Tag: Writing

14 Days!

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// First Paragraph // 

Belle wasn’t sure she was ready to return. But she knew it was time. She sank back into the plush red cushions of the carriage and took a deep breath to steady her nerves. The next second, she leaned forward to stare out the window. The scenery should look familiar by now, yet it didn’t. But then, didn’t things change with time? 

(Befriending theBeast, Tales of Faith, book 1)

15 Days!

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It is always interesting to see the theme of a story unfold. When I started “Protectingthe Poor,” I wasn’t fully sure where Noel’s and Dumphey’s journeys would take them. They are two very different characters—and one thing that I find unique is they both have strengths that the other person envies. 
Noel is the shy, quiet type, but he is grounded firm in what he believes is right and wrong Biblically. Dumphey tends to be more headstrong, leaning on his own understanding, but one of the first to take action when he feels it’s needed. 
In “Protecting the Poor,” they both have to learn to do something that God is leading them to do, but they are scared to do it. Have you been there before? What helped you to follow God regardless of your fears?

16 Days!

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The whole kingdom around these three books is something I didn’t actually plan about until… well… book three. 

Ouch. Yeah. 

In “Befriending the Beast,” I just needed where Belle had lived and where she was living now. In “The SecretSlipper,” I needed a little more, so I added a few towns. Then, when it came to “Protecting the Poor,” I needed to know more intricate details of Abtshire. So finally—belatedly—I drew a map. 
And now you see why I’m not an artist. ;P 
So I sat down to plan. What was north, south, west, east of Abtshire? I’m visual, so I needed to see the layout. Oh the woes of pantsering. But I think I learned a lesson. Next time I worldbuild, I’ll start at the beginning of the series (though in my defense, I didn’t know this was going to be a series). 
Have you done any world-building? What things helped you? What would you recommend to other world builders?

17 Days!

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Now that the Tales of Faith series is wrapping up, my brain is going to other projects. Will I write anything similar? Another series of retellings? 
The answer: I don’t know. 
Currently, all of the ideas on my desk are original, no retellings. But I do have a soft spot in my heart for a retelling. If I were to predict another retelling, it would likely be a Jane Austen retelling. But we’ll see. 
What about you? Do you prefer retellings or original stories best? If you were to write a retelling, what would it be?

18 Days!

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Reading old literature isn’t for the faint of heart (who all has dug into bookish treasures of auld?). I only had time to read one Robin Hood, by Howard Pyle, but I did like it! Here is a quote from it:

At this a great roar went up, those of the yeomen who sat upon the grass rolling over and over and shouting with laughter, for never before had they seen their master so miss his mark; but Robin flung his bow upon the ground with vexation. “Now, out upon it!” cried he. “That shaft had an ill feather to it, for I felt it as it left my fingers. Give me a clean arrow, and I will engage to split the wand with it.”

19 Days!

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Robin Hood is a legend. While some believe it to be rooted in several real men, centuries have shrouded the truth with larger-than-life stories. Someone asked me how much of Robin Hood *I* thought was true. Hmm… I’ll stand by the opinion that it was likely there were a few heroes in England of old that inspired these legends, but the stories we hear today (especially the Hollywood versions) are probably 99.99% fictional. I’ll stand corrected, though, so give your opinions!

20 Days!

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After two “princess” books, it was so much fun to work on a story from a guy’s POV. And then… just… Robin Hood (am I the only one SO really fascinated with Robin Hood?). 

But for real. 

I love reading stories from a guy’s perspective (I also get really annoyed when they act girlish because of a woman author… ahem…). 

Who else is on board with me?

22 Days!

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// EXCERPT //


“If you have not lived for God and have cared nothing of what the Scriptures say, maybe ’tis because you said the words only—but didn’t truly believe in your heart. Aye, ’tis with our mouths that we can tell others we believe, but ’tis with the heart that man believes unto righteousness. It requires repentance—changing our minds to agree with God. Is this what you believe?”


On History and Friendship | 3-Month Tour Posts at Tangled Up in Writing and Honey Rock Hills

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With being on vacation, I’m falling behind in sharing my 3-month tour bloggers! But the last two July posts were pretty unique. 



First, the historical post about WHY “The Secret Slipper” HAD to be historical. Have you ever considered why a certain idea HAS to be in a certain era? It’s really fascinating to think about!! I’d love to hear your spin-offs of why _______ story had to be told in ________ era.
You can read the full article HERE.


Another belated July 3-month-tour post. One of the things I love including in my books is friendship. Strong friends. Godly friends. Those that encourage ME to be a better friend. As I got to thinking about the friendships I portrayed in my books, I realized that the reason I can portray them is because I’ve experienced them. I’ve had some friends stick with me through some pretty tough situations–friends who have encouraged me in my walk with God, uplifted me, rebuked me, prayed for me, and unconditionally loved me. If you have a friend like that, thank them today for being a godly friend!
Read the article HERE.