Writing Wisdom 101

I have been writing almost nonstop for the last eight years. It seems each book gives birth to yet another book, each article to yet another article, each poem to another poem. So, the process feeds itself, hence taking on a life of its own.

Many writers complain about writers block or a wan in creativity. Some begin to notice a common theme in all of their work, which can be a good friend or a writer's worst enemy. Variety is the spice of life, though in the begin, an author should try to brand themselves and become a consistent seller in a specific genre. Then, success will breed success as they venture out into the world of writing in multiple genres.

Now of course, the above is just my personal opinion based upon my own personal experiences and those of authors close to me. There's a million and one ways to get to the top in writing, depending upon the author, the book, and the target audience. In fact, it's actually better to think outside the box when it comes to marketing yourself and your work. Even when it comes down to the actual writing, finding your own unique voice is the only way you'll ever have success in this industry. Copycats eventually fall out of favor with their audience. Originals are celebrated even years after their gone. Remember that while penning your next work.

Raw Redemption, first Christian fiction book

After several revisions and much obsessing, this book, Raw Redemption, is finally hitting Amazon and BN virtual shelves as well as some actually shelves this coming weekend. I'm as happy as can be. I have gotten some spectacular reviews thus far and look forward to many more. I fully expect this book to be one of my greatest sellers.

Check out these reviews:

This chilling book shook me down to the bone. Cheyenne has no idea what she’s getting herself into, but soon learns that money isn’t everything. Loved the pacing. The plot is solid and believable. A definite must-read! - J.B. Browning, Sacramento, CA

This cross genre masterpiece will have you up until dawn. It’s impossible to put down. From the first sentence until the last, Cheyenne’s story will haunt you! Here’s a heroine everyone can cheer for. - Karen Tims, Reviews by K.T.

Transitions - What Do You Say About Yourself?

When I was growing up, I used to have this "I can't wait" thing going on. I was ready for my life to turn around so people could see that I could do something with all the gazillion mistakes I made.

At this point, I'm right there in the middle of my transitions. The best of life is going to open for me, but now that it is, I could really care less what people see or say. LOL! Isn't it funny how life works? I just know that most of my life was lived in poverty, but I'm only moments away from millions. Most of my life was lived in shame, but now I walk with my head up. Isn't it funny how life works?

As for you, my wonderful readers, let me leave you with this. Life isn't about what others think and say about you. Who really cares about the opinions of others? Life is really about you learning what to say and think about yourself. We don't learn it suddenly and quickly most times. Usually, it happens over time and with much trial and error. One person asked me how does it feel to finally be successful. To me, though, that happened when I met Jesus. It happened when I found myself in a really healthy marriage. It happened when I saw the publication of my books, not that any of them have sold a million copies yet, but because the testimonies don't stop rolling in. Don't wait on money or fame to declare your success. Celebrate the little stuff. Then, you'll find yourself thinking and saying the right stuff about yourself.

Get That Love Walk Right

For the majority of my life, I have been on my own in one perspective or another. I've found very few helping hands. That's partly why I celebrate the friends I have as often as I do. I want them to know how much I love them and what they mean to me.

Today, I saw how flawed some of us as humans can be. We want mercy, but we don't want to give it. We want forgiveness, we want patience and understanding, but those of us who need them most many times don't like to give them out. I'm going to say this without getting on my soapbox, but Christians can be so cruel to one another. And then, we do it in the name of the Lord. On the reverse side of the coin, we have those who try to use Christianity to get over on others. So, those who have been gotten over on try to protect themselves and turn cold. Bad move!

There's a simple teaching that most of the Body of Christ still don't get. If someone comes to take your cloak, give him your coat also. If they hit you on one side of your face, then turn the other side to them too. You almost can't even say you're a Christian if someone hasn't used you before. Really. Loving people isn't easy, but that doesn't mean we get a pass to stop loving them. We still have to keep loving. Love covers a multitude of faults. So if you are loving someone right, it may hurt a bit from time to time. It may make you feel silly from time to time. But, it'll also cover that person so that you see them as a better person rather than a broken one.

Let's stop using Christ to get over on one another, yes indeed. But, let's also stop making excuses for not walking in the love of God. We are quick to judge the world, but why would they run to us in our broken and divided state. Let's get this love walk right.

Danger of Selfishness and Pride

There are tons of character flaws a person can have. However, most of the things we identify as flaws are simply a matter of preference. One person can worship a quick wit. Others may worship the laid back mentality. Some people prefer a chatty friend, while others may find that absolutely annoying. Those are matters of opinion. But, let's talk about some real character flaws.

Selfishness and pride are killing communities and families. These are real character flaws. There is no one who is exempt from walking in them at various times in life. We want to get what we can get out of everything we do. We want support, but aren't quick to lend support. We want to prosper but will not patiently help others prosper. We want friends but have no clue how to be a friend. Selfishness. Then, we refuse to see ourselves as we actually are. We don't want the kind of people in our lives that will help us perfect our own character. That's a problem.

I do self-evaluations all the time. I try to know myself. It's not always pleasant, the things I see. But, I can't fix what I don't know is there. I just believe that our focus as people should be to fix ourselves and pray for others. If we reverse that order, we're already in trouble. I can identify times when pride and selfishness nearly ruined all God prepared for me. Even in my marriage, I see times when my husband's demonstration of selflessness covered me in my selfishness. I see times when his humility covered my pride. We've had times when my pride walked all over him, but he patiently and humbly took it. It's the same with close friends. There have been times when I didn't see their real needs because I was so concerned with me and my needs.

In your work to improve the person you are, don't over look the danger of pride and selfishness. It can ruin marriages, cause children to rebel, destroy friendships, and cause many more troubles than you can imagine. Learn to be selfless in your daily doings and humble with the people in your life and with God.

April Showers Bring May Flowers

I heard this little saying all my life. I finally understand.

Most people don't like rain, especially if it happens too frequently. It can hinder travel. It can shift plans, if not halt them altogether. Rain can put a damper on your mood. So, it's an understatement to say it can be inconvenient and unwanted. However, if you bear up through the rain showers of April, then you can enjoy the well-watered flowers of May. Is there a point?

My point is that hard times come in life. It can be inconvenient, unwanted, and hinder many of your plans. However, if you can make it through those hard times, you can enjoy the fruit of those times. Bill Gates once slept under his desk. Job lost everything except his wife, who turned on him while he was weak. Donald Trump went broke a couple of times. Joseph went from favor to the pit to the house to the dungeon before he ended up in the palace. Hard times prune us. God is a dedicated gardener. He sees the problem areas early on and begins working on them. It may not always feel good, but remember that April showers bring May flowers and smile through your process.

Pray for my husband, Lensey

Today, I ask all the readers for their prayers and positive thoughts. We are believing God to give him favor with men today. I expect a miraculous move of God. Will you guys pray for and expect it with me?