Thursday, June 11, 2020
Thursday, May 14, 2020
PENS OF PRAISE
CHRISTIAN WRITERS GROUP
Tuesday, MAY 19,
2020
6:00 –
8:00 p.m.
Zoom Conference
Anyone
wishing to attend, please contact me at susanmarlenewrites@gmail.com. I will send you the information needed to join the meeting. You must do so before noon on
Tuesday, May 19th.
So,
in essence the
meeting is held at your home - USA
Your couch or chair. Your choice of refreshments from your
fridge—still no running to Kathy’s house for treats! 😊
Susan Marlene will share To Tag or Not to Tag & Footnotes or No Notes for the
topic this month. Let’s enter the wonderful world of tagging dialogue for your
novel or memoir together! Also included are those nuggets of whatever she can
dig up on that almost forgotten art of adding footnotes to your nonfiction projects.
I’m sure that many writers are taking advantage of extra time at home to pen
encouragement, how-to, or fiction amid this pandemic. When it is in your power
to lift another—what will you say? How will you say it?
I will send the lesson materials to our Pens of Praise group. If
anyone else would like this information pre-meeting, please request To
Tag or Not to Tag & Footnotes or No Notes at susanmarlenewrites@gmail.com
Inspired
readers given excellent take-away = return readers!
We are a safe place to share, and Pens Meetings are free.
As always, if you have any questions or concerns
don’t hesitate to contact Becky McLafferty @ rebeccamclafferty@gmail.com or
SECRETS OF WAYFARERS INN, Family Secrets by Becky Melby
This novel
combines both Contemporary, and 1856 Marietta, Ohio, character threads. This
story offers the best of both worlds while merging two time periods into one
sweet tale of courage and so much more.
Contemporary,
Marietta, Ohio
LuAnn,
Tess, and Janice spring onto the page with fresh enthusiasm that only those
newly retired and showing almost fearlessly pursuit of dreams can! What
a fun story of trust, challenge, and characters that must confront the local
mystery head-on, which just may include an interesting building linked with an
1826 Underground Railroad! Who will these three out-of-town ladies trust? Maybe
Mr. Grimes, or maybe not? Will they have
what it takes to follow through and reach their goal? These are unlikely women for
such a situation, but Becky Melby skillfully flips the impossible into quite
probable—causing this reader to think—sure these situations could happen! LuAnn
Sherrill, Tess Wallace, and Janice Eastman have the right background of loss
and experience that merge their trust to move past usual boundaries friends
share.
1856
Marietta, Ohio
Prudence
and Jason Willard have a story of their own, and Becky weaves the essence of
their courage and sacrifice with these modern-day ladies who hold a vision that
would complement the past if everything goes they hope. My one regret about
reading this story is my disappointment that LuAnn, Tess, Janice, and Prudence
can’t sit down and take tea with me at a local coffee shop. This story kept my
attention, offered surprise, and entertained me with these adorable characters!
I love the accents of the 1800s and will return to visit my new imaginary
friends from time to time. This is a story that I highly recommend!
QUESTIONS FOR
BECKY:
I love the write up that you did about the building featured in this story! The historical candy you sprinkle throughout fascinates me. But I must know is the Ohio Star quilt a real historical quilt?
Yes. The Ohio Star quilt is made of nine-patch blocks formed by quarter-square triangles around a central square. The pattern is believed to have been created in the early 1800's, but similar patterns were used by Martha Washington and Dolly Madison well before that time.
What was your favorite historical tidbit that you used in LuAnn, Tess, and Janice or Prudence’s story?
My husband and I took a research trip to Marietta. Visiting the Levee House, the inspiration for Wayfarers Inn, was the highlight of the trip. Over the years, the building served as a dry goods store, hotel, barbershop, tavern, brothel, and an automotive shop where Studebakers were assembled. Looking at the pressed tin ceiling and weathered brick made me feel like I was seeing it for the first time right along with LuAnn, Tess, and Janice. I could easily imagine Prudence sneaking in after dark with people she’d ferried across the Ohio River on their journeys to freedom in Canada.
Your characters are rich and feel as though they are real. How do you start choosing their personalities?
The Guidepost editors create the characters for their cozy mystery continuity series. Each author receives a description of their age, appearance, family and career situations, and a tiny bit about their personalities. I was honored to write the first book of the Wayfarers Inn series, so I got to flesh them out with likes, dislikes, quirks, and past experiences. Since I’m in the same age bracket as the Inn Crowd, it was easy to “steal” some hopes, dreams, worries, habits and traits from myself and my circle of friends. (Don’t tell them!)
Where is your favorite place to dream and plot stories?
I don’t actually have a special place. I carry plots and characters around in my brain and they are quite undisciplined—jabbering at me at all hours of the day and night. I have to make sure I have pen and paper or my phone notes app handy so I don’t lose anything they’re saying. My writing desk overlooks the old farmhouse across the street and acres of open fields with only one giant oak in the middle. Always inspiring.
Is there anything you would like to share with your readers about the emotional journey these contemporary women or sweet Prudence Willard shared on your pages?
Newly retired and all single, LuAnn, Tess, and Janice could have chosen a quiet life of rest and relaxation, but their college pact to “Never be boring or bored” and never to act their age, created a mindset that allowed them to be open to the seemingly crazy idea of buying an old, run-down building and turning it into a Bed & Breakfast. I hope their gutsy choices and perseverance in the face of obstacles inspires women of all ages to live full, vibrant lives.
Where do you want your readers to find you?
Please come and visit me at beckymelby.com, Becky Melby Author Page, or Fill My Cup, Lord, where I blog every Friday.
Thank you, Susan, for the opportunity to spend time with your readers. Happy reading, everyone!
https://www.facebook.com/Becky-Melby-Author-Page-147542291976020/
https://www.facebook.com/coffeewithgirlfriends/
Wednesday, April 22, 2020
“ENCOURAGING PUZZLE PIECES” is the topic this month. Rebecca McLafferty and Susan
Marlene are team teaching on writing encouragement in the midst of a pandemic.
When our lives are altered what can we do to lift others from their doldrums?
We will all have time to share our pieces of the puzzle.
Have you ever worked on a 1000-piece puzzle that seemed
impossible? One that didn’t hold boldly varied colors and angles but only a
misty blending of similar swirling tones and non-defined shapes? Sometimes that
is how life feels. We can’t seem to make sense of the trials and limitations
that bind us to our homes or circumstances.
That’s why it is so beneficial to be a writer.
Writing offers sweet release. Let’s consider this more
thoroughly. Have you discovered that focusing on others when sharing the lessons
you’ve learned through a painful trauma somehow takes a portion of the sting
away? To have a purpose—a goal—to make stronger or wiser those who may
experience the same stressful situations can be quite soothing—for them and for
you.
I start with prayer! There is such a big bad world
out there, with many needy people who are looking for entertainment, guidance,
hope, comfort, and encouragement. So, I suggest that we begin by picking who
we wish to reach.
Pre-school, grade-schoolers, Jr. High, High school, or
adults? The elderly? Now narrow this down to educated with some college, or
high school proficiency? Uneducated- who needs more straightforward wording and
more photos or artwork? How about those with hobbies such as fishing, travel,
cooking, sewing, biking, camping, etc. the list goes on.
Once you choose the who, then decide what you
wish to communicate? Will you teach something worthwhile or entertain them?
Even with fiction, there is problem-solving demonstrated that the reader examines
to see if they can apply the hero’s techniques so that they can win in their
lives. The drive to survive is powerful, and we search for ways to become
stronger or wiser when difficulties descend upon us. That is what our minds do—
they are always searching for survival and to be empowered and successful.
Now you need to know where. Yes, where can you
write this fantastic stuff that will benefit the world or even a small tribe of
readers? I suggest that you look to writing for your political party,
historical societies, newspapers or examine the Christian Writers Market Guide
for short stories, periodicals, or self-publishers or traditional publishers.
Outline your ideas. Take your pen in hand and
write down your first thought. Draw a line out from that central idea and add
another and then the next and the next. I’m sure a plan will develop right before your
eyes. We often wait until we have it all in our brains before we start. But I
say just start and see what your minds come up with!
During this pandemic, I chose to write a book/author review
on a Bible study that I want people to know about. YOUR BEAUTIFUL PURPOSE
by Susie Larson reaches down into our hearts because she is vulnerable
and transparent, and her own healing relationship with the Lord shines through.
Her giving of her self and how she connected with the Lord through tremendous
trials gave the people in our Bible study group hope. Hope in the middle of
trials and discouragement. That we would walk in courage and His Truth during
our separate trials and pain. I didn’t sell this. I offered it freely on my
website, but I probably could have. There is no shame in that. Selling our work
will reach different readers.
Particular “apples of gold in settings of silver” ways of
sharing are:
Humorous cards to encourage the downtrodden.
Poetry for someone—whatever the situation—happy, sad, or in-between.
Letters or notes of appreciation for who others have been to you!
All of these examples present encouragement that you may offer.
Assisting others to put their puzzle pieces together for those in need of
comedy, direction, courage, or truth among other worthy topics!
What writing have you been working on? If you’ve not started
on a project nipping at your mind, what venue are interested in? Can we offer
suggestions for you to aim your though like an arrow so that you can hit your
bullseye?
Let’s share what we are working on or what we wish to—if you
want to! I can look through the Christian Writers Market Guide to see if we can
find your target location! I highly suggest getting one of these books for
yourself for they are very helpful!
Monday, April 20, 2020
This Bible study book is an invitation and how to
abide in the Lord! Having purpose is precious and vital. Does not our purpose
bump into and influence others? So, seeking Him and flowing in the becoming you
are meant to grow into is a journey worth paying attention to. Suzie’s
heartfelt depth of sharing is transparent and relatable. She reveals the
difficulties and choices that brought her into an overcoming relationship with
the Lord.
Several friends and I gathered together to study one
two-lesson section every two weeks. We began each lesson with the video that Susie
had prepared for each section. The DVD was a very inexpensive and perfect asset
to this teaching. I was pleased with the level of intimacy that our small group
of women shared together and especially with our focus on the Lord.
The opening of her book starts with the encouraging
scripture, II Thessalonians 1:11–12, The Message. I found that scripture
perfectly aligned with this study, as was the touching forward by Ann Woskamp.
Sharing Susie Larson’s lesson by lesson topics at our meetings, which covered
everything from believing in yourself—facing your fears—to lasting long and
finishing strong—just to name a few, brought us freedom in Him. We were stunned
by the level of tender encouragement and wisdom generously offered throughout.
This is a book on how to overcome interferences that
get in the way of really living—living in the healthy joyful freedom in Christ.
Your Beautiful Purpose was just the book for me and for those of
us who gathered together. I hope you will consider this study for you and your
friends. Susie Larson is a popular radio show host, author, and national
speaker. She has experienced hurts that could allow her to wallow in anger and
damage for the rest of her life. Yet, Susie chose to follow His lead, and she’s
become a blessing to those who will apply the wisdom lining her pages! She is most highly recommended!
What is your favorite lesson in this study? Thank
you for asking! I don’t know if I can narrow it down to particular lesson, but
I will say that I long for women to rightly interpret their battles, overcome
their fears and insecurities and learn to trust Jesus with their whole lives. If
they will stay humble and teachable and persist in faith, they’ll marvel at all
God is willing to do in and through them. The world needs their influence. Lots
of readers have told me how helpful the four seasons were in discerning what
obedience and faith might look like in their particular season of life.
If you have something to say to women today, this
moment, what would that be? I
would grab your shoulders, look in your eyes and tell you that God’s will for
you is your best-case scenario. You can trust Him! After walking with the Lord
for a long time, I know more deeply than I’ve ever known before how kind, wise,
and protective God is; He withholds no good thing from those who love and honor
Him (Psalm 84:11), so, if we don’t have it yet, it’s because it’s not good for
us yet. Don’t allow self-ambition to drive you ahead of God’s timing. And don’t
allow self-preservation to hold you back from God’s best for you. He’s so, so
good. He deserves your trust and your whole life.
Do you have another book coming out? If so, what is
the title? I’ve released
a number of books/DVD studies since the “Purpose” book released. The most
recent being, “Fully Alive: Learning to Flourish, Mind, Body, and Spirit.” This
book is all about inner healing. What happens in our soul, happens in our
cells. Jesus wants to restore your soul and that means He not only wants to
strengthen you where you’re weak, and revive you where you’re weary, He wants
to heal you from past traumas, unearth embedded lies, and release you from
repetitive thoughts that keep you stuck. We’ve heard incredible stories of
healing and restoration from this book. Thank you, Lord! My next book releases
in September and it’s a 365-day devotional titled, “Prevail” which means to
prove more powerful than your opponent. I walk us through the whole arc of
scripture, from Genesis to Revelation.
Since you are a radio show host, can women find your
station online? How? Yes!
We have an amazing show and I think you’d love it. We have amazing guests and
rich, deep conversation. If you’re outside our network, you can listen live
online (listen online and/or find our list of markets on www.myfaithradio.com). You can also download our free app
(search Faith Radio Network) or subscribe to the podcast which we upload right
after the live show. We’ve got podcast listeners from around the world.
Subscribe on iTunes or on your favorite podcast player. We give away books
almost every day on the show. Hope you’ll join us!
How do you carve out time to write as you navigate
your busy world? That’s a
great question. And the word, “carve” is perfect for this question. That’s what
I do. Since I work in daily talk-radio and I speak at conferences and retreats
in the fall and the spring seasons, I use my summer months and winter months to
write. I carve out the time during the week (just a few hours here and there),
and then I write a longer day on Saturdays.
Friday, April 17, 2020
PENS OF PRAISE
CHRISTIAN WRITERS GROUP
APRIL 21, 2020
6:00 –
8:00 p.m.
Zoom Conference zoom.us
You
need to set up your account with zoom ahead of time because it takes a few
steps. I, Susan, took photos of most of the steps and will share those if
you need them. Just email me at susanmarlenewrites@gmail.com.
Meeting Held at Your Home - USA
Your couch or chair. Your choice of refreshments from your
fridge—no running to Kathy’s house for treats! 😊
“ENCOURAGING
PUZZLE PIECES” is the topic this month.
Rebecca McLafferty and Susan Marlene are team teaching on writing encouragement
in the midst of a pandemic. When our lives are altered what can we do to lift
others from their doldrums? We will all have time to share our pieces of the
puzzle.
Rebecca and I will send the lesson materials to our Pens of Praise
group. If anyone else would like this information please request APRIL LESSONS
for ENCOURAGING PUZZLE PIECES at susanmarlenewrites@gmail.com
Inspired
readers given excellent take-away = return readers!
We are a safe place to share and Pens Meetings are free.
As always, if you have any questions or concerns
don’t hesitate to contact Becky McLafferty @ rebeccamclafferty@gmail.com or
Thursday, April 2, 2020
Cornwall, England, 1818
This Regency tale embraces an ancient estate with a
troubling reputation. Being a companion for her cousin Jane, will not be the needed
escape that Julia Twethewey anticipated. Chapter one sets the dangers and mystery
afoot as tall, blond Isaac Blake interrupts a crime. Sarah Ladd skillfully lures
her readers through mystery, mayhem, and danger that is quite captivating. The
characters dispersed throughout the story are rich and varied. The mystery kept
this reader glued to the pages ever wishing to find out—yet equally wishing the
tale would never end! Dangers within and without kept the tension taut.
I really liked both the heroine and hero, and their
struggles to grow through their challenges were well laid. Sarah Ladd certainly
knows how to widen the tension beyond the manor and into the neighborhood, which
has a partnership with the concerns and troubles pushing the characters onward.
Yes, yes, indeed, I loved this story. Every time Sarah Ladd releases a new novel—I’m
running to purchase it! As is my sister, Pat. Sarah always provides excellent
depth in her characters and adventures for them to frolic within. This is an
excellent read that I’m happy to point your attention toward, for it is worth
every bit of time it takes to read this novel.
You may find Sarah Ladd online at sarahladd.com to see her
book news and or join her newsletter and discover her promotions.
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