Welcome to my blog. I hope you will return often for that second cup.
Writing has become more than a way to make lists or keep in touch with friends. It is a vital part of who I am. For the past few years I've been writing essays, devotionals, a memoir, and several novels. I invite you to join me on this site so we can explore ways together to improve our writings. Words can be beautiful or they can be hurtful - even devastating. The well-placed word or phrase, the choice metaphor, a fresh perspective - each can add to the reader's participation in sharing the thoughts of the writer. I invite anyone who wants to improve their work or even if you have never attempted writing beyond a grocery list to return often. Feel free to add your thoughts. There are no grades given - no critics to deter you. We do this as friends - chatting over their second cup of coffee. (or tea, if you prefer.)
Tuesday, February 28, 2012
Monday, February 20, 2012
A Visit with June Foster - Writer
This week I'd like to introduce a fellow writer who recently published an e-book with Desert Breeze Publishing House. Her name is June Foster (we share the same first name!)
She's been gracious enough to answer a few questions about her writing. Please leave comments.
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Jess Colton can earn a PHD in computer science but can’t
manage his own life.
Raised by a doting mother and
controlling father, Jess battles against his addictive nature. When Jesus comes
into his life, he trades one addiction for another— alcohol for food. His
doctor warns him of his poor health as his weight soared past 300 pounds. Jess
is baffled when the beautiful Holly Harrison comes into his life and declares
her affection for him. What could she possibly see in him?
Holly Harrison has a past. But it catches up with her
when she loses her leg and her unborn baby in one night as a result of a
motorcycle accident. At this low point in her life, she finds strength through
God and a relationship with Jesus Christ while she works as a dental
hygienist. But now, no Christian man
would want her so she avoids serious relationships. She doesn’t plan on falling
in love with Jess Colton. She sees past his rolls of fat to the godly, tender
man inside. When Jess drives a wedge between them, she loses all hope of having
a future together.
Can Holly overcome her handicap? Does Jess find control
over his eating and his life? Only God can provide the answers they need.
I love to tell the story about why
I write. I had never written other than academically in college. After I
retired from teaching, I found a story lurking around in my head. I could even
see the characters and what they were doing. I happen to tell my daughter the
story, and she asked me why I didn't write it. That was the spark I needed. I
write fiction because I want to tell a story about characters who deal with
real life issues and overcome them by the grace of God.
In January 2010 I got my Toshiba laptop, took off with my husband in our RV, and started writing.
How
did you get your first break as a writer?
Last September, Gail Delaney
offered contracts on my Bellewood Series. I started screaming after I read her
email, and my husband thought something was wrong with me. (smile)
Plotting a book doesn't take up the time like writing and editing. I think I spend the most time editing. In all, it takes me about 4 months to write a book.
Who is
your best critic?
I'd have to say my critique groups
through ACFW. They are wonderful and so helpful.
People often ask me where I do my writing. What is your writing space like?
Don't laugh. Since we live in our
RV full time, my husband took out the couch and brought in a metal table and
two file cabinets. It's tiny but I'm doing okay here.
You must be very organized. I know I need a neat space - doesn't have to be large, just orderly. Time
wise - do you write daily? Weekly?
Definitely daily. About 10 to 12
hours per day except on Sunday then it's about five or six hours. Since I
started so late in my life, I've got a lot of catching up to do and so many
stories to tell.
Most of the time, I feel the Lord
inspiring me. But on occasion, I have to use a little self discipline on
myself. It's not that I'm not inspired, but sometimes it just feels like hard
work.
Definitely. The first thing I do
every morning is have a cup of coffee and read my Bible. Then after a short
prayer time, I'm ready to go on my computer.
Since I began writing at an older
age, my goal is to write as many books as the Lord would have for me to do and
get the ones He wants published in print.
Yes, keep writing. All the time.
Read "The Art of War For Writers" by James Scoot Bell and never give
up. I'm telling myself that for my unpublished book – Ryan's Father.
Thanks so much for joining me this week, June. I pray God will bring many readers to your books and the messages you've been inspired to write will help others.
To visit June Foster's website click here: http://junefoster.blogspot.com
Sunday, January 15, 2012
Inspirational sermons
Our pastor, Erik Miller, has been preaching spirit-filled sermons that should be shared. Please take the time to watch his videos found at www.bloomsburgchristianchurch.org. Praise the Lord for this Godly man.
Tuesday, January 10, 2012
Thursday, December 29, 2011
New Novel Available in e-book
The Landlord is now available through Desert Breeze Publishing House, Barnes and Nobles, Amazon, or other Internet book stores. Add "Belfie" to the name of the book to retrieve the information for purchasing.
It's a quick, fun romance - even the guys like it!
Here is an exerpt from the book.
It's a quick, fun romance - even the guys like it!
Here is an exerpt from the book.
Her landlady ushered everyone in and pulled chairs from other rooms to allow seating for her twelve tenants. "He should be here soon. I've put coffee on if anyone wants a cup." No one took up her offer and the gathering resembled a wake Kristen had attended for her friend's Polish grandmother.
Just then there was a knock on the door and Barbara flung the door open with a flourish.
A good-looking man in his mid-twenties with dark wavy hair and an amazing physique made his way in. He nodded to everyone, looking slightly awkward as he gazed at the silent, apprehensive crowd. Kristin felt her heart palpitate a little too quickly. What great eyes. She checked his left hand. No ring. Good sign. Oh, for Pete's sake -- so what. He's your new landlord. End of
discussion.
"Well, everyone, it's very nice to meet you all. I'm pretty lousy remembering names, so I'll just get to meet you individually when I check out your apartments. I'd like you to make a list of any repairs needed or problems, and when I come by, we can talk about them. I'm going to try to keep everyone happy, but as your leases come up for review there may be some changes. I'll
be fair, but taxes and expenses continue to rise every year as you are well aware, so--"
"Mr. Turner," one of the elderly men interjected, "keep in mind that many of us are living on Social Security and it's a stretch to pay the rent as it is."
Kristen noticed David's eyes turn down as he nodded. "I'll keep that in mind. Now, I plan to mark the parking spaces in the back with the individual apartment numbers. If any of you have more than one vehicle, there will be an additional charge, as I'll have to clear another section and have it paved. Right now, I understand some of you park on the street, but I heard that parking is
going to be illegal on the northbound side beginning next May when the students go home for the summer. But we can work on that later. Most of the rules stated in your present leases will stay in affect, especially the clause about having no pets. Even fish will not be allowed."
You could have heard the proverbial pin drop. More than half the tenants had a pet of some kind. Barbara knew about them but had just looked the other way. Well, if that's the way he wanted it -- so be it. She'd just move, that's all. She'd probably be making so much money that she'd need a real house or luxury condo, anyway.
After a few more remarks, everyone stood up and Barbara tried to introduce some of her friends to the new owner. A couple slipped out without a word and Kristen moved toward the door. Just before she reached for the handle, Dave stepped in front of her. "You must be their mascot," he said softly, "since you're the only one without white hair."
"They're my friends. Don't make fun of them," she pronounced rather rudely, to her own surprise. He backed up.
"I...I really wasn't making fun of them. I only meant--"
"Sorry. They really are all very special to me and I know that it would be hard for them to move. Some have lived here for twenty years or more. So I hope you really will consider their finances before raising their rents."
"I'm not going to raise them any more than I have to, but I have a pretty hefty mortgage and I wasn't kidding about the taxes. I'm not trying to make a fortune, but I need to meet my expenses. Certainly you can understand that." His eyes took on a coolness she hadn't seen earlier.
"You're a realtor?"
"Yes."
"So you make money other ways."
"Ma'am, I'm sorry I don't know your name..."
"Kristen. Kristen Collins."
"Kristen, I don't know why, but you seem to dislike me already." His demeanor changed and he smiled as he continued, "It usually takes people a few minutes to dislike me, but how I earn my living is really no concern of yours. I'd really like us to be friends, so let's start over, shall we?" He extended his hand and she reluctantly placed her hand in his. His touch rather alarmed her. She did not like being drawn to him. She wanted to dislike him -- for some strange
reason. And of all things, she wished she'd worn her hair down and applied make-up. How ridiculous!
"I'll be calling you sometime next week to check out the apartment."
"Yeah. Fine. I'm very busy with my packed social life, so call early."
How infuriating. He saw right through her -- with his stupid crooked grin. "Right. I'll give you at least a week's notice. Or should I make that a
month?"
Kristen could feel her cheeks flush. What a giveaway. Would she ever outgrow that annoying sign of embarrassment?
"A week will usually suffice," she offered weakly and made it
out to the hallway -- too self-conscious to turn around and announce her departure to her friends.
Once in the protection of her own place, she leaned against the door and felt tears stinging her face. He so enjoyed taunting her. What kind of guy would get pleasure out of humiliating a poor girl, one who didn't even have a job?
Wednesday, November 16, 2011
My French Friends
A special welcome to my new friends from the beautiful country of France. I have been getting so many French stopping by my site -- more than Americans! --that I wanted to say Bon Jour.
Having been to France I just want to comment about your food. We never had a poor meal in France. Never! Even at the Louvre, the food was memorable. My husband and I have cooked as professionals and we can not come up to your standards. So, please stop by often. You can leave tips on cooking!
I have been writing non-stop - novels - but plan to spend more time on blogging. au revoir. June
Having been to France I just want to comment about your food. We never had a poor meal in France. Never! Even at the Louvre, the food was memorable. My husband and I have cooked as professionals and we can not come up to your standards. So, please stop by often. You can leave tips on cooking!
I have been writing non-stop - novels - but plan to spend more time on blogging. au revoir. June
Saturday, November 12, 2011
Penn State Tragedy
I write with a heavy heart about our wonderful Penn State football team. It is tragic that events like those outlined in the press were allowed to continue even after exposure to the authorities. How could the original witness walk away, leaving an innocent child in the hands of a pervert?
The sin of one man being further perpetrated by "good men doing nothing" is appalling. My heart grieves for the children's lives that have been permanently damaged by the cruelty of a sinful man and those who allowed it to continue.
Last night they held a prayer vigil for the victims. I'm thankful that there are many who put the children first. I was shocked to see so many in support of Joe Paterno. Yes, he did a lot for football and Penn State, but at what cost?
I would hope those who turned out to show their support for him would put some perspective on the events in question. Games - over lives? Please. Have we fallen so far?
The sin of one man being further perpetrated by "good men doing nothing" is appalling. My heart grieves for the children's lives that have been permanently damaged by the cruelty of a sinful man and those who allowed it to continue.
Last night they held a prayer vigil for the victims. I'm thankful that there are many who put the children first. I was shocked to see so many in support of Joe Paterno. Yes, he did a lot for football and Penn State, but at what cost?
I would hope those who turned out to show their support for him would put some perspective on the events in question. Games - over lives? Please. Have we fallen so far?
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