Bloggers@work: Karen Lange

This month I am celebrating my 10 year blogoversary with giveaways and a bloggers special: Bloggers@work.

Ten years of blogging wouldn't be possible without the support, encouragement, comments and inspiration of other bloggers. I love this community and that's why I am hosting some of my favorite bloggers and their WIP (work in progress). Karen Lange tops it off!

What is your current WIP?

One of my latest projects is a feature on my blog entitled Meet the Blogger. While brainstorming topics for posts, I decided to create a monthly spotlight for my blogging friends. I’ve been blogging since 2009 and met so many wonderful people from various backgrounds. Writers, photographers, artists, and the like, they’ve extended wisdom, kindness, and support, so I thought it would be nice to share their stories, why they started blogging, and so on.

Karen Lange

I composed a list of questions designed to help them share their stories about their blogs, books, hobbies, projects, etc. Though the questions are the same, the monthly interviews are all different, and it’s great fun to see what they have to say. 

Wherein lies your biggest struggle with this particular project?

I am the queen of procrastination, so occasionally I put off contacting my friends for interviews. This causes me to scramble at the last minute, hoping someone will respond quickly. Thankfully, this doesn’t happen often!  

What do you see as the biggest blessing while working on this particular project?

I’ve gotten better acquainted with my blogging friends and have gained more of an appreciation for what they do, whether it’s freelancing, writing books, or another interesting occupation. It’s also offered a great way to further connect and introduce my blog followers to each other.  It’s a wonderful, encouraging community. 

Do you have a word of wisdom for writers and their WIP?

Don’t quit. Keep moving forward. If the Lord has called you to write, or to do a certain work or project, He will provide all you need to complete the task.

More about Karen Lange:

Karen Lange is a freelance editor and writer, an online writing instructor, and the author of two books for homeschool parents. She is a big fan of dark chocolate, Christian historical fiction, and spending time with her grandson.

Visit her blog: karenelange.blogspot.com

or Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/authorkarenlange 

Bloggers@work: Susan Reinhardt

This month I am celebrating my 10 year blogoversary with giveaways and a bloggers special: Bloggers@work.

Ten years of blogging wouldn't be possible without the support, encouragement, comments and inspiration of other bloggers. I love this community and that's why I am hosting some of my favorite bloggers and their WIP (work in progress). This week Susan Reinhardt shares...

Susan at a book signing with mom in the background

What is your current WIP?

Right now, I'm working on a contemporary Christian novel. My prior books were all near-future stories, so this genre is new to me. Here's my blurb: A runaway pastor and a runaway boy discover answers they weren't expecting. 

This is the first book in a series. The working title is: Days of Elijah, but I'm not happy with it. If I go with a traditional publisher, they'll have the last word on the title.

Wherein lies your biggest struggle with this particular project?

In a word: editing. I love writing the story, but re-working parts and going over it a gazillion times bores me. This time around I hired a professional editor. Although I still have to make the changes, I've learned so much from her. Editors coach, as well as pick up on manuscript problems (depending on the type of edit you get).

What do you see as the biggest blessing while working on this particular project?

As a seat-of-the-pants writer, I start off with an idea and know where I want the story to end. Apart from that, it's as much of an adventure for me as for the reader. I love asking the Lord to give me characters and situations that will reach deep into readers' hearts. I'm blessed as the story unfolds and first readers/critique partners express their enthusiasm.

Susan's books... and more to come!

Do you have a word of wisdom for writers and their WIP?

Last year at the Greater Philadelphia Writers Conference, I took a Continuing Session with Alan Arnold. He talked about writing our stories with the Lord. Have you ever done something and then understood the principles behind it at a later date? This is what happened to me. 

Whether you're a plotter or a seat-of-the-pants writer like me, writing can take on a whole other dimension when you bathe the process in prayer and ask Him for direction. Many times I've been at a standstill, unsure of where to take a plot. After asking the Lord what should happen next, He's always come through. I'll read something that sets off a brainstorming session, wake up with the answer, or even dream an entire portion. 

Another helpful suggestion: Never pour out every idea onto the page. Leave the last thought/scene unfinished. You can then pick up the thread at your next writing session and continue. It's a great way to avoid staring at a blank page.

More about Susan:

susanjreinhardt.blogspot.com

www.facebook.com/AuthorSusanJReinhardt

Member ACFW

Represented by Joyce Hart, Hartline Literary Agency

Susan is a blessing to many bloggers. I have been reading her blogs... well, for a long, long time. And guess what? She is throwing in a giveaway! Make a chance to win a Kindle Edition of one of her books, simply by leaving your comment on this post. She'll draw a name next week!

Bloggers@work: Lynn Mosher

This month I am celebrating my 10 year blogoversary with giveaways and a bloggers special: Bloggers@work.

Ten years of blogging wouldn't be possible without the support, encouragement, comments and inspiration of other bloggers. I love this community and that's why I'll be hosting some of my favorite bloggers and their WIP (work in progress). This week Lynn Mosher shares...

Lynn Mosher

What is your current WIP?

When I became ill in 2000, I heard the Lord whisper to me a few months later to write for Him. He led me to write a book on the Hebrew/Jewish betrothal process. Such a wealth of knowledge that we can apply to our lives. 

However, it sits on the shelf, awaiting publication. So, while it waits, I have started working on another book. This one is about our journey through life, the paths or choices we make, and intermingled with a story/parable.

I work on it in between my twice weekly blogposts, my monthly writings for others sites, and a couple of other projects I’ve started. Right now, it’s trudging along very slowly.

Wherein lies your biggest struggle with this particular project?

My greatest struggle is just that…a struggle. I fight discouragement. I need to feel that it is coming together. However, it isn’t at the point of being cohesive. It’s a mixed bag of thoughts, story points, and scriptures. I know getting over this initial hump will allow me to feel less disjointed.

What do you see as the biggest blessing while working on this particular project?

Lynn's winter look

My first book was truly a blessing and an inspiration to me because the Lord showed me so many things in His Word.

The second book has been the culmination of so many ideas and situations of life the Lord has shown me. It’s always a blessing to be writing for Him. It is my calling, my passion; therefore, I write in obedience. 

Do you have a word of wisdom for writers and their WIP?

Oh, my writer friends, keep going! Keep praying. Keep the passion alive. And when discouragement or writer’s block sets in, don’t give up. Do whatever it takes to overcome it. If you are writing under the calling of the Lord, obedience is your only priority. So, keep at it! 

*This photo is my winter look. I get “mouse hands.” COLD hands while typing. The desk? My lap! My chair? The couch! 

More about Lynn Mosher:

lynnmosher.com

twitter.com/lynnmosher

facebook.com/lynnhmosher

pinterest.com/lynnmosher

And the winner is...

This month I am celebrating my 10 year blogoversary. Believe it or not, but I penned my first blog post in May 2006, not knowing where the adventure would lead me.

I started the month with a book giveaway. I asked my husband to draw a name and the winner is.... Cindy Moquin.

Congratulations girl, you have won a copy of my new book Spirit of Truth which has just been released. Please let me know where I can send it to.

To further celebrate I am also hosting several bloggers in a blogoversary special: Bloggers@work...

Jeanette Levellie kicked off, followed by Aileen Stewart.

Next up on this blog will be Lynn Mosher.

Let's celebrate blogging!

Bloggers@work: Aileen Stewart

This month I am celebrating my 10 year blogiversary with giveaways and a bloggers special: Bloggers@work.

Ten years of blogging wouldn't be possible without the support, encouragement, comments and inspiration of other bloggers. I love this community and that's why I'll be hosting some of my favorite bloggers and their WIP (work in progress). Jeanette Levellie kicked off with her WIP, now it's Aileen Stewart's turn, she writes children's books!

Aileen Stewart at a book signing

What is your current WIP?

Currently I am revising a picture book wip. It is the story of a shy duck who must find his voice in order to save a friend.  It seems I have a thing for ducks and farm animals in general.

I recently attended a critique group sponsored by the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators where I received some pointers on how to polish this particular manuscript. It should be ready for submission very soon which is always an exciting place to be at when working on a wip.

Wherein lies your biggest struggle with this particular project?

My biggest struggle with this project and many other projects is remembering to show and not tell. Thankfully, passive voice is fairly easy to correct.

What do you see as the biggest blessing while working on this particular project?

Every project I work on is a blessing because the ideas and the words are my gift from the Father. Each new idea shows that I am indeed made in the father’s image. He created the world and all that is in it, and I create imaginary characters and worlds on paper.

Do you have a word of wisdom for writers and their WIP?

The three p’s serve well no matter what a person is working on. Patience, Perseverance, and  a Positive attitude. Remember everything is in the Lord’s timing. Never give up. And above all, look at the positive aspects and choose joy no matter what.

More about Aileen:

www.funwithaileen.com

www.aileensthoughts.com

Bloggers@work: Jeanette Levellie

This month I am celebrating my 10 year blogiversary with giveaways and a bloggers special: Bloggers@work.

Ten years of blogging wouldn't be possible without the support, encouragement, comments and inspiration of other bloggers. I love this community and that's why I'll be hosting some of my favorite bloggers and their WIP (work in progress). Jeanette Levellie kicks off.

Kev & Jeanette Levellie

What is your current WIP?

My current WIP is a book on prayer, Touchable God, a two-part book. Part 1 is a compilation of stories from my own life chronicling how the Lord taught me how touchable He is--that we can come to Him anytime, with any kind of request or anguish of heart, no matter how small or enormous, and He is right there with all the grace we need.

Part 2 is a series of prayers for friends in crisis--ones who have lost a job, whose children are wayward, those facing surgery, etc. I hope these prayers will encourage readers in their walk to the Throne of Grace, to expect God to act on their behalf.

Wherein lies your biggest struggle with this particular project?

My biggest struggle is that I often feel like a hypocrite, as I don't always pray with as much faith as I'd like to, and as I encourage others to in my book. So condemnation slips in. I think, "How can I teach on prayer when my own prayer life is lacking or my faith wanes?"

Then the Lord reminds me that what I'm writing is truth, whether I practice it or not! Nevertheless, my own words of exhortation are often the kick in the pants I need. You've heard how many preachers choose sermon topics they need to hear? It's true of writers too!

Jen's work in progress

What do you see as the biggest blessing while working on this particular project?

The biggest blessing working on this project is that I'm reminded how approachable our Father truly is. He is not mad at us--Jesus has already taken away our sins. He is not far off on the shore, barely listening to our cries for help--He is in the boat with us, calming the storm. His love and grace are deeper than our sins and kinder than our blunders, and we can run to him with our broken hearts and find healing every time. 

Do you have a word of wisdom for writers and their WIP?

A word of wisdom? Don't give up. Ask for the Father's help on your WIP. He wants to help  you! He has equipped you to write, and He always finishes what He starts. Also, sometimes we have to force ourselves to sit down and do what God has called us to do. We simply tell our bodies, "NO!" when they want to be lazy.

I often tell myself, 'Just write one sentence or paragraph' when I don't feel like working. When I get that first sentence out, the muse is stirred up and the ideas begin to flow. It's taking that first step of obedience to the Holy Spirit that helps form a good habit. 

More about Jeanette Levellie:

Shock the Clock: Time-Management for Writers and Other Creatives makes a perfect gift for all your time-challenged friends!http://www.amazon.com/dp/1941103510/

Two Scoops of Grace with Chuckles on Top, a humorous devotional: http://amzn.to/1O6bJ5z

The Heart of Humor: 60 Helpings of Hilarity to Nourish Your Soul, http://amzn.to/1YkFUMa
www.jeanettelevellie.com

http://on.fb.me/1P766rm

PS: Don't forget to enter my blogiversary giveaway!