Into the Fire

One of the best and most fun things I do in writing stories is create characters. It seems characters or titles come to my thoughts first before the actual stories develop. It can be different for every author, but I've learned we sometimes share similar impetus and practical action when writing stories. For me, hands down, I love creating characters and finding the perfect title for the book. Following those two items, I want to make the dialogue authentic for each character and circumstance. Challenging as that can be, it brings me immense pleasure to nail it down as the story moves.

The thrill and challenge is to make characters that stick with the reader beyond the final words of the novel. For me, characters like Raleigh Harmon (created by Sibella Giorello), Will (created by Chris Fabry in Dogwood), and the ultra amazing Mitch Rapp (created by Vince Flynn) are the cream of the crop in my reading world. Many others resonate and have been done well, but off the top of my list these three are truly outstanding for different reasons.

Of mine, I'd like to think that Joey Parr (The Famous One) was memorable. I loved him. I'm particularly attached to my male protagonists. I'm not sure what that says about me. One of my favorite female characters was the fiery old widow ("Grams") in Destination.

What do you enjoy most about novels and who are your favorite characters?

Father, apart from you, I can do nothing. Thank you for each character, word, and inspiration. Thank you is never enough. In the Name of Jesus, Amen.   

So. Running out of commercials so how about a dash of gardens? Most of us are still in winter-mode as we wait for the new life in springtime. I'm sure you can find some lovely examples of flowers you enjoy in this picture. Gorgeous, is it not? 

Father, your magnificent creation exemplifies the meaning of allowing us to see what is and to come to the logical conclusion that men are without excuse when identifying who is the Artist and giver of Life. Thank you for beauty and your unmatchable creativity. In the Name of Jesus, Amen.

Supposedly the entire 60s were the times for "loving". However, what was captured in that generation in which I grew up was anything but real "love". It was a time for "drugs, sex, rock 'n' roll" more than anything else while the Viet Nam war raged and protests were rampant on college campuses, kids were drafted and gave their lives in a war they weren't allowed to win, songs were sung to honor marijuana and lust, and the "Jesus freaks" movement began. A time of amazing musicians and vocalists, groups and sounds, from across the pond and American-made music, truly an awakening in musical history, development, and talent. 

God, you were there and knew us all, where our hearts were focused. You called, you persevered, you were so unbelievably patient, and you rescued many of us who finally came to the end of ourselves and realized we looked in all the wrong places for Truth and a reason to live with purpose. Thank you is never enough. Am and have always been desperate for you. In the Name of Jesus, Amen.

Nothing new for many of you, but we've got snow which is new for us along with freezing temperatures out here in the country and over the general area. Think I'll be staying home today. (This isn't a picture of our area – I just thought it was pretty.)

Father, all beauty is of you and belongs to you. Thank you for it. In the Name of Jesus, Amen.

". . . Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away." 

Matthew 24:35 (NIV)

Five of my favorite flowers:

Gardenia

Rose

Dahlia

Gladiola

Petunia

Father, your creativity and beauty is endless, the ultimate. Thank you is never enough. In the Name of Jesus, Amen.

Originally posted on June 9th, 2008, under "The Dead Do Fall in Deadfall". (Deadfall by Robert Liparulo)

Robert Liparulo tackles a different kind of story in his latest release Deadfall. For those of you who have read either or both Comes A Horseman and Germ, this new novel moves along more methodically than those previous stories, although the pace escalates toward the end. The fascinating concept involves a diabolical antagonist who leads a contingent of mismatched youth into a tiny, isolated Northwest Territory town.

This particular book is an ideal choice for those of you who are shopping to find a novel for a man’s man. An unanticipated life and death survival game against insurmountable odds and an unimaginable foe confronts four friends the following morning after they are deposited into the remote wilderness by helicopter for a two week hunting and fishing expedition.

Death and mayhem, capture and imprisonment, and sophisticated weaponry with a ruthless killer at the command of teenagers, most of whom are eager to obey his lust for destruction, propel the reader into a surreal experience of terror and intimidation.

If you're a fan of Robert’s writing, you'll enjoy how he drives this story. It is vintage Liparulo in expression and content. I can’t say more without revealing too much, so all I can say is, “Liparulo fans, this one’s a little different, but you won’t be disappointed.”

Father, thank you for gifting Robert in both writing skills and gentility. Continue to provide him with all that you have for him and watch over him. Bless him with your wisdom and insight. In the Name of Jesus, Amen.

Remember this one? What can I say? This has to be one of my all-time favorites.

                 HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY

Father, you created the definition of romance. You are love. Your Truth will always prevail. Thank you for it. In the Name of Jesus, Amen.

Goin' back a few years and just before Valentine's Day. Remember writing letters? And S.W.A.K.?

Father, you are Love. You wrote the book on love and everything else to do with it. Help us to love deeply like you do. In the Name of Jesus, Amen.

I've kind of set aside Mondays for book reviews. Not today. I probably won't review the novel I'm currently reading. Not terribly fond of the heroine or the writing. The mystery is adequate but the characters don't make it compelling. The author has decided she doesn't need apostrophes, and that hangs me up every time I come across the acceptable need for one. However, I've invested enough time and effort into the book to see how it ends and if the writing changes to make the story more likable. 

Readers/writers, I'm sure you know the feeling. I'm surprised I kept going, but right now it is what it is and I intend to finish it – I think. 

Happy Monday to you.

Father, please bless those of us who write stories and intend to honor and obey you as we do. We can't please every reader, but our goal is to please you. Give us the stamina, determination, and creativity we need to complete our assigned tasks. In the Name of Jesus, Amen.