Writing What You Know

As a writer, I have heard it said so many times to write what you know. After a while that might become boring, so we need to constantly be learning more and broadening our horizons. Last month’s post is related to such new experiences. Well let me tell you, the F-1 hurricane-force winds that ripped through Ohio last month was a new experience. I watched as huge trees in the park just leaned over and fell to the ground or across the road, and roof shingles and paper flew by. The electric was out for over a week in many areas.

When I walked outside and felt the sting of flying dirt, leaves and other debris, it made me wonder how those who live in coastal regions deal with much stronger hurricanes every year. Although the damages in Ohio reached into the high millions, at least it only took the siding and shingles…not entire houses.

It made me appreciate street lights, too. Without electric in many areas it made the nights very dark. City folks are so used to the night being partially lit and suddenly it was country-side dark. This brings out the good and the ugly. Someone took advantage of the dark streets and tried unsuccessfully to break into our garage. Others banned together and helped each other. Some homes on one side of the street had electric and ran long extension cords across the street to those who didn’t.

Although this is not an experience I would have volunteered to have, it is another learning time to add to my “what I know” file.

Happy Harvest,
Beth

Book Research

Remember back in school when the teacher announced that a research paper would be due in two weeks? I can still hear the moans and groans pouring across the room. Maybe we were looking at it wrong. Research does not need to be boring. It has everything to do with the subject, interest level and how the research is approached.

As a writer, I need to do research to make sure events, laws, and processes are as accurate as possible in my books. Sometimes research involves calling knowledgeable people or better yet, experiencing an event for yourself. That’s what I’ve been doing.

There are plans in the near future to write a cozy mystery which involves shooting a gun. As a child, I had learned to shoot a 22 rifle, but never a hand gun. So, I learned. There are gun safety classes and shooting ranges that give a wide array of learning. This is fun research. Now I know the difference between a 38 Special, 357 magnum, 45, and 9 mm. I know how it feels when the gun goes off, the noises and smells. There’s a burst of flame emitted from the gun (hence the name: firearm) that is spectacular during night tactical practice.

Gail Gaymer Martin mentioned this year in a class that she plans to take a hot air balloon ride to experience the event before having her heroine climb aboard. I find this fascinating….although you won’t find me climbing into one of those contraptions.

Research can be fun. Try it sometime.

Hugs,
Beth

Writing Themes

Welcome to August. Usually August is extremely hot, but for the past few days Ohio is experiencing perfect low-humidity, low-temperature days. This is what summer is all about.

Recently, my writing thoughts have centered on themes and plots. Many times it is the plot that comes to mind first and then God gives me the theme He wants. I will be speaking at a church book club this Sunday and much of what I will be dicussing revolves around the theme of the book.

To refresh my memory, I read through the book I wrote that will be discussed. Actually, I’m amazed at what God did with the theme of forgiveness…there was more there than I had planned. I’m quickly realizing that praying for God’s guidance in my everyday writing is extremely important. He can work through the words to make the theme what He wants it to be for those who will read the book…in spite of me. Amazing.

I’m still working on my manuscript. It went well for a month and then canning season derailed me for a while. I hope to begin writing like crazy again this week.

Keep Looking to the Son,
Beth

College Life

It’s official! Our oldest is off to college…starting with a 5-week summer scholarship program. I’m sure she’s overwhelmed, because I am, too. Going through orientation (parents must attend, also) is like going to a conference….it’s always packed full of information. The fall classes have been scheduled and it’s time to buy books. Talk about sticker shock!!!! Too bad a person can’t drive a book since it costs almost as much.

We attended our nephew’s wedding last weekend in Cincinnati. The wedding was beautiful and we had a great time. There was even some 1970′s music to enjoy and a good time was had by all.

I’m still busy writing on my next novel and it’s going well considering how busy the summer has been. The characters are moving along and, of course, changing the story as they go. When an author begins to know a character so well, the character can begin to direct the story into other events than first planned. It may seem weird, but a character can actually surprise the author with a revelation of something from their past or what they plan to do. It’s hard to explain. No, I haven’t flipped and other authors do have similiar experiences. I know since we’re all in the same therapy group. Only kidding!!!

Hope all of you are having a beautiful summer. Keep safe!

Writing For Him,
Beth

American Christian Writer’s Conference

I’m still recuperating from the workshop-packed writer’s conference that was held in Columbus, Ohio, on June 6-7. The speakers included Gail Gaymer Martin, Holly Miller, Connie Cameron and Faye Landrum. Connie and Faye had previously attended the Write-to-Publish Conference with me three years ago, and we have remained friends. They are worthy writers and speakers. Way to go, Gals.

The highlight of the conference was meeting and listening to Gail Gaymer Martin. She is witty and very down-to-earth. She imparted plenty of wisdom during her fiction writing workshops. My writing will undoubtedly improve under her suggestions. This woman works like crazy and it’s hard to know how she keeps up. She admits to being very driven and I believe it.

All writers should take advantage of at least one writer’s conference. It’s a place to meet so many new friends and to network with others. Even small conferences are worth your time. If you haven’t attended a conference and you love to write, make this a goal over the next year.

Check out the conference pictures under “Photos” and click on the book album.

On a personal note, our oldest daughter’s high school graduation ceremony and party are over. Now it’s time for “dorm shopping” since she will be attending a 5-week summer scholarship program. Yikes! It’s moving so fast. We’re exhausted….but happy.

So, kick off your shoes and enjoy the summer. I am!

Writing For Him,
Beth

First Camping Trip of the Season

We have just returned from Pigeon Forge, TN, and had a wonderful time. Be sure to look at the lastest photos of our adventure under the personal album. I will post more pictures once my daughter downloads her digital camera. She took all of the Gatlinburg pixs.

Anyone who knows me, knows how much I love to camp in our pop-up. God gave us safety while we traveled and very nice weather. It was one of those trips where the AC went off and the heat went on….back and forth. Got to love spring temperatures. The trolley stopped right in the campground and from there you could ride for 50 cents…which is a great bargain these days. If you go, be sure to stop by the Old Mill shops and the Apple Barn shops. Life doesn’t get any better than this.

The Ripley’s Aquarium in Gatlinburg was amazing. I could have spent days in this place. It’s very worthwhile to see. Of course, my youngest daughter insisted that I go into the Ripley’s Haunted Adventure with her. The “hostess” who led us into the place was scarier than the place. I hope to have her picture in the photo section soon. My husband and our oldest daughter rode the Ripley’s Motion Picture adventure. I heard it was a rough ride and that I had the better end of the deal with the scary lady.

High School graduation is just around the corner and I’m beginning to panic. So much to do and so little time. Wish us well.

Until Next Time,
Beth

Many Firsts and Lasts

There are many times when we go through cycles in life that bring on plenty of change. This is one of those years for me. As I listened to my oldest daughter’s piano recital last Saturday, I realized it would be her last. As a graduating senior, she will be heading off to college soon. She is coming up on the last Spanish lesson, math problem, research paper, science experient, volleyball game and homeschool group…as she knows it. Many “firsts” are coming. There will be the first dorm room experience, cool cell phone, her very own lap top, new teachers, new classes, a diversity of new people, etc. Exciting and scary at the same time.

God brings about change all the time. It isn’t always easy, especially when I really like all my ducks in a row, and an organized life. Yet, without the change God brings, I would never grow in the ways He wants me to. So, here’s a big “Hurrah” for change. So, as I experience all these changes, I will file away the information and feelings to keep for later use in one of my novels. I get more mileage out of my life that way.

I’m still working on my manuscript…slowly but surely. Watch for some new pictures in the photo album over the next few weeks. I hope to post some new “firsts and lasts”.

Hugs,
Beth

Spring Thoughts

Easter has come and gone…the earliest I ever remember. It’s a beautiful celebration, but it’s also sad to think what Jesus’ love cost Him. I’m so glad He came and had power over death. Yes, it really is a time of celebration.

It’s wonderful to see some brave flowers beginning to poke their heads out of the ground. Soon there will be leaves on the trees and warm weather. There’s nothing quite like bringing out the grill for the first time. Someone in the neighborhood was already grilling the other day while snow flurries were circling and the smell was tantalizing. Ah….spring.

On a writing note, Ohio Weddings , has hit the store shelves. Of course, I can’t find my book in the local Wal-Mart stores. Can I hope it is sold out.

I’m still working on another novel…slowly, but surely. Keep your fingers crossed. It’s hard to concentrate when so much is going on.

I mentioned before that we hope to visit Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg, TN this year to camp. Anyone else have exciting vacation plans. Write and let me know at beth@bethloughner.com.

Happy Spring,
Beth

February Snow

A big hello to everyone from the snowy state of Ohio. It’s absolutely beautiful outside as the snow continues to pile up….beautiful for those who don’t have to drive in the white stuff. Winter is still in full swing and so am I.

I’ve been working on one particular novel off and on for almost 3 years. Although January and February are usually a great time for writing, this year has been particularly hard. I’m not sure if it’s because of this being my daughter’s senior year (difficult subjects and college stuff) or teaching at church..or a combo between the two. Either way, time has been tight. I’m really itching to get back to the novel and stay with it for a few months.

The Primary election in Ohio will be coming soon. Although I usually don’t talk about politics, I’m really wondering for the first time, why we set-up the Primary as we do. By the time election day comes to Ohio, only a few candidates are left. Is it fair for field of candidates to be narrowed by other states? And will Ohio (although we are near the end of line) narrow the field further for others? I’m not sure why the unfairness of this practice just hit me this year, but it’s food for thought. All I know; I’m not ready for all the political phone calls (may I be so bold as to call them interruptions) to begin. Please remember to pray for all of our country’s leaders and service men and women.

On a lighter note, our family is already thinking about the upcoming camping season and planning trips. Just looking at the brochures makes it seem warmer.

Keep warm and bundled…and loved.

Hugs,
Beth

Starting New Again

Yes, January is upon us and I’m once again trying to break the habit of writing 2007 on my checks. Why is that so hard? I’m also a little late writing out my New Year’s resolutions. It really worked well in 2007 to include some personal, family and work goals. I squeaked many last-minute goals in the month of December making it 90% successful. I feel good about that!

I’m wishing all of you a wonderful 2008. May you be healthy throughout the year. I’m looking forward to several camping trips (these dreams get me through January and February) and several new adventures with our oldest graduating from high school. Can it be? I’m hoping to write more and worry less….eat better and be more active.

What are you looking forward to this year? May God place His blessing upon you as you travel through this year.

God Bless,
Beth