Tag: writing

In the Word Wednesday: Dancing with the Star

Posted on by Jessica R. Patch

Today, I am feeling achy. My head hurts, and my son has been sick since Sunday running high fever. So…1. Pray for us and 2. This is short and sweet this morning.

Sometimes when I’m my intimate moments with the Lord, I see a picture, a vision, whatever you’d like to call it. Maybe it’s because I’m a writer so a visual or a scene is how I understand. I don’t know.

I was sitting in my chair having my time with the Lord, before church on Mother’s Day, praying about my manuscript and some revisions that needed to be made.

 I remembered a scene, a vision, a moment with the Lord, from a long time ago. We were dancing in a ballroom. I knew it was him, though I couldn’t make out any real features on his face. The dance started slow and then as the music picked up, our steps became more complicated. He flowed smoothly, but I kept tripping and looking down at his feet to follow.

He lifted my chin and said, “Don’t look at my feet. Look into my eyes.”

I was confused, but I obeyed. My steps moved along with his, complimenting each other. The dance picked up tempo and the steps became increasingly harder, but as I looked into his eyes I moved freely. Only when I took my eyes off him and to his feet, did I trip.

I opened my Bible this Mother’s Day morning after remembering this dancing scene, and it fell to Psalm 32:8. “I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go. I will guide you with My eye.”

Today, I read my small devotion from The Word for you Today. It’s titled: “We get up again and keep going: Growing stronger through change“

“When the music changes, it’s time to learn some new dance steps, otherwise you’ll finish up sitting on the sidelines…learn to flow with them. ‘We are perplexed…but we don’t give up and quit…We get knocked down, but we get up again and keep going.” 2 Corinthians 4:8-9 TLB

Dancing isn’t always easy. It’s work. It takes practice. And it takes pain.

But God loves us. He wants us to dance–with him. He wants to guide us with his eye into a beautiful glorious masterpiece. Only you can dance what he’s written for you!

Do you like to dance? What kind of dancing do you enjoy? Yes, Zumba counts!

Frivolous Friday: Real-Life Steel Magnolias

Posted on by Jessica R. Patch

First let me say, CONGRATULATIONS to THEFEARLIST!!! wOOT, bELLs & WhIStleS! You WON a copy of My Foolish Heart by Susan May Warren!

Now, on with the show, this is it!

Remember Steel Magnolias? I loved that movie. I think about it and I’m reminded of my girlfriends. Right now as they read this line they’re all thinking the same thing, “Oh dear Lord, please don’t let me be Ouiser!”

I had a slight melt down the other day. Something I read sent me right over the edge.  Naturally, before thinking it through I started visualizing worst case scenarios in my mind.

I had a choice. Who to call? My real Steel Magnolias love and support me no matter how neurotic I get. All of their advice is meant for my good, but they each have a unique way of giving it.

 My sweet Jane would have answered with, “I love you.” In my mood, it would have turned nasty. “You love me? Oh, you love me? Well, that’s going to make me all better. Thanks for the love.” Click.

I could have called my “body guard.” Her response, “You want me to take someone out? You just say the word and it’s on.” She generally resorts to offering to beat someone up who hurts me or offends me (which happens less often than it sounds). And she makes me laugh at her violent antics. After calling off a hit, she buys me shoes and bling. So please, say bad things about me in public because Charlotte Russe has a sweet pair of red sling-backs I want!

I could have called my “Fixer” friend. She would have given me sympathy and then proceeded to tell me all the things I might be able to do to make things easier, or solve the problem. Always great ideas and sensible. 

All of their advice is great. And helpful. But when I’m having a pity party and I know I shouldn’t be, I call my pit bull. My ragin cajun. I owe the fact I’m blogging to her. Her encouragement to do it was relentless…”You’re an idiot if you don’t do it. What’s your friggin problem? Who cares what people say about you? Get a grip.”  Now you get to read my drivel 3 times a week!

I called her and told her what I read. Our conversation went like this:

“So, this morning, I was about to get into the Word, but I read something really quick and this is what it said…” (insert what I read) “and then I couldn’t even study because I was sick. Just sick.”

Silence on the line, then in that Lousianna spice–a little loud, a little sharp, I hear, “First of all, yah never should have put anything above the Lord. Yah had that comin.”

“I know.” Sigh.

“Now, I gotta confess, my advice is good, but I’m guilty of it myself. However, this ain’t about me. It’s about you so…”

I giggle. She laughs with me for a moment. “Now, shut up and listen to me,” her sharp tone silenced my chuckles. She spent the next ten minutes givin me an earful of raw, honest truth. And she was right. I was worrying over something that was ridiculous. I needed to trust God more. And I had no business getting into my emails, social media, or blog before I socialized with God first. Had I, I would have been prepared for what I read and saw it for what it was–nothing to worry about.

So am I over it? Yes. Am I set straight? You betcha.

I laugh as I think about my own Steel Magnolias. I love them so much. Maybe I’ll have a girl’s night and we’ll all watch it and laugh because we used to wear our hair just like them. We’ll fight over who gets to be Darryl Hannah without the glasses and I’ll stand in my living room and do an awesome impression of Sally Field at her crucial moment.

 “Drink the juice, Shelby!” Bet you thought I was talking about the funeral, didn’t you? Sidebar: When my ragin cajun or I talk and one of us is feeling sick that’s what we say. “Drink the juice, Shelby!”

Anyway, here’s a few of my favorite lines from Steel Magnolias taken from IMDb:

Clairee Belcher: Ouiser, I’d recognize this penmanship anywhere. You have the handwritin’ of a serial killer.

Clairee: Ouiser, you sound almost chipper. What happened today – you run over a small child or something?

Truvy: I don’t like her. I don’t trust anyone who does their own hair. I don’t think it’s natural.

Truvy: Oh, Sammy’s so confused he don’t know whether to scratch his watch or wind his butt.
Ouiser Boudreaux: I do not see plays, because I can nap at home for free. And I don’t see movies ’cause they’re trash, and they got nothin’ but naked people in ’em! And I don’t read books, ’cause if they’re any good, they’re gonna make ’em into a miniseries.
Clairee: I’ve just been to the dedication of the new children’s park.
Truvy: Yeah, how did that go?
Clairee: Janice Van Meter got hit with a baseball. It was fabulous.
Truvy: Was she hurt?
Clairee: I doubt it. She got hit in the head.

Alright, so tell me how your girlfriends encourage you. Do they bring you pints of ice cream? Buy you shoes and bling? Take you out and drive you around while tied up? Maybe that’s just me. wink.

Have a great weekend & call a friend and tell her you love her.

Frivolous Friday: Okay, so I’m a Stalker. It’s for Research!

Posted on by Jessica R. Patch



Me and “Jane”

 I believe in being thorough when I take on a project. Any project.  From cleaning the toys after nursery duty on Sunday to wearing my character’s skin like a glove. Okay that was too Silence of the Lambs weird. “Put on the lotion!” eeew.

Before I unravel my freakish mind before your eyes, let me preface everything with this: I don’t mock or make light of individuals who have experienced some of the things my fictional characters do or endure. In fact, some of my research came in the form of tragic experiences in my life.
I wrote a blog last Friday asking if some research was going too far? No one said it was.  Please read my prelude to today’s blog HERE!

I’m not a lone researcher and when I need to do something a little off the wall or unorthodox, I enlist my BFF, “Jane.” Refer back to “here” to read about why!

Let’s take a look at a few things I’ve done to get into my characters’ heads. It’s called Deep POV. You can read a great article on Deep POV here, by my friend and one of my crit partners, Michelle Massaro.

We stalked someone for about a month. I chose a man because I didn’t want to scare a woman half to death if I botched it and got caught. (which I didn’t)

 * I have changed this man’s occupation, where we found him, and his name to protect him, although he really doesn’t deserve it.

I chose a local hardware store and we scouted. Bingo!
We looked at each other, eyes glazed over– drunk on our mission and laughed, “Bwhahahahahahahahaha!”

I sent “Jane” inside to gather information while I casually walked near his car. You can find a lot out about someone from what’s in their car. Kids? Organized? What they read. Music they listen to. Please don’t ever look in my mini van!

At about 2:45 p.m. I get a text: Name: Joe. Married. I saw the ring. OMG he saw me looking at him! What do I do?
I text back: Look away???
Jane’s text: LOL I smiled. OMG I hope he doesn’t think it’s a come-on
I text back: Get a grip.
Jane’s text: over and out
I text back: We’re not truckers

…and thought to myself, maybe I should have done this alone.

The next morning I pulled into the lot at 8ish. She climbed in the van. “Did you bring coffee?”

“No.”

“I thought we were supposed to drink coffee and eat donuts?” She pouted and frowned at me.

“That’s a stake-out. We’re on the other side of the law, remember? Stalkers. Stalkers don’t drink coffee and eat donuts.”

“Well what do they do while they watch?” She folded her arms across her chest, clearly disappointed she wasn’t getting free breakfast.

I gave her a pointed look. “Nothing we’re gonna do. I’m not getting that deep into character.”

She giggled. “Wish I had coffee. Oh! There he is!”

“Stop bouncing! Lay low.”

She scooched down in her seat.

“Oh for the love! Like that’s not obvious. Sit up!” I sighed and put my sunglasses on, looking out of my peripheral vision.  I can tell by his car that he’s organized, clean.  He’s well dressed. and he’s conscious about his looks. He totally primped in his rearview. Jane falls into fits of giggles. “Hush.”

“The windows are up.”

I laughed at myself. “Oh, right.”

Ten seconds later another car pulled up and a cute little brunette stepped out and handed him a coffee. “Who’s she?”

Janes studied her. “I don’t know.”

“Guess we better find out.”

On Thursday, Jane came over like every Thursday and we did some serious researching. We found him on facebook.
Then we discovered the female was his friend on there–not his wife– and her banter seemed a little too friendly, or maybe we were trying to turn it into something it wasn’t. It would take more stalking, well, now private investigating to see.

“No, we’re still not getting donuts and coffee.”

“Fine!”

We spent the next week watching the two walk into work together. He sat in his car on the phone, a few minutes later she would pull up–on her phone, and then they would hang up and get out of their cars.

Jane looked at me with wide eyes. “You think they were talking to each other?”

“Nah, coincidence.”

“Really?” she asked surprised.

“No,” I responded flatly, “not really.”

 “What should we do?”

“Well if his wife was paying us $200 an hour, we’d take photos and tell her, but since I’m pretty sure we might be breaking the law, we do nothing.”

She stepped out of the van and got in her truck. “I’ll text you.”

“Do that.”

We had one more mission. We knew where he worked out, his hobbies, his favorite sports  and where he attended college–thanks to facebook and the gym bag in the back seat of his car.  But where did he live?

We needed to follow him. One, to find out if I could without getting caught and two, well there is no two.

After his shift, Jane jumped in my van and we followed him to the gym–where he worked out for an hour. Jane walked across the street to the gas station and bought snacks. They didn’t have donuts.

An hour later, he’d obviously showered, he got his hair cut, ran through the drive-thru, Oh, Joe, there went your excercise routine.  We drove to Wal-Mart. Yes we went in, yes we followed.

Two nights later we decided to go out at night and rummage through his trash. Jane met me at the house and we hopped in the trusty van. We eased down the street–lights off– and I decided, maybe we shouldn’t dig through his trash. I looked over to tell Jane about my reservations and lo and behold all I saw was her eyes.

Just her eyes and mouth. “What the heck are you doing?”

“I don’t want to get caught!”

 “Unless that mask has invisible powers, which I doubt, you can still get caught! We’re not robbing the guy!” I try not to laugh; it’s ridiculous.

“We’re taking his trash,” she counters.

“No, we’re digging through it. I don’t wanna take it.”

“Hey, remember that movie with Ashley Judd and the stalker dug through her trash and knew when it was her time of the month?”

“I doubt we’ll know when his time of month is, but yeah I remember it.” I rolled my eyes and put my head against the seat. “I think we might be going too far. I mean, Tim will kill me if he has to bail me out of jail.” I was pretty sure I could get away with it, but just in case…”Take that mask off. You’re freaking me out.”

She took it off and we headed home. No trash digging. But I found out, I could stalk easily. Sometimes, morbid I know, it was exciting. I also found out people are disappointing. I have no doubt after the few weeks we spent that Joe was involved with the little brunettte who brought him coffee and rubbed his back a little too intimately on the way into work.

Did we violate his privacy? I don’t think so, since, he doesn’t know it. And I didn’t blackmail him or prank call him. I do suggest you check your privacy settings on your social networking pages if you want to keep some things private. Since he didn’t, I can only assume it was for the whole world to see. Are you offended? I’m sorry.

 I’ve retired my stalking days.  Doesn’t mean I haven’t moved on to other things.

I have.



Yes, this is me in “Jane’s” vehicle

“Jane” has abducted me and drove around town. 

“I need you to tie me up, blindfold me, and drive me around.” That’s how I answered the door one Thursday morning.

She set her six-string down. “Okay. Can I pee first?”

I want you to know, it isn’t like the movies at all. You can use your feet to brace yourself, but when a turn is made, you lose it and roll around like a can out of a grocery bag. It wasn’t scary…at first. My point in wanting to do this was to see if I could get out of the binds (which I couldn’t–Jane is married to an ex-boyscout and she knows how to tie a knot) and I wanted to know if I could keep up with the direction and turns. (I couldn’t)

When I realized I had no control at all, I panicked and it reminded me of a incident that almost happened to me when I was 22, when I really was almost abducted. That did freak me out. My head hit something hard several times and the turns made me dizzy and disoriented.

Then at the end, she got a hair brain idea that she was going to “run from cops.” With NO warning, she sped up and started making crazy turns and slammed on her brakes over and over. I hollered for her to stop.

When she finally pulled back in my drive, I was nearly in tears. She opened the hatch, pulled off my blind fold–smiling–“Well, did you get your story?”

“I think you dislocated my shoulder and broke two of my fingers. I said ‘stop!'”

She helped me out. “Oh, I thought you were in character.” 

“No. No I was not.”

Apparently, we need a “safe” word. I know we sound morbid and maybe even insensitive. We’re not. Really. Just look at us!

What’s your favorite Easter Candy? (has zip to do with the blog, I know)

Enjoy your weekend and have a wonderful Resurrection Sunday! He’s alive! For the Passover parallel, you can click here.

Must Read Monday: Listen by Rene Gutteridge

Posted on by Jessica R. Patch

“We humans can tame animals, birds, reptiles, and fish, but no one can tame the tongue.”

Rene Gutteridge tackles the tongue and the effects of words in her novel, Listen. It begins intense, with a teenage girl hanging herself over words that have hurt her.

It covers the life of a decent sized town probably a lot like the one you live in. Gossip runs rampant, and someone starts posting private  conversations on the internet for everyone to see. Fights break out, friends grow apart, and someone goes so far as to murder another.

What’s interesting is the gossip is mostly taking place by those who confess to be Christians. The sad truth is, slander and gossip does race like wildfire in our church. I’ve been on both ends. I bet you if you’re truthful, you could say the same.

What spoke to me the most?

The question is asked, Is what we say when we are in private okay? Kinda of like when the tree falls in the forest. If no one hears it, does it make a sound? 

There are things I’ll say to my husband and my best friend that I wouldn’t share with the ladies at the salon, but what if those words got on to the internet? Then how would I feel?

 It’s true– the power of life and death in the tongue. I don’t mean “name it and claim” prosperity preaching. I mean lifting and encouraging to bring life to someone’s heart and cutting them into worthless bits inside– breeding death.

It’s definitely opened my eyes to what I’m saying and who I’m saying it too.

Do I recommend the book?
Yes! Not only was the message deep and powerful, but her dialogue was witty and entertaining. The storyline was believable and interesting.

Here’s a teaser:
“Someone is listening…

The quaint, close-knit community of Marlo was the ideal place to live…until someone started posting private conversations online for everyone to read, word-for-word. Now it’s neighbor against neighbor, friend against friend, as careless comments and hurtful accusations turn the town upside down. Violence and paranoia escalate, and the police scramble to find the person responsible before more people get hurt, or even killed.
But what responsibility do the residents of Marlo have for the words they say when they think no one is listening?”

What do you think? Does what you say in private effect others? Or is it okay to to  say whatever you like about someone as long as they can’t hear you? I’m interested to hear your thoughts!

Also, I’ll be interviewed tonight at 4 pm Pacific time at Romance Writer’s on the Journey! Stop by and say hi. I’m giving away a $10 Starbucks card, so leave me a comment to enter for a free drink  to sip on while you read your favorite book!

Frivolous Friday: How far is too far when researching?

Posted on by Jessica R. Patch
 
 

So does anything look different? I know, right? I’m not savvy on the computer. I built a dummy blog trying to make this what I really envisioned, but I stink at it. Key word–dummy.

I have to give a big shout out to my friend and crit partner, Sheri Salatin, for her amazing skill to take my biz card and turn it into a great site, imo! Check out Sheri’s blog here.

Now, on with the show…this is it!

I’ve always taken dares and been adventurous–thus the many groundings. I blame my sister for the big stuff! Since she doesn’t read my blog because she suffers from adult ADD and can’t sit still long enough–ahem excuse–(I’m totally rolling my eyes right now), I can say what I want about her, and she is to blame. 🙂

I think God made me this way to be a better researcher for my books. Okay, I might be stretching here to justify some of the ridiculous things I do, but it’s working for me so…

I wrote a blog about some of my research adventures–ones I take “Jane” on because she’s easily influenced and I like to surround myself with people I can make do things. I’m kiddng! I’ve had a ton of coffee and I haven’t put my net under my mouth to catch my sarcasm or filter anything yet this morning, so you’ll have to be patient and endure. See, I’m making you do things! Well, trying anyway, some of you are stubborn.

 

Back to the blog I wrote. I haven’t posted it because I started to think, “What if someone gets offended over a few of them?” Some of things I’ve done to get the feel for a character really happened to someone, and they may not think my research and the humorous disasters they became are funny.

I could be overthinking, but that generally never happens to me! I tend to do and then say, “Ooops.” I’m a WIP. Aren’t we all?

I’ve never done anything I know to be illegal while researching nor have I been convicted by God or a court of law.

What do you think? Care to share some things you’ve done as research for a character in your novel?

Have a great weekend and stay out of trouble!

In the Word Wednesday: Distraction by Detraction

Posted on by Jessica R. Patch
 

There are lots of distractions to keep us from the course God has set us on. There are enjoyable distractions and there are unpleasant distractions. Both veer us in the wrong direction.

I’m going to guess and say that inspirational writers feel a calling by God to spin tales–a message is threaded into every line of the story, one that will bring others closer to Jesus and glorify Him. Am I right? You’re all nodding. Thanks!

Distractions come in many forms. Today we’re talking about distractions from detraction.  Maybe if you’re an author it’s rotten reviews of your precious baby. You spend time stewing over them and using your gift of words to conjure up just the right concoction to go off on someone who cut your work to bits. Please don’t! 🙂

A year ago, a distraction popped up in my world. An ugly one. I knew my part in it was innocent, but it ate at me. I lost focus for a time on the big picture because of words that were slung at me, about me. “Jane” brought me into focus. She told me, “This is a distraction. It’s keeping you from doing what God wants you to do. Which is write. Read Nehemiah. Get  your focus back and let it go. It isn’t worth it.”

She was right. Let’s look at the man with the plan. Nehemiah. A man of focus, integrity, and determination. That’s a man worth studying.

Nehemiah was born in captivity. He became the cupbearer for the king. A highly repectable position. Many times the way to kill a king was through his cup of wine.

When he found out that the rebuilding wasn’t going well in Jerusalem, he asked the king if he could go and oversee it. The king gave him everything he asked for and sent him on a 1000 mile, probably about 4 months one way, journey to Jerusalem.

While he was there, 3 men decided to thwart his plans to rebuild. Sanballet-afraid of losing power in Samaria, Tobiah the Ammonite, Sanballet’s closest advisor and greedy to keep two of the cities his people had taken over since the running out of the Jews, and Geshem, an Arab leader of a great troop led by  Sanballet–who buttered his bread.

These men gathered a group together to mock and persecute Nehemiah, the people, and their efforts.
Galatians 6:7 says, “Do not be deceived, God is not mocked. For whatever man sows, that he will also reap.”

 

Nehemiah was doing God’s work. They were slandering God, not Nehemiah, whether they realized or not. Be careful what you say about someone’s work or ministry. I’ve had to learn the hard way. I don’t want that for you.

When things were said against Nehemiah, he went to the Lord in prayer.

The enemy responded with creating confusion. Well of course he did! But 1 Corinithians 14:33 says, “God is not the author of confusion but of peace.” James 3:16 says, “For where envy and self-seeking exist, confusion and every evil thing are there.”

Not everyone will love what you’re doing, or what you’re trying to accomplish. A very wise woman told me, “God will surround you with those who will celebrate you and what you’re doing. Toss out the rest.” This includes bad reviews that hurt your feelings,  family/friends who think what you’re doing is a pipe dream, a waste of time, a ridiculous idea. Don’t let it become a distraction.

Nehemiah knew they weren’t done yet, so he put a watch against the enemies. 2 Corinthians 2:11, “…For we are not unaware of his (devil) schemes…” 1 Peter 5:8, “Be sober, vigilant, because your adversary, the devil, walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour.”

 

Pay attention. The enemy will use distractions to throw you off course, to discourage you, to try and get you to give up.  Unfortunately, he’ll use willing vessels to do it (I am not talking possession, people!) like family, church family even. You aren’t fighting them. You’re fighting the unseen enemy. You know what he’s up to…watch for it!

The persecution tired them. Weakened them from what they were supposed to be doing and caused doubt. Nehemiah 4. Nehemiah reminded them, “Remember the Lord, great and awesome, and fight…”

This was their inheritance. This was their promise. Don’t give up. Whatever the Lord has called you to, fight for it! Even if you have to build with one hand and hold a weapon in the other. Which is what Nehemiah had them do. 4:16-18.

Strap on that sword, keep it nearby to remind you God is working on your behalf. He’s fighting for you.  Colossians 3:16, “Let the word of Christ dwell richly in all wisdom, teaching, admonishing one another.”

Be a Nehemiah. Encourage someone who is struggling from distraction.

The enemy used fear as a distraction.  Nehemiah 6:9.  “For this reason they were hired, that I should be afraid and act that way and sin, so that they might have cause for an evil report…”

Fear didn’t work in Nehemiah, and their plots failed.  Job 5:12, “He frustrates the devices of the crafty so that their hands cannot carry out their plans.”

Hebrews 11:6, “But without faith it is impossible to please Him… for He is the rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.”

Nehemiah 6:15 says the wall was completed in 52 days and the enemies realized it was the work of the Lord. 52 days! With one hand, fighting the enemy, carrying heavy boulders? Oh yes! Because it was the Lord’s work. “Unless the Lord builds the house, they labor in vain who build it, unless the Lord guards the city, the watchmen stay awake in vain.” Psalm 127:1

Don’t give up. “…be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing you labor not in vain.” 1 Corinthians 15:58

Don’t let distractions keep you from the work!

I leave you with a Psalm written about captivity’s end. A verse we can all say or sing when our work is accomplished. When it’s finished. When it’s ready and out there.

“We were like those who dream. Then our mouth was filled with laughter and our tongue with singing. Then they said among the nations, ‘the Lord had done great things for them’. The Lord has done great things for us, and we are glad.” Psalm 126:2-3.

 

 
Do you feel distracted? How do you refocus?

In the Word Wednesday: Pick up the Pen and Do it Again

Posted on by Jessica R. Patch

A clean white screen with a blinking cursor thrills me. I know something beautiful is about to happen.

You don’t have to be a writer to feel this way. It might be a new project you’re about to begin. I love a fresh can of paint and a plan, as well.

Not long ago, I was teaching on the book of Jeremiah to the Young Adults. The passage I taught from was Jeremiah 32, when he buys a field and gives the purchase deed to Baruch, son of Neriah–not to be confused with Baruch in Nehemiah. 

During this time of studying the history and people for this passage, I had written a book for a contest. A week before I had to send it, I found an embedded watermark on most of the chapters. I freaked out because if any logos were discovered, it would disqualify me. I called everyone I knew that was computer savvy, googled the problem, and found that some 2007 installments of Microsoft had these issues.

I had to take my hardcopy of the book, and in less than a week–rewrite the entire novel. 93,ooo words. Sigh. I cried. Bawled. Sobbed. Screamed…and so forth. My back ached, my fingers cramped and my neck became stiff. I lost sleep from staying up to write. I missed fun activities with friends and even family.

And of course, I had to study for my lesson which included biblical history in order for them to grasp what I was teaching. Friday afternoon came. I was nearly done with my writing and going over the notes about Jeremiah when the Lord whispered in my ear, “You are Baruch.”

So turn with me to Jeremiah 36. Jehoiakim was on the throne at this time. And Jehoiakim did evil in the sight of the Lord. God instructed Jeremiah, “write on this scroll all the words that I have spoken to you against Israel, Judah, and against all the nations, from the day I spoke to you, from the days of Josiah even to this day.” That’s a lot of words.

Jeremiah finds Baruch, son of Neriah, in verse 4 and dictates all the words to him. There is no keyboard, spellcheck or track changes. Just papyrus and ink and one man writing words. Then he sent Baruch to read all the words to the people.

Moving on to verse 20-26… When the king found out what Baruch had written at Jeremiah’s instructions (because he didn’t care for what was said)–words God gave him–he was furious! He took the scroll and threw it in the fire. In verse 27-31, The Lord commanded Jeremiah to recite the words again and Baruch had to rewrite the entire scroll. Imagine the work involved. The hunched shoulders, callused fingers, and aching back. But on those pages were words that were going to change lives. Touch people’s hearts and encourage them.

Verse 32, “Then Jeremiah took another scroll and gave it to Baruch, the scribe, the son of Neriah, who wrote on it at the instruction of Jeremiah all the words of the book which Jehoiakim king of Judah had burned in the fire. And besides, there were added to them many similar words.”

Writing is hard. Rewriting is challenging. Don’t give up. When I rewrote it all, I found places that needed tweaking, and I added many similiar words. It was a better book because I had to redo it. Don’t get discouraged when your work gets rejected. Rewrite. Rewrite and know God has a plan and purpose for those words.

Nebuchadnezzar took a young Jewish boy captive. His name was Daniel. Look at chapter 9 in Daniel, starting with verse 2, “…in the first year of his reign, I, Daniel, understood by the books the number of the years specified by the word of the Lord through Jeremiah the prophet, that He would accomplish seventy years in the desolation of Jerusalem.”

Baruch didn’t give up. He rewrote those words Jeremiah gave him from the Lord, and Daniel read them and understood that the time was nearing for the captives taken away from their land, to be freed! It sent him on his knees in intercession and supplication. It brought an amazing encounter with the Lord. And it brought lost hope to a people who thought they’d never get to go back home again–people who thought the Lord had abandoned them.

If God has given you a story to write or a project/ministry to launch, don’t give up. Not even when someone shreds it. Rewrite/Restructure it. Learn to trust. Obey. Believe. God will get it in the hands of the right people. At the right time.

You are Baruch and you can do it!

“For I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” Philippians 4:13 

What scriptures have kept you motivated to keep pursuing your dreams?

Must Meet Monday: Darlene Shortridge

Posted on by Jessica R. Patch
Connect with Darlene on
facebook
facebook fan page
darleneshortridge(dot)com
twitter and
Darlene’s blog
click the links to
take you directly to her sites!

Darlene Shortridge happened upon my blog and I’m so glad she did because we’ve gotten to know each other and I enjoy following her blog. She usually makes me laugh with her quirky and witty humor and by the end of her blog–she’s wrapped it up into a deep spiritual message.

I also enjoy our facebook friendship. Not only is she a writer, but she’s also a fabulous cook. Now, I’ve never tasted any of her meals, but reading about them makes my mouth water.

I had the cool opportunity to read her ARC of Until Forever and review it. You can read my review here.  Everyone, meet Darlene.

            Tell everyone about yourself, Darlene!

First off, My most important roles in life are as a wife and a mom.  I love my family and the life God has blessed me with.  Next, I am a writer.  I live in Northeast Wisconsin with my husband, Danny, our two children, one of which is getting married in a couple of months, and our dog, Leia.  My chosen college major was voice and I  learned that writing was dear to my heart.  I have written songs, poetry, children’s plays and curriculum, short stories, posts for my blog and my first novel. 
Wow! You’re busy. When do you find time to write and where do you let the magic happen?
I write in a corner of my living room at a small computer desk and presently in a very un-comfy computer chair, usually late at night when it is quiet.

              So do you seat of the pants it, or plot?
             

 I do plot.  I would say I am part organized and part seat of the pants.  I do outline, but I am free to deviate from the plan.  I have to have a general idea of how I am going to get from point a to point b, or I get lost and have no direction in my writing.  In doing this I plan out practical, believable ways my characters achieve their goals in my story lines. 
       Did  you have any particular inspiration for the idea? And what would you say the main theme or message is to readers?

            I’m getting old here.  You expect me to remember that?  I don’t think I got the idea from any specific one place.  Mostly this work is complete fiction.  There are little things in my life that parallel Until Forever, really little things.  Like…my son loves pizza, as does Ethan, the little boy in the story.  I get the question all the time asking if this is my story.  It is not.  When I write my story, it will probably be one of the best books I ever write.  It is not time for that…yet. 
      My husband really likes to answer this question with a question.  “How do you forgive someone who commits an unforgivable act?”  So, ultimately, I believe this story is about forgiving one’s self, each other, and God, for His “supposed” offenses. 
      We tend to blame God for hurts and problems in our lives when nothing could be farther from the truth.  His love is so great we cannot contain it.  He longs to hold us in His arms and comfort us when the consequences of sin permeate our lives. 
      Good word, Darlene, and so true. That clearly comes out in your novel. I know women 18 and up are your target audience, but share with us a neat little surprise about your book!
      Men love this book!  I do not know why. Haha!  This was not intentional, I did not write this with men in mind.  I have had men approach me crying, thanking me for writing this.  I believe the men in our world hold on to secret hurts and deep-seated feelings of being unforgiven. 
      Because men as a whole are less emotional than women, we tend to downplay the affects of sin and grief men hold on to.  Until Forever opens up some of those portals and exposes the hurts.  It also offers them hope, hope that they can turn from sin and be a good father and husband.  
       I thinks that’s incredible! What kind of books do you enjoy reading? Any authors who inspire you?
       I have really been into Liz Curtis Higgs lately, especially her Scotland series.  Love it! I read a variety of books.  I find I am constantly learning from other writers.  I read self help books, books on finance, books on writing and then lots and lots of fiction.  Lately I have been reviewing books for other writers.  Not only is it interesting, but also this opportunity has given me new and fresh ideas for my own writing.  I tend to shy away from any type of horror and mushy romance, other than that I will give it a go. 
      I love Liz Curtis Higgs too. I had the chance to meet her at the WFTS conference in Feb. She’s amazing! Before you go–and thanks so much for coming– Darlene, tell us who published you and a little about your pub experience.
      I  started looking for a publisher shortly after completing Until Forever.  I ended up with three contract offers, one from a full service publisher and two with subsidy publishers.  I realize the obvious choice to most would be with the full service, but neither my husband and I nor our pastor had a peace about this particular publisher. 
      I ended up with Tate Publishing.  I believe it was the right publisher for us at this time.  I was able to maintain some control of the direction my novel took, which was important to me.  LOL…the publishing process was long!  Publishing is not for the faint of heart, nor those with the “I want it now” attitude.  Patience is a necessity! 
      I quickly came to the realization that while editing was my least favorite part of the process, it is the most important part.  I poured over the manuscript looking for errors.  I also learned this is something we as authors must do.  Our editor does not do this for us.  That was a wakeup call.  My favorite?  Ah…finally getting the book cover exactly the way I wanted it and holding a copy in my hands.  My daughter did a mock up for my graphic artist.  That really helped in sharing the vision for the cover with my artist. 
       Darlene is giving away a copy of Until Forever! If you would like a chance to win it, leave your favorite recipe in the comments section and your contact information. The winner will be announced on Friday!
      Here’s a teaser for Until Forever and one of Darlene’s recipes!
      “Until Forever is a story of a young family that is torn apart by the devastating effects of alcoholism. Can healing take place in a relationship when an unforgivable act is committed? Will Jessi’s pain and Mark’s guilt keep them apart forever, or will unforseen circumstances bind them together? 

    

     Join Jessi and Mark as they travel many roads that lead them to places of healing and forgiveness.  Where will God draw the line at allowing circumstances in our lives that lead us to Him?  Is there any earthly pain that isn’t tolerable if it leads us to the saving knowledge of Jesus Christ?  As you read “Until Forever” you may find yourself asking these types of questions.  As in real life, the answers don’t come easily to Jessi and Mark.  You will find yourself walking in their shoes, crying their tears and laughing with them as they experience real pain and find true joy.”

 

Layered Brownies (Yum, Darlene! Thanks!)
1st layer:  2 c. sugar, 1 ½ c. flour, ¾ c. baking cocoa, 1 tsp salt, 1 c. vegetable oil, 4 eggs, 2 tsp. vanilla
Grease 9×13 baking pan.  Mix above ingredients and press into baking pan.  Bake for 30 minutes at 350 degrees.  Refrigerate to cool. 
2nd layer:  ½ c. butter, ½ c. packed brown sugar, ¼ c. sugar, 2 tbs. milk, 1 tsp vanilla, 1 c. flour.  Spread on cooled brownie mixture and refrigerate to set. 
3rd layer:  melt 1 ½ c. chocolate chips with a little bit of shortening to thin.  Spread on
second layer and refrigerate. 
The brownies will be ready to cut after the chocolate has cooled in the refrigerator for 15-20 minutes. 
A tip:  If you do not like the edges of brownies, cut them off while cutting into squares.  This will make all the squares uniform and make each square equally as tempting!

Go Ahead and Snoop: Making Fictional Characters Curious

Posted on by Jessica R. Patch
 
 

Admit it, you’ve snooped in someone’s house before. A bathroom cabinet, a dresser drawer. You flipped open a Bible that was sitting on an empty seat in church to see their notes, lying to yourself that you really just needed to see who it belonged to so you could turn it in, oops it opened in the middle…

You’ve walked into a friend’s home and opened their fridge, wanting nothing in particular, just…looking. As you get out of your car, you glance into the one parked next to you. How many more french fries can one vehicle handle? Nice undies lying around. I bet that old crusty baby bottle smeeeeelllllls! Oh, a dollar! Door’s locked. On your way home, after dark, you have near misses with mailboxes because you can’t help but peer in lighted windows.

Why do we do these things?

Nosy? Busybodies? Possibly.

 

We’re curious about human behavior–about people. That’s why we read. We want to know what others think, do, say, and where others go. We find relief in knowing we’re not so different, or relief that we’re better off (sad but true).

 

 

Don’t forget the details that make your characters interesting. Ask the question, “What would be in his/her medicine cabinet, fridge, drawer, backseat, etc? Then put those items there.  Know who you’re writing about well enough to know the answers.

Make characters curious. Have a character open a fridge, a medicine cabinet, glance at mail when the friend is out of the room. Things you have done or want to do.

What do you think? If you see basic human behavior in a seemingly invincible character does he or she become more believable to you?

Have a great weekend! The winner in Monday’s giveaway for Susie Brown’s Small Wonders is Michelle Massaro!

In the Word Wednesday: D.O.U.B.T Part 2

Posted on by Jessica R. Patch
Last week we started talking about DOUBT. Do you doubt it? Click here to catch up or re-familiarize yourself. 
1. Dim view of God
2. Obstacles stand in the way
3. Unbelief that God will do what He says He will

Mark 9:14-29. Remember the man who’s son was demon possessed and the disciples couldn’t heal him? Before I move on, let me point out–sometimes we look to other people to get us out of messes, to solve our problems, or heal our hurts. People will always disappoint us. They can’t help it. They’re flawed. Even those we look to as “spiritual giants” in our life.

You can’t measure God’s unlimitedness by the greatest man’s limits. (But we do, don’t we–sometimes?) There is no measuring line that wrap around the greatness of an Almighty God. Don’t doubt it for a second!
Back to the man. What did he say when he approached Jesus?
 “I believe, help my unbelief!”
We believe, but not completely. Doubt can be torment. What I love about Jesus, He didn’t turn this man away. He was compassionate. Merciful. He healed that man’s son. 
“Lord, I believe you called me to write these stories for You…but it’s been so long…I don’t know, maybe You didn’t.” (That’s one of my belief/unbeliefs) So glad God confirms and confirms…and confirms!
Don’t beat yourself up. Be honest with God about your doubts. Are you seeing the pattern here? Each person was given a promise. Healing for Naaman, victory for Gideon, healing for this man’s son. They all experienced doubt.
But God delievered good on His promises. If He’s promised you something. He’ll do it. Guaranteed. Even if you doubt. He can teach you a lesson through it. I’m learning to lean every day!
4. Broken fellowship
When we break our fellowship–the time we spend with God–doubt creeps in. It’s just too easy. We have to abide in the Vine, not dance around it. Let’s take a look at the Prodigal son.  Luke 15:11.
This wild son decided he was going to go it alone. He left his father for things of the world. I’ve been there. The beauty is, God never breaks fellowship with you. He’s waiting on you. Blow the dust off your life-line and see what He has to say.
Encourage yourself by reading of others in the Bible, who were just like you and me, and the miracles God did for them and through them! It’ll build your faith and brighten your view of God!
When the father saw the son in the distance (he was looking for him to return!) he ran after him and embraced him. Been gone awhile? It’s not too late to come home.
Psalm 86: 15 says, “You, oh Lord, are full of compassion, gracious, long suffering, and abundant in mercy and truth.”
Don’t doubt God’s love. Open His word and let Him embrace you with it!
5. Trust factor
Peter. One of my favorite characters in the Bible, besides Jesus. (Come on, people, that’s a given!) Look at Matthew 14:22-33. Most church attenders know this story. Peter gets out of the boat and starts walking on the water towards Jesus. It doesn’t say  how many steps he made. Maybe a foot, maybe ten feet…but then he took his eyes off Jesus, and his view became dim.
He lost his trust and began to sink.  Ever been there? I have.
In an instant, Jesus was there. Peter didn’t have time to swallow seawater or need to hold his breath. Jesus came.
Proverbs 3:5 “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding.” My understanding tells me I’m going to sink. Walking on water is impossible. Trust tells me I can do all things!
Peter had a moment of doubt. Have you?
Jesus didn’t leave Peter to drown and He won’t leave you either. He’s still got a miracle for you. He still has a plan for you. His calling is irrevocable.  Let me ask you a question.
If Peter walked out towards Jesus in a huge storm, waves everywhere, wind blowing wildly, how did he get back? Think about it.
If Jesus was walking on water, wouldn’t he walk on up to the boat? Wouldn’t Peter be with Him? He wouldn’t leave him, but He might have mercy and compassion. He might give Peter a second chance–a chance to grow his faith.
Can’t prove Peter and Jesus walked back to the boat, if only two feet away, but they had to get back in somehow!
The faithful God I know, would grab my hands and say, “Oh you of little faith, why did you doubt? Let’s try this one more time. I won’t let go. I promise.”
What’s your favorite scripture to battle doubt?