The Write Stuff

I’m currently on a summer-long break from writing. For the last several years I have obsessively devoted myself to one novel and have placed it on the throne in the place of God. I was so wrapped up in my own desires I couldn’t hear God’s Voice and what He wanted of me. Not only that, I had fallen into a bad place where I envied my writer peers and begrudged them for their successes. I had lost my first love. Anyway, a few weeks ago I had finally accepted the fact my beloved novel wasn’t going to be published and must be placed on that proverbial shelf. Then I started to ask the good Lord what He wanted. No answer except that I needed to spend some time focusing on Him rather than myself. And that it might be beneficial for be to take a break from writing.

Its already been two weeks and I feel much better than I did and I’m not as stressed as what I had been. I have been tempted to work on a couple newer projects but am resolved to stick with my pact. I think that when I do return to writing in September, the quality of my work will be better and the writing won’t be as forced. The new stories will be better for it. The first one is a novella set in 1915 in my beloved state of Indiana, and a comedy. The second one is a new holocaust story that is set both in 1943 and 2003. Both are primarily written in the third person, which is a challenge for me; I usually narrate my novels in the first person.

I can’t stop writing altogether; writing is like breathing to me. I intend to write entries for my blogs, I write often in my personal journal, and there are some books and movies that I’d like to do reviews on.

Well, that’s all for now.

The Proverbial Shelf

That’s where I placed my epic novel.

I had been working on it for seven years, devoting myself wholly to it. It is where I placed all my hopes and aspirations, my dreams and goals. I really thought that someone would notice how valuable it was and snatch it up. It has become like a child to me. I created it, loved and nurtured it, spent years bragging about it and showing it off to anyone who would listen.

I adore the characters, and have watched them evolve into their present state. They are like imaginary friends of mine who speak to me often and beg me to show them to the world.

The plot is unique and unlike anything else out there. It is a reflection of life at the worst and the best. It is the age-old story of good versus evil, and though evil claims a number of battles, good wins the war.

The style is fresh and to the best of my knowledge, it has never been attempted before. The best way to describe it is to say that it’s a cross between Melody Carlson’s “Diary of a Teenage Girl Series” and Scholastic’s historical “Dear America series”.

Whether it ever appears in print or not, it will live in my heart and mind forever. I live in hope that someday someone else might take an interest in it.

For the most part I’m disappointed, depressed and in desperate need of chocolate.

The Entry Without a Title

I'd like to blog something but can't think of anything to say. My writing is in limbo right now. As of last month, the novel I have been working on turned seven, meaning that it is seven years old. I suppose its not realistic for me to continue working on it, but I can't let go. I love it too much to give up on it. I've read blogs by agents and editors, and writers too, that advise an aspiring author to move on to other projects. Tell that to Jane Austen, who spent sixteen years waiting for her beloved "First Impressions" (a.k.a. "Pride and Prejudice) to be published. Now, I'm not comparing my novel to "P&P" but I'm just as attached to the story as Austen was. I pray to God that someday, someone might realize who valuable my story is. I did finish a first draft of another project a couple of months ago and I've set that aside for a little while. I'm now working on something new; another holocaust novel. But I don't have the devotion to these newer projects that I do my seven-year-old one.

There is a quote somewhere by some other author that a piece of work must sit for nine years or so until it can be published. Well, if that's the way it is, I have two years more to wait! Part of my problem is that I've submitted it to anyone one and everyone who I thought might be interested. I should have been more particular. I have to find someone who falls head-over-heels in love with my novel. Someone - editor or agent- who can be as passionately devoted to it as I am. And I must learn humility. I'm afraid that in the past few years I've acquired an inflated ego about myself and my God-given talents. On top of that I continually take Jesus off His throne and place my own wants before others.

On the positive side, I've lost weight. Last November I was nearing 180lbs and so far I've lost nearly 13lbs. So, yay for me!

All for now.

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“The Secret Holocaust Diaries: The Untold Story of Nonna Bannister,” by Nonna Bannister

For half a century, a terrible secret lay hidden, locked in a trunk in an attic…

Book Description:
“The Secret Holocaust Diaries” is a haunting eyewitness account of Nonna Bannister Lisowskaja Bannister, a remarkable Russian-American woman who saw and survived unspeakable evils as a young girl. For half a century she kept her story secret while living a normal American life. She locked all her photos, documents, diaries and dark memories from World War II in a trunk. Late in life she unlocked the trunk, first for herself, then for her husband, and now for the rest of the world.
Nonna’s story is one of suffering, torture, and death- but also of incredible acts of kindness that show the ultimate triumph of faith and love over despair and evil. “The Secret Holocaust Diaries” is in part a tragedy, yet it’s also an unforgettable true story about forgiveness, courage and hope.

My Thoughts:
Unlike the secular market, rarely is there a non-fiction book in the Christian market about the Holocaust, which makes “The Secret Holocaust Diaries,” a rare book. From the very beginning Nonna is a young girl who shows much conviction and courage in the face of evil. There are some graphic descriptions, which would probably be too much for anyone under fifteen, but this is a story that would be fine for older teens. The way the book is organized, it can be a little confusing but with some patience it is worth the while. Through out the story is the subtle faith of Nonna and her family, that provides her with the strength to survive the Nazi’s death machine. Her diary/memoir would make a fine TV movie for Hallmark or Lifetime.

For more information on Nonna, her book and her family, check out her website: The Secret Holocaust Diaries