Friday {in focus} ~ Same Road, Different Season

Have you ever noticed how the same road can look and be so different 

based on the season of life you're in?

Thankfully, God is the same today as He was yesterday and will be tomorrow.

Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever.

{Hebrews 13:8}

What road has your character traveled many times in many seasons?
How has that season changed his/her perspective on life?
How has that road changed them throughout the years they've traveled it?
Has your character discovered something new on that journey?

Why I've Been MIA

Hello my faithful readers! I have missed you so! Many days I have sat down to work and wished I had the time to share my heart with you.

In this post, I would like to share what's been happening. I would also like to share what you can expect in the near future as I follow God's lead to do something new in 2014.

First, we moved from New Mexico to New York mid-August. We arrived just in time for our children to begin school at the local Christian Academy. However, we couldn't move into our rental home until mid-September. At which point I found myself unpacking all of these boxes and bins and then some. It's taken me longer to settle this time than it has in five years and six moves. I'm not sure why that is, but I think I'm now settled into the home. Three months later...




Then, I tried getting back into a normal schedule. Readjusting to East Coast time has been a challenge. Getting used to school starting at 8:00 a.m. instead of 7:00 a.m. has also taken awhile. Not having to get up with my husband at 4:30 a.m. has shifted my schedule, which has thrown my time management skills out of whack. It's taken longer than I expected to fall back into a routine and catch up on my editing and writing work. I hope y'all don't mind that I've been MIA. I hope to get back to some semblance of "normal" within the next month. Slowly. One step at a time. In grace.

Here are my darlings on their first day of school:

Since they've been back in school, we've been involved in things both old and new. As a result, our evening schedule has become more active. Hannah is singing in the choir. All four are learning to play various stringed instruments and a recorder. Homework is a usual part of our routine, although their teachers say it shouldn't be necessary -- with the exception of studying for tests. We have cell groups one night a week, Wednesday night service, and the occasional weeknight event. It's so great to be "home." To be with friends, with family who love us, and in a church body that's active and thriving. We're enjoying the comforts of home.

We still don't know what the future holds for our family. Daddy is working hard to provide for our needs, and we're praying he can find a job that will allow us to be together all of the time and have the stability of living in one place. Until that happens, we pray, we seek His will, and we wait. Patiently. Or not so patiently. But we wait.

This month, I celebrated the release of two books I've had the pleasure of editing.

Youth Minister Cyle Young is an award-winning author and has released his devotional for tweens and teens entitled Belly Buttons and Broken Hearts. I confess: I snorted a couple of times while editing his book. There are several lines throughout that had me laughing every time I read them, and I read them at least a hundred times. You won't want to miss his laugh-out-loud devos. And, if you grew up in the 80s, you'll appreciate the flashbacks, so this book isn't only for tweens and teens. Get your copy {here}.

Elaine Marie Cooper is celebrating the release of her YA Historical Fiction novel Fields of the Fatherless. This amazon best-selling author has written the tale of Betsy Russell, a young girl who experiences trauma as the Revolutionary War breaks out in her backyard in Menotomy Village, Massachusetts. Based on a true story, this book will resonate with you until the last shot of the flintlock sounds. Be sure to check it out! You can obtain your copy {here}.

If you decide to read either of these books, please consider heading over to amazon and leaving a review. You could also leave your thoughts in the comments section of this post. I'm sure the authors would love to know what you enjoyed.

NaNoWriMo is just around the corner. I'm hoping to finish the edits on my current WIP this week and then attempt to pound out a second novel in November. If you'll be participating, be sure to find me (AlyciaMorales) and become my buddy. I need all the accountability and encouragement I can get!

Now, for the future...

In 2014, I plan to launch a ministry based on the vision God has given me. This ministry will speak to women, encouraging them to discover their identity in Jesus Christ. So often, we get wrapped up in being Mommy, wife, career woman, and every other hat we have to wear. Ask any woman who she is, and she'll tell you about her husband, kids, and career. We tend to forget to mention that we are first and foremost daughters of the King of Kings. This new ministry will speak to us as such, encouraging us to find God's vision of who we are. I hope you'll join me as I debut a new site in January 2014.

I can hear many of you wondering, "But what will happen to The Thoughtful Spot?" Rest assured, it's not going anywhere. However, the site's focus will shift a bit. One thing I've discovered about myself and who God created me to be is that I have a knack for encouraging writers. So, as a writer and an editor, I will be doing that here at The Thoughtful Spot. I will do my best to post regularly each week. Some posts you can expect to read are Monday Meditations for Writers, Blogging Through the Book (I love reading books and promoting others.), Visual Stimulation (encouraging photo graphics), Book Reviews, and Helpful Hints. My niche is editing, so I'll share some of the things writers should watch for when they are working through their own writing projects. I hope you'll continue to hang with me here, as well.

What do you have on the horizon? Feel free to share your thoughts in the comments section. I love to hear from you!

How I Find Time to Write When I'm Super Busy

My days of raising knee cap kids are over, but that doesn't mean I'm not busy anymore. Or tired. Or need to shuffle my schedule around my kids.

Despite their near-teen ages, my kids still keep me busy and away from my desk - especially during the summer months.

Add in the fact that I have editing work that needs to be done, I need to pack for a move that's going to take a week to make, and I'm super distracted right now.

How do I find the time to write?

I've informed my children that the mornings are for me to get my work done. If they cooperate and allow me the opportunity to do what I need to, they will have my attention for the afternoon. I work in the morning. We go to the pool in the heat of the day. I work in the morning. We catch a matinee. I work in the morning. They can play their games on my computer in the afternoon.

{Maybe you're the mom or dad of smaller children. I would take advantage of nap time. I know some parents who work at home that have an office space where they let the kids play on the floor while they get their work done.}

I schedule my time. I alot a particular amount of time for writing, editing, networking, etc.

I limit my time spent on Facebook, Pinterest, and watching television. I save these for first thing in the morning, short breaks or lunch break, and after I've accomplished my to do list.

I make sure I'm working during the time of day when I am most alert. And if I have an "off" day, I take it off. No sense trying to work when I can't focus my thoughts. Maybe I'll jot down a note or two and go back to it the following morning.

I hold myself accountable by emailing my writing friends and business contacts. I let them know what I'm up to, what I need to accomplish, and then I keep them posted on my progress. In telling them where I'm at in my week or month, I am able to finish more.

I also accomplish this by setting personal goals, such as wanting to have my rough draft finished by a certain date.

I hire a sitter if I need extra time. Or I ask my friends if the kids can hang out with their friends for a day. I always offer to trade services.

What ways do you find time to write amidst a crazy-busy schedule? Share your thoughts with us in the comments. Maybe someone will discover something that works for them.

Photo Courtesy of God's Glory Photography

Stepping Back from THE END

This week I accomplished something. I wrote THE END on the rough draft of my first {complete} novel.

It's taken three years to write THE END. I've had multiple ideas for novels. I've written the start of several. I've even nearly finished another. But, until this week, I've never made it to THE END.

And now I'm stepping back for a few days to enjoy the moment. I'm leaving my characters and plot lines and dialogue and taking a mini-vacation from Storyworld.

My characters don't like it. They're whispering lines while I watch my children do flips into the pool. They're telling me I need to strengthen them as I watch 4th of July fireworks. They're asking me to come home and get back to work, because they want the world to hear them laugh and cry.

From what I've learned, it's important to take a break from Storyworld before entering into the work of rewriting and editing. It's important to put some space between myself and my characters, as this will spark creativity as I hit the keyboard with my butt in my chair once again. My mind needs a creative rest.

So I trust those who've gone before and take a breather. I do a puzzle. I laugh with my real kids. I enjoy time with my hubby and go out to watch someone else's creative genius.

Then, next week I will return to Storyworld with new ideas and deeper thoughts to bring out the best in my story. Hopefully it'll become something readers will want to share with their friends. Hopefully my characters will woo readers into their world. Hopefully someone will identify with the heart of the story, and maybe it'll influence a life.

Until then, I'll step back and enjoy the fact that I finally wrote THE END.

Photo Courtesy of Stock.xchng

Your Book May be Written, But It's Not "The End"

This is what your editor and publisher look like when you've finished writing your book, been contracted, and decided you're done. You've written "The End" and think you've reached the end of the line. You're ready to move on and write your next best-seller.

What you don't realize is that this book won't be your first best-seller without a few more very important stops on the journey to publication.

Editing: If you are self-publishing, this is a key component. Don't just turn your manuscript in for print. Make sure you hire a professional editor to go through it at least once. Pay someone to do a great job so that you have a great product to present your readers. For those of us who love to read and know a few things about grammar and punctuation, nothing is more distracting than a book filled with those types of errors. Of all the self-published books I've been asked to review, I have to tell you that at least 4 out of 5 are not edited. This includes poor grammar and poor craft.

If you are being published through a house, editing is part of the publication process. This doesn't mean that you are off the hook. This means that your manuscript will be subjected to the red pen of a professional editor, and you will be responsible for accepting or denying their recommendations. You still have work to do.

Marketing: If you think you're finished the minute your book goes to print, you're not going to impress the publisher. Although most publishing houses have some form of marketing plan to help your book sell, authors are just as (if not more so) responsible to market their books. If you want a best-seller or even another contract, you'd better have a plan to market your book, and then you need to follow through with it. Nothing disturbs a publisher more than realizing they've contracted an author who doesn't want to do the work once their name is on a cover.

Think of it this way: who better to market your book than you? Who knows your readers better than the one they've been anxiously following for the past X amount of time, waiting in anticipation for the release of your story? You know them better than any publishing house or editor. Word of mouth is proven to be the best tool to sell anything. Prepare your own marketing plan and get your book noticed. It'll only benefit you in the long run. Do the work. Don't be another one of those lazy writers. You'll be the one with the best-seller while someone else is wondering why they aren't making money after putting in all that time writing.

5 Tips for Submitting After a Writers Conference

Did you know that only 30% of writers will follow up after a conference? That's right. 30%. That means that 70% of writers who attended the conference and were asked to submit will NOT follow-up with the editors and agents who requested their submissions.

Which gives the 30% a great shot at being published, right?

So what are you waiting for? Submit. Submit. Submit.

Here are 5 tips for making submissions:

1. Make sure you've edited your submissions. If it's your novel, and it's going to an agent or an editor at a publishing house, you will want to pay for (or swap services with) a professional editor to polish it up for you. When a proposal comes across my desk that is full of errors, I don't even want to read the sample chapters that are included. I'm quite certain they'll be full of mistakes too. Make sure someone else (preferably a professional) looks at your story before you submit it.

2. Follow the guidelines!!! I can't stress this enough. When you neglect to do so, you present yourself to the agent/editor as lazy, careless, negligent, and a long list of other adjectives. Editors and agents have a lot of work on their desks at all times. Someone who follows the guidelines will have a much greater chance at making it out of the slush pile than someone who doesn't.

3. Make sure you have the correct name on everything. Find out which editor of the magazine you should submit to. Find out which editor at the publishing house works with your genre. Spell their name correctly. Nothing turns an editor/agent off more than finding someone else's name at the top of the cover letter they've received (or finding their name misspelled). Show you care, and you'll earn brownie points.

4. Make a professional impression. In the world of writing, a second impression isn't always available. If your first impression turns off one agent, they have friends in this business. Their friends are likely to hear about it. The same goes for editors. Always address them properly. I've received emails from writers who want to be featured on my website. They've neglected to address me: Dear Mrs. Morales, Hello Alycia, etc. Nothing. No greeting. They've proceeded to write the email as if I knew them personally and didn't mind misspelled words, incomplete sentences, and poor grammar. Needless to say, I didn't even consider their contribution. Be polite. Write a business letter as you were taught in high school English class. If you need help, find someone who knows how to do so and ask them to teach you.

5. Leave your contact information on your submissions, unless otherwise directed in the guidelines. The most important information is your name, email address, mailing address, and a phone number. That way, if the agent/editor loves your work and wants to reach you, they can.

What have you found important when making submissions? If you are an editor or agent, what other tips could you share?

10 Things I Love About Writers Conferences

Alton Gansky, Me, and Eva Marie Everson

Winning awards is always nice. Having your work critiqued by a professional in the industry is a great benefit. Finding an editor or an agent who says "Yes" is the best feeling in the world for a writer. But there is so much more to be said about writers conferences. Especially as a Christian author.

Here are 10 Other Things I Love About Writers Conferences:

1. The opportunity to worship with like-minded people. Come on, we all know that writers are an odd lot. Put Jesus in the midst of them, and you can hear the angels sing.

2. Daily Devotions. As a writer, it's easy to get a big head. Especially if your work is praised, you get rave reviews, or you win a Christy award. It's humbling to be reminded each morning at conference that we do this for the glory of God, not the glory of self.

3. Fellowship. When you're surrounded by hundreds of people who do what you do, who you have so much in common with, it's a great time to make new friends. And who doesn't like clicking that "Add Friend" button on Facebook? Come on! Join the crowd. Who knows? Maybe, like me, you'll find new lifelong prayer warriors, BFFs, and mentors.

4. Meeting my roommate. Okay, this can be a bit nerve-wracking if you're an introvert, like most writers. You may know the person's name, if you're lucky, and now you're sharing a room with them - or maybe even a bed. Who does that? Especially in today's world. I have. And I've loved every one. We've spent hours into the night talking about life, family, and books. Maybe I'm crazy, but I love getting to know my roommates.

5. Dinnertime. Maybe this doesn't happen at all conferences, but the ones I've gone to allow you to eat with faculty. Some of the conversations have been terrifying and would make great story fodder, while others have been incredibly funny and my liver has gotten its annual workout. Just don't make someone laugh with food or drink in their mouth, or you may be wearing it.

6. Wisdom. There is a ton of knowledge present at these conferences. The faculty come prepared to teach it, and I come prepared to receive it. What's even better is when you can dig a little deeper and find those nuggets of wisdom. Asking questions, getting answers. Taking it to the next level. Finding out not only what to do, but how to do it. I love finding that wisdom each faculty member has.

7. Aha! Moments. With all of those writerly brains around, there should be plenty of Aha! moments at conference. Aha! I've found my "brand." Aha! I know what my novel needs to take it to the next level. Aha! That's what social network I should focus on. Aha! I never thought of that before. Aha! That's God's hand in my career - right there.

8. The Registration Desk. (Maybe I should have listed this one first.) "What?" you say. But have you ever stopped and looked around? Felt the electricity in the air? Seen the smiling faces as we begin to gather? It's the first place we come together. It's the first moment in our week/weekend together. It's the first in a series of next steps on our journey. It's the place long-distance friends spot each other across the room for the first time in a year. Love the registration desk.

9. The Journey. Whether I'm driving or flying to get to conference, I love the journey. I love spending a few final moments in prayer. I love the opportunity to brainstorm. I love that I am on my way. I love the expectancy of what God has in store for the time of the conference. I love anticipating the hugs and smiles of friends I've grown to love over the internet for the last twelve months. I love taking time to enjoy the journey. And on the way home? I love the time alone to reflect on the week before returning home, to husband, kids, and everyday life again. It gives me time to figure out what I need to do next and to anticipate the hugs and kisses and excitement upon my return home.

10. The Vacation. As a writer, we work alone a lot. We do the same routine day in and day out, working toward word counts or chapters or finished novels. Or maybe writing is our second job and it's the one we really love and wish we could do full time. Or maybe we are a wife and/or mother first and spend late into the night hours pouring words over pages after pouring life into hearts all day. For me, conferences are a vacation. They are a break from everyday life. They are fun. They are exciting. Like a theme park. Like a roller coaster. You never know which way your career path is going to turn next. And that, to me, is thrilling.

What do you love about conferences? Maybe you're not even a writer. I'm sure many of these points could apply to just about any conference. What would you add to the list?

10 Things to Do When Your Muse Takes a Vacation

Writer's Block. Many will argue it doesn't exist. Others say it does. There are some days when your muse decides to go on vacation. {Tweet This}

So what does a writer do when the blank screen glares back at them?

Here are 10 suggestions:

1. Edit. Or rewrite. Pull up material you've already written and take it to the next level.

2. Research. Google. Go to the library. Take a day trip. Find out that information you need to know for your story to be true-to-life. Maybe the answer will give your muse the nudge it needs.

3. Take a break. Sometimes our mind just needs rest. I know that after a few weeks of non-stop writing and editing, my brain shuts down. I need a day off. You too? Take one.

4. Go someplace else to write. I stare at the same wall all week. There are plenty other places I could go to write: The park. The library. Outside. (My favorite:) The coffee house. Why am I still here staring at this wall?

5. Do another type of research. Market research. Head to the book store or amazon and search for titles similar to yours. Find out who your competition is. Find out how they are promoting their books. Find out what readers want. Read reviews of other books similar to yours and learn what not to do, what turns your readers off. This will help with your proposal, your marketing campaign, and your writing.

6. READ. Read books similar to yours. Read books about writing. Read for fun. Writers should always read.

7. Do something creative...but don't write. I love puzzles (especially 1,000 piece puzzles). I love to take pictures. I love to design graphics for my blog posts. I love to make jewelry. What do you love to do besides writing? Do that for a day or an afternoon.

8. Make a story board. Pinterest is great for this. Find pictures of your characters, the setting of your story, the foods your characters like to eat, the cars they drive. Put them all into one place. Then, when you're ready to go back and write again, you have a visual aid/stimulant.

9. Do a third type of research. Go someplace people are: The mall. The airport. The gym. Your kid's school. Pay attention to other people's body language. Eavesdrop on a conversation or two. Learn how people talk to one another so you can write great realistic dialogue.

10.Exercise. After all, we sit with our butts in our chairs most days. If your body's anything like mine, it's screaming for activity. Or it's sending signals that if you eat one more snickerdoodle or drink one more latte you're not going to love your waistline. {Check out this abs workout.} Take a walk. Take a hike. Go fishing. Visit the gym. Get active.

BONUS:

11. Or, you can do what writers will tell you to do. WRITE. Make your word count. Write for your dedicated daily amount of time. Even if it's sh**ty writing, at least you have something to work on when your muse returns from its vacation.

How Writing is Like Putting Together a Puzzle

As many of you know, I love to write. Another thing I love to do is puzzles--particularly 1,000-piece puzzles. Anything smaller isn't challenging enough. I love Thomas Kinkade puzzles, wildlife puzzles, and landscape puzzles. It typically takes me between three days to one week to complete one.


Writing is a lot like putting together a puzzle.

You start with a bunch of random pieces. Looking at them as they are, they make no sense at all.

So you start to search for pieces that go together. As connections are made, something begins to take shape.

If you're an outliner, you may build the outside of the puzzle first. This sets up a boundary--something to follow. If you're a seat-of-the-pants writer (or panster), you may start with whatever pieces you come across first, looking to tie it all together before you write "The End."

Puzzle pieces are like words. Randomly set on a table, they don't make any sense at all. Placed together in proper order, they make a beautiful picture. Much like writing.

As you place word after word after word, you tell a story. Once you've linked all of the pieces together, you have a big picture--something to enjoy, to look at, to wonder about, and to share.

However, if one piece is out of place, it won't come together. So you must be careful to make sure nothing is misplaced. In the world of writing, this would be editing and/or rewriting. It takes time, but the end result is a story to be treasured by your readers for years to come.

Can you think of any other ways that writing is like putting together a puzzle? I'd love to hear them! Feel free to share your thoughts in the comments.

Photo Courtesy of Microsoft Images

The Next Big Thing - A Blog Hop Post

Today, I'm participating in a blog hop about "the next big thing". . . and telling you about the book I'm working on. In two weeks, we’ll blog hop to some other writers in to hear about their works in progress. 

For those of you who aren’t familiar with a blog hop, it’s a series of posts linked to each other across the web. I’d like to thank Mary Denman for tagging me to participate!

In this particular hop, I’m answering ten questions about my latest WIP (Work in Progress). Feel free to post questions and comments!

Ten Interview Questions for The Next Big Thing:



What is the working title of your book?



For the Love of Ivy

Where did the idea come from for the book?

I had an idea for another book, and when I started working on it, I decided to split it into three books. I chose one of my three characters, Shannon, and as I wrote the first couple of pages, I realized her story was equally about her daughter, Ivy. The story keeps unfolding from there. 





What genre does your book fall under?

    

I’m not sure yet. It’s either Contemporary Women’s or YA. Maybe it'll be both!

Molly C. Quinn - My Ivy

Which actors would you choose to play your characters in a movie rendition?

 

I think Jennifer Connelly would pull off Shannon, and Molly C. Quinn could portray Ivy. 

What is the one-sentence synopsis of your book?



Shannon struggles to get beyond herself while Ivy wonders if her quest for perfection is enough to win her mother’s love. (Yeah, I’m still working on that one…)

Will your book be self-published or represented by an agency?

Only God knows the answer to that question. I hope it will be represented by an agency. In the meantime, I’d like to get the first draft completed.

How long did it take you to write the first draft of your manuscript?



It’s a WIP. My first draft has six chapters so far.

What other books would you compare this story to within your genre?

I haven’t started comparing it to others, yet. I am hoping it will cross the two genres I’m aiming it toward, that both mothers and their daughters will want to read this book.

Who or What inspired you to write this book?



The idea for the initial book I’d started was triggered by an author friend’s use of objects in his stories to make a greater and more meaningful point. The object has been removed, but my desire to write a meaningful and relatable novel remains. The elements of dealing with an eating disorder and the struggle to love a family member are ones I felt a lot of women/girls could relate to.

What else about your book might pique the reader’s interest? 

Life doesn’t always have a happy ending. I wonder if my characters will…

Now I invite you to visit these next 5 blogs to meet more authors! They'll be posting their answers to the questions above on January 15th.

Mel Ann Morales 

Pepper Basham

(Please check back. I'm lining up the other three authors who will share.)

Reflections on God's Goodness

"Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me

 All the days of my life;

 And I will dwell in the house of the Lord

 Forever."

 ~ Psalm 23:6

My pastor loves to preach on this scripture. Sometimes I would say it's his life verse. He lives by these words. He loves the truth they hold within them.

And some days, this is my life verse. God blesses me beyond my wildest imaginations. He gives me things my heart couldn't even dream up, and I am blown away by His goodness.

My husband loves Ephesians 3:20-21: "Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us, To Him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen."

God - Him who is able to do exceedingly and abundantly above all I could ever ask or think...

I attended the Blue Ridge Mountain Christian Writers Conference two weeks ago. Feeling slightly unprepared (I rounded up and wrote a few potential articles and devotions with the hopes of selling them at the conference, but so last minute I wasn't counting on it.), I went only with the desire to serve and to attend a few classes I wanted to take. I would decide on appointments after I arrived and would say hello to all my writer friends who I love so much, like Jim Rubart...

For the first time in three years, I went with no agenda of my own...only God's. And boy, did I get blessed!


I won a contest, which allowed me to sit with the faculty member of my choice at the Awards Banquet. Considering I am friends with so many of the faculty members, that's an incredibly difficult choice to make. I wished I could have a long banquet table with all of them present. Alas, I had to select. I chose Chip MacGregor, agent extraordinaire. This conference is the first time I'd crossed paths with Mr. MacGregor, and I enjoyed the opportunity to get to know him a bit. Without pitching or feeling a need to pitch. Bummer that I forgot to bring my camera to the banquet. Chip has a great picture of us on his phone, but I haven't seen a copy of it, yet...so this will have to do:

Photo Courtesy of Mary Denman, Conference Photographer

Can you hear me praying? "Lord, I hope I don't get anything stuck in my teeth. I hope I make a good impression. I hope I don't say something totally stupid that will ruin my career. I hope Torry doesn't make me spit sweet tea out of my nose..." I certainly chose a great table, though. Not only did I get to sit with Chip, I also got to sit with Todd Starnes of Fox News, funny man Torry Martin (he's written for Focus on the Family's Adventures in Odyssey), another of my favorite novelists - DiAnn Mills, and the founder of the BRMCWC and novelist, Yvonne Lehman. We also had the pleasure of the company of Dan Case and Shannon Potelicki (Shannon is one of the agents who works with Chip). I had an all-star table meal. HUGE blessing for me.

I also won third place for my Flash Fiction piece, Remembering No More. This is the second time I've entered a BRMCWC contest, and I've won both times. That encourages me to keep writing...

Photo Copyright Mary Denman, Conference Photographer & Dear Friend

But here's where God truly blew me away and sent me into awe shock. I set up an appointment with Cindy Sproles, editor of ChristianDevotions.us. I mentioned to her that I am now editing books, as well as websites (I edit for DevoKids, another ministry under Christian Devotions). She said to be sure I mentioned that to Eddie, head of Lighthouse Publishing of the Carolinas. So I did. And he gave me the opportunity of a lifetime...

I am now the Senior Editor of Inspire a Fire. Inspire a Fire is a website full of articles for those who want to ignite a flame in their world. It only takes one person to make a huge difference. Will you be the one God chooses to use to advance His kingdom here on earth? How far are you willing to go for the One who chose you? This is the heart of our website. And it's AMAZING.

If you don't know Gina Holmes, she's the author of the award-winning novel, Crossing Oceans. She's also the founder of Novel Rocket, a major website for Christian writers. Not only that, but she is the founder of Inspire a Fire, along with her friend, Jessica Dotta. It is truly an honor to have been blessed with a warm welcome from Gina, and I am still in awe that God would hook me up with one of my favorite authors to take over something she'd planted and watered the seeds of.

I'm still adjusting to the knowledge that God has given me such a wonderful opportunity and responsibility. I am humbled at His confidence in me. I am in tremendous awe of His goodness, which is exceedingly and abundantly above all I could ever ask or think! So, while I stand looking toward the heavens with my mouth agape, let me introduce you to the faces behind this little story:

Eddie Jones, Cindy Sproles, and Me Shooting for the Stars

Me with Gina Holmes

And there you have it. My testimony of God's awesome, amazing wonderfulness. Sometimes He's so good, it's hard to put my heart into words. So I remain still and silent before the Lord. Like now.

I hope you'll join me and the staff of amazing writers I have over at Inspire a Fire. Find us on Facebook and Twitter. Feel free to like us, subscribe to our posts, and follow us to your heart's delight. I pray you will find inspiration to ignite a fire for the Lord. He has a plan and a purpose and a call for each and every one of us that is as unique as we are! Be blessed as you spend time with the Creator of all today!

Checking My Pulse

Photo Copyright 2011 Alycia W. Morales

I spent the weekend at a women's conference in Myrtle Beach, SC. I enjoyed a time of refreshing at the beach, listening to the ocean, and recognizing how vast God is. 

Just when I think I know Him, He shows me another side of His glory. Just when I think I've seen everything there is to see on the beach, something new washes ashore. Just when I think I've got life all figured out, God reveals another facet, and I have to stop to examine myself in His reflection.

My pastor's wife and I were walking down the beach, discussing the conference and the weekend. As we looked at the variety of seashells washed ashore, I offered recommendations as to how the conference could improve. It always brings me a time of refreshing, but this year I found myself wanting more. And getting tired of two hours of worship each session. And wishing they'd put a time frame on the speaker's message. And wishing they'd ask the speakers to join the music ministry so we could actually hear a word during their time of speaking ministry. Instead of worshiping some more.

Do I dislike worship? Absolutely not. I love worship. I understand that I am created to worship. I understand that worship brings me into a place of intimacy with the Lord.

However, I can worship anytime, anyplace. And when I attend a conference, I want to hear the word of God. I want to receive a message just for me. I want a spiritual refreshing. I want to hear a speaker. And I wasn't getting that this time. Last year, yes. This year, not so much. 

I could hear the disappointment in my voice as I proclaimed my ideas on how they could improve their conference. And then it hit me. 

"Am I too critical?" I asked her.

"Yes."

And I quieted my heart, my mind, and my mouth. And we kept walking in silence. Sometimes, a friend will be honest and tell you something about yourself you might not want to hear. I know mine did. And I love her for it. And I've been considering what she said ever since. Because God spoke more to me through her in one short minute than He did through the speakers the entire weekend. 

I've asked Him to reveal if I have a critical spirit, or if I have an innate talent to see what is lacking and can be improved. Do I criticize people? Or am I critical of things? Are my expectations too high? Am I putting my own agenda above His? These are all things I'm considering and will continue to think about until He reveals the answers. And I will try my hardest not to be critical of others, because a critical spirit leaves no room for mercy.

In the meantime, I'll also try not to be too critical of myself. Which is what I am. I recognize my own deficits and continually try to improve, but beat myself up when I don't. Or when I slack off. Or when I know I need to do something, but I just don't feel up to it today... 

Which leads me to you, my readers. I've been analyzing why I write and what I want to accomplish with my writing. My top goal in writing is to minister to the hearts of women. I want to write about life issues we all deal with. I want my readers to walk away with a knowledge that you are not alone; other people are experiencing the same issues, emotions, shortcomings, accomplishments, life... I want to draw you closer to God. I want you to be comfortable with yourself as He created you. I want to encourage you with my words, not drag you down or shun you. So, what are you dealing with today? What would you like to hear about? What do you need? What questions do you have that you'd like answered? Because it isn't all about me. It's about Jesus, and it's about you. That's why I write. Please leave your answers in the comments below. I'd love to hear your hearts! And thank you for following me as I follow hard after Him.

Journaling My Journey - Part Two

Welcome to part two of my journaling journey. I hope you continue to find encouragement  and insight in my posts. To find the original questions, please visit Marybeth Whalen's blog.

Question 6: What is the nicest thing someone has said to you recently? Why did the compliment matter to you?
Someone recently told me I was at the top of her list. The compliment mattered to me, because I see God's hand in it. God put me at the top of her list. I only walked in obedience and faith to get there...

Question 7: Do you ever feel like you’re not good enough, smart enough, or valuable enough?
Yes, there have been times in my life when I've felt this. Read my post here to see what I've come to understand on this very topic. And be sure to follow the question's link to find a great book to read on this very subject! 

Question 8: If you do these three things, your day is good. List the three things and write a bit about why those three things in particular make a better day.
First thing: Read God's word and pray. If I skip this step, my day feels unproductive (things don't seem to get completely finished), I lack patience with my children and other things, and I tend to feel sluggish or incompetent. I MUST read God's word in the morning.
Second thing: Hug my children and hubby. If I don't do this, I feel like I've missed out on an important part of my day. It's so much fun to draw them close and reassure them of my love.
Third thing: Encourage another woman. I think encouraging words, words of affirmation, is my primary love language. I know how much it means to me when a friend calls or leaves a message on Facebook to encourage me in my day. I love to do the same for others. Whether it's a phone call, a Facebook post, a promotion of something they've done, an encouraging card, or any other thing, I like to do something or tell someone how great they are and how blessed and honored I am to know them.

Question 9: What is the first thing you think about when you wake up each morning? Do you need to change that or are you good with where your thoughts run to?
The first thing I think about when I wake up each morning is what the day holds. I consider what is going on in my life and the lives of those around me, and I take it to the Lord. I'm usually inspired first thing in the morning. So I don't think I need to change that...for now.

Question 10: Fill in the blank: It's time for me to start _______                      .
Exercising regularly. Not sporadically or as I feel inclined to do so.

Now that I've answered the questions, is there one you could share an answer to? I'd love to hear your responses! 

Overcoming Journaling Jitters

The blank page stares at you, and you wonder what it is you should place upon it. Your mind has a thousand things to say, but you can't seem to pull one thought to the front of your mind.

Is it the fear of someone reading what you put in the privacy of your journal? Is it the fear of saying something that might offend another? Is it the fear of writing itself? Or maybe you don't like your handwriting...

Whatever the phobia is, here are some suggestions to getting past the journaling jitters and starting to write out the stories of your life:

1. Start simple. Write down what is important today. What do you have to do? What has been accomplished? What are you worried about? What are you excited about?

2. Write down what God is doing in your life. Testify of His goodness in your day.

3. Write down what God is saying to you. Did a scripture verse jump out at you during your morning reading? What struck you about it?

4. What do you have to be thankful for? Did God make a way for your electric bill to be paid? Did your father overcome a battle with cancer? Did your husband get that promotion he'd been trying for? Did you get sleep last night after a week of tossing and turning? Write it down.

5.  Write down a memory from childhood that you'd like to share with your kids one day.

6. Write down something you've learned from someone else that you'd love to share with someone else some day. Testify to their impact on your life.

7. Make a list of your favorite foods, movies, songs, etc. If you have a memory associated with them, write that down, too.

8. There are books like Natalie Goldberg's Old Friend from Far Away that are written to get you thinking about writing about your life. Pick up a copy of one from your local bookstore and use the prompts for journaling.

Journaling can be as simple or detailed as you want to make it. Start with easy posts and then work your way up to longer ones. Use the ideas above to get you started. Pick one topic for each day of the week, if you'd like. Start there. As you continue to be faithful to keeping your journal, it'll become easier as the time goes by. And soon you'll find yourself enjoying it!

Photo Courtesy of Ben Lancaster

The Joys of Journaling

An author friend of mine has been posting clips from the diary she kept as a little girl on her Facebook page. I've gotten a kick out of reading them, as it's helping me get to know her better. It's also caused me to think of what a great tool journaling has been in my own life.

Why do people journal or keep a diary? I can't tell you everyone else's reasons, but I can share why I've been journaling since I was eight or so.

1. It started as a way for me to say things on paper that I couldn't say out loud. I could write down anything I wanted to, and only my journal and I would know about it. I confided in my journal like I would to my best friend, only I knew my journal wouldn't repeat what I'd said - ever.

2. It became a way to put my life on a page. Who I admired. Who I couldn't stand to be around. Who said something mean that day. Who complimented me that day. What happened when I... you get the idea. I could keep track of my memories on the pages of my journal.

3. It became my artistic, creative outlet. I wrote poem after poem in the pages of my journals.

4. It became a place where I could take notes and learn. And relearn. Once I met Jesus and made Him Lord of my life, I began taking notes in my journals during church or leadership meetings or at conferences. I studied from my journals. To this day I can go back and learn some more from them.

5. It became a place of inspiration. Any time I read a scripture that inspires me, I write it down in my journal. Sometimes I expound. Others, I simply write the verse.

6. It became a place of prayer. Some days I have a difficult time focusing on my prayers. Distractions come at me from every angle. But if I sit in one place and break out my journal and pen, I can focus right in as I write out my heart's cry to God.

7. It became a place of testimony. I write down daily events and happenings as a reminder of what God is doing in my life. I can go back and read journal entries from five years ago and see where God has brought me from to where He's brought me to.

8. It became a place of thanksgiving. Looking back and reading about loss of loved ones, marital stress, step-family issues, etc. I can see where God's hand was in it all, where He never left me nor forsook me. I can take note and give thanks to Him for all He is to me and all He has done in my life. It's a place where I write down my thankfulness for healing broken children, restoring family relationships, providing financial relief, and simply just loving me for who I am in Him.

9. It's been a place for me to practice writing. And finding my voice. God called me into a ministry of writing two years ago. It's a call I knew was on my life years and years ago, since I was a little girl. But it's only recently God has stirred the desire up inside of me again. In order to be a writer, one must write, and so I do...

10. It's been a place of reflection. I am amazed at what I discover about myself as I go back and read entries from two, ten, or twenty years ago. I see who I was and who God has created me to be. Who I left behind and who I am now. I see the immaturity and the maturity. God shows me things, whispers, "See how far I've brought you?" and continues to love on me through the words.

What joy do you find in journaling? If you don't journal already, why not? And if you'd like to start, today's as good as any...

Photo Courtesy of Sanja Gjenero

Proverbs 16 - Committed

"Commit your works to the Lord, 
And your thoughts will be established."
~ Proverbs 16:3

This is one of my favorite verses. I have it stuck to the side of my computer. It tells me that as long as I commit all I do to the Lord, doing it in His name and for His glory, He will establish my thoughts. God will guide me in what to say and do.

It was January of 2010 when God called me to write "for Him." He gave specific instruction. For the first few months, I floundered, wondering what He wanted me to write. I went back to my journals and the few items I'd written in the past. I prayed, looked up information on Christian writing online, and signed up in March to attend the Blue Ridge Christian Writers Conference in May. I figured getting together with other writers would motivate me in the right direction.

I love Proverbs 16:9. "A man's heart plans his way, But the Lord directs his steps." It ties in with verse three very well. I planned to go to Blue Ridge. I planned to take certain classes. I planned to spend time writing. But God had different plans for me when I arrived at the Lifeway campus. 

Before I ever arrived, He started working and directing. 

I planned to save money by acquiring a roommate. God directed me into a new-best-friend relationship.

I planned to take certain classes. God directed me to ask a question and gave me a writing mentor as a result.

I planned to meet with the authors/editors who critiqued my works ahead of time. God directed me into divine appointments outside of those. 

I planned to leave with a wealth of conference information. God gave me so much more.

As a result of the conference, God has moved me far beyond my own plans or expectations. In the year since, I've enjoyed a friendship I'd been praying for the past three years. I've learned so much from my mentor as she encouraged me along my writing career path. I've had four devotions accepted for publication online and just found out one has been selected to be included in a devotional book. I pitched an article at the conference that's been accepted for publication next month. I've edited a book. I've started writing a few books. And I've signed up to attend Blue Ridge again. Because I know God's got so much more in store!

As I commit to do His will, He will guide my steps. He will give me ideas. He will tell me what to write. I trust God and know that He keeps His word. It never comes back void. 

Are you putting your trust in God and His promises? Will you commit to His will for your life today? Abundant life is in store, if you do!  

Photo Copyright 2009 Alycia W. Morales