PUBLISHED FREELANCE AUTHOR

In 1999 my computer sat in a tiny office in the upstairs alcove. By 2002 I felt like a seasoned writer and attended the Oregon Christian Writers Conference (OCWC). I paid Cec Murphey, a man who calls himself an “Old Curmudgeon,” to critique my work. He said, “Set your novel aside. If you finish it in the future, fine. For now concentrate on your real life stories.” I came home to build myself a great reputation as a published freelance author.

Five monhs later, my husband was diagnosed with a rare cancer. No longer could I sit at a keyboard upstairs. With help, I moved my office to the laundry room where I could listen to the needs of the patient, and work towards publication.

Five years after diagnosis, Gary helped me move my office upstairs once more. The move forced me to reorganize. In switching files from one drawer to another, I stumbled into those critique pages from Cec in 2002. Wow.

At first I felt embarrassed at my quality of writing, and then amazed. Cec slashed through several items, corrected my poor grammar, and then said, “Flesh out your characters. They need a sense of ....”

You get the idea. I might have quit if I’d received only the written critique, but the good news is, he may call himself the Curmudgeon, in reality he’s a great encourager and teacher. My checks these last few years are proof, that with hard work freelance authors can succeed.

Green Light Red Light by Hebbert

From the first page of "Green Light Red Light" the reader is invited to see the unanswered questions in the life of sixteen-year-old Erika Slade. Why did her mother kick her out? Why does she feel so connected with Monica Moore, a ESL teacher in China? Why did she agree to a trip to China? Why is she stuck with a snoring seatmate?

The answers to these questions and many more are found in the pages of Audrey Hebbert’s first YA novel, Green Light Red Light. The book is filled with conversion stories, humorous incidents and you experience the lives of the Chinese in their historical setting.

Although this is creative fiction, the book is based on the real life experiences of a Nebraska woman dedicated to sharing the gospel anyway she can. Hebbert changed the missionaries name to Monica Moore to protect her while she continues her travels. Although Erika is not real, her story can be found in young people all around us. The reader isn’t cheated by the events, they are real, from the food, the hair cut and the conversions.


In Green Light Red Light Erica Slade learns about forgiveness. She faces many precarious weather predicaments and bed issues—she sleeps on a bamboo mattress and uses a pillow stuffed with corn kernels. She also experiences strange foods like snake brains.

Erika learned you can withstand many discomforts when you adjust your attitude and look to the needs of others. This isn’t a sweet-fairy tale all wrapped up in ribbons, however, the gospel is clearly shared and forgiveness is a major theme. Although written for young adults with a sixteen-year-old as the main character, the book is a good read, no matter what your age.

My grandmother gave me the gift of daily prayer. Her gift didn’t come all wrapped up in ribbons— it came in visible hands folded in prayer before me. It didn’t matter who visited Grandma—friends, neighbors, children or grandchildren— she prayed at every meal and we all knew she prayed for us.

Grandma wrote prayer requests in an inexpensive spiral bound notebooks. About the year I turned ten she let me see my name written in her book. When I turned thirteen, Grandma told me she had my husband in her prayer journal, too. I giggled a lot, but I liked the idea of knowing Grandma prayed about every detail of my life.

This year I wanted to give you a visual reminder of how to pray. What better way than a pair of gloves?

The thumb is closest to you:
Pray for those closest to you, family, neighbors, and co-workers. .
The Pointer finger reminds us to pray for those in authority:
Parents, pastors, employers, and government officials.
Middle finger—the tallest finger is our “Praise” finger:
Take time to thank the Lord continually.
Fourth finger—the weakest of them all:
Pray for the sick, the chronically ill, the disabled, and those society considers weak.
Little finger—the smallest, the least important:
The little pinky is a great reminder of your needs—pray for self.

Grandma died many years ago, yet even today her legacy—the gift of daily prayer—lives on. She taught me to pray for others. I hope you have a blessed Christmas season.

Feeling Thankful, Kat

Green Light Red Light and Forgiveness

Last year I wrote a devotional, it hasn’t sold yet, but when I started re-writing my review for "Green Light Red Light" by Audrey Hebbert, I ran into unpublished piece once more.

When I read it, I thought, "Wow, better search for more unpublished pieces and market them this next year." In the meantime, I'll share, “The Meaning of True Forgiveness.”

Read Psalm 55:12-14

“I hate you.” I heard my adult daughter’s voice over the telephone. She sobbed. Where did her anger stem from? I prided myself in being a good mom.

At a loss for words, I asked, “Can you tell me where those feelings and all that emotions comes from?”

My daughter poured out her pent up feelings, I realized she’d stuffed a lot of junk. We talked for hours. The next day we talked again and the next.

Finally, we understood each other and true, Godly forgiveness happened.

In Green Light Red Light, Erica Slade also learns lessons of forgiveness. Her mother kicked her and her brother out and they ended up at the Hope Shelter, where volunteer Monica Moore becomes their friend.

God is the greatest recycler of pain. He turns bad things into good.

Our daughter and I are much closer after we discovered the root of the problem. Because of her mother, Erica met Monica and learned about true forgiveness. Although there are no concrete fairly tale endings to Red Light Green Light, we know that young Erica’s heart is right with the Lord and she desires to forgive her mother.

Did you experience forgiveness this past year? Do you need to forgive? A YA novel and my daughter taught me that with God, forgiveness can happen.

CREATIVE CALISTHENICS by Main

If you are looking for a book to improve your writing fitness in 2009, check out Creative Calisthenics by Terri L. Main. Each page is a tool to fine tune your writing skill level.

Several years ago the author, not a huge physical fitness guru, participated in a marathon to help raise money for Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. She learned right away, you don’t just say, “I’m a runner,” and then complete the 26.2 marathon. She spent months training. It’s the same way for writers. Main says Creative Calisthenics is a compilation from her thirty years of experience.

The Table of Contents, the titles to Main’s inspirational and motivational prompts, jump-started my mind. I didn’t read each page in order, I found myself skipping from “Magic Doors and Secret Passages” to “Keepsakes.” The titles alone gave me an idea for two articles—I read the material and added two more ideas to my treasures for the future.

Main’s material isn’t only for fiction writers. Her ideas on “Freewriting” shows how to reorganize your materials and your thoughts from your research on a particular article. She references a book, too, Writing Without Teachers by Peter Elbow.

I agree with the author when she said exercising can be boring, but every author can have fun and add a new dimension of excitement to your writing by training your creative muscles.

Creative Calisthenics is a book to sit on top of your Thesaurus—right at your fingertips.

The Edits Go On and On and On

“Authors are like pianists. They take classes, buy books, and practice their craft daily. There are few, if any, authors who feel inspired and magically write and sell a first book,” said Carol Umberger at Wordsowers, our local writers group. “It takes hours of studying, writing, and editing, and hopefully someday you publish.”

I remember when Audrey Hebbert came down to the final months before “Green Light! Red Light!” published. It seemed like her emails continually commented on “even more” editing. I couldn’t imagine what else she had to do, I’d worked on her initial drafts and I knew what a grammar guru she was, but now, these weeks, I understand both Carol and Audrey better.

Thought I’d learned a lot in the last two years, but obviously I didn’t know it all. What a process. About the time I think I’ve come close to the end of “Capsules of Hope: A Survival Guide for Caregivers,” I realize there is another missing piece.

Sandy Cathcart, an Oregon author and tax consultant sent me an email this week. “What do you mean no one told you the edits are hard? That’s what we teach at every conference.” Yeah, well I heard the presenters at these conferences. I still didn’t realize how much work was involved.

This morning I read sermon notes around Philippians 2:1. That big word “IF” slam dunked me. If the Lord gave me all the materials for the book, (and I believe He did), then He’ll help me through the process, however tedious.

Sign me out, getting a grip on the verse that says, “Do not be weary in well doing.”

Merry Christmas
(still searching for my 2009 Bible verse for the year.)

A Honey Bee Attitude

Some people feel sorry for me when they see where I sit at work. (see previous post.)

In spite of where I sit, I interact with my co-workers, hourly. Sometimes more often than I choose. There is no aloneness in my corner. People walk past me to dump their recycle. The comment after their loud thud from the paper dump, “Wanted to wake you.”

There are others that meander past me to the storage cupboard a few feet from my desk, also.Of course I make the trip from the cubicle to the restroom at the opposite end of the building from me. (It must be a mile. It feels like a mile.)

It's my choice to be a "honey bee" buzzing with sweetness or . . . " You fill in the blank.

Although my hallway looks bare, I’m surrounded by needy people. This is my mission field, my Africa, China and India rolled into one. We have young and old, well off, and not too well off, co-workers.

My medical billing position helps pay the rent and buy the groceries. It is more. A few years ago I realized God placed me in this job on purpose. I speak to patients, caregivers, and insurance customer service reps every day. They are more than a voice on the phone, they are people with needs—I can choose to give them only answers to their questions or I can “delight their day” by letting them know I care.

Now my passion in life is to write. I know my written words are read by more people than I can talk to in a year, but isn’t great to know I can find happiness in both places.

Life is a journey filled with choices. I choose to be content in the medical billing world, my little cubicle in the corner—and my office at home. Yeah, I choose to act like the "honey bee," gathering and depositing sweetness wherever I can. . . off to the mission field this morning. Enjoy.

My Mission Field

My cubicle is in the barest back corner of a large office. No one sits back further than me. In fact the next cubicle holds the recycle bin. Then comes the back corner where you find office supplies.

Recently I read where a woman strung a mini-clothesline from one corner of her office to another. She hung cards by clothes pins as visuals to stimulate her writing. (I’m thinking about this idea to stimulate my life in medical billing.) However, her story triggered a memory about several years ago when my husband's illness dictated a move.

First we lived in a 24 ft travel trailer while we regrouped and later, we inherited a 10 x 55 mobile home with a tip out living room. We were thrilled to have space once more. I converted the one miniature bedroom into an office. Space enough for my desk and a file cabinet.

I'd just read Barbara Johnson's book, "Stick a Geranium in your hat and be Happy." She talked about her “joy room” where she collected all kinds of fun reminders and inspirational thoughts. My office became my joy room and like the woman with the clothesline, I decided to paste visual reminders of happier times around me.

I immediately wrote to everyone I knew and said, "Send me happy cards and jokes, this world of illness feels like gloom and doom." When the cards arrived, I “stapled” them to the ceiling. Can you imagine my mother's horror when we needed to paint the room? I left for work and she pulled staples.

I didn't produce publishable material back then, but my "joy office" brought tons of inspiration for church dramas, newsletters, and cards to others. That ceiling plastered with those gifts of laughter brought lots of smiles to my face then and now.

Still smiling, Kat

THE MOON SHINES DOWN

A never before published children's book, "The Moon Shines Down" by Margaret Wise Brown and illustrated by Linda Bleck arrived in my mail yesterday. I felt like a child with an unexpected Christmas gift when I gazed at the bright yellow moon over a Koala bear sailing down a river. I quit my tasks and read the book aloud.

It's been awhile since I read Margaret Wise Brown's books, but from the first rhythmic line, I recalled all the days with our children and grandchildren. Books like "Good Night Moon" and "Runaway Bunny." Brown had over a 100 books in print when she died suddenly in 1952. Her many unfinished manuscripts were all but lost.

"The Moon Shines Down" is a delightful story of how the same moon shines upon children everywhere and in every culture. I see this as a valuable book for teaching young children about race, animals, and God. The bright colors on each page will keep the youngest child entranced in the story.

"The Moon Shines Down" is a treasure from the front cover to the last page where a Koala bear sleeps in a tree. The publisher's introduction about the "story behind the lost manuscript" creates a teaching tool. A bit of history to help instruct our children on how old things are valuable and usable.

Thanks to the far reaching insight of Thomas Nelson--what a brilliant idea to seek the help of author Laura Minchew when the old sheets of forgotten words were found. I applaud Minchew for giving us Margaret Wise Brown once more. "The Moon Shines Down" promises to be a classic for children today.

Great fun, buy one or two....no children? Buy one for your neighbor's child.

CLASS -Life Extravagant!

On FCW someone asked, “How do I get into speaking?” Tammy answered the post with good advice, “Take CLASS Seminar or join a toastmasters group. ”

CLASS stands for Christian Leaders, Authors and Speakers Services.)
http://www.classervices.com/ http://www.classervices.com/lifeextravagant.html

I did attend a CLASS workshop given by Marietta Littauer at OCWC in 2004. Marietta is excellent at her craft—great teacher, educator and encourager. She talked about building our life and creating our own ministry presentation. A one page bio; something you can send as a press release for media use. Littauer’s four page brochuret is CLASSY.

Her slick printed presentation shares Littauer’s motto: LIFE Extravagant! Love, inspiration, freedom and entertainment. By the time you finish reading the four pages, you know the woman, the man behind the woman, the titles of her books and what others say about her.

Getting out her now outdated brochure inspired me to build my own one page or possible two page profile of me. I haven’t authored ten books, but my caregiver survival guide is about ready to go to press….but I’m so much “more than a caregiver.”

Here’s my goal list for the next few weeks:
ü Search for 2009 Bible verse for the year.
ü Get my Wordpress blog up and running properly.
ü Make a decision on WIP—get it published.
ü Bring my Lionhearted Kat motto and mission up to date.
ü Build a brochure before I teach workshop at IDAHope January 30, 2009

Think that's enough. What are your goals?

Brainstorms Are Work

I used to be extremely creative and kept even the young people going full bore. I came up with great parties. Had lots of ice breakers on hand and when I couldn't find cheap things to make at Bible School, I created ideas and prayed for more.

Now I work in medical billing and often feel too old to hob knob with the youngsters at work. My lunches are spent with the same women I’ve sat with over the last ten years. We are quite comfortable together, but my friends talk food, grandkids, and anything but writing. Sometimes I feel frustrated, maybe even a bit bored. Especially when the food scene is another recipe—with my allergies I quit thinking creatively about food.

This summer one of the young authors in my critique group asked for a brainstorming night. Wow, she inspired me. I felt the creative juices kick in—Yahoo. I’d have youngsters all around me. They could share about their new fangled computer expertise, the latest word fad, and I’d be inspired when they left.

I whipped together an idea starter and waited for the youngsters to arrive. You see them—four of us oldsters had the time of our lives. (The youngsters were tied up with kids, birthday parties and sickness.)

Joyce, Audrey, Karen and I learned there is tons of life left in us old gals and we are touching hundreds, if not thousands, for Jesus on a daily basis. Wow, what inspiration. Watch for the results of that night. (Audrey took this photo. Next post will show her smiling face.)

The Lion's Roar

After ten months of living with Pseudomyxoma Peritonei (PMP), my husband’s rare cancer, I came to the end of me and yelled, “Help. God. Help.” That’s when I realized the Lord created a strong person inside of me—but I felt like a wimp.

That day I told my co-workers, “I’m no longer Kathy, I’m now the Lionhearted Kat.” Within a few weeks I added forty cuddly, stuffed lions to my cubicle as a reminder of my strength.

It’s now six years later, and husband is doing right well. Me, too, as long as I remember I’m not strong within myself, but because God lives in me. I’m still fond of lions, especially cutesy ones like the mural.

Becoming the Lionhearted Kat changed others parts of my life, too. About then a PMP survivor, Brenda Williams, built a website: www.pmpawareness.org. She invited me to write for the Caregivers’ Corner. With no particular format in mind, I created “CAPSULE OF HOPE”, just stuff that I learned on my journey through cancer.

Those Capsules have now become a part of my first book. Don’t know when it will be published, but soon. “Capsules of Hope: A Survival Guide for Caregivers” is more than a memoir, its daily encouragement and resources for every caregiver in most situations.

Have a hope filled day, Kat

"REFLECTIONS OF GOD'S HOLY LAND" A personal Journey Through Israel

Eva Marie Everson and Miriam Feinberg Vamosh compel readers to enjoy every page of their personal journey through Israel.

Eva’s welcome shares an everyday experience of a fall. Yet even the mundane-can-happen-to-anyone-fall is an invitation to experience her thrill with new insight while on a visit to Israel. Everson wrote, “Today I fell into the Bible. Literally. And in love with God all over again.”

Although written by two authors,it is Everson’s fall that compels the reader to delve into the book, to consume each tid bit of fact on every page.

The photography is more than the usual family, “See my vacation snaps.” The reader can experience the realness of each location—you smell the salt brine of the Dead Sea, hear the water falls, and feel life as it exudes from the shops on the Via Dolorosa.

You sense the reverence needed to visit the cathedrals, you want to kneel to touch the mosaic floor of the “Church of the Multiplication of the Loaves and the Fishes.”

I cried when Everson reflected on her experience when she touched the Western Wall.“I press my face into the wall and begin to sob. I don’t understand this. I thought I knew so much about prayer—about God….”

When a reader spends time absorbing the “Did You Know?” and “Reflections” pages found in "Reflections of God’s Holy Land", you understand Everson’s statement, “Here, I realize, I know nothing at all.”

When I closed the book, I too felt enriched and changed. This is more than a coffee table book to display the beauty of Israel, it is a heart and mind changing experience, a must have for anyone interested in the life and times of Israel.

I invite anyone that desires to feel God through His chosen country to buy "Reflections of God’s Holy Land." One for their home and two for Christmas gifts.

My thanks to Thomas Nelson, Inc for publishing this book, and Everson and Vamosh for sharing their experience.

A Freelance Author's Office

A writers group talked about our office, where is it located? Door open or closed? File cabinets or boxes of files. Messy or clean.

I didn’t have an “office” until after my cornea transplant. In those months following my eye surgery, back when I couldn't watch TV or read, I struggled with depression and inactivity. One day I announced to husband, "I'm going to write a book."

Gary immediately set up a makeshift office for me in our family room. He seemed to understand my isolation wouldn’t be healthy. Where did I write? Anywhere. At the table/desk he created for me, on the front porch, or in the bathtub.

When I needed the "feel" of a small town for my novel scenes, Gary drove me through miles and miles of rural communities in Iowa. My happy fingers found lots to write while away from the confines of our home. Even the front seat of the car, or a picnic table in the park could substitute as an office space.

From the many posts about office space in our writers group, I'd say there is enough evidence to prove an office isn't four walls and a desk. An office is where the heart of the author finds peace and the power of the Holy Spirit flows through fingers—whether at the keyboard or a steno pad.

Just my last two cents.

JILL Hart--CWAHM

Connecting with other bloggers is important. Check out Jill Hart of CWAHM. Five years ago Jill made an executive decision to establish herself in a stay at home Mom business. And she did.

Jill is a go getter and a highly motivated young woman. Her desire is to help her family income and be a work at home Mom. Can everyone accomplish what Jill has done?
I don’t know, but I’m taking lessons from her.

This is what I’ve learned:

Find a hole and fill it—Jill was one of the first Christian Work at Home Moms.

Live, dream, and plan passionately—set short and long term goals.

You need an active, well-edited, and easy to read website

It’s important to connect with other ‘like-sites’ to generate more traffic your direction.

If you have a product to sell, sign up with paypal.

Does adsense generate more visitors? Maybe? Probably it helps generate money?

So what am I doing about this stay at home business? Learning the ropes for now—and praying for wisdom, a teacher, a built in web-helpee.

The good news is, a new website is on my goal list. That is a major start in the right direction. I’m also sitting on the sidelines and applauding my friends like Jill.

Excited about the future, how about you?

Kat

DISPLAY BY LUKE

A good display is a valuable tool for a book event. After I’d been involved in three book signings where I raced around to rustle up customers, I realized every author needs a sign. About then I watched an evangelist visiting our church set up his display.

I grabbed my husband. “Hon, you gotta see this.” I pointed to the tri-fold display. “I need one of those.” Gary walked all around the table and said, “Okay.” (Isn’t he grand?)

The next week he created his masterpiece from walnut, colored bulletin board materials, and piano hinges. The sides fold to the middle and wing nuts and bolts hold it together. The handle on top makes it easy to transport.

In years past I might have cut out cute lions and changed the scene each week. I don’t have time for cutesy. I post newspaper stories and a couple posters advertising my speaking engagements. It works. (My photo looks messy to me, but it worked great and stirred interest.) The display is easy to fold down and carry. I drape my soft cuddly lion across the top and if I have room, I pack six more lions with me for a conversation starter.

I've learned when i schedule an event I ask for a display table in advance. (Now I carry my own fold-up table I purchased at Shopko on sale.)

Carry a table cover. I’m using a white sheer table cloth, but I plan to purchase fabric to drape to the floor. The area will look nicer when I store the leftover books and boxes under the table.

One other thought: I love my display, but it isn’t practical to carry use it in some book events. An 8 ½ x 11 clear plastic standup—purchased at Office Depot for under $10—is great for events where a larger display isn't practical.

Food for thought from Kat.

VBS Curriculum and Crafts

When my husband planted a church we were blessed with new abilities. God turned our absolutely ‘no finance’ situation into challenges to grow believers for the Kingdom.

We survived the first winter with a handful of new contacts and averaged 20 people in Sunday services. But the question kept coming up, “How do we grow a church when we both work and our new believers have no clue how to evangelize?”

“VBS in our backyard.” That sounds great, but we didn’t have teachers or curriculum. “What about Martha?” Our creative and musically gifted friend from our previous church lived a hundred miles away. Martha loved the idea and brought her two children and all her talent to our house TWICE each summer for the following five years.

One year, a few months before VBS, someone gave our church boxes of macramé beads. I had no clue what to do with them until after my husband drove me to the coast. We walked through forty or fifty touristy shops, but the one that specialized in Christmas stirred my creative juices.

“Hon, don’t know how we can do it, but take me to Martha. We’ll celebrate with a VBS titled 'Christmas in July'.” The three of us brainstromed and then I wrote the curriculum and Martha donated hours making little manager people from the beads.

While she designed the figures I combed the nearby woods for twigs to help build the barn. We askd our Landlor for shingles for the manger roof and the wood base.

The photo doesn’t do our manager scene justice, but fifteen, 4th thru 6th graders stood around a table to make their manager and glue on their ‘cute macramé bead’ people. Many of those kids were survivors of drug addicted parents and didn't have the Christmas manager in their homes before.

I enjoyed writing “Christmas in July” VBS materials—but I celebrated even more when some of those kids made commitments to Jesus in our backyard VBS—it didn’t take money, it took time.

Thank you, Martha, Rachel and Evan for making it happen. I look forward to seeing those VBS kids in heaven.

No longer do I have the conjured up manger scene of long ago, but now is the time to write a Christmas story for publication. Many magazines layout their stories a year in advance, now's the time to share. And "Wow." The manager reminds me it's only 60 days until Christmas 2008.

MEET MY NEIGHBOR GLADYS

Meet my neighbor Gladys. I met her soon after we moved to Omaha from Oregon. My husband and I weren’t accustomed to the early wet, heavy snowfall. It looked like winter might go on forever.

On one of those nasty, knee-deep snowy days, we met Gladys’ husband, Bob—about 82 at the time. We later learned he’d survived a bout with cancer and a heart attack, but still he was out snow blowing the alley between our houses. Gary and I grabbed shovels and started helping and later, Gladys called us all in for coffee.

Later when I realized Gladys suffered from the winter ‘blahs’ I wrote funny poems for her. She enjoyed them and they brought a smile to Bob’s face, too. Somehow their smiles warmed my mired-in-winter- feeling-gloomy heart.

Both Gladys and Bob have passed away, but recently I read those old poems and today I found one of my last photos of Gladys. It was taken when her daughter surprised her with a visit to one of my book signings at Barnes and Noble—she was near 90. What a delightful surprise for both of us.

Of course, I have a new neighbor now and we correspond and visit. I even wrote her a poem, but my memories of Gladys are special. No one can fill that ‘Gladys’ spot in my heart. Funny how a photo can trigger beautiful memories, and remind us it’s time to build another memory for the future.

Think I’ll write an article: The Art of Being Neighborly

THROUGH THE STORM

A real story of Fame and Family and Tabloid World

by

Lynn Spears

with

Lorilee Craker

Lynn Spears, mother of Jamie Lynn, Bryan and Brittney, gives us a book filled with heartache, a mother’s agony and the unsettling truth of the entertainment world. She tells the story of her unbelievable (and yet, sadly very true) naivety. How an ordinary family of father, mother and three children became the glass house surrounded with paparazzi, corruption and distrust. How does that happen to a family who believe in God and His guidance?

The book is filled with open confession of ignorance. From the Rolling Stone cover story where Spears says, “I had no idea the man was going for a lascivious angle,” to the confession of Jamie’s pregnancy. “What about our talks?” I cried to Jamie Lynn. “You told me you were a virgin!” Every mother’s heart will be touched and just maybe, make her question her own home parenting situation.

“Through the Storm” is more than a memoir, it’s the lives of five people laid open like a book to be read cover to cover. Some chapters are nothing more than He said. She said. The reader might wonder if Spears has a motive behind her words. Then comes the heart of the book—the realness of life when Spears says, I’d been passive in so many ways for so long, letting managers and agents and executives decide the paths my children would walk. Not any longer. Not while I was still their mother.

Lynn Spear doesn’t offer a twelve step program to help heal mothers of stars, but lessons of truth are proclaimed in every chapter. As parents we can help guard our lives by gaining wisdom from Spears insights such as:


1. A teaching degree doesn’t insure you will make the wisest choices for your children.
2. If you don’t face something when it is happening, you will have to face it later on.
3. Ignorance is not bliss and when you bomb you try again.
4. Often the mask of self-confidence hides a flesh and blood, scared-of-life woman.
5. At some point, a person has to file most regrets under shoulda-coulda-woulda
6. Shame is crippling and in the end serves no good purpose.
7. It is difficult to hold on to your core values when you have an army surrounding you.
8. Sticking close to family roots and legacy is important.
9. The biggest grounding force in life is faith in God.
10. Devotions and Bible reading daily helps one focus on the immediate.
11. Reflection says God isn’t surprised at our choices, or the outcome.

“Through the Storm” is the inside story of how one family, now well known around the world, grappled with fame and fortune and suffered the consequences. Every mother can learn from Spears mistakes—the question is, will they?

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him and he will make your paths straight.” Proverbs 3:5-6 NIV

Read the Eye of the Storm and walk in wisdom, Kat

Brad White the Piano Man

Author Carol Umberger taught a lesson to our local writer’s group last week. She based her lesson on a book by Jack Bickham, “The 38 Most Common Fiction Writing Mistakes (And How to Avoid Them).”

One analogy she used immediately brought Brad White, the pianist for the Blackwood Brothers Quartet to my mind.

Brad is a humdinger of a pianist. His fingers fly across the keys. You call out a gospel song or a hymn and Brad can play it—from memory. When he isn’t traveling with the BBQ he travels as a soloist. Did his talent just happen? I don’t think so.

Brad started playing young and by the time he was a teenager, he taught piano to others. When he realized his students memorized the silly ditties they practiced, he wrote his own piano course using hymns. (yes, you can buy it—check his website. http://www.bradwhite.org/).

Carol said too many wannabe writers say, “I’m going to write a book.” She asks if they have signed up for lessons. “Well, no. I have this idea right up here.” Carol said writing is like being a pianist. You study. Take lessons. Read a lot and you practice daily.

Her illustration about the pianist helped me share my freelance challenges with my non-author family. I’ve felt for years they didn’t understand the process, but Carol’s simple analogy gave a crystal clear summation of start to finish.

Brad White understands the process. So does every dedicated author.

Now, back to my keyboard, it’s only a bit different than Brad’s.

Editorials Matter

I did accomplish a lot last week, but I’m never satisfied with my production. Then when I felt stressed and anxious about my writing ability and our household finances, I happened to read an editorial in Discipleship Journal by Connie Willems. She expressed my feelings perfectly. One of her phrases smacked me in the head. “My weakness is a core condition.”

Yes. She labeled my problem. (Probably yours, too).I run around feeling stressed because I can’t get everything done. Never is there enough of me or hours in any day to complete my yesterday’s to do list, much less add today and tomorrows. But the beautiful part of the editorial is Willems shared the solution—Paul said it, “when we are weak we are strong.”

Go ahead and snicker if you like. I’m an old believer, taught the scriptural application to others and yet, once in awhile (like every month), I need that old lesson brought home to me again.

My lesson for the week: God waits with open arms saying, “Jump, Kat. Jump. I’ll catch you. You aren’t on that limb by yourself.” Then after he’s caught me I know He’ll say, “the rest of your mess will be completed in due time. Allow me to provide time and finances for you. Now relax.”

It feels like the Lord has handed me a beautiful bouquet. I’m so human and yet He loves me. He loves you, too.

I'd Rather Edit Myself

In the past two years I’ve submitted many articles for Sunday School handouts. The usual story is 1200 words. Over time my writing improved and so did my sales. Once an editor said he needed a story for Thanksgiving—he didn’t give an actual word count, but his market said 500 to 1200 words. I submitted an 1100 word story and within an hour the editor emailed me. “Your story is what I’m looking for to fit an 800 word space. Do I have your permission to edit?”

I replied, “Give me until tomorrow and I’ll see if I can cut to fit your needs.”

Wow. It seemed to me every word was necessary to move the story forward, but I hacked away. Resubmitted and sold it. Sold the reprint, also. The experience taught me to think like an editor. That means I ask myself this question: If every word costs the company $1, do they need them all? Will they receive good return on their money?”

Sometimes I cut more—sometimes I think like an author and value every word, even my cutesy expressions and/or purple prose. This I know, I’m a better author than last year, but haven’t reached my goal of perfection—yet.
Go find the action. Cut some words tonight:)

Enjoy, Kat

Critiques and More

In January 2006 I started a critique group in my home. I handed out guidelines at the first meeting.

Stringent guidelines. The kind with a Lionhearted bite in them, and yet, my whole desire was to help the young authors—wow, did I learn a lot.

My guidelines: Submit ahead of time, take time to critique others and remember, to ‘check your ego at the door. Use the sandwich method. Say something good, give comments about the piece and close with a positive.

However, over the months I found myself repeating the same instructions on each manuscript I edited. “Avoid passive verbs, and words like 'so, just, even, very, and ly.'” Often I reminded the authors to format their work. Almost every MS I wrote “Run spell check and read aloud.”

Finally, I grew wiser. I only looked at content, POV, and take-away. Little by little each author’s work grew stronger and many of the group are published today.

Now there are others outside the critique group who ask for my help, too. I’m upfront with them. “I’ll be glad to read your work. Gotta tell you, I’m dead serious about what I do. I won’t waste your time or mine....”

I don’t want to stifle a wannabe author and never would I intentionally wound anyone. After all, my whole purpose is to help every writer get published—that’s a win-win thing, isn’t it?

What about you, how do you critique for new authors? Or do you?

Thinking, Kat

Learn from Rejection

Lisa, an author on FCW posted: “Ditch the mirror. Often we feel inadequate because we're looking at ourselves, in all of our flawed glory. Instead, we should be looking at God and reflecting his glory (by obeying his call to write/communicate).”

She nailed me. In recent days I realized how personal each rejection felt. I found myself talking to the rejecting editors. “You don’t even know me.” Or “Tell me how you want this article slanted. I can rewrite.” Or “Give me a chance. Try me. You might like me.”

When I stopped with the rhetoric shouted at deaf ears (obviously no one but the Lord and the PC can hear me), and took action, I moved beyond what Lisa calls the ‘self-focus’ to accomplishment.

I’m trying a new tactic—one Steve and Janet Bly shared with me long ago. “Before you send the article, list three to ten possible markets. When the rejection comes, send it out again.” Such good and timeless advice.

Why do I allow rejection to stop me cold or even focus on my feelings of inadequacy?

The times I’ve truly believed my article is good and written well, I’ve submitted it and when rejected submitted it again. Each of these well-written articles have a history—third market bought the article.

I’ve discovered I need a broader market base, but I’m learning from the best and growing daily—well, weekly.
Still learning, Kat

Awe, Writing! The Good Life.

My author friend, Susan, sent an email to me yesterday. The subject line said: Being Accountable. She talked about her Work In Progress (WIP). How she is now accepting God’s timing and she mentioned what she accomplished this past week.

The line that struck a cord in me said:

Just keeping in my mind that I should be reporting in is keeping me on track.

I replied to Susan’s email and her response: “You’re also right about having someone say, ‘how ya doing?’ I belong to a small accountability group and we’re supposed to check in every Tuesday —but if one of doesn’t, the rest don’t either.”

Did you get that? Accountability.

Not every author has an accountability partner or a critique group. Some people are loners and do just fine without a nudge, but for me, posting my goals and accomplishments made a measurable difference in my writing.

Last January I posted how much I wrote, what I sold and what I gave away. When I compared it to the year before, I could see a definite increase in production. That encouraged me. Then I posted my accomplishments online and several authors emailed me saying, “I need to do that for me.”

Unlike my laid-back-pizza-eating-lionhearted photo, being a freelance author is work. Yet when I see my work published I think, “Awe, I’m an author. Such a good life.”

This is Kat saying build some sort of system to track your work, your sales, your blogs, your newsletters, even your encouragement notes. Do it now. You’ll be glad you did.

Late Bloomer-New Career

No one told me about career building when I wrote the church drama, VBS and SS curriculum, or the Women’s Min Bible Studies. Never did I think the weekly bulletins and newsletters might be a step towards new life—I just loved being in the thick of the people and doing ministry.

So after many years alongside my preacher husband, Gary, I felt banned to the pew when he left the ministry. My world felt box like when we moved to another state where I didn’t know anyone.

Then in the spring of 1999, an eye specialist diagnosed me with Fuchs dystrophy. “You are legally blind.” My little world became more confined.

Rear-view vision tells me God used that period of my life for His glory.

That fall someone died that I might see. (What a story.)

A cornea transplant surgery promised me hope of vision, but no one prepared me for the fuzzy world I’d live in. A world filled with pain.

In my battle against the pain and depression, I announced to husband, “I do think I’ll write a novel.” I joined writer’s groups and my little box like world increased in size.

In the summer of 2002, I attended Oregon Christian Writer’s Conference where I paid Cec Murphey to read my manuscript. Cec suggested I shelve the novel and write my life experience stories.

Never in any of this did I see a career possibility—not at my age.

But look at me now. I’m working towards retirement—hopefully in the next few months—and a new career. Fulltime freelance author/speaker. And all the while the Lord had a plan.

Have a good night,

Kat in Omaha

Pleased to be an Author

Last week a District Superintendent qualified the district churches. “We don’t have second-hand churches or less than stellar preachers. We do have many small churches in villages that pay little or nothing. The pastor is bi-vocational—that doesn’t make him or the church less than the mega work in the city.”

I felt like one of those bi-vocational pastors when the discussion of low pay for anthology submissions became a topic of discussion in an online author forum. I proudly reported I’m now published in eight anthologies and have several articles scheduled to release in four more. No, I am not earning a living on my writing yet, but I'm pleased to be published.

One dear soul gave me a dose of reality when she read one of my articles in A Cup of Comfort Book of Prayer. “Your just one of several?” Her frown and tone said, “That’s not a big deal.” But to me it’s a big deal. I had to work hard to arrive at this place in my writing. I’ve been out of school for years—grammar was never my strong point—it took hours of effort to learn the craft of writing and how to ‘please the editors.’

Besides, think about it. I’m only one of several in each anthology, but they are sold in Barnes and Noble, Target, and Walmart. Who knows how God might use one of my stories to touch a life in Kookamonga or right here in Omaha.

Wow, I’m a God called author, paid or not. I feel blessed.

Pleased to be an author in any form, Kat

Where to find me:

Soul Matters for Men; Soul Matters for Mothers; Grace Givers with David Jeremiah; A Cup of Comfort Devotional for Mothers; A Cup of Comfort Book of Prayer; A Rainy Day Book; White Picket Fences; Life Savors for Women

Procrastination can be Expensive

Horrible lesson almost learned: Don’t hesitate, buy early.

Because I’ve only flown 5 times in my life, arranging a flight is scary. Someone helped me in the past. This year our Oregon daughter encouraged me to buy one early.

“I don’t have the time today.”

“Mom, give yourself permission to spend thirty minutes online. Go directly to the website for each of the airlines. You can do this.”

I messed around on the websites that night. Some fees were sky high and a few didn’t have flights where I needed to go. The next day I popped in and looked around again—didn’t buy. Then I asked a co-worker how they arranged their flights.

“Usually Travelocity or Orbitz.”

That night I compared those two. Will they run a special? Maybe I should ask ….I hesitated. Again.

Every where I looked I found United to be the only choice from Omaha to Eugene. So why did I wait?

A week later our Omaha daughter called and connected me with expedia. "Yes, you'll have an actual person to talk me though the purchase." I called and while we were on the phone the tickets went from $405 to $638.

I hung up quick, plugged back into Orbitz where I’d seen a roundtrip fare for $412. You never saw my fingers fly so fast. Phew. Job well done. I received my confirmation, wiped my brow, and thought “Wow, you almost missed this because you hesitated to make a commitment.”

I gotta learn procrastination is a killer and can be expensive.

Sighing, Kat

OVERCOME FEAR OF SPEAKING

AFRAID TO SPEAK

How did I overcome the fear of speaking before people?

Practice. I learned how to speak before others when pushed lovingly by my husband (and the Lord) to fill positions in the church.

My husband entered the ministry 14 years after we were married. While he attended Bible College, I took classes offered for the wives and piano lessons, too. (Training is a big help.)

Although I’m an extrovert, I struggle with shyness. (Well I did at one time and still do if I’m in unfamiliar territory.)

Ministry in small churches is a great way to overcome a lot of self. Forced to lead the music, play the piano and direct the choir—in one church I did all three—taught me to care for others and forget about self.

At one point, I asked a piano instructor, “How do I get over being so nervous. I’m sure I’ll blunder.” He answered, “Why do you think people come to listen for your mistakes? Don’t focus on yourself. Your congregation (audience) is your best friend. Your champion.”

This last fall (a hundred years after those church settings), I spoke in several churches. I felt so inadequate, positive I had nothing new to say. My husband wisely said, “There may be only one person, but that one person has never heard your message before.”

More than once I heard, “The Lord sent you here for me.” I may not be the best speaker, but I’m the one the Lord sent to do that job.

Step outside your comfort zone this week and try something for the sake of others. Then watch God open the hearts of others to receive the message God has placed on your heart.

Have a beautiful week, Kat

SIMULTANEOUS SUBMISSIONS

What is a simultaneous submission? You write one article and send it to more than one editor.

In the body of your cover letter you mention, “I am sending this submission to another publication.” Or under your signature you note: Simultaneous Submission.

When one editor buys the manuscript, be sure and let the other editor(s) know immediately.

The day I wrote an article for one publication and accidently sent it to another, I felt embarrassed. I quick wrote to Mr. First Sub Editor and apologized. In minutes he replied to my email. “Don’t worry about it. Just let me know if you sell it.”

When Mr. Supposed To Editor did buy the article. I sent that promised email to Mr. First Sub Editor, “Sold.” He replied, “I’ve withdrawn your article from our files.” Two weeks later, the same editor sent me a letter of acceptance for the same article.

I panicked. Did I tell the article as First Rights twice? That’s not legal or moral.

After several emails, we came to a solution: The two SS handouts are not overlapping markets. Mr. Supposed To Editor bought the article and had already sent the payment when the second one wrote his letter of acceptance. Legally he owned the first rights to my article. Mr. First Sub Editor said he was happy to pay for a reprint even though he will publish the story before Mr. Supposed To Editor’s publication date.

If that doesn’t make sense, well, believe me when I say it took me awhile to sort through this problem. I don’t want to repeat it anytime soon.

So how do you avoid the problem above? For me I don’t make it a practice to submit simultaneously.

One simple tip:

When you submit simultaneously log all info in an Excel Spreadsheet or hardcopy file. Change the font type and size, bold it, and color the text name. Then color the editors email addresses in the same color. Your eyes can track the submission easier.

Enjoy your day, Kat

Serious Writer

I’m retirement age and still working four nine-hour days each week. Monday’s are set aside to write. Writing career? Never thought about the title, especially at my age, but then I say, “Why not?”

When I walked into the Oregon conference in 2002, I felt certain I carried a best seller in my portfolio. Then Cec Murphey (in a sweet way—despite his curmudgeonly spirit) said stash the fiction. In a few words, he steered me in the “right direction.” Write true experience stories, build a name for yourself, and become serious about the write business.

Grammar! Edits! Critiques! Writer’s crit groups! The whole bit.

Many from TWV2, FCW, HACWN and OCWC have helped me find my footing and hone my skills. “They” urged me to write goals, praises and seek a newspaper column.

Full of fear, I pushed myself to do them all.

The fiction best seller still lives in my computer, but someday....

Thank you to Cec and all others. Not enough space to name you, but the day I hit Oprah I’ll try to give you all proper credit.

Now you are smiling with me, right? But my dream career sits on the edge of my world. So I ask you, “If the Lord has changed my world this much, and brought me this far, why not see myself as a real author?”

Must add, my day job is not my career. It is survival.

Come visit again, Kat

Never too late to say, "THANK YOU"

Time is fleeting and action of the essence.

When I left Oregon Christian Writers Conference (OCWC) I planned on sending “Thank You Notes” immediately. I purchased the notes while in Oregon with plans to write and address them during my layover in Denver.

That didn’t happen. I read a book, took a walk, mulled over what I’d learned and let my tired brain relax. A vacation of 16 days is wonderful, but when I arrived home life called my name.

Husband had worked super hard to have everything neat at home, but my cubicle at work, Wow. Desk piled high. Long hours. Each day I arrived home exhausted.

Then all the other deadlines to meet and look it’s already a month since OCWC. If I’m not careful the window of time for “Thank You” will have passed—or does it ever.

This weekend I received a "Thank you for your support" from our granddaughter and two emailed ‘thank yous’ for my contribution to the cancer support group. I felt thrilled with each note.

Great lessons for the week:

Thank you notes don’t need to be lengthy or clever—just sent.

It’s never too late to say “Thank You. I appreciated your workshop, your materials, your sharing, and/or your help.”

This week I plan on sending notes of thanks, how about you?

FCW an Online Writing Group

What I’ve learned from FCW:

When I attend a Christian conference, I’m surprised when I meet authors not connected to Fellowship of Christian Writers (FCW) or any other online writer’s support group. I listen to their reasons:

v I don’t have enough time
v I’m on dialup and it’s difficult to manage the website
v I’m involved with a local critique group and don’t feel I need anything else

Sometimes I share what I’ve learned, other times I quickly realize the author doesn’t want my info. Okay, that’s fine, not everyone does need a support group, However, there are times I want to teach a class on how FCW is a powerful tool for an author.

What have I gained from FCW?

Years of valuable wisdom shared with me for free.

Someone suggested:

Write for a newspaper. I did. In the process I learned to interview cold turkey, make deadlines, and produce readable copy that pleased my editor.

Set weekly goals and post praises. When I put this tip in action I produced more and felt better about my writing.

Post lessons learned. Wow. I’ve a wealth of wisdom packed into these lessons and now I’m using them for my blog: Straight from the Lion’s Mouth.

Grammar Experts live at FCW. Ask questions, receive answers.

Not all our families and friends understand the world of an author, but on FCW we have prayer support and author support.

Kudos and applause for our FCW moderators and the rest of the gang.

and a sincere thank you from Kat

More information about FCW visit:
http://fellowshipofchristianwriters.org

5 Lessons Learned at OCWC

1. Speak to the silent, the loner, and every editor/publisher possible. Speak, but also listen. Everyone has a story. Many authors, editors and even publishers bring a load of pain tucked in their suitcase between their clothes and their manuscript.
2. Take time to be alone. I sent my fees with a note, “I’ll fit into a cabin of three to save dollars.” Mentally I thought, “Lord, I know you placed Geneva in my cabin on purpose in 2002. Maybe you have a plan for this year, too. I’m open to share.” Then guess what? I had a cabin to myself. The Lord knew I needed quiet with Him. What a blessing.
3. Don’t expect every workshop to fit your every need. Often the class ranges from newbie to well-seasoned author and the speaker tries to answer all the questions in between. Take what you can from every class. When my husband served as pastor he told his Bible Class students, “Don’t try and digest it all. If you go away with one new truth or one provocative thought, you’ve done well.”
4. Go to every conference with a positive mental attitude and trust God to help you find your niche. Don’t expect to know everything beforehand. You are a first grader going to school. You’ll learn. Raise your hand and ask questions.
5. Expect miracles and write them down. Even the little answers to prayer.
   
   Have a great day. I'm headed to my mission field called Medical Billing. Wonder who I might talk with today? Kat

INTERESTS AND HOBBIES

In Sandy Cathcart’s workshop at OCW she challenged us to answer several questions. Number #8 intrigued me:

List your interests and your hobbies. Not only the current ones, but things you’ve learned in the past. My pen flew across the page.

Chess, table tennis, writing, reading, create and send cards/especially weird things you could never buy in a store. I crochet, knit and sew. I’m a florist, write and direct drama and clown. I’m a home decorator—give me what is your prized memory and I’ll create your color scheme and place of peace. I’m a Bible teacher. (taught every grade leave and age. Sometimes with a classroom of 5 year-olds up to teens.) Taught piano, cake decorating, calligraphy, and how to tye dye. And given a bit more time I’m sure I’d think about more.

You know when I look at the list I wonder why I’ve limited myself to my story telling—there is a whole lot more to me than just what I see on a daily basis.

Oh, here a wrinkle in my day. I eat lunch with the same 3 women each day. We tend to fall into the tried and true topics—you know, Grandkids, what they ate the night before, or another recipe. (Remember I have allergies and my culinary skills are hidden in the cupboard.)

After I read through my list of “me” I’ve decided to challenge my lunch buddies to talk about who they are. Now I’m wondering what hobbies and interests they’ve hidden from me all these years.

I’ll report back on my findings.

Without A Vision

I’ve been asked how I managed a trip to Oregon.

I didn’t, God did.

I asked four authors to pray about my trip. One of them suggested I ask for a scholarship to the conference. Once before I asked for a scholarship and when turned down, I felt rejected and embarrassed. Yet, this year, I felt if I asked an author to pray and she felt I should ask, why not. I did and within an hour I received a “Yes.”

I didn’t know how much in $ that might mean, but I felt the Lord gave me confirmation to pursue my dreams. That also meant I had to tell husband I had plans where he wasn’t included.

Bless his heart, Husband said, “I’ve already been thinking you need to see your mother this summer. Go for it.”

Lord, you know my siblings need Jesus. Is it possible for me to speak in churches in their neighborhood? The next day I listed churches in the area, called fifteen. Called bookstores, newspapers, radio stations and asked to share COC books at the family reunion.

How did I do that? One call at a time. It is a lot of work, but the rewards now are awesome. My siblings sat in congregations where I spoke. The scholarship helped and I generated enough dollars to pay for half my expenses. Where does the other half come from? Money I’d earned speaking in Nebraska.

Funny, when I look at the overall picture I am involved in making the trip happen.

But think about it, my vision was not big enough.

What have I missed because I failed to dream?

Without a Vision...

Kat in Omaha

http://www.katcrawford.com

God Answers Prayer

“Mom, what do you want for Mother’s Day,” our oldest daughter asked.

“A flight to Oregon.”

“Try again in my price range please.”

“I don’t have a desire list anymore. Why write things down or even pray about something I know I cannot afford?”

Before we hung up I suggested a couple items I’d like.

The next morning I realized why I didn’t write out a desire list like I had in the past.

In the past when I wrote out a list, I’d shop sales or second hand stores or save like crazy for a major purchase. Now I don’t have the time or money for shopping and there isn’t anything extra to save.

That day I wrote a list in my prayer journal: New computer. Attend family reunion in Oregon. Attend OWC. I added a couple smaller items, too: A banner long narrow banner to greet people on the front porch, a novel to read, and help with my publishing a book.

That same week a virus ‘killed’ my laptop and husband insisted I buy a new one. “Lord, I forgot to add I wanted a new pc without hassles and bills, but I will trust you for the finances.”

The following week I asked four author friend, “Will you join me in prayer? It will take a miracle for me to attend family reunion and writer’s conference. I have no way of making any of this happen.”

It is now August 9th. I attended the family reunion—the first time in 21 years. I also spent quality time with family and friends, spoke in churches, held booksignings, sold all the books I had shipped to Oregon and attended OCW Conference.

God is still in the miracle business.

Kat

God Uses Humans

I wrote an article on Monday and submitted it to LIVE editor. On Friday I received a short note of acceptance and “you will receive payment shortly.” The same thing happened the next week. On Friday I did a Hallelujah Praise dance when a second letter arrived with promised payment.

When the check arrived I set it on the kitchen table for husband to drool over. Two days later the check still sat on the table, I figured we’d drop it by the bank on Monday.

Only Monday the carpet cleaners were to arrive at 10 a.m. Husband “invited” me to help him remove the furniture. We never made it to the bank.

The carpets didn’t dry. Monday night, despite the disarray I decided to fill out a deposit slip for the LIVE check, only I couldn’t find the check. I scoured the kitchen from refrigerator to pantry. From table top to floor. Leafed through a billion papers and moved lamps, books, photos and magazines. No check.

LESSON: A check is money. No matter the amount, it should be treated like a precious commodity, not an award to be ogled. Several people called Monday evening. I whined to each one about my lost check. All promised to pray. At 10 p.m. I said, “Hon, when you lose something, you don’t sleep.” He got involved. Looked in all the places I looked, but when he knelt on the floor he saw the check lodged under a chair.

There is something about his humbled position that really touched me. I had looked on the floor, but not like he did. I’d stooped from the waist to give a cursory glance under the table. I did not kneel.

Believe me, I did pray for the Lord’s help and I asked all those friends to pray I’d find the lost check, but when husband cared enough to get involved, I felt better. It seemed like he gave me a beautiful gift when I saw him get on his knees—maybe because he did more than just a mere ‘lookseecan’tfind’ type help.

Amazing how one lost check touched my heart?
Another lesson learned: God answers prayer in interesting ways. I might have found the check myself, but I’d have missed the gift of grace from my “I do care for your needs” husband.

Keep your eyes open—God is using a human to answer one of your prayer requests today.

Speaking of Speaking

How did you get over the fear of speaking before people? That question reminds me of years ago when husband would ask, “How do you get to Carnegie Hall?” He’d wait a bit and then say, “Practice baby. Practice.” That’s the way to be the best, speaker, too. Keep going.

I became a speaker when pushed lovingly by my husband, and the Lord, to fill positions in the church. Gary decided to enter the ministry 12 years after we were married. While he attended Bible College, I completed classes offered to the wives and piano lessons, too. I am an extrovert, but unlike most, I struggle with shyness. (Well I did at one time and still do if I’m in unfamiliar territory.)

Ministry in small churches is a great way to overcome a lot of self. Forced to lead the music, play the piano and direct the choir—in one church I did all three—teaches you to care for others and forget self.

At one point, I asked a piano instructor, “How do I get over being so nervous. I’m sure I’ll blunder.”

He answered, “Why do you think people come to listen for your mistakes? Don’t focus on yourself. Your congregation (audience) is your best friend. Your champion.”

This last fall (a hundred years after those church settings), I spoke in several churches. I felt so inadequate, positive I had nothing new to say. My husband wisely said, “There may be only one person, but that one person has never heard your message before.”

After each speaking engagement I heard, “The Lord sent you here for me.” I may not be the best speaker, but I’m the one the Lord sent to do that job.

Kat still in Omaha

I'm a Wannabe Superwoman

HOW DO I FIGURE OUT HOW TO WORK OVERTIME, clean house, keep the kitchen table free from writing trivia, backup the computer, practice music with husband daily, play chess over the evening meal, finish my goals, sleep (what? Who wants to sleep? It is such a time waster). And of course, start each day with the Lord.

Obviously I couldn’t do all the above, but I tried. I kept going for a time, but then I found myself crabby at work. No, I didn’t instigate any discord or spout off with bad words, but I didn’t find the joy in my job.

Before long I realized I had my list backwards. The “And of course, start each day with the Lord” needed to be first on my list and first in my day.

There are those night people who find their quiet time before bed. Me, I’m a morning person. I’m freshest early in the day so I give my freshest bestest me to the Lord and honestly, I do find more minutes in the day.

Never ever understood the tithing principle but I know from experience that when I give 10% off the first of our dollars, God increases the 90% to take care of our needs. It’s the same way with time—give him the best of your hours and He helps you work with greater peace.

Did I say you will be Superwoman? Naw, but try my approach. It works.

Have a peace filled day,
Kat
www.katcrawford.com

STRONGER BIO NEEDED, PLEASE!

An online writer’s group discussed the importance of a well-rounded BIO. After I read the comments by professionals, I pulled out my stack of anthologies and read the short bio listed in the back.

What did I learn? It is important to write facts pertaining to the manuscript attached. You do not need a chronological bio with most submissions.

Most editors don’t need to know Kat Crawford is married for 49 years next Monday. She is still dedicated to her childhood sweetheart. She started chasing him the summer she turned ten and caught him when she turned 17. The Crawford’s have three children and six grandchildren.

Well, actually, if I were writing an article about grand parenting, that might be all right. Or if I wanted to show the importance of commitment in marriage, it might be the most important sentence in the bio....but for the anthology articles, it really doesn’t pertain to the material submitted.

Always write a bio in third person. Always.

I do believe I’ll write a cleaner, more concise bio next time around.

Just a bit smarter,
Kat

Brainstorming Works

When a young author suggested our writers group hold a brainstorm session, I liked the idea. I’m old enough to be her grandmother and the idea of having a group of youngsters around sounded like a much needed evening to revive my tired mind.

I set the date for our brainstorm session. Then one by one the youngsters of Kat’s Kritters (critique group) emailed. They were committed to other activities.

Disappointment set in when I realized I’d have to think hard to inspire myself and the two ladies I expected to come—both of them older than me.

I moaned to husband, “Hon, I used to think creatively. Now I’m old. I see the same people, sit in the same pew, eat with the same co-workers. My world is too small to think in a ‘stormy brain.’ Husband laughed at me, but offered no solution.

At 6 p.m. on the night of the B-storm, I put my fingers on my keyboard and said, “Lord, I’m dry and boring.” Then ideas poured from my mind. In less than thirty minutes, I’d created enough material to stir the old fires in the tired minds.

The clock struck 7. No one showed. I quick jotted more mind-boggling-ideas and the old embers began to flame.

At 7:30, a woman who attended our writers group only once arrived. We didn’t bother with my fire starters, we shared and energized each other. The evening felt like a God planned event.

I learned I’m not dead yet, just thought I might be dying.

Signing out, one fired up Kat

When did I start to write?

When did I start to write?

In the seventh grade, a teacher said I had a natural gift for writing. That encouragement never left me, however, being shy and fearful got in the way for many years. When my husband entered full-time ministry, I had open doors of opportunity.

“Honey, we need a newsletter.”

“Honey, we need a church drama.”

“Honey, we need SS materials that fit our particular church needs.”

Then in our first pastorate another preacher’s wife invited me to ‘help her’ write a devotional for the women. My friend did not work fast enough for me so I wrote my own. The women liked the booklet and asked for more.

When we moved to another town, the newspaper asked for a weekly devotional. Husband said, “Honey, you have the gift.” I wrote Sunshine and Smiles for two years. The community enjoyed the column, but when I look at them now I cringe, I used the knowledge I had at the time and God blessed the words.

At that time I met Steve and Janet Bly—they read my work, applauded my efforts, encouraged me and eventually, because of those two generous writers, the Standard published my article Secret Secret Sister. (Spent my first check three times. Grin.)

That is the beginning—my husband is still my biggest encouragement. He is also my WIP—smile.

Kat in Omaha
www.pmpawareness.org
www.katcrawford.com

Do you remember watching a child take those first steps? Their hands flail around as they grope air to balance themselves on tiny feet while they take those baby steps.

For three hours this afternoon I’ve messed around taking funny little baby steps while trying to build a blog. Actually, this is my fourth attempt at my first post.

I started writing years ago. I’ve already been through my first submissions to editors and publishers. I’m way beyond the first rejection letter, firs sale and the first critique group. Yet writing is fresh and new to me daily and today I’m back at the beginning: my first post on my first blog. I feel excited probably because I learned several lessons in the process.

• I tend to make things hard—hey, I couldn’t remember my password between my visits to the posting board.
• I’d like cutsy stuff on the screen and spent two hours trying to load a photo that turned out way bigger than anyone could see and who cares?
• Today’s experience reminded me of years ago when I spent a whole day creating a cover for a Woman’s Devotional only to find out the women read through it once. When I finally wised up and realized the ladies didn’t care about the cover, I spent more time on the content. What I learned is they enjoyed the insides—the meat of the message more than the package.
• Today’s first isn’t a best seller, it won’t reach any great markets in life, but it is my beginning of greater things to come.

Stop by again to hear STRAIGHT FROM THE LION’S MOUTH,

The Lionhearted Kat