I forgot how much I really don't like Ted Dekker outside of the thriller genre.
Yesterday I picked up Green and began to read it. In the first chapter, I nearly groaned out loud. It's not that he's not a good writer. It's just, I don't know. I guess I don't like his allegory. It actually makes me feel off-set and not at all comfortable. Narnia, the Grey Havens - they left me with the feeling of protection/perfection/peace. Dekker's allegory always 1) bored me to tears 'cause the plot twists were neon lights you saw 18 miles out (or in my case, 1/2 a book into the 3 book series), and 2) seems like it should be heartwarming but is really just kinda...weird.
I dunno. I may be singing a different tune when I officially finish Green. It also kinda bothered me that literally in the first paragraph of the introductory page he basically compared himself to Tolkien and Lewis. Like I said: their allegory I love. His, not so much.
But goodness, I loved Three and Adam. They were terrifying, but wonderfully written and portrayed. Those were twists I didn't see coming. Personally, I think he should stick to the thriller realm and leave allegory to others (not me, just others. I'll write a post about my feelings on allegory some other time).
In other news, I've about a week left till the conference. Only two days left until the holiday shop to promote my book, and only a few weeks until Christmas. The next few weeks are kind of like a snowball falling down a hill. Soon it'll be me stumbling over myself in an attempt to not fall smack into the concrete.
Happy adventuring everyone!
Currently Writing: I'm teetering between Arthur and the new story. I think I'll be veering a hard left and shooting for Arthur. 'Cause I really want to get to Thor.
Currently Reading: Green by Ted Dekker
Currently Listening to: "What Child is This?" by Steven Curtis Chapman
Tuesday, December 4, 2012
Monday, December 3, 2012
Communion
It's just grape juice and a cracker, right?
Sure, if you're only looking at it as it appears. In truth, it's far more than that. Communion isn't supposed to be something we just do because it's always done. The idea behind communion is to remind our forgetful selves of the selfless act Christ was born to commit.
I wear this ring on my right ring finger. It says "Passion" on it, because I try to remind myself that I live for a greater purpose. That God's love abounds in my life and that I live to further His Kingdom. Yet, even with that reminder slapped to my hand, I forget exactly what it is that Jesus did. Not only did he accept the punishment of death, but he endured the torture that came well before death finally greeted him.
Worse still, he experienced separation from God. For however long that lasted, I don't know, but he endured it. He looked death square in the face - and with some fear too (I mean, look at his prayer in the Garden the night of his arrest) - and triumphed. The sad thing is, God even knew we'd need the reminder of communion thousands of years ago. Despite Jesus' amazing triumph, we need something to tell us to remember what he did. What he accomplished.
Because he did accomplish something that day. He created a way for us to experience his Father's love in a way never known before. Even greater than that, we're given a purpose. I can't imagine living life without something guiding it. That something is the Spirit. And yet I need a reminder of Christ's sacrifice?
How absurd. How Human.
In months (and years), past, I've always approached communion in this sort of "Okay, get right with God" thing. It was the day I wasn't allowed to get angry or frustrated. I just needed to get myself in line and once again, grovel before my Heavenly Father for forgiveness. And recognizing sinfulness is a good thing, I'm not saying it isn't. I'm just saying it's not necessarily what's at the root of communion.
I think I've been wrong about that. I mean, maybe I haven't. I don't know. This is probably one of those things I'll realize I still got wrong a few years down the road. But I think communion's supposed to be about remembering Christ's atoning sacrifice more than anything else. I mean, he even says in Luke 22:19, "Do this to remember me."
Why is that so hard to do all the time?
Currently Listening to: "Idumea" by the Millikin University Choir
Sure, if you're only looking at it as it appears. In truth, it's far more than that. Communion isn't supposed to be something we just do because it's always done. The idea behind communion is to remind our forgetful selves of the selfless act Christ was born to commit.
I wear this ring on my right ring finger. It says "Passion" on it, because I try to remind myself that I live for a greater purpose. That God's love abounds in my life and that I live to further His Kingdom. Yet, even with that reminder slapped to my hand, I forget exactly what it is that Jesus did. Not only did he accept the punishment of death, but he endured the torture that came well before death finally greeted him.
Worse still, he experienced separation from God. For however long that lasted, I don't know, but he endured it. He looked death square in the face - and with some fear too (I mean, look at his prayer in the Garden the night of his arrest) - and triumphed. The sad thing is, God even knew we'd need the reminder of communion thousands of years ago. Despite Jesus' amazing triumph, we need something to tell us to remember what he did. What he accomplished.
Because he did accomplish something that day. He created a way for us to experience his Father's love in a way never known before. Even greater than that, we're given a purpose. I can't imagine living life without something guiding it. That something is the Spirit. And yet I need a reminder of Christ's sacrifice?
How absurd. How Human.
In months (and years), past, I've always approached communion in this sort of "Okay, get right with God" thing. It was the day I wasn't allowed to get angry or frustrated. I just needed to get myself in line and once again, grovel before my Heavenly Father for forgiveness. And recognizing sinfulness is a good thing, I'm not saying it isn't. I'm just saying it's not necessarily what's at the root of communion.
I think I've been wrong about that. I mean, maybe I haven't. I don't know. This is probably one of those things I'll realize I still got wrong a few years down the road. But I think communion's supposed to be about remembering Christ's atoning sacrifice more than anything else. I mean, he even says in Luke 22:19, "Do this to remember me."
Why is that so hard to do all the time?
Currently Listening to: "Idumea" by the Millikin University Choir
Saturday, December 1, 2012
Hodgepodge
That's my life at the moment. Or so it feels.
As you can tell by the lovely little counter to the left of this post, I finished NaNoWriMo. With two days to spare, I finished the final chapter to Unity and began, almost immediately, trying to plan a cover. Not because it's ready for publication - simply because it's immensely cheaper to get the book printed through Createspace and then use that to edit vs. anywhere else.
Reflecting back on this month is kind of difficult. It feels like a blur. This whole past six months have felt like a blur. I mean, graduation happened and then BAM, reality. And then I fell into this sort of rhythm of life. I get up, go to work, I go home, I write. Occasionally in there, I get the chance to see some friends, though that's difficult.
So to only look back on November is kind of like asking me to look back at last week. I can barely remember what I ate yesterday, let alone what's transpired over the past month. All I know is that every night (or nearly every night), I sat at my computer and hammered against a keyboard, trying to bring still images in my head to life via words on a screen.
In spite of my efforts though, I think I've let myself down. Sure, I rewrote Unity in record time - 28 days. But at what cost? Quite a bit, I'm afraid. Even as I sit here writing this blog, I know I missed some things, forgot others, and blatantly ignored others still. It's a more coherent draft, yes, but a better one?
Well, the judges will be my friends and family that will gladly tear it apart and help me put it back together again.
Currently Writing: Nothing. I'm gathering my wits and then either attacking Arthur (and actually finishing it), or hitting Zero Point some more.
Currently Reading: Green by Ted Dekker
Currently Listening to: "Into the Open Air" by Julie Fowles (I may have spelled her name wrong)
As you can tell by the lovely little counter to the left of this post, I finished NaNoWriMo. With two days to spare, I finished the final chapter to Unity and began, almost immediately, trying to plan a cover. Not because it's ready for publication - simply because it's immensely cheaper to get the book printed through Createspace and then use that to edit vs. anywhere else.
Reflecting back on this month is kind of difficult. It feels like a blur. This whole past six months have felt like a blur. I mean, graduation happened and then BAM, reality. And then I fell into this sort of rhythm of life. I get up, go to work, I go home, I write. Occasionally in there, I get the chance to see some friends, though that's difficult.
So to only look back on November is kind of like asking me to look back at last week. I can barely remember what I ate yesterday, let alone what's transpired over the past month. All I know is that every night (or nearly every night), I sat at my computer and hammered against a keyboard, trying to bring still images in my head to life via words on a screen.
In spite of my efforts though, I think I've let myself down. Sure, I rewrote Unity in record time - 28 days. But at what cost? Quite a bit, I'm afraid. Even as I sit here writing this blog, I know I missed some things, forgot others, and blatantly ignored others still. It's a more coherent draft, yes, but a better one?
Well, the judges will be my friends and family that will gladly tear it apart and help me put it back together again.
Currently Writing: Nothing. I'm gathering my wits and then either attacking Arthur (and actually finishing it), or hitting Zero Point some more.
Currently Reading: Green by Ted Dekker
Currently Listening to: "Into the Open Air" by Julie Fowles (I may have spelled her name wrong)
Monday, November 26, 2012
Home Stretch
With only five days (including today) remaining of NaNoWriMo, I'm in the downward spiral of the rewrite. Essentially, I'm reaching the first chunk of falling action. Because Unity kind of has a couple of falling actions.
Anyway, I'm trying to take one day at a time. I won't deny that I feel super-dee-duper stressed, but I've gotta come up with a way to handle it better. Freaking out obviously won't help. So I'm gonna try to take each day as it comes. I tend to look into the future and try to have things planned out as best I can, and I'm pretty prone to freaking out when things go awry.
Once NaNo is over, I think I'll be able to breathe easier. At least for a short bit. I've got a full plate in the next month, what with the giveaway, craft show and writer's conference. But, at the end of December I've got a trip to Florida for some Disney World and a wedding. If that doesn't scream vacation, I don't know what does.
It'll be a nice reprieve to get away - far away - from everything. That's my reward I'm working toward. I'll work my 35+ hour weeks and write and edit and perfect as best I can and survive. And, Lord willing, I'll have some fun along the way.
To all you Wrimos out there, good luck! These last few days are the most stressful, I'm sure, but you can pull through! It's a rewarding experience, so don't give up yet. Even if you're far from the goal of 50,000 words, keep trying. Every step you take toward finishing your novel is a step forward, so everything counts, no matter how long it takes you. Keep pressing on and keep your chin up. You are equipped to write the story you're telling and you can do this.
Happy adventuring everyone!
Currently [re]Writing: Unity
Currently Reading: Hood by Stephen Lawhead
Currently Listening to: "Sleep" by Polyphony and Stephen Layton
Anyway, I'm trying to take one day at a time. I won't deny that I feel super-dee-duper stressed, but I've gotta come up with a way to handle it better. Freaking out obviously won't help. So I'm gonna try to take each day as it comes. I tend to look into the future and try to have things planned out as best I can, and I'm pretty prone to freaking out when things go awry.
Once NaNo is over, I think I'll be able to breathe easier. At least for a short bit. I've got a full plate in the next month, what with the giveaway, craft show and writer's conference. But, at the end of December I've got a trip to Florida for some Disney World and a wedding. If that doesn't scream vacation, I don't know what does.
It'll be a nice reprieve to get away - far away - from everything. That's my reward I'm working toward. I'll work my 35+ hour weeks and write and edit and perfect as best I can and survive. And, Lord willing, I'll have some fun along the way.
To all you Wrimos out there, good luck! These last few days are the most stressful, I'm sure, but you can pull through! It's a rewarding experience, so don't give up yet. Even if you're far from the goal of 50,000 words, keep trying. Every step you take toward finishing your novel is a step forward, so everything counts, no matter how long it takes you. Keep pressing on and keep your chin up. You are equipped to write the story you're telling and you can do this.
Happy adventuring everyone!
Currently [re]Writing: Unity
Currently Reading: Hood by Stephen Lawhead
Currently Listening to: "Sleep" by Polyphony and Stephen Layton
Thursday, November 22, 2012
Curse My Short Attention Span!
I had such high hopes for this evening.
First off, I'm sick (again?! Why does this keep happening?!). And not just like, "*cough cough* now I'm all better" sort of sick. I'm losing my voice. One of my managers kept making fun of my inability to speak today and a few of my coworkers were laughing at how I could totally do a Batman impression just by talking. Then I made my brother nearly die of laughter when I tried to go falsetto and basically squeaked like a chipmunk.
Anyway, because of this, I'm lethargic. All I wanted to do today was watch Stargate and let my brain ooze. I can't do that. I'm a little behind on my writing and I still have around 30,000 words left to hammer out of Unity. Assuming Unity is around 120,000 words long when it's all said and done. That's just my rough estimate. It might wind up being more or less. Whatever. So long as the story's told properly.
Due to my lack of discipline today, I pretty much have had no control over my normally steadfast ability to just sit down and write. I kid you not. I've just spent two hours playing around in Photoshop trying to make up a mock cover of Unity.
'Cause I have time for this.
NOT. I have an event coming up in like, two weeks to promote Genesis (at my old elementary school no less!), the giveaway on Goodreads ends in a few days, and I have the Writer's Conference in New York to prepare for. And I want to finish the Unity rewrite. AND I'm getting a hankering for trying to nail down more histories for Zero Point.
Sometimes, I think I try to tackle too much at any given time.
As though this all isn't crazy enough, today's Thanksgiving. Which means tomorrow is Black Friday. Which means Christmas is in like, doomsday looming distance. Goodness gracious, what kind of pill have I decided I'll swallow? One of my friends was right, I am an overachiever. But only in this area of my life.
I wonder what that says about me...
Thankfulness:
I'm incredibly thankful for a myriad of things. My family, my friends, my job, my creativity, my story, my characters, my God who controls all things and holds them all in His hands, my freedom (however long it may last), my car, and a trillion other things. I'm grateful for the fact that I can celebrate my Savior's birth and that I can have the financial ability to buy my family members and friends something nice. I'm blessed to know that there are people who love me, albeit far away, but they love me none the less. That somewhere out there, regardless of where I go and what I do, I can always return home and have someone who understands who I am and what I feel. I'm so far beyond thankful for the chance I have to give my characters life, to tell their story, and to pursue my dreams AND have the support of friends and family behind it. Not everyone is so lucky and somehow, God gifted me a bunch of different people who provide nonstop encouragement in all I do.
Be thankful everyone. And have a happy adventure this Thanksgiving.
Currently [re]Writing: Unity
Currently Reading: Hood by Stephen Lawhead
Currently Listening to: Music from Disney's Robin Hood playing over and over in my head. Don't ask me why. It just is.
P.S. - I feel like I need to explain why it takes me months to read easy books. It's cause I only read when I'm at work. When I'm home, I'm writing or creating. I love reading, I really do. I have a bookcase that proves that. But I don't give myself the free time to dive into a story. I did it with Hunger Games and was sorely disappointed. So I think now, I'm super wary to devote prime writing time to someone else's story. Although Lawhead's Hood has been good so far.
First off, I'm sick (again?! Why does this keep happening?!). And not just like, "*cough cough* now I'm all better" sort of sick. I'm losing my voice. One of my managers kept making fun of my inability to speak today and a few of my coworkers were laughing at how I could totally do a Batman impression just by talking. Then I made my brother nearly die of laughter when I tried to go falsetto and basically squeaked like a chipmunk.
Anyway, because of this, I'm lethargic. All I wanted to do today was watch Stargate and let my brain ooze. I can't do that. I'm a little behind on my writing and I still have around 30,000 words left to hammer out of Unity. Assuming Unity is around 120,000 words long when it's all said and done. That's just my rough estimate. It might wind up being more or less. Whatever. So long as the story's told properly.
Due to my lack of discipline today, I pretty much have had no control over my normally steadfast ability to just sit down and write. I kid you not. I've just spent two hours playing around in Photoshop trying to make up a mock cover of Unity.
'Cause I have time for this.
NOT. I have an event coming up in like, two weeks to promote Genesis (at my old elementary school no less!), the giveaway on Goodreads ends in a few days, and I have the Writer's Conference in New York to prepare for. And I want to finish the Unity rewrite. AND I'm getting a hankering for trying to nail down more histories for Zero Point.
Sometimes, I think I try to tackle too much at any given time.
As though this all isn't crazy enough, today's Thanksgiving. Which means tomorrow is Black Friday. Which means Christmas is in like, doomsday looming distance. Goodness gracious, what kind of pill have I decided I'll swallow? One of my friends was right, I am an overachiever. But only in this area of my life.
I wonder what that says about me...
Thankfulness:
I'm incredibly thankful for a myriad of things. My family, my friends, my job, my creativity, my story, my characters, my God who controls all things and holds them all in His hands, my freedom (however long it may last), my car, and a trillion other things. I'm grateful for the fact that I can celebrate my Savior's birth and that I can have the financial ability to buy my family members and friends something nice. I'm blessed to know that there are people who love me, albeit far away, but they love me none the less. That somewhere out there, regardless of where I go and what I do, I can always return home and have someone who understands who I am and what I feel. I'm so far beyond thankful for the chance I have to give my characters life, to tell their story, and to pursue my dreams AND have the support of friends and family behind it. Not everyone is so lucky and somehow, God gifted me a bunch of different people who provide nonstop encouragement in all I do.
Be thankful everyone. And have a happy adventure this Thanksgiving.
Currently [re]Writing: Unity
Currently Reading: Hood by Stephen Lawhead
Currently Listening to: Music from Disney's Robin Hood playing over and over in my head. Don't ask me why. It just is.
P.S. - I feel like I need to explain why it takes me months to read easy books. It's cause I only read when I'm at work. When I'm home, I'm writing or creating. I love reading, I really do. I have a bookcase that proves that. But I don't give myself the free time to dive into a story. I did it with Hunger Games and was sorely disappointed. So I think now, I'm super wary to devote prime writing time to someone else's story. Although Lawhead's Hood has been good so far.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)