knew she was nervous about it. Kevin and I had been praying, but a little added oomph seemed in order. That’s when I got the idea to fast.

I realize that fasting doesn’t change God’s mind about a situation. It’s not a method for manipulating Him to do things your way. It’s more a means to humble yourself, so you can hear His voice more clearly. It’s getting serious about being in the center of His will. And nothing spells serious like going without food.

My problem is, I become Miss Cranky Pants* when I miss a meal. Which isn’t good if you work with the public, serve in ministry, and write a column about God’s grace. Aha.

As I pondered my dilemma I noticed the title of the book we were studying in our Sunday school class, “Me and My Big Mouth.” I turned it over to view the synopsis on the back, and read one of the chapter headings: Fasting Includes Your Mouth. Oh dear.

Further investigation led me to Isaiah 58, where God rebukes the Israelites for fasting food but continuing to sin with their words and wicked attitudes. The word that choked my conscience was in verse 9, where God says, “Remove the pointing of the finger and speaking wickedness.” Hmm.

I’ll fast complaining, I thought. Every time I’m tempted to grumble or be negative with my mouth, I will pray for Allison instead. I was so proud of my bright idea, I began immediately.

While getting ready for work, the thought presented itself to criticize my hair like I do many days. "What good does it do to have naturally curly hair if the curls don’t go the direction I want them to? This mop is a mess." Oops! Fasting complaining. I almost forgot. “Lord, help Allison to not be scared today during her MRI. Let her feel your love.” While rushing to check emails before leaving the house, the temptation came to grouse about my overflowing inbox. "If Facebook didn’t notify me every time someone glanced in my direction I could manage these emails better." Oops! Fasting whining. Get your thoughts in order. “Father, speak to Allison during her test today, please. Help her believe your love for her.”

All morning long I fought with griping gremlins and disparaging demons. By the time I looked at the clock and realized Allison’s test was over I felt like I’d wrestled a grizzly with my bare hands. And I wasn’t sure who’d won.

I’d mistakenly thought managing my mouth would be easier than taming my tongue. I was wrong. The habit of negative words and thoughts was stronger than my appetite for food. Bummer.

The one good thing that came from this bright idea, other than a realization of my need to be more positive? Allison got a ton of prayer!

*this phrase stolen from a good sport and fellow blogger Sherrinda

New comment form

In order to enable some who haven't been able to post comments on my blog, I have changed the comment format to a pop-up. If you have a pop-up blocker set on your computer, all you need to do is right click on the bar that comes up at the top of the screen that says "pop up blocked," then allow pop ups for blogger. I hope this makes sense. I am trying to make it easier for friends who can't use the other comment form.

Love you,
Jen

In Defense of Passive Verbs

Passive: “having the form of a verb indicating that the subject does not act but is acted upon.”

I understand why our writing should not overflow with passive verbs such as be, is, am, was and were. Strong verbs and nouns stir our readers’ imagination, propelling them through the story with abandon. For this reason, at least one expert cautions us to limit our passive verbs to one per page.

Rebel that I am, I stand—actually I’m sitting right now—in defense of passive verbs. What outlandish book have I been reading that led me to my radical stance? The Bible.

Ponder with me how these statements would change if God was editing His writing to remove the passive verbs:

“I AM” becomes “I live eternally, without beginning or end.” Not too bad, but loses it’s punch…

“The Lord is my shepherd” becomes “The Lord guides, protects, feeds, rescues, and exterminates bugs from my wool.” A little on the wordy side…

“I am the light of the world” becomes “My good nature illumines the minds of all mankind, showing them the way of salvation.” A bit erudite, if you ask me…

“Love is patient and kind” becomes “Love exudes the qualities of waiting without resentment and benign responsiveness to others’ needs.” Again, a bit wordy…

“It is finished” becomes “By My sacrificial death I have completed the salvation of mankind planned from before the foundation of the world.” Like the first one, it lost the punch.

Sometimes you can say it best with a passive verb. At least, if you want to write like God.

Interview and Book Drawing

When fellow blogger Lynnette Bonner asked me to host an interview with her for the debut of her book Rocky Mountain Oasis I did not hesitate. Lynnette is not only a great novelist but a fascinating person with an intriguing past. Please join me in welcoming Lynnette Bonner.

Lynnette, I haven’t much experience at interviewing, but I love getting to know people, especially authors. When you first began writing seriously, did you have a difficult time referring to yourself as a writer?

Yes, I still do. But it is coming easier these days. I’ve had to start the self-promotion gig and so I’ve had to introduce myself to several book store owners/managers. Also, I think attending my monthly writers group where there are about 100 other writers helps with that too. We are all writers there – it is really nice to get together with others who understand the writing life.

Is there an author whose work you admire, and would love it if someone said, “Your writing reminds me of ______?”

There are many authors that I enjoy and if my work was compared to any one of them it would be high praise. Three of my favorites are: Bodie Thoene, Francine Rivers, and Jeanette Windle. All of those authors have a way of drawing me so into a story that I don’t want to come out, even at the end.

From the moment you got the idea for Rocky Mountain Oasis to its release, how long was the process?

I started writing Rocky Mountain Oasis in 1999, I think. So about 10 years from start to publication.

Look at this, friends! Ten years! Does this give you a little hope for your baby?

I noticed you grew up in Africa, attending a boarding school for most of your education. Is this where you developed your love for literature and writing?

To be honest, I’m not sure where my love of writing came from. I was an avid reader all my life – but honestly, I didn’t start seriously writing until after my son was born in 1993 – even then, I didn’t complete a work until I finished Rocky Mountain Oasis in 2000.
I do remember my mother telling me that I had the imagination of a writer when I was in the 7th grade, or so. And I remember thinking, at that time, that it would be fun to be a writer, but again, I didn’t take it seriously for a long time.

Rocky Mountain Oasis is the story of a “mail-order bride.” What caused you to choose this situation for your story?

I’m a seat of the pants writer, and that just popped into my story of its own volition as the story unfolded for me. Brooke, my main character, has been abused all her life by various men, and that seemed like something an abusive uncle, who didn’t want to deal with her anymore, would do – sell her as a mail-order-bride.

I love that your husband is a redhead! Are any of your four children redheads?

LOL – no actually they are not. A couple of them have some reddish highlights, but none are true red-heads.

Does your writing room look more like Mr. Rogers’ living room or Lost in Space?

Ha! Probably more like Lost in Legos. I also run an eBay business out of our home office. I have a Lego store on eBay. So my writing space contains my husband’s desk, my desk, all my unlisted Lego inventory, cabinets and bookshelves of storage space for the listed inventory, and my packaging area. (I close my eyes a lot when I write – LOL)

Wow. I will never again whine about a cluttered writing space! God forgive me...

What helped you overcome discouragement along the journey to publishing Rocky Mountain Oasis?

You know, discouragement is just part of a writer’s life, sad to say. There WILL be discouragement, but we just have to persevere.
Looking back, the Lord gave me little boosts of encouragement sprinkled in with the rejections to keep me submitting. There was a Christian subsidy publisher who only published a few books a year that really liked the book – but I didn’t want to help pay for the costs, so I turned them down. Then there was the e-book publisher who actually published the book for just a couple months before they went out of business, and there were the numerous friends, critique partners, and family members who encouraged me along the way.
I’d say one main way for a writer to stay encouraged is to get into a writer’s group. Everyone there will understand the feeling of discouragement that comes with rejection. And that in itself will be an encouragement.

Are there any words of wisdom you’d give new writers?

I’ve said it several times throughout this interview and I’ll say it again, get into a writer’s group. If there isn’t one in your area there are a lot of online groups available now. (http://www.christianwriters.com is a good example.)
And, of course, it goes without saying that your writing should be the absolute best it can be before you start submitting it to publishers.
Study the craft, attend writing conferences, persevere, and pray that the Lord will guide you.
I just want to add a quick note of thanks to Jeanette for allowing me to be here today. Also, I’d like to give away one e-copy of the book to a winning commenter drawn randomly next Wednesday the 2nd of September. So leave a comment if you’d like the chance to win a copy of the book.

Thank you, Lynnette, for joining us today. May your book sell through the ceiling, and we pray that many lives will be touched by it. May God richly bless you as you write for you Audience of ONE, Jen

If you'd like to order a copy of Rocky Mountain Oasis, click here for Amazon or here for CBD.

Lynnette Bonner ~ Inspirational Romance Author
http://www.lynnettebonner.com

A terribly upsetting event took place in my life a few days ago. I got mad, I ranted to my husband—it wasn’t his fault, poor guy—and I asked God for wisdom to remedy the situation. Then I tried to write. Oh me.

A low level devil perched on my shoulder as I sat at my desk, niggling me. “Whatcha gonna do? Whatcha gonna do? Whatcha gonna do?” Concentration fled. Anger returned. Yet I needed to finish the partial I was revising.

So I prayed some more, gritted my teeth, told Satan to shut up in Jesus’ Name, and revised anyway. I may not have done as good a job as I would have if all had been right with the world. But then, how many minutes in your lifetime has all been right? Fifteen or so? Thirty if you’re especially blessed.

When you are emotionally upset to the point of wigging out, crying, shouting or running away from home, how does it affect your writing? Do you plow through anyway, or do you set it aside for a time, then pick it up later when you’ve calmed down?

Blessings on you as you write for your Audience of ONE,
Jen

P.S. Please join me Wednesday for an interview and book giveaway with author Lynnette Bonner!

The A Word Helps Us Acheive the G Word

What is it about being accountable to someone that keeps us on track? When we share our goals, we are more likely to stay committed to the direction our life is taking, even if it’s a tiny portion of our life.

When I was in Overeaters Anonymous, I had a partner I called us each night, telling her what I ate that day. It helped me stick to my eating plan, and she encouraged me with verbal applause and suggestions.

The same can be true of sharing our writing goals. Others can help us stay committed to our plan if we know that they know what our plan is.

With that principle in mind, here’s my goal for this weekend: I’d love to get to 50% on my WIP. Right now I’m at 30%.

Do you have a writing goal or two you’d like to share? Do tell.

God’s gracious favor rest upon you as you write for your Audience of One,
Jen

A God Moment/Thank Yous

I trembled as I read the subject line of the email: “Jeanette: I would like to offer you a contract…”

My voice cracked into wee fragments. “Kevin, you have to come see this, Honey.”

I wept and Kevin smiled his ever gentle smile as we read the email together. An agent contract! From my #1 choice, Diana Flegal of Hartline Agency, whom I met just two months ago at a writers’ conference. And on my birthday!

God, You are remarkable!

When Jody Hedlund, blogger and writer par excellence was offered representation by Rachelle Gardner a few months ago, I was elated beyond words for her, throwing my fruit-on-the-brim hat in the air and doing the Snoopy dance all over town! Not really, but it makes for a good story...

Now when my own dream comes true, all I can do is cry tears of joy and thankfulness. And trepidation. I want to do my best, to make it easy for Diana to represent writing she can be proud of. Mostly I want to make my Father proud. And make enough money to hire someone to mop my floors!

I know this is a God moment. I could not have orchestrated this if I’d planned for a lifetime. All I can do is get down on my knees and say “Thank you, thank you, thank you. And help me, please.”

I want you to know: I COULD NOT HAVE DONE THIS WITHOUT YOU GUYS. I have nearly given up a zillion times, but you’ve all been there rooting me on with your kind encouragement and your nourishing blog posts. So in a very real sense this is an honor for you as well as me. Thank you for washing my feet again and again, keeping me in this race. I love you all dearly.

When you’ve had an answer to prayer and a dream come true, do you fall apart and cry like me, or jump around and scream? Do you run to the fridge for a Coke or the cupboard for a truffle? Who do you thank—besides Jesus—for helping you realize your dream?

My Favorite Birthday Gift of All Time (well, of 54 years)

This is what Kevin, my DH bought me for my birthday Friday. It has already become my second favorite book and my favorite birthday gift of all time--well, of 54 years. At 1361 pages, the Synonym Finder by Rodale supplies you with every word and alternate word your heart desires. And for my heart, that's saying a ton! I am addicted to words, as are most of you.

I took it out to breakfast on my birthday for our reading entertainment, to work with me so I could show it off to my assistant, and have already used it dozens of times in revising my WIP. I would sleep with it under my pillow if it weren't so fat. Perhaps I'd wake up with new words floating out my ears!

Do you have a favorite reference book you use again and again? Do tell.

Psst: Please return Wednesday for some very exciting news...

And the Winners Are...

Announcing the Winners of the Pati Lacy book drawing:

!st place winner receives an autographed copy of Patti's newest book, What the Bayou Saw:

Sandee! Congratulations!!!

Second place winner receives an autographed copy of Patti's first book, An Irishwoman's Tale:

Jessica! Congratulations!!!

Thanks to "you all" for entering the contest; I received so many encouraging comments about the interview, and Patti's books. Stay tuned; I will be doing more interviews and book givaways in weeks to come. My next is on August 26th...

This is where the picture of the guinea pig was supposed to go. Use your imagination, okay?

Today is my 54th birthday. In my lifetime I have seen:

The first man on the moon;

The advent of the microwave oven;

Computers evolving from room-sized to lap-size;

Wi-fi hookups in fast food restaurants, and

Gourmet coffee shops popping up on every corner-- yes!

What are some notable changes you've seen in your lifetime?

Happy Weekend,

Jen

I'm Behind You: A Devotional for a Wednesday

“Be devoted to one another in brotherly love; give preference to one another in honor.” Romans 12:10, NASB

Before I married a preacher, I worked a short time as a waitress. I learned a valuable phrase I my first day on the job, spoken to fellow servers: “I’m behind you.”

No one wants to turn around and cannon into a tray brimming with hot coffee, Denver omelets, and oatmeal with raisins. Fifteen Cub Scouts and their troop leader get impatient when you have to re-scoop their ice cream because you dropped the original bowls on the floor after forgetting to say, “I’m behind you!” to the busboy. It’s wise to let people know of a potential mess, so you both can avoid it.

Tonight Kevin was getting a pizza out of the oven. I walked behind him, carrying our salad bowls. Although thirty-five years have passed since I served food professionally, I still said, “I’m behind you.” When those three words hit the air, they gripped my heart in a new way. I was not simply telling Kev to “watch out;” I was helping him succeed at his task of the moment. I was supporting him. We all need this kind of help.

Are you struggling to make ends meet on a stingy budget? If I slip a ten in your pocket, I’m behind you.
Do you doubt if your marriage can last one more night, or one more fight? If I listen and pray for strength for you, I’m behind you.
Is your kid making choices that break your heart? If I hug you and say “Don’t give up,” I’m behind you.
Are you afraid of what the doctor might find on the next test? If I pray for your healing and tell you “I love you,” I’m behind you.
Do you wonder where your dream got lost? If I encourage you to keep hoping, I’m behind you.

Rebuking and finding fault rarely motivate anyone to succeed. Most of us avoid critical, sour individuals. But we love to be near people who bring out the best in us, helping us believe in ourselves and our dreams. We achieve things we thought impossible by having just one or two caring friends say, “I’m behind you.”

You can be that friend to someone today. Instead of turning your back on a need or mocking a dream, be wise enough to say, “I’m behind you. Let me help you succeed.” For your fellow servers, it will make the difference between messes to clean up or miracles to celebrate.

Would You Read This Book?

If you read the following preface, would you continue reading? If yes, what encouraged you to turn the page? If not, what could I change to entice you to read on? This is the preface to my WIP, The Secret Life of a Preacher's Wife. I appreciate any feedback you'd like to share, since I'm sending a partial out next week to an agent. Thank you, dear friends.

Although I’m a pastor’s wife of over thirty-five years, I am as ordinary as anyone, doing my best to make sense of my hectic life, with God’s extraordinary help.

Only once did someone say I was a deep thinker, and that was my husband on our first date, long before he became my husband. I have a wee suspicion he was trying to impress me. It worked.

Even though I believed him at the time, I have since discovered how common my thinking and responses work. If a member of our congregation criticizes my husband, I get my dander up. If a person I care about is mad at me, I grieve. My feelings become hurt as deeply as yours when someone unjustly judges my motives. I argue with my husband, blame myself for others’ mistakes, and have an occasional pity party.

I have, however, made a few unusual discoveries. And experienced some unique situations. Through these, God has taught me a teacup-full of insights.

Some, you may already know. Others may encourage, surprise, or shock you. A few may tempt you to boil over with indignation. A handful might change your thinking, or even your life.

If you are searching for deep, theological answers to your problems, you have picked up the wrong book. But if you, like me, are a common person seeking uncommon help from the Lord, and if you are interested in peeking into in my teacup for some possible surprises or encouragement, then keep reading.

You may uncover a few notable answers after all. That is my prayer for you.

Interview and Book Drawing: A Writers' Writer, Patti Lacy

I chose for my first author interview one my favorite novelists, Patti Lacy. When I met Patti in March at the signing of her first book, Irishwoman’s Tale, I little dreamed what a positive impact this Southern humanities professor-turned Midwestern novelist would have on my life and writing.

Patti has shared her heart and home with me, welcomed me to her writers’ group, edited my first book, even toted me to Barnes and Noble for a late night browse-a-thon (I hadn’t the heart to tell her I go to bed at 8:30). She enjoys taking fledging writers under her wing like a gentle mama bird, teaching them how to soar above the wayward winds of discouragement and self-doubt. Patti is a writers’ writer, and I believe you will perceive that in the interview below.

Yesterday I spent the afternoon with Patti and fellow writers, Cammie Quinn and Clella Camp, at a book signing for Patti's newest novel, What the Bayou Saw:

If you'd like win a copy of either of Patti's books, please leave a comment with your email address. For every ten comments on this post, Patti will gift one autographed copy of What the Bayou Saw, a haunting tale of racism, buried secrets and the freedom of forgiveness. As a special bonus, I will give away one autographed copy of Irishwoman's Tale, the poignant story of a troubled woman's quest to uncover the painful mysteries of her childhood. These stirring novels are endorsed by Tosca Lee, Julie Lessman and Dennis Hensley. You have until Thursday, Aug. 13th at 4:30 to post your comment. I will draw the winners and announce them on Friday the 14th, my birthday!

And now, it is my honor to present Patti Lacy:

Jen: You are fairly new to the writing world, although you have a background in arts and humanities, is that correct?

Patti: If you call a last-minute hire by a Humanities chair at a community college and half a master’s in literature “background,” yes, I do! Mainly I’m an eclectic lover of the arts and a lifelong reader.

Jen: How do you account for your rapid success?

Patti: Jeanette, I’m cracking up! I just got off the phone with a soulmate writer friend who listened to me rant about my latest publishing world disappointment. My dear friend patiently reminded me of my own mantra: Write for that Audience of One. You believers know that whether we’re plumbers, teachers, and/or stay-at-home moms, that’s the key to success.

Jen: What encouragement can you give for those of us who are not getting published as quickly as you have?

Patti: Determine with God, once and for all, if you are meant to be a writer. If the answer is yes, ask the Holy Spirit to guide your every word. Then envision that day when you will be met by His words, “Well done, good and faithful servant.” Forget about all the rest. I don’t know if you will get published or not, and neither does anyone else. I don’t know if MY next manuscript will get published!

Jen: Whereas An Irishwoman’s Tale is based on a true story about a friend of yours and is mainly factual, What the Bayou Saw is a fictional story. Do people who read Irishwoman’s Tale often think that Bayou is your own story, since the main character, Sally, in I.T. is a characterization of you?

Patti: Well, my mother and brother were worried enough about it to hash things out in a couple of very long phone calls. The hard thing is that we writers interweave things from our lives into fiction—or at least this writer does. My mama really did wear her hair in a bun—like Sally’s mother in Bayou. My father taught at the local college—like the father in Bayou. However, the lion’s share of the plot, the conflicts, the tragedy, did not belong to our family. I did draw from some heartrending oral narratives about prejudice and utilized the services of three black women to put together my novel.

A rambling discourse that still didn’t answer your question. People are confused about which parts of me are in Bayou. You know what? So am I! And isn’t that the fun of writing??

Jen: I know you are a woman of prayer. How does prayer factor into your writing life?

Patti: Before I get aboard my writing chair and tap away at the keyboard, I get on my knees and beg the Holy Spirit to guide my words. Being a strong-willed woman, I sometimes trump that still, small Voice that often whispers for me to follow the less-traveled plot line. I wish I could say that I always listen.

Jen: The title of my blog “Audience of One,” came from a conversation with you, where you encouraged me to write for God alone, to please Him. Please tell us when you first heard this phrase, and how you apply it to your life.

Patti: Lynn Austin keynoted the first writers’ conference I attended, Write to Publish. Lynn commanded all of us to go back to our dorm room there at Wheaton and wrestle with God until we settled on the issue of whether we were writers. Then after that dust cleared, we were to determine that we would write for His glory, for His name.

I really have just stolen Lynn’s advice. It’s a good idea for you folks to steal as well. That way you will never be disappointed by the countless rejections that you will receive not only initially in this business, but all along the way. Believe me, it just gets worse…


Jen: You are from the South, which shines through not only in your writing, but your transparent, caring personality. How important are relationships in a writing career?

Patti: A computer chair and a keyboard with the letters worn away don’t make for the greatest friends. Only by God’s grace and the manna He gives me in the form of writing soulmates, prayer partners, and a support system including a great agent, Cheri Kaufmann, and a brilliant publicist, Jeane Wynn, can I make it.

Plus I LOVE gabbing away in coffee bars under the auspices of “collecting fodder for writing.” Wouldn’t it be fun to print up cards with The Coffee Hound’s logo and address and hand ‘em out??!! On second thought, maybe not!

Thanks, Jeanette, for a blessed opportunity. Can’t wait to hear from you, Dear Readers!

I Knew You'd Want to Know

When this first happened Monday, I hesitated to post it here, thinking it might be perceived as boasting. But then this little voice said,

"If it was one of your blog friends, you'd want to know so you could rejoice with them." Right! I would! I'd dance and prance and eat some chocolate in your honor if this happened to you! So here's my big news: One of the agents I met with at the conference last month wants to see a partial of my WIP! Yippee Dippee! and "God Help Me!"

She needs it in two weeks, so my little fingers and brain are working overtime to revise, polish and edit the chapters I have done so far. I am elated and cautious at the same time. If she likes it, she will want to see the full ms, which means tons of work for me over the next few months, which is fine, I love to work. If she doesn't like it, that's okay, too, it just means I go back to the computer and the Lord for further instruction.

Mostly, I'm happy, and I thought you'd want to know, because I believe you'll be happy with me. And pray with me, too, please? That no matter what, I will glorify Jesus in my writing and my life.

Thanks and love,

Jen

P.S. Don't forget to check back tomorrow for interview with edgy novelist Patti Lacy.

The Treasure of Good Advice

Last Wednesday we talked about bad advice we’ve received in our writing careers. I was impressed by your wisdom in discerning the difference between treasures worth keeping and junk masquerading as valuable.

Today let’s share some good advice we’ve received. For me, the recommendation to attend a writers’ conference, and the ensuing cheerleading I received at the two I’ve attended, have enriched my writing career beyond every dream. Another priceless gem I benefited from was to read excellent writing. It sounds almost too simple, but it works. As you read articles, books and poems that are well-written, you learn by example how to artfully craft your own works.

What valuable counsel has helped you most in your quest to improve your writing? What rubies of wisdom would you give to new writers needing some help?

Stay in Town Friday

If you are planning to get away this weekend, you will want to stay in town at least long enough Friday morning to read my first blog interview with edgy novelist, Patti Lacy, and enter a drawing for one of her autographed books!!! See you Friday...

Two Years to Live

My friend Cammie had some great advice when I whined to her about time pressure and discombobulated priorities. She asked, “If you knew you had only two years to live, how would you be spending your time?” My answer was immediate: “I would not be cleaning house!” Ahahahaha, forever looking for an excuse to retire from mopping and dusting…

What I would do, however, if I knew I only had two years left is: spend more time with my family, finish revising my first book, and seek to publish it. This little exercise helped me see where my heart lodged, and what means the most to me.

Your turn now. If you knew you only had two years to live, what would you do with those 104 weeks, 730 days, 15,330 hours?