Have you always wanted to write a story but didn’t know where to start? If so, the Storycrafter's Seminar is for you! RITA Award-winning author and writing coach Susan May Warren will teach you story structure, go step-by-step in the character creation and plotting process, then show you how to apply it to your story. She’ll brainstorm your idea, share essential secrets of storytelling, and finally, you'll take home a plan that will act as a map for your novel. With time for writing, as well as learning, it’s a day for writers of all levels that will jumpstart your novel onto the road to publication.
The Storycrafter's Seminar, Featuring Susan May Warren, RITA Award Winning Novelist and Writing Coach, will be held Saturday, November 13th, 2010, 8:30 am to 4 pm at Graystone Castle Event Center (formerly Radisson Graystone Castle), I-25 & 120th Avenue, in Thornton, Colorado. Registration check-in and continental breakfast begin at 8:30 am, seminar begins at 9.
Susan May Warren is the RITA award-winning author of twenty-five novels with Tyndale, Barbour and Steeple Hill. A RITA winner, as well as a four-time Christy award finalist, she’s also a multi-winner of the Inspirational Readers Choice award, and the ACFW Book of the Year. A seasoned women’s events speaker, she’s a popular writing teacher at conferences around the nation and the author of the beginning writer’s workbook: From the Inside-Out: discover, create and publish the novel in you! She is also the founder of www.MyBookTherapy.com, a story-crafting service that helps authors discover their voice. A full listing of her titles, reviews and awards can be found at www.susanmaywarren.com.
Cost is $109 and Registration ends November 1, 2010. The event will be held in Thornton, Colorado, 12 miles north of downtown Denver and 30 minutes from the airport, in the Graystone Castle Event Center (formerly Radisson Graystone Castle). Admission to the event includes:
* Storycrafter's workbook
* Continental breakfast
* Deli lunch buffet
Tuesday
Does anyone have a pen?
Out of the gazillion pens we have around here, I can't find one that writes smoothly, sideways or upside down. Except the penCIL variety, of course. Those are reserved for game time, and the elementary students who seem to find at least one opportunity a week, on average, to scurry around complaining about not being able to find a pencil. That's pretty funny to me being that I see them on the floor when I choose to make a walk to {impossible to go through} their rooms.
Do I dare disregard my own resolve not to purchase any more pens until I am down to 25ish? Has there been such an advancement in the pen industry...a high-tech pen that even writes underwater?
Why is it that I tend to hoard certain items? Or maybe I should say "collect" things? I am that way with pens as well as note pads (paper in general...stationary, spiral note pads, even found some typewriter paper in a box in storage, etc.), perfume, beads, gift bags, kitchen gadgets, nail polish (still trying to find that perfect pink), fabric, Pez dispensers, painting and art supplies. I probably have more Bibles than the average person. Each one has a different purpose or meaning to me.
Hoarding is sometimes a symptom of trying to fill a void. It can become a compulsion {Yes, I have watched some of the shows...fascinating!}. I know in my head that only God can fill what is missing in my life, which all boils down to love. I know in my head, that God wants to be and should be all I need, my everything. But in real life, I can't feel His love. I suppose it isn't as real to me as I would like. And with that, I am not exactly trusting God.
In one of my Bibles I read Mark chapter 9, verses 21 through 29. This passage describes a life altering event occurred between Jesus the Christ and an anonymous dad with his son, and possibly everyone who saw what happened. The dad had brought his son to a gathering where some of the disciples were arguing with some teachers of the law. Jesus was pretty annoyed with the unbelief of some of the folks there. Kind of like I get annoyed when one of my older children bothers arguing with the youngest, expecting the youngest to grasp things the way they do. Was he annoyed because of the leaders' or the disciples' unbelief? Well, the dad wanted his son to be healed, but the disciples could not do it (verse 18). So, in Mark chapter 9, verses 21 through 29...
"21 Jesus asked the boy's father, 'How long has he been like this?'
'From childhood,' he answered. 22 'It has often thrown him into fire or water to kill him. But if* you can do anything, take pity on us, and help us.'
23 'If* you can'? said Jesus. 'Everything is possible for him who believes.'
24 Immediately the boy's father exclaimed, 'I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief!'
25 When Jesus saw that a crowd was running to the scene, he rebuked the evil spirit. 'You deaf and mute spirit,' he said, 'I command you, come out of him and never enter him again.'"
26 The spirit shrieked, convulsed him violently and came out. The boy looked so much like a corpse that many said, 'He's dead.' 27 But Jesus took him by the hand and lifted him to his feet, and he stood up.
28 After Jesus had gone indoors, his disciples asked him privately, 'Why couldn't we drive it out?"
29 He replied, 'This kind can come out only by prayer.'" (NIV)
*emphasis mine
I am like that dad - believe, but struggle with my own faith. One amazing thing about faith is that God has never broken a promise - He remains faithful. His word has always been true.
I don't think Jesus is saying in verse 23 that we will get whatever we want by believing it will be so. Healing just because we believe, winning the lottery is possible through belief, etc. isn't what he is telling us to do {wouldn't that be nice, though?!}. A lot of people get stuck on, or in, that whole misconception. I think he is saying that we need to believe that God is who He says He is. We should know by now that God is capable of doing anything. Or what I mean is, we who have read or heard some of Biblical history have learned that God did what He said, and had to change things when mankind did not hold up our end of the bargain. He can do it. He has done it. We can't limit God, or put Him in a box, or tell Him who He should be (Have you ever watched "Bruce Almighty?").
And though sometimes in our own understanding or perception, we believe we are unworthy or whatever, we need to believe that God loves us and can use us to do some amazing things, sometimes outside of our comprehension. For instance, a smile can be life altering to the person to whom it is aimed. That smile could have the power to rejuvinate a person's grasp of goodness in this world.
Jesus, in John chapter 3 verses 16 and 17 says to Nicodemus, "16 For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal live. 17 For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him." That's a whole lot of love! I just need to rest in that love and stop shopping for more pens.
Do I dare disregard my own resolve not to purchase any more pens until I am down to 25ish? Has there been such an advancement in the pen industry...a high-tech pen that even writes underwater?
Why is it that I tend to hoard certain items? Or maybe I should say "collect" things? I am that way with pens as well as note pads (paper in general...stationary, spiral note pads, even found some typewriter paper in a box in storage, etc.), perfume, beads, gift bags, kitchen gadgets, nail polish (still trying to find that perfect pink), fabric, Pez dispensers, painting and art supplies. I probably have more Bibles than the average person. Each one has a different purpose or meaning to me.
Hoarding is sometimes a symptom of trying to fill a void. It can become a compulsion {Yes, I have watched some of the shows...fascinating!}. I know in my head that only God can fill what is missing in my life, which all boils down to love. I know in my head, that God wants to be and should be all I need, my everything. But in real life, I can't feel His love. I suppose it isn't as real to me as I would like. And with that, I am not exactly trusting God.
In one of my Bibles I read Mark chapter 9, verses 21 through 29. This passage describes a life altering event occurred between Jesus the Christ and an anonymous dad with his son, and possibly everyone who saw what happened. The dad had brought his son to a gathering where some of the disciples were arguing with some teachers of the law. Jesus was pretty annoyed with the unbelief of some of the folks there. Kind of like I get annoyed when one of my older children bothers arguing with the youngest, expecting the youngest to grasp things the way they do. Was he annoyed because of the leaders' or the disciples' unbelief? Well, the dad wanted his son to be healed, but the disciples could not do it (verse 18). So, in Mark chapter 9, verses 21 through 29...
"21 Jesus asked the boy's father, 'How long has he been like this?'
'From childhood,' he answered. 22 'It has often thrown him into fire or water to kill him. But if* you can do anything, take pity on us, and help us.'
23 'If* you can'? said Jesus. 'Everything is possible for him who believes.'
24 Immediately the boy's father exclaimed, 'I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief!'
25 When Jesus saw that a crowd was running to the scene, he rebuked the evil spirit. 'You deaf and mute spirit,' he said, 'I command you, come out of him and never enter him again.'"
26 The spirit shrieked, convulsed him violently and came out. The boy looked so much like a corpse that many said, 'He's dead.' 27 But Jesus took him by the hand and lifted him to his feet, and he stood up.
28 After Jesus had gone indoors, his disciples asked him privately, 'Why couldn't we drive it out?"
29 He replied, 'This kind can come out only by prayer.'" (NIV)
*emphasis mine
I am like that dad - believe, but struggle with my own faith. One amazing thing about faith is that God has never broken a promise - He remains faithful. His word has always been true.
I don't think Jesus is saying in verse 23 that we will get whatever we want by believing it will be so. Healing just because we believe, winning the lottery is possible through belief, etc. isn't what he is telling us to do {wouldn't that be nice, though?!}. A lot of people get stuck on, or in, that whole misconception. I think he is saying that we need to believe that God is who He says He is. We should know by now that God is capable of doing anything. Or what I mean is, we who have read or heard some of Biblical history have learned that God did what He said, and had to change things when mankind did not hold up our end of the bargain. He can do it. He has done it. We can't limit God, or put Him in a box, or tell Him who He should be (Have you ever watched "Bruce Almighty?").
And though sometimes in our own understanding or perception, we believe we are unworthy or whatever, we need to believe that God loves us and can use us to do some amazing things, sometimes outside of our comprehension. For instance, a smile can be life altering to the person to whom it is aimed. That smile could have the power to rejuvinate a person's grasp of goodness in this world.
Jesus, in John chapter 3 verses 16 and 17 says to Nicodemus, "16 For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal live. 17 For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him." That's a whole lot of love! I just need to rest in that love and stop shopping for more pens.
Monday
I am a writer, period.
Last night I dreamed I ate a 10-pound marshmallow. When I woke up, the pillow was gone.
-Tommy Cooper
Do you ever feel blah? Just going along with life, wondering what is "it?" What will make life something more significant? Will God "call" me to do something dynamic, or am I destined to be just another life lived in blah? I really want to contribute something. It's been awesome to have people tell me that they appreciate me and feel encouraged by something I wrote, did or said, or even my smile. That in itself is great and warms my heart. Am I ever going to do or be someone where I am just exasperated and wonder at something which comes out of me that is truly magnificent, though?
A woman I met last year invited me to visit a writers' group. I went, and felt like a humbled sponge. Everything that was said I ate right up. The speakers were great! The camaraderie was moving. Then, when I thought of me, and how I haven't even finished writing anything but a few children's stories, some songs, poems, prose, and articles, I didn't think I belonged there. So one day, sitting at a coffee shop, listening to these wonderful, generous women who have adult fiction books published - which I, for some reason, consider more validly the definition of a writer - I felt like God wasn't quite calling me to be an official member of the group because of what I have done as a semi-writer, as if there is some hierarchy in this label. Guiltily, I accepted a box filled with resources to help one improve as a writer. I had no clue where to begin listening to the cassette tapes. Sometimes, I wonder if God is truly calling me to anything. Of course, I feel a strong "calling" to be the mom I am attempting to be (I really could improve in some areas of motherhood, like keeping a clean house and being a better example of organization, etc.). Is there something else for me?
Finally, today I just picked up a few cassettes and settled on Barbara Curtis's "Guaranteed Ways to Publish 50-100 Articles a Year," from a conference held in April of 2003. *Side-note: I had to think just now a bit about how the cassette player functioned. I paused, thinking I would lose my place..Oh yah!! Cassettes stop in place so I don't have to find my place again if I take the tape out to see the exact title, etc.* And yes, I had to go out and buy a boom box with a cassette player since I gave up on replacing them years ago, after my kiddos destroyed a couple. Do all kids think everything, related to money, grows on trees? Dare I say that God was the one working in the selection of the cassette tape? One tidbit of advice Ms. Curtis gave caused my heart to pound. The advice was to begin gathering information now, even if I don't know what God will "call" me to do later. That reminds me of Dr. Maria Montessori's life. Back in her day and country, women weren't supposed to have careers, but she really wanted to be a doctor, against her father's wishes. She did it anyway obviously, being the first woman in Italy to become a doctor. But then she had some twists and turns in her life that brought her back to a more feminine role - caring for young children, in an extraordinary way. So now I'm feeling pretty encouraged and inspired.
This reminds me of the whole concept that can sound like, "When I get married, I will change." Why wait?
Meditation
1 Samuel 30:6
David was greatly distressed because the men were talking of stoning him; each one was bitter in spirit because of his sons and daughters. But David found strength in the Lord his God."
**King James version says, "but David encouraged himself in the Lord." The Hebrew word used for strength/encouraged is "chazaq" which means to seize, be strong, CONQUER, aid, amend**
Romans 8:28
And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.
1 Corinthians 1:9
God, who has called you into fellowship with his Son Jesus Christ our Lord, is faithful.
Galatians 1:6 & 7
I am astonished that you are so quickly deserting the one who called you by the grace of Christ and are turning to a different Gospel - which is really no gospel at all. Evidently some people are throwing you into confusion and are trying to pervert the gospel of Christ.
Galatians 5:13
You, my brothers, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the sinful nature; rather, serve one another in love.
Ephesians 4:1 - 3
As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received. Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.
- Holy Bible, New International Version (NIV)
-Tommy Cooper
Do you ever feel blah? Just going along with life, wondering what is "it?" What will make life something more significant? Will God "call" me to do something dynamic, or am I destined to be just another life lived in blah? I really want to contribute something. It's been awesome to have people tell me that they appreciate me and feel encouraged by something I wrote, did or said, or even my smile. That in itself is great and warms my heart. Am I ever going to do or be someone where I am just exasperated and wonder at something which comes out of me that is truly magnificent, though?
A woman I met last year invited me to visit a writers' group. I went, and felt like a humbled sponge. Everything that was said I ate right up. The speakers were great! The camaraderie was moving. Then, when I thought of me, and how I haven't even finished writing anything but a few children's stories, some songs, poems, prose, and articles, I didn't think I belonged there. So one day, sitting at a coffee shop, listening to these wonderful, generous women who have adult fiction books published - which I, for some reason, consider more validly the definition of a writer - I felt like God wasn't quite calling me to be an official member of the group because of what I have done as a semi-writer, as if there is some hierarchy in this label. Guiltily, I accepted a box filled with resources to help one improve as a writer
Finally, today I just picked up a few cassettes and settled on Barbara Curtis's "Guaranteed Ways to Publish 50-100 Articles a Year," from a conference held in April of 2003. *Side-note: I had to think just now a bit about how the cassette player functioned. I paused, thinking I would lose my place..Oh yah!! Cassettes stop in place so I don't have to find my place again if I take the tape out to see the exact title, etc.* And yes, I had to go out and buy a boom box with a cassette player since I gave up on replacing them years ago, after my kiddos destroyed a couple. Do all kids think everything, related to money, grows on trees? Dare I say that God was the one working in the selection of the cassette tape? One tidbit of advice Ms. Curtis gave caused my heart to pound. The advice was to begin gathering information now, even if I don't know what God will "call" me to do later. That reminds me of Dr. Maria Montessori's life. Back in her day and country, women weren't supposed to have careers, but she really wanted to be a doctor, against her father's wishes. She did it anyway obviously, being the first woman in Italy to become a doctor. But then she had some twists and turns in her life that brought her back to a more feminine role - caring for young children, in an extraordinary way. So now I'm feeling pretty encouraged and inspired.
This reminds me of the whole concept that can sound like, "When I get married
Meditation
1 Samuel 30:6
David was greatly distressed because the men were talking of stoning him; each one was bitter in spirit because of his sons and daughters. But David found strength in the Lord his God."
**King James version says, "
Romans 8:28
And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.
1 Corinthians 1:9
God, who has called you into fellowship with his Son Jesus Christ our Lord, is faithful.
Galatians 1:6 & 7
I am astonished that you are so quickly deserting the one who called you by the grace of Christ and are turning to a different Gospel - which is really no gospel at all. Evidently some people are throwing you into confusion and are trying to pervert the gospel of Christ.
Galatians 5:13
You, my brothers, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the sinful nature; rather, serve one another in love.
Ephesians 4:1 - 3
As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received. Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.
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