Friday, March 12, 2004
Since we're planning the Big Migration to South Florida, I've had questions from friends and family members (as an aside, why are they family members but we do not have friendly members? Can anyone explain this to me? E-mail me at sandilayne@sandilayne.com.)
Where was I? Oh yes. So, I've been inundated with worried looks, notes, and e-mails inquiring after my personal hurricane preparedness.
Now, I've survived earthquakes, sandstorms, monsoon seasons, and even a walk through a dark parking lot at night, but I've never been in a hurricane. So, my source of all knowledge and wisdom has thoughtfully had a guide all prepared, since 2001.
Read it and, ah, be prepared to make a quick dash to the bathroom to check your toilet.
Where was I? Oh yes. So, I've been inundated with worried looks, notes, and e-mails inquiring after my personal hurricane preparedness.
Now, I've survived earthquakes, sandstorms, monsoon seasons, and even a walk through a dark parking lot at night, but I've never been in a hurricane. So, my source of all knowledge and wisdom has thoughtfully had a guide all prepared, since 2001.
Read it and, ah, be prepared to make a quick dash to the bathroom to check your toilet.
Monday, November 24, 2003
The reason for our celebration at Christmas
I got this story from my friend The Journalist and thought I'd share it with the blog.
* * *
This morning I heard a story on the radio of a woman who was out
Christmas shopping with her two children; after many hours of looking at row after row of toys and everything else imaginable, and after hours of hearing both her children asking for everything they saw on those many shelves, she finally made it to the elevator with her two kids.
She was feeling what so many of us feel during the holiday season time of the year---overwhelming pressure to go to every party, every housewarming, taste all the holiday food and treats, get that perfect gift for every single person on our shopping list, make sure we don't forget anyone on our card list, and the pressure of making sure we respond to everyone who sent us a card.
Finally the elevator doors opened and there was already a crowd in the car. She pushed her way into the car and dragged her two kids in with her and all the bags of stuff. When the doors closed she couldn't take it anymore and stated, "Whoever started this whole Christmas thing should be found, strung up and shot."
From the back of the car everyone heard a quiet, calm voice respond, "Don't worry. We already crucified him."
For the rest of the trip down the elevator it was so quiet you could have heard a pin drop.
Don't forget this year to keep the One who started this whole Christmas thing in your every thought, deed, purchase, and word. If we all did it, just think of how different this whole world would be.
I got this story from my friend The Journalist and thought I'd share it with the blog.
* * *
This morning I heard a story on the radio of a woman who was out
Christmas shopping with her two children; after many hours of looking at row after row of toys and everything else imaginable, and after hours of hearing both her children asking for everything they saw on those many shelves, she finally made it to the elevator with her two kids.
She was feeling what so many of us feel during the holiday season time of the year---overwhelming pressure to go to every party, every housewarming, taste all the holiday food and treats, get that perfect gift for every single person on our shopping list, make sure we don't forget anyone on our card list, and the pressure of making sure we respond to everyone who sent us a card.
Finally the elevator doors opened and there was already a crowd in the car. She pushed her way into the car and dragged her two kids in with her and all the bags of stuff. When the doors closed she couldn't take it anymore and stated, "Whoever started this whole Christmas thing should be found, strung up and shot."
From the back of the car everyone heard a quiet, calm voice respond, "Don't worry. We already crucified him."
For the rest of the trip down the elevator it was so quiet you could have heard a pin drop.
Don't forget this year to keep the One who started this whole Christmas thing in your every thought, deed, purchase, and word. If we all did it, just think of how different this whole world would be.
Sunday, November 02, 2003
I'm Reading...
Techniques of the Selling Writer by Dwight V. Swain. I've always heard, you should never judge a book by its cover. I've also learned that sometimes you should never even judge a book by its title. I did both and missed reading this book when I should have read it a long time ago. Do not, I repeat, do not let the tacky $ on the cover and the seemingly money-minded title deter you from purchasing one of the greatest practical guides to writing fiction.
This book kept popping up as a must-read during the last couple of months in few writing forums I've been reading. I kept hearing positive reviews for this book from writers I respect. So I made the plunge and bought the book. After the first chapter, I knew I deprived myself from some of the best writing advice in print. In fact, I'd have to say that this is the best fiction writing advice I've read in a long time. And this book has 1965 publishing date! I've been in the dark a long time concerning this book.
The author, Dwight Swain, knows his stuff and covers plot, characters, dialogue, setting, scenes and much more. But he doesn't skim over the topics. This writer makes you think and doesn't ask you to do exercises to prove to yourself that you're a writer. After the first read through this book I simply went back to chapter one and have started a second reading.
The material is dense and deserves much re-reading.
Bottom line? Buy this one if you're a fiction writer. It's not one of those read it once and you're done with it books. Rather it's the kind of book you may find yourself reading again and again to completely grasp all the good down-to-earth writerly advice. This one belongs on every fiction writer's shelf despite the cover and the title.
Techniques of the Selling Writer by Dwight V. Swain. I've always heard, you should never judge a book by its cover. I've also learned that sometimes you should never even judge a book by its title. I did both and missed reading this book when I should have read it a long time ago. Do not, I repeat, do not let the tacky $ on the cover and the seemingly money-minded title deter you from purchasing one of the greatest practical guides to writing fiction.
This book kept popping up as a must-read during the last couple of months in few writing forums I've been reading. I kept hearing positive reviews for this book from writers I respect. So I made the plunge and bought the book. After the first chapter, I knew I deprived myself from some of the best writing advice in print. In fact, I'd have to say that this is the best fiction writing advice I've read in a long time. And this book has 1965 publishing date! I've been in the dark a long time concerning this book.
The author, Dwight Swain, knows his stuff and covers plot, characters, dialogue, setting, scenes and much more. But he doesn't skim over the topics. This writer makes you think and doesn't ask you to do exercises to prove to yourself that you're a writer. After the first read through this book I simply went back to chapter one and have started a second reading.
The material is dense and deserves much re-reading.
Bottom line? Buy this one if you're a fiction writer. It's not one of those read it once and you're done with it books. Rather it's the kind of book you may find yourself reading again and again to completely grasp all the good down-to-earth writerly advice. This one belongs on every fiction writer's shelf despite the cover and the title.
Friday, October 03, 2003
I'm Reading...
East of Eden (Oprah's Book Club) One of my favorite writers is John Steinbeck but I've never read East of Eden until now. I stayed away from this book because I vaguely knew the plot was about a prostitute and her sons. However, the book is much more than that. In fact, Steinbeck wrote the book as sort of a family history living in the Salinas, California area.
After reading this book I'm ready to declare that this is my favorite Steinbeck novel despite some of the occasional profanity. This book, above many other books I've read, describes the classic struggle of good and evil that goes on in men's hearts and minds. I found Steinbeck's observation of human nature quite incredible. Here's an example:
And once a boy (Cal) has suffered rejection, he will find rejection even where it does not exist---or, worse, will draw it forth from people simply by expecting it. In Cal the process had been so and so slow that he felt no strangeness. He had built a wall of self-suffiency around himself, strong enough to defend himself against the world.
There are many other descriptions by Steinbeck in this book of the human struggle with the impulses of good and evil. The characters in this volume are rich and layered with deep emotions. And the ending of this novel is compatible with any Christian view.
I can highly recommend reading East of Eden (Oprah's Book Club) if you can tolerate a few occasions of profanity. This is one book I plan on reading and rereading for a study in developing characters. My only regret? I've finally read a book Oprah recommends.
Aloha, Glenn
East of Eden (Oprah's Book Club) One of my favorite writers is John Steinbeck but I've never read East of Eden until now. I stayed away from this book because I vaguely knew the plot was about a prostitute and her sons. However, the book is much more than that. In fact, Steinbeck wrote the book as sort of a family history living in the Salinas, California area.
After reading this book I'm ready to declare that this is my favorite Steinbeck novel despite some of the occasional profanity. This book, above many other books I've read, describes the classic struggle of good and evil that goes on in men's hearts and minds. I found Steinbeck's observation of human nature quite incredible. Here's an example:
And once a boy (Cal) has suffered rejection, he will find rejection even where it does not exist---or, worse, will draw it forth from people simply by expecting it. In Cal the process had been so and so slow that he felt no strangeness. He had built a wall of self-suffiency around himself, strong enough to defend himself against the world.
There are many other descriptions by Steinbeck in this book of the human struggle with the impulses of good and evil. The characters in this volume are rich and layered with deep emotions. And the ending of this novel is compatible with any Christian view.
I can highly recommend reading East of Eden (Oprah's Book Club) if you can tolerate a few occasions of profanity. This is one book I plan on reading and rereading for a study in developing characters. My only regret? I've finally read a book Oprah recommends.
Aloha, Glenn
Wednesday, October 01, 2003
I'm reading...
The book of Romans!
God is so amazing! I've started a new Bible reading experience and today something just spoke to me so I thought I'd jot it down here.
In the family of Christ, there are some people who believe that God has abandoned his people, Israel. But how could he have done so? His own son was born to Israel, and God promised he would always love them, though they are a stubborn and stiff-necked people.
So I'm reading in Romans today and this passage resonated in me: Romans 11:17-24
Basically, this is telling the reader that Israel is the Lord's cultivated olive tree and the Gentiles are like a wild olive tree. Some branches of the cultivated tree were cut off and some from the wild tree were grafted in.
But Paul warns the grafted-in branches not to think of themselves as being better than the rest of the tree. It is the ROOT that supports the BRANCH, not the other way around. By grace, the Gardener grafted in the branches, not because the branches deserved grafting.
Be afraid, Paul says to the arrogant branch. For if God would cut off branches of this tree that were a natural part of it, he can cut off branches he grafted in, as well.
Finally, Paul shows God's love in reminding the cut-off branches that they will be grafted in again if they do not persist in their unbelief.
I just thought this was cool. God's neverending love for a stubborn people is encouraging because I, too, am stubborn and I know he loves me anyway.
Praise the Lord for his faithfulness!
~~Sandi~~
The book of Romans!
God is so amazing! I've started a new Bible reading experience and today something just spoke to me so I thought I'd jot it down here.
In the family of Christ, there are some people who believe that God has abandoned his people, Israel. But how could he have done so? His own son was born to Israel, and God promised he would always love them, though they are a stubborn and stiff-necked people.
So I'm reading in Romans today and this passage resonated in me: Romans 11:17-24
Basically, this is telling the reader that Israel is the Lord's cultivated olive tree and the Gentiles are like a wild olive tree. Some branches of the cultivated tree were cut off and some from the wild tree were grafted in.
But Paul warns the grafted-in branches not to think of themselves as being better than the rest of the tree. It is the ROOT that supports the BRANCH, not the other way around. By grace, the Gardener grafted in the branches, not because the branches deserved grafting.
Be afraid, Paul says to the arrogant branch. For if God would cut off branches of this tree that were a natural part of it, he can cut off branches he grafted in, as well.
Finally, Paul shows God's love in reminding the cut-off branches that they will be grafted in again if they do not persist in their unbelief.
I just thought this was cool. God's neverending love for a stubborn people is encouraging because I, too, am stubborn and I know he loves me anyway.
Praise the Lord for his faithfulness!
~~Sandi~~
Wednesday, September 24, 2003
WTI Editorial from the Archives
Here's a past WTI editorial for the fall season dated Oct. 25, 2002.
WHAT HARVEST?
By Glenn White
Fall is here! It’s harvest time! Unless you’re a writer like most of us. Harvest? What harvest? You can’t even think about the harvest. You’re busy plowing through line after line, page after page, and chapter after chapter. Sunday comes, you go to church, and the sermon is about sowing, reaping, and the harvest. The message is encouraging as you sit in your quiet padded perch. Then you sing the doxology or a rousing worship song and go home.
As soon as you hit the door, the kids are hungry, the house is a mess, and you want to write. Harvest? You bet! You really have a harvest…a bumper crop of screaming kids and household chores before you can even think about writing. You flop down on the couch at 11pm. You’re exhausted and haven’t written a single word.
Yeah, the writer’s life is wonderful. Or so you thought. You find out that sowing, reaping, and harvesting are not the norm for most writers. You realize the writer’s life is a plowing life. So you write, rewrite, edit, revise and plow through page after page. Just when you think you’re done you notice the lumps and clods in your story. So, you plow some more. You take a deep breath, look again, and notice rocks and weeds. So, you plow through your story when you’re not plowing through piles of dirty clothes.
Then you struggle with unrealistic ideas about the writer’s life. Sometimes, you think publishers will grab your hard work, sow it to the world, and there will be a great harvest. You know it’s a wonderful goal but you also know writing is more about putting your hand to the plow every day. So you plow, you don’t look back and suddenly realize you really can leave the harvest to God. That's when you know you know that you're a fit writer for the kingdom of God.
Here's a past WTI editorial for the fall season dated Oct. 25, 2002.
WHAT HARVEST?
By Glenn White
Fall is here! It’s harvest time! Unless you’re a writer like most of us. Harvest? What harvest? You can’t even think about the harvest. You’re busy plowing through line after line, page after page, and chapter after chapter. Sunday comes, you go to church, and the sermon is about sowing, reaping, and the harvest. The message is encouraging as you sit in your quiet padded perch. Then you sing the doxology or a rousing worship song and go home.
As soon as you hit the door, the kids are hungry, the house is a mess, and you want to write. Harvest? You bet! You really have a harvest…a bumper crop of screaming kids and household chores before you can even think about writing. You flop down on the couch at 11pm. You’re exhausted and haven’t written a single word.
Yeah, the writer’s life is wonderful. Or so you thought. You find out that sowing, reaping, and harvesting are not the norm for most writers. You realize the writer’s life is a plowing life. So you write, rewrite, edit, revise and plow through page after page. Just when you think you’re done you notice the lumps and clods in your story. So, you plow some more. You take a deep breath, look again, and notice rocks and weeds. So, you plow through your story when you’re not plowing through piles of dirty clothes.
Then you struggle with unrealistic ideas about the writer’s life. Sometimes, you think publishers will grab your hard work, sow it to the world, and there will be a great harvest. You know it’s a wonderful goal but you also know writing is more about putting your hand to the plow every day. So you plow, you don’t look back and suddenly realize you really can leave the harvest to God. That's when you know you know that you're a fit writer for the kingdom of God.
Friday, September 12, 2003
This Week's WTI Editorial
Just thought I'd post this week's WTI editorial from our weekly newsletter.
SHOW ‘EM THE TRUTH
by Glenn White
I’ve always been amazed by dumb things people say in the Bible. A good example is Pilate when he asked Jesus, “What is truth?” Every time I read Pilate’s pseudo-philosophical query I want to scream and tell him, “C’mon, didn’t someone tell you that Jesus said he was the truth. Truth stands right before your eyes.”
I guess I’m somewhat too harsh on Pilate since I too frequently miss the truth (Jesus) standing in front of my face. I call those times as my brain having an out-of-the-body experience. And I think all of us have those moments where the obvious seems obscure.
Many non-church people today are honestly seeking truth. But they believe truth is a subjective reality or cold hard facts found in a philosophical theory, religious teaching or legal system. However, after Jesus came on the scene then truth became a real person and not just another law, good idea or nice way of looking at life.
It’s important for every Christian writer to know that truth is found in the person of Jesus. It’s important to know because every writer should always tell truth. After all, even fiction is simply another way of telling people the truth through story. It makes no difference if you write fiction or non-fiction, you can show ‘em the truth by showing them Jesus.
How can you show people the truth? When you write let Jesus come into your writing. Write about the character of Jesus using a character in your story. Or look for the character of Jesus in your non-fiction article or book and write about what you find. Caution: show don’t tell. I think non-church people are tired of being told about Jesus without seeing him. It’s a challenge but I believe writers can show people Jesus without naming names. Also I believe that with a little practice you can become a real truth shower. And when people know the truth there are amazing results.
Finally, always remember that you can never separate the truth of Jesus from the love of Jesus. Because when you show ‘em the truth with the love of Jesus…you will write to inspire!
Aloha, Glenn
Just thought I'd post this week's WTI editorial from our weekly newsletter.
SHOW ‘EM THE TRUTH
by Glenn White
I’ve always been amazed by dumb things people say in the Bible. A good example is Pilate when he asked Jesus, “What is truth?” Every time I read Pilate’s pseudo-philosophical query I want to scream and tell him, “C’mon, didn’t someone tell you that Jesus said he was the truth. Truth stands right before your eyes.”
I guess I’m somewhat too harsh on Pilate since I too frequently miss the truth (Jesus) standing in front of my face. I call those times as my brain having an out-of-the-body experience. And I think all of us have those moments where the obvious seems obscure.
Many non-church people today are honestly seeking truth. But they believe truth is a subjective reality or cold hard facts found in a philosophical theory, religious teaching or legal system. However, after Jesus came on the scene then truth became a real person and not just another law, good idea or nice way of looking at life.
It’s important for every Christian writer to know that truth is found in the person of Jesus. It’s important to know because every writer should always tell truth. After all, even fiction is simply another way of telling people the truth through story. It makes no difference if you write fiction or non-fiction, you can show ‘em the truth by showing them Jesus.
How can you show people the truth? When you write let Jesus come into your writing. Write about the character of Jesus using a character in your story. Or look for the character of Jesus in your non-fiction article or book and write about what you find. Caution: show don’t tell. I think non-church people are tired of being told about Jesus without seeing him. It’s a challenge but I believe writers can show people Jesus without naming names. Also I believe that with a little practice you can become a real truth shower. And when people know the truth there are amazing results.
Finally, always remember that you can never separate the truth of Jesus from the love of Jesus. Because when you show ‘em the truth with the love of Jesus…you will write to inspire!
Aloha, Glenn
