What Are You Reading, and Why?

January 23, 2012

Someone’s always asking on facebook, “What are you reading right now?” So in today’s blog, I’m answering that question and giving you an opportunity to do the same.

Why? No one’s paying me to promote their books. I’m not trying to get you to read certain author’s books. I just love to read, I enjoy learning, and I believe that books, through the power of God’s Spirit, do have power to inspire, change and encourage lives. Through the years, books have not only encouraged me; they’ve helped to mentor me and keep me grounded in my faith and Christian walk.  And as a writer, the things I read always enrich my writing.

Why Read?

Sometimes I read for inspiration; sometimes for pleasure. Other books I read for instruction, to broaden my world, to increase my skills, or to strengthen my spiritual life. Why do you read?

I’d like to share with you some of the 100 + books I’ve read in the last year or so. At least that’s how many I remembered to write down. These are not in any order of importance, urgency, favorites, or recommendation. Some are older, some newer books. Some may interest you; others won’t.

There is no book like the Book–God’s Word. That’s a given. But accept today’s post in the spirit in which I write it: to offer you some sources that might encourage you in whatever area you need. And at the end of this blog, be ready to offer your own suggestions about what you’re reading so we can learn from each other. Read more

What If You Never Make the Top Ten–or Anyone’s List?

January 16, 2012

The Top Ten

At the beginning of each year you’ll usually hear or read about a list of  people who have made the”Top Tens”:  Top Ten Fashion Designers, Top Ten Bloggers, Top Ten Musicians, Top Ten Authors, Top Ten Wage Earners.

We may never see our name on a ”Top Ten” list–or on anyone’s positive kind of list. Things in our lives can easily slip from bad to worse. And it’s entirely possible that some circumstances will never change, no matter how hard we try to influence them. Life may never seem fair. How can we possibly handle that without giving in or giving up? Read more

Encouragement for Writers…and You

November 1, 2011

Springtime in Winter

Call me optimistic. Persistent. Unrealistic. Dreamer. But I learned as a writer to discover God’s encouragement in the most ordinary places–like a surprise of Springtime in Winter. Read more

Simple Truth for Today: Live by Faith, Not Inspiration

August 12, 2011

It’s what we trust in but don’t see yet that keeps us going (2 Corinthians 5:7, Message).

It doesn’t really matter what occupation you’re in, you’ll need a healthy dose of faith/perspiration to get through each day. What do I mean by that? Aren’t faith and work opposites?

Because I’m an inspirational writer, the simple truth for today may sound contradictory. Let me try to explain that truth from a writer’s perspective. Do I believe in inspiration? Absolutely! Without God “breathing in,” we writers have nothing to write. Read more

Five Ways to Find Creative Ideas

July 19, 2011

Do you need to jumpstart your brain or create a new project? Are you facing writer‘s block? Do you want to find new ideas for writing an article, book, or blog? Whether you’re a seasoned writer, a wannabe just getting started, or an entrepreneur craving new ventures, here are five ways to find creative ideas and start your fingers flying:

1. Journaling

Keep your “quiet times” with the Lord fresh and up to date. My book shelf is filled with notebook journals where I’ve penned inspirational thoughts from reading God‘s Word. Five minutes on the run might satisfy temporarily, but a writer thirsty to hear from God needs chunks of time: time to think, time to read, time to pray and digest. The majority of my books were born from the pages of those journals. Sometimes the ideas come from Scripture, like my two books, 40 Days in God’s Presence, and 40 Days in God’s Blessing. Other times, I just write my impressions and thoughts from events and life around me.

Whether you use a notebook, a computer, or other device to journal, just do it. Give yourself time to think. Half a writer’s time may involve thinking and meditating about the things you see, read, and hear. And if your journal or device is not handy? I’ve known songwriters who have written their song lyrics on restaurant napkins. Keep a notebook–or something to write on–with you at all times.

Lately, one of the places I’ve found creative ideas is in our church worship service. Inevitably, either during the praise service as the words and music sweep through my spirit, or during the message, ideas begin to flow. I do take sermon notes, but the bulletin also becomes my temporary journal page as well. I confess that at times I’ve even grabbed a small notebook or piece of paper by my bedside to scribble an idea down before I lost it–yes, in the middle of the night–yes, in the dark. As I grow older, I realize ideas will no longer hover around my brain like a buzzard over fresh kill. If I don’t write it immediately, the idea may vanish into the night.

 2. Life Experience 

Have you been through a crisis? Learned any new lessons? Make a list of the things you’ve learned. What stories can you tell from your own life growing up, as a child, as a teen, from your marriage, from places you’ve been. What have you experienced that could minister to someone else? What humorous things have happened to you? Most of my early books, articles, and even blogs have evolved from life experiences–as a child, a wife, a mom, a friend–always with the hope that it might encourage someone else.

My first solo book, At Home in My Heart, Preparing a Place for His Presence, was born from both personal life experiences and journaled thoughts. And my most recent devotionals, Day-votions® for Women, Day-votions® for Mothers®, and Day-votions® for Grandmothers were also conceived from life experiences, along with Bible principles.

3. Nature

Nothing inspires me more than being out in God’s creation, whether it’s in my own backyard, at a mountain retreat, or beside a lazy river. Many of my blogs originated from nature, including the recent 2-blog series, “Lessons from Alaska about God’s Character and Ours.” If you’re stuck in a rut and the walls are closing in, take a break if at all possible. Plan for a brief getaway, go for a walk, or just go outside for a change of pace. And when you are blessed to go on vacation, don’t forget to take your notebook or computer (and I don’t mean for checking e-mail or facebook) for recording fresh inspiration.

4. Photos

As a greeting card writer, photos are especially helpful to me when looking for ideas. But they’ve also created inspiration for articles and blogs. In fact, I’ve become so interested in photography that I often spend as much time finding the right photo as I do the blog itself. Buy yourself a good camera, and watch for photogenic opportunities.

You can also view (and use) pics from free photo places online such as stock.xchng. Or look at old greeting cards, your own photo albums, or visit an art gallery. Ask yourself questions about the photos: “What if’?” “Why?” I love to watch for unusual objects and scenes that might jumpstart my creativity later.

5. Books, Movies, and Newspapers

You’ve heard it before. Good writers are readers. What we read, like what we eat, affects and influences us. Well-written books and inspiring movies embed themselves in your brain, feeding you inspiration and creativity. Vary your reading to include biography, fiction, and non-fiction. Good books will jumpstart your thoughts positively. Many fiction writers have gleaned working plots from newspaper articles. Truth is still stranger than fiction.

I can always tell when my thoughts become dull and uninteresting. I’ve stopped stretching, growing, learning, and reading. I averaged reading at least one, sometimes two books a week this past year. I’d like to read even more. You’d be amazed at the odd times you can find to read if you really want to.

In fact, you’ll be amazed at the ideas you’ll find, the things you’ll write, and the creations you’ll make–if you really want to. I have found that as I seek first to know God intimately, then offer my life as a blank page to the Lord, He fills my file folder full of ideas–many of which were born from places like these. 

And then God answered: “Write this. Write what you see. Write it out in big block letters so that it can be read on the run. This vision-message is a witness pointing to what’s coming. It aches for the coming—it can hardly wait! And it doesn’t lie. If it seems slow in coming, wait. It’s on its way. It will come right on time.” Habakkuk 2:2-3, The Message

What about you? What sparks your creativity? Where do you get your ideas? Please share your comments below. Your words might encourage someone today! You will not be hounded, prodded, or automatically added to my mailing list if you do so. Feel free to email this blog to someone or to re-post on social media, using  the buttons below. If you want to re-post any of my blogs on your own blog or website, please contact me for permission first.

Are You a Late Bloomer in Life?

January 23, 2011

The term late bloomer took on an enlarged meaning for me not too long ago. In early winter this year, I noticed that the butterfly bush in our simple, backyard perennial garden had really blossomed and grown. And I kept seeing a lone yellow butterfly fluttering around it, pausing every now and then to taste of the plant’s sweet nectar.

A little late for the season for both bush and insect, I thought. Read more

How to Accomplish More with Only One Thing

January 8, 2011

We hear it all the time: “Focus on the 6 most important things for today.” “List 3 things you most want to accomplish.” “What are 10 things on your bucket list?” But is it possible to  accomplish more with less? Have you ever tried the pricinple of the One Thing? Read more

Six Questions on Working with a Literary Agent: An Interview with Agent Steve Laube

October 4, 2010

Most of my blogs are devotional and inspirational pieces on Christian living, on your relationships with God and others, but all are geared to encourage the reader.  Among those blogs, I also try to include some encouraging posts for writers. Occasionally I even offer contests and book giveaways.

Today is a two-part blog on working with agents. Last week my guest blog was one of Steve’s recent posts: Ten Commandments for Working with Your Agent. I’ve been working with Steve as my agent since 2004, but I’ve known him for years while he was editor at Bethany House Publishers. My husband and I have both taught with him at writers’ conferences in the past. We respect him as a man of honesty and integrity, and one who knows the writing business well. My writing has flourished as a result of Steve’s work as my agent.

Today’s blog is a brief interview with Steve. He was gracious to answer a few basic questions about working with an agent. You’ll find a more detailed interview of his own as well as much valuable information on writing and working with an agent on Steve’s website. 

1. What should a client expect from you as an agent? Read more

Ten Commandments for Working with Your Agent – A Guest Blog by Steve Laube

September 28, 2010

A few weeks ago, I taught a writer’s workshop where, in addition to sharing about the writing life, I was asked to talk about what it was like working with an agent. Recently, my agent Steve Laube posted this blog on his website. Steve generously gave permission to repost that blog. If you’re interested in writing, his blog gives some humorous, yet great advice on working with an agent:   

By request, here are my Ten Commandments for working with your agent. Break them at your own peril.

1. Thou shalt vent only to thine agent and never directly to thy publisher or editor.

2. Thou shalt not get whipped into a frenzy by the rumor mill fomented by internet loops, groups, Facebook, or blogs.

3. Thou shalt not covet thy neighbor’s success. Be content with thine own contract.

4. If thou hast a dispute with thine agent thou shalt talk to thy agent and seekest resolution. Jumping ship for no good reason is unprofessional…and agents talketh to each other.

5. Thou shalt consider thy deadlines as sacrosanct. Thy hand signeth the contract, therefore thou art obligated. Thou shalt not expect thy agent to miraculously create extra time, at the last minute.

6. Respecteth the boundaries of the communication relationship with thy agent. Do not risketh being classified as a spammer or high maintenance by thy agent.

7. Thou shalt be reasonable and balanced with regard to Facebook, Twitter, blogging, or blogs. Thou art a writer….not a teenager. (Thy social networking and Internet writing shouldeth be related to marketing efforts or to increasing thy platform and readership.) Remembereth…every word written on Facebook is a word not written on thy manuscript.
   [This commandment was revised on 9/25/10  in response to visceral reactions both public and private. I previously stated that a writer should spend no more than an hour a week with social networking and blogs. Boy did I touch a nerve!]

8. Keepeth it all in perspective. Selling only eight thousand books still meaneth 8,000 people have “bought a ticket” to read thy work. That crowd would filleth a basketball arena.

9. Remember thy calling to be a writer and keep it holy. You are in the business of changing the world word by word. Everything else is secondary.

10. Thou shall rise and call thy agent blessed. (and send chocolates at Christmas and cash on birthdays…)

If thou dost not have an agent, do not passeth “Go.” Instead grabbeth one and bringeth said agent into thy camp ASAP. This industry is a labyrinth and thou shalt some day discover thou needest one, and then it shall be too late. Real life examples available upon request.

Permission is granted to use Steve’s blog in your own blog or web site, as long as you include the following copyright notice:
© 2010 Steve Laube of The Steve Laube Agency (www.stevelaube.com)

When I wrote a general comment on Steve’s blog, I learned another simple rule (this one about communicating on the web): “Thou shalt make sure you give the right url when commenting on another’s (or your agent’s) blog.” Fortunately, my agent came to the rescue and corrected my inaccurate url.

Check out Steve Laube’s website above for more writer tips and helpful information on the writing industry.  His site is loaded with good advice.

What about you? What do you think about these rules? Share your comments below.

NEXT: AN INTERVIEW WITH AGENT STEVE LAUBE

Related:

Ten Commandments for Writers

Rebecca’s Writing Rules of Disorder

 

What Makes Your Heart Sing?

April 19, 2010

 

Feeling cranky, tired, discouraged or edgy? Sure, it could be hunger or hormones, but the problem could go deeper.

Recently, I was suffering from “technology overload”–and a prolonged schedule packed with new “learning curves.” We’ve been married so long, my husband reognized the symptoms immediately. It was time to talk.

“What makes your heart sing?” he asked gently but firmly. “I think that’s the real problem.”

I knew immediately what he meant. Maybe you do, too. Read more