Showcase Your Current Project — Epitaph, a novel — Janelle M. Baldwin

We are pleased to have Janelle Baldwin, an InScribe member and InScribe's webmaster, join us today as our Guest Blogger.

Janelle, what are you currently working on? I am currently working on a trilogy of novels called Epitaph. The first book is Epitaph, the next two are Mourning Light and Beauty for Ashes.

Is it a new project or something you’ve been working on for a while now? The books have been an ongoing project for about three years, but the idea was born almost ten years ago. When I started writing it, I expected it to be one book, but the characters had other ideas. It became one story spread over three books.

Is this a usual genre for you? Yes, I write mostly fiction. This is the biggest project I’ve undertaken. It’s been a huge learning process.

How did the idea come about? Many years ago, I asked my husband what he would put on my headstone if I died. The answer he gave me was commonplace and bland. I started to wonder about whether my life was really reflecting what I wanted it to and what I wanted my headstone to say in the end. The story was born out of that, but it really became a journey for my protagonist from agnosticism to faith, through love, loss, forgiveness, grace and peace. They are not fluffy books, they tend to lean toward edgy.

What do you want to accomplish by this writing? My hope is that it reflects the love of the Lord, demonstrating that He meets us right where we are. In the midst of joy and suffering, in good times and bad, He is constant and unchanging. He is reliable, He is trustworthy, and we are never alone.

What is giving you joy or frustration at this time? This has been a long process. I am currently revising the books to patch the holes and remove the tumors. So far, the patient hasn’t bled out on the table, so I think that’s positive. The first book’s rewrite is nearly complete, however, there are miles to go until I’m finished. The biggest challenge is not giving up. If I’d known the heights, depths and breadths when I began, I may not have started at all, so it’s been an amazing journey.

What are you discovering about how the writing is unfolding? Any surprises? Well, it’s different from what I thought it would be when I started out. One character I’d originally added as a minor character pressed for a more starring role, so I gave it to him.

Will you share a paragraph or two to give us a teaser? Kyrie (protagonist) has just received news of a friend’s suicide:

My thoughts are scrambled and incoherent as I shamble down the narrow hallway to my living room, footsteps dragging over the cream-colored berber. When I reach the sofa, I collapse against its soft, worn cushions. It offers a musty, emotionless embrace—exactly the kind that I need right now. I don’t want to feel. Or think. Or move.

I despise death. I do not like its taste, its foul stench. The rhythms that come of it are disjointed, lacking harmony. It is ugly. It behaves like a rude guest—one that I wish hadn’t shown up at all.

When do you plan to have it completed? (Laughs) Last year? No seriously, I hope to send the first book to my mentor and editor in the next month or so. Then I’ll work on aligning the next two with the first.



About Janelle: I have known for as long as I can remember that I wanted to be a writer, I was reading very early and have always had a passion for story and words. As a child, my teachers encouraged me to write and I was chosen as the school’s representative at the Young Author’s Conference three years running.

Over the years, I've worn many hats, including graphic artist, business writer, web designer and mother, but now I am finally pursuing what I love most to do—writing fiction. I feel the Lord's presence gently pressing me onward toward the goal. I’ve had moments of heartbreak and joy, and lam learning a great deal about mining, refining, perseverance and faith throughout this journey.

Looking forward to Summer Writing Projects – Ramona Heikel

Of the many pieces I have started writing and not finished, there are only a handful that stay uppermost in my mind.  But what of the others?  I keep them in binders and enjoy revisiting them because there is a kernel of possibility in each one.  I am a packrat of drafts, it seems.  In my wildest dreams, I will one day have the time, energy and motivation to take each one and ponder it until it blossoms, or goes back to sleep.

Now, the truth is I am not currently working on any projects, except the odd blog post, because I don’t seem to have time or mental energy.  But!  The school year is winding up, and I will have time for writing soon! 

My top priority is a children’s Christmas story that I started in about 2009 at the request of some friends at church.  They decided we needed an original story for our children’s Christmas production and asked me to write it.  An idea came to me and I wrote like crazy for the two weeks before the production.  I don’t know when I’ve had more inspiration and joy in writing!  The adults loved O Holy Night, but while it was being read aloud in the rocking-chair-and-pajamas scene, I realized that it dragged in the middle.  (I got my cue when the preschoolers started yawning and sprawling themselves out on the floor!). 

A couple of years later I presented it to my writing critique group, who gave me excellent feedback and suggestions…and it’s been waiting for the editing to begin ever since!  And it might have kept waiting indefinitely if it hadn’t been for my artist friend who wants to illustrate it.  She recently sent me several sketches, and I’m wildly excited to make the words as good as her art.  Hopefully, I can make the required edits early in the summer and then look closely at the art. 

There is one part in the story that touches me deeply, and I want it to touch readers deeply too.  If it does, they will understand what being close to the Lord does to our souls.

Here is a little piece of the story:

           One night, Harold the mouse tried to work up the courage to leave the nest in the dried grass to get some berries for his growling stomach.  Manfred, his brother, joined him.  Their whiskers trembled like the dried leaves on the bush.  The two shivered together for a few minutes, but neither would make the first move.

“It’s not far to the berry bush,” Manfred said.  “But I’m still scared.”

“Me, too,” said Harold.  “I wish night time wasn’t so gloomy.”

The wind howled and the grass slapped them.  “Ouch!” Manfred said, moving away from the sharp blades of grass.  “It’s that wind!  And those strange noises it makes.”

“But what about that new guy, Ralphie?” Harold said.  “Nothing seems to bother him.”

“Sure wish I knew what makes him so brave,” Manfred sighed.  “Let’s go back inside.  I’m not so hungry after all.”  They disappeared into their hole to join their family in the warm nest.

Here’s wishing all my fellow contributors inspired ideas, writing and re-writing for their own projects!

Posted by Ramona

www.happilywriting.com

Narrowing It Down by Glynis M. Belec

Goodness, gracious. This'll be a tough one for this ADD girl, but I'll try and sit down and focus for this interview. Thanks for asking. Although, having to narrow down my 'projects' to one 'project' is going to be the challenge. As a bit of an 'all over the place' kind of writer, I might just get a little fidgety as I force myself to answer these 10 great questions proffered forth to we who blog. But I will try. 

Okay, brain - focus:

1.  What are you currently working on? 

My current project, HELP. . .I NEED A NEW FIG LEAF!   

“Bone of my bone, flesh of my flesh…” Encouraging stories for the descendants of Eve,was supposed to be ready for Christmas. Life happened and as a result my book manuscript didn't [happen]. But once again, I am excited to say that after this week I have set aside time to buckle down and work on my women's devotional.

2. Is it a new project or something you’ve been working on a while now? 

HELP. . .I NEED A NEW FIG LEAF! is actually something I have been working on for a long time. A lot of the content is based on stories from my past - some that, although adapted for my book, appeared in my Sugar and Spice newspaper column which I wrote for over 11 years. 

3. Is this a usual genre for you? 

It's humorous. It's intention is to draw people closer to God. And it's based on my own kooky life, so yes, I guess I can say that it is usual for me to write in this genre. Although I do love writing for children as much as I love writing devotional material.

4. How did the idea come about?

Humor is a contagious emotion and a universal language.  Laughter can bring unexpected gleams of joy and can break through the stresses and the hassles of the humdrum.  As I wrote my columns for the secular paper over the years, I couldn't help thinking about all the scriptural analogies connected to my stories.

5. What do you want to accomplish by this writing?

I wrote Help…I Need a New Fig Leaf!  for the Christian woman who needs to be encouraged and validated in her role and relationships, and to unite her with other women celebrating God’s gift of laughter. My prayer is that the reader is reassured that seemingly mundane tasks can be lifted to a spiritual level.  There is nothing more reassuring to a wife and mother than to discover she is not alone in her experiences, wouldn't you say?  

6. What is giving you joy or frustration at this time?  Anything blocking the flow?

As per usual, time is my hindrance. I cannot believe how full my days are. I long to write full time. But priorities are what they are right now. I care for my elderly father so that takes up a lot of time - although I am happy to do so and thrilled that my almost 88 year old poppa bear is still up and running. I truly am blessed so I hesitate to complain too much about things. Like a friend of mine keeps reminding me, there are seasons in our lives. . .

Once I sit down to write, words flow like spring sap. All I need to do is to make the time to tap the tree. Things are looking hopeful. I have a few speaking events in May so with some good management I can do some focussed work on HELP. . .! 

7. What are you discovering about how the writing is unfolding? Is it a surprise?

Even though many of these stories had their beginnings years ago, I am surprised each time by the freshness of the message. God is good. His Word is real. I love it when scripture jumps out at me and I can say 'Yup! That's it! That's the one that matches what I want to share.

8. Please share a paragraph or two to give us a teaser?

                       SHOPPING FOR TROUBLE

People were bringing little children to Jesus to have him touch them, but the disciples rebuked them.  When Jesus saw this, He was indignant.  He said to them, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these.  I tell you the truth, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it.”  And He took the children in His arms and blessed them.  Mark 10:13-16

The long awaited weekend finally arrived.  Shopping in the city with my delightful children promised fun, frivolity and pleasurable purchases.   I had two children, two hands, a full tank of gas and money to spend; all was well with the world.

The half-hour drive to the city gave me an opportunity to proffer wisdom and reminders about honoring and obeying.  I was certain God was pleased with my approach. Both little darlings nodded in agreement at my instruction and vowed to get along and listen.

Our shopping expedition was underway.  As we strolled near a ladies’ wear store, a rack of marvelous sale merchandise beckoned me to take a peek.  I took the bait and began fumbling through the fine array of fashionable styles.

There had to be more inside, I deduced.   We entered the trendy store and I whispered clear directives to my tagalong twosome about staying close and keeping hands off the merchandise.  I headed to a rack of shimmering dresses.   “Mommy…I need to go to the bathroom badly!’ a little voice soon called out. 

Sharply dressed sales clerks stared at me, no doubt wondering what I would do.  The old bathroom excuse was my son’s finest tactic for getting me to hurry up, but it wasn’t going to work this time.  I needed a few more minutes to look around.  “You’ll have to wait…” I whispered and resumed my browsing.

Moments later I saw my smiling son come strolling out of an employees only door.  “See.  There is a restroom, Mommy.”    I reiterated my earlier command to join his sister on the bench outside the fitting rooms. 

A sales clerk with a pasted on smile handed me a number and, clutching two stunning outfits, I entered a fitting room close to the bench where my fidgeting pair sat. 

I had barely struggled to get out of my clothes when the flimsy door burst open. “I wanna’ see, too!”  My son’s voice bounced off the walls of the posh store. I inadvertently let out a scream.   There I stood, red-faced in my underwear. All heads turned my way.  I hauled the culprit into the now cramped change room and with gritted teeth strongly advised him to never do that again.

After a difficult struggle in the tiny cubicle (complete with son) I managed to try on one of the outfits.  I stepped outside the room to see if the mirror did me any justice. “They look like pajamas!” my daughter laughed. “Sshhh!”  I hissed noticing eyes upon me again.  I nipped back into the room with son in tow.

It was my daughter’s turn to get restless.  She had spotted a circular revolving rack heavily laden with ‘just in’ designer clothing.  I walked out of the fitting room in time to see the entire rack whiz around and fall to the floor.  Fancy apparel flew in every direction.  I could have screamed.  My daughter did.

A thousand apologies later and short of placing sin offerings at the feet of the fuming sales clerks, I left - without frock or finery.  I now had the undivided attention of the partners in crime and they could tell momma bear was not happy.  “D’we hafta’ go home now?” a sheepish voice sensed the impending doom. 

As I contemplated the purchase of two collars and one short leash, my heart softened.  How many times had I gone to God with a sheepish voice and how many times had He forgiven me?   Too often I have embarrassed God with thoughtless words and foolish choices.  Yet He still loves me despite my imperfections and foibles.

 In Psalm 127:3 we are reminded that children are a heritage from the Lord and are to be counted as blessings not burdens.

So I counted my blessings for the rest of the shopping trip.  

Relief was written on the faces of my dynamic duo and I was 

especially happy when we read the sign in the next window - 

CHILDREN WELCOME.  I’m sure they’ll have that same 

sign on the gates of heaven!

9. When do you plan to have it completed?  

Well, a long time ago I sheepishly asked Phil Callaway if he might consider reading my manuscript for a possible endorsement. He said he would. Therefore, I will be shooting to get it done before the Inscribe Fall Conference in September - I'm going and so is Phil! 

10. Anything else you’d like to add? 

 Thanks for listening. Happy writing. 

Blessings, 

Glynis

InScribers Review: Wounded by God's People

 

 

Book Review by Ruth Sakstad

Wounded by God's People
By Anne Graham Lotz
Zondervan Trade Books, 2013


Imagine you are sitting in church and it is announced from the pulpit that three-quarters of the congregation no longer wants you to be involved in any leadership positions anymore. You are not the pastor, just a layperson. You have not been involved in anything illegal or immoral. Your crime: believing, living by and teaching the Bible as the inerrant, inspired, authoritative Word of God.

This is not some fictional exercise. It actually happened to Anne Graham Lotz and her husband Danny. Needless to say they left the church as hurt and wounded people. Fortunately, because of God’s love and healing they would eventually come to a point where they were able to move on and forgive.

In her book Wounded by God’s People, Lotz uses the Biblical story of Hagar, Abraham and Sarah to discuss how often we Christians knowingly or unknowingly hurt, wound or neglect others by our words, actions or inactions. This is not just a story about hurt, it is also a story about healing and God’s love.

Hagar was one wounded lady. Twice thrown out of the camp like the garbage by Abraham and Sarah, God had a plan for Hagar and He loved her. God not only showed Hagar His plan, He also showed her His love.

If you been wounded by God’s people, and who hasn’t, then this book can help you find the healing only God’s love can provide. Think about the hurt you have felt when that rejection letter arrives or you never hear back about that manuscript you submitted. God can heal you. Have you questioned your faith or your writing abilities because of that rejection? God knows and cares. Go to Him today, cry out to Him. He sees and understands. He wants to come along side and comfort you. He wants to whisper in your ear that He loves you and He wants to heal you.

I hope you will find Lotz’s book helpful and healing whether you are the one wounded or the one who has done the wounding. I certainly did.