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The truth is I was always better at Math and Science than I was in English and History.
And what am I doing?
I am writing historical fiction.
Odd, isn’t it?
And while I excelled in the sciences, some of my favorite memories of school came from my High School English Teachers.
My 10th grade book report and presentation was on Wuthering Heights by Emily Bronte. It is a very dark, gothic tale and has a complicated plot. Or at least in my mind it is complicated. But my teacher, Mrs. Wiggins, complimented me on my presentation.
My 11th grade teacher, Mr Mooney, said something funny one day in class. I laughed. But no one else did. I was a little embarrassed. But then he said something along the lines of, “People who understand jokes are intelligent.”
Those compliments stuck with me, and maybe those compliments are what made me attempt to write when I should be pursuing a degree in the sciences.
I think my days for the sciences are long past, but I think I can do this writing thing with a little time and effort. Make that, A LOT OF TIME AN EFFORT.
“Your character is not likable,” said the multi-published award-winning author after reading the first two pages of my novel.
But I like him, I thought. Because I know what he is to become.
God sees us as I see my character. He loves us despite us being unloveable. He knows what we can become–if we let him take charge.
I will have to put some redeeming qualities in my hero(whether he likes it or not).
Thankfully, knowing and trusting Jesus is all the redeeming I need for myself.
John 1:12
New International Version 1984 (NIV1984)
12 Yet to all who received him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God —
Ephesians 2:7-9
New International Version 1984 (NIV1984)
7 in order that in the coming ages he might show the incomparable riches of his grace, expressed in his kindness to us in Christ Jesus. 8 For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith —and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— 9 not by works, so that no one can boast.
This past week I attended the Blue Ridge Mountain Christian Writers Conference.
As I climbed those hills and stairs to get from one building to another, I felt like an aged person.
But I must not look it.
While standing in line for lunch, I was asked, “Is this your first conference?”
I said, “No, this was my sixth time.”
“Sixth? You don’t look old enough to have attended 6 times.”
Really?
“You look about the age of my daughter. She’s 26.”
I was flattered and thought to myself, my son was born when I was 27 and he’ll be able to vote in the next presidential election.
At the banquet I sat with a fellow UNC-G alumnus. I mentioned that I graduated in the 80’s (late 80’s–I never had big hair, btw). She said she wouldn’t have guessed it.
What makes me seem younger than I am?
Maybe it’s the extra weight that stretches out the wrinkles.
But maybe I seem naive and immature to people.
Is that a good thing?
I would like to portray wisdom that comes with age and experience (But not with wrinkles).
Job 12:12 With the ancient is wisdom; and in length of days understanding.
I don’t want to be thought of as ancient (My son thinks I am. My husband can’t, because we are the same age), but I would love to be known as wise.
My niece called one Saturday morning. “NeeNee, can you come to my house?”
“Why, Baby?”
“The show What Would You Do is having a contest for show ideas.”
As a writer mentoring this miniNee writer I couldn’t refuse. So, I packed up my family(they were more than happy to comply), took a notebook and headed into town where my sister lives.
Sadly, that is my horrible voice behind the camera. Notice my hesitations. I attribute those to dehydration and not old age. But it could be old age.
Anyway . . .
We submitted several ideas online. Sadly, none of ours was chosen. The winners were revealed a week or so ago.
But my sister’s idea should have gotten at least an honorable mention. My son was especially impressed with it.
Here’s her scenario:
A team of mimes are in a restaurant when one of them starts to choke. Would you believe he was really choking? Would you step in to give him/her the Heimlich maneuver even if you weren’t sure?
My favorite “what would you do” scenario was shared thousands of years ago. This is how it goes:
“A man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho, when he fell into the hands of robbers. They stripped him of his clothes, beat him and went away, leaving him half dead. 31 A priest happened to be going down the same road, and when he saw the man, he passed by on the other side. 32 So too, a Levite, when he came to the place and saw him, passed by on the other side. 33 But a Samaritan, as he traveled, came where the man was; and when he saw him, he took pity on him. 34 He went to him and bandaged his wounds, pouring on oil and wine. Then he put the man on his own donkey, took him to an inn and took care of him. 35 The next day he took out two silver coins[e] and gave them to the innkeeper. ‘Look after him,’ he said, ‘and when I return, I will reimburse you for any extra expense you may have.’
36 “Which of these three do you think was a neighbor to the man who fell into the hands of robbers?”
(From Luke Chapter 10: 30-36)
We would have many excuses for not stopping.
- Could have been a drug deal gone bad.
- It was a trap, like the police impersonator trying to lure unsuspecting people into his dangerous lair.
- I’m a female all alone. What could I do to help this man?
- I’m late for Bible study. I don’t have time to help.
- He’s dirty and bleeding. I don’t have my surgical gloves.
What would your excuse be? Would you help? Would you be a good neighbor?
What would you do?
I’m excited to be heading to the Blue Ridge Mountain Christian Writers Conference on Sunday. It is my most anticipated trip each year. Even above the family beach trip which I love.
As I made preparations to attend I read some of the novels written by the conference staff members.
I’m an early morning person which means I go to sleep early. Anything that can keep me up past 10:00 pm must be good.
My Foolish Heart by Susan May Warren kept me up until 1:00 am and I hated myself for allowing a story to steal my sleep(which I desperately need).
If you liked the movies Facing the Giants, You’ve Got Mail and Sleepless in Seattle, you just might like this story.
Two broken people face their giants while they participate in a radio talk show and prepare for the big game.
Yes, there’s football action.
Put A Ruffle On It 
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