What Are Your Best Summertime Reads? by Sandi Somers

 

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There Is Power in Reading!

What a better way to spend a summer afternoon relaxing and reading. Especially these days when Alberta and Western Canada have been sweltering in an unprecedented heat wave. As I finish this post, it’s 36 outside at 4:30 in the afternoon; this week we almost reached Calgary’s all-time high of 36.5 C.

This summer I’ve been grateful for a time away from responsibilities of volunteer activities of this past year. Instead, I’m relaxing as I putter in my garden and house. And I’m reading!

I begin reading in the early morning, spending long leisurely times in God’s Word, meditating more thoughtfully on the Triune God and on what God is saying to me. Currently I’m reading through the Book of Acts, a post-Gospel narrative I’ve read many times and could reread almost continuously. Add a praise Psalm and a devotional by David Wilkerson, God Is Faithful, or Lloyd John Ogilvie’s Lord of the Impossible, and a time of prayer, and the hours can fly by.

In my other reading, I’ve always been a non-fiction aficionado—biography, personal essay, prayer, creativity, and more. Our church library has been closed due to Covid and remodelling, and so I'm missing out on my usual faith-building books. However, I'm borrowing books out of my normal range from the public library. 

With Covid restrictions, I've missed my own travels to exotic places, and so I’m reading The Best Women’s Travel Writing series. These books are ideal for me to pick up now and again, choosing a shorter or longer essay depending on my time and attention span. In my imagination I revisit countries such as South Africa, Egypt, and Haiti, absorbing their stunning landscapes, bright colours, and wonderful people. Or other countries I’ve only read about: Mongolia, or Cambodia, or Bangladesh. Then I copy some of the essayists’ word nuggets in my “Quotes Journal”, to sharpen my own writing.

But not all my reading is nonfiction. This summer I rediscovered two novels with stunning detail, metaphors, and word images that are nourishing my senses: Fugitive Pieces by our Canadian Anne Michaels, and All the Light We Cannot See, by Anthony Doerr. These two books on different aspects of World War II have challenged my intellect as well as my spirits. They had the power to grab and hold my interest until I finished—but I declined to read until 3 o’clock in the morning!  

I do take my reading seriously. As I absorb other author’s writings and plan ahead to impact my readers, I think of Annie Dillard’s words: "The writer studies literature...He is careful of what he reads, for that is what he will write....Only after the writer lets literature shape her can she perhaps shape literature."

I also respond with the words from the Apostle Paul (1 Corinthians 10:31): Whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.

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Now over to you.

What genre(s) do you enjoy most? What books are you are reading this summer? What books are meeting your need of release and renewal? How has God used books and their genres to touch your heart and change your life? What has been the impact on your writing and purpose for your readers?

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Thanks to Lynn Dove for inspiring this month's theme, as she described her love of reading. "I was an avid reader from a very young age, disappearing whole-heartedly into a book, where I lived, breathed and took on the persona of the main character."  

Book Review - The Wounded Trilogy by Lynn Dove

Today is book review day on the blog and we are featuring member Lynn Dove and her award-winning WOUNDED TRILOGY. 

Shoot the Wounded was a finalist in the 2010 Readers Favorite Book Awards !

Shoot the Wounded, the first book in the “Wounded Trilogy“ is written for youth and young adults, addresses how lies and gossip destroy a person’s spirit. It speaks to the heart of relevant themes such as bullying, teen pregnancy and family violence all the while pointing the characters and ultimately the reader, to hope in Jesus Christ.

Shoot the Wounded is currently being carried in most major Christian Bookstores across Canada and is available at Amazon.com, Amazon.ca or order from the author at woundedtrilogy@gmail.com

Heal the Wounded was a finalist in the 2011 Readers Favorite Book Awards in the Christian – General Fiction Category and WINNER of the Bronze Medal in the Young Adult (Coming of Age) category!

The second book in the “Wounded Trilogy“ “Heal the Wounded is the much-anticipated sequel to Lynn Dove’s brilliant debut novel, Shoot the Wounded.

After the death of their friend, Ronnie (in Shoot the Wounded), Leigh and Jake are trying to come to terms with the aftermath of Ronnie’s death. As their love grows for one another, Leigh and Jake must face a series of devastating, life-changing events that will challenge their love and their relationship with God.

Tim, Ronnie’s brother, a bitter and tormented young man after the death of his sister, becomes the target of bullies at his school. Feeling hopeless and alone, he cuts himself to find that emotional release to let go of the pain he deals with everyday.

Trying to embrace his newfound faith, Mike, Jake’s best friend, lives in his own private nightmare dealing with the consequences of his parent’s constant arguing and his father’s alcoholism.

Heal the Wounded, like Shoot the Wounded, delves even deeper into the real world of teenagers trying to live out their faith in the midst of upset and struggle.

Will these youth find God’s healing and hope in the middle of hurt and heartache?

“Brilliantly written, poignantly told, readers who loved Shoot the Wounded will not be disappointed with Heal the Wounded‘s powerful message and the on-the-edge-of-your-seat storyline.” Shellie Neumeier, Author of Driven.

Heal the Wounded is available on Amazon.com, Amazon.ca, on Journey Thoughts and wherever fine books are sold!

Love the Wounded the third and final book in the trilogy was awarded the Literary Classics prestigious Seal of Approval as well as the Silver Medal for faith-based fiction.

“Love the Wounded” by Lynn Dove is the final and dramatic conclusion to her brilliant Wounded Trilogy series that has followed the lives of teenagers Jake, Leigh, Mike, Dylan and Tim as they come to terms with a series of tragedies and events that have made each of them question why God allows “bad things to happen to good people”.

Leigh does not know who to choose…her heart tells her she will always love Jake, but he has changed so much since the death of their friend, Ronnie, and with his mother going through breast cancer, he has totally closed himself off from her emotionally. Now she is dating Dylan and try as she might to accept him for who he is, she can’t stop thinking about Jake!

Dylan has never gotten over the loss of his father and little sister, killed by a drunk driver when he was just a young boy.

After a horrific accident that has put both Tim and his little brother, Evan in the hospital, everyone knows that not only is he being bullied at school; he cuts himself to cope with it all. But meeting Cassidy has given him the courage to stand up to the bullies and at the same time give her what she so desperately needs…a life-giving bone marrow transplant.

Jake’s mother keeps telling him that “God works all things out for good” but with all the things going on in his life and with his friends, he’s just not sure anymore. It is only after Mike is paralyzed in a car accident that Jake was partially responsible for that all the families and friends will be brought back together, not by coincidence, but by God’s design and then Jake will finally believe that God truly does “Love the Wounded”.

“A life of working with youth has inspired Lynn Dove, a Cochrane mother to turn her experiences into a book trilogy…(the Wounded Trilogy) series that parallels the struggles of students…(and) covers the angst of some of the real serious issues that teenagers face today, particularly with bullying and gossip. ” -Rocky View Weekly-

Love the Wounded can be found on Amazon.com and Amazon.ca, on Lynn's blog Journey Thoughts and wherever fine books are sold!

Silent Night, Holy Night by Lynn Dove

 The second wave of Covid-19 is hitting us especially hard here in Alberta.  My small town of Cochrane has had over fifty active cases and a staggering number of people have been diagnosed province-wide with the virus.  To combat the spread, our Provincial Government is forced to place more restrictions on us.  On the minds of everyone is, "How do we celebrate Christmas this year?"

We are told that we can no longer have any kinds of indoor gatherings other than those who live in the same household together.  We cannot have outdoor gatherings with numbers of more than ten people, and even if we keep the numbers to ten outside, we must all wear masks, keep distance from one another, and not share food.  Keeping in mind Alberta temperatures can dip to -25 degrees Celsius, so meeting outside may not be an option.

I have three married adult children and five grandchildren.  Including my husband and I, that makes thirteen loved ones whom I had hoped to gather on Christmas Eve for our dinner and gift opening.  There is the strong likelihood that we may not be able to do that this year due to the Covid restrictions.  For my husband and I, it would mark the first time we would be alone for Christmas since our children were born.  

And it is breaking my heart.

2020 is a year best forgotten I suppose.  I keep hearing people say it was the "worst" year ever!  I would imagine to many who are experiencing financial hardship, grief, isolation, and anxiety brought on by this pandemic, 2020 may be the most challenging year some have ever faced.  I can't say that personally.

2020 was my "recovery" year from my battle with cancer in 2019.  I celebrated strength, stamina and my hair returning!  My youngest daughter was married in July, and my fifth grandchild was born to my son and daughter-in-love the day before the wedding.  My husband and I managed to get out camping quite a bit to combat the Covid blues.  Just being able to enjoy the great outdoors kept our minds off the stresses brought on by forced lockdowns.  We took long drives, exploring sights we had all but taken for granted before Covid forced everyone to change travel plans.  My oldest daughter and son-in-love sold their house quite unexpectedly and are now building their "forever" home only ten minutes away from us.  Although we do not know what will happen in the days or weeks to come, my children still have jobs, we all have homes, and we all have our health.  All things considered; I certainly cannot call it the "worst" year for us as a family. 

Setting up my Christmas tree this year, I put on a DVD with a compilation of all my favourite Christmas hymns, carols and songs, to force myself to get into the spirit of the season.  I tried to sing along to some of them, but admittedly my heart just was not into it until I heard "Silent Night".    

"Silent Night", written by an Austrian priest named, Joseph Mohr just after the end of the Napoleonic Wars, was an attempt to bring a sense of hope to his little congregation who had suffered through twelve years of war and were now experiencing bitter cold and widespread famine.  Mohr hoped that the song's message of peace and of God's goodness in giving us the Gift of His Son, would speak into the hearts of those who were experiencing such hardship in 1818.  

"Silent Night" has always been one of my most beloved Christmas songs.  We sing it every Christmas Eve at church and at home.  It describes so melodically what my Danish parents always called the night before Christmas: "Hygge Aften".  

"Hygge" is a Danish word used to acknowledge a feeling or moment.  "Aften" is the Danish word for "evening".  Many of my Danish relatives will tell you that "Hygge" cannot be translated adequately into English because there is no one word to describe it.  To experience a sense of "hygge" is to be fully present in the moment, to recognize the blissful feeling of tranquility; to be in a state of perfect peace.  The Nativity scene, with Mary embracing Baby Jesus in her arms while He sleeps in heavenly peace, is the closest I can come to describing a visual representation of the first perfect "Hygge Aften". 

"Silent night, Holy night

All is calm, all is bright

Round yon virgin, mother and child

Holy infant, tender and mild

Sleep in heavenly peace,

Sleep in heavenly peace." 

My husband and I are already thinking about how we might be spending this Christmas without our family gathered around us.  I know we will profoundly feel the silence of the night, without our children and grandbaby voices and laughter around us.  It will be a far different Christmas than the one I had thought we would have, but I am still determined this year to experience "Hygge Aften" with the same sense of wonderment as I do every year.  I will purposefully immerse myself in quiet contemplation of what Christmas is all about.  I choose to fully embrace the Joy of the Season giving praise to God for the incomparable Gift of His Son given to us on the most holy of nights.  

The song "Silent Night" alludes to the fact that the first Christmas was not at all what was expected on that starry night over two thousand years ago.  Although the Saviour of the world was prophesied, no one expected a King would be born in such lowly estate, with angels heralding His birth.  The shepherds never imagined that a baby lying in a manger would be their Deliverer and mine as well.

"Silent night, Holy night

Shepherds quake, at the sight

Glories stream from heaven above

Heavenly, hosts sing Hallelujah.

Christ the Savior is born,

Christ the Savior is born.

Silent night, Holy night

Son of God, loves pure light

Radiant beams from Thy Holy Face

With the dawn of redeeming grace,

Jesus, Lord, at Thy Birth!

Jesus, Lord, at Thy Birth!"

The first three verses of "Silent Night" I know so well, but it is the rest of the song I seldom sing that have a poignant meaning for me this Christmas as never before:

"Silent night, Holy night

Here at last, healing light

From the heavenly kingdom sent,

Abundant grace for our intent.

Jesus, salvation for all.

Jesus, salvation for all.

Every year I pray that friends and family will accept the Gift of Salvation through Jesus Christ, and that the Good News will bring the promise of Hope to a lost and hurting world.  Singing the last two verses of "Silent Night" becomes my heartfelt prayer for 2021, that each of us would be reminded that God is in control, no matter our circumstances.  I pray for that peace that surpasses understanding as we celebrate, each in our own way in 2020, and look forward with great anticipation to the New Year ahead.

"Silent night, Holy night

Sleeps the world in peace tonight.

God sends His Son to earth below

A Child from whom all blessings flow

Jesus embraces mankind.

Jesus embraces mankind.

Silent night, Holy night

Mindful of mankind's plight

The Lord in Heav'n on high decreed

From earthy woes we would be freed

Jesus, God's promise for peace.

Jesus, God's promise for peace."

Amen!

(read more of the history of  the song, "Silent Night" here: https://theconversation.com/the-humble-origins-of-silent-night-108653) and the translations of the song: https://www.stillenacht.at/en/text-and-music

(This post was originally published on December 7th, 2020 on Lynn's blog: "Journey Thoughts")

Lynn Dove is the award-winning author, of the YA “Wounded Trilogy”- a contemporary Christian fiction series with coming-of-age themes.  A wife, mom, grandmother, and free-lance writer with articles published in several magazines and anthologies including Chicken Soup for the Soul books, her blog, “Journey Thoughts” is a Canadian Christian Writing Award winner.  Readers may connect with her at lynndove.com 

Is It Quitting Time? by Lynn Dove

 I have never felt more like quitting than today!  

The weight of that thought droops my shoulders, and brings me close to tears.  I look at the blank screen on my computer and experience an overwhelming urge to delete every file, purge the hard drive of every piece of my writing, finished and unfinished, and declare my writing career done.  

For good.  

Forever.

I don't get paid enough for this!  The more I think about that fact, the angrier I become.  Is it worth it financially for me to continue?  

Seriously!  

My heart's just not in it anymore!  It isn't.  I haven't enjoyed the process in months.  It is tedium now, something I do out of obligation, a sense of duty.  I struggle whenever I try to put my thoughts onto paper.  I don't feel any sense of accomplishment after I've rattled off a somewhat mediocre article, just a sense of relief that I have completed yet another writing deadline on time.  I can now relax until another bout of nagging guilt forces me to tackle yet another last minute assignment.

I debate closing down every social media account I have.  I want anonymity, obscurity, to vanish like a wisp and face the consequences of what I am convinced is welcome oblivion.  

Will people even notice my absence?  Do I honestly think that my presence online is that important to anyone else?

So, I ask myself, "Why am I doing this?"

I pause.  The question begs an answer, but I have no ready answers.

Why am I doing this?

The question hangs in the air like a maleficent odour.  It reeks in its putridity.  I have to figure out an answer or I will eventually succumb to this impending stench of death.  I am hearing in my head the gonging chimes marking the death knell of my writing.

Why am I doing this?

Is it for the money?

No.  I almost laugh out loud.  I suppose there are authors who are making good money with their writing.  Not me.  

But, it's never been about the money for me...  Has it?

No.  There was a time I wrote for the sheer pleasure of it.  I wrote because I loved to write.  I was compelled to write.  The art, the act of writing beckoned to me from deep within.  When I was awake, I thought about writing, and when I drifted to sleep, I was still composing and editing the storylines in my head.  

When did it become about the money?  

I have to answer honestly with abject sadness, "When writing became more like a job, and less about the craft."

So if I'm not writing for the money, is it for fame?

I will admit that I enjoy the compliments, the comments, the writing accolades, the awards I have received because of my writing.  Prideful?  Definitely.  It does motivate me to keep writing to stroke my ego.  However, I have also faced criticism.

I don't like that.

I have faced critical evaluation of my writing, and even though it is hard to read and accept, I still continue to write despite it.  

I'm not stroking my ego then.  

It is persevering in the midst of struggle.  It is wanting to overcome, to grow, to improve.  I conclude that writing must be more than attaining money or garnering personal fame.  The revelation of that causes me to perk up a bit, but again I face that nagging question:

So, why am I doing this?

Philippians 1: 4-6 immediately comes to mind. "In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now, being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus."

The Apostle Paul is praising the Philippians for their work in spreading the gospel, and that work, with God's help, will not be completed until the second coming of Jesus.  For me, it is a rallying cry to persevere, to continue in the work God has called me to until such time He tells me to stop.

I am once again reminded that it's not about me, it's all about Him.

My writing is His.

It is not up to me to quit when I am frustrated, discouraged, overwhelmed or just plain tired of it all.  It is embracing my ongoing ministry, my partnership in the gospel, and I must continue it to completion.  I ask forgiveness for my self-centeredness, and ask God to renew my passion for writing once again.  

Thankfully, He always answers that prayer!

Lynn Dove is the award-winning author, of the YA “Wounded Trilogy”- a contemporary Christian fiction series with coming-of-age themes.  A wife, mom, grandmother, and free-lance writer with articles published in several magazines and anthologies including Chicken Soup for the Soul books, her blog, “Journey Thoughts” is a Canadian Christian Writing Award winner.  Readers may connect with her at lynndove.com 

Press The Stop Button On Bullying by Lynn Dove

Talk about intimidation!  

She yelled her insults at me from across the room.  I tried to ignore her, but her taunting continued.  She was calling me names in front of my peers and challenging me to fight her after school.  Her unrelenting, persistent bullying of me throughout the year had finally culminated into this tirade during a study period.  The teacher had left the classroom, so spurred on by her "pack" of she-wolves' who laughed at my embarrassment and discomfort, she called me names laced with the most vile expletives that made me cringe.  

"Don't let her bug you!"  My friend, who sat behind me, tapped me on the back and whispered.  

"It's kind of hard," I whispered back.  

I remembered all the times she had bumped into me in the hallway.  Whenever she found me by myself and vulnerable, she hip-checked me with all the gusto of a hockey defenseman into the lockers, and then glared at me and bellowed, "Watch where you're going, b****!"  I found expletives scrawled about me in the girl's change room.  I was the subject of malicious gossip.  I was tripped, books knocked from my hand, and as she and her friends played keep-away with my pencil case, her laughter rang in my ears.  

I don't know how or when I had first offended her, or why she wanted to punish and torment me, but she hated me, that was obvious, and she took devilish delight in hurting me physically and emotionally every chance she could.  We followed a strict code at my school.  I couldn't "tell" on her, that would only label me as a snitch and she threatened more punishment as a result. So, I felt trapped and wounded in a school environment that could not seem to protect me.  I discovered the best offense was a really good defense, so I avoided her as much as possible.  There was safety in numbers, so I surrounded myself with a few choice friends that were not as intimidated by her as I was.  Still, there was palpable tension whenever we passed one another that finally built up to this final altercation in the classroom.

I stood up and faced her and agreed to meet her after school.  She punched her right hand into her left palm and menacingly grinned at me, "You're dead meat, Princess!"

"Are you insane?"  My friend behind me said.  "She's going to pound you up!"

I shuddered, but thought to myself, "If I die, I die."

It was anti-climatic when I showed up at the designation of our "rumble" to find myself alone.  I waited for a half an hour and she never showed.  Word got around the school that I had been prepared to fight her, but she "jammed out".  I didn't feel like I had won any great victory.  In fact, I was more nervous than ever to be alone in case she decided to ambush me.

A few days before graduation, my english teacher asked to speak to me after school.  English was my favourite subject and I had just turned in my final writing assignment.  On her desk were two papers.  She asked me to read the one that had been written by my nemesis.  I only read a few sentences to realize she had somehow plagiarized my paper.

"This is very serious," Mrs. Lidster said.  "I have two papers in front of me that are virtually identical.  I'm not quite sure what to do about this.  There is no time to submit another paper for a grade.  I have to have my final marks in this afternoon."  I opened my mouth to speak, but she held up her hand and shook her head.  "I know what you've been going through, Lynn," she said.  "I've seen how you've put up with her all year long.  I wish you'd have talked to me, but you have a chance now to enact a little revenge.  You're a straight A student in my class.  I don't know how she managed to get a hold of your paper to copy it, but I'll find out.  The thing is, she needed this paper to pass my class.  She must have been pretty desperate to steal your paper knowing she needed a good one for a passing grade.  Without a paper she will not graduate.  I just wanted you to know."

I stared at the paper in my hand.  Her name was on the paper, but the words were mine.  I remember the hours I had spent writing it.  It felt good that I hadn't needed to defend myself to my teacher.  She knew my innocence before she had even called me in to see her.  That was a great relief.  On the other hand, I now held in my hands the evidence I could use against my Bully.  If I accused her of copying my paper, she would not graduate.  It was a small town.  Our graduating class was small.  The ramifications of not graduating with her peers, despite all she had put me through, did not fill me with glee, but great trepidation.  I surprised myself when I suddenly blurted out, "Is there a way you can pass her anyway?"

Mrs. Lidster sat back in her chair and folded her hands in front of her on her desk.  "Are you asking me to show grace to her?"  I was not a Christian in high school and had no Biblical understanding of the word "grace", but I nodded.  "I am meeting with her in a few minutes.  I make no promises, but the fact you're the injured party in all of this and you want her to graduate anyway,...well...I plan on letting her know who she should be thanking for this."

The girl who had tormented me through high school sat a few seats down from me at graduation.  She did not speak to me, nor acknowledge what had transpired between her or Mrs. Lidster.  However, I think we both knew she was there because of me.  I had somehow defeated my bully with an act of kindness.  I think it surprised both of us.  

When I became a teacher, one of my goals was to be an anti-bullying advocate.  I not only tried to recognize the signs of victimization, and take action to prevent further abuse, but also learn what goes on in the hearts and minds of those students who choose to bully others.  I discovered quickly that "Hurt people hurt people."  

Our family went through a very dark time when my daughter in Junior High was placed on suicide watch because she had been bullied to such an extent she had convinced herself that ending her life was the only way to cope with the abuse.  Thankfully, before my daughter took action, she confided in another adult she trusted, her piano teacher, who in turn took the appropriate action to inform me of my daughter's dire situation.  A guilt haunts me to this day that I had trained myself to recognize the signs of victimization in other students, but I had completely missed seeing it in my own child!  It spurred me on to be even more involved in several anti-bullying forums that equip teachers, parents, and students with resources and action plans to stop bullying in schools.  When I wrote my "Wounded Trilogy" books, I was very purposeful in having bullying as a major theme.  Directed to a young adult reading audience, my books have been recommended as resources by websites such as www.bullying.org here in Canada. 

There are so many causes, social injustices etc., that I could rally behind, but for me, to see bullying in all its forms eradicated from all the hallways, school playgrounds, and social media, motivates me to take action like nothing else. 

Lynn Dove is the award-winning author, of the YA “Wounded Trilogy”- a contemporary Christian fiction series with coming-of-age themes.  A wife, mom, grandmother, and free-lance writer with articles published in several magazines and anthologies including Chicken Soup for the Soul books, her blog, “Journey Thoughts” is a Canadian Christian Writing Award winner.  Readers may connect with her at lynndove.com 

 

Lynn without an "e" by Lynn Dove

When I was a little girl I had a lot of trouble fitting in.  I was a bit geeky looking and bit my nails to the quick.  I wasn't a social butterfly, and did not make friends easily.  I was a people pleaser, still am to some extent, so I followed along with the herd mentality of the time, even if I didn't agree with the "herd".  I had a wild imagination that I allowed to run wild on paper, so I became known as a "story teller" in elementary school.  I loved to write grand adventures, and used as my characters all the students in my class, including teachers (who oftentimes were depicted as villains).  Everyone enjoyed hearing their name mentioned in my stories, and so I gained notoriety and some vain enjoyment in being the centre of attention for a little when I would read aloud my stories in class.  My teachers encouraged my writing, perhaps seeing some potential in me that was otherwise lacking in other subject areas at school.  

When I was a teenager, I continued to write and enjoyed writing satirical articles for the local community paper and our school newspaper.  Again, it allowed me an opportunity to express my thoughts and opinions that I could not voice in person.  Most often people agreed with my stance, but occasionally someone would oppose my view, and I took their criticism personally and would retreat to my "corner", unable to write for weeks.  I still have difficulty having my writing critiqued.  Although I no longer take it as a personal affront, I still do not like to read negative reviews.  I step out of my comfort zone each and every time I enter a writing competition because I am so nervous about what judges may say about my writing.  Yet, I also enjoy honing my craft, so I have learned to accept and learn from constructive criticism, but it has taken years to overcome my fear of critical evaluation.

I was an avid reader from a very young age, disappearing whole-heartedly into a book, where I lived, breathed and took on the persona of the main character.  It was like being teleported to a new plane of reality for me every time I immersed myself in a book.  I can remember the first time I went into our school library in grade one and signed out my first chapter book.  THAT book changed my life, and in some ways is partially responsible for the career trajectory I took in becoming a teacher and a writer.

I would never presume to think my writing comparable to this incomparable writer, but it would behoove me to say that throughout my life her books have greatly inspired and influenced my own writing.  I do not feel this author's "presence" when I write; I have no belief in that whatsoever.  However, there are many times when I write, that I will challenge myself to emulate this author's capacity to write predominantly from personal experience.  The first time I read "Anne of Green Gables" by Lucy Maud Montgomery, I knew I wanted to write novels geared towards youth and young adults, but would also captivate the attention of readers of all ages.  Montgomery's headstrong, young heroine, Anne imprinted herself on my heart. I related to Anne in so many, many ways.  She was geeky too, but had a wild imagination like myself.  Like Anne, I was constantly correcting people how to spell my first name: Lynn without an "e" please!  Anne wrote articles and stories and became a teacher, and reading about her adventures as a writer and teacher, fostered a longing in me to have the same kinds of adventures.  Of course, as I got older and continued to read other novels written by L.M. Montgomery, I became more and more enamored and impressed with the strong, heroines she wrote about in her books.  Over many years, I have compiled the complete "Anne" collection, as well as add twenty or so more books written by Lucy Maud Montgomery.  

L.M. Montgomery depicts women as strong individuals who follow their dreams despite trying circumstances.  Again, I relate so well to these women.  My life in general has been a series of overcoming challenging situations.  Like me, those heroines have made their share of mistakes, but they challenge themselves and others to forge ahead despite what they may face.  They are humourous, they take risks, they are unstoppable, and that gives them credibility in my eyes.  I also enjoy how faith is interwoven throughout Montgomery's books.  She is not preachy, allowing the reader to surmise how and from Whom her heroines gain their strength.  

Another attribute I applaud in the way Montgomery builds her characters, is the real attention to detail.  Her characters are so believable that the reader develops a close affinity with them.  Anne became my lifelong friend as a young reader!  I cared about what happened to her in each book.  Long after the last page was turned, I wanted to learn more about her. I remember memorizing the poem "The Highwayman" because Anne did!  In every Language Arts class I have taught in junior high, I have taken special pleasure in introducing my students to that epic poem, regardless whether or not it was on the school's curriculum outline.  

When I started to write my first novel, I was very mindful about character development, especially depicting my heroines to be strong, confident individuals, yet be vulnerable as well.  I wanted them to have teachable spirits. I believe that L.M. Montgomery would have approved of my efforts.  

Perhaps one of the most important lessons I learned after reading "Anne of Green Gables", was embedded in a line that Anne spoke: "Tomorrow is always fresh with no mistakes in it."  I can't help but think that L.M. Montgomery may have had this Bible Verse in mind when she penned that line. "The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases: his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness." (Lamentations 3:22-23 ESV)

My writing and daily living is wrapped up in that philosophy.  

Lynn Dove is the award-winning author, of the YA “Wounded Trilogy”- a contemporary Christian fiction series with coming-of-age themes.  A wife, mom, grandmother, and free-lance writer with articles published in several magazines and anthologies including Chicken Soup for the Soul books, her blog, “Journey Thoughts” is a Canadian Christian Writing Award winner.  Readers may connect with her on Facebook, Twitter, and at lynndove.com 

Dreams Unleashed by Lynn Dove

When I published my first book, Shoot the Wounded in 2009, I thought I had finally “arrived” as a published author.  Determined to make my young adult book into a series, I was thrilled to publish Heal the Wounded followed by Love the Wounded to complete the trilogy. Each book won some awards and accolades, and I was thankful for good reviews, but now as I notice the dust is starting to gather on the covers, I wonder if I should be thinking about writing another book. To be honest, I’m not overly  enthusiastic about the prospect. 

Over the last ten years, I have concentrated on writing short articles, publishing in several anthologies including the Chicken Soup for the Soul books. I enjoy writing article pieces, and my blog, Journey Thoughts, has showcased my article writing as well as grow a reading audience through social media. As I have stated before, my blog allows me a writing ministry of encouraging fellow believers in their faith walks. For now, I believe God wants me to continue with my blogging ministry and put my time and effort into it rather than write another novel. 

So how can my writing dreams become unleashed if I am currently satisfied with the status quo, you might ask?  

As a writer, I am always looking for ways to hone my craft. I look for excellence in my writing. That is one reason I enjoy participating in writing groups, and socializing online with other Christian writers. InScribers and Word Guild members are so encouraging!  

I am looking for new ways to reach a larger readership for my blog. If I have a dream for my blog, it is to have one million active followers!  I have a good online presence but it could be better. I have thought about starting a YouTube channel or start a podcast, but I will admit I am extremely intimidated by speaking in front of an audience. I’m a writer, not a speaker!  Still, this may be a way to expand my ministry. 

I am in a transitional season in my writing career, I think. There are opportunities ahead, but I am content to stay where I am until God impresses upon me to move forward.  

“In his heart a man plans his course, but the Lord determines his steps.”  Proverbs 16:9 

  

Lynn Dove is the award-winning author, of the YA “Wounded Trilogy”- a contemporary Christian fiction series with coming-of-age themes.  A wife, mom, grandmother, and free-lance writer with articles published in several magazines and anthologies including Chicken Soup for the Soul books, her blog, “Journey Thoughts” is a Canadian Christian Writing Award winner.  Readers may connect with her on Facebook, Twitter, and at lynndove.com   

The Themes They Are A-Changin' by Lynn Dove

It started during the night as a tightening, then a squeezing pain in my right calf.  I knew right away I had another blood clot, a DVT.  I hobbled down the stairs and broke the news to my husband that he'd better take me to the emergency room. 

He groaned, "Are you sure?"

"Quite sure," I winced while struggling to put on my shoes. 

Having a family history of DVT's, cancer, and diagnosed with another clotting disorder, the odds were in my favour to get blood clots at some time in my life, and sure enough, I have experienced deep vein thrombosis three times before this one.  As we drove in silence to the hospital, I could feel the anxiety well up in me.  Times had changed in our world.  We were still in the middle of a pandemic, and I wondered what new protocols might be in place to address my current situation and also to keep me safe from contracting the virus.  I wore a mask, as has been my new normal while I've been out and about the last several weeks, but I was given a new one the instant I walked into the emergency department.  The nurses were in full PPE (personal protective equipment), but their eyes seemed friendly enough.  Both my husband and I were told to sanitize our hands, and wait, keeping socially distant from anyone else in the waiting room.  At least the waiting part was very familiar to us.  It was a full day spent at the hospital, waiting on medical tests to confirm what I already knew, I had a DVT in my right leg.  I was sent home with my prescription for blood thinner pills and a new referral to the Thrombosis Clinic. 

All last year, I had documented my battle with endometrial cancer on my blog, Journey Thoughts.  I certainly had not intended at the start of 2019, that the theme of my writing for most of that year, would be focused on my personal journey with cancer, but life events have a way of determining what I write about.  When my kids were teenagers, I wrote about bullying, based on what they were experiencing at school.  When I was teaching, I wrote about my classroom experiences.  As a grandmother now, I write about my growing family.  My personal walk of faith with God has always been a part of my writing, interwoven throughout like a reoccurring colourful thread.  As life has its ebb and flow, or in my case giant U-turns, my writing gives account to all the highs and lows of daily living and walking with God through it all.

It is no wonder that the last several months, my writing has documented some of the challenges I've faced living through a global pandemic.  Three months ago I never used the terms, social distancing, cohort family, or global pandemic.  I never wore a mask, nor imagined a time when people would be forced to stand two metres apart, or unable to hug loved ones, or discover no toilet paper on grocery store shelves.  I thought I faced a "new normal" after my battle with cancer?  I'm still trying to figure out how to follow arrows in supermarkets to ensure we can pick up milk in a safe and orderly manner!

In the last two weeks, I have seen demonstrations held world-wide, to bring awareness to the systemic racism that pervades our society.  It has sensitized me on how I can write in such a way that shows my empathy without offending anyone.  It hasn't been easy.  I want to stay relevant in my writing, but admittedly, there are just some themes and topics I am uncomfortable in tackling.  So I pray instead, and hope my Saviour groans and intercedes on my behalf, hearing my heart when words fail me.

I've spent the past week with my leg elevated, waiting for the blood thinners to cut in.  Only today have I been able to sit at length in front of my computer to blog.  As I reflect on all the events that have occurred world wide, as well as process my own personal experiences over these past few years, I know my writing is in perpetual metamorphosis.  What I write about today, will not be what I write about a year from now,... maybe not even a week from now.  I'm okay with that.  I do pray I will be writing less and less about my ongoing medical issues, because it's a pain.  Literally.  All I can say with great certainty going forward is, "The Themes They are A-Changin'".

  
Lynn Dove is the award-winning author, of the YA “Wounded Trilogy”- a contemporary Christian fiction series with coming-of-age themes.  A wife, mom, grandmother, and free-lance writer with articles published in several magazines and anthologies including Chicken Soup for the Soul books, her blog, “Journey Thoughts” is a Canadian Christian Writing Award winner.  Readers may connect with her on Facebook, Twitter, and at lynndove.com   

Redeem the Time by Lynn Dove

It has been nearly ten weeks since Alberta, and the rest of Canada, went into imposed lock down due to the Covid-19 Coronavirus pandemic.  My husband and I have been sequestered away in our home, following all the health and safety protocols, and taking even extra precautions due to my compromised immunity after my cancer treatments last year.  The first week of quarantine, I actually luxuriated in the isolation.  I enjoyed the no-guilt feeling of not needing to do anything.  Nothing was expected of me, there were no schedules to follow, no activities to attend, and my time was my own.  I did what I suspect a lot of people did during the first couple of weeks of isolation; I thoroughly cleaned every nook and cranny of my home!  I had to reacquaint myself with my vacuum cleaner, but was thankful the lady who had faithfully cleaned my house while I underwent chemo and radiation, had stockpiled enough cleaning supplies so I could clean my home again at my own pace.  I was grateful that I had my energy back to do the cleaning tasks once again.  I did a little bit each day, going room to room, cleaning out closets and drawers, and re-organizing everywhere.  When I got tired, I stopped, knowing I had the luxury of time to complete whatever I had started the day before.  There was no need to hurry because no one was expected to visit, so the house could be in a state of uproar, and I felt no panic to set it all aright for company.  In those first two weeks, I enjoyed the freedom of time.  There was no pressure, nothing on the calendar, and I enjoyed the slow-down.  I had planned to spend a little time each day to write, but I got so involved in the daily cleaning tasks, I procrastinated with writing.  There would be time for writing after the cleaning was done, I told myself.

The third and fourth weeks of self-isolating, I discovered there was not one thing in my entire house that needed dusting.  The kitchen was immaculate, and I lamented that no one could see it.  How proud my children would have been of me!  I have never been a Martha Stewart type, ask anyone!  I have literally had cobwebs on my vacuum-cleaner!  I don't enjoy dusting and vacuuming, and I have basically the same repertoire of tried and true meals I cycle through each month.  I don’t really have a great talent for cooking or baking, but during this season of Covid, I’ve tried some new recipes, and my husband has been greatly pleased. While I attempted new culinary fare, I continued to procrastinate with writing.  There would be time for writing after the cooking and baking was done, I told myself.

I fully intended to walk every day, weather permitting, during these weeks of quarantine.  I wasn’t going to let self-isolating get in the way of pursuing some fitness goals.  After all, I had all the time in the world now to walk and do some exercising from the comfort of my own home.  Here in Alberta, we have been in the deep freeze far longer than the rest of Canada, so initially it was easy to blame the weather to avoid exercising.  Then, I was caught up in the cleaning mode, followed by the cooking and baking mode.  The weather improved, but I still put off walking.  My best friend sent me a text on May 1^st that read: “I need to social distance myself from my refrigerator so I can flatten my curves!”  I laughed, but had to admit, my husband and I have accumulated some isolation ponch over these many weeks.  We’ve spent an inordinate amount of time watching T.V., binge-watching Star Trek mostly.  I dream of places now where no one has gone before, so I can go outside one day and not worry about physical distancing!  I still procrastinate with writing.  There will be time for writing after the binge-watching is done, I tell myself.

During the last few weeks of forced confinement, I have noticed that my house needs to be dusted and vacuumed again.  I find myself not motivated to take on the task.  My house is tidy and clean.  I can live with it.  There’s ample time to deep clean in this extended lockdown.  No hurry, I tell myself. 

What I wouldn’t give to go out to a restaurant again?  I complain.  Home-cooking is losing its appeal.   We order take-out for the third time in a week.  I scroll through the Netflix offerings again, and turn the T.V. off.  I’ve lost interest, or maybe I’ve seen it all now.  I pick up a book, but even that favoured pastime does not hold my interest long.  I try to write, but it is a tedious and frustrating exercise.  I blame writer’s block, but that would be false.  I am easily distracted, and I stare at a blank screen on my computer trying to find the words to express my thoughts and end up watching videos on YouTube, or playing mindless computer games, or immerse myself again in the daily news reports about the global pandemic.  The tedium of being confined to my house is wearing on me.  I miss my kids, I long for hugs from my grandchildren.  The weather may be improving, but I am still not taking advantage of it like I should so when my husband suggests going for a long drive, I am only too happy to go!  There will be time for writing after the drive, I tell myself.  

This morning (May 15th), I looked at my blank calendar, and suddenly I remembered I have a writing deadline!  I’m supposed to write a post for the InScribe Writer’s Online blog.  I cannot procrastinate.  I am running out of time to get it posted on time!  I don’t panic, I just start writing.  The words flow freely, and I am caught up in the joyous exercise of writing.  As I write, I think I have found the motivation I need during these remaining weeks of isolation.  I need deadlines, I need schedules, I need time-lines!  It is an epiphany for me, something I never thought I would be grateful for: the lack of time!

I must redeem the time!

Time is a gift from God, and none of us know how much of it we are allotted.  I realize I have wasted many long days doing things at home during this pandemic that have no lasting eternal value.  It is not a bad thing to want to cook and clean, or go for long walks or drives, but I confess none of those activities give me great, long-lasting joy.  Psalm 51 comes to mind: “Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me.  Restore to me the joy of your salvation and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me…” (vs. 10-12)  I realize I have lost my ministry focus over these past weeks.  I have allowed time-wasting distractions to determine how I spend my days, rather than embrace this time to draw even closer to God.  I realize, and I hope not too late, that I must be more purposeful to seek His direction with my writing, so I might encourage others, and share the Gospel during this time of Covid-19.  I may have pressed a “pause” button on my writing, the last several weeks, but I’m ready to resume now.

All I need now is more time!

“This is why it is said: “Wake up, sleeper, rise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you.”  Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is.”  (Ephesians 5:14-17)

Lynn Dove is the award-winning author, of the YA “Wounded Trilogy”- a contemporary Christian fiction series with coming-of-age themes.  A wife, mom, grandmother, and free-lance writer with articles published in several magazines and anthologies including Chicken Soup for the Soul books, her blog, “Journey Thoughts” is a Canadian Christian Writing Award winner.  Readers may connect with her on Facebook, Twitter, and at lynndove.com