One thing I've intended to do in this blog is to talk about books I've read and enjoyed. Unfortunately, I'm a slow reader, especially when I'm working on a major writing project, as I have been with Move since May and Feathered Frenzy since August. I do still enjoy reading, though, and had an idea that a good way to kick off working this into my blog would be to give you list of books I've read in the past that I enjoyed. I plan to link them to Amazon so you can find and purchase them easily. Be forewarned: I'm fond of e-books, so if there's an ebook version then that's the link I'll share. But most of them have paperback versions available as well.

And why wait until the New Year to start? We're winding down 2012 and many of you are probably looking for a devotional book to read in the new year. If you didn't get one for Christmas, I'd like to start sharing my reading list with you by recommending some devotionals I've read that I found inspiring.

1. A Year With C.S. Lewis. This is by far my favorite devotional. In fact, I plan to read it again this year. They're brief but thought provoking excerpts from Lewis' work, which is perfect for me since Lewis is one of my favorite writers. Definitely my #1 recommendation.

2. Simple Abundance - A Daybook of Comfort and Joy, by Sarah Ban Breathnach. This is a close second on my list. This book is an inspirational guide to helping you find your authentic self. It's not strictly religious - in fact, Breathnach makes many historical and cultural references to help guide you on the journey. One word of advice on this is that some of the entries can get lengthy, so if you choose this devotional then make sure you read the entry when you have some time to sit down and read perhaps 2-3 pages. But it's well worth it!

3. The Confident Woman Devotional, by Joyce Meyer. I'll be honest: This is one for those times in life when you need to start kicking a** and taking names. And ladies, we all need this pep talk every now and then. A great devotional to inspire you to find your confidence, set boundaries to protect it, and stand up for yourself. Plus, the readings are short and easy to read. You'll finish the year believing you can slay a dragon - without even chipping your nail polish.

4. Daily Guideposts 2013. Every year, Guideposts magazine releases a devotional book that features daily entries from their series of authors. Personally, I find it refreshing to get a different devotional from a different writer each day, because I feel it offers a broader perspective. The readings are brief - about a page each - and easy to read.

5. The Everyday Bible. One thing I do every other year is read through The Bible. You can read through it in a year if you read roughly 3 chapters every day. I like this version because it's easy to read and understand, but it's not so contemporary that the meaning is lost. Of course, there are many study Bibles available and I encourage you to use any version that you like best. I recommend this one because it's the one I prefer.

So there you have my 5 recommendations for daily devotional readings. I plan to offer more entries in the future on books in other genres that I've read and enjoyed and, of course, I'll share any new reads that I come across as well. It's one more way for me to expand the scope of this blog. As if I don't cover everything that comes to my mind anyway! :)

That's all today. Happy Friday to you, and I hope you have a great weekend.

Bye!
 
 
I recently had the realization that it's been a long time since I wrote a short story. In fact, I can only recall writing 2 short stories and maybe 2 or 3 flash fiction pieces in the past year. I know I've been working on novels for the past 18 months, but I think this is the longest I've gone without writing something short, be it a short story, flash fiction, or a devotional. And since I completed the final draft of Splinter, I haven't written anything new. I've been working on updating this website and setting up promotional things for the eventual release of Anywhere But Here.

In one way this is normal. I am a novelist, and hitting a dry spell after completing a novel is completely normal for me. My muse is usually running on fumes when a novel is completed and badly in need of a break. Writer's block happens to every writer, and fighting it is usually an exercise in futility. You can't force yourself to write. You just have to wait it out, keep on living, and hope that somewhere in having a life you find something that inspires you and sparks the muse again. It's just frustrating to have the desire to write, but not the ability because you lack - what? Ideas? Inspiration? What's missing?

I do want to write short stories again. I've been eyeing contests and calls for submissions more and more lately, and I'd love to have something to submit. Don't get me wrong. I love writing novels. But short stories are also fun in a different way. There's something just as captivating in weaving a slice of life together as there is in creating an entire world.

*Sigh* This too shall pass. I know. I've been writing for 10 years and I usually hit a dry spell at least once a year. I just hope it isn't a long one. In the meantime, I guess I'll keep researching how to promote my work and become a better writer. 

Have a happy weekend and a great Resurrection Celebration!