It’s a big project. Almost too big, you think. But how do you keep going when it’s too late to turn back?

Yep. Even if you don’t write, you’ve been there. Stress. A million times over. But really — is it stress?

Well … maybe, but take heart: it only lasts for a short time. As a wise friend once told me, “You can do anything for a short amount of time.” I apply that to my writing. Yes, my writing. If you ask if I dislike it, I will say no. If you ask if I dislike planning, I will just grin, the grin meaning yes, but it will be okay.

See, it’s all in our perspective, that lens we call our mind, the chain of thoughts that link together to form the best result in the end.

So no matter where you’re stationed in life, though never totally easy, it will, however, be okay. Keep charging.

Ever take on a challenge you think might be bigger than you ever dreamed?

Exciting things live in each challenge. Embrace each challenge with courage and coffee.

What kinds of things are you jumping into?

Okay. Most of you (myself included) would admit that it’s challenging, if not exciting, to plan out your next book.

It must be simple, right? Think of an idea. Create characters and a good plot. Write a few hundred pages. And you’re done.

Not. That. Simple.

You’ve got to think of a plot that works. A beginning, middle, and end.

Beginning: introduce your characters, bring in a conflict or desire between your main character and an antagonist (can be animate or inanimate object), and set up how the main character is going to achieve his/her goal.

Middle: continue story with riveting twists and turns to achieve the solution to the problem/desire. You can even introduce a subplot, which is often more exciting than the main plot.

End: begin to wrap up the solution to the problem, but not before your character is forced to choose between good and evil in order to obtain his/her goal. This is the most exciting part in your story because you’ll hook your readers even more and keep them reading late into the night. Your conclusion should be satisfying and solve the problem your character faced in the beginning of the story.

Remember: readers who have a reason to care about the characters you’ve created will be hooked from beginning to end.

Here’s an example of my own story idea:

Beginning:
Clara has to babysit her little sister while their mother goes shopping. Clara also has to can the tomatoes (goal). Little sister Bevy proceeds to wreck Clara’s work (problem).

Middle:
Clara is frustrated that Bevy is squashing all of the tomatoes and reacts angrily toward Bevy. Bevy runs outside (climax).

End:
While cleaning up the tomato mess, Clara sees Beverly running toward the tractor where their dad is harvesting crops (unexpected climax that causes reader to care). Clara realizes the importance of her attitude toward Bevy (resolution to the problem).

The instructions might sound simple, and they are. But it takes practice to grasp the concept and execute it. Then. It. Will. Be. Simple.

It’s a blustery evening. What better to do than hash over book marketing ideas, themes, and photos?

This. A series I’ve been working on since ’98. If you hanker for adventure with a lot of heart, and love to have your hope renewed, then stay tuned for this heart-warming new series.

When does it premier? My Father only knows, so am hanging in there until events line up.

What new ideas are waiting for you?

(Photo credit: honestlyyum.com)

The day has come. Not by my strength, but by my Father’s strength through prayer, hard work, and a whole lot of patience.

A complete stranger called me an author!

Deirdre Lockhart, editor and writing coach at Brilliant Cut Editing, was one of the entry judges for the First Impressions contest through ACFW.

And she called me an author. As if she’d handed me a million dollars for a lifetime supply of my choice of coffee, dark chocolate, and all the subscriptions of Writer’s Digest and Poets & Writers I wanted.

I’m beyond stoked.

So, encouragement for today, dear friends — never give up. Keep doing what God has called you to do. Always a reward at the end of all the hard work.

I’ve signed up for e-newsletters from The Den, a nifty nook bursting with information for writers. Yesterday, owner Carol Tice offered a contest for a free month’s stay in the Den. Then, last night, I checked my email and found an invitation for a free day in the Den! Woot woot!