Look to the Next Challenge

Last night, the Colorado Rockies suffered the last in a long line of losses that eliminates any chance for them to make it to the playoffs this year. As I watched the post game report, it hurt my heart to watch those players interviewed express their discouragement, knowing their dream of world series competition had faded away. However, in the background, fans continued to cheer. Despite the disappointment of last night, I glimpsed a spirit of hope for the 2011 season rather than remorse over the games played in 2010.

I lay awake until late last night thinking about what I had posted in yesterday's blog as opposed to the attitude I saw at Coors Field last evening. We all have disappointments. We all fail. We all fall short of the goals we hope to achieve in one way or another. That doesn't mean we should dwell on the past. It doesn't mean we should fear failure in the future. It certainly doesn't mean we should quit reaching for those seemingly unattainable goals.

One of my favorite lines of all time comes from a Gunsmoke episode entitled The Guns of Cibola Blanca - Part I. The line is spoken by actor Milburn Stone, playing the part of the ever wise Doc Adams. "Any failure is unimportant if you don't surrender to it." Isn't that a great philosophy!

I just did a word search for "failure" in the Bible. Know how many times I found it? Once. And even then, it is referred to in a positive connotation. It is found in I Thessalonians 2:1 and Paul is speaking. "You know, brothers, that our visit to you was not a failure." On the other hand, I found three pages of references to the word "success".

God doesn't want us to fail, but when we do, He doesn't want us to dwell on that failure. He wants us to take the time to figure out what went wrong, do something to fix it, then try again. He stands by us during our failures and rejoices in our success.

As the Colorado Rockies chalk up the 2010 season and look to 2011, I put behind me Sunday's failure and look toward devoting my energy to the success of tomorrow's ventures.

Thanks for reading my blog!

Missing the mark

I was so excited to have the opportunity to teach one of the lessons in our Spiritual Gifts class. I prayed about it all week, I asked for prayers from others, and I thought I was ready.

Guess I wasn't. Maybe I was too self-confident. I thought I knew my material and that I had some stories to emphasize the points I was trying to make. Although they meant something to me, I doubt that anyone listening connected with what I had to say.

My plan was to have a few quiet moments with the Lord in order to open myself up to him as a vessel to pour out His message prior to class. That didn't happen. A series of other events took me by surprise and broke my concentration in a big way.

It is easy to blame our failures on circumstances and situations. I blame this one primarily on no one but me.

I doubt anyone learned a thing they were supposed to in that class. I learned a thing or two, though. I learned that I don't know near as much about spiritual gifts as I thought I did, and that mine definitely is not teaching.

It has taken me two whole days to write about what happened Sunday afternoon because I find it hard to put into words the way I felt when I left the church. Humiliated. Defeated. Sad. Most of all, really, really disappointed.

However, Romans 8:28 tells us that "in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose."

Good has come out of this experience. I realize that just because I want to do something doesn't always mean it is in line with God's plan. I need to do a lot more listening and not so much talking about what I can and can't do to further His kingdom.

I spent some time after Bible study this morning with a dear lady, a long time member of our congregation, who has a lot of insight and saw that I was hurting. She invited me to her home and I was able to express to her the frustration and self-condemnation I've been feeling. She helped put me back on track so I can turn my attention to the path I'm supposed to follow and pursue the ways I'm supposed to serve.

I had a great time teaching a group of young people about magazine publishing and I enjoy giving Toastmasters speeches. Standing up in front of a group of people to talk never really bothered me. This time, though, everything just went very wrong.

Somehow I just missed the mark.

Thanks for reading my blog!

"Love Me Tender" Blog Tour

Today, it is my pleasure to welcome Janice Hanna Thompson, one of many friends and fellow writers I met at a writer's conference. Janice has developed a unique and fun way to introduce her new book to her readers. I'll let her take it from here. Welcome, Janice!

Note from Janice Hanna Thompson, author of LOVE ME TENDER:

Hi everyone! Thanks for stopping by to share in the excitement of LOVE ME TENDER, my latest inspirational romance. When I heard about the new “When I Fall in Love” line at Summerside, I flipped! Why? Because I love the ‘50s, and I love music! (The line is based on song titles from the 1930s to the 1970s.) I happen to be a playwright with a really fun musical comedy titled JOHNNY BE GOOD, a story that’s near and dear to my heart. I decided to put a twist on that stage play and turn it into a rockin’ romantic novel! With that in mind, I hope you enjoy this “Hollywood Heartthrob” interview with four of the main characters from the novel.

Hollywood Heartthrob, “Man About Town” Column

Welcome, readers! This is Sunset Sam, columnist for Hollywood Heartthrob magazine, here to interview several characters from LOVE ME TENDER, a new book by author Janice Hanna Thompson. I read the book in preparation for this interview and had a hip-hip hoppin’, be-be-boppin’ time reading about the characters down at Sweet Sal’s Soda Shoppe in Laguna Beach. I’ve been to Sweet Sal’s many times, of course. Everyone in Hollywood knows it’s all the rage. Where else can you get a big, thick cheeseburger, hot, salty fries and the thickest chocolate malts in the country? Now that I’ve enticed you with the food, let’s have a little chat with some of the key players in our story. We’ll start with Debbie Carmichael, daughter of the owne

rs of Sweet Sal’s.

Debbie, could you tell us a little about what your day-to-day life is like?

Most of the girls my age are in college, but I decided to stay in Laguna Beach and help my parents out at our family run soda shop. I have the best life ever! I live across the street from the Pacific Ocean, and love spending time at the cliffs, watching the waves lap the shore. When I’m at the soda shop, the jukebox is always playing. I’m gaga over Elvis’s new song, “Love Me Tender.” It’s all the rage with teen girls right now. Of course, I’m also head over heels for Bobby Conrad, but don’t tell my friends, okay? They think I’m more mature than most of the other teen girls who hang out Sweet Sal’s. Of course, I’m a little distracted by that new guy, Johnny Hartman. He’s so sweet and handsome, and I hear he’s a great singer, too!

Johnny, I read in another article that you came all the way from Topeka Kansas to Hollywood to make it big. How does Hollywood compare to Topeka?

There’s really no way to compare Topeka to Los Angeles. People out here (in California) are more up on current styles, the hottest tunes and the hippest actors and actresses. Back home, folks are so grounded. That isn’t always the case here in L.A. I hope I don’t sound too stuck up when I say that back in Topeka, I was a big fish in a small pond. And because my dad’s

a pastor, I had plenty of opportunities to sing in church. But out here in L.A. no one even knows who I am. My agent, Jim Jangles, is working hard to get me a gig on television. I’m auditioning for Arthur Godfrey’s Talent Scouts soon. Say a little prayer for me!

Bobby, I understand you were slotted to sing at the fundraiser at Sweet Sal’s Soda Shoppe, but had to cancel. Could you explain your sudden departure?

Yes, I was scheduled to sing at the fundraiser, but just got word that I’ll be filming my new movie that same weekend. I was really disappointed to have to tell the Carmichaels the news, but hopefully they understand. I think it’s going to be okay, because my agent, Jim Jangles, is sending his latest prodigy—a kid from Topeka named Johnny Hartman—in my place. I hear he’s quite a singer.

Sal, could you tell our readers about some of the Hollywood stars you’ve met over the years?

First of all, thanks for including me in this interview! It’s been decades since I was a teen, but I still secretly read Hollywood Heartthrob magazine. (Shh! Don’t tell my husband, Frankie, or my daughter, Debbie!) I’m blessed to be the co-owner of Sweet Sal’s Soda Shoppe in Laguna

Beach, and I’ve met a lot of stars who’ve come through on their way to places like Dana Point and San Diego. Here’s a list of some of my favorites: Doris Day, Gregory Peck, Frank Sinatra, Audrey Hepburn, Lucille Ball, Desi Arnaz, Ozzie and Harriet. There are dozens more, of course. I want to personally invite all of your readers to stop by Sweet Sal’s Soda Shoppe so that they can see the photos on our walls! And while you’re here, why not enjoy a creamy chocolate malt?

Debbie, a little birdie told me that you and the other girls in Laguna Beach are gaga over Elvis, Pat Boone and Bobby Conrad. Now that you’ve gotten to know (and love) Johnny Hartman, what would you say sets him apart from the other great singers you’ve known?

Oh, no doubt about it. . .Johnny isn’t just a great singer, he’s got a heart of gold. I especially love his strong faith. Unlike so many of the other singers in town, he doesn’t put himself first. With Johnny, it’s God first. . .all the way! And when he sings. . .man! That voice! It’s a smooth as velvet. (And it doesn’t hurt that he’s so dreamy! Talk about handsome!)

Johnny, you’ve been asked to fill in for Bobby Conrad at the Laguna Beach fundraiser. Can you tell us how you’re feeling as you look forward to the big day?

I don’t mind admitting I’m a little nervous. Who wouldn’t be? Thousands of girls from Orange County and beyond are looking forward to seeing Bobby Conrad in person. Now I’ve been asked to fill in for him. I’ll be lucky if they don’t boo me off the stage or toss rotten tomatoes at me! Hopefully my new love song—the one I wrote for the gorgeous Debbie Carmichael—will win them over. I hope so, anyway!

Bobby, many Christians have a hard time hanging onto their faith once they achieve stardom. You seem so grounded. What’s your secret?

I always try to honor God in everything I do—whether it’s movies or songs for the radio. There’s a verse that I love, and it’s one I try to live by: “But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.” The way I look at it, if I make a choice to put God first, He’s going to bless me above and beyond anything I could ever ask for, anyway. Even if He didn’t bless me, though, I would still serve Him. It’s really the only way to live a fulfilling life. (And trust me when I say that people out here in L.A. are looking for ways to live a fulfilling life!)

Sal, we were sorry to hear about your husband’s health problems. How is he doing now?

Praise the Lord, Frankie seems to be doing a little better. His heart attack several months ago really shook us up. And we got behind on the mortgage, which has made me a little nervous. Still, I choose to trust God. And now that everyone in town is banding together to put on the fundraiser to save the soda shop, I’m feeling more hopeful than ever!

Debbie, is there anything you’d like Hollywood Heartthrob readers to know as we end this interview?

Yes, I would like people to know that it is possible to live in Hollywood—to be a big star, even—and still be a person of faith. I’ve witnessed it in Bobby Conrad’s life, and in Johnny’s, too. I’d also like to share that putting your trust in God is really the only way to go. Some problems are just too big for us to handle on our own. When my dad got really sick, I made up my mind to try to “fix” the situation. What I’ve learned is this—only God can truly “fix” anything. And trust me when I say that His “fix” is far greater than anything we could ever dream up!

Thanks so much, folks! It’s been a great interview.

Well, there you have it, Hollywood Heartthrob fans. This is Sunset Sam, signing off for this week. See you next time!

Find a book trailer for Love Me Tender here.

Books can be purchased on Janice's site or at Amazon.

GIVEAWAY INFO: Janice Hanna Thompson is hosting a giveaway on her facebook page. To enter, leave a comment on her page with the name of your favorite ‘50s star (movies or music) and explain why you liked him/her. The drawing to win the Be-Boppin’ ‘50s Basket ( filled with great ‘50s memorabilia) will take place on the weekend of October 29th – 31st. Why? Because that’s the same weekend Janice is directing a local (Houston) production of JOHNNY BE GOOD the musical comedy that served as inspiration for LOVE ME TENDER

To visit Janice’s webpage, go here.

Thanks for reading my blog!

Blessing or Curse?

I just read a great article that someone posted on Facebook by literary agent Steve Laube. Go here and take a peek. It talks about the doubts of a writer. Ever been there? If you've written anything in you life, from a thank you note to a novel, I'll bet you have.

Tonight, I am feeling melancholy. Why? Because I've been so unproductive with my writing these past few days. I've started projects I had every intention of completing, but there is a hesitancy that holds me back. I've promised a couple of people that I would do blog interviews with them, and I can't even think of decent questions to ask.

Steve entitled his piece "The Curse of the Writer", and he is so right. A blessing to be able to put words on paper when they flow right, a curse when they stay bottled up inside. Tonight, words remind me of a crowd of people leaving a large area all at once and trying to squeeze out a narrow exit door. Everybody expends their energy to get free, but nobody gets anywhere. Progress stops as people trickle out of the door one or two at a time.

Phrases filled with power vie for attention in my brain, but something has them all jumbled up in a mess. They try to force their way out in random order, so nothing that appears on paper makes any sense.

Writing is a lonely business. Steve talks about that too. Reminds me of a piece I wrote a long time ago. I'll share it here.

Loneliness touches each of us at one time or another. There is the emptiness of love lost and love betrayed, the sorrow of death or absence of a friend, the abandonment of an elderly person by family members, the frustration of being misunderstood by others. Most desolate of all, perhaps, is the loneliness of hopes and dreams not yet realized. My loneliness stems from the desire for creative self-expression.

This desire, like a hunger deep in my heart, demands satisfaction. It burns in me constantly, so intense that it simulates physical pain. It is a thirst that parches my soul and craves gratification. It leaves me with a sense of discontent, restlessness, and dissatisfaction with the other aspects of my life.

The dissatisfaction is of my own making. I’ve been granted free will. I make my own choices. I stare at a blank piece of paper and I have the ability to cover it with words what will communicate meaning. I hold the key that will unlock my deepest emotions and allow them to flow in some constructive form. Yet, I question what I want to write, to whom, and why.

The question of why is the most complex. Why I have a drive to express my perceptions, my beliefs, my feelings on paper is not easily explained. Maybe it is a God-given gift to be employed toward positive change in some other human being. Possibly it is a part of the genetic structure that is me. Perhaps it is a means of escape from all that is painful and all that is real.

The necessity to escape leads me to a fantasy of hopes and dreams that only I can understand. It is a region as yet unexplored, uncharted, undefined, without form or boundary. It is a world that even those I love cannot share, for it is a product of my imagination.

Imagination removes me from reality and I lose touch with those around me. I withdraw into a world of my own and become more and more isolated. I conceal myself in a cocoon that yearns for transformation. Desperately, I struggle to find words to place on the page that will someday free me from the prison of my loneliness.

Maybe tomorrow I will feel better.

Maybe tomorrow I will be able to create something worthwhile.

Maybe tomorrow I won't feel so sad.

Maybe tomorrow I will be able to think of something positive I have done.

Maybe tomorrow I won't dwell on all the things I need to do that I haven't done.

Thanks for reading my blog!

Introducing Starsongs magazine

We writers often refer to our work as our "baby". We nurture our efforts like a newborn, beam with pride as we watch our story grow, defend it against attack when it is criticized, and constantly seek advice about the health of our manuscript.

Today, my baby entered the world for the first time. No, it's not a novel, a poem published on a web site, or even an article that made it into the local newspaper. Few of the words written on its pages are mine. It is the first issue of Starsongs magazine and I am its editor.

These past few months have been filled with a great excitement, a little frustration, and a whole lot of challenge. The opportunity to meet, motivate, and mentor young people has proved truly a valuable experience for me. The work my contributors created, the patience they demonstrated with rewrites and critiques, and the gratitude for the simplest words of encouragement provide more than enough reward. I am grateful to the parents who supported their children with their writing efforts, who wrote words of encouragement to me, and who have been most patient during the process of putting the magazine together.


There are so many others who deserve my thanks. Kristine, the CEO of Written World Communications (WWC), gave me her vote of confidence when she offered me a position in her company. Dale and Chris patiently answered my questions, sometimes more than once.

My room-mate and coworker within WWC, Ro, who I met for the first time at the Greater Philadelphia Christian Writers Conference (GPCWC) embraced me as a friend the moment I met her. So many others at GPCWC, whether conferees or faculty members, offered words of encouragement.

Marlene, GPCWC and Colorado Christian Writers Conference Director, has always been a source of motivation and guidance to me. There is Corinne, our talented and creative layout editor, who used phtoographs and design expertise to add character and depth to the words on the pages. Her talent amazes me.

I am blessed to have all these wonderful people in my life, and that miracle, of course, I attribute to God, who knew all along what path he was leading me down. Even when I resisted, He patiently waited and quietly nudged.

Now that Starsongs is out there on the Internet and available for purchase, I know this is only the beginning of the journey. Next comes the job of marketing it, promoting it, and looking toward putting together the next issue.

I don't expect many adults to be interested, but if you have kids, grandkids, nieces or nephews, or know kids in the 9-19 age range, I urge you to point them to this first issue of Starsongs. I hope all the young people who explore it will find something interesting, entertaining, or educational. Most of all, I hope it encourages young writers to test their own creative ability.

Go to MagCloud and check out my new "baby". Follow its progress and watch it grow. If you would, tell as many young people about Starsongs as you can.

Thanks for reading my blog!

Interview with Author Darlene Franklin

Darlene and I began our friendship when we met at the Colorado Christian Writers Conference some years ago. Since then, I have followed Darlene’s writing career with admiration. I was part of a critique group with her and had the pleasure of critiquing The Prodigal Patriot before it was put into print.

Darlene, a mere eleven months has passed since you were a guest on my porch. To refresh your memory, we chatted on October 5th. Tell us what has been happening for you during that period of time.

Pat, I treasure your friendship. It’s a pleasure to meet with you again. A lot has happened since last we visited on your porch. I have settled in Oklahoma City as my new home. For several months I felt very adrift and without friends. Now I have a group of friends, both at church and within the writing community. Praise the Lord! My mother died. I bought a house. My daughter-in-law is expecting another grandchild—this time a boy, after three precious girls. And my writing career has taken off. Praise the Lord!

Tell us about your Heartsong release, The Prodigal Patriot. What prompted you to write about the Revolutionary War era?

I was looking for good Vermont stories to suggest to Heartsong and ran across a website that had a lot of great folk tales. One of them gave an account of Ann Storey, who hid in a cave and farmed her land in spite of Torey opposition. That gave me the inspiration for my heroine, Sally Reid.

You made a move from Colorado to Oklahoma some months ago. A move like that can totally disrupt a person’s routine. How have you managed to continue to be so productive in the midst of probable chaos?

To be honest, I live with the chaos. I’m a terrible housekeeper. I have been in my house for 3 months now. And after I unpacked enough to live with, I stopped unpacking. The only room that is “finished” is the living room. The kitchen and my bedroom are almost there. My mind and work are organized; my surroundings aren’t.

If you were asked to teach an online course or conference workshop about any subject related to writing, what would that subject be and why?

I have taught several workshops, but one that I am passionate about is Empowering your Writing through your Spiritual Gifts. One of the most interesting workshops I led was a time we considered one subject—homelessness—and how many angles on that subject we could find by examining spiritual gifts. I know my gifts of encouragement, teaching, and missions come through in a lot of my books.

Ah, Darlene, you touched on a subject that fascinates me, spiritual gifts. I have known you to be a great encourager through our critique group, but you commented to me recently that you don’t always feel like an encourager. Can you explain?

I feel like I’m (often) a complainer. Yet people tell me I’m a good listener, a good friend—an encourager. People I hardly remember greet me as a long last friend, indicating I had some positive impact on their lives in the past. Shame on me for not remembering and you definitely don’t fall in that category, Pat!

I think that’s the way spiritual gifts often work. That’s the supernatural aspect of it! God uses me to encourage others when of myself I might not. My experience with spiritual gifts falls into two categories: (1) I don’t see it as a gift because “well, everybody does it.” (but they don’t, at least not naturally, any more than I’m the one to set a room to rights after a meal). And (2) I know I have a gift because I have seen God take my humble offerings and multiply them with heaven-sent power. I first experienced that when I played piano for a church revival. When people tell me I’ve encouraged them, the same thing has happened.

My spiritual gifts also impact my fiction (which is my primary writing ministry. I've been told I weave scripture into stories in a very natural way--that it doesn't sound preachy--and I think that's an outgrowth of the gift of encouragement. Or a lot of my characters have some aspect of missions and evangelism, my secondary gift cluster.

If you write fiction, your spiritual gifts still make a difference!

Your web site indicates you have worked in the field of children’s ministry and missions. Can you give us an overview of those experiences?

I’ve taught children, from preschool through sixth grade, off and on since I was fifteen. At present, I’m not teaching kids, but I expect that time will come again. Lately I’m having a little more interaction with middle schoolers and wonder if that’s where God will put me next. I have written children’s curriculum for David C. Cook and Lifeway.

I’ve spent two summers involved in missions, have been involved with several start-up churches, and was involved with a mission to the Salt Lake City Olympics with my daughter. That was truly special.

Do you believe your spiritual gifts have changed since you started writing?

No. But I have seen them grow in unexpected ways. That gift of encouragement has me writing
devotionals, for instance, or the gift of teaching translated into writing curriculum.

Just for fun: What is your favorite food and when was the last time you had an opportunity to enjoy it?

I love a good steak, and went to Outback Steakhouse for my birthday last month.

Thank you so much, Darlene, for coming back to the porch for a visit. May God continue to bless you with the realization of your writing goals.

Below, find my review of The Prodigal Patriot.

The Prodigal Patriot depicts a time of turmoil, uncertainty, and war. Sometimes, even family members held opposing views about whether the colonies should stay loyal to the king or fight for their independence.

Darlene Franklin tells a gripping tale of one family who showed the courage to work for what they believed in against all odds. The Reids face danger and risk discovery as they strive to hold on to their land. Hiding in a cave nearby, they tend to their fields under cover of darkness.

Josiah Tuttle, despite his brother’s death at the hands of the enemy, offers his help to the Reid family. Not only does he believe in the Patriot cause, he also loves Sally Reid. Yet, to help the Reid family deems him disrespectful to his father.

Sally meets Josiah’s offer of assistance with suspicion and fear. Is he acting as a spy for the cause his father so staunchly believes in? Trust and love build as she is faced with situations that require Josiah’s assistance and support.

This story brings characters from the Revolutionary War period to life, portrays their struggles and their courage, and culminates in a conclusion that portrays the power of faith and forgiveness.

Again, Darlene Franklin takes her readers to another place and time with a story that entertains, teaches, and satisfies.

Leave a comment to receive a copy of Darlene's book, The Prodigal Patriot. Contest ends Sunday Sept 19th, winner will be announced via email Monday Sept 20th.

Thanks for reading my blog!

How Did You Spend Your Labor Day?

When I asked my husband if he knew the year the first Labor Day was celebrated, he sort of grunted a disinterested response. I proceeded to inform him that it was celebrated on September 5, 1882 in New York City. He chuckled and responded, "oh, of course, I remember that! I was standing in Times Square watching the parade!" My husband does have a sense of humor.

Seriously, Labor Day is meant to be a tribute to the social and economic achievements of the working man. It's interesting, in view of that, to see how many people are working on this holiday. Federal institutions, like banks, credit unions, etc. are all closed. Grocery stores and convenience stores are dong business as usual, and I even ran across the Pepsi delivery man as I went on the hunt for my caffeine free diet pepsi, which is becoming harder to find in this town. Unfortunately, he is not authorized to sell it to me off the truck!

Today was part holiday, part work day for me. I slept late, then after a run to the grocery store, and a nice visit with mom on the phone, settled down to do some writing. I labored over a post I had been wanting to prepare for my other blog on this website (kids getting published) and finally got that completed to my satisfaction. I still have work ahead as I plan to respond to some emails that have needed attention for a while now. I guess you could call that part work, part enjoyment.

I set aside three hours (this has become a daily ritual!) to relax and enjoy the Rockies game with my husband. This one had me on the edge of my seat for several innings. Rocks were on the losing end when Cincinnati scored 4 runs in the first two innings. We pulled ahead at 5-4 in the next inning, but that wasn't enough insurance to feel assured of a Rockies win. Things got shaky when pitcher Ubaldo Jimenez seemed off his game after a great first and second inning and struggled through the next few. However, his efforts and the support of some great hits brought the Rockies to a 10-5 win. Sure hope they make the play-offs!

Now it's time to start fixing dinner and the evening will creep into night time before I know it. No matter how you spent your Labor Day, I urge you to take a few minutes (even if its the day after) and contemplate on the common working man and all they contribute to our daily way of life. Fireman or janitor, nurse or bus driver, every person's job is important. If you are one of those working men (or women), remember to always give your best to your job. Take a moment to give thanks to all those who worked so hard to ensure fair labor practices for all.

Thanks for reading my blog!

Am I A Writer or Not?

Greetings and welcome to the porch. There is a lovely breeze flowing through the screens today, which ignites the hope in my heart that the summer heart is waning and we are on the cusp of autumn weather.

Every month, I try to remember to change the thought for the month on my sidebar. Sometimes I forget all about it and two or three months go by with the same quote. I wonder if anyone notices!

Today's quote is from a French poet, essayist and editor by the name of Charles Peguy. He lived a short life, born in 1873 and passing from this life in 1914, which means he was a lot younger when he died than I am now. I probably never read a word the man wrote until today, when I was scouring the Internet for a suitable quote. This one caught my eye because it suits the mood I am in right now. "A word is not the same with one writer as with another. One tears it from his guts. The other pulls it out of his overcoat pocket."

Sometimes I feel like every word I try to put on paper requires hours of thought, consternation, and discontent. The ideas are there, but when they come out on the paper, they remind me of those water color paints i used to play with as a kid. The paints looked so vibrant and bright in the paint box, but once on paper, they are watered down and only a dull shadow of the original hue.

I marvel at people who can whip out a blog post in a few minutes, a magazine article in a couple of hours, and a novel in four months. Sentence structure, spelling, and grammar come easy to me, but when I try to put it all in some order that makes sense to the reader, I find myself agonizing over every thought.

When I attended the Greater Philadelphia Christian Writers Conference, I made contact with several magazine editors and so many ideas ran through my head as to what I could write for their publications. Now that I am home, the ideas that seemed so clear then are now hazy and faded. It brings to mind the way a dream is so vivid when you first wake up from it, but as the day wears on, the details get dimmer and dimmer.

Maybe, as I've heard said at conferences, I'm not really a writer. Maybe I'm a person who is in love with the idea of being a writer. If I were a real writer, wouldn't the words come a lot more freely than they do?

That takes us right back to the quote I mentioned above. How many of the great writers of past generations and the current day spend hours expending blood, sweat, and tears over their words? I suppose there are others who feel as I do, then there are the lucky ones who sit down and pull the words out of an overcoat pocket.

Let's see, how long has it been since I wore an overcoat???

Thanks for reading my blog!