A Step in the Write Direction--October 15

A Step in the Write Direction

October 15, 2012

Update:

I need some prayer today. Believe it or not, I bumped my head again last week on the corner of a metal file cabinet drawer and have a headache. Also, I had to go to the eye doctor twice who removed some eyelashes from my eye that had scratched the cornea. It’s still sore—and tomorrow I’ll be speaking on “The Freedom of Letting Go” to about 150 seniors. I’m praying I’ll be 100% better by then!

Today my husband’s has another Coumadin test to see if his level has gone up. They told him a month ago he had a blood clot in the heart and put him on the blood thinner. His level is supposed to be between 2 and 3. So far it’s only been 1 and 1.3, even though they keep increasing the dosage. He’s up to 3 a day now of 4 mg. So at 2:30 we’ll find out if that’s enough….Also my sister is having a new pacemaker put in today.

I proofread the final copies last week of the grandmother/mother anthology, and also the Advent book “Preparing Your Heart for Christmas” and sent back corrections. So as you can see, it’s been a crazy week here as usual. Our pastor preached a good sermon yesterday on prayer. Aren’t you thankful you don’t have to make an appointment to ask God for help? Or press 1 for English, 2 for another language, or leave a Voice Mail.

I don’t very often forward YouTube information, but if you want to hear a beautiful rendition of “How Great Thou Art” in which one man sings all four parts, go to: http://www.youtube.com/watch_popup?v=dxCRIF0m79w&feature=related

Thought for the Day:

“When you’re in a difficult place, realize that the Lord either placed you there, or allowed you to be there for reasons known only to Him. The same God who led you there will lead you out” (My pastor Ira Brown, 7/8/12).

Laugh for the Day:

 

One Sunday, a pastor shared a financial need with his congregation and asked them to donate more than usual into the offering plate, saying that whoever gave the most would be able to pick out three hymns. After the offering plates were passed, the pastor saw that someone had placed a $1,000 bill in the offering. Excited, he said he'd like to personally thank the person who placed the money in the plate. A very quiet, elderly, saintly looking lady shyly raised her hand. The pastor called her to the front, told her how wonderful it was that she gave so much, and in thanks asked her to pick out three hymns. Her eyes brightened as she looked over the congregation, pointed to the three most handsome men in the building, and said, "I'll take him and him and him."

Writing Hints:

For any of you who write poetry, there’s a good article in this month’s “Writing for Dollars.” Check it out at: http://www.writingfordollars.com/2012/vol16num13.cfm There’s also a place where you can subscribe to this free newsletter.

Supplies (continued)—Books:

 

Roget’s Thesaurus

Strunk/White Elements of Style

World Almanac/atlas

Rhyming dictionary (if a poet)

Writer’s Market

Christian Writer’s Market Guide

Chicago Manual of Style 15th edition

Merriam-Webster’s Collegiate Dictionary 11th edition (12^th edition coming soon)

Though you can find much of this material online, I love my books of poetry and

quotations. I also have a number of biographical books in which I can look up almost

any famous person and find a few paragraphs about him or her, including their date of

birth and/or death. Depending on your writing, you may want to purchase medical and

legal dictionaries, and other books relating to your particular genre.

You’ll also find it useful to get on government mailing lists. If you send to any one of the following three agencies, you can receive tons of information on various topics. Much of this information is free; the rest can be obtained for a small fee.

U.S. Government Printing Office

Superintendent of Documents

Washington, D.C. 20402

www.gpo.gov/

(on GPO Quick Links, click on Catalog of U.S. Government Publications)

Consumer Information Center

Department CA

Pueblo, CO 81009

http://pueblo.gsa.gov/

(ask to be put on mailing and e-mail list)

The Council of Better Business Bureaus

4200 Wilson Blvd., Suite 800

Arlington, VA 22203-1838

www.bbb.org/us/

(ask for list of publications)

(information also available on this Web site for Canadian Council)

You can also get on other mailing lists such as the Department of Education and

Department of Health Welfare. These offices will send you fact sheets on such topics as

abortion, latchkey kids, and many others, including changes in legislation.

***

I pray you have a good week. Next week we’re answering some questions a reader asked about writing an Introduction, a bio, and a Table of Contents.

Donna

www.thewritersfriend.net
"A Step in the Write Direction--the Complete How-to Guide for Christian Writers"