Sermon notes
Last Sunday the minister told more of the story of Nehemiah based on chapter 6. I wanted to list all the building blocks he spoke about that Nehemiah used to encourage the people to stand firm in rebuilding Jerusalem's wall, but the bulletin went through the wash in my husband's clothes! So, I will just share two points that I can still make out and which refer to any mission God has given us in life--1)whether it is a physical or spiritual need, we should seek God's vision for it instead of our own, and 2)when we are sure of the vision, we have to remember to not just stare up the steps, but to step up the stairs! Good advice for all endeavors!
Saturday, March 24, 2007
Monday, March 12, 2007
Author Interview: DiAnn Mills
I am happy to share an interview with one of my favorite authors and fellow ACFW member--DiAnn Mills.
RM: Hi, DiAnn. I hope you will tell us a little about yourself. How old were you when you began writing?
DM: Actually I was in the second grade. I wrote poetry and stories. Then I remember filling up a Big Chief pad with my first book - a western. I don’t remember what happened in the story except the hero always rode off into the west at the end of each chapter. I imagine it resembled Wagon Train, since that was my favorite TV show at the time. My goodness, I hope some of your readers know that classic!
RM: I certainly do. What is the most important aspect of your writing?
DM: Without a doubt, it is characterization. I’m a character-driven writer, and that means my goal is to write real “people” who react and respond to the events and happenings in their lives according to their traits. When you consider how long we have lived to develop our character, then you have an idea the formidable job a writer has in developing credible, colorful, and compelling characters. Characterization drives plot. Stop for a moment to consider your favorite books or movies. The plot may have intricate twists and turns, but it’s the characters who become unforgettable.
RM: I agree. You write many different types of stories. Do you have a favorite genre?
DM: ☺ That’s like asking a mother which child is her favorite!
I enjoy writing historicals because of the romance of an older era. The obstacles that stood in the way of these people bred courage and strength into their lives. Their problems weren’t any different than the ones we face today, but how the characters solved them presents an intriguing writing project for me.
I enjoy writing a contemporary because it is who we are today. Our lives are fast-paced and stressful. We are courted by TV, movies, magazines, and newspapers. Every headline, every magazine article, every viewed program sparks ideas of how a character could handle a problem. I thrive on suspense and the challenges of a protagonist who lives his/her life from a Christian point of view.
I’ve never tackled sci-fi, fantasy, children, or speculative. But who knows?
RM: What part of the writing process is your favorite?
DM: I don’t think I have a favorite because the process all builds to a finished project: a novel that inspires and entertains.
I’ve already stated how I feel about characterization.
Plotting is an extension of characterization. The actual breakout of words on paper and seeing the story come to life thrills me.
Editing to make my novel the best.
Marketing and networking is an opportunity to promote the story God has given me and to make new friends.
RM: You are great at all these aspects. What part of the writing process is your least favorite?
DM: The scary part. When the book is released. I think of it like a mom who sends her precious child to the first day of school. She wants the child to behave and have everyone love him/her, but what if the child comes home with a note that says the child was naughty?
RM: LOL As a mother I love that analogy! What do you feel is the key to continuous publication?
DM: I’d say it is a mixture of things. Striving to always make the next project better than the previous. Bathing the project with prayer. Listening for the voice of God. And, for me, mentoring new writers. I love to help someone achieve their writing goals.
RM: You have helped me and many other new writers through your excellent teaching at conferences and articles on your website. I hear you and other writers use the word “passion” when you speak about writing. What does that mean to you?
DM: Passion in writing involves a number of aspects. At least it does for me. Passion for writing is like telling a pastor to preach his best sermon, a singer to sing his favorite song, a dancer to reenact the finest performance, or an artist to transfer a dream onto canvas. Many times a writer has this type of feeling or a passion for a topic or story idea. The writer cannot not write it.
RM: How true! How do you feel about critique partners?
DM: Mine are fantastic. I like another set of eyes to read my work critically. I want to know if it works and what doesn’t. Are the characters real? Is the plot believable? Does the dialogue seem to lift off the page? And have I added the right amount of sensory perception.
RM: One of the questions I am asked frequently is where I get my story ideas. Where did you get your inspiration for The Texas Legacy Series?
DM: For years I had this idea about a lady outlaw who decides that she’s had enough and leaves the gang. Along the way, she finds the Lord, but the guilt and shame of her past plague her journey. That was Leather and Lace. In the writing of the first book, I realized the hero had a brother and sister. Each one had a story that begged to be told. Lanterns and Lace is about the younger brother, a doctor who adopts an infant from a dying prostitute. Lightning and Lace is about the sister who is forced to face life as a widow and runs head-on into a man who is attempting to live down a troubled past.
RM: Sounds great! I can't wait to read Lightning and Lace. What tips can you give new writers?
DM: Write everyday.
Establish a time and stick to it.
Read your genre and out of your genre.
Attend writing conferences
Be diligent to the craft.
What you learn, pass on to someone else
Be teachable – both mentally and spiritually
RM: Thanks, DiAnn, for these words of wisdom.
I hope my readers will check out DiAnn's website at www.diannmills.com where you can read more about her and even read a sample from Lightning and Lace, her latest book.
I am happy to share an interview with one of my favorite authors and fellow ACFW member--DiAnn Mills.
RM: Hi, DiAnn. I hope you will tell us a little about yourself. How old were you when you began writing?
DM: Actually I was in the second grade. I wrote poetry and stories. Then I remember filling up a Big Chief pad with my first book - a western. I don’t remember what happened in the story except the hero always rode off into the west at the end of each chapter. I imagine it resembled Wagon Train, since that was my favorite TV show at the time. My goodness, I hope some of your readers know that classic!
RM: I certainly do. What is the most important aspect of your writing?
DM: Without a doubt, it is characterization. I’m a character-driven writer, and that means my goal is to write real “people” who react and respond to the events and happenings in their lives according to their traits. When you consider how long we have lived to develop our character, then you have an idea the formidable job a writer has in developing credible, colorful, and compelling characters. Characterization drives plot. Stop for a moment to consider your favorite books or movies. The plot may have intricate twists and turns, but it’s the characters who become unforgettable.
RM: I agree. You write many different types of stories. Do you have a favorite genre?
DM: ☺ That’s like asking a mother which child is her favorite!
I enjoy writing historicals because of the romance of an older era. The obstacles that stood in the way of these people bred courage and strength into their lives. Their problems weren’t any different than the ones we face today, but how the characters solved them presents an intriguing writing project for me.
I enjoy writing a contemporary because it is who we are today. Our lives are fast-paced and stressful. We are courted by TV, movies, magazines, and newspapers. Every headline, every magazine article, every viewed program sparks ideas of how a character could handle a problem. I thrive on suspense and the challenges of a protagonist who lives his/her life from a Christian point of view.
I’ve never tackled sci-fi, fantasy, children, or speculative. But who knows?
RM: What part of the writing process is your favorite?
DM: I don’t think I have a favorite because the process all builds to a finished project: a novel that inspires and entertains.
I’ve already stated how I feel about characterization.
Plotting is an extension of characterization. The actual breakout of words on paper and seeing the story come to life thrills me.
Editing to make my novel the best.
Marketing and networking is an opportunity to promote the story God has given me and to make new friends.
RM: You are great at all these aspects. What part of the writing process is your least favorite?
DM: The scary part. When the book is released. I think of it like a mom who sends her precious child to the first day of school. She wants the child to behave and have everyone love him/her, but what if the child comes home with a note that says the child was naughty?
RM: LOL As a mother I love that analogy! What do you feel is the key to continuous publication?
DM: I’d say it is a mixture of things. Striving to always make the next project better than the previous. Bathing the project with prayer. Listening for the voice of God. And, for me, mentoring new writers. I love to help someone achieve their writing goals.
RM: You have helped me and many other new writers through your excellent teaching at conferences and articles on your website. I hear you and other writers use the word “passion” when you speak about writing. What does that mean to you?
DM: Passion in writing involves a number of aspects. At least it does for me. Passion for writing is like telling a pastor to preach his best sermon, a singer to sing his favorite song, a dancer to reenact the finest performance, or an artist to transfer a dream onto canvas. Many times a writer has this type of feeling or a passion for a topic or story idea. The writer cannot not write it.
RM: How true! How do you feel about critique partners?
DM: Mine are fantastic. I like another set of eyes to read my work critically. I want to know if it works and what doesn’t. Are the characters real? Is the plot believable? Does the dialogue seem to lift off the page? And have I added the right amount of sensory perception.
RM: One of the questions I am asked frequently is where I get my story ideas. Where did you get your inspiration for The Texas Legacy Series?
DM: For years I had this idea about a lady outlaw who decides that she’s had enough and leaves the gang. Along the way, she finds the Lord, but the guilt and shame of her past plague her journey. That was Leather and Lace. In the writing of the first book, I realized the hero had a brother and sister. Each one had a story that begged to be told. Lanterns and Lace is about the younger brother, a doctor who adopts an infant from a dying prostitute. Lightning and Lace is about the sister who is forced to face life as a widow and runs head-on into a man who is attempting to live down a troubled past.
RM: Sounds great! I can't wait to read Lightning and Lace. What tips can you give new writers?
DM: Write everyday.
Establish a time and stick to it.
Read your genre and out of your genre.
Attend writing conferences
Be diligent to the craft.
What you learn, pass on to someone else
Be teachable – both mentally and spiritually
RM: Thanks, DiAnn, for these words of wisdom.
I hope my readers will check out DiAnn's website at www.diannmills.com where you can read more about her and even read a sample from Lightning and Lace, her latest book.
Friday, March 02, 2007
Beth Moore simulcast
Last weekend I had the opportunity to attend a Beth Moore Bible study by simulcast. I had seen and heard her in person twice before, and wondered what this would be like in comparison. It was a great experience, and I would encourage anyone who has a chance to attend one of her Bible studies to do so, whether live or by simulcast or video tape.
Each of the three sessions began with lively praise and worship led by Travis Cottrell. The Beth spoke with humbleness yet great power about God's deliverance. She said her message was a further teaching based on her new book Get Out of that Pit. She began by reading from Psalm 40, verse 2: "He lifted me out of the slimy pit, out of the mud and mire; He set my feet on a rock and gave me a firm place to stand." Her key passage was Psalm 18. One of my favorite verses from this Scripture is verse 19 where David says, "He brought me out into a spacious place; He rescued me because He delighted in me." How precious to think of Him delighting in me--in each of us!
I hope you will check out Beth's studies at www.lproof.org which is the website for Living Proof Ministries and get involved in a personal or group study led by Beth Moore. I also hope my readers will recommend any of the Beth Moore or other Bible studies they have found beneficial so we can all grow in His wisdom.
Last weekend I had the opportunity to attend a Beth Moore Bible study by simulcast. I had seen and heard her in person twice before, and wondered what this would be like in comparison. It was a great experience, and I would encourage anyone who has a chance to attend one of her Bible studies to do so, whether live or by simulcast or video tape.
Each of the three sessions began with lively praise and worship led by Travis Cottrell. The Beth spoke with humbleness yet great power about God's deliverance. She said her message was a further teaching based on her new book Get Out of that Pit. She began by reading from Psalm 40, verse 2: "He lifted me out of the slimy pit, out of the mud and mire; He set my feet on a rock and gave me a firm place to stand." Her key passage was Psalm 18. One of my favorite verses from this Scripture is verse 19 where David says, "He brought me out into a spacious place; He rescued me because He delighted in me." How precious to think of Him delighting in me--in each of us!
I hope you will check out Beth's studies at www.lproof.org which is the website for Living Proof Ministries and get involved in a personal or group study led by Beth Moore. I also hope my readers will recommend any of the Beth Moore or other Bible studies they have found beneficial so we can all grow in His wisdom.
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