A Life Without Dreams

My cousin reminded me I had dreamed of being a writer since I was young.

I'm thankful God had given me the opportunity to fulfill that dream.

Do you have a dream? Something you've wanted to do?

Has God placed a desire on your heart?

Ask God for guidance and a chance to make the dream come true.

 

Fiction Review: The Extraordinary Deaths of Mrs. Kip: A Novel by Sara Brunsvold

Book Description:
Aidyn Kelley is talented, ambitious, and ready for a more serious assignment than the fluff pieces she's been getting as a cub reporter for the Kansas City Star. In her eagerness, she pushes too hard, earning herself the menial task of writing an obituary for an unremarkable woman who's just entered hospice care.

But there's more to Clara Kip than meets the eye. The spirited septuagenarian may be dying, but she's not quite ready to cash it in yet. Never one to shy away from an assignment herself, she can see that God brought the young reporter into her life for a reason. And if it's a story Aidyn Kelley wants, that's just what Mrs. Kip will give her--but she's going to have to work for it.

Debut author Sara Brunsvold delights with this emotional multigenerational story that shows that the very best life is made up of thousands of little deaths to self. You'll want to be just like Mrs. Kip when you grow up!

My Thoughts:
The Extraordinary Deaths of Mrs. Kip took great talent and understanding to write. Brunsvold created a beautiful story of life and death that touched on every emotion. Clara Kip believes in God and trusts Him in everything, but only after life had tromped on her heart. Aidyn Kelley wants to succeed as the journalist she knows she can be, if only the editor would give her the chance. Through connections unknown to Aidyn, she is given an assignment that involves Mrs. Kip. The more she learns about the woman, the more fascinated she becomes. If you want to read a story that tugs at the heart-strings and leaves you with hope, this one is for you. I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Writing Article on Blue Ridge Mountain Conference Blog

 I have a writing article on Blue Ridge Mountain Conference blog today.

Write What Your Character Tells You 

Am I my Words?

James 3:17

But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere.

I am my words.

When I worked at the library, I hung encouraging reminders above my desk. Many of them have moved to my refrigerator since I retired. One magnet I'd picked up at a book conference said, "You are your words." I thought about that phrase a lot. People observe actions, which are important, but in this world where we chat on social media my words speak for me. When no one can see me—I am my words.

Recently, I attended an online writers' conference. One of the speakers shared about writing on social media. She encouraged us to determine our posting value and to filter our words through these values. She mentioned three I also impose on myself. Be fun, inspirational, and encouraging. One I'd add, teach Jesus' truth.

As a believer in the Bible and Jesus, I find myself clinging to these values and seeking God's wisdom more than ever. You see, I have opinions about the world, but do my opinions speak the wisdom I seek from God. I have thoughts on what might be best, but would my ideas help or hurt? Would they flame an unnecessary fire? James 3:5 says, "Likewise, the tongue is a small part of the body, but it makes great boasts. Consider what a great forest is set on fire by a small spark."

I am my words. As I pen my weekly devotion, I have to ask myself if my words help or harm. When I respond to a Facebook post am I sharing good news or stirring an already boiling pot.

One thing I've learned and try to practice is to pray before my fingers touch the keyboard. I'm not perfect, sometimes I forget, but I try to put Jesus' wisdom before my own. Opinions are good, thoughts are great, and I value freedom of expression. But I'm called by my Father to be considerate and kind, a vessel for his peace and grace.

What values do you align yourself with? Seek God's wisdom as you express your thoughts and ideas. He loves us and wants us to show Him to the world.

A New Writing Gig

Hi,

I've joined a lovely group of ladies on the blog Putting on the New. I hope you'll take a look at this wonderful, encouraging site.

Finding beauty in everyday things,

Penny

Writer off the Leash: Growing in the Writing Craft

Of all the writing books I've read, and I've read a lot, this is the best one. I wish I’d had it when I first started writing fiction. Michelle's sense of humor makes the book fun to read. Her great explanations and advice make the book a keeper. I’ll refer to it over and over again. She doesn’t just give the nuts and bolts of writing fiction, she gets to the heart of why a writer writes and has the reader ask themselves questions that reveal whether they have a heart for writing. If you have any interest in or already write fiction, buy this book. Seriously, buy this book.

The Peace of Winter

I've always loved January. In Ohio, the first month of the year is usually cold and sometimes we are blessed with snow. Ideally, I like to stay home and write or spend the day reading, snuggled under a warm blanket, with a cup of tea. But like most folks, I go to work each day.

Nevertheless, I find ways to relish the beauty of winter. I appreciate the frozen scenery as I trek to work after a winter snow. I nestle in my living room after supper and share the time at home with my husband and dogs. And I write. I don't spend as much time outside, so that gives me more time
to rattle the keyboard and bring my ideas to life.

This January is no different. I'm working on my new work-in-progress, Faith, Hope and Hot Chocolate. I've returned to Turtle Creek to see what God has in store for Lily June and Finn.

I hope you stay warm and enjoy the peace of winter.

Work In Progress

Hi,

I’m so glad you stopped by. For the blog hop, I’m talking about my work in progress, my first ever novel. I’m excited to say that I’ve finished the rough draft and am in the process of editing.

What is the working title of your book?Peace, Love and Mashed Potatoes 
I chose this title because my main character finds all of those things when she moves home after several years away.

Where did the idea come from for the book?

The idea was planted in my heart by God. I never dreamed that I’d write fiction. I’ve been writing devotions, book reviews and articles for several years. One day God nudged me to write Willow’s story. When the story came to me, I knew that Willow was a troubled soul who needed to find her way home. Because I love stories where the town has a strong role, I wanted Willow to return home to a place that had memories, but had also changed.

What genre does your book fall under?

I’ve settled on the contemporary romance genre after playing around with women’s fiction and romance.Which actors would you choose to play your characters in a movie rendition?

 
Willow Abbott would be played by Gemma Arterton. 

Reed McRae would be played by Rob Mayes.

Bess (Willow’s sister) would be played by Emily Blunt.

Micah (Bess’s husband) would be played by Geoff Stutts.

Bailey Joy (Bess and Micah’s daughter) would be played by Taylor Hogue.

Annie Abbott (Willow’s mom) would be played by Bianca Spender.

What is the one-sentence synopsis of your book?

For Willow Abbott, moving home meant a short break until she found a new job, but Reed McRae has other ideas that might just involve her heart.

Will your book be self-published or represented by an agency?

I am hoping to find an agent who will represent my work. I appreciate their knowledge of the publishing business as well as the market.

How long did it take you to write the first draft of your manuscript?

I wrote the first draft over a period of two years and for the last several months, I’ve edited. I also work a full time job and have a family.

What other books would you compare this story to within your genre?

I’ve been influenced by the writing of Robin Gunn Jones and Debbie Macomber. I love the books they’ve written about small towns and finding love. The Glenbrooke series by Robin Gunn Jones might be a good comparison.

Who or What inspired you to write this book?

Reading so much good fiction written by Christian authors has pushed me forward. Several people in my life, including my family and my critique group in the ACFW have encouraged me. I’ve written for several years, but never considered fiction until I felt a nudge from God. I don’t know where this will take me or who I will touch with my story, but I know that God has a plan for the manuscript.

What else about your book might pique the reader's interest?

The book is set in southwest Ohio and has several references to areas around Cincinnati and the rural areas that surround the city. Willow is a professor who teaches English and Reed owns the local bookstore. Part of the story focuses on Willow’s journey back to God as she seeks to forgive her father.

As far as the love story, about the time Willow accepts that Reed might be the one, a twist brings an unexpected discovery that may make or break they’re relationship.

I also have a Pinterest page for Peace, Love and Mashed potatoes. Visit at: http://pinterest.com/pennyfmcg/peace-love-mashed-potatoes/

Thanks for stopping by.