Journey of Grace: Thoughts of Hope and Encouragement

"Death in Dahlonega"

2012-02-06T10:00:00.002-06:00

Thursday, February 2nd proved a special day. Deborah Malone, author of "Death in Dahlonega" spoke at the local book club in Moulton, Alabama. Our evening started with welcomes and refreshments. Deborah then shared with us her journey to publication complete with powerpoint. We ended the evening with questions, discussion, and of course more refreshments. A book signing brought the evening to full circle. Thanks so much Deborah for spending time with us in Moulton!

Busy January

2012-02-01T10:09:00.000-06:00

January has been a wild month, but good. A request to see the full manuscript of my first novel started the month, so I had several days of making sure everything was as complete as possible. Then I received first edits on my second novel in the series. Ahhh! What a mess. But I made it through the corrections and am getting ready for round two.
Last Saturday, I attended a book signing of Melanie Dickerson's new novel, "The Merchant's Daughter." Thursday, the local book club welcomes Deborah Malone, author of "Death in Dahelonega." Amongst all of this, I've read several fiction and non-fiction books, including just finishing James L Rubart's "The Chair."
February should be promising as I'm updating a novella I wrote a few years ago to submit...

Foggy Weather

2012-01-10T19:04:00.001-06:00

The past year in Alabama has been most unusual. January 2011 had record snow fall while April provided weather no one around here will ever forget. Evidence of tornado damage is still everywhere you drive. Now here it is January of 2012 and we are in the middle of a very mild winter. The last four days we've seen very foggy weather. Today was the worst.

I needed to go to town to Wal-Mart and a few other places, so I pulled out of the garage for the 15 mile drive. I hadn't realized it was so foggy and this was 10 in the morning. At first I felt some fear, wondering how far visibility was on the road. I soon noticed that it wasn't as thick as I thought and though my range of sight was limited, I could drive to accomplish my errands.

Of course the analogy is right there. In my writing life, many days have seemed foggy, not really sure what to do or where to go. I can't see far ahead and that encourages fear. If I will look at my writing, like I did my driving today, I can get done what needs to be done and stil enjoy the journey.

(1)   I decided to go anyway. I knew if it were too bad, I could turn around and wait until another day. The same with writing. If writing articles doesn't work, I can try stories or novels. I don't have to quit.
(2)   I took my time. I drove slower than usual today, eyes wide open. I was especially alert at the crossroads. With writing, I need to take my time to examine what interests me in writing, what opportunities are open and decide accordingly. When I come to a crossroads, like a publication opportunity, I can pray and talk to other author friends as I make a decision.
(3)   My range of sight was limited. In writing, as in driving, I could see enough to drive, but not too far ahead. I don't need to get discouraged too easily because we never know what lies ahead. That book deal could be over that next hill. Or there could be a detour. I need to persevere.
(4)   I made it. I overcame the fear by stepping out and was able to run all the errands. I need to keep my writing options open, trying different doors until I find the right one. Opportunity will arise if I presevere, pray, keep studying and improving the craft, and searching for the open doors.

Foggy days can be the catalyst for a new article, short story, or novel. Foggy days don't have to hold us back.

Another short story published!

2011-12-13T18:22:00.002-06:00

I'm excited to announce that Harpstring magazine, [www.writtenworldcommunications.com ] has published another one of my short stories, Finally Home. I wrote this story to help my daughter deal with the grief she felt with the sudden passing of her grandmother. For a very personal story, it seems to have a universal appeal of bringing peace and hope during times of grief. I thank God for my part in bringing this story to light.

My posts on this blog have been a tad erratic lately, but I am contemplating a new direction suggested by a friend. I'm taking two weeks off of writing during Christmas and will put some time and prayer into not only a direction for the blog but direction for the next year in everything I do.
Thanks to everyone who spends time with me on this blog and have a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

Congratulations Deborah and Melanie!

2011-11-29T09:15:00.001-06:00

I'm taking a few moments from my usual "writing quotes" blogging to congratulate some friends.

Congrats Deborah Malone on the release of your first cozy mystery, "Death in Dahlonega!" This southern "Murder She Wrote" cozy mystery will leave you guessing to the end whodunnit. A fun read for all!

Congrats Melanie Dickerson on the release of your second YA novel in a series, "The Merchant's Daughter." This story, loosely based on the fairy tale, "Beauty and the Beast," should prove to be as entertaining as "The Healer's Apprentice." I can't wait to get my copy and read it...

I've also sold my second story to Harpstring Magazine, "Finally Home" and will let everyone know when it is available to order.

Happy Holidays to all!

Vertigo

2011-11-10T12:19:00.000-06:00

     Vertigo. No I'm not discussing movies today. I mean the inner ear affliction that I found out can drastically alter your life. Last Thursday, I felt a little dizziness, but didn't worry. I'd had my allergy shot and probably just needed to rest. Wrong.
     From Friday until Tuesday, I couldn't function. The room swam and spun just enough to throw me off balance and keep me queasy for days. Three doctor visits with shots, meds, and tests revealed benign paroxysmal postural vertigo. I couldn't read or work on the computer and for a writer with goals and deadlines, it was torture. Yesterday I finally was able to check my email and do a few critiques for the members of the online writer's group I belong to. Today I update my blog and work on one short assignment.
     I know people that suffer from this affliction, but until this week never had the empathy that they deserve. So when I next hear of anyone suffering from vertigo, I will take time to encourage and pray for them.
     With this in mind, I need to apply this to my writing friends and colleages also. When I hear of my writer friends rejoicing over a sale or saddened by a rejection, I need to take a minute and weigh in. Everyone wants to share good news with others. And by the same token, we want to be given hope by others during the despair of rejection.
     So the vertigo is almost gone, the meds I'll take a few more days, and the weakness will pass. Hopefully, the lessons I've learned during this time will not. Until next time...

Must Write

2011-10-26T11:52:00.000-05:00

"A writer is someone who cannot not write."
Sol Stein "How to Grow a Novel"

I've watched how over and over, in my life, this statement has proven to be true. A writer has to write. Maybe not all the time or even most of the time. But I must write. What is to prevent me from writing?

There are times when extraordinary circumstances keep me from writing. The death of a family member or friend. Three weeks with pneumonia. That project at work that had to be finished. For a time, my computer lay abandoned, gathering dust. It is understandable.

Two things keep me from writing, however, that must be pushed past. If I give in to these robbers of my writing time, I find myself not writing. What are they? Fear and busyness.

Fear. I'm at a writer's conference pitching three meditations I wrote for a devotional magazine. The editor is interested, points out weaknesses and corrections, and encourages me to listen to her teaching on the subject. Then I'm to rewrite the meditations and send them to her personal email. You might think, Wow! What an opportunity! It is.

Until fear jumps on my head and starts pummeling me with negative thoughts. She doesn't really want you to do this. This editor is just being nice. Just give up. Her last words to me encouraged me to send it in. "You wouldn't believe how many people don't, even if I tell them I want to publish their piece." Now I believe. A few months after the conference, I listen to her teachings, correct my mistakes and send it in. I wait and fear is conquered one more time, whether my meditations sell or not.

Busyness. I'm a wife, mother, grandmother, friend, women's ministry leader, just to name a few of the hats I wear. As an aspiring novelist and freelance writer, I also set my own schedule. And I hate being my own boss. It's so easy to whittle time away on the phone, in the mall, baking cookies, scrubbing the grout in the floor...well, maybe not the grout.

How do I avoid these pitfalls? Schedule writing time on purpose. Write a weekly list of writing projects I'd like to work on and make a concerted effort to stick to my list. I put away the scrub brush--er--phone, then conquer busyness as I plop into my chair and turn on the computer.

Must write. Should write. Can write. I take one day at a time and progress is made. A writer cannot not write.

Celebrate with me!

2011-10-17T14:58:00.001-05:00

Today I'm veering from the course of my normal posts concerning words of wisdom from other writers. I want to share the news that I've finished my second novel in a three novel series, Journey of Grace. Hooray! Let's dance with the penguins! I've sent the first chapter to the critique group I belong to through ACFW. [American Christian Fiction Writers]

I'm going to take a few weeks to catch up a few other projects, then on to book three, while improving book two through edits. It truly is a never ending story...

2011-09-26T14:55:00.000-05:00

"The first impression an editor receives of you, the writer, is the manuscript you submit."
Susan Titus Osborn "The Complete Guide to Christian Writing and Speaking"

There is only one first impression. Right or wrong, people size you up the first time they meet you. Given time, opinions can change, but we aren’t promised time. As writers, we are usually classified by the first bit of writing a reader picks up. This is their first impression of us, the writer.

Editors are no different. When an editor scans over your short story, article, or novel, what do they see? Are your letters and numbers in an acceptable font and type size? Have you self-edited your work for grammatical mistakes? How about POV changes? Have you read your work aloud to find sentences that don’t mesh?

Don’t expect anyone giving consideration to your writing to simply overlook sloppiness, laziness, and poor sentence structure. There are allowances where someone’s writing is so extraordinary that all is overlooked. Why take a chance on being the exception?

Concentrate on making a good first impression in writing. Strive to present yourself as a professional, competent in the craft. Make sure an editor will sit up and take notice of what you present to them, and you will move one step closer to being published. Polish your manuscript until it shines like the sun. Oh, and try to avoid clichés…

2011-09-19T15:42:00.000-05:00

"Public speaking is inevitable."

Quentin Schultze
"An Essential Guide to Public Speaking."

A writer's fantasy. We write. We send off our manuscript, story, article. We get published. We get a check. We never leave our home and live happily ever after.

Not! Well, part of that is correct. We do write. We do send off our writing and sometimes we get published. But in the midst of all that is marketing. And at some point marketing means speaking. We must get the word out if anyone is to read what we've written. And no, that isn't the publisher's job exclusively.

To be successful in the writing business, you must do several things well.

Write well. Market well. Speak well. And after all that, you get your money and spend well.

(1)   Write well. Hone your writing skills. Learn all you can. Be the best writer you can be.

(2)   Market well. Have a website or blog. Learn to use the internet to your advantage. Make connections with writers, book stores and others who will help you get the word out. Study the craft of marketing.

(3)   Speak well. Don't say, 'I can't talk in front of others.' People will want to hear what you say if you are authentic [real] and honest. Pour out your heart. Be transparent. Encourage. Challenge. Teach. I tell myself every time I speak, 'It's not all about me. Speak to encourage others.'

Public speaking is inevitable. But here's the good news. You can encourage, challenge, and teach others while you get the word out about your writing. It's truly a win-win situation.

Right brain, left brain

2011-09-13T10:09:00.002-05:00

"...Writing and Editing are two different processes requiring two different mind sets."

Renni Browne & Dave King
"Self-editing for Fiction Writers"

Right Brain, left brain. If you are right brain dominate, creativity rules. Left brain dominance shows an analytical nature. Writing and editing require both.

When you write, the right side of your brain leds the dance. I found it works best for me to try to imagine scenes, words, feelings, expressions. Then I let it flow on paper, unhindered by logic. Just get the words down and edit later.

When you edit, the left side takes over. Questions move to "Is the grammar correct?" or "Does the wording in this paragraph convey the message I'm bringing out?" I analyze what's been written. I correct. I change.

The marriage of these two processes is most difficult. For me, it comes when the roughest draft is written, and then I begin to edit. I go so far and realize the character's actions are all wrong. I have to shift from editing mode to creativity mode to rewrite the scene, then back to editing for more corrections.

The good thing is whether you are right brain or left brain dominate, you can still become a balanced writer. Experiment with different techniques of writing and editing until you settle on one that works for you. Then write, write, write...

Not sure what side of your brain you use most? Here's a fun test
http://www.web-us.com/brain/braindominance.htm

Focus

2011-09-05T10:45:00.000-05:00

"New writers often make the mistake of thinking everyone will want to read their work."

Meg Scneider & Barbara Doyen
"Get Published"

Focus. A writer must have focus, not only to write, but in choosing their intended audience.

As a new writer, I made the mistake that Meg and Barbara mentioned in their book. I thought everyone would want to read my medieval women's fiction. Yes, I hear the snickering from here. Why wouldn't every man, woman and child, especially those who knew me, want to read about my heroine and her journey to find herself?

I did have enough sense to let a man read the book. He said it was nice, a horrible word for an author to hear, but that he didn't read books like this as a rule. Imagine that!

It was a wake up call for me, but a good wake up call. From that point on, I kept writing but I started trying to decide who my target audience is. For one, it is women. Makes sense...women's fiction...women. Uh, yea. Also I decided women who enjoyed historicals would like this book compared to women who read contemporaries. Because of allegorical implications in the book, some contemporary readers might enjoy it, but they're not my target audience.

So if you haven't heard the difficult news yet that not everyone wants to read your novel, here it is. But this news can move you to focus. And focus can lead you to target audience. Target audience can lead you to a better query letter to the right publisher. And the right publisher...well, you know...

Writing through the fear

2011-08-29T14:24:00.001-05:00

"The biggest mental obstacle-in writing, in war, in life itself-is fear."
James Scott Bell "The Art of War for Writers"

Fear. We are surrounded by fear every day of our existence. Attack, pull back. Over and over we are prodded and driven toward worry, anxiety, stress and just plain ol' fashioned fear. What is a person to do?
What is a writer to do?

Faith. We are also surrounded by faith every day of our existence. Given, rejected. Over and over we are graced by and gently show the way to love, joy, peace and everything else God has to offer in His Word. What is a person to do? What is a writer to do?

Choice. We all have a choice, writer or not which direction we will turn each day. We react to each circumstance with either fear or faith. The wash machine goes on the blink. We can either worry about it for days or turn it over to God and thank him for laundromats or mothers'. Our child is sick. We can fear it is the worst or believe that God has the best in mind for our family. A writing deadline is approaching and all the above has happened to you. You can be anxious or take the time you do have and make the best of it. Choice.

Now I understand that not everything is cut and dried. Right now I am helping to take care of my daughter and her five day old baby while her husband is in the hospital with an unknown ailment. I choose to believe God will give us all the strength to hang on during this stressful time. My daughter said it best. She said she choses to thank God for two healthy children and a husband that will soon be out of the hospital and better than ever. That's enough...

Writing for His glory

2011-08-16T10:20:00.001-05:00

Wow! Did you read the above quote from Terry Burns? Writers, if you sit around and think of all that you're competing against and the small amount of agents, editors and publishers there are in comparison, you'll never snoopy dance again.

But then again why are we writing? As a Christian in writing, I had to decide long ago what my agenda is and what my motives are. Am I in it for the money, the fame or to say "look I've written a novel?" Or am I in it for the Lord's glory?

I've had the recent excitement of seeing a short story published in Harpstring magazine. See http://www.writtenworldcommunications.com/
The enjoyment of seeing my name and story in print was awesome, but also sobering. It actually led to a case of writer's block where I was afraid to submit anything because I might be rejected. It was so nice being accepted! But again why am I in this? For His glory or mine?

I have to believe that each thing I write, whether read by many or only by a few friends and my friend who edits my work, is valuable. I can file the rejections away and wait for another time and place. I'm confident that if I focus on doing all for God's glory, then someone will benefit from each word I write. Even if it's only me. :)

So let's stop looking at the facts and figures when it comes to writing and focus on the One who guides our pen...

Bear with me

2011-08-11T12:23:00.000-05:00

Please bear with me, O reader of the blog. Between the wedding of my son and my daughter's expected new daughter, Sadie Rae, it's been crazy. I promise I'll be back soon...

Until then,
Jennifer

Greatly Missed

2011-06-30T09:08:00.000-05:00

In the middle of tornadoes popping up and causing destruction all through Alabama, we lost power and had sketchy phone connections at best. Our only connection with the world for a while was my laptop. I constantly checked the weather and news while sitting in our safe room, a fortified concrete room in the center of our house. [which serves as a walk in closet]

A glance at Yahoo news broke my heart as I read of the death of long time minister David Wilkerson. As a youth I read the book based on his New York based ministry called "The Cross and the Switchblade." Later the movie starring Pat Boone stirred my heart as I realized what God could do with a single, willing person.

Years later, I started receiving his frequent newsletters which always seem to arrive at the right time. After I read them, I would pass them on to friends and many people in Alabama were encouraged by the fresh, living words from David Wilkerson.

He will be greatly missed by all, but I know he's enjoying a wonderful time with his granddaughter and other family members and of course our Lord and Savior Jesus...

Recovery

2011-06-11T10:51:00.001-05:00

Recovery has been slow in Alabama, but signs of rebuilding are beginning to appear. Wrecked homes are being reduced to rubble, and new houses are being put in their place. New trailers, set up beside piles of debris and flattened woods, house people once again. Businesses are moving to new locations or are rebuilding. People shop, dine out, and attend church as they did before the April 27th tornado.

Mind-boggling to me are the new skylines everywhere. Places where you would drive over a hill and see woods are open with no trees. The town of Phil Campbell shocked me with the absence of trees, structures and a church right across from the remains of the high school.

Help hasn't left us. People are still having fund-raisers, yard sales and blood drives to fill the needs. Businesses continue to seek out individual families to see how they are faring. Churches still pray. People still care. God has never let go. And that's encouraging...

April 27th, 2011: Alabama Tornadoes-Destruction and Devastation

2011-04-30T13:18:00.000-05:00

The wind whips my hair into my face as I try to hang on to the garbage bag. I'm repeating a scene that can be witnessed throughout Lawrence County, Alabama. I'm cleaning debris from my yard. The day is Saturday, three days since massive tornadoes ravaged Lawrence county and large chunks of many counties in central and north Alabama. A probable F-4 tornado damaged at least three sections of this county, the closest within 8 miles of my home.

Back to the garbage bag. I've put off this task as my family and I have tried to help our friends and family members clean up damaged homes, find clothes to wear and provide cooked food fresh off the grill. No one in the county has power and it will likely be days before anyone does. But today I decide to clean the yard, then a hospital visit to a friend later in the evening. Insulation lay in small ripped up pieces all over the yard.

Gloves keep me from itching, but nothing can prevent my thoughts from wondering where it came from. A brown shingle is propped against my flower bed. Is it from someone's home or a storage building? A little further lies a black shingle, a sharp piece of vinyl siding, and a page from a magazine. Oddly enough the word God catches my eye and I read the scrap of paper. It is a verse from the book of John, one that talks about pruning. I throw it in the bag.

Cars pass by, many to inspect the damage the straight line winds did to my small piece of the county. Most houses have little damage here but trees have been cut off the roads and pushed to the sides, while barns and sheds and dog pens litter the country side. Remorse and anger boil up. I stop it as I realize that for every person driving by, there are 30 people standing in line at the nearby gas station. No, they're not waiting for gasoline, which is in very short supply, but for volunteer armbands and an assignment of where to go next. My husband, daughter and son-in-law are among them. For every person trying to loot or defraud in the midst of the chaos, there are 50 people gathering clothes, food and water and driving them to local churches and command centers for distribution.

A long board stretches down the driveway and beside it, part of a piece of furniture, probably a table leg. My eyes mist with tears as I carry them to the trailer we are stacking the debris on. Could this belong to my friend, who lies in the hospital, her husband dead? Or perhaps a store who opened their business that Wednesday morning, people with nothing more on their minds than sales and the weekend ahead? I won't complain about the debris. People we know in another part of the county found a body in their yard.

I've prayed for people and assisted before during times of disaster but this one has personally affected me more than all the others combined. I begin praying and asking God to bring comfort to people, knowing this debris consisted of homes, businesses, lives. I decide to take a break and record my thoughts. Lawrence county will recover, Alabama will recover. While there are still people who will give up days out of their lives to assist neighbors and people driving from Michigan, North Carolina, and Florida to just help out, there is hope. I can choose to concentrate on the devastation and disaster or I can focus on the relief efforts, the selfless volunteers and the help I myself can provide in the future.

I head back to the yard with renewed hope and work to finish the task at hand. One that will truly takes months, years to complete...

Stepping Stones

2011-04-06T14:44:00.000-05:00

Max Lucado is one of my favorite authors. His encouraging way of comforting people through writing astounds me as I have read nearly all his books. If I'm feeling down and out, I pick up one of his books.

Today's quote speaks volumes to me. As a goal-oriented person, I want to tackle each problem head on and push right through them. I can keep my head above water, can't I? I then check it off my list and see what's next in line. "Okay, God," I think. "Let's get a move on. I'm ready!"

But life doesn't work that way. Have you noticed? Problems many times arrive in two's and three's and linger for much longer than I believe I can tolerate. What happens to my goals then? Crash...crumble...the waves pommel them until everything is all to pieces at my feet.

It's time to move the pieces from beneath my feet to lay them at the feet of One who can actually do something about it. After I quit trusting myself and cast my cares on God, I can breathe again. I humble myself and ask God to teach me through the problems and give way to His timing and His way.

Spiritual strength is truly found in the Lord. My problems can become stepping stones when I let God spread them out and light the way. A way better found when I don't hurry God...

Your Thoughts

2011-03-17T17:01:00.001-05:00

"Watch your thoughts, for they become words. Watch your words, for they become actions. Watch your actions, for they become habits. Watch your habits, for they become character. Watch your character, for it becomes your destiny." Anonymous

And it all begins with our thoughts. The connection between our thought life and destiny would appear to be remote but all through the Word of God, we see the opposite play out.

David's thoughts of a beautiful woman progress to adultery, murder and eventually David is fleeing Jerusalem in shame. Mary's thoughts and words to an angel of wanting the will of God accomplished through her leads to the birth of our Savior and her presence during the birth of the Church in the book of Acts. We see thoughts and words at their best and worse.

What if I take time to study my thoughts? My day may be encouraged or discouraged by where I let my mind wander. I need the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart to focus in a worthy, positive direction.

What's the encouragement in today's quote? I am free to choose my thoughts. Negative, fearful thoughts can be dismissed from my mind and replaced with life, love and destiny, the very word of God. It's my decision...and yours.

Beginning

2011-02-07T11:32:00.000-06:00

"There will come a time when you believe everything is finished. That will be the beginning." Louis L'Amour

Hello friends,
I can think of no better way to begin my new blog, Journey of Grace: Thoughts of Hope and Encouragement than with this quote from Louis L'Amour. I have reached a point in my life when it feels like everything is finished. My youngest child will soon be married and we'll have an empty nest. Our farm is sold, so my employment of the last 20 years has ended. Finished.

Except for the fact that this truly is a new beginning. A new daughter-in-law, my daughter expecting our second grandchild and a career full-time as a writer. New opportunities have risen in women's ministry and short story writing. Beginning.

Which brings me to you...where are you at in this journey called life? Are you reaching an end to certain parts of your life? As we grow older, relationships fade, move on or pass on. Houses, jobs and churches change. The only thing that need not change is beginnings. From birth until the grave, we can be ever moving forward, ever aware of the newness of life. Yes, newness. Each day brings a new sunrise and sunset and many unexpected items in between. What we do with them, how we process life determines if we continue to move forward or park on the side of the road. So many times I've been tempted to park and wait for the end...

What keeps me going? An absolute belief that my life has meaning and purpose. God has a plan for me and a realm of influence for me to reach. Reaching with hope and encouragement. He has a similiar plan and purpose for you. We are all different, but we can all let the people around us know that they are loved, special, and full of purpose. Let's change this world, one friend at a time...

For His plan and purpose,

Jennifer

Snow

2011-01-13T16:40:00.002-06:00

Hello all,
Writing from the frozen tundra...I mean deep south...I mean both really. As I sit in the deep south with 8 inches of snow on the ground, I ponder. Life, motivations, New Year's resolutions, meaning of life...does anyone else ponder when you are snowed in with nothing to do?
Pondering doesn't hurt, but it's time to get up and make a yearly plan to put my focus toward. Whether I follow through on everything or not, a plan doesn't hurt. Might help me get past these winter blahs...

Until then,
Jennifer

A New Year

2010-12-30T09:45:00.003-06:00

Hello,

Another New Year begins Saturday and I see many changes on the horizon. My son is engaged with the wedding to take place in August, my daughter is expecting her second child {probably in August}. When else? We are still in the process of final paperwork to finalize the sell of our farm. Then the move...I'm also starting allergy shots next week to knock out this out of control asthma issue of late.

And of course writing. I feel overwhelmed even thinking of writing but God as always has gone ahead of me in all this. 2010 has been a year of reevaluating life and in the midst God has shown me "rest." I don't know if I'll always rest when I should but I've learned a lot and this will be the year I get to try it out. No longer driven by fear and pride, but led by God. What a concept...

Until then,

Jennifer

Approval at last!

2010-12-10T10:54:00.002-06:00

Hello all,
At last! Approval! Not for me actually, but the young couple looking to buy our farm has been approved for the loan. Hooray! There will still be another month of paperwork and such but one burden is lifted from the shoulders of everyone involved...
On a writing note, my vacation from major writing is going to be extended a little longer while I continue to recup from several health issues. I'm filing ideas and when I start again, I will be well rested and rearing to go...

Until then,
Jennifer

Happy Thanksgiving!

2010-11-24T10:00:00.002-06:00

Hello all,
Just wanted to wish everyone a happy Thanksgiving! Looking foward to good food, fellowship with family and friends, and football!

For those keeping up, the appraisal on the house is Monday so hopefully we can close out the sell of our place and the buying of another within the next month. I'm so glad this has happened at the holidays...not!

Until then,
Jennifer

While I'm waiting...

2010-11-09T08:37:00.003-06:00

Hello all,
Well, its been two weeks and I'm still here and still waiting. Bank stuff has taken longer than we have anticipated. So I tell myself, breath in...breath out...

On a lighter note, I've entered a newly written short story in a contest, should hear something by the first of the year. The writing hasn't stopped, just in super slow motion at the moment.

I'm trying to remember, like its written in Ecclesiastes in the Bible that there is a time for everything. And at some point, I believe there will be a time to move...

"Where You go I'll go, where You stay I'll stay, where You move I'll move, I will follow You..."
Song Lyrics to "I will follow" by Chris Tomlin.

Until then,
Jennifer

Packing up

2010-10-24T10:53:00.002-05:00

Hello all,
Just a note to catch ya'll up on the latest. We have found a house and are in the middle of closing out life here on the farm and moving to this house on only 3 acres of land. We have farmed and lived on large lots of land since we've been married so this will be a change. We are going to a good neighborhood with good people we know around so it will be alright.

Hopefully, over the next two weeks we will close out and move along. I'm packing but purposely ignoring my study at the moment. I have so many books and notebooks full of my writings plus all the study of done on how to write. Whew! I need strength to organize the disarray...

The next time you hear from me should be to let you know we have signed on the dotted line...

Until then,
Jennifer

Where did the last month and a half go?

2010-10-13T12:46:00.003-05:00

Hello all,
I posted the other day, when we returned from our mini vacation. Then I realized that "the other day" was August 23rd. Whoa! Where did the time go?

In case you've missed me, we have been in the beginning stages of selling the farm and finding a place to move to. Call it a need to semi-retire. Soon we'll have only Danny's plant job and my writing, plus camping and some travel. Sounds like a plan to me!

So for the next month or so, our days will be filled with packing, closing loans, selling our current batch of chickens, painting and getting ready to move. We've found the house and are just waiting for it all to come together. And it will...in time...

So I'll be back to blogging on a regular schedule again soon.

Until then,

Jennifer

Still writing

2010-08-23T08:57:00.003-05:00

Hello all,
Yes, I'm still writing. This summer has been a full one and I'm learning that summer will be a slower time of writing for me as it is with many. Just returned from a peaceful weekend in Chattanooga and ready to start again. No the last publisher didn't work out but I'm going down the list to the next one. I'm still getting positive feedback so I'll push on until God connects me with the right person. I know they're out there; just going to be patient and believe. What a difference one day can make...

Until then,
Jennifer

Branching out

2010-08-03T09:19:00.003-05:00

Hello all,
I'm branching out in my writing. Why? There are lots of opportunities out there and I'm not always sure which ones are right for me. So I'm trying some different avenues in writing such as a contest, writing devotions for a trade book and a short story for a magazine. Yes, I'm still working on my novels and with the new critique group I'm in but this is just a little more stretching. And who couldn't use a little more exercise?

Until then,
Jennifer

Study...read...study...

2010-07-26T10:19:00.005-05:00

Hello all,
Just a reminder for my friends out there interested in writing. I've found a major factor in my growth as a writer has been to study and read. Study writing? There are several ways of studying that have helped me. I read lots of books, fiction and non-fiction, noting what pleases the eye as a reader and what doesn't. I read the blogs of publishers, editors and agents to see what they think. I read the blogs of other writers, published and unpublished. I 've read books on writing, editing and marketing, not so much to memorize it all but to soak in what I need. Then when I sit down to write, I pull from a wealth of knowledge stored within. A lot of prayer doesn't hurt either.
Study...read...study...can there be a better job than this one?

Until then,
Jennifer

Don't stop now...

2010-07-19T10:39:00.002-05:00

Hello all,
Sounds like a song from the seventies, huh? Don't stop now. I'm writing this blog to remind myself of that very thing. As I've written about in earlier blogs, a publisher has been looking at my manuscript for the last three months. A long three months. From what I understand, it made it to the publication review board but I found out Thursday that they would not be publishing it. Nice letter with a request for short stories but no novel. Not now anyway. Wow, it was hard. I'm trusting God knows what's best but still, I'm very human.
So the phrase, don't stop now. I'm polishing up a short story, finishing some devotionals to send in and deciding what publisher is next in line regarding my manuscript. I've only sent it to two so far, so I have many to choose from. I'm getting book two in the series ready to send through the critique group so I have lots to do. I just can't get discouraged. Thanks to all my friends who have already encouraged me over this year which has been difficult in many ways. God is good and I continue to write...for Him...

Until then,
Jennifer

Summer

2010-07-12T15:12:00.002-05:00

Hello all,
Summer! Such a busy, hot season! On the farm, there is just too much to do, and then let's add writing projects, family, church and the work I do with women's ministry. Wow! I've had to take many breaths lately and let go. I can only do so much even if my family thinks I'm some kind of super mom. Talk about unrealistic expectations...anyway, I'm learning to pray and to prioritize. What's important? How to balance family and summer fun with work? Time for myself? Yes, its a lot of work, learning this balancing act but well worth it. Slowly but surely I'm becoming more peaceful and happier where I am and isn't that worth it all?

Until then,
Jennifer

Working it all out

2010-06-21T12:16:00.002-05:00

Hello all,
The excitement never ends around here. A couple of days ago I was informed by a friend that my website was no longer there, something else was in its place. She suggested it might have hijacked. I totally panicked and sent an email to Caroline at DreamWeb who manages my websites. After much franticness on my part, she diagnosed the problem. I forgot to renew my domain name...red face...anyway, it is renewed and back. The life of this writer is never boring.

As far as the publisher and agent looking at my work, I'm still waiting...

Until then,
Jennifer

Ever learning

2010-06-10T09:56:00.002-05:00

Hello all,
Another day in the life of this writer and I'm still pushing through. Self editing is slow and there is so much I'm learning as I go along. It seems hard at times trying to write and learn the craft at the same time but I try to look at it as on the job training. When a person is hired on a new job, he usually has a lot of on the job training, no matter how big his college degree is or how many other jobs she has had. It's no different with us writers. People with a college degree in English or journalism have to learn like everyone else. I'm sure it helps them not make many of the grammar mistakes that I do but it's still "sit in the chair and write." So I keep learning, keep applying and believing that one day it will all pay off...

Until then,
Jennifer

100th post

2010-05-29T12:30:00.003-05:00

Hello all,
Welcome to my 100th post! I guess I should get all fancy but...probably not. Sorry I haven't posted in a few weeks. I'm still working my way through all the transitioning in my life and one of the main ones is this menopause thing...some of you understand. Anyway I'm still in waiting mode with the publisher and agent so I'm trying to use my time wisely. I'm over halfway through a self edit of my second novel and then it will start it's journey through the critique group. I cringe thinking of all the red ink people will use on it...oh well when its done it will be better than before!

Only two weeks until my next speaking engagement, meeting with the ladies at Praise Tabernacle and helping them set up a significant women's ministry within their church. Then these ladies will make even more of a difference in their church and community! What a great God we serve! Happy 100th!!!

Until then,
Jennifer

Working through blocks

2010-05-10T09:35:00.002-05:00

Hello all,
Just working through the blocks. What blocks you may ask? Just those mental blocks that attack from time to time...not really writer's block because I'm still writing. Being sick like I have lately always pushes me toward that pitiful, "I just can't do this" block. "It's too hard" is one of those cliche statements I fight often. Another block comes from waiting, wanting to vegetate while nothing is happening, nothing I can see anyway. This is such a transitional time for me, going from mainly working in my local church to speaking and writing as a main mode of what I do for the Lord. The transition has been most difficult, more mentally than even physically. I tried to do both for a while but it just didn't work. I'm trying to find that all important balance that is so elusive or so it seems. All I know to do is listen for that soft gentle voice of God showing me the path I am to follow...his will...his way...

Until then,
Jennifer

How to wait

2010-04-29T10:38:00.002-05:00

Hello all,
Yes the question we writers all wonder about...how to wait. Waiting in the right way is an active, not passive activity. So while I am waiting to hear from the publisher and agent, I am readying myself for a speaking engagement at a mother/daughter brunch on Saturday and another opportunity in June. Studying and reading fiction and non fiction is part of the key for me to keep the brain active. I'm also working on another writing project. The key to waiting? Preparing for the next thing that is coming my way...

Until then,
Jennifer

Progress

2010-04-21T11:32:00.002-05:00

Hello all,
Slowly but surely progress is being made. The first novel, Journey of Grace: A New Beginning has been through line edits. Wow! What a difficult road. The cutting and pruning of a manuscript leaves you at times feeling like there will be nothing left. The finished product however has proven to be much better and cleaner than I could have ever dreamed. The novel is now in the hands of a publisher who requested a look at my entire manuscript. Woo Hoo! At the same time, I have an agent that requested a look at the fiction proposal for the first novel. Double Woo Hoo! Who knows where this is all going and where this road leads but there is progress. And who could ask for more than that?

Until then,
Jennifer

Been a long time...

2010-04-12T10:30:00.002-05:00

Hello all,
Sorry it's been so long since I blogged, but I've been working-going over my Journey of Grace story with a fine toothed comb. I should have it to the publisher who wants to peek at it this week so I can rest a minute and catch up on all the other stuff that's fell by the wayside...I'll let you know when it heads from this writer's desk to the scary beyond...

Until then,
Jennifer

Painful

2010-03-01T12:41:00.002-06:00

Hello all,
All this editing is painful! Yes, it is and I used an exclamation point! So many things important to me that I guess aren't important to the reader make all this editing essential if I am to be published. Thinking over every line of the rough draft and getting good advice from one of my friends is making the process difficult and challenging. If I wasn't challenged I guess I would be bored...and who wants to be bored???

Until then,
Jennifer

Plotting a novel...

2010-02-22T12:39:00.006-06:00

Hello all,
Over the last month or so, I have been doing more studying into the craft of writing. The newest thing being the plotting of a novel. As a seat of the pants writer, you know, off the top of my head, I thought i would try doing a plot with some notecards and character files, etc. I took a short story and have began working through it and it has been a blast! I am definitely pulling a story together, it taking shape right before my eyes! I don't think I will ever be the type of writer that totally outlines and figures the book out chapter by chapter before hand but this plotting is a new tool for this writer...

Until then,
Jennifer
=)

Working on edits

2010-02-15T14:27:00.003-06:00

Hello all,
Wow! Working on edits has been difficult but very rewarding. Yes, the finished product is there but all the cutting and changing and reworking is hard on the nerves. The first chapter was the worst but once I got over the fear of the "how bad can it be?' I was alright. Still a lot of work but I hope to soon have the rewrites ready to go back to the publisher. Then it might be a whole new round of edits...

Until then,
Jennifer

2010-02-08T09:52:00.001-06:00

Hello all,
Things are moving along in the writing world. I am preparing the manuscript to send back to the publisher as requested. A wonderful lady I met through the American Christian Fiction Writers is helping me edit and soon we will see what happens. No matter what, it is another piece of the puzzle and I believe my manuscript will only be better because of it. So I am just editing and studying and learning and growing...isn't that what it is all about?

Until then,
Jennifer

What a difference...

2010-01-25T15:23:00.002-06:00

Hello all,
What a difference a week makes! Last week I was trying to decide which direction to go in my writing when I heard from the publisher that has been looking at my novel. They think it has potential and want me to really "clean" it up and resubmit it. My work is cut out for me now! No promises but it wasn't a "no." God gives hope when hope seems to be lost...

Until then,
Jennifer
:)

Indecision

2010-01-18T15:50:00.004-06:00

Hello all,
I was just reading my last post about "getting back to work" and applying what I am learning. Can we say struggle? Yes I am struggling to apply. The magazine, devotion, article market is so big I feel overwhelmed. Where to go? What to write? I am in that frozen state of "doing nothing." I'm going to have to just pick a magazine, write something and send it. Sounds so easy to do when I type it in a blog. So much harder in real life! Well, it's time to do something...

Until next time,

Jennifer :)

Back to work

2010-01-11T12:18:00.003-06:00

Hello all,
I'm back at work and going strong. Last week was spent catching up on emails and the courses I am taking concerning writing. I am always trying to learn and study more about the craft of writing and then applying it. That is the key. Application. I can learn and know more than any writer anywhere but if I don't apply what I learn through a trial and error basis I will never know what works for me and what doesn't. So even though everything seems slow in this writing world, I keep plugging away one written word at a time...

Until then,
Jennifer

New Year, New Decade

2010-01-01T11:13:00.003-06:00

Hello all,
Just a quick hello and Happy New Year! I am waiting on my friends and the kids to come over and join us for food, football, board games and laughter. A nice lazy day and a good way to start the New Year...there will plenty of time for the work that will start back Monday. One more weekend of holiday before the grind of every day life begins again...

Until then,
Jennifer

Breathe again...

2009-12-22T14:25:00.005-06:00

Hello all,

Just breathing again. My daughter had her heart surgery yesterday and is doing well. It was outpatient to correct a birth defect but everything is risky when dealing with the heart. She is tired and sore but otherwise doing well.

On a lighter note, I want to thank Deborah Malone from Butterfly journey blog for the circle of friendds award. Check her blog out at this link: http://deborahsbutterflyjourney.blogspot.com/

The rules are that I am supposed to share five things that I love to do and then pass the award on to five other blogs.

(1) I love spending time with my family! From my husband Danny, Tim and Mandy, Jonathan and Nehar and of course grandbaby Ava! All the extended family too!

(2) I love being with my friends! My friends at church and in the community are my biggest supporters and encouragers! They keep me straight!

(3) I love writing! Though I have been a little strained lately, a couple weeks off will cure that put me back on track on novel three of my series Journey of Grace!

(4) I love classic movies and books! Give me an ol fashioned story and I am happy!

(5) I love going to coffee shops and light shopping. I am not one of these all days shoppers but browsing with friends is fun!

I will post the five blogs I nominate for this award after Christmas. Have a great one!

End of the year

2009-12-14T09:08:00.003-06:00

Hello all,
Yes it is that lovely time of the year...Christmas, you say? Yes, it is that too but I am taking a peek past that to the week after. That's the week I evaluate and decide. Decide something in a week, you say? No not really but the last few months have been a mental focus on the year ahead and what lies in store for me. I take the week after Christmas to dismantle the decorations and think. What did I accomplish in writing? Did I meet my goals? Which ones did I surpass in and which ones did I pass in? What needs to carry on and what needs to be left behind? What is my focus for January? Ask these questions and carry clarity into the new year. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

Until then,
Jennifer

Dealing with disappointment

2009-12-07T07:17:00.003-06:00

Hello all,
Dealing with disappointment is the subject today. Why? I wrote a Christmas story for a contest that I thought was pretty good. Several family members appreciated it so I was excited about my chances. When the email came that said, "not a good fit" for what we want, I went through several stages of reaction. It started with disappointment, the "I thought I could win" thoughts and feelings. Then came some anger, "I won't go to this website again!" Then disillusionment, "Why even try?" and even depression, "Nobody wants to read what you are writing."
I went through the emotions and then had to make a choice. What was I going to do? One of the most important things to me in my life is that I use life's experiences to build my character. So long ago, with God's help, I decided to take what happens and learn from it and that I would do the right thing no matter how I felt. I wish I could say that I always learned and did the right thing, but I don't. This time however I looked at each point and purposely chose to think and act right.
The first was the "I thought I could win" reaction. I told myself that I still believe it was a good story. It could probably be better and I would look at that but the comment of not being a good fit meant just that. Not a bad story. Next time I will research the contest more thoroughly and write accordingly.
The second "I won't go to the website again!" was childish. I purposely sent an email asking when the winning stories would be posted and decided to read them and learn from that, blessing the website instead of cursing it.
The third "Why even try?" cannot be an option. I feel compelled to right and I am not writing to win contests or even become rich. I'm sure there is an easier way! I write to encourage and bring hope to a hurting world and just for enjoyment. Period.
The last, "Nobody wants to read what you are writing" is a lie. People have enjoyed my articles and stories and I have emails to prove it. Just because this story is not successful as far as a contest goes does not mean I am not successful for trying.
I am a writer and I will keep plugging away at contests and such that seem a good fit and believe that God will open doors when the time is right.

Until then,

Jennifer

Thanksgiving

2009-11-26T08:45:00.002-06:00

Hello all,
Just taking a minute on this Thanksgiving morning to be thankful. Yes, soon everyone will start pouring in and I still have to make dressing and green beans and banana pudding...you understand! But right now I am thankful. Thankful for my family and friends, thankful for my health, my job, my home, my life. Most thankful that God calls me His child and Jesus saved me from myself. Every day I am blessed and looking forward to life. Now in case you wonder, not all life is rosy right now and I know you also understand this. But I chose to look at the good and give God everything. Have a great Thanksgiving!!!

Thanks for the award!

2009-11-16T08:51:00.007-06:00

Hello all,
First I want to thank Deborah Malone for the award in blogging. Her blog is Butterfly Journey and her link is http://deborahsbutterflyjourney.blogspot.com/
Here are people that I am passing the award onto:
http://suzannewoodsfisher.blogspot.com/
http://penandplot1.blogspot.com/
http://toribailey.blogspot.com/
http://existence316.blogspot.com/

Here are the rules of "The One Lovely Blog Award." Accept the award, post it on your blog together with the name of the person who has granted the award and his or her blog link. Pass the award to 15 other blogs that you have discovered. Remember to contact the bloggers to let them know they have been chosen for the award.
Until then,
Jennifer

Stretching

2009-11-02T13:39:00.002-06:00

Hello all,
Things are about the same around here. Still waiting to hear from the publisher on my novel. While I am in wait mode, I decided to stretch a little into some new things. I have written a Christmas story which I am going to enter in a contest. There is still women's ministry stuff for me to do and as always I am reading and learning. The ACFW has given me lots of stuff to study and learn and joining it has been a great help to me as a writer. So back to working and waiting...

Until then,

Jennifer

Working while waiting

2009-10-26T11:35:00.004-05:00

Hello all,
Working while waiting to hear from the publisher is one of the hardest things I have discovered about writing. I am in the process of self-editing book two in the series and I check the email a hundred times a day to see if the email is here yet. I know when I see the name pop up I will be frozen, afraid to look but more afraid not to. The tension...the drama...the suspense...the life of a writer!

Until then,
Jennifer

Focus

2009-10-19T11:44:00.003-05:00

Hello all,
Another week in the writing world and I need to focus. Things have changed and I am trying to learn to do more things on my own, without my constantly whining to my writing coach. It is time to make decisions about my future without checking with everyone including my third grade teacher. Yes, I believe that you need wise counsel and also a lot of praying but I can't be so double minded. So I am waiting to hear from this publisher and editing book two while I wait. I am also trying to decide what part marketing is to play in my working with women's ministries. Ahh...the life of a writer/speaker/wm coordinator/wife/mother/grandmother/farmer...

Happenings

2009-10-12T08:30:00.003-05:00

Hello all,
I know it has been a long time since I have posted. I am sorry about that. However, lots has been going on and I was snowed under. [Not really, we rarely have snow in Alabama] Anyway, I have a publisher wanting to check out Journey of Grace so I have been busy getting a proposal package together. It is sent and I am waiting to see...waiting...waiting.
Also we have launched the new ministry I am working with A Clarion Call which is a women's ministry coaching/workshop program. We go into churches and help strengthen and improve existing wm programs or start a new one. It is exciting and a wonderful way to see women find a purpose and plan for their lives in God.
On top of all of this, I finally finished book two in the Journey of Grace series. Now for edits and rewrites and edits and rewrites. Do you get the picture? I will talk to you next week!

Until then,
Jennifer

Moving ahead

2009-09-21T10:23:00.003-05:00

Hello all,
I am moving ahead. Upon taking the advice of my writing coach/editor Christine Lindblom of "Complete That Manuscript," I have been making a plan for the future of my writing and the work I do with women's ministry. Thoughts for the next two years are on paper and I am forging ahead, waiting to see what lies around the corner. If you haven't opted in to the novella, please do so at www.jenniferhallmark.com and enjoy! I am still looking for a publisher/agent for Journey of Grace. It seems like a long journey at times...

Until then,
Jennifer
--Challenge...Encourage...Teach

Step by step

2009-09-14T11:51:00.002-05:00

Hello all,
Another day of writing, promoting, marketing, praying, wondering, pondering, meditating...you know, it is Monday. I have joined a writing association, The American Christian Fiction Writers and I believe it is yet another positive step in the writing journey I have embarked on. I have spent the last two weeks doing a lot of evaluating of where I am and where I want to go in regard to writing and life in general. Something important for me to do several times a year. I am refocused and ready for what lies ahead...

Until then,
Jennifer

Holidays

2009-09-07T10:14:00.002-05:00

Hello all,
Another holiday, Labor Day and fall is in the air. I love Labor Day just because it means fall is almost here. Changing leaves, windy days, and more holidays to come. Today I will spend some time with family and friends, do a little shopping and anticipate the cooler days ahead...

Until then,
Jennifer

Staying motivated

2009-08-28T11:04:00.003-05:00

Hello all,
One thing I occassionally struggle with is staying motivated. When I am tired and thinking about throwing in the towel, I need to get remotivated. How do I do that? By checking my motives, of course. I ask myself some simple questions. (1) Why do I write? (2) Do I love writing or just the applause? (3) Do I want to help others through my writing, make their lives better or more joyful? (4) Is this a hobby or a career? (5) Why do I want to give up? (6) Am I overworking or over booked? (7) Am I taking enough time to rest and enjoy the rest of my life?
I ask myself these questions and try to pull my motives back in line...so I can write...write...write...

Until then,
Jennifer

Marketing

2009-08-24T10:12:00.006-05:00

Hello all,
Another Monday and I am working on marketing today. Hardest part about writing I do believe. How do I sell my work without compromise? How do I "market" myself without compromising my ethics? Can I be a successful writer and a Christian? Maybe I am too introspective but these are issues one must address before any measure of success is afforded. I don't want my gift to take me where my character cannot keep me...

Until then,
Jennifer

The novella has arrived...

2009-08-21T16:50:00.003-05:00

Hello all,
Yes, the novella is now online. Just check out jenniferhallmark.com and go to the novella page. Opt in for your free subscription and enjoy the first chapter of this free read. Writing has been a little slow lately overall but this kind of thing comes in seasons for me so I am trying to be patient and go with the flow...the flow of writing that is...until next time...

Jennifer

Writing Journey

2009-08-17T13:15:00.003-05:00

Hello all,
This writing journey is long at times, rewarding yet tedious. Satisfying yet tiring. The biggest thing I have noticed is the need for patience. Waiting is a large part of being a writer. I am either waiting to send an email or receive one; waiting on ideas or research; waiting on phone calls or snail mail. Right now I am waiting for my novella to be placed on the website. I know it takes time and I appreciate people that work on websites. I just can't wait to have some of my fiction writing up where people can see it...

Until then,
Jennifer

After Vacation...

2009-08-10T08:59:00.002-05:00

Hello all,
Back again...back to work after ten days on vacation. Vacation from writing that is. Sometimes you just need a break. You need time to unwind and let your brain stop analyzing, imagining and all the other stuff writers do. So I gave my brain a break. I start slowly today and full blast back into the wonderful world of the written word tomorrow...

Until then,
Jennifer

Perseverance

2009-07-27T10:33:00.002-05:00

Hello all,
Keep on keeping on...you've probably heard that expression. At times, it is not easy, especially when things get hard and you don't have a lot of return on your investments as of yet. I try to remember that when you plant a fruit tree, it is several years before you have fruit but it is worth it in the long run. So I keep sowing, watering, weeding and fertilizing and believe that one day there will be a bumper crop of fruit...

Until then,
Jennifer

Another step finished

2009-07-20T20:16:00.003-05:00

Hello all,
Another step finished...the novella The Wedding Dress is edited, copyrighted and ready to go online. Just finishing up the last touches. I am still looking for a publisher/agent for Journey of Grace. The articles are still going and a new set about parenting will start on articlebase.com within the next two weeks. It's been a busy summer and showing no signs of slowing down...

Until then,
Jennifer

Writing Articles

2009-07-13T08:52:00.006-05:00

Hello all,
I am once again writing articles to store up for future use. Important but tiring at times. I think my mood lately is matching the heat of the summer. Kind of wears you out...Things will pick up soon and at least it did rain here last night. I need a little rain in the well of writing within...

Until then,
Jennifer

A new month

2009-07-06T10:50:00.002-05:00

Hello all,
It's another new month and time to get back to work after a holiday weekend. I made a list to try and help me focus for I tend to get lazy after long weekends. The websites are up and redone, looking great and I am in this time of waiting to hear from a publisher and an agent who are looking at the novel. The ideas are still flowing and I am putting some material back for a devotional book that I would like to work on...so I just keep writing...writing...writing...

Until then,
Jennifer

No Going Back

2009-06-29T09:43:00.003-05:00

Hello all,
Life is interesting as always and the past month of June has been no different. Checking with agents and publishers to try and find my novel a home, along with article writing, blogs and the novella keep it moving. There is no going back...I have definitely come too far and am enjoying what I am doing. The last two weeks have involved a lot of research and that is time consuming. Everything I am doing now is building toward my future and I am learning from each experience, positive statement, and rejection letter. Yes, even those rejections...somewhere out there is the right home for my book and I am looking forward to finding out where that is...

Until then,
Jennifer

Summer time

2009-06-22T08:40:00.003-05:00

Hello all,
Summer time! Yes that means writing in amongst mowing, gardening, flower beds, housework, chicken house work...wow! I am getting tired just writing about it. I am learning that to pursue writing as a career calls for me to cut back somewhat and to use summer chores as a break from the computer. Now that doesn't sound like too much fun. Anyway, there are some fun things to do in summer also...until next time...write!

Until then,
Jennifer

Trying again...

2009-06-15T07:58:00.004-05:00

Hello all,

Yes, you read right, I am trying again. The literary agent out of Colorado decided to pass on my manuscript but he had positive things to say and told me not to quit. So I am going on. I have completed another list of agents to contact and am looking into publishers that don't need an agent also. God has a plan and purpose for my book so I will continue until I find it. I am back to sending, article writing and seeking...who knows what doors of opportunity will open next?

Until then,

Jennifer

Summer

2009-06-08T10:43:00.002-05:00

Hello all,
Summer is here and a busy time for me. I remember when fall was the busy time of year with school starting back and ballgames and all that stuff. Now that the kids are grown, summer has the busy months with lawn mowing, yard work and a vegetable garden. Factor in the writing, our chicken houses and the grandbaby and I sometimes am distracted to the hilt. A case of writer's block last week was difficult but it gave me more material to write about...that is how I try to look at all the interesting circumstances of life. More material to write...write...write...

Until then,
Jennifer

Birthing...

2009-06-01T09:09:00.002-05:00

Hello all,

The birth is complete...no I haven't had another child in my old age but the book is done and sent to the first literary agency that agreed to look at it. The last two weeks has been spent polishing and perfecting and worrying over getting the promo package just right. I have done all I can do and now it has been sent...we'll wait and see what happens...back to article writing...writing...writing...

Until then,

Jennifer

Still working on package promo...

2009-05-25T08:27:00.003-05:00

Hello all,
Still working to finish the package for the literary agency...so much to do and put together. Everyone want to see something different and you don't want to mess up any opportunities you are given. I'm still blogging and posting articles in amongst it all for you have to keep it all going and always moving forward...writing...writing...writing...

Until then,
Jennifer

Great news...

2009-05-19T09:19:00.002-05:00

Hello all,
Very excited! A literary agency has agreed to look over my manuscript, "Journey of Grace" and I am getting a package together to send to them...very detailed stuff...been working for several days...Things are about to get interesting...

Until then,
Jennifer

One step at at time

2009-05-11T12:47:00.003-05:00

Hello all,
Life goes on for the fledgling writer. I have sent to six literary agents so far; one turned me down but had some good suggestions on how to improve my work, one I never heard from and the other sent a polite "no." I have decided to go full force and pursue the agent thing; it seems to be the way I have peace about right now...Book two in the series is about finished...just have to keep plowing through...

Until then,
Jennifer

Finishing book two...

2009-05-04T10:24:00.002-05:00

hello all,
Just touching base in between the madness...baby dedications, funerals, new batch of chickens on the farm and life in general has been chaotic and in the midst I am trying to finish the second book of the Journey of Grace series so it can go to edits. Never a dull moment...writing is therapeutic though and I need to focus in all my emotions of all the events into the book...

Until then,
Jennifer

Writing...

2009-04-27T08:48:00.004-05:00

Hello all,
30 articles were written in 6 days...I thank God for giving me the strength and inspiration to meet the deadline with a day to spare...Now I am back to getting another pack of info ready to go to an agent and finishing book two and waiting for the novella to come back from edits...life is definitely never slow around here. Also waiting for the 60,ooo day old chickens that will be here at the farm at 9:30...never a dull moment in the life of a farmer/writer...

Until then,
Jennifer

30 articles...

2009-04-20T07:55:00.003-05:00

Hello all,
With the novella finished, it is time to catch up those articles...my writing coach suggested while I had a few open days before edits start that I write 30 articles, giving me 6 weeks of articles to post on the five article websites I write for...that seems like a lot but with each article being between 500 and 1500 words, I can do it. Even though I will probably write more words in seven days than is in my entire novella...I think I can...I think I can...I think I can...

Until then,
Jennifer

Finished!!!

2009-04-13T09:55:00.002-05:00

Hello all,
Finished!!! Yes I have finally finished the novella and after getting it edited hope to put it on line for all to read, probably in weekly installments. The novella is called "The Wedding Dress" and contains the elements of "denim coveralls", "wedding dress designers" and "Starbucks" coffee. Quite a combination don't you think? This story grew from a writer's group assignment using these three phrases; amazing to me how a simple writing exercise can turn into an interesting story...now to wait for the edits and work on other projects because really I don't think a writer really ever gets finished...look for more info on the posting of the novella...

Until then,
Jennifer

Getting back on track...

2009-04-06T08:38:00.002-05:00

Hello all,
Getting back on track...starting to catch back up on my weekly articles...a round of physical issues and I was behind quickly. I'm on the last few pages of the on line novella and hope to have it up in May...make sure to get the link and read the weekly installments. I'm going to work my way through book two starting in May also, it's 75 percent done and needs editing. A lot of work ahead but I love it!

Until then,

Jennifer

Keeping on...

2009-03-30T08:17:00.003-05:00

Hello all,
Okay...I wrote that wonderful piece about distractions last week and how things were changing and I was going back to writing...well I am but a sprained back might slow that down a bit...can't sit too long at the computer. This is the point when you have to push through. So I figure to write some in long hand while sitting in the recliner which I personally don't like to do. But if I plan to do this for a living, I have to be flexible and able to enjoy what I do wherever and to write...write...write...

Until then,
Jennifer

Distractions

2009-03-23T08:46:00.002-05:00

Hello all,
Wow! It has been an unbelievably distracting month; so distracting my writing has really slowed. Yes, I did write about being relentless last week but at times so little is being done right now...I have to look at the positive side of what I am doing during these "survival " times; by survival times I mean times when basically all you can do is survive. Times of sickness, death, moving, major changes in relationships; you understand what I mean. My "survival" times are coming to an end as the kids get ready to move and once more it will be back to write...write...write...
Until then,
Jennifer

Relentless

2009-03-16T10:02:00.003-05:00

Hello all,
Relentless...there is a small sign on my desk; it says "...I AM Relentless" Relentless means "ceaseless and intense." This is to remind me that in life, especially in writing, I need to be ceaseless; I write whether I feel like it or not, whether I feel anyone is listening or not, I write because it is part of me and I have to believe that what is in me has a purpose in the world and can make the world a better place [dramatic, I know] . I also need to be intense; I need to deeply feel what I write and write intensely from the deepest part of my being. So daily I write...write...write...

Learning again

2009-03-09T09:49:00.003-05:00

Hello all,
Oops! I found an old article I wrote about not overdoing and trying to help everyone and it had six points that I said I needed to remember to help me stay balanced. I am not doing all of them and that is probably why I have been so tired lately. Boundaries are an important part of life and when I don't stay within the boundaries I don't rest. A person can't run on little sleep and rest and be worried and stressed and still fulfill their purpose. The body just won't hold out...back to square one...thank you God for being merciful even when I tend to forget and regress...

Until then,
Jennifer

Finishing

2009-03-02T07:53:00.003-06:00

Hello all,
Finishing...that seems to be the hardest part of writing and I guess life to. Maybe finishing well would be a better way to term it. It seems easy to start an article, novel, blog, relationship, job, school but to work through the slow middle and to find a way to wind it all up at the end and do that with significance is sometimes tricky. Pressing on, persevering has to be a top priority. I am at the point of finishing some things in writing and life and I need a positive finish before I start the next new thing...

Until then,
Jennifer

Fear of Success...

2009-02-23T08:39:00.002-06:00

Hello all,
You have all heard of fear of failure but how about fear of success? I recently sent off my first novel to a literary agent and just received his reply. While he had positive things to say about my novel, he had some constructive criticism and did not choose me to be a client at this time. I felt a little let down but mainly I got hit with the thought, "What if he had said yes to being my agent?' Yes, I know that is what I must have wanted when I sent off the book proposal but reality really set in at that moment. Is this what I really want? Do I want to write for a living? What if I can't keep up the pace and with the deadlines? All these thoughts ran through my head when I saw the email in my mailbox. I sat there several minutes before clicking on it and reading it. I struggled all day with the thoughts but that evening I sat at the computer again, wrote up a query letter for the next agent on my list and sent it off...
Until then,
Jennifer

Focus

2009-02-16T10:16:00.002-06:00

Hello all,
Focus is hard at times...I think I have mentioned this before. For some reason it is not getting easier. When things are busy in many areas of my life it affects my writing. I constantly have to check myself to see what I am doing that is necessary and needful and what is distracting and time-consuming with no purpose. I need to add a little more rest time into that equation and I think that will be the recipe to more fruitful work...

Until then,
Jennifer

Back on track...

2009-02-09T08:28:00.003-06:00

Hello all,
Just letting everybody know that I am back on line and on computer with a new flatscreen...much better than the old monitor. I am working on yearly goals to help me focus better on the writing by having something to shoot for. Deadlines are a part of writing so I can get used to them now before the real fun starts...

Until then,
Jennifer

Thankful

2009-02-03T09:04:00.000-06:00

Hello all,
It has been a harrowing, crazy week to say the least. I started having computer problems Friday I think and I went ahead and updated my flash drive. By Sunday the computer was completely dead along with everything in it. Thank you God for prompting me to get a flashdrive and back everything up. Now I have a new [used] computer and I am trying to switch everything over...it is going to be a long week...

Until then,
Jennifer

A New Door...

2009-01-26T08:26:00.003-06:00

Hello all,

This past week a new door opened in my journey of writing that I didn't see coming...one of my articles on ArticleBase.com was noticed and I was invited to become a contributing writer with brandlady.com women's magazine. Out of Australia...who would have ever imagined Alabama and Australia being connected? I have decided to join up and am considering putting my "Marriage 101" column of writings on this site for a new audience. Writing is nothing like I thought it would be but it many ways it is better...

Until then,

Jennifer

Another first day of the rest of my life...

2009-01-19T08:54:00.002-06:00

Hello all,
For those who know me I know this is a common expression. Over the last three years, I have used it often. Today is another "first day of the rest of my life." Getting ready to send out promo packages to look for an agent. Wow! Scary...but necessary. I have to keep stepping out in areas that I am afraid in or I will sit in one place and never go anywhere. The three years of preparation for this have gone quickly and now here I am...stepping out in faith...I wonder where this journey of grace is going to lead???

Until then,
Jennifer

My first novella

2009-01-12T09:08:00.002-06:00

Hello all,
I am working on my first novella, in amongst 100 other things, to begin publishing it on line by chapters in the next couple of months. A totally different story and setting from my novel series but this is good. Different can be fresh and revitalizing so be looking soon for the novella, The Wedding Dress on www.jenniferhallmark.com. Coming soon! Also don't forget to be reading the article websites that I publish on, look a few weeks back on this blog for my sites and add this one: www.ArticlesBase.com for more reading!

Until then,
Jennifer

Happy New Year!

2009-01-05T08:22:00.003-06:00

Hello all,
Yes, it is another year; unbelievably so. Another year of writing and learning and stressing...well, I would like to do better in the area of stressing. All the new challenges associated with writing however have me so totally stretched and out of my comfort zone it is not to be believed. If you would have told me four years ago that I was about to embark on a career in writing...well that is another story for another time...today I want to welcome the new year; welcome it with open arms despite the challenges I know lie ahead. I simply put on positive expectancy and ask God to help me through all that lies ahead...the good and the bad...

Until then,
Jennifer

A New Year

2008-12-29T08:55:00.002-06:00

Hello all,
It is almost the beginning of a new year and as usual I am taking this last week to take inventory of the old year and to make plans for the new. For me, this involves de-Christmasing the house before January 1 and rearranging and putting new things out so things start out a little different each year in the physical. It also involves going through papers and throwing away stuff, all things done in the physical but with deeper implications. At the same time, I am going through the emotional and mental baggage in my life from the old year, forgiving here, forgetting there. You know, setting aside anything that might weigh me down in 2009. This is very important for me for I am a person that tends to regret and there is no room for regret for this day and time we live in. I can only repent, try to recompense when I can and go on with a light heart and a clear head into the new year...

Until then,
Jennifer

Christmas

2008-12-22T12:02:00.003-06:00

Hello all,
Things are busy though I wanted to have a calmer Christmas this year. Didn't happen; my brother was visiting from Alaska, grandmother in the nursing home, etc. You know how it is. I have a couple of days until then and I hope to relax a little even if only in short increments of time. More resting after Christmas and then back to write, write, write...

Until then,
Jennifer

Writer's group

2008-12-15T10:01:00.003-06:00

Hello all,
Just to let you know the local writer's group I have been involved with the last couple of years has reformatted with a new name and a vision. Pen & Plot meets monthly to discuss writing in all its aspects. We are currently accepting new members. Being a part of a writing group has helped me tremendously; just having people to talk to with the same interests I have. For the support, encouragment and just to hear, "write, write, write,"...

Until then,
Jennifer

Article websites

2008-12-08T07:45:00.003-06:00

Hello all,
I have discovered the world of article websites; a world I didn't know existed. You can go to an article website and either freely use or buy an article for a magazine, newsletter etc. They accept new authors and some sites even pay. Cool stuff! So in order to increase my writing resume and for practice, I have started writing for five article websites. I chose Christian article websites because I have written in the past for a local Christian newsletter [for five years] and have a lot of thoughts I believe could be beneficial. Below are my links if you have a chance to look:
http://www.christianarticles.net
http://www.christian-article-bank.com
http://www.faithwriters.com
http://www.articles.narrowisthepath.com
http://christian-topics.info

Until then,
Jennifer

Working through the holidays

2008-12-01T08:19:00.003-06:00

Hello all,
This is going to be another one of those difficult things about writing; working through the holidays. On one hand, I want to continue and get my work done and on the other, I am trying to learn to enjoy life because if I have learned one thing, it is that life is short. Having my father pass away suddenly when I was in my twenties was a major wake up call. Life was shorter than I thought. Through the years I try and keep that thought in my mind and let it help me with my decisions between work and people time. I want to stay balanced and I guess if there is a time of year I get a little unbalanced, swinging toward people time, it is during the holidays. It's okay though and I pray I can keep my priorities straight...

Until then,
Jennifer