The Spark Blogfest - Post #5

Today's post is about blogs that "spark" me!

Spark 1 -- 2 Encourage

I shared about Pam on Post #1, but today I am sharing her blog because it is so encouraging to Christian writers. So, pour a cup of tea, visit her blog, and stay awhile. She's a kindred spirit.

Spark 2 --  Pocketful of Playdough

Playdough is fun. It's creative. It's soft and pliable. Many colors can be smooshed together to create something remarkable. Brianna's blog is playdough. I go there everyday to to see what's in her pocket. Her stories are honest and from the heart...and I love them.

Spark 3 -- Writercize

You know how that power walk, swim, or run gives you energy and makes you feel great afterwards? Writing is no different. If you want to get rid of the flab, you need to writercize. Join Alana, your personal trainer, and try her writing exercises!

Spark 4 (Honorable Mention) -- =]v[=  

I have to mention Matt Conlon's Stick I.T. Comics. They are hilarious and they inspired me to write my own comics!

What blogs "spark" you?

The Spark Blogfest - Post #4

Today's post will be a little different for Sparkfest. I'm turning it into a writing exercise!

Writing Exercise: Write about "a spark" for 10 minutes.  

My response is below.

The spark fluttered and sputtered in the darkness. The tiny pinpoint of glimmering light moved slowly through the forest, searching. It stopped occasionally to rest on tree branches, but only for a moment at a time. It was careful not to cause damage. If the wood started to smoke, the spark reluctantly moved on. No need to burn the whole forest down because of his failure.


How could he have lost her! He had the perfect disguise, a single, minute spark, not even the size of a flame. Perhaps that is why he did lose her. He had become bedazzled by the light of the roaring campfire as it crackled around him. When he looked to where she had been standing, he saw only the scruffy men, some drunk, some singing, some already snoring. The girl, who he was paid so richly to follow, was gone.

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I'd love to have you join in! 

Continue the story in the Comment Section or write your own "spark" entry!

The Spark Blogfest - Post #3

Today I'm answering this question from Christine Tyler's Sparkfest:

What author set off that spark of inspiration for your current WIP?

My WIP, which is my first book, is Middle Grade Fantasy Adventure. 

The author that inspired it is the greatest author of all time...

God. Yep, God! He gave me the idea for the book and has hand in it every step of the way. Whenever I get stuck, I open the Bible and there are words that inspire me and words that directly relate to my book (and yes, it is fiction). It has been an awesome experience to write with God's help.

I've heard people say that first books never get published.
Q: Do I think mine will? 
A: If God wants it published, it will be published.

Is God/Jesus ever a part of your writing?  If so, how has that made a difference? 

The Spark Blogfest - Post #2

Today I'm answering this question from Christine Tyler's Sparkfest:

What book made you realize you were doomed to be a writer? 

This little chapter book (yes, I still have it), M for Mischief by Richard Parker, copyright 1965, is what sparked me! 

I was in the third grade when I read it. It was about 3 children who found an old stove in a summer cottage. The strange thing about it was that it only had one setting -- "M". The children boiled an egg on "M" and when Andrew ate it, he disappeared.  The stove was magic!

As soon as I read the book, I tried to write my own book filled with magic, but it did not turn out very well.


That was my start. How about you? What childhood book inspired you?

The Spark Blogfest - Post #1

For the opening day of Sparkfest, I'm going to answer the question on the Sparkfest button:

Who set you off?

Her name is Pam.

Two years ago I walked into a writer's group at my church and Pam was the leader. I really had no expectations. I wanted to try something different. I had no idea that it would change my life. 

Pam started with devotions and then did a writing exercise. Write about "a sound" for 17 minutes. I wrote furiously about the slap slap of double dutch ropes, one of my childhood memories. That set me off. 

At home, I began writing about more childhood memories and then about some painful adult memories. Not too long after, I began writing a book. Two years later, I have two published devotions, a blog, and I'm editing my book.

Pam is the one who set me off. Her writing ministry is the reason I am writing today. She is a kindred spirit and a calming, steady rock who is always there for us newbie writers. Her encouragement and support has helped me blossom. I cherish her as a mentor and a friend.

If you would like to get to know Pam, she is at 2 Encourage and 1st Writes.

So, who set you off?