Job Hazards of a Writer

Some of you are probably wondering about the title of this post. Really….what kind of job hazard does a writer face? And no, I’m not talking about paper cuts or Carpal Tunnel Syndrome.

Yes, Carpal Tunnel, deadline burn-out, and writer’s block can be a problem. There’s one hazard that is bigger than all those; something that really makes me sweat. What is this hazard, you ask?

Critiquing the manuscripts of wanna-be writers!

There…I’ve said it. Although I love to help those who want to write…..I was there once myself….it is often a difficult and sticky situation. When this person hands off their fresh-off-the-printer manuscript to me, it’s like I’m taking their child…their baby. All is well and good if the child is totally cute, articulate, and charming. What if the baby is really ugly? What if the baby has few, if any, qualities the parent is asking me to goo-goo over?

And just because I’m a published writer in a variety of areas, doesn’t mean I know everything there is to know about writing. I’m totally clueless, for instance, when it comes to poetry. For me, if it doesn’t rhyme and make me laugh, I have no use for it. I might be a discouragement to the next Robert Frost. What a tragedy that would be.

With much prayer and tact, I hope my advice is right….even if the message is a bit painful. May God grant me the wisdom to be a wise judge over another person’s writing when they ask for constructive help and an encourager to those who want to share God’s message.

Hugs,
Beth

A Writer’s Dream

Howdy,

   Just a short note to let you know about an article in the Columbus Messenger Newspaper about yours truly. It’s my dream as a writer to proclaim God’s love and salvation to whoever will listen. This article was a great way to do just that.

   Check out the article  http://www.columbusmessenger.com/030507/west/book.php and praise God with me.

   Spring is just around the corner and the red birds are already singing. When the robins come on the scene, it will be official. 

Keeping Smiling,

Beth

Snow on the Ground; Spring in the Air!

Happy February to All,

   February has been one of the coldest on record for the Buckeye State. Snowy, too! There has been plenty of shoveling, chipping at ice, and sledding. It’s almost hard to imagine how hot it was last summer mowing the grass. The changing seasons are just one of God’s many wonderful creations.

   Is everyone surviving the cold? Any cabin fever? This is a great time to curl up with a good book….the Bible. Are you one those people who try reading the entire Bible in one year. I am! So what if I’m on year 3….at least I’m in the New Testament. Why is it so hard to spend more than fifteen minutes in the Bible and leave quiet time for God to speak? I’m still a work in progress over this matter. It’s much like working out….you love the feeling when you’re finished, but it’s hard to get started on a daily basis.

   Write and let me know if you’re having the same trouble. I’m interested in how others tackle this problem.

Stay Warm in the Son’s Light,

Beth 

January…A Time for New Beginnings

   Happy New Year to Everyone!!! Central Ohio has finally had its first real snow for this winter. It’s truly been a mild winter (which I love), but the sight of falling snow is beautiful. Enough of that….let spring begin. I’m ready for camping, grilling, sitting on the front porch, and all the things that come will warm weather. Can’t wait!

   Things have been hectic around the Loughner household. Our youngest is playing Upward Bound Basketball and loving it. School and church is keeping us busy, not to mention that it is the dreaded tax time. It’s a good thing I like math. 

   Bay Hideaway will be released the next few weeks and I’m excited. Some books are just a lot of fun to write and this is one of them. I almost dug the heroine in so deep with trouble that it was hard to get her out. But what fun it was to get her there! I hope you enjoy reading the book as much as I did writing it.

   January is the month of new beginnings. I pray that everyone has a set a goal to grow closer to God in their hearts and walk. It is on the top of my list.

God Bless,

Beth