Hello, All:
It's been awhile since hanging out in blogosphere. How you regulars continue so faithfully boggles my mind, but I'm so glad many of you do find the time and energy for it still!
I've been diligently working on spiffing up my entry for the Genesis contest this year. Since joining ACFW, I think that was about seven years ago, last year was the first year that I can remember sitting out. I don't want that to become a trend, so I'm definitely entering one this year. And I'm praying for some very helpful critiques to come to me from the wonderful judges ACFW attracts.
I too will be a judge, I hope, this year. At least I sent my reply in as to which categories I would be willing to work on this year. Sadly, I had to opt out of my most favourite category of all, Contemporary Romance, since I'll be entering a piece into it. But I'm sure that I'll be enjoying the reads of whatever category entries come my way in March, as I did last year, too. ACFW has an amazing group of talented writers and I so look forward to being a fair, and hopefully helpful judge once more.
So, how many of you are entering, or have entered already this year? What would you consider to be the most helpful information to receive from a first round judge on your entries?
Surrendering to Him,
Eileen
Wednesday, February 9, 2011
Wednesday, November 10, 2010
Struggles?
They never seem to cease.
Time management. Family cooperation. Laundry piles. Dust bunnies coming out to play waaaay too often. Toilets clogging. Homework mounting that I have no idea how to help my kids with due to time management issues or just plain lack of know-how. Meal planning (let's not get boring now, we need to provide variety and healthy eating, right?!). Write or not to write.
These are just a few of my struggles, but one of the biggest struggles of all that I deal with daily is searching for the answer to this question: What is it that Jesus calls me to do for Him today?
Seriously, is what I choose to do out of the multitude of to-do's on my list and even beyond remotely close to what Jesus is looking for from me? How do we fit it all in? How do we keep life rolling along for our families, friends, work, and fit in that special time to do something that's specifically designed for us to do for Him, and Him alone, not for society to keep on keeping on? I'm not talking breaking open our Bibles, or reading our daily devotional, or giving God quiet time of prayer each day, but rather, what effort have I extended today to do that one unique thing that God has kept me alive on this earth for today?
Ahhh, perhaps it is for one of those well-knowns on our common to-do list, but perhaps there's something else too. I can't help but think that if there is a longing for something more within us, either we aren't doing what we're doing right yet, or He has something more in mind for us to fit into our schedules.
I want to know what that something more is! Or how I'm to do what I'm doing RIGHT!
Am I alone?
Surrendering to Him,
Eileen
P.S. Making no promises here to keep up on a regular basis in blog land, but felt the call to dust off this cyber friend once again and also to print off one of my previously written stories to percolate over. Hmmm, do you think God is telling me that "something more" is to return to my writing? ...Oh, how I wish self-doubt didn't exist. Living for Him would be soooo much easier if it didn't!
Time management. Family cooperation. Laundry piles. Dust bunnies coming out to play waaaay too often. Toilets clogging. Homework mounting that I have no idea how to help my kids with due to time management issues or just plain lack of know-how. Meal planning (let's not get boring now, we need to provide variety and healthy eating, right?!). Write or not to write.
These are just a few of my struggles, but one of the biggest struggles of all that I deal with daily is searching for the answer to this question: What is it that Jesus calls me to do for Him today?
Seriously, is what I choose to do out of the multitude of to-do's on my list and even beyond remotely close to what Jesus is looking for from me? How do we fit it all in? How do we keep life rolling along for our families, friends, work, and fit in that special time to do something that's specifically designed for us to do for Him, and Him alone, not for society to keep on keeping on? I'm not talking breaking open our Bibles, or reading our daily devotional, or giving God quiet time of prayer each day, but rather, what effort have I extended today to do that one unique thing that God has kept me alive on this earth for today?
Ahhh, perhaps it is for one of those well-knowns on our common to-do list, but perhaps there's something else too. I can't help but think that if there is a longing for something more within us, either we aren't doing what we're doing right yet, or He has something more in mind for us to fit into our schedules.
I want to know what that something more is! Or how I'm to do what I'm doing RIGHT!
Am I alone?
Surrendering to Him,
Eileen
P.S. Making no promises here to keep up on a regular basis in blog land, but felt the call to dust off this cyber friend once again and also to print off one of my previously written stories to percolate over. Hmmm, do you think God is telling me that "something more" is to return to my writing? ...Oh, how I wish self-doubt didn't exist. Living for Him would be soooo much easier if it didn't!
Wednesday, March 24, 2010
I'm Looking Forward To...
Hi, All:
As the ACFW Genesis writing contest draws near to deadline, I'm getting excited about being a first-round judge this year. I was so pleased to receive an invitation to help out in this way a couple months back, and now that it's coming closer to fulfilling the job, my anticipation is building.
I've started praying already for this endeavor ahead. I'm praying that I'll pace the entries out, leaving enough time to take a second look before sending back. I'm praying that I'll be like one of those judges that I appreciated so much for commenting so freely and offering craft references where applicable.
Through the three years that I submitted I had my share of dud judges who just wrote scores down and made no comments within the document and just one-liners in the comment section for the sake of not sending back a blank comment page--not fun! Useless, really! So I know I don't want to be like them, time crunched and feeling like the whole process is a burden, rather than an opportunity to share what I've learned through the years about this awesome craft of fiction writing.
I want to be helpful to those who submitted, not lazy and disinterested. I want to offer praise for wonderful prose, constructive criticism where something falls flat, guidance and suggestions where they may be needed. I want to be one of those crazy wonderful commenter type judges who takes the time of day to pass along what little I've learned.
So, I think I need to prime myself for this task ahead. Starting tonight I'm digging open some of my favorite craft books for another absorption...not only for the entrants, but for me too. May the learning begin all over again!
If I have time, I'll blog on what strikes me this time around in study mode. Fun, fun, fun!
Surrendering to Him,
Eileen
(P.S. Comments are off during my intermittent time of blogging. I'm visiting a few blogs each day, not always commenting, but loving the reads! Thanks for keeping me informed through your cyber pad, and blessings prayed for you all.)
As the ACFW Genesis writing contest draws near to deadline, I'm getting excited about being a first-round judge this year. I was so pleased to receive an invitation to help out in this way a couple months back, and now that it's coming closer to fulfilling the job, my anticipation is building.
I've started praying already for this endeavor ahead. I'm praying that I'll pace the entries out, leaving enough time to take a second look before sending back. I'm praying that I'll be like one of those judges that I appreciated so much for commenting so freely and offering craft references where applicable.
Through the three years that I submitted I had my share of dud judges who just wrote scores down and made no comments within the document and just one-liners in the comment section for the sake of not sending back a blank comment page--not fun! Useless, really! So I know I don't want to be like them, time crunched and feeling like the whole process is a burden, rather than an opportunity to share what I've learned through the years about this awesome craft of fiction writing.
I want to be helpful to those who submitted, not lazy and disinterested. I want to offer praise for wonderful prose, constructive criticism where something falls flat, guidance and suggestions where they may be needed. I want to be one of those crazy wonderful commenter type judges who takes the time of day to pass along what little I've learned.
So, I think I need to prime myself for this task ahead. Starting tonight I'm digging open some of my favorite craft books for another absorption...not only for the entrants, but for me too. May the learning begin all over again!
If I have time, I'll blog on what strikes me this time around in study mode. Fun, fun, fun!
Surrendering to Him,
Eileen
(P.S. Comments are off during my intermittent time of blogging. I'm visiting a few blogs each day, not always commenting, but loving the reads! Thanks for keeping me informed through your cyber pad, and blessings prayed for you all.)
Monday, March 22, 2010
Wanted: An End to this Madness!
Who knew renovations took so long to even get started? I sure didn't.
I suppose OPTIONS is a good thing, but it sure doesn't speed the process up. There are just so many different contractors, cabinet makers, etc. and they all offer different levels of service and lots of different advice. My head is spinning. I am so glad that God put the breaks on my writing for now as I work through this kitchen redo. He sure knows my limitations, and although I always considered myself a good multitasker, this is one job that wouldn't mix with writing for me.
But I am getting antsy to get back to story writing. The itch is here. I watched New Moon this past weekend and so desired to get creating again (not in Meyers' vampire way, but in my own earthy way). I hope to be able to bring writing back on board in another month or so, once the contractors are lined up and the design is finalized. If you're the praying type, I'd love a prayer for this: That I'll be attune to God's guidance and timing and trust in Him fully with all I do.
Blessings and peace prayed for you all!
Surrendering to Him,
Eileen
(P.S. Comments are off during my intermittent time of blogging. I'm visiting a few blogs each day, not always commenting, but loving the reads! Thanks for keeping me informed through your cyber pad, and blessings prayed for you all.)
I suppose OPTIONS is a good thing, but it sure doesn't speed the process up. There are just so many different contractors, cabinet makers, etc. and they all offer different levels of service and lots of different advice. My head is spinning. I am so glad that God put the breaks on my writing for now as I work through this kitchen redo. He sure knows my limitations, and although I always considered myself a good multitasker, this is one job that wouldn't mix with writing for me.
But I am getting antsy to get back to story writing. The itch is here. I watched New Moon this past weekend and so desired to get creating again (not in Meyers' vampire way, but in my own earthy way). I hope to be able to bring writing back on board in another month or so, once the contractors are lined up and the design is finalized. If you're the praying type, I'd love a prayer for this: That I'll be attune to God's guidance and timing and trust in Him fully with all I do.
Blessings and peace prayed for you all!
Surrendering to Him,
Eileen
(P.S. Comments are off during my intermittent time of blogging. I'm visiting a few blogs each day, not always commenting, but loving the reads! Thanks for keeping me informed through your cyber pad, and blessings prayed for you all.)
Friday, March 12, 2010
Should Church "Stuff" Make You Sad
...like when you're embarrassed and disheartened by leaders' actions?
In my case, I'm thinking it's causing a mix of emotions in me.
It's sad knowing how much pain certain leaders caused an individual volunteer in our Church, whether they realize it or not. But it's also very revealing. I learned something well worth learning.
Defensiveness is ugly, and while I can see instances where it may be a result of standing up for what you believe is right, it is far more likely to be a result of standing up for what you want.
Two very different things.
So, the next time I feel defensiveness rearing it's ugly head in me, I pray that I'll be able to take a deep "Prayer" breath. Seek council from God above, and stand up for what He has laid on my heart in a self-controlled, non-degrading, non-alienating way to others.
Truth breeds respect and healthy debate. Want too often breeds ugliness.
I have a feeling God is using my Church to teach me that strength in me should only come through Him. And His strength doesn't gang up, but calmly reveals truth.
Surrendering to Him,
Eileen
In my case, I'm thinking it's causing a mix of emotions in me.
It's sad knowing how much pain certain leaders caused an individual volunteer in our Church, whether they realize it or not. But it's also very revealing. I learned something well worth learning.
Defensiveness is ugly, and while I can see instances where it may be a result of standing up for what you believe is right, it is far more likely to be a result of standing up for what you want.
Two very different things.
So, the next time I feel defensiveness rearing it's ugly head in me, I pray that I'll be able to take a deep "Prayer" breath. Seek council from God above, and stand up for what He has laid on my heart in a self-controlled, non-degrading, non-alienating way to others.
Truth breeds respect and healthy debate. Want too often breeds ugliness.
I have a feeling God is using my Church to teach me that strength in me should only come through Him. And His strength doesn't gang up, but calmly reveals truth.
Surrendering to Him,
Eileen
(P.S. Comments are off during my intermittent time of blogging. I'm visiting a few blogs each day, not always commenting, but loving the reads! Thanks for keeping me informed through your cyber pad, and blessings prayed for you all.)
Monday, March 1, 2010
On Again, Off Again...
That's me lately.
My intermittent attendance here in cyber world is due partly to my massive house clean-out in prep for renovations, horsey life, and as a result of those two, my sabbatical from down-and-dirty writing. I have no idea how long this will go on for, so I'll pop myself into cyber world whenever I get a chance (like when I'm actually forcing myself to use the treadmill as I should be doing daily, and am doing now), but since I know it won't be as often as I'd like I've decided to turn off comments on my blog during this on again, off again time.
If you're like me, you often feel obligated to leave a comment when reading a fellow blogger's posts, so by turning that option off, I'm hoping to save you all time to be doing what you desperately would like to be doing--WRITING! My email address is available in my profile if you really want to get hold of me and don't already have it in your contacts list. I'd love to hear from you all from time to time. And I do plan to keep in touch via your blogs as the opportunity arises. I won't always leave a comment, but definitely will sometimes as I keep up on your life and writing (if writing is what you blog about).
So until my down-and-dirty writing sabbatical is over, I hope you'll enjoy the diverse posts I come with when I come up with them, and I hope you all write like crazy so that great books will be published soon for me to devour!
Blessings prayed for you all, and I look forward to visiting your blogs as I walk off the winter pounds I've gained.
Surrendering to Him,
Eileen
My intermittent attendance here in cyber world is due partly to my massive house clean-out in prep for renovations, horsey life, and as a result of those two, my sabbatical from down-and-dirty writing. I have no idea how long this will go on for, so I'll pop myself into cyber world whenever I get a chance (like when I'm actually forcing myself to use the treadmill as I should be doing daily, and am doing now), but since I know it won't be as often as I'd like I've decided to turn off comments on my blog during this on again, off again time.
If you're like me, you often feel obligated to leave a comment when reading a fellow blogger's posts, so by turning that option off, I'm hoping to save you all time to be doing what you desperately would like to be doing--WRITING! My email address is available in my profile if you really want to get hold of me and don't already have it in your contacts list. I'd love to hear from you all from time to time. And I do plan to keep in touch via your blogs as the opportunity arises. I won't always leave a comment, but definitely will sometimes as I keep up on your life and writing (if writing is what you blog about).
So until my down-and-dirty writing sabbatical is over, I hope you'll enjoy the diverse posts I come with when I come up with them, and I hope you all write like crazy so that great books will be published soon for me to devour!
Blessings prayed for you all, and I look forward to visiting your blogs as I walk off the winter pounds I've gained.
Surrendering to Him,
Eileen
Wednesday, February 17, 2010
Writing Pyramid
Last month I had the privilege of attending an author event at our Church. Author Sigmund Brouwer spoke on how to encourage our children to write. What stuck with me the most from his talk was his warning to not edit our children's work, but rather encouragement creativity and not let the editing start until they are in middle school, well after creativity is fixed in their soul. I love this advice.
Brouwer went on to state what we hear all the time. Story trumps all. With that thought, doesn't it make sense to just let our children run with their creativity, not stifle it by imposing grammar rules. I think even as adults some of us need to go with this method to truly create stories that stick.
I really liked how Brouwer divided writing into a three-tier pyramid. The base, the largest part, is story. Without the story, a writer has nothing to work with. The second most important element for a writer is word choice. So once we have the best story down, then a writer's job is to manipulate the words to create the best word choices to polish the story. And at the very top of the pyramid is grammar. Only after we've created a winning story and chosen our words carefully to create just the right ebb and flow do we venture into the mundane task of making it grammatically correct. And, thankfully for those of us like me who are horrible with grammar, there are professional editors out there to polish our work with grammar as their main focus.
With this in mind, when next your little one presents you with a story, what will you do? Will you praise his/her creativity, encourage a brainstorming session to enhance the story if it runs a little flat, or will you be marking up the page with comma's, question marks, periods, etc., tap them on their heads, and smile at their accomplishment?
Surrendering to Him,
Eileen
Brouwer went on to state what we hear all the time. Story trumps all. With that thought, doesn't it make sense to just let our children run with their creativity, not stifle it by imposing grammar rules. I think even as adults some of us need to go with this method to truly create stories that stick.
I really liked how Brouwer divided writing into a three-tier pyramid. The base, the largest part, is story. Without the story, a writer has nothing to work with. The second most important element for a writer is word choice. So once we have the best story down, then a writer's job is to manipulate the words to create the best word choices to polish the story. And at the very top of the pyramid is grammar. Only after we've created a winning story and chosen our words carefully to create just the right ebb and flow do we venture into the mundane task of making it grammatically correct. And, thankfully for those of us like me who are horrible with grammar, there are professional editors out there to polish our work with grammar as their main focus.
With this in mind, when next your little one presents you with a story, what will you do? Will you praise his/her creativity, encourage a brainstorming session to enhance the story if it runs a little flat, or will you be marking up the page with comma's, question marks, periods, etc., tap them on their heads, and smile at their accomplishment?
Surrendering to Him,
Eileen
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