Updates

Everyone is always asking me, “Are you still writing?” To that, I like to say, “Still writing? I haven’t stopped.” :) Read on, and you’ll see what I mean.

Growing up, I had a habit I want to tell you about. During a boring class, such as math, instead of doing the work assigned to me, I would make up stories in my head and write them on my braille writer. Needless to say, I had lots of homework to do in order to keep up. Today, when my students, AKA my daughters are busy doing math, I open the Mac book and write. Something about math, any school subject, actually, brings out the writer in me, which brings me to my first update.

For the past three years I have been working on a historical fiction novel. It takes place both in the present and the past. A wounded soldier returns to her old hometown to keep a promise she made to her best friend. While there, she finds a book about her ancestors, who fought at the battle of Shiloh in the American Civil War. The book is in the editing stages, and I will be putting together a cover in a few weeks. I’m thinking of having a contest on Facebook, so you all can help me choose which cover you like best, so stay tuned for that. As for a publication date, I don’t have one nailed down yet, but I’m thinking September. The book is called, “His Yankee Wife”, and I’ll be talking more about it as publication day draws nearer. Keep watching my FB page for updates.

Now, what’s this talk about nonfiction? Well, I’m gonna tell ya. :) My good friend, Anita Adkins, author of "A Brother's Love" has written a book to teach Unified English Braille, the current standard for braille in the US called, “Ducking into UEB”. It is for children in grades 4-12 and older readers. She asked me several months ago if I could provide any fictional material for children. I had a story laying around, so I gave it to her. She incorporated it, and suddenly, we are collaborating. In order to establish an online platform, we started a blog back in January 2017. We take turns writing articles for it, and we have a lot of fun over there, so we’d love for you to come over and check us out. The blog is found at adkinsandwells.blogspot.com. We’re also on Facebook.

And, while I’m on the subject of the writing team of Adkins and Wells, I want to announce that we will be presenting at the WV chapter of the National Federation of the Blind conference in Charleston, WV on Saturday, Sept. 9. More details about that to follow, but we will be speaking about our books, about writing, blogging and what life is like as authors and educators who are blind. We will also be selling some books.

As if those projects aren’t enough, I am writing the story of a man who broke his neck while diving several years ago. He is a quadriplegic, and not only does he go to the movies, the mall and to the pool with his family, he paints with a brush held between his teeth. A truly inspiring individual, I can’t wait to share this book with you and desire your prayers while I am writing it.

So, that about wraps it up as far as updates go. Busy? Yes, but I’m loving it. Always enjoy hearing from my readers, so feel free to get in touch. Fill out the contact form on this blog, or send an email to oldtimechristian@gmail.com. You can also come over and “like” my Facebook page facebook.com/sjwellsauthor.

Praying you are spending more time smiling this summer than ever before in your life. Take care and catch ya next Tuesday. Just now, I got some runnin' to do and friends to visit. :)

Blessings.

From The Crazy Writer

You don't think writers are crazy? Well, you'd better take a closer look, 'cause I'm here to tell ya, I'm as crazy as it gets. Keep reading; I have proof.

Proof number 1.
During the day, I can't stop talking to my characters, thinking about my characters and writing about my characters. I'm working on a new project, and so far, my momentum has not slowed down. At night, I think about them, pray for them and even hear them talk to me in my sleep. This would naturally sound crazy, but no more crazier than I've ever been. But, you see, this time the characters aren't of my own making; they are real people. Yep, living, breathing people who probably thought I was a weirdo stalker at first. Hey, they might still think it, but at least they aren't treating me like it to my face. LOL

Proof number 2.
If there is something I don't understand that pertains to my characters, I will research that something to death. Yesterday, my daughter and I were looking up "football for dummies" on Youtube, just so I would understand the significants of a 90 yard touch down. My other daughter hears us and comes running into the living room, hollering, "Why are you two talking about football, when you aren't into sports what so ever?" Thankfully, do to my daughter's eye sight and Youtube, I got it. Now, all I can think of is wow, I sure could have acted more impressed when he told me about his 90 yard touch down. LOL

Proof number 3.
This evening, I sent a portion of today's writings to one of my best friends who is also my editor. She hadn't had time to read and comment, by the time I contacted her. You know what I almost said? Ahem, I almost said, "I don't need to hear whether it is good or not; I already know it is good." Yeah, if that isn't crazy, ain't nothing crazy. LOL

See what I mean? I just gave you 3 good reasons why I might be "off my trolly" as they say in England. There is hope, though, and knowing this, I have confidence that all will work out in the end. The story will get written, because it's the Lord's will, and He will make sure His will gets done. There will be another project for me to obsess over, when this book is finished. I know this because there is one waiting in the wings, already.  And, lastly, the New Testament is full of verses that begin with the phrase, "And it came to pass". Notice, it did not come to stay. It came to pass. This crazy season will not last forever. Just gotta work while it is day and pray all night long. :)

Now, I know last week I promised a post about what is going on around here, and I will write that post. But, since I have been writing so much...like as in seven pages since Saturday morning...I can't put together anymore than what I'm putting together right now. Not real sure, but I'm thinking those seven pages equals about six thousand words. So thankful for you, faithful readers for sticking with me. Hopefully, I will be able to put together a more coherent post next week. Until then, keep praying, keep reading and gear up for an awesome story based on a real life hero.

Be blessed.

Advice From Master Yoda

Disclaimer: The quotes in this post may not be completely accurate.

I had a rough day. Stressed because I’m always stressed when the teacher reviews my girls’ homeschool portfolios, I did not sleep well last night. Nervous, I couldn’t eat much except a peanut butter and jelly sandwich this morning. We were getting the books put into the waiting bag, when my oldest spills water on her science notebook, pretty much ruining it. Then, I cut my finger on the end of my mandolin string while hurrying to put it back in its case. Wrapping a bandaid around it, I hurried to grab my bags, when my aunt says, “Aren’t you going to change your shirt?” It is certain I would have walked right out that door with a stained up shirt, if she had not stopped me. The first book the teacher opens shows correct answers but no proof that those answers were not obtained by cheating. My youngest was put on the spot, something that freezes her up. All was cleared up, yet, I knew, somehow, I had failed. Afterward, I thought to buy milkshakes to celebrate finishing the school year. But, since I didn’t buy what my oldest wanted from the place she wanted it from, she wouldn’t take anything from anyone or from anywhere. Once again, I failed. We came home and began clearing out the cabinet where I keep school supplies, only to realize we can’t find the book I purchased a month ago. Failed, again. I despaired that this day would ever be redeemed.

During supper and subsequent dish washing, Star Wars played on the TV. I prayed, kept reminding myself it would all be OK, and sat down with a second glass of sweet tea. Then, I turned my attention to the current movie and found some encouragement.

I am not an avid fan, and I don’t have the script memorized, but what I heard was this…if I remember correctly.

Luke Skywalker says, “Well, I’ll try.”

Yoda replies, “No. Do. There is no try.”

A conversation takes place where Luke says it’s too big of a job, and Yoda says something about size having nothing to do with it. Then, Yoda raises the spaceship out of the water. I know this, because I asked my husband what happened. LOL Anyway, at the end, Luke says, “I can’t believe it.” Whereupon Yoda replies, “That is why you fail.”

Suddenly, it hit me. Exactly who is living in me, seeing as how I call myself a Christian? If the force within me is the Lord Jesus Christ, who, BTW has no dark side, then why am I calling myself a failure? I had just been telling myself during dish washing that I would try to do better next year. But, according to Master Yoda, “There is no try.” And, the reason I fail is because of unbelief.

I will not try to do better next time. I will do better, because I know how to fix this year’s mistakes. I will not fail, because I am not trying to make my kids perfect students. I will succeed, because I am teaching them how to be lifelong learners. Besides, the Lord didn’t tell me to make my children happy or make them smart or even make them good at a particular subject. Nope. He told me to teach them. He told me to present the gospel to them. He told me to love them. As long as I do that, I am a success.

On this day twenty years ago, I donned a cap and gown and walked across a stage to receive my high school diploma. I was salutatorian, which is a fancy way of saying my grade point average was the second highest in my class. I had to give a speech, I remember, and it’s topic was success. Yeah, like I knew anything at eighteen, but still… LOL I can’t help but look back over the years and wonder at how far I’ve come. Part of me wants to smack that girl up side the head for being so arrogant. Then, I turn around, look at my own two girls and think, “Wow, how can I be the best mom to them?” Once again, Master Yoda’s words come back to me. “There is no try.” So, here’s to Yoda, my merciful heavenly Father and a good batch of homemade pizza cooked by my amazing husband. I’m going to be all right.

Tomorrow, I’m going to pick up that mandolin and work on those tremolos. I’m going to work on the fiction story I started a few months ago and the nonfiction story I started a few weeks ago. I’m going to love my family, come up with an inexpensive way to have a good supper when my man comes home, and I’m going to work on the blog post for my other blog. BTW, if you want to read it, you can find it at adkinsandwells.blogspot.com.

So, until next time, keep on keeping on, and when life gets tough, eat some pizza and watch a Star Wars movie. :)

You Got to Give Them A Turn

Today, while sitting in a Wendy's parking lot, my mom slid her key into the ignition and tried to start the car. Once, twice, three times and nothing happened. The key would not turn. We made sure doors were shut, the trunk and gas cap were shut. We each took turns trying, thinking that surely one of us had to be doing it wrong. Not knowing what else to do, I called my husband who is a parts manager at a Mitsubishi dealership.

"Is the car in park? he asked.

"Yes," I said.

"What about the brake?"

Being blind, I thought, well, good grief what's that got to do with it, but repeated what my mom said about how it wouldn't move very much.

"What about the steering wheel?" my husband asked, next.

"It's not straight," I said.

"Ok," he told me, "you got to put some muscle into turning the wheel and turning the key at the same time."

I tucked the phone against my shoulder, grabbed the steering wheel with my left hand and gripped the key in between my right thumb and first finger and gave them both a turn. With little effort at all, both the wheel and key turned, and we were able to leave the Wendy's.

It's a little sad how proud of myself I was. But, then I got to thinking, that life is kind of like that. We can try to steer all we want, but if the key to life hasn't been engaged, we are going nowhere. We can engage the keys to life, but if we never use the steering wheel, there will be no control. Until we put both hands into it and give both a turn, we will be forever sitting in the parking lot, watching others come and go.

It's been a long day. Took my girls to a museum, shopping, out for lunch and then came home to gather up some things to give to a friend. My man brought pizza home for supper, the girls went to Vacation Bible School, and I talked on the phone a bit then washed up the dishes. I'm tired and so ready for bed. Then, I remembered my blog. :)

So, is there a Bible lesson here? Sure. But, it's up to you to find it, this time and let me know what you come up with. The brain stopped working a while ago.

However, before I go, I just want to let y'all know I am coming up with a post to let you in on what's happening around here. Got a presentation coming up in September, a couple new books on the horizon, and who knows what else. Good stuff that I am excited about. So,, stay tuned. That post will most likely be up in a couple of weeks. Next Tuesday is portfolio review day, so I'll be running around like a crazy person until then. :)

Take care, sorry this post is so late, and keep the faith.

Note to Self

“Note to self…” You’ve heard that saying before, I’m sure. Probably even said it, yourself. That’s part of what I’m going to talk about today. So, with that in mind, let’s jump in and start each of the next few paragraphs with the phrase “Note to self”.

If it seems too good to be true, then chances are it is too good to be true. A publishing company who will edit, format, distribute, sell and promote your book all for $999 is quite possibly trying to rip you off. After getting scammed by a publishing company back in 2009 and then self publishing three books with the help of a friend, I think I’d rather go with my gut here.

If you spend a lot of time talking to folks about their lives so you can write their story, chances are you will think about them all night long. This is not a hardship, BTW. It’s a great opportunity to pray. However, when you start talking about them all the time, then it’s probably best to back off so they won’t think you are a stalker. :)

If you drink caffeinated beverages all day, then you’re going to be awake most of the night, unable to shut off your brain.

If you don’t turn on the dryer, the clothes will remain wet. I know this is like duh, but I just thought I’d add it here.

If you want to feel God’s Holy Spirit moving, then open your mouth and praise Him. He is worthy to be praised. Amen?

If you don’t turn on the crockpot, your food will not get cooked. Again, I hear you saying “well, duh”, but stick with me; I do have a point to all this.

Talking about doing something is all fine and good, but it won’t amount to anything if I don’t get my hands in there and do it. We’re having homemade soup for dinner, hopefully. I cut up the potato, opened a couple of cans and mixed it all up with the left over roast we had Sunday. But, if I had sat on my couch and talked about it without doing anything, we would be hungry come dinnertime.

The same goes with doing laundry or writing a book. Talking about writing is easy. Writing the words down, now that takes some effort. Sometimes, I wish the words would go from my brain right to the page, but it never happens. I actually have to put my fingers on the keyboard and type out words. *gasp* LOL

Even after the words are on the page, most of the time they need edited. I misspell them, get them backward and often just plain get them wrong. But, thankfully there is a delete button.

Sometimes in life, there is no delete button. In fact, we only get one life to live. No do-overs. We can go back and apologize for hurtful words, we can ask the Lord to forgive us, and He will, but we can never go back and redo the past. Hindsight might be 20/20, but the future is uncharted territory, and our only guide is the one who is, who was and who is to come.

So, keep making those notes to yourself, don’t forget where you came from, but, more important, don’t be afraid to grab hold of God’s big, warm hand and step out into the future. It might be scary, but He has more out there for you than you have ever dreamed of.

Thanks for being with me today. I would love to hear from you, so drop me a comment. Y’all take care and remember to pray for each other.

Taking Out the Garbage

Last Tuesday I talked about the results of binge reading. Today, I’m going to talk about ways I get rid of the extra garbage in my brain after one of those reading binges.

Seeing as how we serve a mighty God who already has the answers to everything, I thought it best to look into the Word, first. Here’s what I found.

“Wherewithal shall a young man cleanse his way? by taking heed thereto according to thy word” Psalms 119:9 KJV

After reading 7 books pretty much back to back, I can tell you there is a need for cleansing. According to the psalmist, taking heed to God’s Word is the answer. Yep, more reading, but this time, it’s the kind of reading that satisfies my soul. :)

Another way I expel the extras in my brain is to write about them. I keep a personal journal, in which I allow myself to say anything. Doesn’t matter if it makes sense or not, doesn’t matter if it matters or not. I let myself say whatever is on my mind. So, I write about the characters or how the story made me feel. I quote a passage from the book that either bothers me or sticks with me for some other reason. I make up my own version of the story, which, BTW, can lead to some very bad stories that I can’t bring myself to delete. LOL The key here is to give myself a chance to talk about what I’ve read to someone. It just happens, that someone is me and my heavenly Father. No use keeping secrets from Him, anyway. He knows all, sees all and still loves me, even when I’m being stupid.

Sometimes, if the books that I have devoured are especially clingy after reading, I stop reading completely. Except for my Bible, I don’t read anyone else’s work but my own. I listen to music or play music or crochet or knit or bake. I have gone months without reading any fiction but my own, which is probably why I go on a reading binge to start with. LOL

Books, especially the good ones with real characters and unpredictable endings are more than just something to read when I’m bored; they become part of me. I know that sounds loony, but characters stick inside my mind like real people. Usually, the only way to quiet them down is to write them out. So, as an author, understanding what makes real characters has become important to me. If an author can make a character pop off the page, then it doesn’t matter whether that character is male or female, werewolf, vampire, smoke jumper, doctor, ghost, shapeshifter, cowboy, gunfighter, beautician, soldier, police officer, preacher, time traveler, slave, pirate, Martian or whatever. Just make them real.

To add some humor and show you how my mind works, here are some story ideas from some reading binges from the past. Keep in mind, many of these  are too bad to share.

Young lady sets out on the Oregon Trail with her family and falls for the mysterious mountain man who is guiding the wagon train. (I did start this one, but can't seem to finish it.)

In 2117, a woman is given the task of teaching a man from Mars how to live on Earth and falls for him.

A blind woman’s werewolf husband changes to become her guide dog whenever she goes anywhere, scaring off anyone who would try to approach her. (This would actually come in handy) LOL

A woman travels back in time and finds not only the man of her dreams but her faith in God. (Oh, wait a minute, that one turned into a book, "A Moment in Time")

A young woman is on the run from the law and is captured by the one man who can teach her about God’s forgiveness. (Oh, wait, that turned into a book, too, "Wild Heart")

Female physician takes in a man wanted by the law and falls for him, all the while praying for his salvation. (Ok, that one is a book, too, "To Tame A Heart")

A wounded soldier comes home to heal and finds a book about her ancestors who fought in the Civil War. (Oh, dear, I think I’m starting a trend, because that one is turning into a book that hopefully will be published this year.)

To sum it all up, my way of taking out the trash in my head is to write it out. Some of these story ideas are just plain silly, but some of them work. The only way to know is to write them and see.

Thanks for spending your Tuesday with me. I hope you’ll come back often. Be blessed and remember God loves you.

Binge Reading

Binge: (according to dictionary.com) a period or bout, usually brief, of excessive indulgence, as in eating, drinking alcoholic beverages, etc.; spree.

The results of an eating spree would include the following:

an overload of food in my body,

a feeling of discomfort and sluggishness, especially if that food was full of carbs and sugar,

my system would take a long time to digest said food,

I would gain weight,

and last but not least,

I would be out of food.

If I over indulged in alcoholic beverages, some of the results might include the following:

a lot of liquid in my system,

impaired brain function do to the alcoholic content in said beverages,

a need to expel that liquid in my system,

and, if I went way too far,

death.

There was a time in my life when I would have said, the above speculation and facts had nothing to do with my excessive reading habits. Now that I have some experience behind me, I know that the above speculation and facts have a lot to do with it. Notice, faithful readers, I did not say I was wiser than before, just experienced. Wiser would imply that I do not make mistakes in this area. Alas, I do make these kinds of mistakes. Ergo, last week’s reading binge.

It started out innocently enough. Early on a Monday, I remembered a book I had started but hadn’t finished. Wanting to finish it, I downloaded it and started listening. I finished it, and found another that sounded good. And, another, and another, and… By the time Friday evening rolled around, I had listened to 5 audio books, which seriously depleted my credits on audible.com. A friend asked if I had got my fill. I told her yes, but then yesterday, I downloaded 2 more and finished them this afternoon.

Results of binge reading may include the following:

too many characters yapping inside my head,

too much information vying for space inside my head,

unfinished house and school work,

Manuscripts of mine still waiting around to be worked on,

Sleepless nights,

a feeling of disconnect with the outside world,

hearing my thoughts in the voice of the narrator of those audio books,

no blog post last Tuesday

less time spent in prayer,

less time reading God’s Word,

and, last but not least,

A sense of emptiness, because the books I read, while funny and full of action and good characters, cannot satisfy my soul.

To use the words of king Solomon in Ecclesiastes 12:13-14 “Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man. For God shall bring every work into judgment, with every secret thing, whether it be good, or whether it be evil.”

My conclusion, therefore, is this: just as binge eating has consequences, so does binge reading, and it’s going to take a while for my brain to expel the garbage of my over indulgence. As for what you can take away from this post, remember that little song from Sunday School? “Oh, be careful little ears what you hear. Oh, be careful little ears what you hear. For the Father up above is looking down in love, so be careful little ears what you hear.”

What goes in the ear most times comes out the mouth, so let’s sing another verse. “Oh, be careful little mouth what you say. Oh, be careful little mouth what you say. For the Father up above is looking down in love, so be careful little mouth what you say.”

Thanks for being with me today. Come back next Tuesday, when, Lord willing, I’ll talk about just how I usually expel garbage from my brain. No need for paper towels, either; this mess is usually harmless.

Be blessed, and pray for me. :)