#BetterWriter – Sabrina J-R

Day 22–Tone and Affect

Assignment: Let’s keep carving away at our dialogue and tweaking it. Today, write the dialogue between the two men in the picture below. Be creative! Then post it in the Facebook Group.

photo licensed under creative commons, courtesy of bradleygee

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Huddled deep in his orange jacket, Roy moved as quickly as possible. “This would be so much easier if I could walk along the boardwalk” he mumbled under his breath. As a private investigator, Roy often sacrificed his personal comfort. He’d done numerous tracking and tailing of suspects before. This time was no different. But the slippery grass from the melting snow was physically draining.

Keeping his prescription sunglasses on the target ahead, Roy kept moving. His name was Albert and his suspected crime was chronic cheating. Not only did this guy fail at monogamous relationship, but he also cut corners on the job and cheated on his taxes. He always looked for flaws in products or switched price tags in stores in order to pay less. Yes, this guy was at least going to provide Roy with some entertainment.

Suddenly Albert stopped. He had been strolling along the boardwalk, destination unknown. Roy paused, pulling out a guide book as part of his cover. He appeared to be a lost wanderer, exploring the area. He kept a casual glance at Albert. In the corner of his eye, he noticed a blur of black approaching him. If he ran, it would alert Albert. If he stayed, maybe Albert would just bypass him? Good thing Roy was the praying type. “Lord, help!” he pleaded silently.

“Uh, pardon me, sir?” Albert asked hesitatingly, “do you have the time?”

The time?! Roy thought. This is something different. “Yes, it’s 4:30 pm” Roy announced. Albert looked quite uncertain. “Is everything alright? You look a bit puzzled” Roy took a wild guess, hoping that he didn’t give anything away.

“Um, well, I had to make a drop off across town by 4:00 pm. It’s too late for me now.” Albert was starting to sound distressed. “And I had to meet my girl, Candy, by 5:00 pm.” He was starting to speak faster, starting to sound like one long run on sentence. “Then I have another meeting at 7:30 pm, with a friend, a dinner date. There’s no way I can make it there now. No way! I’m doomed!” He finally stopped and took a deep breath.

Yep, definitely a cheater, Roy realized. If only all my cases were so easy. “Well, dude, that’s too bad. Maybe you should do the drop-off—it sounds important. Then go and see your, um, girl. You know the ladies,” Roy forced a chuckle, “they’re always running late themselves. Who knows, once you explain yourself, perhaps your later meeting can be delayed? I have a hunch about that one…” He let his voice trail off. Better to quit now, before he revealed too much. While it was a thrill to bust these guys, Roy didn’t want to rob Albert’s soon-to-be-ex-girlfriend of this pleasure.

Roy watched Albert walk away with a renewed pep in his step. The sucker has no clue of what’s coming he thought to himself. After a few moments, Roy pulled out his cell phone. He dialed a number, intending to close this case in a next few minutes. “Hello, Gretchen? Roy here. I have an update for you…” He felt no shame in letting the smile shine through over the phone.

Day 21–Let’s Chat

Assignment: I’m sure you’ve guessed it by now; write a post that incorporates a conversation into it. Write it. Then discuss it over in the Facebook Group.
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“Mom, can I have some cereal?” the little darling asked, in her sweet, innocent way.

“When I asked you before, you didn’t want anything. Why wait until after you’re tucked in?” annoyed, Mom worked to keep her tone kind and even.

I’m sure three-year olds do this on purpose. Make decisions on the spur of the moment, as it suits them. In this case, this was yet another sneaky attempt at a bed time stalling technique. Some days, we know she’s playing. But this night, she hadn’t really eaten much for supper. A bowl of her favourite cereal becomes a must. If she didn’t eat now, then she’ll keep coming out of bed, looking for something to eat. Her tone would soon start to change into that grating whininess that just irks Mom to the core. Let’s avoid confrontation, thought Mom.

“Come on, Honey. Sit at the table to eat your cereal.” Mom sighed in resignation. Much better than the firm tone that was so close to cracking the edge. “When you’re done, please head straight back to bed”.

“Oh, thank you, Momma”, she replies gratefully. The smile in her tone matched the adorable grin on her face.

“Ooooph!” Mom exclaimed, as a ball of three-year old energy attacked her with a hug. It was yet another reminder of how far a simple gesture goes. The whole scene could have turned out drastically different had both mom and daughter let it go too far.

Day 20–The Well

(I did this assignment a few weeks ago, but it’s only being posted now.)

Assignment: Today’s challenge is two-fold. First of all, I’d like you to pick a book to read this week. You don’t have to finish it by the end of the week. Heck, I don’t even care if you ever finish it. You aren’t reading to finish it, you are reading to refresh your brain and excite your perspective. This week, I want you to commit to read for ten minutes a day. It can be out of the same book, it can be articles in different magazines, whatever you want. Just read.

For the second part of the challenge, I’d like you to write about one of your favorite books. Why was it your favorite? Which character stole your heart? Perhaps the character made you cringe or caused you to ponder their actions. Tell me all about it over in the Facebook group.
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I usually have a more than one book on the go. The first is the Bible, the New Living Translation version. My intention was to do a 90 day reading plan. I’ve lost count of how many times I’ve tried to readjust and “catch up”. Reshaping my goal was the next best thing. I’m reading my Bible, every single day and plan to not stop until the final word of the book of Revelation. I’m also reading the book “Revolutionary Parenting” by George Barna and am participating in a study with a couple other moms from church. Lots of thought-provoking reading here. I’ve just completed a couple of inspirational fiction novels and am about to start some non-fiction browsing this week.

As much as I tried hard not to pick this book, I finally conceded. The book to write about, the one that moves me in a way worth penning, is the Bible. How utterly crazy that I tried to avoid this book for a writing topic. I was scared of sounding kind of cliché. You know the type—the ‘Christian-woman-would-obviously-write-about-Bible-reading-duh!!!’ cliché. But when I tried to write about a novel that I totally loved, the words didn’t come. I had to dig too hard, felt like I was mining for gold or something. (Not that I never have to search for words at times, but there are a few times when the words should just pour out of you).

Yes, the Bible. I’m currently in 2 Samuel, in the midst of David’s life. He has such a fascinating story. Chapter 6 still has me pondering, more than a week later. “Michal’s Contempt for David”; when David was bringing the Ark back to Jerusalem with great celebration. It had me thinking about worship on many levels. This was the second attempt to move the Ark. The first time, they did it without great detail and ended up quitting. This second time, they were quite deliberate in their actions and in how they proceeded.

There was an attitude of worship from the very beginning of this journey, the atmosphere was one of worship the entire time. There was order in how the Ark was carried. After the first six—6—steps, there was a pause for sacrificing. There was music and King David lead the procession himself, dancing ‘with all his might’. While all this was happening, his wife, Michal, was watching from her window and brooding. She went on to confront David afterwards, highly upset at his display during his worship. She was subsequently childless for the remainder of her life, as a result of her criticism of David.

Oh, this story hit on so many levels. Do worship God with all my might? Do I ignore convention and focus on worship God as the great Creator of the universe, thankful for Him? Sadly, no, I don’t. I get concerned about what I may come across looking to others and worry about what they may say about me. I am at times stifled and hold back when worshipping with others who are more sedate and showing restraint in their worship.

Do I sit and brood while others are worshipping God with all their might? Do I get upset; jealous at the attention they give God and not me? Furthermore, why would I choose to sit on the sidelines during a big worship celebration instead of participating? Is there something in my heart that blocks me from wanting to worship?

Lastly, do I confront other because their views of worship differ from mine? Am I respectful of their displays of worship? If not, why not? Worship directed towards God really isn’t my business. I don’t live the lives of others. I’m not privy to their joys and hardships, their trials and tribulations. God doesn’t share with me the things that He’s working on with them. Of course they’re going to have their own personal worship experience. I’d be in the wrong for attempting to squash it.

There is so much food for thought here. This is one of the many reasons why I love reading the Bible. It’s the one book where I keep learning new things and helps to shape and mold me into what God wants for me. Thankfully, He only knows how to do and give the best. I should never be ashamed to want that for myself—the best.

Day 19–When the Flow Stops

Assignment: Create. Color, draw, bake, cook, build with Legos, sew, play with playdough, whatever medium you prefer, use it to create. Do you play an instrument? Try picking it up and see what happens. If you still feel like writing afterwards, Lisa-Jo’s Five Minute Friday is a great (and quick) link-up! How’d this challenge work for you?

I took time to be creative and I did manage to participate in Five Minute Friday that week. The topic was “gift”. This was my post.

Day 18 — Limits

Assignment: Today is all about parameters and staying within them. On our personal blogs we control the word count, but someday you may need to craft within the framework of certain parameters and this exercise is designed to help you practice that. So, since Easter is coming up and that makes me think about holidays, I want you to write about your favorite holiday and why it’s your favorite. Be creative. I know you all are super creative! There’s a catch, though. 300 words. Max. I know, I’m such a party pooper. Okay, what are you waiting for? Write! Now! Right now.
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As a child, I always had such daydreams in mind for what I hoped my holidays would be. I fantasized about romantic Christmas Eves by the fireplace, then massive family dinners the following day. Maybe some shopping on Boxing Day, people-watching in a crowded mall. Valentine’s Day also held romantic plans, but more intimate. More me and him, less crowd. I admit that while I still secretly harbour those fantasies, neither of these holidays have turned out this way.

The one I most anticipate each year is Thanksgiving. Being the second Monday in October, it falls at a great time of year. The air is just beginning to chill, yet there’s rarely any snow on the ground just yet. There’s also no pressure for gifts. Rather than self-imposed stress of spending extra dollars for convention’s sake, this is an extra time to be thankful. I enjoy using the days preceding Thanksgiving to reflect on my blessings and to see if I’ve truly been thankful all year. I don’t want to lose the great significance behind this day. It was designated as a holiday to show gratitude. Unfortunately, too many people, old and young alike, deceivingly believe that this day is only about food and football. That the more you gorge yourself, the happier you’ll feel. Our family dinner is not the highlight.

Thanksgiving is also extra special because a few years ago, my middle daughter, Jhyelle, was born 5 days before. The helpless infant had the battle of her life, nearly losing within the first 24 hours. She was so ill, that we were barely allowed to touch her. The first time I was able to hold her was Thanksgiving Day. Our family celebrates this holiday with a deep sense of awe, respect and gratefulness to God’s mercies.

(Psst: this was 298 words. Yay!)

Day 17 — Stream

Assignment: Write a stream of consciousness post. All of you are wonderful writers so I know there will be no shortage of words. Remember, don’t pretty this up too much, just check for gross spelling errors and such–ie. don’t use ain’t unless you are speaking in a particular vernacular that would make it appropriate.
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As I type, my 3 yr old sits next to me, asking “Mom, what are you typing?” That’s a good question. My response is fitting for this challenge. “Oh, just something” I tell her. Because it’s true. We’re challenged to just let the words flow. You’re probably looking at the time and wondering why she’s awake at nearly 11pm at night. Well, she’s sick. Her older sister started up with this cold-like thing first. And earlier today, this little one was coughing away too. I just pray that the baby escapes unscathed. (My throat is now sore as well. Maybe if I don’t say it out loud, it’ll vanish into the night??)

It’s been a most interesting week on my Facebook page. All sorts of inspirational pictures and hilarious statuses. Three births from various friends and a few more babies on the way for others. No bad news this week, which has been nice. But there have also been serious talk of things. Like a murder, but no one has been charged, even though there is a probable someone. I also read a most disturbing story this week.

This “Hunger Games” movies is playing in theatres. (Apparently, it’s based on a book or maybe series of books? I’m not familiar with the title at all). One article that I read showed absolute disgust and repulsion from some moviegoers all because some of the characters in the film weren’t exactly what they’d pictured. The looks of the characters was a complete shock to them, even though the movie seems to match what is described in the book. And they hated the movie all because of that.

Naturally, it got me thinking. When things happen differently from what I picture in my mind, do I rebel? Do I show hatred and repulsion towards others because they might be different than me? Everyone’s different than me. Even my husband and children. Sure, my girls have some physical traits from me, some personality traits too. But after that, they’re completely different. Is that reason enough for hate?

NO!!

There’s my answer. I was also very thankful this week that I have love in my life and in my heart. Love reaches so much farther than hate. Hatred is debilitating; it limits life, cutting it short. Love, on the other hand, is like sweet-smelling fertilizer for healthy growth. I don’t want to live life bitterly, always scrutinizing things from a negative angle. I prefer to live freely and openly, embracing change and differences. Celebrating the things that make us all unique.

I See New Growth

No, this is not a reference to hair. There is lots of growth happening around these parts. My babies are all growing up–much too quickly for me. (Note to self: add a picture update soon!)

There is grass growing in my back yard. We seeded late last fall. By late, I mean there were some very faint snowflakes falling while the landscapers were seeding. And then it snowed the following day. The professional people assured us that that was the best time to seed, as the ground benefits from the winter moisture. All the snow has melted rather quickly, compared to our usual Prairie spring thaws. We pray for rain every night and God has not failed us. It’s a back yard, with a big story and an even bigger testimony!

My writing has grown. I’ve been doing Allume’s 31 Days to #BetterWriter series. What a blessing! It’s causing me to be more deliberate not only with my writing, but in my thought processes. I’m also learning to focus more on the quality of the content rather than what I presume a reader might or might not think. My intentions when writing are to use my God-given talents to honour Him. I never want to hurt or maim anyone with what I write, so I do my best to ensure that my tone reflects that.

I’m also growing in the fictional side of my writing. Lately, my writing has been used for specific things. Church bulletin announcements, bridal or baby shower invitations, editing resumes & cover letters for friends, editing emails and blog posts. In this #BetterWriter challenge, I’ve had the chance to let my mind roam free and just write things, sometimes from a non-realistic, non-non-fictional angle. The creative juices have been flowing. Best of all, these last 16 days?

I’ve been having fun!

This whole journey has been enjoyable. I don’t just shrug off assignments, even when they baffle my mind. I haven’t skipped any, nor have I tried to avoid them. This is a good way into disciplined writing. It’s not too late for you to join the fun. Click below to join in. I’m also linking this up to Write It, Girl!

Day 16 — Brainstorm

Assignment: Pick two topics and brainstorm about them! If you don’t have 3 x 5 cards on hand, just cut up a piece of paper into smaller pieces, or you could even just list the subcategories into groups on paper after brainstorming them. Write about your results on the Better Writer Facebook page.
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The topics I selected for this exercise were motherhood and love. Using the pen & paper method for my storm, this brain went to work. I went with a few main ideas from the keyword, then branched off into many other words after that. It was neat to see how one little work is a spark to so much more. It’s just a matter of taking time to be deliberate not just with my words, but with the thought process.

I used to wonder just how it was that some of the bloggers/writers I most admired were able to come up with something new daily. How did they also manage to write about the same idea from a different angle many times over? Now I know. Brainstorming was not something I’d even considered until recently. This technique is a practice that I plan to continue using for myself. It’s tricky to sometimes have pen and paper at hand. Time to check out what brainstorm-friendly apps exist for my phone.

Day 15 — And Then I

Assignment: Write a post involving a recipe or a process, but try to infuse the post with your personality or thoughts. Don’t over think this one. Brushing your teeth, cooking macaroni and cheese, and grocery shopping are all seemingly mundane processes, but they are intriguing when we see them from your perspective. Word to the wise, steer clear of the “and then I” syndrome.
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Chances are that if your busyness is similar to mine, then writing a blog post on any subject often takes some crafting. Especially if you’re wanting to sound awake, let alone intelligent. I wish that the process were as simple as this:

Write great post. No need to search for inspiration because it’s always around. Publish. Sit back and repeat.

But that’s so far removed from my reality. Instead it’s more like this:

Play “hide & seek” with inspiration. My best thought seem to happen late at night, when I’m already in bed or in the shower—times when I’m unable to jot them down right then. So they get filed in that bottomless abyss of my mind, hoping to maybe remember it. If I’m lucky, I’ll recall it next week; it certainly won’t come to me the next day, when I need it.

Think hard for a new topic. Can’t write a post about nothing.

Sit down to write the post. Throw in adjective and descriptive words. Work at dressing up the scenario, even though it occurred in the barest manner. Thinking mostly of the imaginary throngs of readers, I embellish a wee bit. While it’s now sounding pretty, I add in a bit of forced humour. My head tells me the lie that this story can’t be as valuable without effort.

Get stuck at the conclusion. Sip some water, as I stall for more inspiration. I begin the rereading process, even though the post isn’t yet complete. Misspelled words and simple grammar errors get corrected. On the third read through, I’m now listening to my words, the flow.

Realize that I don’t like this post and that it’s totally not me. In fact, it’d be shameful to click the “publish” button. Think about what’s missing. How to make it me, and not just writing something to say that I wrote something.

Pray. Shake my head at myself for forgetting something so simple, yet so necessary for me. I believe that God has blessed me with the talent of writing, so I look to His guidance for anything I write. After a brief chat, I head back to the computer.

I delete everything I’d just written and start with a blank slate. Keeping the same topic, I write from a new perspective. I tell the story just as it happened, without deliberate embellishments. As I think back over the moment, I remember how I felt during that experience. This time, the words just flow like a zen fountain. Fingers flit across the keys, barely keeping up with the thoughts in my mind.

I reread. This time, errors are minimal, and it all sounds good.

Click “publish” quickly, before doubts settles in. It’s done. Posted.

And I do it all again the next day.

Day 14 — Protect Your Voice

Assignment: Have you ever experienced a time when you felt you had to sacrifice your voice for the numbers? I think we all have. Today I want you to visit Lisa-Jo’s and write about whatever prompt she has, but when I go back and read it later, I want it to scream you! It shouldn’t blend in with the post before it and after it. Instead it should shout your name.

I’ve already done this on my other blog. I’ll link it and cut & paste is here too.
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Loud.

It’s uncomfortable. It’s grating. It’s irritating.

It’s necessary.

Imagine a sports arena/stadium without the crowd’s roar. How fun would your favourite artist be in concert, without the right amount of sound pumping through the speakers? That moment, that private intimate moment between you and God. The one where you’re doing your praise dance and shouting His name? Or the other moment; equally intimate, but opposite emotion. When you’re so frustrated, upset and hurt, all you can do is yell at Him?

Yelling without being loud doesn’t have the same impact. God knew too that there were moments when He needed to be loud. When the Isrealites marched around Jericho, they did the first 6 days in complete silence. But on day 7, there was all sorts of noise, just before the walls came crashing down. When He needs to get our attention, God will do whatever He needs to. We miss the softer callings, a bit too often. The “pssts” are easy to overlook. A note here, a verse there. A phone call here. Next thing you know, there’s a loud clanging within our head and heart that we can’t turn off. All that commotion to tell us that because we’re loved so deeply and completely, and we’d be better off to not make a wrong choice right then.

May I always praise You and proclaim Your greatness loudly.

1 Praise the LORD!
Praise God in his sanctuary;
  praise him in his mighty heaven!
2 Praise him for his mighty works;
  praise his unequaled greatness!
3 Praise him with a blast of the ram’s horn;
  praise him with the lyre and harp!
4 Praise him with the tambourine and dancing;
  praise him with strings and flutes!
5 Praise him with a clash of cymbals;
  praise him with loud clanging cymbals.
6 Let everything that breathes sing praises to the LORD!
   Praise the LORD!

Psalm 150, NLT