Into the Fire

Fantasyland?

March 15, 2012



It's no secret I'm not a fan of the fantasy genre. Period. I can't sit through the Lord of the Rings films, and I've only watched the first in the Narnia movies all the way to the finish. Believe me when I say I can appreciate the talent involved in both writing the imaginative tales and constructing the elaborate films filled with magnificent special effects, but . . . I'm not into any of it. I can do science fiction before I can do fantasy, and sci-fi is definitely not my favorite.

My cyber-friend Rebecca Luella Miller has done her level best to convince me that I'm missing out on some wonderful literature by refusing to indulge the fantasy genre. The platform it presents for the universal good v. evil conflict is epic and allows for the creative genius of many to develop multiple scenarios to point to spiritual truths (among other things) in the demonstration of this ever present war. I know she shakes her head when I staunchly decline to budge on my views. Fantasy does not appeal to me. Not even remotely. Ranks right up there with Amish fiction in the least desirable category. Truth is I'd read an Amish novel before I'd read a fantasy novel.



This aversion does not apply to supernatural suspense. As long as the author doesn't veer too far away from the biblical perspective of the spiritual warfare we all face, bring it. Do it well and I'm so there. Why? Because it isn't fantasy. It's bona fide real. And contemporary. And ancient. And critical. And easily incorporated into stories of ordinary or extraordinary people, not made up creatures living similar to humanity with the same objectives, good or bad.

So. There you have it. Fantasy lovers, feel free to engage. However, you won't change my mind. Sorry.

Father, I know you spark the imaginations of your people in many ways. I guess I'm earthly and heavenly and nothing in between. Thank you for loving us all. In the Name of Jesus, Amen.
All that “stuff” . . .

March 14, 2012

Novels. Wow. Good ones, bad ones, mediocre ones. Readers and writers.

The best, the worst, those we forget. Characters we love and characters we love to hate. Fast-paced, slow meandering. Familiar places. Faraway lands. Back in time. Contemporary. Futuristic. Fantasyland.

Those who brand their work and those who refuse to be categorized.

First person. Second. Third and close third person. Omniscient. Points of view.

Rules and rule-breakers. Voice. Style. Cadence.

Category. Unique form. Breakaway looks.

Instruction books. Classes at conferences. Writing blogs and websites. Mentors. Teachers.

Agents, editors, publishers, copy-editors, proofreaders, marketers, publicists, networking.

Authors . . .

Father, help me to write what you planned for me. In the Name of Jesus, Amen.
Daylight Saving Time

March 13, 2012

Amen to that.

God, we're just so strange sometimes. Please have mercy on us, Lord. In the Name of Jesus, Amen.
Presence . . .

March 12, 2012

Say what you will for personal actor preferences. Whether or not you think an actor is talented, attractive, perfect for action roles or dynamite cast as villains, the one thing that separates an actor's performance from ordinary is "presence". I don't believe it can be manufactured or conjured. You either possess it in a role or you don't. Kevin Kostner has performed in some great films and some pathetic films, and you might or might not think he's a good actor. In The Bodyguard, Kevin Kostner achieved a screen presence unlike any other film in which he's acted. Stunning, understated, stoic, and passionate in his silence, few opportunities give actors the chance to demonstrate this kind of presence. He pulled it off in spades.

So. Can there be "presence" created in a novel? Can a writer give readers such a lasting impression of a character that the character sticks with them above so many others. Can that character be retrieved from memory at any time and enjoyed – or hated – all over again? If you ask me, the answer is yes for both hated and loved, admired, or any other emotion reserved for those who touch our souls. And we store them for reminders of meaningful writing that hold a lasting place in our minds and hearts.

Mitch Rapp, Lance Michelli, Joey Parr to name three of my character favorites . . . with presence.

God, your Presence is the most desired and wow-ing of all. I long for it. In the Name of Jesus, Amen.

*http://www.bing.com/images/search?q=Pictures+of+Kevin+Kostner+in+The+Bodyguard&view=detail&id=92A32693BBB5A3CC1FDDA40DC07A6FFD08E5CD17&first=0&qpvt=Pictures+of+Kevin+Kostner+in+The+Bodyguard&FORM=O1HV
Committing an . . . Act of Valor

March 11, 2012

I'm not a war movie kind of girl, but I am a patriot. I saw "BLACK HAWK DOWN" because I knew it was based on a tragic and shameful real life incident. When I watched the preview of "ACT OF VALOR" and learned the history behind the making of the film, I knew I had to see it. Friday was the day.

Most of you probably know that real Navy SEALs play the "roles" of Navy SEALs. There was some criticism from the Hollowood – er – Hollywood leftwingers that the "acting" and dialogue was stilted on their parts and supposedly based on that opinion some of them gave the film one star. The reason actors and stunt men weren't used is because there weren't qualified people who could do what these men do. "Damn few." The significance of that phrase is made clear in the film. Live ammo was often used throughout filming, and some of you might know the entire movie was filmed with a $3000 camera.

The story is about what this nation faces on a daily basis: Islamic terrorism with players from all over the world. A female CIA operative/doctor is captured by a Russian arms smuggler who provides weapons and a unique bombing device for his childhood friend who has become a jihadist planning multiple attacks within the United States. The operative is brutally beaten and tortured for information. It is up to the SEAL Team 7 to extract her. In the process they discover just how big this specific terror network is and how the plan is supposed to go down. Their mission is expanded to stop the attacks on US soil.

If in watching this movie you are not moved to admiration, respect, appreciation, gratitude, and sorrow, something is seriously wrong with your heart. These amazing individuals, these warriors, who put country first, risk it all, and truly sacrifice, deserve the honors that performing acts of valor inspire. Soldiers fight to protect this country. Special Forces go all over the earth to keep evil people from taking down this blessed nation and perpetuating evil wherever they can.

The gut-wrenching final scene hurts to the core but emphasizes exactly what the film's title means. Go see it if you haven't because it's worth every penny of the price of admission. A must-see movie. Edge of your seat, heart-stressing, adrenaline pumping film. Rated R for violence and some language. I say it's rated R for REAL.

*Poster: http://www.movieweb.com/news/act-of-valor-poster

God, you are everywhere always. You know the hearts of men. I pray these brave and gifted mighty-men would know you above all others and that you would give them your insights and divine protection. Please bless them with the knowledge of your Son and the peace of your eternity. In the Name of Jesus, Amen.
Sunday’s Offerings

March 10, 2012

Since everything will be destroyed in this way, what kind of people ought you to be? You ought to live holy and godly lives as you look forward to the day of God and speed its coming. That day will bring about the destruction of the heavens by fire, and the elements will melt in the heat. But in keeping with his promise we are looking forward to a new heaven and a new earth, the home of righteousness.

So then, dear friends, since you are looking forward to this, make every effort to be found spotless, blameless and at peace with him.

2 Peter 3:11-14 (NIV)
****Political Update****

March 9, 2012

Scribecast: Sen. James Inhofe Says Global Warming Is ‘The Greatest Hoax’

Rob Bluey and Lachlan Markay

March 3, 2012 at 10:08 am

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In a new book out this week, Sen. James Inhofe (R-OK) traces the history of global warming hysteria and concludes it’s a downright hoax. He also reveals how climate-change champions are benefiting financially by promoting the idea.

Inhofe’s book, “The Greatest Hoax: How the Global Warming Conspiracy Threatens Your Future,” is sure to inspire heated debate on the controversial subject of climate change. As the ranking member on the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee, Inhofe has been at the center of that debate for the past 10 years.

He’ll visit Heritage on March 14 for a detailed presentation that examines why global warming is a hoax. (Click to RSVP.) We spoke to him this week about the book as well as his views on rising gas prices and energy policy.

Listen to the interview with Sen. James Inhofe on this week’s Scribecast

Download

Inhofe recounted that when he first began to question conventional wisdom about global warming his phone rang off the hook as scientists complained their work was rejected because it didn’t fit with environmentalists’ preconceived conclusions about the issue.

Ten years later, Inhofe is still an outspoken critic. Today he warns that Americans are facing costly new regulations from Washington. “The regulations that come with this are much more punitive to my kids and grandkids,” he told us.

The podcast runs about 12 minutes. It was produced with the help of Hannah Sternberg. Listen to previous interviews on Scribecast or subscribe to future episodes.

Posted in Energy and Environment, Scribe

**Reprinted from The Foundry

God in heaven, we are so desperate for you. In the Name of Jesus, Amen.
Friday Five

March 8, 2012

Five of the stranger things I've done in my life:

Rode in the back of a State Patrol car without being a criminal. I needed a ride from one town to another, and that's how I got it.

Interviewed for my job at the racetrack in high heels and a mini dress.

Went to London to meet David Hemmings (British actor). Called his manager and got in to see him. David Hemmings was in the USA getting married. His manager Nigel invited me and my friend to a party, and we went. On the last day of our nearly three month sojourn to Europe, I got to see David Hemmings who greeted me with a "Good morning".

Danced on a table in a bowling alley lounge on a dare.

Bought those black calf-leather boots that went all the way up. Loved those boots.

As you might have figured out, these incidents were all before I met the Lord Jesus Christ. It's so good to know He loved and loves me anyway.
Just a few . . .

March 7, 2012

A few of the novels I'm looking forward to reading soon . . .













Father, thank you for your writers. What a pleasure to share in their talents. Please continue to bless them with more stories to tell and the means to do just that in obedience to you. In the Name of Jesus, Amen.
Titles of Novels

March 6, 2012

Titles rate high in my book, pun intended. A clever title says a lot about an author. Or does it?

The publishing machine often changes the titles authors give to their novels. Unless we have inside knowledge of a particular work, we don't know if the book dons its original title. I like my titles, and I'm sure other authors favor their own selections. Sometimes I see the title before the story or sometimes it works its way to the surface through the words of the story as it develops, fairly quickly. However, the story I'm working on now is halfway finished and it has no title. Shocking. For me.

How do you feel about titles? Do you get yours before, during, or after you've written your story? How would you feel about someone wanting to change it?

Father, you have many titles. All noble, powerful, indicative of superlatives and perfection and ultimate beauty in the purest form. Titles are important to you as well. In the Name of Jesus, Amen.