A Step in the
Write
Direction
April 13,
2015
Update: Although it
may sound like a paradox, I’ve found one way to combat grief is thankfulness.
This week I’ve thanked God for giving me a husband I miss, rather than one I’m
glad to have gone. I’m thankful for 54 wonderful years together and all the
memories. I’m thankful that he is now free from the pain he suffered for so many
years with 12 major health problems—and seldom complained. I’m thankful for
three wonderful children, a great son-in-law, two precious granddaughters, and
other family members who have supported both of us all these years. I’m thankful
for Tuesday’s Children, my weekly critique group, who have watched Gary bounce
back time and time again when the doctors didn’t think he would make it and who,
many times, have sent cards, flowers, and “care” packages. I’m thankful for
those I’ve never met but still count as friends—through Facebook and this blog.
And I’m especially thankful—and almost amazed, although I shouldn’t be—at the
peace God has given me this last month.
Thought for
the Day: “I am
leaving you with a gift—peace of mind and heart! And the peace I give isn’t
fragile like the peace the world gives. So don’t be troubled or afraid” (John
14:27 tlb).
Song for the
Day:
Far away in
the depths of my spirit tonight
Rolls a
melody sweeter than psalm;
In celestial
strains it unceasingly falls
O’er my soul
like an infinite calm.
Peace, peace,
wonderful peace,
Coming down from the Father
above!Sweep over my spirit forever, I
prayIn
fathomless billows of love!
Warren D. Cornell, “Wonderful
Peace”
Laugh for the Day:
|
Wife:
"There's trouble
with the car. It has water in the carburetor."
Husband: "Water in the carburetor? That's ridiculous." Wife: "I tell you the car has water in the carburetor." Husband: "You don't even know what a carburetor is. I'll check it out. Where's the car?" Wife: "In the pool." (Gospel Greats newsletter, March 24, 2015) |
Writer’s
Tips:
Last of “Show, Don’t Tell”
Don’t
Overuse Adjectives
Pick out the strongest. Instead of "a pleasant and friendly sounding voice", "pleasant" is
enough. Instead of “A small jar,” use “A two-ounce jar.” Instead of “a short,
nine-inch board” use “a board the size of Timmy’s arm.”
Remember, An
adjective is an opinion, while a verb is a fact.
Okay: "A big, ferocious, mean dog was in the yard."
Better: "A hungry-looking dog lunged at me and ripped my pant leg to
shreds."
(Robert J. Hastings, How I
Write. Nashville: Broadman Press,
1973.)
Samples of Descriptive Writing
The Heart Remembers, June Masters Bacher, Harvest House.
"She had made a soft landing into the real
world of today."
"My mouth's so dry I could spit enough cotton
to knit a sweater."
"It's a ten-hanky crying
jag."
"One eye that, like his tie, always drifted to
the left."
"We're all different. Did you think God made a paper-doll pattern from Adam and
Eve?"
Because of Love, Susan Talbot (unpublished manuscript)
"If spirituality could be inherited, I'd been
born in full Ephesian armor. My family tree blossoms with
Moody graduates and missionaries."
"Love posts a 'No Trespassing' sign for
tragedy and grief, doesn't it?"
"The anesthesiologist strapped an oxygen mask
over my face.
'Good-bye, Baby,' I whispered. 'Say "Hi" to Jesus for me.'"
"Maybe there is no God. Yes, that's it. I played the odds and lost,
simple as that."
"My faith teetered precariously on the
pinpoint of pain."
"An abortion would result in a lifetime of
pain.
An abortion would say God had made a
mistake."
"Seven doctors, two nurses and a photographer
tensed around the operating table. Taunt faces, moist palms,
shallow breaths.
Professional veneers stripped bare by the
intrusion into the unknown."
Have a good week spreading
the
gospel
through the printed page.
Donna
Clark Goodrich
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