tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3649424089750316818.post8542579627314685762..comments2024-03-27T03:14:07.652-04:00Comments on Seekerville: The Journey Continues: Stories Surround Us. So How Do We Harness Them?Missy Tippenshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05480008023330542958noreply@blogger.comBlogger91125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3649424089750316818.post-53510345799464731742018-06-15T10:39:58.822-04:002018-06-15T10:39:58.822-04:00Ruth:
To understand the crowd, you need to be an ...Ruth:<br /><br />To understand the crowd, you need to be an outsider. To understand the outsiders, you need to be independent and healthy. Your comments are very healthy. I'd say you are headed in the right direction. I enjoy watching your journey. Keep the faith!<br />Vincehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12707773426729777989noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3649424089750316818.post-70974295789783197102018-06-15T04:07:22.247-04:002018-06-15T04:07:22.247-04:00Vince, I totally believe the last part of this. Th...Vince, I totally believe the last part of this. That we tack in a direction either because we're meant to... or because we're stubborn and ignore that Holy Spirit nudge, LOL! That line "When the student is ready, the teacher will appear." I love it.<br /><br />Honestly, I've never understood the fascination with those authors. I love "To Kill a Mockingbird". Love it. But the rest? Not a fan. I think they're overblown, like Seinfeld. Much ado about nothing.<br /><br />And that fact that they lived in a time when it was kind of cool to be anguished... oh mylanta, Vince. Maybe it's from being raised by alcoholics, but I steer clear of the crazies and their works. <br /><br />Don't think ill of me because of that, though. I am much more a Wouk and Michener kind of person, I loved their works, I love great stories.<br /><br />But I do abhor self-indulgent lifestyles. Bah. Humbug! <br /><br />:)<br /><br />Ruth Logan Hernehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11550734775151341968noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3649424089750316818.post-57235306597052950362018-06-14T20:32:24.629-04:002018-06-14T20:32:24.629-04:00Hi Ruth: I should have pointed out that this is wh...Hi Ruth: I should have pointed out that this is what I'd write taking an idea and expanding on it. This is what your post was about. There is something out there really big. <br /><br />When the student is ready, the teacher will appear. I think this might be true of writers and important works.Vincehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12707773426729777989noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3649424089750316818.post-26228582320966858512018-06-14T20:18:39.831-04:002018-06-14T20:18:39.831-04:00Deb, I have a story outline about a disappearing b...Deb, I have a story outline about a disappearing baby... but no place to market it and no time to write it right now, but I see the story in my head... and one of these days it will make it into the two-year calendar. I saw "it" in a headline and then a "what if" and I realized it was a whole story....<br /><br />So I know exactly what you mean! <br /><br />And little kid books are so much fun. Whatever way your God-given talent takes you, I will cheer for you every step of the way!Ruth Logan Hernehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11550734775151341968noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3649424089750316818.post-57036605017919810622018-06-14T19:30:17.296-04:002018-06-14T19:30:17.296-04:00hi Ruthy
I love looking at headlines for brainstor...hi Ruthy<br />I love looking at headlines for brainstorming. Have clipped quite a few in my lifetime. I still remember one from the late 1980's where a young mother was found murdered along a country road in rural Colorado and her baby boy was nowhere to be found. No sign of the baby anywhere. I always wondered what happened...<br />On another note, I've been wanting to attempt some little kids books. I want to write about Oopsie the Daisy (from the phrase oopsy Daisy...) and perhaps other characters from the odd phrases we use around toddlers.<br /><br />Love, love, <b>LOVE</b> your books Ruthy. Don't need to get signed up for a copy of your book since I already own it.<br />DebHhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11685506948995225770noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3649424089750316818.post-17028942295266213662018-06-14T17:23:29.509-04:002018-06-14T17:23:29.509-04:00Well, I think you got the idea just now. Why not a...Well, I think you got the idea just now. Why not a book on why great writers like Papa, Scott, etc lead sad, miserable lives? Is it necessary or could a strong principled Christian also write great books? <br /><br /><b>"In Search of the Great American Novel While Still Keeping Your Soul".</b> I'd read it.<br />Vincehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12707773426729777989noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3649424089750316818.post-37933344420223977782018-06-14T16:54:21.501-04:002018-06-14T16:54:21.501-04:00Hi, Amy! I troll facebook all the time and you wou...Hi, Amy! I troll facebook all the time and you wouldn't believe how many characters are based on the good and bad sides of facebook. Where else do we have the opportunity to SEE people at their best and very worst? <br /><br />That should be every author's go-to spot for character development. :) Especially for the snippety snop snots in our stories!Ruth Logan Hernehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11550734775151341968noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3649424089750316818.post-16855478652905315212018-06-14T14:46:59.505-04:002018-06-14T14:46:59.505-04:00Fun post! I have actually gotten an idea from one ...Fun post! I have actually gotten an idea from one of those Facebook articles that seems to show up in my newsfeed several times a year. Love this! And I definitely appreciate tea and scones. Yum!Amy Anguishhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08227138959392552195noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3649424089750316818.post-33823808554432088362018-06-14T14:04:36.613-04:002018-06-14T14:04:36.613-04:00Oh, you are too kind... and very sweet. And we'...Oh, you are too kind... and very sweet. And we'll see what happens, Vince. I trust God to put the stories in my head and the opportunities at my fingertips as long as I'm healthy enough to do this... I am absolutely living my dream and have no aspirations to being a Harper Lee or a Hemingway or an F.Scott or a George Orwell... what sad, miserable lives they led, Vince. <br /><br />I am so blessed and if my stories bring sweet peace, love and joy to others, I'm a happy woman.Ruth Logan Hernehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11550734775151341968noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3649424089750316818.post-16843132814910443402018-06-14T10:15:36.042-04:002018-06-14T10:15:36.042-04:00Vince, your comment just gave me chills. I can'...Vince, your comment just gave me chills. I can't wait for Ruthy to read it!Missy Tippenshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05480008023330542958noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3649424089750316818.post-61084426442070250452018-06-14T10:12:33.958-04:002018-06-14T10:12:33.958-04:00LOL, Beth! I emailed our blogger loop yesterday to...LOL, Beth! I emailed our blogger loop yesterday to ask how to use those fonts on Canva! LOL And now I know YOU did them on PicMonkey! So I may be emailing you for help. hahaMissy Tippenshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05480008023330542958noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3649424089750316818.post-79940809374802730292018-06-14T10:05:05.775-04:002018-06-14T10:05:05.775-04:00Hi Ruth:
I think you've had enough practice a...Hi Ruth:<br /><br />I think you've had enough practice and preparation. Isn't it time you wrote a mainstream classic like "The Old Man and the Sea" or "The Great Gatsby"? You have all the skills. You just need the project. Do you have an issue you'd love to tackle and change the hearts and minds of others towards the better? Think of "To Kill a Mocking Bird". You have the ability. I think your lifetime of preparation was for something really special. Actually, I know it was. It will come to you. Welcome it. <br />Vincehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12707773426729777989noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3649424089750316818.post-91599646753261156102018-06-14T05:50:27.308-04:002018-06-14T05:50:27.308-04:00Vince, it is definitely women's fiction and I ...Vince, it is definitely women's fiction and I am in love with your comments! Thank you so much, my friend!<br /><br />The proposal to Waterfall was of bringing these three friends back together after life and time pulled them apart until one sends a cry for help... and then God's timing does the rest.<br /><br />When I'm writing for LI I have to stay within the time frame and romance framework and I love that, too. My readers love that, and they sell a lot of books for me! :)<br /><br />But when I get to spread my wings like in Wishing Bridge, or in the Double S Ranch series, or my re-releases of Refuge of the Heart, More Than a Promise and The First Gift, it's a lot of fun to let the internal stories wind their way, like rivulets to the creek and creeks to the river.<br /><br />And Erin Bennett's voicing of the story was ideal. Not too heavy, not too light, and she makes Kelsey jump off the page with a great cast of characters. Maggie and Jeb??? I love them! And the editorial staff at Waterfall Press was wonderful. We just finished book two, and I can't say enough about them. I'm so sorry they're closing that line because we share similar work ethics and timing... they don't hesitate to get books in, get them fixed and get them to market and you know me, I'm a New York gal. That New York minute thing is kind of in my blood.<br /><br />I'm so glad you love it! And while I'm aiming for a happy ending for each woman, the point of the stories is their growth and resolution and I love each of them in different ways... so hardworking Thea's story is next and we just finished the cover... and I couldn't love it more!!!!Ruth Logan Hernehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11550734775151341968noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3649424089750316818.post-64529330716456959482018-06-14T05:42:51.129-04:002018-06-14T05:42:51.129-04:00Beth, thank you for the graphics! And for your con...Beth, thank you for the graphics! And for your constant editing advice, I love, love, love working with you.<br /><br />Brains are the weirdest things, aren't they? So unique... I'm just so glad I get to have fun with my brain now and don't have to cloak it or hush it into abeyance. I get to PLAY WITH STORIES!!!!!Ruth Logan Hernehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11550734775151341968noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3649424089750316818.post-23884951626991658142018-06-14T05:41:09.725-04:002018-06-14T05:41:09.725-04:00Well (she says modestly....) :)
I do what I can....Well (she says modestly....) :)<br /><br />I do what I can. (laughing!)<br /><br />Nancy, I've had that happen so often, and sometimes it's because I can't see the forest for the trees... and sometimes it's because I followed the wrong rabbit to the wrong hole.<br /><br />So those revisions become our best friend, don't they???Ruth Logan Hernehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11550734775151341968noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3649424089750316818.post-62368689151471596292018-06-14T05:39:48.836-04:002018-06-14T05:39:48.836-04:00Paula, how are you??? I'm so glad you stopped ...Paula, how are you??? I'm so glad you stopped over, glad to see you here!Ruth Logan Hernehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11550734775151341968noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3649424089750316818.post-75209704867977021002018-06-14T05:39:23.185-04:002018-06-14T05:39:23.185-04:00I love those, too! I really enjoy going back to th...I love those, too! I really enjoy going back to that simpler time in so many ways, before living became utterly intrusive because while the plot lines are simpler in one respect, they're so much more human... and I really enjoy that. I'm loving the historical series I'm working on now, the characters draw me in to their simpler times and I'm like... wow. Folks really did this with no plumbing, electricity, little firewood and rough transportation. And not only did they do it... many thrived.<br /><br />We can learn so much from that!!!Ruth Logan Hernehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11550734775151341968noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3649424089750316818.post-20899852786592796672018-06-14T05:37:00.825-04:002018-06-14T05:37:00.825-04:00I love new proposals. They're such a blank sla...I love new proposals. They're such a blank slate and as I play with ideas, I toss so many of them out and some I save for other story lines... but when it starts to gel, when I can see the characters' emotions, then the outside stuff seems to come more easily. And I love that you are producing wonderful blended stories of Amish and danger... Deb, what a wonderful gift you have!Ruth Logan Hernehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11550734775151341968noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3649424089750316818.post-12390049903004861632018-06-14T05:34:50.405-04:002018-06-14T05:34:50.405-04:00Well, if your sweet post got Debby to call me a ge...Well, if your sweet post got Debby to call me a genius, I'm all in!!!! (LAUGHING OUT LOUD!!!!)<br /><br />Pat, I think we get so focused on hero and heroine that maybe we forget to draw the mental "camera" back and see where they're set... who might be the other players on board... what form of selfishness or grievance or power struggle from outside might affect things... and when you're writing contemporaries, we're like living in the middle of chronic controversy, and that's not a good thing but we can use that effect to our advantage in a story!<br /><br />In my historicals, the norms and society of the times (much stricter about moral codes and so quick to condemn) make that setting quite different in small towns, but with the hint of the full-on industrial revolution looming, it's fun to give tiny peeks into what's to come.... and that's another way to draw readers in.<br /><br />Now I'm going to spend the day languishing and ruminating on my genius! :)Ruth Logan Hernehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11550734775151341968noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3649424089750316818.post-2545369240298874152018-06-14T05:30:20.935-04:002018-06-14T05:30:20.935-04:00I don't get to brainstorm often... when I do i...I don't get to brainstorm often... when I do it's with Seekers or my daughter Beth Jamison because they're filled with ideas to fix those holes or give me another point of view to consider because those differing povs shed a whole new light on things, don't they???? And even though you didn't feel like you offered too much to the brainstorming, Cindy, sometimes one simple sentence or thought gets another author's wheels turning. Our brains are such complex, fun (and by fun, please read: CRAZY!!!) things!Ruth Logan Hernehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11550734775151341968noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3649424089750316818.post-86054098390351890462018-06-14T05:27:55.414-04:002018-06-14T05:27:55.414-04:00Mindy, I am the queen of adding developments after...Mindy, I am the queen of adding developments after they've had time to stew and connect... and usually after I've written a couple of chapters (that often get either strongly revised or tossed, but I kind of get to know things by doing that.)<br /><br />While our methods might vary, the reasoning behind developing a plot is the same... we want it to seem like it grows from the story seamlessly, as if when we look back from the story's end, we see the plant growing, from a tiny tendril to a fully-flowering bush.... And of course that's because we go back 3 or 4 times and add things in, LOL! The original story is just a basic schematic for the final version, isn't it?Ruth Logan Hernehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11550734775151341968noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3649424089750316818.post-47630773089526565502018-06-14T01:49:06.077-04:002018-06-14T01:49:06.077-04:00Hi Ruth:
I would be very cautious about reading m...Hi Ruth:<br /><br />I would be very cautious about reading my own book. Most authors I've heard read their own books are flat out terrible. The exception was Tony Hillerman. He was better than the professional readers of his books. The worst I've heard is Carol Higgins Clark reading her mother's books. Only a mother could think those books were not terrible. Readers are actors. They have to get the emotions right, the pace right, questioning and inflections in the voice right when needed. Also it is very important to do many different voices so the reader knows who is speaking. You have to be good at doing old female voices, young female voices and the same for male voices. You need to get ethnic voices right. Even two women of the same age have to sound different so the reader knows who is talking. Even if you can do all the above well you still have to decide if your highest and best use is in spending the time writing. <br />Vincehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12707773426729777989noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3649424089750316818.post-69493431529586562732018-06-14T01:46:22.445-04:002018-06-14T01:46:22.445-04:00Hi Ruth:
What's the deal with "Welcome t...Hi Ruth:<br /><br />What's the deal with "Welcome to Wishing Bridge"? I turned on the Audible file just to hear how the reader did various voices and I was hooked for 2 1/2 hours! I even skipped lunch! <br /><br />Honestly, I thought the writing was too good to be written by a mere mortal that I have actually spent time with in person! It seems very different than the LI books I've read. The story seems to breathe freer. I don't feel any restraints. I mean I'm 2 1/2 hours into the story and I believe the hero and heroine have only spent about 4 of those minutes together! Yet it is the most interesting book of yours that I've read up to now. <br /><br />Is it the fact that I am listening to a better reader/actor of the book than my ability to read the book in my head when I read the words silently to myself? It also has the best insertion of backstory without slowing the action. Every time I tried to make a mental note of something you did well, a different example would come up before I could sort the last one out in my head. This does not seem like your regular writing. Something seems very different.<br /><br />I think it is a romance because I can see you clearly developing heroines for two more books in the future. But I don't think romance editors would allow such a long time without the hero and heroine interacting. While it has not happened yet, I am sure that "Welcome to Wishing Bridge" is a love story with a happy ending. <br /><br />Would you call "Welcome to Wishing Bridge" woman's fiction? Could it be that I would actually enjoy woman's fiction better than category romances? Or is it just this story being read by a very good reader? <br /><br />Maybe this is just a much better book. <br /><br />What do you think?<br /><br />Vincehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12707773426729777989noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3649424089750316818.post-69679738054978175372018-06-13T23:25:42.548-04:002018-06-13T23:25:42.548-04:00Wonderful post...and excellent graphics! ;)
I am...Wonderful post...and excellent graphics! ;) <br /><br />I am amazed by how your brain takes a snippet of a story or a chance encounter with a random person and turns it into an entire book. My brain just does NOT work that way. Beth Jamisonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10957921850212217241noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3649424089750316818.post-17352070136236128172018-06-13T22:45:13.917-04:002018-06-13T22:45:13.917-04:00Oh c'mon, you never cleaned that cat dish.Oh c'mon, you never cleaned that cat dish. Mary Connealyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09598386111251769803noreply@blogger.com