Into the Fire

Independence . . . Day

 

               

 

 

This blog honors God, country, family, and anything which upholds our soldiers, law enforcement, CIA, FBI, and all others who have sworn to serve, protect, and defend this great nation. Leading into the Fourth of July holiday, I want to express my gratitude to them and their families who sacrifice to keep us safe, who fight to preserve freedom all over the world, and who thwart the plans of vicious enemies who seek to cripple and eliminate us.

 

No institution is perfect and imperfect human beings occupy important positions within our government. The heart of the United States of America has always been to reflect the grace of God founded on His principles. The corruption of the divine plan is the objective of an enemy far greater and more effective than the terrorists of today. He has been the force behind all acts of evil perpetrated on humanity since the beginning of our time.

 

For those who think another country offers something better, something more than the USA, please feel free to leave this one and move to that one. Please. It’s your right, it’s your privilege, and if it’s going to provide you with what you need, then just do it. This nation is under God and yet it allows all kinds of citizens to occupy its lands. Those citizens need not try to change this country into something it’s not nor was ever intended to be.

 

Mistakes have been made in our history and will continue to be made, but those who desire to change the basic structure and belief system of this country will be defeated until the time when godlessness will have its day. And only then because of what is written by God’s hand.

 

For those of us who claim Christianity as our defining Truth, we must pray that those in places of power who defy the principles of our Creator be brought down and defeated. This country will always need a Savior and His Name is Jesus Christ. Not the name of any man or woman. The freedom to enlist the help and comfort of God has been and will remain the strength of the United States of America. Apart from Him we can do nothing.

 

Honor a soldier this July 4^th and remember the sole and soul purpose of the extra day off.

 

God Bless America. 

Baring your soul . . . and other hidden parts

 

Not body parts. Frequently noted on writing blogs of all kinds are the intimate parts of writing novels. Comments range from comparing fiction to the “art of lying”, somehow equating writing fiction with creating accomplished and praiseworthy lies, to a “sacred art”, an application which might just give words a bit too much esteem in the overall consensus of novels. Fiction does not equate to lying in my world. And only rarely can authors elevate a story to the pedestal of sacred art.

 

Under the much-aligned label of Christian Fiction authors have an opportunity to elevate their fiction to a higher level because of the innate inspiration often associated with writing this kind of novel. The ability to infuse story with gut-level, heartfelt truth presents a divine chance to remedy commonality. No matter the specific genre, the story is eligible to capture something of the supernatural character/existence/power of God. Whether or not this possibility is overt or organically weaves its way into the tale, the ability to make a story profound in its telling remains a factor for authors who profess a Christian worldview.

 

Inserting a worldview appears in all kinds of novels, again either subtly or pronounced. Of course when that worldview is considered “religious”—and tell me again why secular humanism is not a religion?—whether or not it is written in a “preachy” style, it will undoubtedly be accused of such. Christianity knows no favor in the world of the anti-God crowd, but it’s usually only the militant minority who criticize “religious” fiction the loudest and most profanely. No one forces them to read it. Rarely does anyone intentionally try to trick them into experiencing it. As with all people, reaching them is truly God’s work and whatever He chooses to use to do it isn’t really up to writers. Trying to “please” that bunch with stories geared to their emotional, intellectual, or vacuumed spirituality could easily fall into a category of vain pursuits.

 

So am I suggesting the “non-choir” readers be ignored by authors who profess and practice Christianity? Not at all. I am suggesting that if this is the mantle chosen for oneself without the direction of the One who gives such appointments—and anointments—it might be wasted effort.

 

The same “rule”—and you know how I feel about rules—applies to both or either scenarios, and that is the baring of your soul. Pour yourself out on the page. If you can’t draw from your reservoir of truth and transmit it to the page, what have you got to offer any reader? Whether or not your initial definition of “truth” was corrupted and then enlightened by the real Truth, stories take readers on journeys through all kinds of darkness. The difference allowed by a Christian worldview is the element of presenting Truth. Inside that Truth is hope. The rawness of Truth comes in many forms and can be told multiple ways. It needn’t be pretty and easy or soft and fluffy. It’s rarely any of those things when one finds himself at the Cross.

 

Those hidden parts? The places full of fear and doubt, of faithlessness and sorrow, of depression and cynicism, of lust and pride, of prejudice and self-righteousness. Those ugly secret parts crawling around in our brain and bloodstreams. Expose them in stories. Writers can do this because fiction demands it of us. Truth prevails whether we decide to pen it or not. Someone will surely write brave stories. Their venue—be it drama, humor, or horror—will explore the hidden parts and admit they exist. Readers will be the beneficiaries of such naked revelation. Confront their humanity along with the author.

 

Don’t be afraid to admit the fallibility of your soul. Everyone needs redemption. It’s a profound experience to decide to reveal that most basic desperation of the human spirit.

 

Bare your soul in the written words and expose those hidden parts because God knows we all have them. Offer Truth in fiction.

 

 

God, you see all those horrid parts. And yet you love. Me. Amazing. In the Name of Jesus, Amen.     

Miscellaneous . . .

 

Coming soon: reviews of the following novels . . .

 

                   
 
 

 

Interesting combo:

http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-31749_162-20075047-10391698.html

 

Father, we're all desperate for you. Rescue the perishing. In the Name of Jesus, Amen.

I know what sin is . . .

 

If you happened to listen to the two songs I linked to on Friday’s post, you know that the early to late 60s into the mid 70s contained some of the best rock ‘n’ roll, ballad-type music, and just plain amazing love songs ever written. Music achieved an unlikely pinnacle for certain types of music. Unequaled before or since. Yes, of course this is my opinion. I lived it.

 

The lyrics of these two particular songs capture the burgeoning reality of moral decline, an unfortunate “changing of the guard” in relationships, tapping into the non-committal liaisons that opted for taking advantage of opportunities which presented themselves for, or previously presented obstacles to, emotional and physical satisfaction. The structures of the moral fibers of marriage, purity, restraint, and commitment to these values were shaken and gradually shredded with the assistance of drugs and alcohol and reactions to a war where thousands of young men, friends to this generation, were losing their lives on foreign shores. I lived it.

 

Believing in God was not enough. It never is. I had the bare minimum of knowledge concerning Him. And though I staunchly believed He existed, that’s all I knew. I didn’t know Jesus so the Holy Spirit was not therefore available for my constant counsel and comfort. That basic understanding of right and wrong definitely imprinted on my soul through the examples and teachings of godly parents who communicated God but not a personal relationship with Jesus. And it wasn’t enough to withstand the gradual wearing down of my convictions as I absorbed the lyrics to some powerful songs, some truly great music. Therein was a seductive kind of romance. I lived it.

 

There was a time, a fairly long time, after my salvation when I could no longer listen to those songs of which I knew every word. I’d attempt to occupy my mind with other things when shopping as those songs played in the background over the airwaves. It hurt to hear them because they reminded me of my old lifestyle, of my seduction, of my downfall, of my sin. And I knew their hypnotic appeal. I’d lived it. 

 

Perhaps you don’t understand the mindset I’m describing here. The challenges I faced and failed to defeat led me through the sinful lifestyle and on to heartbreak, hardness, and humiliation when faced with Truth. What I lived I knew was wrong even while in the middle of it. I lied to myself. I played the game. I lived it.

 

The things I’ve shown you here depict the basis for my love stories. Love stories which demonstrate the love of men and women and more importantly the love of God for them. Sinful people. Sinful lifestyles. Sinful states of mind. All available for salvaging. Some succumb to the romancing of the God who gave it all and loves them in spite of them. Others just succumb to the romance. I can write it because I lived it.

 

It’s not just to challenge the accepted norms in what has become Christian Fiction, generally referred to as CBA. No. I think sometimes those who’ve grown up with Jesus in the picture of their lives forget that those who remain lost are equal to them. Those who play the world’s game unaware of the damage and destruction to themselves are equal to the ones who decided at the age of five or fifty to embrace the love of God through Jesus His Son. Equal. Still lost but equal. Those ladies of the night that slang references call ‘ho’s”? Equal. Those passed out in alleys with urine stained trousers. Equal. Those in pulpits carrying on with church secretaries. Equal. In the eyes of God, we’re equal in value. He’s no respecter of persons.

 

As Christians, we have equal spots in our communities of life. Whatever we do if we know God has given us the assignment, we know our tasks are equal to those of others. As writers, we have equal tasks.

 

So I do mine. I portray the lost and found in love stories because I’ve lived it from both sides. I know the passion of each lifestyle. I know what it’s like to be naïve and “innocent” and eventually succumb to the thrill of worldly enticements, surrendering it all for those overrated indulgences. To feel the loss. To engage in convincing myself I’ve somehow gained something I couldn’t do without.

 

I write for those who love and lose something of value. I write for those who stand strong in the face of incredible temptation. I write for those who desire passion in every area of their lives. I write for those who know sin upfront and personal. I write for those who let it take them down. I write for those who are resurrected by the love of Jesus. I write for those who need real on the page. I write for those who want a tangible rescue by the Living God. I write with a passion. Because I’ve lived it.  

 

 

Thank you for my life, Lord God. You rescued this sinner. You’ve used the ugly to minister the beauty of your Son. There’s no better redemption than using that sorrow to bring joy. Thank you is never enough. In the Name of Jesus, Amen.

A Few Great Book Covers

 
 

Here they are. What do you think?

 

      
                                                   

 

             

 

                    

                    

 

 

                                   

 

Thank you, Lord, for the amazing talent you give. Thank you for those who use it for your glory. In the Name of Jesus, Amen.

Sunday's Offerings

 

Jesus said to him, "Away from me, Satan! For it is written: 'Worship the Lord your God, and serve Him only.'"

Matthew 4:10 (NIV)

****Political Update****

 

Excerpts from the ACLJ:

 

There's certain to be a lot of debate about the direction America is taking in the run-up to the 2012 election.  And, that will, no doubt, include discussion about the role and meaning of the U.S. Constitution, and debate about whether the Constitution is still relevant in today's world, or whether it's a ''living document'' that needs to change as our nation changes.

Our work at the American Center for Law and Justice (ACLJ) centers on protecting and defending the U.S. Constitution.  Our Founding Fathers were wise, crafting a framework for freedom that has stood the test of time.  The Constitution is now more important than ever - under attack by those who believe that this cornerstone of our liberty doesn't really matter any more, that it's outdated, and no longer means what our Founding Fathers intended.

That's why this upcoming election season is so important.  The American people want and deserve leaders who will enact policies that embrace the Constitution, instead of disregard it.

Too often, we come across people in government who do not know what our founding documents really say and why they are still relevant to the policies being enacted in Washington, D.C., and capitals across the nation.

Part of the ACLJ's mission of defending our constitutional rights is making sure citizens - and those we elect to office accurately know the rights guaranteed by our Constitution and the Bill of Rights.

Do you know if you would call yourself a ''Constitutional Conservative'' or someone who believes the Constitution is a 'living' document? 

Before you can answer that question for yourself, you need to read the Constitution and our founding documents for yourself.  Because I believe these documents are so vital to you and the health of our nation, the ACLJ has brought together the U.S. Constitution, the Bill of Rights, the Declaration of Independence, and the Gettysburg Address into one booklet entitled ''Foundations of Freedom.'' 

We would like to give this to you and anyone who requests it completely free.  Please get your free copy of Foundations of Freedom today.

By studying the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution, and the Bill of Rights, you will be better equipped to read through the political rhetoric and select individuals to lead our nation who truly understand the foundational principles that make this nation great.

It is my hope that by sharing the ACLJ's resources through our daily radio program, our weekly television program, ACLJ This Week, and the many resources found on ACLJ.org - we can equip you with the information you need to make well-informed decisions in selecting our nation's leaders.

As Thomas Jefferson said, ''Whenever the people are well-informed, they can be trusted with their own government.''  I can think of no better tool to help you become well-informed than our Foundations of Freedom, which includes documents that Jefferson, and many of our nation's other Founders, helped author.

If you have not already done so, please take a moment to get your free copy of this critical resource - Foundations of Freedom.

Thank you for taking your God-given responsibility of selecting our nation's leaders so seriously and joining with us in the fight for liberty. 

Jay Sekulow
ACLJ Chief Counsel

 

 

Sent to me:

CHECK THIS OUT ON SNOPES IF YOU LIKE. THE FOLLOWING DATA IS ACTUALLY TRUE

 

http://www.snopes.com/inboxer/outrage/unvote.asp

 

 

 

How they vote in the United Nations:

Below are the actual voting records of various Arabic/Islamic States which are recorded in both the US State Department and United Nations records:

 

Kuwait votes against the United States 67% of the time

Qatar votes against the United States 67% of the time

Morocco votes against the United States 70% of the time

United Arab Emirates votes against the U.S. 70% of the time.

Jordan votes against the United States 71% of the time.

Tunisia votes against the United States 71% of the time.

Saudi Arabia votes against the United States 73% of the time.

Yemen votes against the United States 74% of the time.

Algeria votes against the United States 74% of the time.

Oman votes against the United States 74% of the time.

Sudan votes against the United States 75% of the time.

Pakistan votes against the United States 75% of the time.

Libya votes against the United States 76% of the time.

Egypt votes against the United States 79% of the time.

Lebanon votes against the United States 80% of the time.

India votes against the United States 81% of the time.

Syria votes against the United States 84% of the time.

Mauritania votes against the United States 87% of the time.

U S Foreign Aid to those that hate us:

Egypt, for example, after voting 79% of the time against the United States, still receives $2 billion annually in US Foreign Aid.

Jordan votes 71% against the United States and receives $192,814,000 annually in US Foreign Aid.

Pakistan votes 75% against the United States receives $6,721,000,000 annually in US Foreign Aid.

India votes 81% against the United States receives $143,699,000 annually.

 Taxpayers' money at work?

 

  

God, we need you. You built this country. Have mercy on us. Please. In the Name of Jesus, Amen.

 

 

Amazing Lyrics

 

 

Song lyrics that absolutely rocked my world . . . once upon a time back in the day. Still do. Can't help it.

 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6KZ8PRWChb8

 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MUL68ZeclcA

 

 

Oh God. I belong to you now. Thank you for that. In the Name of Jesus, Amen.

Discovering . . . A Man Called Outlaw

 

                                         

 

 

 

If that isn’t the best cover ever, I haven’t seen one. My goodness. This cover is precisely why I broke my squishy rule about not reading historicals and made an exception. I don’t honestly remember if I’ve ever read a Western. When I was a young girl I read the account of Comanche of the Seventh, a story based on a real horse in the Cavalry, and cried my eyes out of course. I think that put an end to my western-style of reading. I played cowboys, Indians, and pioneers most of my young life. In the city. Sigh. My heart has always lived in the country. I grew up watching westerns on TV and loved them. But . . . well you know my reading habits rarely go back in time.

 

A Man Called Outlaw by K. M. Weiland was published by an indie press (PenForASword) in 2007 and can be purchased at the usual outlets besides at Wordplay, K. M. Weiland’s blog site.

 

I’m not really qualified to review this novel. I have nothing to compare it to, but I will say I enjoyed the story. It has a classic villain, a few hero cowboys, and one young man who must step up to rescue the lady who’s given her all not to succumb to the evil wiles of a Judge gone rogue who will do anything to get her ranch added to his own. I suspect the minor element of romance might not offend our Western writer in residence Brenda Jackson, but I’m not sure. Romance is not the focus of this historical novel that jockeys back and forth between the years 1887 and 1858-9 yet the love of a woman and real family is at the heart of the plot. The faith elements fit right in for this group, some for show and others from the heart.

 

The misguided devotion of Shane Lassiter tangles with the truth throughout the novel until finally he “gets” it. What’s required of him is that of any man who’s challenged to make life and death decisions and rectify wrongs. From the outside looking in it seems the struggle shouldn’t be so dang hard, but from the perspective of someone who’s been trained to revere the one who’s raised him, it’s hard to break free from the control and manipulation until . . . well, until there’s simply no other choice.

 

When the tales of the man known as “the outlaw” start making sense to a somewhat embittered Shane Lassiter, what he learns about the real man propels him to do what’s right.

 

There’s some great characterization and dialogue between the guys in this novel. Devoted friends during the bad times as well as the good, they cowboy up to do what’s needed, squabbling about the timing and execution of waylaid plans tossing a few good-natured insults around. The foe is greater than all they can muster, but the man they call the outlaw steps up and sets the example.

 

I could see A Man Called Outlaw being a movie. It’s a genuine Western in that sense and a good adventure with some gut-wrenching scenes. K. M. Weiland writes an entertaining story with only a few “first novel” moments. She’s since written other historical novels but they go much farther back in time.

 

Father, you know Katie's heart and soul. I pray you would continue to fulfill her with your inspiration and stories. Give her whatever she needs to work for your glory. Bless her in your abundance. In the Name of Jesus, Amen.

                             

Selfish . . .

 

It hides. Some of us shove it into full view and renounce it, but it slithers back often unnoticed because of the intense focus we exert to make the time spent writing worthwhile, important. That time, that writing, which somehow validates us, sets us apart from most because we dedicate those moments we have to it and we indulge our hopes and dreams in it, and we just plain need it to feel good about ourselves.

 

Some sacrifice sleep, others family time, others fellowship with friends just to do this gig. We take it seriously. In order to produce anything of value the sacrifice is expected, required even. “I have a deadline so I’ll be offline for awhile.” Smiley face. Aahh, such discipline. Such admiration for this dedicated writing soul.

 

Market it. Facebook. Blog. Tweet-ledee and Tweet-ledom. Author pages everywhere. Hail to the newest novel. See what I’ve created. Please be sure to write a review on Amazon—if you don’t mind.

 

Bookstore signings, conferences, teaching.

 

Reciprocation? Not enough time—I’m writing my next novel and editing my previous one. Sorry.

 

Does it get old for anyone else? Does it seem too self-focused and self-serving?

 

Selfishness stands ugly. In any form. It’s too easy for me. I hate it.

 

 

God, deal with me. Keep me straight with you. That’s all that truly matters. In the Name of Jesus, Amen.   

The Thirst

 

Yesterday I asked this question: Have you ever—since studying the craft of writing—read a novel where you didn’t want to change a single thing about it? Not a word, a comma, a reaction by a character?

 

Then we tackled the hunger that produced the drive to write for publishing, suggesting that the hunger should first be to write to please the Lord. We think we do, but when we come closer to examining our ambitions, sometimes we discover the objective to write for His pleasure falls to a secondary position in our priorities.

 

Today we look at the thirst for publishing. The question I asked in the opening paragraph plays a role in all of this disjointed posting. Here’s why. No matter how well you write— and let’s be honest here, some of us rise to the upper echelon of the writing hierarchy and some of us fade to the lower rungs of the writing ladder—there will be those who think you’re a hack. Maybe if you’re in the upper portion of the field, your detractors will be fewer, but there will always be those who say: “I don’t get what people see in this writer. I hate their stuff!” 

 

You study the craft, you find your voice, you improve with every effort, and you stick with your project(s) until you decide it’s just about your best (being unable to determine what “best” truly looks like). You submit it, you get rejections, you get interest, you get an agent and/or a contract. You’re on your way. That thirst is temporarily quenched.

 

And what comes next? Changes. Maybe just a few, and not to say they aren’t needed, necessary, or negligible, but they are changes after all. You make them, question them, discuss them, or refuse them. Most will do the first three. If only a few are required, the odds are you’ll find them meaningful. If there are enough to merit wondering what in the heck the acquisitions editor thought he saw in your story, your heartfelt efforts to do revisions might produce a new kind of dry-mouth and reacquaint you with a different kind of thirst.

 

Then eventually on to the reader. Let’s say 85% respond favorably to your novel. You’re feelin’ it now. Sated. Satisfied. Sensational. Then the 15% begin to trickle in with their rants or disses or take-it or leave-it, blasé attitudes toward this book you worked so diligently and with dedication to perfect. Is it enough to tell yourself you can’t please everyone, and they aren’t your target audience anyway? Are you placated by your clichés? Some of you developed your alligator hide or injected the ice water that runs through your veins and can answer “Yeah, okay.” Others will sneak off to remote locations and ponder what went wrong admitting to themselves “I really am a hack!”

 

You look in the mirror and realize you’re a reader too. You’ve read hundreds of novels and felt about some of them the way those detractors feel about yours. You know the feelings well. Odd twinges occur in your gut. You realize you’re planted dead center in the circle of writing/publishing. You’ve watched the line curve all around you through the course of your writing endeavors and now here you are in the midst of all that it is. For a moment you wonder how you could’ve hungered for this and why your throat is a bit parched. But then an email comes or a new positive review appears on Amazon thanking you for this, that, and the other about your story, and the swallowing returns to normal. You don’t have to head to the sink, the fridge, or the water cooler quite so fast. Yeah, baby. I’m published!     

 

Truth is you can’t please everyone. No matter what you write. And changes might be for the better but they could be for the worse. Ultimately it’s your decision how you write and what you write, who you choose to please and what your goals might be.

 

Through it all, just remember this:

 

“Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.”

Matthew 5:6 (NIV)  

 

 

God in heaven, we’re desperate for you. In the Name of Jesus, Amen.

The Hunger

 

Before I arrive at the body of this post let me ask you one thing. Please be honest if you choose to answer. Have you ever—since studying the craft of writing—read a novel where you didn’t want to change a single thing about it? Not a word, a comma, a reaction by a character?

 

There exists in most writers a hunger to be published. It’s genuine, deep and far-reaching, and it motivates most to improve what they perceive to be a calling, a purpose, a desire at the very least, to share words in a meaningful manner. When an individual is willing to spend hours, weeks, even years in front of a computer screen creating a story or writing longhand on paper, the inspiration which drives the dedication to telling that story ignites the determination to make it worthy of telling.

 

If I had to define story, this is what I’d say it is: Story is the composite of reality, the revelation of the soul. Story allows a reader to slip into another’s life. To experience another’s reality. To glimpse the soul of both the author and the characters which are revealed.

 

One of the amusing results of my first novel, Hope of Glory, was when my fellow racetrackers discussed and tried to guess who each character “really” was. Those characters were composites of everyone I ever knew in racing including myself at different stages of my life. One thing racetrackers got when reading that book was a comprehensive experience of the racing they knew and gave their lives to day in and day out.

 

So. The Hunger. There comes a point in time when that hunger for being published must yield to whatever the Lord has for any given writer. Where the actuality of getting published becomes secondary to whatever the Lord is directing. It’s that “die to self” thing which is, not surprisingly, hard to do. After all the study, work, and desire, the hunger to please the Lord must surpass all other ambitions. For some this is much easier to achieve than for others. We want it all. Of course we want to please the Lord, but wouldn’t He be proud of us receiving a contract, for crying out loud? And the answer is probably yes because if it wasn’t for Him, the contract wouldn’t be given.

 

Let’s face it. It’s just as easy to make writing and publishing idols as anything else in this life. Why wouldn’t God want me published since He called me to write these blasted stories?! I mean, come on. Don’t ask me. Ask Him what His plans for you are.

 

And I’m certainly no one to ask. I’ve “felt” all along that self-publishing was going to be the route I’d be taking which is rather interesting since I’m such a lousy marketer.

 

After all the hard work, a manuscript emerges. After sharing it, receiving suggestions, critiques, perhaps even professional editing, you gain a contract and it’s published. Many love it. A few hate it. Reviews come in all forms of praise and malice. It’s impossible to please all readers. Someone wants to change something; someone wants to erase every word. It’s the nature of the reading beast. Some authors will be challenged and excel; others will be discouraged and retreat to some degree. The hunger to write will eventually emerge and some will improve while others will remain the same. Some readers will still love you and those who hated you might still.

 

The only real satisfaction to the hunger comes in the pleasing whisper from the Lord’s heart: Well done . . . 

 

No one can do what He can do for us.

 

 

God, may my hunger to please you overrule all else. In the Name of Jesus, Amen.

Sunday's Offerings

 

Then Joshua told the people, "Consecrate yourselves, for tomorrow the Lord will do amazing things among you."

Joshua 3:5 (NIV)

No joke . . .

 

Many jokes have been made about WalMart greeters, about those jobs being the end of the line, the last resort. Sometimes, although it’s not necessarily funny, these statements have some truth to them.

 

At a WalMart where I frequently shop, I met Kathi who worked about 20 hours a week as a greeter. No ordinary woman, Kathi. She welcomed people to WalMart from a wheel chair, disabled with one leg amputated at high-thigh and one arm perpetually in a sling. She drove her outfitted SUV to work and maneuvered her chair and her difficult body in and out of it. As we spent our brief times chatting, I learned she liked to read so I gave her a copy of The Famous One, and the joy I felt when she told me she loved it exceeded measurement.

 

We hugged each other, spent those few minutes we had together at the store talking about different things, and I told her how brave and courageous I thought she was. She amazed me. Kathi always was quick to dispense smiles and we enjoyed each other’s company. There was a Subway in this WalMart, and we planned to eventually make time to share a lunch there but somehow didn’t do it. I learned her husband was a firefighter and her injuries were caused by a drunk driver many years before I met her.

 

What I didn’t know about Kathi was her last name or that she had cancer. I learned that just a week ago when I asked George, another greeter, about Kathi since I hadn’t seen her the last few times I’d been in the store. Today I met George at the entrance and asked about Kathi. She passed away Sunday.

 

It broke my heart. George hugged me, and I attempted not to cry as I cut my shopping short, barely remembering what I’d gone there to get. I never got to say goodbye. Sometimes we don’t. Kathi’s life touched mine. Such a valiant woman. A loving lady. I will miss her smiles and her hugs. No one will take her place. She was unique, and I know there are empty places in hearts that she once occupied.

 

 

God, I know you gave Kathi her joy. I hope to see her again one day. May those who've lost a precious person in their lives be comforted by your Spirit. In the Name of Jesus, Amen. 

Sometimes we forget . . .

 

As writers we read and write in certain genres. We generally have our favorites, and some of us detest others. Strong wording, I know. And perhaps a bit unfair. Okay. Well, it’s true for me anyway. That better? When saying I detest a specific genre, I’m not saying I detest those who write within it or those who publish it or even those who read it. What I’m saying is it’s so not for me, and it would be a torture equivalent to going back to school for me to have to read a novel in that particular market niche.

 

But I must remember there are those readers (and writers) who love the genres that I don’t. And this can be frustrating for those of us who don’t see what we like offered as frequently as those we prefer. However, I have no shortage of novels to read right now. In fact I’m swamped. Again. Backed up. A summer full of reading ahead. Again.

 

So much for devoting time to my three novels in progress. All in good time.  

 

All this to say what I’ve said many times before, possibly ad nauseum, different people read different kinds of novels. Some favor the commercial, the light and fluff. Others favor the dark and desperate, the dangerous. Others like the structured and formulaic, the simple. And still others enjoy the beauty of words woven into a story that takes them deep into characters. In the frustrations of creating words on a page to somehow meld into a meaningful story, one that surpasses expectations (my own) and manages to cut its way into the heart, leaving an imprint or an impact, I must remember the readers like what they like and the “job” is to find those who like what I like.

 

So much for that . . .

 

 

Father, lead me in your ways. Help me to stay focused on what you have for me to do and to eliminate all else. Thank you for your loving kindness, your instruction, and your faithfulness in spite of me. In the Name of Jesus, Amen.

The quest for better . . .

 

How do you pursue the quest for bettering your writing? What inspires you to search for the words, the expressions, the scenery, the action, the depth in your characters that rivals real life? How? What methodology? Why?

 

Of course if you recognize your work as drivel, you desire to improve. If you assess your work as passable, you want to get it better. But what if you truly like your work? And don’t authors have to like their work in the end? I mean, come on. Why work for days, weeks, months, sometimes years to submit a novel you think is worthless?

 

This isn’t to say we writers don’t doubt we can type a single worthwhile word when we stumble over them, not “feeling” them, not knowing where the heck this story intends to go as it stops dead. We shudder. We ache. We cry. We pray. We wonder. We fear. We worry. We threaten to quit. We give up momentarily. We sigh. We wait. We start again.

 

When do we conclude this is the best we can do? Never? Do we go on and on with our own “red pen” attacks and fuss and pick at the words as if they’re old grapes? What tells us it’s time to stop? Just stop already. Let someone else pick it apart. Or stuff it in a drawer, hide it in a file, stick it in a box and shove it under the guest bed or up in the attic.

 

What makes you better?

 

 

Father, I repeat this over and over again because of its incredible truth: apart from you I can do nothing. Only you can inspire more, better. Thank you. In the Name of Jesus, Amen.

Interview with Chila Woychik, Port Yonder Press

 

(Although my questions were primarily directed toward fiction, Chila widened the field for her responses. She graciously gave her time to answer each question thoughtfully and without hesitation. Please note she has her own book coming out later this year.) 

 

Port Yonder Press

excellent, evocative, eclectic - we love the niche in you

 

So who is Chila Woychik?

 

 

 

I'm a very simple gal with a passion for life and a passion to do it right.

 

The attractive, well done, and quite specific website sets the tone for Port Yonder Press, but if you could communicate what matters most to you in operating PYP, what would that be?

 

We pass our days doing something. I want to expand my reach beyond my little world, and I feel I can best do that by doing what I love:  reading, writing, and assisting others in both of those venues.

 

And if there is anything you wish to improve in your publishing endeavors, what would it/they be?

 

I want, every single day, to learn one more way to do what I do BETTER.  I really do strive for that, not just in publishing but in life itself.  "Can't do" isn't an option for me.

 

A common “problem” for writers is the professionals’ approach to publishing which stipulates they only desire writing that “sings”, “is polished”, “is great/excellent”, “is fresh”, and I could go on. Not all certainly but most writers attempt to send their best. And many writers believe—whether or not they’ll admit it publicly—that their writing outshines much of what is published or fills a vacancy in publishing. Are there any specific clarifications you can make for your requirements to submit to PYP?

 

Submitted manuscripts or chapters must be beyond what we commonly call "mass paperback" quality. That's what I'm striving for in my own writing, and that's what I want to see. The only advice I can give about how to get there is to read the top dogs of yesterday and today in the GENERAL MARKET, which in my estimation, almost always stand head and shoulders above most Christian writing. Even if you don't agree with the content, you can learn from the rest: what did they /do/ right among all you think they /said/ wrong? Join a secular critique group. I mean that. Or at least a group friendly to everyone. If that's what it takes to get honest-to-goodness great advice, do it. Fear not, they won't eat you alive, and the experience may actually teach you to write with an empathy and reality second-to-none. Combine that with great writing skills and your underlying faith, and I guarantee you'll have publishers knocking at your door.

Look at it this way:  Insular, isolationist thinking, reading, and writing among Christians is watering down the writing-quality gene pool. I see web-toed, 6-fingered books filling the shelves of most Christian bookstores. Now, how appealing is that to unChristians? Heck, that even makes me sick.

 

Would you agree or disagree that subjectivity plays a considerable role in what makes it into books for individual publishing houses? By “subjectivity” I’m not implying that quality is totally subjective, although I do believe it can be.

 

I used to think it played a HUGE role, but I've recently revised that down. For me, subjectivity may come into play about 25% of the time, especially when I have 2 books to choose from and only time for 1. The balance of my decision is based on story (largest part), writing style, the author him/herself. But who knows? The pie slices may change size again as I become more accustomed to this business and continue to carve out my own niche with PYP.

Perhaps I should ask you what defines “quality” writing for you?

 

You've asked the operative question with that one, for my litmus test for quality surely differs from yours or someone else's. For me, "quality writing" is that which is a notch above commercial, and it's a story or a book of poetry or creative nonfiction that I can't put down--one which I'll gladly grab and reread again and again in the lull of a day. Isn't that what a good book should be?

If a writer hasn't yet discovered that good writing is a result of butt-busting hard work and a lifetime of commitment to such, he's not writing "quality." You don't learn to write well by praying about it.

Do you read novels from the generally accepted CBA menu/publishers? Do you have favorite authors from that market?

 

I really have very little time these days for reading beyond what I have to read. But I read voraciously since a child, so I do have a lot of fiction under my belt--very little of it "CBA" fiction. Frankly, and without belittling anyone, I've been sadly disappointed by the few books I've picked up from those publishers. It may be an over-generalization, but they all appear to have the same "flavor." I'm one who firmly believes there's no better way to turn someone off to true faith than by seeming to imply that when one becomes a Christian, they all of a sudden are pressed into a grave-sized box of Christianity's making. Well, I can guarantee it isn't God who's doing the pressing in that case. He's the God of infinite variety, freedom, and beauty. Let's make our books that way too. I can't think of a better way to reflect him than that.

 

Describe your faith. How does your faith affect the selection of manuscripts you wish to publish? 

 

Everything I do, I do with a no-holds-barred mentality; my faith is the same way. As an older teen I experimented with almost every faith and substance and experience known to man, and Christianity floated to the top as the most viable and reliable among everything. My parents weren't Christians and I had no one there preaching at me. But once I embraced it, I never looked back. Life has beat me around to some degree, and through bouts of skepticism and doubt, Christ has still been the central figure through all that. He's the man for me.

 

Faith guides everything I do. At the same time, I don't believe God expects us to "rubber stamp" everything with Scripture verses and Jesus-speak to be effective representatives of his. In fact, from experience I believe we often do that, overdo the Jesus-Facebook-status thing, to insulate ourselves from the real world around us. I'm continually challenging believers to befriend unChristians, invite them to their Facebook page, to their barbeques or to a restaurant, and then live out a real life before them. Share failures, sorrows, hurts and pain. Be hardcore real. It's easy to turn others off when we insist on keeping a Jesus-bubble around us all the time, ostensibly to protect us from their "dirt." That's the biggest rip-off and cop-out Christians can engage in. Jesus weeps at that, I think. I want books that go beyond that, books that meet people where they are with truth so real that unChristians can't help but be impressed, if by nothing else, by the quality of stories or poetry or creative nonfiction presented. I don't believe I have the right to preach at unChristians until I'm asked. I don't want my books to do it either. As for Christians writing books for Christians? Fine, just don't pat yourself on the back for penning an "evangelical tool" if you're really only preaching to the robed figures behind you.

 

Your biggest complaint(s) about publishing in general?

 

Book mediocrity, for whatever reason. And how damn hard small presses have to work to get a toe-hold in the door of bookstores, even though what we offer may be as good or better than what's there. (And yes, I have the usual complaint here - that some Christians are more concerned that I said "damn" than that their neighbor's drowning next to them ...)

 

Chila, most professionals are making projections about the publishing industry since e-books are establishing a solid contribution to the world of books and reading. Your thoughts?

 

Technology will never slow down now, and there's nothing wrong with that.  Like everyone else, publishers must flex with the times. I find it quite thrilling, though yes, a challenge to keep up. I'd love to stay ahead of the game, but if I can maintain equilibrium at this point, I'll be happy.

 

In an interview with Mike Duran you mentioned your father’s influence. He sounds like a wonderful man. Besides him, who has influenced your desire to produce books?

 

Well, when I come across a small press that's making inroads or doing something new and exciting, even if it isn't working, I find courage to continue innovating. There hasn't been one person who I can point to who has necessarily "influenced my desire to produce books," though a number of people have encouraged me, and I'm very thankful for that.  I'm especially fond of my small press cohorts.

 

You know many pre-published authors will be anxiously reading what you have to say. Since this blog primarily addresses those who write Christian fiction, pinpoint how you view the overall “Christian Fiction” genre and what specifically you’d change or choose to incorporate within it.

 

Christian Fiction has a following and will always have a following, but as for effectiveness, I think it's dead in the water. Please forgive me for my bluntness, and feel free to disagree. But we'll never break out of self-satisfaction mode if we don't at least bring the question to the table.

 

What I'd change: I'd pull the blinders off the belief that not being "of the world" somehow equates with not being "in the world." I'd reacquaint believers with reality by asking them to live in a rescue mission or in an emerging country for a good while, among the people, immersed in the culture, eating the foods and enduring the hardships.  It would force believers to either sink or swim. It would require them to love, really love, if they had any conscience at all about the importance of their Christianity, and it would force them to reassess what that should look like as Jesus-mirrors. It would prepare them to write reality from a worldview which truly exemplifies Jesus Christ, not just an organization's standards.

 

Who is the “ideal” client for Port Yonder Press?

 

A teachable writer who already writes well, isn't afraid to continue learning, is easy to get along with, and is committed to doing about 95% of all their own marketing.

 

Name a few novels of recent and “classic” times that captured the “excellent” moniker for you.

 

I've always read more nonfiction and poetry than novels, but let me think. I would say classics like Little Women, the Anne of Green Gables series, The Essential Dracula, Dorian Gray, Great Expectations, etc. 

 

More recently, I've enjoyed the works of Patrick Rothfuss (The Name of the Wind - a MUST READ), Sylvia Plath (The Bell Jar), China Mieville (Kraken, Perdido Street Station), Margaret Atwood, Virginia Woolf, others.

 

For creative nonfiction, pick up Annie Dillard. For poetry, hit Emily Dickinson ... hard.

 

Sometimes there are factors in your line of work that go unstated, underestimated, maybe even fall under the “intangibles” label. Is there anything you rarely get asked that you want to answer or anything you truly want prospective clients to know about you specifically or PYP?

 

Umm, probably just that I'm a "normal" person first and foremost. As such, I value kindness and friendship and love beyond what I might do for a person as a publisher. Also, that although I have strong opinions about life and faith, I go out of my way to be agreeable, and strive to maintain a tender conscience, so much so that a gentle word often brings me to tears. I love a well-worded challenge of just about any kind, but chuff at the unloving attitudes believers are so quick to throw around under one guise or another. PYP? It's an extension of me, so I suppose if you know me, you know PYP. Same rules apply.

 

 

 

See what initial readers have said about this book
$8.99 includes shipping to continental US
Release date, Early Fall, 2011
Pre-order now.

http://portyonderpress.com/default.aspx

 

 

Father, you know Chila's heart. You know her passions. You know her from the inside out. You've given her the talent, the calling, the desire and determination to do something very difficult. I ask your blessing upon her life, her work, her heart. Please continue to supply what she needs to do the work you've asked of her. In the Name of Jesus, Amen. 

Flag Day

 

              

 

I pledge allegiance to
the Flag of the United States of America,
and to the Republic for which it stands:
one Nation under God, indivisible,
With Liberty and Justice for all.

 

God Bless America.

Tomorrow's featured guest: Chila Woychik of Port Yonder Press

 

For those of you who are considering all the venues presented in publishing today, Chila Woychik, Publisher/Managing Editor of Port Yonder Press and Founding Member of IndieGalaxy Publishers Association, a newly established group of small press owners intent on helping one another succeed, will be with us on Wednesday. Stop by to read her straightforward views on topics of interest to writers.

 

If Chila is nothing else, she’s honest about personal views of the industry as a whole and that of Christian fiction. You might agree or disagree with some or all of her opinions, but you will respect and appreciate her candor and passion.

 

Join us tomorrow for an interview with Chila Woychik.

 

                       PORT YONDER PRESS

 

                  Excellent. Evocative. Eclectic.

 

                    www.PortYonderPress.com

 

 

In the process of . . . Chasing Sunsets

 

The Revell Book Tour features Eva Marie Everson’s latest release Chasing Sunsets, the first in a new series from Eva and another example of good Southern fiction from a current Floridian resident.

 

Although this novel picks up in the aftermath of another messy divorce with a nasty ex-husband gaining favor in the disputed settlement of the time he’s allowed to spend with his boys in the summer, Chasing Sunsets manages to salvage what has become a bit clichéd in CBA fiction regarding the portrayal of mean ol’ ex-husbands and their wives as victims. If this plot point happened occasionally it would be palatable because such cases exist, but it’s almost a constant in CBA literature and it gets old seeing the guys get beat up in stories when in reality ex-wives can be just as lethal. To balance this out in Chasing Sunsets, Eva exposes a not-so-great wife who divorces her worthwhile husband.

 

During the course of Chasing Sunsets, the heroine in this novel, Kimberly “Boo” Clayborne Tucker, is forced to realize her control issues while resolving a self-worth she’s been unable to find or master.

 

Kimberly “Boo” is one of the four lovely daughters of Dr. Clayborne and his beautiful wife who own a beachfront vacation home in Cedar Key, the little island town that never changes as Kimberly finds out during her excursion to that familiar place at her father’s request many years after her mother’s death. Cedar Key held the keys to her heart as a kid and teen when she fell in love for the first time with a commercial boater’s son Steven Granger. During their final summer together before Steven leaves for college, Kim believes they’ll be together forever.

 

The haunting memories of her mother, their mutual interest in photography, particularly on Cedar Key where the sunsets invite both residents and tourists to gather just to watch them, resurrect feelings she doesn’t want to face. When Kim is forced to confront issues about her mother, her dad’s present wife Anise reluctantly explains information Kim had never known. When Kim’s closest sister, Heather, demonstrates similar behaviors to their mother’s, Anise warns Kim not to accuse her dad for his unwillingness to deal with the matter.

 

During the revelations being unveiled to Kim by a now hostile childhood friend as well as her wise elderly neighbor, Kim reunites with Steven, stunned to learn they still hold feelings for each other.

 

Chasing Sunsets is a story of loves, losses, sacrifices, and secrets we keep from ourselves while we press on in our lives that don’t often turn out the way we have them planned. It’s told well, clichés included which somehow fit in with this kind of Southern fiction. The vivid scenery and scents play a role in capturing mood and memories. Back and forth in time told from different perspectives, the story leaves the reader with a sense of hope even though life continues with all its bumps and bruises. 

 

Personally speaking, I don’t care for the cover—or maybe I don’t “get” the cover. I don’t mind the divided images or the colors used, but it really doesn’t work for me as far as speaking to the story. Chances are without having read Eva’s work before this book I wouldn’t have picked it up, and I would’ve missed an interesting story.

 

 

 

Available June 2011 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.

 

http://www.christianbook.com/chasing-sunsets-cedar-key/eva-everson/9780800734367/pd/734367?item_code=WW&netp_id=872021&event=ESRCN&view=details

 

 

Father, please continue to bless Eva's writing, lending her skills to tell regional stories of the human heart. Encourage her as only you can do. In the Name of Jesus, Amen.