New Books to Check Out

There are two new worthwhile books that I would like to draw your attention to. Self publishing is becoming such a viable avenue that even the publishing companies are taking notice and starting up self-publishing divisions. In this tough economy, especially, it brings important books to the marketplace that might not have made it otherwise. The downfall is that not as many consumers learn about these great books. Here are two that I recommend.

One is a book that has helped me personally since I reviewed it several years ago when I met the author, now a friend, at a writing conference in Hilton Head. Her daughter was killed in a car accident on the same road going to the same school that my son attended when we lived in Asheville, N.C. Author Ginny Callaway, whose husband is Grammy Award winning bluegrass musician David Holt, wrote about the importance of being a comfort and support to someone who is grieving. I used this knowledge when another friend's only child died from SIDS. I would not have known how to be there for my devastated friend had I not been exposed to Ginny's book. A Friend in Grief: Simple Ways to Help gives you the words and actions to reach out and support someone with confidence and compassion. http://www.afriendingrief.com/


Secondly, as a home schooling mom, I have been unable to find quality physical fitness and nutrition books that are written from a God-centered perspective. This summer I became acquainted with the author of a brand new book/curriculum called Faithful Workouts for Youth. Not only is it a good read, but it covers what's necessary for our spiritual, physical, and emotional well-being. It's written for kids, but beneficial for adults as well. Here's a blurb on Faithful Workouts:

There is so much emphasis on academics, but are we focusing enough on spiritual growth and development, physical fitness, and nutrition? Students can earn PE credits by enjoying the Faithful Workouts for Youth and learning how a relationship with God, exercising, and eating right makes us healthy in all aspects of our lives. http://www.faithfulworkouts.com/

What I Learned at WORLD

In October, I had the privilege of being selected as one of 10 mid-career writers from around the country to attend a writing intensive at the headquarters of WORLD magazine in Asheville, NC. It was, undoubtedly, one of the highlights of my career as a writer. It was both exhilarating and humbling; intensely educational and frustrating. For at least eight hours each day, we evaluated writing (ours and others), deeply discussed world and theological issues, and underwent a thorough refresher course in writing and journalism. In the evenings, I wrote until midnight to complete assignments that were "due" the next morning. As a writer, I feel like my skills were challenged, stretched, and fine-tuned. Writing is a continuous art - one that never reaches perfection. To be in an environment where I could focus on elevating my craft with no "life" interruptions for a solid week was thrilling!
What I learned was invaluable. Here are a few items I will share. The editors of WORLD refer to writing mistakes as "broken windows."

#1 Avoid split infinitives. In the modern language, splitting usually involves a single adverb coming between the verb and its marker. Very frequently, this is an emphatic adverb, for example:
I need you all to really pull your weight.
Instead, it should read: I need you to pull your weight.
#2 Use a colon when you have a strong quote or information that you want to spotlight.
#3 Choose adjectives wisely.
#4 As a fellow WORLD writer conveyed: "Don't tell me it's hot. Show me the steaming pavement melting the crayon."
#5 Make every word count. Every word, sentence, paragraph needs to entice readers to read to the end.
#6 If possible, know the audience you are trying to reach and write to that audience.
#7 Tell a story; don't just make a list of facts. Every story typically has a protagonist, antagonist, a mission, and a barrier.
#8 If you're doing an interview, don't be afraid to ask a dumb question in order to get the information you need or to engage the interviewer in the subject.
#9 Avoid quotations that simply repeat something that has already been written. Make the quotations count: notable, clear, specific, a way to advance the story.
#10 EVERYONE needs to edit their work and EVERYONE needs to be edited. Always turn in the very best work.
I learned much, much more - especially that I need to write, write, write. Hope this encourages you to continue writing as well.

"Happy is the heart of him who writes; he is young every day." (unknown)