Category: Writer Encouragement

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Writer Encouragement

Procrastination Disguised as Learning

Years ago, I heard someone say, “Start by doing what you already know to do instead of worrying about everything you don’t know about the Bible.” Most of us know we should love others and love God, and if we started doing those two things, we’d be a long way towards being a good disciple of Jesus.

Procrastination or Preparation?

This principle can also be applied to writing. I love learning, and I’m so thankful for all of the trainings, blogs, podcasts and videos about the writing process. How to get published, how to build platform, how to develop characters—videos and trainings abound on the internet. But I came to the point a few months ago where I needed to just stop. I had filled stacks of notebooks with great ideas about writing, but I wasn’t writing or building platform or doing much of anything besides studying about how to do it all.

Use What You Already Have

As a family, we spent several years living in Mozambique, Africa. The Mozambicans were great about using what they already had—even what we would consider garbage—to make necessities as well as art or recreational equipment.

For example, with the help of his Mozambican friend, my 12-year-old son Kirk unraveled a length of nylon rope into many short strands. The two of them spent hours tying them together end to end for a kite string. Then they used a plastic grocery bag over two sticks tied together in a cross shape for the kite and scraps of rope for the tail. Believe it or not—it flew sky high. As we drove around during the windy season, we dodged dozens of kids flying plastic bag kites.

When we visited the city, we sometimes went to the open-air market to see the arts and crafts. We marveled at carvings and paintings and handmade sculptures, and again, they used whatever could be found. Some artists created tiny bicycles out of bits of wire they collected. The ingenuity of the Mozambicans struck me as wonderful.

Loaves and Fishes

This reminds me of the story of the five loaves and two fishes in Matthew 14:13-21. The people were hungry, and the disciples only found five loaves and two fishes. Jesus instructed them to work with the supplies they found on hand. Then Jesus gave thanks, broke the loaves and passed out the bread. In the end, everyone ate and was satisfied. They even had leftovers.I wonder if we could follow this pattern as we think about writing. We need to make the most of what we have. Perhaps we can offer our writing time to God, give thanks and trust him to provide.

Focus on the Important

With our faith and with our writing, it’s great to learn, but putting it into practice is the important part. Even with platform building, I kept learning what to do and how, but I finally had to grit my teeth and make those videos, instead of taking another course on how-to. I’m not suggesting we should stop learning—never! And I’m not throwing away my stacks of notebooks. I’m challenging you, writers, to take out the notes, and write the characters according to what you’ve learned or make the video before you do one more training. Use what you already have. Act upon what you already know.

Jesus Offers Living Water

Jesus gave this invitation: “On the last and greatest day of the festival, Jesus stood and said in a loud voice, ‘Let anyone who is thirsty come to me and drink. Whoever believes in me, as Scripture has said, rivers of living water will flow from within them.’ By this he meant the Spirit, whom those who believed in him were later to receive” (John 7:37-39a, NIV).

We can ask the author of life for living water, and He will give us inspiration for our writing. Ask yourself this question: Am I procrastinating by watching another training video, or am I going to put the information into practice immediately?

Jump In

Sometimes, jumping in is the only thing to do. Stephen King says it this way: “Writing is magic, as much the water of life as any other creative art. The water is free. So drink. Drink and be filled up.”

In 1996, Susan E. Brooks moved to Mozambique, Africa, with her family where she taught art and English at an international high school and started journaling about her adventures. Her stories of struggles and victories in Mozambique are now published on her blog in a series entitled “Mozambican Odyssey.” She has since lived in Portugal, Ghana, and Cyprus, as well as in her home state of Kentucky, USA.

Meanwhile, nine grandchildren have come along, and she is inspired to write and illustrate a children’s book for each of them. Susan has self-published four children’s books and she writes a regular column for patheos.com.

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Writer Encouragement

Do It for Love

Jesus, always loving and full of joy, taught and shared his stories lavishly as he feasted with anyone who would welcome him. Extravagantly giving of himself and his time, he never hoarded possessions, stories, encouragement, or energy.

What if this radical, joyful giving is the attitude we need as creatives? Dance, sing, paint, write—fling it all out upon the world, trusting God will provide as we use the gifts He has given.

Sounds lovely, but how do we get to that point of abandonment? How do we work for love of God and the reader? A number of obstacles can block loving, artistic flow, but let’s examine self-doubt and fear of rejection.

Banish Self-doubt

Poet Silvia Plath said, “The worst enemy to creativity is self-doubt.” Self-doubt is a tool of the enemy. In order to squelch the negative, we can drown out the noise with better voices, basking in truth and encouragement. Identify your sources of encouraging words and the truths you need to remember.

What books, scriptures, friends, or relatives tell you the words you need to hear? If we connect to the Source, then God’s life flows through us to bless others in a continuous stream. How do we stay connected? Post favorite scriptures in your writing area, spend time in the Bible or good books, call a friend, or do whatever it takes to silence the voice of self-doubt.

Conquer Fear of Rejection

Jesus expressed no worries over how his teaching would be received, though he knew eventually his words would lead to his death. He was so in touch with the Father that he spoke freely, with joy, inviting others to the living water that flowed constantly from his heart. His motives were pure and entirely unselfish.

On a good day, when I’m full of faith, love, and hope, rejections don’t bother me much. (On a bad day, it feels like running a gauntlet of wet leather gloves smacking me on the face, but let’s not go there!) My motives rooted in love, I can trust God has a better plan for my writing, and that he is working his plan for my good. He knows who needs to read what I write and where it needs to be published. He knows my past and future and arranges circumstances to bring about his perfect will.

God Goes Before Us

Sometimes it’s hard to trust that God is working everything out, yet I have seen evidence of this again and again. For example, some years ago we were in Cyprus, sharing a meal with students from the local university where I taught English. Somehow the scriptures came up in our conversation, and my husband and I started sharing Bible stories with the group, who happened to be Muslims. One of them kept finishing the stories before we could. “How do you know so many Bible stories?” we asked him.

“One time while I was teaching back in my home country, a group from the states came to our school and gave out Bibles. After they left, school authorities demanded we surrender the Bibles, but I tucked mine up the sleeve of my jacket and read it whenever I could,” he said.

Years after the teacher hid the Bible up his sleeve, God arranged for us to meet and bond over Bible stories. We became good friends, and we keep in touch to this day. The Spirit worked through that meeting, and I am trusting he will continue to work in the future.

Do It for Love

Rejection is not lethal when we remember God is in control, and we write from a place of love. Not to say that we don’t edit, accept feedback, and study to grow and learn our craft, but after that we trust God to provide a way to share our gifts, the “good works which God prepared in advance for us to do” (Eph. 2:10). It’s not about us, and we do it for love.

In 1996, Susan E. Brooks moved to Mozambique, Africa, with her family where she taught art and English at an international high school and started journaling about her adventures. Her stories of struggles and victories in Mozambique are now published on her blog in a series entitled “Mozambican Odyssey.” She has since lived in Portugal, Ghana, and Cyprus, as well as in her home state of Kentucky, USA.

Meanwhile, nine grandchildren have come along, and she is inspired to write and illustrate a children’s book for each of them. Susan has self-published four children’s books and she writes a regular column for patheos.com.

In recent years, her stories have been published by Peace Catalyst International and in an anthology entitled Prayer Warrior Confessions. Follow Susan’s adventures and her art on her websiteL susanebrooks.com, Facebook susanbrooksart, and on Instagram @sebrooks81.

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Writer Encouragement

No Turning Back

After conquering the first challenging rock face, I paused to look down at the path we had just climbed. Quitting was not an option. Going backwards at this point felt like a death wish. Edging down the cliff on slick sandstone outcroppings with my bum knee that could go out any moment? No way. What choice did I have but to go forward? My son assured me we were nearly past the difficult part and beyond the next rise we would start the journey downward by a much easier route.

I wasn’t sure I could make the journey ahead of me, but I had gone too far to turn back now. I forged ahead and with much help from my family, I finished the hike, exhausted but happy.

As serious writers, we can set up circumstances in our lives that will, in effect, place us in a position of no turning back from our writing journey. Most of us feel pressure to meet certain expectations—either our own expectations or those placed upon us by others. Commitments, deadlines, and goal setting can provide accountability and lead us forward. We may have to stretch ourselves and ask for help from family and friends, but if we press on, a tipping point will come. It will become easier to keep writing than to quit.

Reverse Engineer Expectations

Someone discovers your talent for cooking or sewing or anything slightly unique, and from then on, they expect you to complete a certain task, whether you want to or not. Ever happen to you?

A trivial example from my life is baking pecan pie—well, okay, pecan pie is not trivial. Apparently, I make the best pecan pie of anyone on both sides of my extended family, so for years and to this day, it’s my job to bake the pecan pies for our family holidays. No one cares whether I might like to try chocolate pie or blueberry pie or any other dessert. I’m great at pecan pie and that’s what they expect from me, so I do it because— “Tradition!” (You should be hearing the theme from Fiddler on the Roof.)

The point is, for the most part, we do what is expected of us, and we can turn this to our advantage. What do we want people to expect from us? I desire to write regularly and to share with an audience to bless, encourage, and/or inform them in some way. How can I find a group or a person who will require my writing? Of course, we’d all love to have a publisher pay us, but until we get there, I have a few suggestions that will put good pressure on us to write regularly.

Join a Critique Group

Joining a critique group has many advantages over Lone Ranger writing. We may be introverts, but until we reach Stephen King status, most of us need the help of others to keep growing and stay energized.

Critique groups, like authors, come in many different shapes and colors. Search the web for local writers’ critique groups or ask around in your online writers’ groups until you find one that fits your personality. I was happy to find a group requiring a certain level of commitment. As a kid in school, I always did my homework, so if a group is requiring a submission from me each month, I will complete the assignment. This is one way to reverse engineer the kind of pressure you want for the sake of motivation.

Find a Deadline, Submit, and Start Small

Once you have a critique group, you can get help with submissions to publishers. Using the Writer’s Market Guide or online research, find deadlines listed by publishers for submissions. Some accept freelance submissions year-round, others have submission periods certain times of the year, and contests have definite deadlines. Allow plenty of lead time before any publisher or contest deadlines and ask your critique group to give you feedback on your future submissions.

If you’re an unpublished beginner, start with short submissions for devotions or magazine articles and volunteer to write for church or non-profit publications. It’s wonderful to receive pay, but in the early stages of your career, being published is valuable in itself.

Set Goals

In addition to the requirements of a critique group or publishers, we need to create our own goals and expectations. It’s easier to fulfill the expectations of others, but I am praying for the self-discipline to achieve my personal goals. List your goals and keep track of them; for example, I plan to have at least twelve submissions out at all times. As soon as I receive a rejection, I send out another submission.

If twelve sounds daunting, set a lower number. Plan your days and set word count goals, submissions goals, or simply commit to spending a certain number of hours per day writing. Ultimately, while God is in charge of our destiny, we are in charge of our daily decision-making. Like my rock-climbing experience, once you make it to a certain level in your writing journey, it becomes easier to keep moving forward than to turn back.

What helps you stay motivated to write? Do you tend to meet the expectations of others more than your own? I’d love to hear your comments.

In 1996, Susan E. Brooks moved to Mozambique, Africa, with her family where she taught art and English at an international high school and started journaling about her adventures. Her stories of struggles and victories in Mozambique are now published on her blog in a series entitled “Mozambican Odyssey.” She has since lived in Portugal, Ghana, and Cyprus, as well as in her home state of Kentucky, USA.

Meanwhile, nine grandchildren have come along, and she is inspired to write and illustrate a children’s book for each of them. Susan has self-published four children’s books so far.

In recent years, her stories have been published by Peace Catalyst International and in an anthology entitled Prayer Warrior Confessions. Follow Susan’s adventures and her art on her websiteL susanebrooks.com, Facebook susanbrooksart, and on Instagram @sebrooks81.

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Writer Encouragement

Secrets of Successful Authors

The writer’s life is full of challenge and discouragement, rejection and struggle. The famous authors we admire surely never went through this much, we may think to ourselves. But what if they did? Then maybe there’s hope for us. Let’s consider what a few well-known authors endured before becoming famous. What are their work habits, and how did they keep going? How old were they when they started? It might surprise you.

Work Habits of the Famous

For a time, Maya Angelou’s work pattern was to rent a hotel room and go every morning to write from about 6:30 am to 12:30 or 1:00pm. Stephen Pressfield has a daily ritual which includes donning lucky shoes and invoking the Muse. He sits in the same spot every day and writes until he starts making typos, and that’s it, about four hours. To him, the number of pages or the quality doesn’t matter at that point, he has beaten Resistance. Stephen King aims for 2,000 words a day, about ten pages, which can take him anywhere from a few hours of the morning or until suppertime, depending on how it goes. But then there’s Victor Hugo, who insisted his valet hide his clothes, so he couldn’t get dressed until he had completed his first draft. If only I had a valet….

From Rejection to Fame

After all the hours dedicated to writing them, some of the world’s most successful books were rejected dozens of times before finally being published. For example, The Help, by Kathryn Stockett, was rejected sixty times before becoming wildly successful and being made into a blockbuster movie. Stephen King’s Carrie was rejected thirty times until he threw it into the garbage. His wife retrieved it, and it became the first of fifty worldwide best sellers. Beatrix Potter was rejected so many times that she decided to self-publish. Rejection, no matter how excruciating, might not mean your book is trash. Instead, it might indicate you haven’t found the right publisher yet, and that publisher just might be you.

It’s Never Too Late

Okay, you may think, but most famous writers got started young, and I’m not young. It’s too late for me. Let’s see about that. (And if you are young, Jan Karon has advice for you below.) Many famous writers began later in life. Frank McCourt, author of Angela’s Ashes, got started at age sixty-six, and Laura Ingalls Wilder at age 64, with her ever-popular Little House on the Prairie series.

Jan Karon didn’t start the Mitford series until after she quit her job at an advertising agency at age fifty. She gave this advice to would-be writers in an interview with CBN:

If God has given you a dream, you’d better get cracking because He wants you to use it. That’s why He gives them to us in the first place…. We can’t say, “I’m too fat,” or “I’m too thin,” or “My husband wouldn’t like it,” or “My kids wouldn’t like it,” or “I’m too old,” or “I’m too young,” or “I’m too tired.” Just get moving!

CBN interview by Belinda Elliot

Thank you so much, Jan Karon, I think I will!

In 1996, Susan E. Brooks moved to Mozambique, Africa, with her family where she taught art and English at an international high school and started journaling about her adventures. Twenty-six of the stories of struggles and victories in Mozambique are now published on her blog in a series entitled “Mozambican Odyssey.” She has since lived in Portugal, Ghana, and Cyprus, as well as in her home state of Kentucky, USA.

Meanwhile, nine grandchildren have come along, and she is inspired to write and illustrate a children’s book for each of them. Susan has self-published four children’s books so far.

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Writer Encouragement

Earthlings Are Watching

You need to write, but you don’t feel like it. You have nothing to say, nowhere to start. You have a deadline, or a great idea, yet your brain is clogged. Some call it writer’s block. Best-selling author Jodi Picoult said,

“I don’t believe in writer’s block. Think about it—when you were blocked in college and had to write a paper, didn’t it always manage to fix itself the night before the paper was due? Writer’s block is having too much time on your hands.”

Jodi Picoult Quotes. BrainyQuote.com, BrainyMedia Inc, 2020+.

That may be true, but for those of us with “too much time on our hands,” these suggestions might help.

Just Start

Get your coffee or tea, sit down at your desk, and pray! Then start writing. Compose a prayer if nothing else comes to mind. When your head is full of negative emotions, get all of your angst out onto the paper, such as, “I can’t think of a blessed thing to write about, and maybe I should quit writing anyway. Nobody wants to read what I write.”

Yes, we’ve all been there. Get it out and then move on. It may even be useful later for something like a column on “Writer Encouragement.” Just start somewhere, and as you do, chances are the Spirit will take over and lead you into something interesting God wanted you to say. Somewhere, in the midst of all of the mess you just spewed onto the paper, nuggets of gold may be hiding.

Give Thanks

Giving thanks may overcome writer’s block. List the myriad ways you are blessed. “I am thankful for the good health to sit in my chair and type.” When you have a deadline, “I am thankful someone wants my writing.” If you don’t have a deadline, “I am thankful for having all the time I need to do an excellent job.” Once you start the flow, it will become easier to keep going.

I have nine little blessings, ages one to fourteen, and they motivate me to write. After I wrote the first children’s book starring my granddaughter, my other grandchildren expected one as well. Everyone may not be blessed with grandchildren, but it may help to list the people you love. Consider how you want to write for their sakes—to encourage them, dedicate a book to them, leave a legacy of beautiful family stories, make them proud.

 Remember the Witnesses

A family trip to Red River Gorge, a famous rock-climbing spot in Kentucky, reminded me of an important truth. We were climbing a dangerous outcropping of rocks together. My adult children climbed ahead of me, offering a hand up when needed, and my husband stayed behind. I plastered my body against the slippery surface and slowly hoisted my weight from one tiny foot-hold indention in the rock to the next. My legs shaped angles they hadn’t formed in years. With plenty of help, I struggled through it.

With the final rise conquered under my feet, I realized a group of young climbers had been waiting above, watching and cheering me on! It reminded me of Hebrews 12:1.

“Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us.”

Hebrews 12:1 (NIV)

Throw off all distractions—cell phones, the voice of the enemy, dirty laundry, alphabetizing the spice rack—and get to it. Remember, heaven is watching, and not only heaven, but earthlings as well!

In 1996, Susan E. Brooks moved to Mozambique, Africa, with her family where she taught art and English at an international high school and started journaling about her adventures. Twenty-six of the stories of struggles and victories in Mozambique are now published on her blog in a series entitled “Mozambican Odyssey.” She has since lived in Portugal, Ghana, and Cyprus, as well as in her home state of Kentucky, USA.

Meanwhile, nine grandchildren have come along, and she is inspired to write and illustrate a children’s book for each of them. Susan has self-published four children’s books so far.

In recent years, her stories have been published by Peace Catalyst International and in an anthology entitled Prayer Warrior Confessions. Follow Susan’s adventures and her art on her websiteL susanebrooks.com, Facebook susanbrooksart, and on Instagram @sebrooks81.

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Writer Encouragement

Lessons from Bart

For years, I taught full-time, but it never quite satisfied my longing to create—to put into practice what I was teaching others. “Someday, I’ll quit teaching and pursue my dreams of becoming a writer,” I kept telling myself. And finally, I did just that.

“Oh, you’ve retired from teaching, and you’re taking it easy now!” seemed to be the implied if not the stated opinion of everyone who felt free to comment on my life choices.

Never Give Up

The truth is, I have been tempted to live up—or down—to those expectations. Writers face rejection constantly. We are misunderstood, or we don’t even get a hearing in the first place. “Why do I put myself through this?” I ask on a bad day when another “Dear Susan” rejection email arrives.

During one of those why-don’t-I-just-give-up mornings, I read the story of blind Bartimaeus. Bart had been waiting who knows how long for a chance to be healed. When he called out for Jesus, many told him to be quiet, “but he shouted all the more!” (Mark 10:48 NIV). The crowd thought Bart was wasting his time, but Jesus had a plan for him. He heard him, called him, and healed him.

When publishers reject my writing, friends expect me to kick back and relax, and voices in my head clamor, telling me to give up, I need to remember Jesus has called me. And perhaps, in time, he will heal me of the need for acceptance from anyone other than him.

Get Moving

To counteract discouragement, we can take concrete steps to improve our writing. Earlier this year, I joined a critique group which requires me to submit monthly. After a few months of writing with my group, an award-winning website gave me a column to write! This made me feel like a real writer—as opposed to the fake writer I was before—but then I got stuck. Certain I was delusional to think a monthly column would be a breeze, I panicked. I listened to the accuser in my head ask these questions: “What ever made you think you’re a writer, capable of working with a deadline? Why would you want to write a column every month? How will you come up with new ideas?”

To silence the voice in my head, I took a deep breath and went back to Bart. He not only kept calling out to Jesus but also bounced to his feet when Jesus called. He got moving, taking concrete steps toward his goal. We can do that too.

Hog-tie yourself to your writing chair—or not—but sit in your writing space and type, even if it reeks, just to get the thoughts flowing. Take a few minutes to read some great writing and ask yourself why you love it. Take a walk outdoors. Find practices that work for you and make a list for the times you are panicked. Move in a positive direction like Bart did.

Open Our Eyes

Jesus opened the eyes of Bartimaeus, both physically and spiritually. When we need inspiration, we can venture out into nature and ask God to open our eyes. I walk and pray in the fresh morning air, and my mind opens up to new ideas and the guidance of the Spirit. Sometimes I sit watching the birds, remembering that Jesus said not to worry for God takes care of the birds, and we are so much more precious to him than they.

The world may seem to be falling apart, but in nature we see tremendous beauty all around us, whispering that God is real, loving, and attentive to our needs. When the descending sunlight filters through the delicate leaves, backlit with dazzling golds and corals, we need to be still and open our eyes. In the changing colors of sunsets and sunrises, we experience the creativity of God, his gifts to us, abundant and new every morning and evening. G. K. Chestertonsaid, “Most probably we are in Eden still. It is only our eyes that have changed” (2011, 2). 

If we allow God to open our eyes, the writing will flow from his Spirit, his Breath, breathed in by us, his children.                           

Reference

Chesterton, G. K. 2011. In In Defense of Sanity, 2. San Francisco, CA: Ignatius Press.

In 1996, Susan E. Brooks moved to Mozambique, Africa, with her family where she taught art and English at an international high school and started journaling about her adventures. Twenty-six of the stories of struggles and victories in Mozambique are now published on her blog in a series entitled “Mozambican Odyssey.” She has since lived in Portugal, Ghana, and Cyprus, as well as in her home state of Kentucky, USA.

Meanwhile, nine grandchildren have come along, and she is inspired to write and illustrate a children’s book for each of them. Susan has self-published four children’s books so far.

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Writer Encouragement

Top Five Books to Encourage Writers

Expect rejection, and don’t take it personally. Just keep writing. God is in control. This is my mantra. Most famous authors have been through years of rejection before finally breaking through the barriers we all face. The following books are full of encouragement to persevere, along with practical suggestions for improving your writing.

books to encourage writers

1. The War of Art by Steven Pressfield

Pressfield names “Resistance,” as the enemy that keeps us from writing. He shares how he finally faced Resistance after years of running from his calling.

Pressfield is like a drill sergeant ordering us to face down opposition daily and stop making excuses, but he’s an eloquent drill sergeant:

“Creative work is not a selfish act or a bid for attention on the part of the actor. It’s a gift to the world and every being in it”

Pressfield, Steven. 2002. In The War of Art: Break through the Blocks and Win Your Inner Creative Battles, 165. New York, NY: Black Irish Entertainment.

2. The Artist’s Way by Julia Cameron

If Steven Pressfield is a drill sergeant, Julia Cameron is a compassionate friend coaxing us into writing through playful exercises designed to jumpstart artistic expression. Wonderful for blocked writers, I found it affirming even though I didn’t feel blocked. Cameron reassures us that God is pleased with our creative efforts. She provides wisdom for dealing with crippling perfectionism and negativity. She also suggests practices such as “morning pages” and a weekly “artist date” to stimulate creative flow.

3. Writing Down the Bones by Natalie Goldberg

Fun and relaxing to read, Goldberg is honest and vulnerable. In this classic book, she shares her secrets, such as promising herself two chocolate chip cookies at her favorite bakery as a reward for writing. (My kind of gal!) Arranged into short chapters filled with engaging stories and concrete steps to establishing a writing routine, this gem is encouraging on every page.

4. Bird by Bird by Anne Lamott

With her characteristic humor, Anne Lamott shares her experiences growing up with her writer father as she struggles to become a writer herself, and that’s just the introduction! Then she gives thorough instructions about getting started with short assignments, crafting characters, setting, plot—nearly everything you need to know about writing—punctuated with hilarious stories. She charms the reader to the last page.

5. On Writing by Stephen King

I am not a fan of horror, and this is the only Stephen King book I have ever read, but it is riveting.

“The nail in my wall would no longer support the weight of rejection slips impaled upon it. I replaced the nail with a spike and went on writing”

King, Stephen. 2000. In On Writing: a Memoir of the Craft, 41. N.Y., NY: Pocket Books.

King also includes nuts and bolts instruction on the craft of writing. It’s perfect, almost.

Dive into these books and press on toward the goal. Replace your “nail with a spike” and keep on writing!

In 1996, Susan E. Brooks moved to Mozambique, Africa, with her family where she taught art and English at an international high school and started journaling about her adventures. Twenty-six of the stories of struggles and victories in Mozambique are now published on her blog in a series entitled “Mozambican Odyssey.” She has since lived in Portugal, Ghana, and Cyprus, as well as in her home state of Kentucky, USA.

Meanwhile, nine grandchildren have come along, and she is inspired to write and illustrate a children’s book for each of them. Susan has self-published four children’s books so far.

In recent years, her stories have been published by Peace Catalyst International and in an anthology entitled Prayer Warrior Confessions. Follow Susan’s adventures and her art on her webisite: susanebrooks.com, Facebook susanbrooksart, and on Instagram @sebrooks81.

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Writer Encouragement

UNIQUE Times

I won’t state the obvious about the unique situation the world is in. It’s not every year we get to fight a pandemic. Nor is it every year that writer’s conferences—the mega booster to encourage and direct writers—are cancelled. While they are tentatively rescheduled for later in the year, in the back of our minds most of us are thinking, I wonder if they will be held this year at all. I certainly hope so but none of us can foresee the future.

I think about writers of old such as Louisa May Alcott, Jane Austen, Emily Bronte, Nathaniel Hawthorne. As far as I know, they were not attending conferences aimed at their passion. Yet they still wrote. The fruit of their labors is still sitting on our book shelves.

As much as we love the camaraderie of our fellow writers in person, it is not an essential to our word crafting. I have to gulp when I write that because I LOVE meeting my fellow authors up close and personal. But this year has to be different. We have to rely on our connections elsewhere (thank the Lord for social media!) and especially, on the One Who called us to write in the first place.

Years ago, our family experienced a flood in Iowa where we lived at the time. The water treatment plant was contaminated and we had no fresh water for over a week. The National Guard came to filter river water for us. “Potable water” they called it. My pre-teen daughter thought the soldiers were cute. 😉 I had to prepare myself for THAT new phase in our lives!

My memories include incessant rain that felt like we needed to build an Ark. Sandbag filling in attempts to keep the flood waters at bay. Transporting water to a local nursing home in our mini-van. Sweat and dirt in my every pore, and longing for a shower in the heat. These are the memories of that time that persist so many years later. It was a time of community caring.

We are in such a time here and now. You can use this opportunity to help your community. Volunteer at a food bank. Sew masks and donate them to whoever needs them. Deliver meals to the elderly.

This is a time for new experiences that will make you become a better writer. In the life of a writer, these times of challenge stretch us from our comfort zone. That’s not a bad place to be.

Carry on. And wash your hands.

Elaine Marie Cooper has two historical fiction books that released in 2019: War’s Respite (Prequel novella) and Love’s Kindling. Love’s Kindling was recently named a Finalist in the 2020 Selah Awards. It is the second book in the Dawn of America Series set in Revolutionary War Connecticut. Cooper is the award-winning author of Fields of the Fatherless and Bethany’s Calendar. Her 2016 release (Saratoga Letters) was finalist in Historical Romance in both the Selah Awards and Next Generation Indie Book Awards. She has been published in Chicken Soup for the Soul and HomeLife magazine. She also penned the three-book historical series, Deer Run Saga. Her upcoming release, Scarred Vessels,” is about the black soldiers in the American Revolution. Look for it in October 2020. You can visit her website/ blog at www.elainemariecooper.com

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Writer Encouragement

Too Distracted

These days, I frequently see my social media contacts expressing the same sentiment: “I’m too distracted to write.”

In other circumstances, we might see our forced home-bound state as a perfect opportunity to write, with hours of free time to be creative. The problem is, our stress levels are high, as we try to figure out the logistics of feeding our families, staying healthy, and worrying about finding enough toilet paper!

Stress will cause distraction. Years ago, I remember sitting in the waiting area with my husband and sons while my daughter underwent brain surgery. We feared the outcome, knowing it did not look good. I remember glancing around, searching for my reading glasses. “Ben, where are my glasses?” My older son looked at me, then started to laugh. “Mom, you’re wearing them.”

Distracted. Stressed. Worried. It makes it nearly impossible to sit down and focus on writing. It’s like a self-protective mechanism in our brain, that wants us to be alert for danger, rather than spend time using our creative side.

My suggestion is to put your writing aside for at least an hour or so. Watch a funny movie. Call a friend who will uplift you. Read an entertaining book.

I just finished one of my favorite funny movies, “Bringing up Baby.” It’s an old B&W flick with Cary Grant and Kathryn Hepburn and it makes me deep laugh every time with the crazy antics involving a leopard named Baby.

A few other funny movies that I can never see enough of are “While You were Sleeping,” “Galaxy Quest,” “Money Pit,” and “The Princess Bride.” There are many more that will bring on my giggles as well.

Ever since I can remember, humor has been a great distraction for me during tough times. When my daughter was suffering from a brain tumor, we used to read aloud to her from James Herriott’s books. I highly recommend this author’s veterinarian tales from Yorkshire!

One incident that we as a family will never forget is when my mom was reading that book to my daughter. Please understand, my mom was very prim and proper. 😉 She got to a paragraph about artificial insemination of a cow. The more she read, the greater the details emerged, and the more uncomfortable Mom grew. I think I was the first in the room to snicker while trying to focus on my crocheting. Soon, the whole room was laughing with hysterics. I tried to control my laughter enough to offer to read that section to my daughter. She bravely adjusted herself higher in her chair and said, “No, I can read it.”

I can still remember it all with a huge grin, despite that tragic situation with my daughter fighting terminal cancer.

Humor is like that. It shifts our “fight or flight” thinking to a relaxed, creative state. After watching “Bringing Up Baby” today, I started to write this blog.

Even if you’re on a deadline, take a break to re-wire and relax your brain. The words may start to flow, unhindered.

Carry On. And wash your hands. 😉

Elaine Marie Cooper has two historical fiction books that released in 2019: War’s Respite (Prequel novella) and Love’s Kindling. Love’s Kindling was recently named a Finalist in the 2020 Selah Awards. It is the second book in the Dawn of America Series set in Revolutionary War Connecticut. Cooper is the award-winning author of Fields of the Fatherless and Bethany’s Calendar. Her 2016 release (Saratoga Letters) was finalist in Historical Romance in both the Selah Awards and Next Generation Indie Book Awards. She has been published in Chicken Soup for the Soul and HomeLife magazine. She also penned the three-book historical series, Deer Run Saga. Her upcoming release, Scarred Vessels,” is about the black soldiers in the American Revolution. Look for it in October 2020. You can visit her website/ blog at www.elainemariecooper.com

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Writer Encouragement

Expressing Encouragement

“Your mom was proud of you!” The words in yesterday’s email from one of Mom’s friends brought tears to my eyes.

This expression of encouragement gripped my heart in a deep way. I admit, I’m amazed at how the words still bring tears to my adult eyes.

It’s been a long time since Mom died, and even longer since I was a child looking for parental affirmation. So why do these words, even today, still touch my soul? Perhaps it’s the deep bond between parent and child. Whether adopted or biological, the relationship between generations impacts us more deeply than I think we often realize.

As we mature, our extended relationships seem to take over our time and energies. We look to others in our professional circles, or church friends, or fellow parents of our school age child to share kudos and encouragements. Sometimes we feel that we “outgrow” the need for our parents. Perhaps we are wrong.

Which brings me to the next thought: What words that we speak to our children today will they carry in their hearts forever? Will they feel encouraged in whatever their capabilities? Will they feel unconditional love through your words? Do they know you are proud of them?

As wordsmiths, we understand the power of a well written line. We can create a realistic antagonist and a heroic protagonist. But can we create goodwill and encouragement in the real people who matter the most—our children?

It’s often been said that when raising your children, the days go slowly but the years fly by. As a grandma, I can attest to that fact!

Perhaps you are single and have no children. Have you thought about becoming a mentor to a parentless child? A foster parent? A big brother or sister who volunteers to take on a positive role in a world where so many kids flounder and feel unloved? My younger son became a Big Brother years ago to a fatherless 8-year-old. The boy is now a grown young man who my son still interacts with. We’ve made his “Little Brother” part of our family get-togethers.  My son took on that parental role and has kept the relationship going, even though he now has two children of us own.

Never downplay the importance of the parent-child relationship, no matter how old you are and no matter the biological tie.

Carry on.

Elaine Marie Cooper has two historical fiction books that released in 2019: War’s Respite (Prequel novella) and Love’s Kindling. Love’s Kindling is available in both e-book and paperback. They are the first two books in the Dawn of America Series set in Revolutionary War Connecticut. Cooper is the award-winning author of Fields of the Fatherless and Bethany’s Calendar. Her 2016 release (Saratoga Letters) was finalist in Historical Romance in both the Selah Awards and Next Generation Indie Book Awards. She has been published in Chicken Soup for the Soul and HomeLife magazine. She also penned the three-book historical series, Deer Run Saga. Her upcoming release, Scarred Vessels,” is about the black soldiers in the American Revolution. Look for it in October 2020. You can visit her website/ blog at www.elainemariecooper.com

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Writer Encouragement

New Year, New Hope

I anticipate some New Year’s more than others. Turning the calendar to 2020 after a difficult 2019 offers new hope and I look forward to fresh opportunities. I pray the Lord will guide my every step and decision in both my writing life as well as my walk with Him.

I told one friend that this past year felt like a year of survival. Between my husband’s stroke, my granddaughter’s cancer and foot amputation, and moving 2,000 miles to be closer to family, there were many moments that made me wonder if I could survive it all.

With the Lord’s help, I did. And God reminds me of all the blessings that occurred in 2019:

  • My husband is recovering well from his stroke
  • While the doctors were convinced my granddaughter needed chemo, all the tests came back negative for malignancy spreading elsewhere. She is cancer free! Praise the Lord!
  • My friend Shannon drove cross country with me to share the driving. Godly friends are a gift.
  • God provided for all our needs for the move despite many obstacles. Again, so many friends helped us.
  • By our second Sunday here in CA, the Lord led us to an amazing church and Christian friends who wrapped us in loving fellowship.
  • In August, on my son’s birthday, his wife gave birth to a precious baby boy. My fifth grandchild. God is so good!
  • My granddaughter runs and plays on her prosthetic foot. She has adapted to her new life so beautifully.
  • In July, a story I’d submitted to “Chicken Soup for the Soul” was published.
  • I signed a contract with Mantle Rock for the publishing of my latest novel, “Scarred Vessels.”

As you can see from my list, the blessings have far outweighed the difficulties. So my word for this year of 2020 will be “Overcome.” Do not be weighed down by the hard stuff. Pray and move forward.

It’s easy to focus on the struggles. As writers, we face the obstacles to publishing regularly.  I encourage you to press onward. Be an overcomer.

Assume there will be trials of many sorts. “In me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33 NIV)

Notice this verse does not say, “pull yourself up by your boot straps” or “get a grip.” It says, “In me (Jesus) you may have peace.” Trust the day to day to Him. He is our peace, our source of strength. He is our Overcomer.

Carry on.

Elaine Marie Cooper has two historical fiction books that released in 2019: War’s Respite (Prequel novella) and Love’s Kindling. Love’s Kindling is available in both e-book and paperback. They are the first two books in the Dawn of America Series set in Revolutionary War Connecticut. Cooper is the award-winning author of Fields of the Fatherless and Bethany’s Calendar. Her 2016 release (Saratoga Letters) was finalist in Historical Romance in both the Selah Awards and Next Generation Indie Book Awards. She has been published in Chicken Soup for the Soul and HomeLife magazine. She also penned the three-book historical series, Deer Run Saga. Her upcoming release, Scarred Vessels,” is about the black soldiers in the American Revolution. Look for it in October 2020. You can visit her website/ blog at www.elainemariecooper.com

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Writer Encouragement

Remember our Veterans with your writing

Since it’s Veterans Day, this will be a somewhat nontraditional “Writer Encouragement” column. However, the message is as important as any I’ve likely written before: Remember our veterans.

Write about them. Encourage them and their families by acknowledging their sacrifice for our country. Look for ways to feature their stories and submit them to periodicals. Never let our country forget that freedom is not free.

I happen to be a “Blue Star” mom. In other words, I have a son who serves and has, since 9-11 crashed into our world and changed our lives forever.

When he joined the military, we had just found out that my only daughter had an inoperable brain tumor. I prayed and prayed and hoped he’d not go in. But the Lord had other plans. I knew that and gave him my blessing. It was one of the hardest sacrifices I’ve ever made.

And now his wife and children make that sacrifice, and do so, time and again, as his military rank advances and his responsibilities grow. He has saved many lives and won many medals.

This photo was taken several years ago when my son’s daughter was just two and he’d just flown home from a deployment.

Yet it comes at a cost as his wife and children carry on without him being their time and again. As his mom, I often am unable to even get a text to him just to see how he is. That’s where being a prayer warrior for him and other military members helps keep me sane as I entrust him into the Lord’s hands.

I encourage you writers to bring their stories to life. There are thousands of veterans and active military out there. Don’t let their sacrifices be ignored or forgotten. Be sure to protect their privacy—especially if they currently serve— because revealing their personal info can put them or their families in harm’s way.

We can’t all serve our country. But we can tell the sagas of those heroes who have been on the front lines.

Carry on.

Elaine Marie Cooper has two historical fiction books that released in 2019: War’s Respite (Prequel novella) and Love’s Kindling. Love’s Kindling is available in both e-book and paperback. They are the first two books in the Dawn of America Series set in Revolutionary War Connecticut. Cooper is the award-winning author of Fields of the Fatherless and Bethany’s Calendar. Her 2016 release (Saratoga Letters) was finalist in Historical Romance in both the Selah Awards and Next Generation Indie Book Awards. She penned the three-book Deer Run Saga and has been published in numerous magazines and anthologies including the recent Chicken Soup for the Soul: Think Positive, Live Happy. Scarred Vessels, a novel about black soldiers in the American Revolution, will release in 2020. You can visit her website/ blog at www.elainemariecooper.com

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Writer Encouragement

King Saul, Impatience, and Pride

A recent sermon at my church could have been written for writers. It revolved around impatience and pride.

The subject of this lesson was King Saul, who seemed to have everything going for him: talent, good looks, and the anointing of a prophet.

There was not a man among the people of Israel more handsome than he. From his shoulders upward he was taller than any of the people. (1 Samuel 10:2 ESV )

Despite his physical attributes, Saul did not consider himself anything special. So when the prophet Samuel spoke to him in a mysterious, anointing way, Saul was shocked: “Am I not a Benjamite, from the least of the tribes of Israel? And is not my clan the humblest of all the clans of the tribe of Benjamin? Why then have you spoken to me in this way?” (1 Samuel 9:21 ESV)

It was not long after that, Samuel took Saul aside, poured oil on his head, and prophesied that he was to be king. “Has not the Lord anointed you to be prince over His people? And you shall reign over the people of the Lord and you will save them from the hand of their surrounding enemies.” (1 Samuel 10:1 ESV)

Yet despite this promise, Saul continued to doubt his abilities. When it was time for Samuel to declare him king before all the tribes of Israel, the shy Saul hid rather than be presented to the masses.

Probably many writers can relate to this fear of being in front of others. The fear of being inadequate. The fear of speaking because we are not good enough. We feel so humble.

Yet that same Saul, after being a king who successfully defeated enemy nations to protect Israel, developed another quality as well. He became impatient.

He had tasted success. And in that spirit of accomplishment, pride crept in. Was there nothing he couldn’t do?

One day, while awaiting the arrival of the prebattle heavenly blessing, the prophet Samuel was running late. Samuel was supposed to offer the sacrifice to the Lord before the Israelites faced the enemy Philistines. The people waited and waited, then grew scared. They began to scatter out of fear.

Rather than rallying the Israelites as their leader, he succumbed to impatience. Saul knew the sacrifice was only to be offered by the prophet, Samuel, yet he ordered the people to “bring the burnt offering here to me.” They did so and Saul took it upon himself to offer the sacrifice.

“As soon as he had finished offering the burnt offering, behold, Samuel came.” (1 Samuel 13:10 ESV) As soon as he had finished. Had Saul waited just a few moments, everything would have been different. And the kingdom would not have been taken away from him. The kingdom went to David, and Saul went insane.

I don’t know about you, but I can relate to Saul with his insecurities and doubts. I can also relate to his impatience. Haven’t I waited long enough to get a contract? Why is this writing journey taking so long?

And sometimes, after having a measure of success in the publishing world with contracts and/or awards, we might pop a few buttons on our shirts and strut around a bit. Sometimes, a measure of success can be our downfall if we grow too big for our britches, as my mom used to say. The britches of pride.

Remember Saul. He had experienced the empowerment of the Spirit of God to bring him success as he listened to the voice of that Spirit. Yet ignoring that inner utterance from the Lord as Saul did, caused his downfall. It could destroy us as well.

I encourage you to beware, because humility can turn into pride in a mere moment.

Carry on.

Elaine Marie Cooper has two historical fiction books that recently released: War’s Respite (Prequel novella) and Love’s Kindling. Love’s Kindling is available in both e-book and paperback. They are the first two books in the Dawn of America Series set in Revolutionary War Connecticut. Cooper is the award-winning author of Fields of the Fatherless and Bethany’s Calendar. Her 2016 release (Saratoga Letters) was finalist in Historical Romance in both the Selah Awards and Next Generation Indie Book Awards. She penned the three-book Deer Run Saga and has been published in numerous magazines and anthologies. Scarred Vessels, a novel about black soldiers in the American Revolution, will release in 2020. You can visit her website/ blog at www.elainemariecooper.com

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Writer Encouragement

Take a Break

I didn’t know how much I needed a break until I grew grumpy. My usual ability to cope was stretched as taught as a rubber band holding too many papers. Exhaustion overwhelmed me at times. Then I got sick with bronchitis. In the summertime.

When you are overwhelmed with life, not only is it difficult to write your stories but sickness can rear its ugly head at any time of the year.

I stopped and took inventory of my past several months. It was a bit on the scary side: My husband’s stroke and months of rehab, my granddaughter’s diagnosis of cancer in her foot, my sister’s illness, moving out of state … The stressors were numerous and more than just a little daunting.

While things have improved for the most part, there are residual difficulties such as my granddaughter needing a prosthesis for her foot amputation and my husband still dealing with memory issues. I am struggling with now being the sole driver in our empty nest household. It’s not a situation I ever imagined.

In the midst of all this anxiety, my older son extended an invitation to come and stay for a week. I would help them out with childcare for the triplets while their mom and dad worked. Although some might see that as more work for me, it has been a refresher visiting with my out-of-state grands and my son and DIL who I rarely see. While I am not sitting doing nothing, it is a change from my normal and sometimes angst-filled routines. It has been a gift from the Lord through my son.

I could have found excuses not to go on this respite but I knew I needed it. Anyone who carries the load at home needs it for peace and renewal before the rubber band of anxiety snaps from the pressure.

So I set up everything for my husband to help him manage on his own. Our younger son and my husband’s sister are nearby in case of emergency. Then I boarded the flight, knowing this was going to be the refreshment for my soul and body that I needed.

It is so easy to be overwhelmed by our responsibilities that we often forget to take care of our own needs. It is a choice. We can make ourselves indispensable in our stress, or we can find coverage for all the needs around us. We all need to take a healthy break at times.

With a clearer head and renewed enthusiasm, I look forward to facing the blank Word doc again, and creating my next novel. After this rest.

Then I can happily … carry on.

Elaine Marie Cooper has two historical fiction books that recently released: War’s Respite (Prequel novella) and Love’s Kindling. Love’s Kindling is available in both e-book and paperback. They are the first two books in the Dawn of America Series set in Revolutionary War Connecticut. Cooper is the award-winning author of Fields of the Fatherless and Bethany’s Calendar. Her 2016 release (Saratoga Letters) was finalist in Historical Romance in both the Selah Awards and Next Generation Indie Book Awards. She penned the three-book Deer Run Saga and has been published in numerous magazines and anthologies. Scarred Vessels, a novel about black soldiers in the American Revolution, will release in 2020. You can visit her website/ blog at www.elainemariecooper.com

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Writer Encouragement

Writing in These Evil Days

(Author Note: I posted this blog over two years ago, yet the message is perhaps even more relevant today)

“Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is. Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit. Speak to one another with psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs. Sing and make music in your heart to the Lord, always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.”

Ephesians 5: 15-20

Being careful how we live in the evil days. So what does this have to do with encouragement for writers, you might ask? I would answer, “Everything.”

There is not a day goes by when the news is not inciting pain in our hearts as we hear of more unrest, murders, and other terrible “deeds of darkness.” It is enough to cause even the strongest Christian to tremble and become consumed with anxiety and depression. Yet these days of evil do not take God by surprise. Instead, He has given us a means by which we can fight the enemy that seeks to consume our minds with fear. It is called speaking to one another in psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs. It is singing and making music in our hearts and giving thanks to God our Father—not for the evil days but for our hope in Jesus Christ.

Is this our natural, human response to frightening news that toys with our minds 24/7? Of course not. It is a decision that we make.

It takes a conscious choice to turn off the constant news and put on Christian music  that will uplift our spirit. I find that, even if I’m working and barely paying attention to the music in the background, the message of the music is making an impact. In the quiet moments, I find the words of the songs playing through my mind and uplifting me, shifting my focus from this world to the heavenly realm.

As writers for the Lord, we need to be aware that we “struggle not against flesh and blood…but against the powers of this dark world.” (Ephesians 6:12) The battleground is our mind. If we are frozen by fear, we become ineffective at spreading the Good News of Jesus Christ.

Don’t let the evil one control the input. Take back control over what you allow into your minds and hearts. “Sing and make music in your heart to the Lord.”

Carry on.

Elaine Marie Cooper has two historical fiction books that recently released: War’s Respite (Prequel novella) and Love’s Kindling. Love’s Kindling is available in both e-book and paperback. They are the first two books in the Dawn of America Series set in Revolutionary War Connecticut. Cooper is the award-winning author of Fields of the Fatherless and Bethany’s Calendar. Her 2016 release (Saratoga Letters) was finalist in Historical Romance in both the Selah Awards and Next Generation Indie Book Awards. She penned the three-book Deer Run Saga and has been published in numerous magazines and anthologies. You can visit her website/ blog at www.elainemariecooper.com

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Writer Encouragement

Work While Waiting

The waiting game for writers can seem endless.

You edit then edit some more, then recheck submission requirements. You push the send button. And wait.

The days and weeks go by and you hear nothing. You check your inbox religiously. Still nothing.

What do you do?

Keep writing. Seek out other projects and ideas. Then write some more.

I had an interesting experience this week with a short story I’d submitted over a year ago. I’d long since given up on hearing back from this publication. All of a sudden, the editor is desperately trying to get ahold of me and even calls me on my cell phone. No one was more surprised, especially because so much “life” and writing had occurred since I’d submitted it. In fact, I was in the midst of moving to another state when the email first was sent to me—and I missed it. EyeRoll

What if I’d just sat and waited and grew discouraged, assuming no one would want my story? I’d have missed out on signing a contract for another book I’d written over a year ago. I’d have missed out on many other opportunities to guest blog and hone my craft.

I could have given up on writing altogether. Perhaps writer’s self-absorption tends to overwhelm us with discouragement at times. It happens to all of us.

A quick fix for that is to offer to help another writer. Be a beta reader for a new manuscript. Help promote a new release for someone else. Go take a walk in fresh air.

Then go back to your cubby hole and write some more.

You never know when that email or phone call may come—out-of-the-blue.

Carry on.

Elaine Marie Cooper has two historical fiction books that recently released: War’s Respite (Prequel novella) and Love’s Kindling. Love’s Kindling is available in both e-book and paperback. They are the first two books in the Dawn of America Series set in Revolutionary War Connecticut. Cooper is the award-winning author of Fields of the Fatherless and Bethany’s Calendar. Her 2016 release (Saratoga Letters) was finalist in Historical Romance in both the Selah Awards and Next Generation Indie Book Awards. She penned the three-book Deer Run Saga and has been published in numerous magazines and anthologies. You can visit her website/ blog at www.elainemariecooper.com

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Writer Encouragement

Filters. Ever wonder why they’re important?

Basically, every filter I can think of has a main purpose: Keeping junk out.

Recently my husband and I experienced an “interesting” event with his coffee press. The system involves a cup with an attachment full of holes that screws on the bottom. You place the coffee grounds in the bottom of the cup, fill with hot water, then push down with a plunger so the rich brew pours through into a coffee cup. Sounds easy enough, right?

The only problem was, my husband forgot to place a paper filter in the attachment before he added the coffee. So instead of delicious brewed coffee, we had grounds and water pouring out everywhere. All because, the filter was not in place.

This early morning incident got me thinking about filters of all sorts. We change our furnace filter to keep dust and pet hair from clogging up the airflow to the heater and cooler. Our vacuum has a filter that, if left to turn black (don’t ask me how I know this …) provides an odor-rich aroma throughout the home.

Our cars have air filters that keep junk out of the engine that clogs the air flow and makes our auto run less efficiently. Photographers use transparent materials such as colored glass to change colors in their finished products. These are called color filters. Parents use filters on their computers to block access to certain websites.

Life is filled with filters of many kinds.

As writers, we are constantly using mental filters to weed out the junk and leave the good. We self-edit and search for the wrong choice of words or bad grammar or inconsistent characterization. Like smelling a vacuum filter that’s not been changed, we want the stink out.

For the Christian writer, there’s another filter less discussed yet perhaps more important; Filtering out scenarios that support sin.

Does that mean no one ever sins in my books? All anyone has to do is read my novels and it will become clear that is not the case. But what does a Christian writer do with situations involving sin, especially when committed by believers? It all depends on the aftermath. Were there consequences in the character’s lives? Or was the premarital sex treated as normal and OK? Was the murder never discovered? Did the adulterers go on with life as normal? Did everyone just live “happily ever after?” Was it just all part of “Romance?”

This is the difference between a secular story versus a Christian novel. You really can’t leave the commandments out of the plot in Christian fiction. You don’t need to become a preacher of fire and brimstone in your chapters, but be creative. Even King David in the Bible had terrible consequences to his sin with Bathsheba. (Read 2 Samuel 12: 7-17)

Back now to filters. The greatest filter to use in your writing is a simple one: The Bible. If you’re writing Christian books, sift and winnow out the stuff craved by the world. The Old and New Testaments are as old as time with untold value to guide us. Don’t stink up your story with “progressive” plots and characters. Go back to the Source. 

Carry on.

Elaine Marie Cooper has two historical fiction books that recently released: War’s Respite (Prequel novella) and Love’s Kindling. Love’s Kindling is available in both e-book and paperback. They are the first two books in the Dawn of America Series set in Revolutionary War Connecticut. Cooper is the award-winning author of Fields of the Fatherless and Bethany’s Calendar. Her 2016 release (Saratoga Letters) was finalist in Historical Romance in both the Selah Awards and Next Generation Indie Book Awards. She penned the three-book Deer Run Saga and has been published in numerous magazines and anthologies. You can visit her website/ blog at www.elainemariecooper.com

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Writer Encouragement

Take Time To Help

We’ve all been there—overwhelmed by our own lives and then someone asks us to take the time to help them. What do you do?

There is no one correct answer. But I’d encourage you to pray and seek the right answer before saying “yes” or “no” to this friend or acquaintance.

Recently, a writer friend who is not as well-known as some (but I know she is a very good word-crafter), asked me if I’d consider reading and possibly endorsing her upcoming release.

My own life is beyond stressful at the moment with multiple family health needs and more work responsibilities added to the mix of what I call, “Cooper Crazy.” In the midst of my craziness, something nudged me in my heart to say “yes.”

She was thrilled and sent me her Advanced Reader Copy (ARC) which I promptly asked Kindle to send to my device. {If you’ve never done that, send the word doc or PDF to your kindle address and in the subject line write, “Please Convert.”}

Her book revealed itself as an engaging and well written historical that kept me up late at night. I couldn’t wait to finish it to find out what happened. I was more than thrilled to endorse it for her.

I sent off the endorsement and in a couple of emails back and forth, I soon discovered what a needed blessing it was for her. She was truly doubting herself as an author and questioning whether or not her book was any good at all. I knew immediately the evil one had been toying with her mind and I assured her the enemy of our souls was lying to her. I could practically feel her tears of relief through her words. My endorsement had validated the many hours of work she’d invested her time and heart into developing this novel.  

Her response touched me deeply. What had seemingly been a split-second decision that made me wonder if I was out of my mind for taking on one more task turned into such a blessing for both myself and my friend. I received the joy of reading her book and she received the encouragement she needed.

Is it always right to say “yes?” I think that would not be wise. We cannot help everyone. But when you feel that tug in your spirit to respond in the affirmative, God will make a way for you to fit in one more task. That “task” may be a delightful surprise for you, and a gift for a writer who needs your reassurance.

Carry on.

Elaine Marie Cooper has two historical fiction books that recently released: War’s Respite (Prequel novella) and Love’s Kindling. Love’s Kindling is available in both e-book and paperback. They are the first two books in the Dawn of America Series set in Revolutionary War Connecticut. Cooper is the award-winning author of Fields of the Fatherless and Bethany’s Calendar. Her 2016 release (Saratoga Letters) was finalist in Historical Romance in both the Selah Awards and Next Generation Indie Book Awards. She penned the three-book Deer Run Saga and has been published in numerous magazines and anthologies. You can visit her website/ blog at www.elainemariecooper.com

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Writer Encouragement

Proactive Writer

In my writing life, work days sometimes drift, without thought for being proactive in creating an effective work environment. This usually results in either little or no word count accomplished. Sometimes the effort to create and focus seems like an insurmountable task.

So how does one prepare their work zone for what would seem to be a naturally-flowing production of word crafting? It starts with the realization that the creation of text, whether fiction or non, is not always a natural occurrence. There are days it can seem to be more of a supernatural battle.

Why would that be the case? I believe the answer lies in many factors:

  1. We have not disciplined ourselves to sit and work. Deep inside, we’re waiting for the spirit to move us and then we’ll happily plop into our work station and create the next epic best seller.
  2. We allow distractions. Too much media in the house in the form of videos, music, or other diversions.
  3. Too much on our mind in the form of real-life concerns. Bills need to be paid, kids need looking after, emails need to be answered, dinners need to be planned. It’s important to set aside sufficient time to tend these matters. If little ones are underfoot, perhaps a friend or family member could help out for two hours of uninterrupted writing. Better than trying to write while worrying the toddler is getting into the toilet!! Children are a priority, after all.
  4. If you feel your work is a spiritual calling, perhaps there are forces of darkness fighting your efforts at every turn.

This last suggestion might surprise some of you. But all it takes is a search for Bible verses about spiritual warfare to illuminate your mind. There is an unseen world fighting to keep us from our calling to live for Jesus and encouraging others in their faith.

Ephesians 6:11-12 “Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world, and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realm.” (NIV)

If you realize there is a battle for men’s souls occurring, we can learn from warriors through the years who always prepare to win against the enemy. For spiritual warfare, here are a few strategies:

  1. Pray
  2. Memorize Scripture
  3. Play praise and worship music in the background
  4. Pray

Did I also mention it’s important to pray? Cover your writing time with pleas to heaven to guide your pen and use it for Kingdom glory.

Then carry on.

Elaine Marie Cooper has two new historical fiction books that just released: War’s Respite (Prequel novella) and Love’s Kindling. Love’s Kindling is available in both e-book and paperback. They are the first two books in the Dawn of America Series set in Revolutionary War Connecticut. Cooper is the award-winning author of Fields of the Fatherless and Bethany’s Calendar. Her 2016 release (Saratoga Letters) was finalist in Historical Romance in both the Selah Awards and Next Generation Indie Book Awards. She penned the three-book Deer Run Saga and has been published in numerous magazines and anthologies. You can visit her website/ blog at www.elainemariecooper.com

Categories
Writer Encouragement

Increasing Your Vocabulary

Increasing your vocabulary may sound like a “roll your eyes” suggestion. After all, you’ve been reading and writing English (or whatever your native language) for many years. By the time most of us reach the point where we feel called to write, we usually feel fairly comfortable in our knowledge of numerous words and their meanings.

But let’s be honest. There are many terms that still escape our grasp and understanding.

Years ago, my husband and I used to play the dictionary game with friends. It was an early (and less expensive) version of a Parker Brothers game where each person is given a word and they must write down what they believe to be the definition. Undoubtedly, it would not be a commonplace expression.

The various explanations of the words’ meanings as written by the game’s participants would send our group into uproarious laughter. The creativity was endless and quite funny.

Most of our friends were fairly well-read individuals. No one had flunked out of school. All were quite successful in their professions. Yet time after time, we all became stymied by the actual definitions of words in the English language—our language since birth.

If you still have an old hardback dictionary on your book shelf—you may need to blow the dust off the binding—glance at the thousands of words in that weighty volume. It is truly astonishing. This alone should be a gentle tap on the shoulder that we all could use a bit of vocabulary brushing up.

Nearly a year ago, I saw a prompt on the Merriam-Webster website to sign up for “Word of the Day.” Intrigued, I decided to join. It has been an adventure, learning new expressions that I am challenged to discover and perhaps use in my writing. I always feel a sense of joy when I find it’s a word with which I’m already familiar. But frankly, those I already know are fewer than the ones I’m either learning for the first time or for which I’m getting a much-needed refresher.

Let’s face it—none of us will know everything about our language. It can only help our writing to expand our knowledge.

I’d encourage you to sign up for the Word of the Day online. Or play the dictionary game with friends. Or get the Balderdash game of words.

Reading numerous works of fiction and non-fiction can be a great vocabulary builder. But going one step further with such tools as these can multiply your knowledge, and help your writing along the way.

Carry on.

 

Vocabulary image courtesy of Stuart Miles, from freedigitalphotos.net

 

Elaine Marie Cooper has two new E-Books that just released: War’s Respite (Prequel novella) and Love’s Kindling. Love’s Kindling will soon release in paperback. They are the first two books in the Dawn of America Series set in Revolutionary War Connecticut. Cooper is the award-winning author of Fields of the Fatherless and Bethany’s Calendar. Her 2016 release (Saratoga Letters) was finalist in Historical Romance in both the Selah Awards and Next Generation Indie Book Awards. She penned the three-book Deer Run Saga and has been published in numerous magazines and anthologies. You can visit her website/ blog at www.elainemariecooper.com

 

 

 

Categories
Encouragement Writer Encouragement

Call 911 for Your Manuscript

Have you ever thrown your hands up in defeat after reading your manuscript and groaned, “Someone Call 911!?” Maybe you’re anxious about how your story is developing. Perhaps you’re frustrated with your characters. Or when you read the dialogue out loud, it’s boring and unrealistic.

We all get desperate for help in our writing at one time or another and it’s OK to ask for help.

I recently had a very real 911 experience with my husband. Long story short, he had a mild stroke and his right side became paralyzed. This was a complete shock as he is not that old and we did not know he had hypertension. He’d even had a recent physical. We were stunned.

I knew, however, that it was time to call 911 and my husband is currently doing intensive Rehab therapy. He’s slowly getting his strength back with the help of professionals.

If, as a writer, you’re feeling agony over a written piece that just does not seem “healthy,” go to a professional in the field—an editor, published writer, someone who you trust to give you feedback. (Some editors will request a fee for their critique so ask before you receive an unexpected invoice)

 

Perhaps your story line drags or your hero is not very likeable. Maybe you’re just plain stuck. An expert can help you get back on track and give constructive criticism. Don’t be afraid to ask.

Contacts from writer’s conferences are a great resource. If you belong to a writer’s group, ask a fellow member. If the first person you contact is in the middle of their own writing woes (it happens!), ask another. Get the help you need to give rehab to your story. It might be a simple solution.

Some ER visits merely require a stitch or two. Some require intense care and follow up. But as the goal for a person in physical crisis is a healthy body, a writer’s goal is a healthy manuscript—one that draws a reader from one page to the next and keeps their eyes wide open, long after the lights should be out.

Don’t hesitate to call the emergency number of a fellow wordsmith who can bring perspective and healing to your story.

Then carry on.

Elaine Marie Cooper has two upcoming releases on January 18, 2019: War’s Respite (Prequel novella) and Love’s Kindling. They are the first two books in the Dawn of America Series set in Revolutionary War Connecticut. Cooper is the award-winning author of Fields of the Fatherless and Bethany’s Calendar. Her 2016 release (Saratoga Letters) was finalist in Historical Romance in both the Selah Awards and Next Generation Indie Book Awards. She penned the three-book Deer Run Saga and has been published in numerous magazines and anthologies. You can visit her website/ blog at www.elainemariecooper.com

 

 

 

Categories
Writer Encouragement

Know Your Writing Strengths

I recently watched an interview with best-selling author John Grisham and was delighted to hear him talk about his strengths in writing. On the opposite end, he also spoke of his weaknesses.

In this interview, done on the release of his 5,000th book—perhaps I exaggerate—he shared a story about writing a love scene for one of his novels. He said he asked his wife to read it to see what she thought. Instead of constructive feedback, he said he could hear her upstairs, laughing uproariously. Having read a “love scene” in one of his many books, I wasn’t laughing at him but I definitely agreed with his wife that writing romance was not his strength. 😉

As a writer of historical romance, I can testify that kissing scenes can be a challenge. But when it’s well written, it will bring your readers back to your swoony novels again and again.

 

Now, if you were to ask me about writing scenes in an action thriller or a fantasy novel, I’d probably stare at you with a lost expression on my face. I’m always in wonder when others can carry these genres off well, with believable plots and characters. Me? I’ll stick with a tender kissing scene any day. 😉

So what are your strengths? If you’re not sure, ask yourself a few questions:

  1. What are your favorite books to read? Do you ever imagine certain scenes being written in a different way?
  2. Can you imagine scenes playing in your mind as though they are a movie image in your brain?
  3. When you write a scene and read it back to yourself, does it move you in some way, whether to tears or perhaps to stir adrenaline from the suspense?
  4. Perhaps most important, do you have an honest person who supports you in your writing endeavors yet will be truthful in their critique? Someone like John Grisham’s wife?

By understanding your strengths, it helps you then to understand your weaknesses. Does that mean you should never write anything in which you feel lacking? Not necessarily. But it should send you a signal that, if you want to write a love scene or a police drama or a comedy, you may need to study up and improve your skills in that area.

 

Perhaps for Mr. Grisham, he is wiser to stick with his legal dramas that he pens so well. Even he had to admit in his interview that he was not adept at writing a love scene.

I actually found encouragement in his interview. Not every writer has to do everything well.

Carry on

Elaine Marie Cooper is the award-winning author of Fields of the Fatherless and Bethany’s Calendar. Her latest release (Saratoga Letters) was finalist in Historical Romance in both the Selah Awards and Next Generation Indie Book Awards. She penned the three-book Deer Run Saga and has been published in numerous magazines and anthologies. She freely admits to being a history geek. Look for her upcoming series set in Revolutionary War Connecticut. The 4-book series is entitled Dawn of America and begins with a prequel novella (War’s Respite) and Book 2, a novel entitled Love’s Kindling. You can visit her site at www.elainemariecooper.com

Categories
Writer Encouragement

Economy Class Writer?

I recently went to Rhode Island for some book research and flew economy class—of course. I am a writer after all, and my name is not John Grisham. And my checking account is certainly not as full as Stephen King’s.

Really, I don’t mind sitting with the others in “steerage” (remember “Titanic?”), as long as I’m not left to drown in an emergency. The flight was fairly comfortable and I was flown safely to my destination in Providence. But the whole flight I stared at the “class curtain” directly in front of me—the divider between First Class and the rest of us plebeians.

The attendant on this flight was kind enough not to separate the two worlds, which I certainly appreciated. I often look at the pulled curtain as being somewhat ridiculous. After all, you can see through it and if someone really wanted to observe a passenger being given a warm hand cloth, I’m sure their eyes could peek beyond the drape. But frankly, I don’t care. I know what a washcloth looks like.

Separating the classes makes me think about so many areas in our society, even in the writing world. We go to a writer’s conference and our jaws drop at a “famous” author or “agent.” By the time we’ve pulled ourselves together, we missed an opportunity to say hello to a person just like you or me. They have to brush their teeth in the morning, too. 😉

Granted there are some in the literary world who would prefer to close the curtain, as it were, to newbie writers looking for a break in the industry. But those with their heads in the clouds do not represent all of the professionals in the industry. Most are gracious human beings. And if you happen to sit at a table with someone who prefers the First-Class section, just smile and try to interact. If you feel the curtain being closed to you, excuse yourself and go sit where the company is friendlier. 🙂

The truth of the matter is, even well-known authors were once newbies. Most remember where they started. Some of them might even be an introvert like many writers are. Try to give them allowances. Unless they are unbearable company!

Thinking of yourself as an “Economy Class” writer will keep you feeling unworthy and inadequate at best. Not that you should puff yourself up by touting your perfect manuscript that will take the Literary World by storm! But I encourage you to do your best, keep learning the craft, and stop hiding behind the curtain of self-doubt. We are all in this together.

Carry on.

 

Elaine Marie Cooper is the award-winning author of Fields of the Fatherless and Bethany’s Calendar. Her latest release (Saratoga Letters) was finalist in Historical Romance in both the Selah Awards and Next Generation Indie Book Awards. She penned the three-book Deer Run Saga and has been published in numerous magazines and anthologies. She freely admits to being a history geek. Look for her upcoming series set in Revolutionary War Connecticut. The 4-book series is entitled Dawn of America. You can visit her site at www.elainemariecooper.com

 

Categories
Writer Encouragement

Voice of Negativity

The voice of negativity is a plague for writers.

I know you’ve heard that voice because I hear it all the time. Writer friends, who share with me from their heart, hear it as well. It’s that voice that slaps you when you’re rejoicing. It says, in effect, “Why do you think you’re any good? Who will read this? You’re not really a writer.”

Have you ever heard similar accusations?

I recently finished writing my 9th book. And do you know what that voice said to me?

So-and-so is about your age and she’s written 50 books.

Who wants to hear what you have to say?

You’ve invested how many days of your life in this project and you think someone will publish it?

And the list of negativity goes on. After writing for ten years, I should be used to it. But frankly, I still have to fight that demon of discouragement.

I have one writer friend who confided that she didn’t know why she was starting her first book so late in her life. I nearly laughed when she shared her age. She is much younger than I am!

I met another published author who shared that she didn’t think she had enough of a message for her readers because she was so young.

Are you seeing a pattern? It doesn’t matter your age, your experience, your height, your weight, the numbers of blouses in your closet. The point is, if God has called you to write, then NOW is the right time to “pick up that pen,” as it were, and pray for inspiration.

The God of the universe doesn’t care about the non-essentials. He cares about obedience. And he cares about spreading the message of the Gospel in many forms, be it non-fiction prose, poetry, historical fiction, whatever. God is far more creative than we will ever be. But he uses us and the skills we hone as wordsmiths, to help spread that message. And whether the words we write are read by one or by one-million, someone needs to hear the message that you were called to create.

There is a pro-active way that we writers—and others—can fight against that demon of discouragement. It’s called, Putting on the Armor of God in Ephesians 6: 10-18.

For years, I considered myself a failure at memorizing Scripture. Guess what? The evil one lied to me because I have now memorized this entire section of the Bible. To me, that is a major accomplishment. And, despite my skewed thinking that memorization was unattainable, I kept reading that section of Scripture over and over, day after day. It now lives in my heart as well as my mind. And it reminds me that I have a weapon at my disposal, if I choose to pick it up. It is the “sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God.”

Pick up that sword and wield it against that demon of discouragement.

Then, carry on.

Elaine Marie Cooper is the award-winning author of Fields of the Fatherless and Bethany’s Calendar. Her latest release (Saratoga Letters) was finalist in Historical Romance in both the Selah Awards and Next Generation Indie Book Awards. She penned the three-book Deer Run Saga and has been published in numerous magazines and anthologies. She freely admits to being a history geek. Look for her upcoming series set in Revolutionary War Connecticut. The 4-book series is entitled Dawn of America. You can visit her site at www.elainemariecooper.com

 

Image of woman by silatip, courtesy of www.freedigitalphotos.net

Categories
Writer Encouragement

Cracks in the Porcelain

A recent purchase of a new tea cup taught me a lesson about fragile beauty when I discovered a crack in the porcelain.

I couldn’t wait to have my first cup of English Breakfast tea in that beautiful vessel. The smoothness of the china beckoned my fingers to swirl around the edges and I imagined the lovely hue of the tea leaves leaving behind an inviting and invigorating start to my day. It seemed perfect.

It also made me excited that I’d purchased the lone cup from a clearance shelf in a popular Bath and Bed shop. Always on the hunt for a bargain, I treasured this piece of porcelain that appeared to be a worthy find.

When I poured the boiling water over the teabag, however, I noticed the tea began to ooze out onto the kitchen counter. I realized all too soon, there was a thin crack in the cup. Once the tea was inside it, the break in its beauty became visible.

I thought how our hopes and dreams as writers can be like buying that porcelain cup with a crack rather than enjoying our morning brew in simpler mugs. That china cup I bought appeared to be so perfect, promising moments of satisfying brew that would surpass the enjoyment of drinking from my Fiesta ware. In fact, my usual cup—less ornate and refined—turned out to be the dependable vessel. The one I could count on to brew that tea and sustain my need for caffeine. And we all know wordsmiths thrive on caffeine!

Ever since I’ve been a writer, I’ve seen and heard the idea that the biggest publishing houses with big contracts are the best way to publish. Some believe it’s the only way to publish—the ultimate goal. And there’s nothing at all wrong with “reaching for the stars,” as it were. But what about the wonderful contracts with the smaller publishers? What about the alternative ways to publish in the 21st century that have opened up opportunities for authors to get their words in print? Are not these venues to publishing a golden opportunity for many?

I encourage each writer to pray that the Lord leads you to the perfect “cup,” whatever that vessel might be. Always seek His best goal for you. Don’t miss an opportunity to publish with a smaller house in your quest for “success.” Sometimes what we view as success might have hidden cracks.

 

Elaine Marie Cooper is the award-winning author of Fields of the Fatherless and Bethany’s Calendar. Her latest release (Saratoga Letters) was finalist in Historical Romance in both the Selah Awards and Next Generation Indie Book Awards. She penned the three-book Deer Run Saga and has been published in numerous magazines and anthologies. She freely admits to being a history geek. Look for her upcoming series set in Revolutionary War Connecticut. The 4-book series is entitled Dawn of America. You can visit her site at www.elainemariecooper.com