Writing From Home

I Am Not Afraid

I am often asked if I am afraid. I should be after sending my firstborn off to Africa where so many bad things can happen. Well, I’m not afraid of all those bad things. I’m not naïve, I’ve read the news and perused the web. I know a lot can happen. A lot can go wrong. But I’m not afraid.

I’m not afraid like that anyway.

This is what I’m afraid of.

See all those adorable children? They frighten me.

My biggest fear for Gabby in Uganda is that she will fall head-over-heels in love with those little darlings and make Africa her home. And that will mean I will miss her. Like I do now. Only for a really, really long time.

So, I appreciate your concern and am grateful for your prayers. Keep them coming. If God chooses to keep Gabby in Africa, I am afraid I will have to get over some serious selfishness.

Gratefully,

Beth

Mount Hermon Christian Writers Conference Brain Drain

Attending Mount Hermon Christian Writers Conference is like drinking from a fire hose. My mind is swimming in a whirl of post-conference thoughts.

For five glorious days, I learned fiction writing from Davis Bunn.  I took workshops taught by wonderful authors like Barbara Curtis, BJ Taylor, Brandilyn Collins, and many others whose names don’t start with B. I met agents and editors who are very intimidating by reputation, but very personable and encouraging face to face. Bill Butterworth taught every night. I laughed, I cried, it moved me!

I met several of my “virtual” friends from blogs, Facebook and Twitter. I enjoyed getting to know Mary Hampton, MelodeeMelodee (I never did learn her last name), Cheryl Ricker, Cheri Williams, Jan Kern, Tricia Goyer and Sharon Souza. It turns out they are all real people. And really terrific people.

Prayer was an important element in this year’s conference for me. I prayed with the Inspire writers constantly, even with one who didn’t come. We kept in touch by phone. I know the other members of Inspire were also praying for us.

I pitched my grief devotional book and received some very helpful feedback from one agent. She told me my writing was too safe and I need to put more of myself on the page. And you know, I did not take her words personally or feel defensive. I actually appreciated her comments and told her so. For those of you who know me well, you know this shows some growth on my part. So I will re-work the manuscript until it is permeated with my blood and re-submit it.

I also pitched a novel that I recently started writing and received a very favorable response from another agent. She wants to see the project when half the chapters are completed.

So, I have my marching orders. I will be a busy writer for the foreseeable future.

I’ll keep you posted.

Gratefully,

Beth

 

I’m Going to Mount Hermon Christian Writers Conference

Very early tomorrow morning, I will be heading to Mount Hermon Christian Writers Conference with a group of writers from Inspire. I am so excited that I doubt I'll sleep much tonight.

Why am I so excited?

• Well, Mount Hermon is a gorgeous place, located a short drive from Santa Cruz and some beautiful Northern California beaches.

   

• I love spending time with Christian writers. These are my people. Really. Something amazing happens when a group of people who love Jesus and love to write come together to worship God, seek his will and improve their craft.

   

• I get to travel with several of the Inspire Christian Writers! We will be praying for and with each other throughout the conference.

   

• I can't wait to meet several online friends (from Facebook, Twitter, and ShoutLife) and connect with them in real life.

   

• I get to spend five days alone with Jesus. (As alone as I can be with hundreds of other writers.) Every time I attend a Christian writer's conference Jesus shows up. He speaks to me and gives me direction, affirmation and lots of love. I need that.

   

• The classes and workshops and keynote addresses are always fantastic. I learn and grow and am stretched in ways I never imagined each time I attend.

   

• And I'll be meeting with agents and editors to pitch my books.

So, now I'm off to bed to try and sleep. My next post will be from Mount Hermon.

Gratefully,

Beth

PS: Thanks to those of you who are praying for me, Dee, Joanne, Lori, Chris and Kelli. We really appreciate it!

Rex Babin's Interpretation of 'Miracle on the Hudson'

This was posted in the Sacramento Bee. Thanks to Sandy B. who sent it to me. I knew you would enjoy it, too!

Gratefully,

Beth

Win Two Tickets to the Inauguration

Hey bloggy friends, here's our chance to attend the inauguration:

The Presidential Inaugural Committee is hosting a 200-word essay contest (with a minimum $5 donation). Ten winners will receive a pair of tickets to the inauguration, transportation and hotel accommodations. More details are available here.

Will you enter the competition?

 

Happy New Year!

Beth

Our Bethlehem Experience in Sacramento

Over the weekend, our family enjoyed a journey through historic Bethlehem at the time of Jesus' birth.

We entered the village and were required to register for the census. The authorities handed each of us a single coin as proof of our compliance with the registration orders. If we failed to present the coin to the Roman Centurions, we would be thrown in jail. Yikes!

In the marketplace we discovered ancient methods of spinning wool, forming pottery and making candles. We smelled Frankincense and Myrrh and found our dear friend Sue Tornai at the well, satisfying the thirst of travelers seeking a Savior (Isn't that just like her?!)

We came face to face with The Wise Men. They gave us gold pieces to present to the newborn King. They pointed us to the bright star in the East and assured us it would lead to the blessed One.

 

Well, we followed the star…it lead through the village, past the Innkeeper who let us know—in no uncertain terms—that he had no room for us. We encountered several Roman Centurions. They were quite frightening, but as soon as we showed our proof of registration in the census, they let us pass. Others were not so fortunate.

We continued our journey and were led by the great star to a humble stable where we met a young couple, Joseph and Mary, and their newborn Son, Jesus.

Just when we thought our joy was complete, we heard the sound of the Heavenly Hosts singing "Glory to God in the Highest!"

Thanks to Sue for inviting us to this wonderful event. In Bethlehem Village, we watched history come alive. We connected to Jesus' birth in a new and special way and grew in our understanding of what that time must have been like.

 

If you have not experienced Bethlehem Village at Sunrise Community Church, make a note to go next year. It's on my calendar, too.

I would love to hear how you are keeping the birth of our Savior in your heart this Christmas season.

Gratefully,

Beth