Sometimes things happen 167 words at a time
Chapter One.
Twenty minutes of cardio.
Five minutes of guitar strumming.
These things feel insignificant and yet so daunting all at once. But in our crazy, hectic lives, sometimes we can only manage 167 words in a weekend. Five minutes of practicing that guitar. Twenty minutes of cardio.
That’s enough—if you stay consistent. If you make that happen on a regular basis. Then you’ll have 1600 words, a few hours of guitar practice, better workout habits.
If you keep waiting for that “right moment” to start something—it will never happen. Trust me. Be honest with yourself.
What project do you need to start? Where can you squeeze in twenty minutes a day to work on your dream? Make it happen.
Read MoreMay the 4th Be With You.
I think that’s really all that needs to be said on this day. (If you’re a Star Wars fan/nerd/geek like me, you’ll understand.)
Have a fabulous weekend! (Happy Cinco de Mayo as well!)
Read MoreFive Necessary Ingredients for a New Novel
I’ve blissfully wrapped up my latest work-in-progress and am so looking forward to diving into a new project. (Yes, this is a disease and I can’t help myself. Must. Write.)
As I gear up to put fingers to keyboard and cursor to Word document, I’ve spent a few days working on the following key ingredients:
1. Enough background research to establish a historically accurate timeline and plot.
2. Photos of characters. Having a clear picture in my mind helps me keep the descriptions consistent throughout. I love taking images from the 40s themselves – it helps put me into the era and create more authentic characters.
3. Photos of beautiful horses to inspire and fuel the horsey characters. (I’d argue the horses are more important than the human characters, but not everyone will agree.)
4. Susan May Warren‘s worksheets for establishing character basics, plot points and the inner journey. Check out her writing workbooks to learn more!
5. A compelling opening scene. I’m struggling with this one, as my characters are a bit out-of-the-box. This can’t be any old regular opening scene. This sets the tone and pace for the entire novel. Not a task to be taken lightly.
Writers: What are your key ingredients before sitting down and creating a new manuscript?
Read More
Love Does (Part Two): Doing
I think Jesus had in mind that we would not just be “believers” but “participants.” Not because it’s hip, but because it’s more accurate, more fitting that way. He wanted people who get the “do” part of faith, not because He wanted activity, but because He wanted our faith to matter to us. – Bob Goff, Love Does
Lately, this point has come up again and again in my life. Words don’t matter. Action matters.
For a writer, that’s a hard reality to swallow. But I’ve come to see that the people and the books that have inspired me, like Love Does, comes from people who have done the actions in their life. The words (or book) came later.
So what is it that you need to go out and do? Go! Don’t wait for the “right time.” This is your time.
Read MoreBook Review: Love Does (Part 1)
If you watch this video, you won’t regret it. If you watch this video, you might cry. (Fair warning.)
The grand marshal – the beautiful boy with the amazing smile, is a Ugandan boy who fell victim to a witchdoctor. Bob Goff’s law firm brought this case to trial – the first case for trafficking in people against a witchdoctor – and won the case.
This is unlike any other book you’ll read. Because Bob Goff is unlike an other person I’ve ever heard of.
You’ll be challenged to live a better story. You’ll be challenged to get up and do. You’ll be challenged to look at your world differently. You’ll be challenged in your own study of Jesus. You’ll be challenged in your perception of church.
Publisher’s description: “Love Does shares powerful stories coupled with eye-opening truths and empowers anyone who longs for a better world and a richer faith.”
To me, this book was so much more. I carried it around with me each day because I felt like seeing the binding every time I looked into my purse reminded me of what I so easily forget. Love. Does.
Action. Not words.
Take it from Bob, who sat outside the dean’s office at a law school for seven days until they finally admitted him. Bob, who encouraged his children to come up with ways to solve world disputes and then followed through by sending letters and then eventually dining and visiting with many world leaders. Bob, who accepted his role as consul for Uganda after believing it was a practical joke.
I can’t begin to discuss everything that touched me – not in one blog post. For now, trust me. Get this book the moment you can. (Releases May 1.)
Disclaimer: I received this book in exchange for my honest review through Thomas Nelson’s Booksneeze program. In all honesty, I’d planned on getting this book the moment I heard of it. Check out Donald Miller’s A Million Miles in a Thousand Years for another life-changing perspective and more on Bob Goff.
Read More
Connect with me
