Using Descriptive Words

When you're writing a scene, there are two BIG mistakes you can make with describing stuff.

ONE - You don't describe ANYTHING outside of dialogue. If you fail to describe anything from the setting, it will seem to your reader like your characters are acting against a blank wall.

Mistake TWO - You describe WAY TOO MUCH! If you describe the clock ticking on the wall, the breaking china, the screeching cars outside, the phone ringing, the blaring music and the noise from the other customers, your reader will miss the fact that your main character is trying to ask his friends for help in solving a murder mystery.

So balance what you describe in your writing. Take advantage of describing touch, taste, hearing, taste, and smell. Just make sure you don't describe all of them in one scene!

In Case You're Wondering . . .

  So, I know that some of you ordered Mission of a Lifetime and haven't received it yet. DON'T panic!!!! The reason it hasn't arrived yet, is because the publishing house is having some issues with the printer. It should be up and running soon, and your books should be shipped to you soon.

A Good Character

In REAL life and in fiction, this quote is true!

Act it out!

      When you're stuck with writer's block, don't be afraid to step away from your paper and pen (or computer screen, as the case may be) and act out a scene! I often do this when I'm trying to figure out if a scene is realistic. One time, I had one of my sisters tie a friend of mine, and me up. Then we proceeded to try to untie each other with our teeth! So acting out a scene may be the thing that gets your story moving again! (DISCLAIMER - Don't act out dangerous scenes! Like falling off a cliff, or fighting a bear!;):))

DRUM ROLL PLEASE . . .

    MISSION OF A LIFETIME was officially released on July 1st!!!!!!
         Paperback copies are available for purchase from Amazon, and digital copies are available from Barnes and Nobles, CBD, and Amazon!!!! With me being at camp, I haven't had much time on the internet, so I apologize for announcing this so late!!!! I would love to hear what you think of the book, and when I get home, I plan on doing some book signings. If you have any questions or comments, I'd LOVE to hear from you!!!!

Happy Independence Day!!!

I hope you enjoy your time with friends and family these next few days. Don't forget that Liberty and Freedom come from God!!!!

Quote

 "We cannot help everyone, but everyone can help someone." - Ronald Reagan

Are you doing something to day to help someone else? Look around for an opportunity to make someone's day brighter! 

Mission of a Lifetime Release Date is Coming!!!!!!!

MISSION OF A LIFETIME'S official book release date is only ONE WEEK AWAY!!!!!!

Pictures from CAMP!!!!

I don't want this post to detract from my Father's Day post, but since I only have internet on the weekends, I have to use the time I have. It's been a GREAT summer so far! We haven't had the camera with us a lot, and Hosanna and I are often working on TOTALLY different things, so I apologize that I don't have more 'Exciting' pictures'! Hopefully I'll be able to get more later this summer!

The camp is beautiful and every morning when I look across Camp Lake, I think . . . "I could spend the rest of my life doing this." It's been WAY more challenging than I thought it would be, but I've been driven to my knees in prayer and God has been teaching me so much!

I was trained in on belaying at the climbing wall which I REALLY enjoy! There are five walls to climb here at camp going from this wall, (the simplest) to some VERY hard ones!

Do I look like I'm having fun or what? Did you notice my Northland Camp t-shirt? I'm totally EXCITED to be here and would LOVE to have you come join me here!!!

This picture doesn't show how tall the wall is, but it gets the point across that Hosanna climbed the wall. Since I took the picture, I didn't belay for her, but I had fun watching her!

Since I only get internet on the weekend, I always have lots of e-mails to catch up with! By the way, I've REALLY enjoyed all the e-mails and letters I've gotten from you all!!!! I apologize if I don't respond as soon as I should, but know that I do REALLY appreciate them! 

This is Hosanna taking advantage of the weekend to play some relaxing games!

An AWESOME game of round robin!

Hosanna had the privilege of sharing the Hudson Taylor story in the Jr. class!

Hosanna is also playing accordion for one of the "FUNNY TIME" songs!!!! So yes, we are having a LOT OF FUN!!!! THANK YOU, Dad, for driving us out here!!!

Also, the release date for MISSION OF A LIFETIME is coming up in just 12 days!!!!!!!! If you haven't watched the book trailer yet, be sure to do so! 

Also, Brett Harris, co-author of DO HARD THINGS, put together a writer's guide for young writers with advice from 20 young and published authors! I had the privilege of being one of them! Be sure to check out this guide on the YOUNG WRITER'S PAGE!

Memories With Dad!

  THANK YOU, Dad for all of the AWESOME memories, and for being the BEST DAD EVER!!!!