The Expresss meme is back after a break during the A to Z blogger challnege month of April.
Hosted by Jackie@ bouquet of books and Dani @ Entertaining Interests this is a weekly blog hop that allows bloggers to get to know each other better by using their prompt to write a post. This weeks prompt is to take our favourite book, turn to page 89 and share the 8th and 9th sentences.
My favourite book of all time is Redeeming love by Francine Rivers.
Francine is an amazing author, with incredibly well developed characters and beautifully crafted stories. I really related to the main character in redeeming love, who goes by a lot of names but primarily Angel, because like her I doubt my self worth and have at times believed that the bad things life was offering me, where all I deserved.
I could read this book over and over again and I cannot say that about to many books. So let's open it up and find, page 89 and the two sentences required for this prompt.
Here they are:
"Could you stop long enough for a talk?"
"not this time."
These two sentences really don't do the book justice so below I include the books blurb and some awesome quotes from the book itself. Enjoy!
Back cover blurb:
California’s gold country, 1850. A time when men sold their souls for a bag of gold and women sold their bodies for a place to sleep. Angel expects nothing from men but betrayal. Sold into prostitution as a child, she survives by keeping her hatred alive. And what she hates most are the men who use her, leaving her empty and dead inside. Then she meets Michael Hosea. A man who seeks his Father’s heart in everything, Michael Hosea obeys God’s call to marry Angel and to love her unconditionally. Slowly, day by day, he defies Angel’s every bitter expectation until, despite her resistance her frozen heart begins to thaw. But with her unexpected softening come overwhelming feelings of unworthiness and fear. And so Angel runs. Back to the darkness, away from her husband’s pursuing love, terrified of the truth she can no longer deny: Her final healing must come from the One who loves her even more than Michael Hosea does…the One who will never let her go. A life-changing story of God’s unconditional, redemptive, all-consuming love. Over 1 million copies sold!
Brilliant quotes from Redeeming love:
“...for some of us, one mile can be more to walk than thirty.”
― Francine Rivers, Redeeming Love
“I want you to love me. I want you to trust me enough to let me love you, and I want you to stay here with me so we can build a life together. That's what I want”
― Francine Rivers, Redeeming Love
“my love isn't a weapon, it's a lifeline, reach out and take hold, and don't let go!”
― Francine Rivers, Redeeming Love
“Mara, that's the life I want to give you. That's what I'm offering you. I want to fill you life with color and warmth. I want to fill it with light. Give me a chance”
― Francine Rivers, Redeeming Love
“As gentle a man as he was, as tender as was his heart, there was nothing weak about Michael Hosea. He was the strongest-minded man Joseph had ever met. A Man like Noah. A Man like the Shepherd-king David. A man after God's own heart.”
― Francine Rivers, Redeeming Love
“You said go to her, and I let pride stand in my way. You said she needed me, and I didn't believe. You said love her, and I thought it would be easy.”
― Francine Rivers, Redeeming Love
Okay so now for my insecure writers support group part of this post.
The Insecure Writers Support Group was set up by Alex J. Cavanaugh for all of us writers, as a way of sharing our insecurities around our writing and getting some moral support. If you would like to take part too, or wish to show writers support, you can do so here.
My insecurities at present regarding my writing pretty much have me frozen in space. I have three novels that are completely to first draft, but I can't decide where to go from here and am tempted just to start another which I know is probably a bad idea.
Having not long lost my editor and being Dyslexic, I am nervous to edit alone. Yes, I have worked hard to improve my spelling and grammar, but I know that my Grammar is really still not up to scratch. I have signed up to the Grammarly site and paid for the service, but still I am nervous about going it alone when it comes to my editing.
My first book Insane Reno, despite getting good reviews isn't exactly selling great and I know it is because I am useless at self promotion.
I watch writers constantly pushing their work and think I need to do that. Yet, I cannot bring myself to actually follow through. It stems from my doubts about my first chapter. I wasn't happy with it but I let friends and my editor push me to publish before I was ready.
Even getting a publishing deal relatively easily does not help ease my worries, because so far my publisher doesn't appear to be that great, not when I look at what others publishers are doing for them. I mean quite literally he has done nothing beyond posting on the publishing page about the book and twitter a couple of times.
I am starting to wonder if I am really cut out to be a professional writer and really wish at times that I had kept my writing just for me and just for fun.
As I am frequently left feeling not good enough. Frequently looking at all the things other new authors are achieving and thinking I am not cut out for this.
I would be so much better as a reclusive author, but they no longer seem to exist. Everyone seems so out there and so much more organized than myself.
In short I feel I am stuck in a rut that I can't claw my way out of.
I hope everyone else is doing better than me right now.
hove and hugs.
What's up Wednesday is run by the lovely Jaime Morrow and her sister Erin L.Funk. You can check out their blogs by clicking their names. It's a really simple blog fest. Each week we answer the questions below and you get to learn a little about what we are up to.
- WHAT I'M READING
- WHAT I'M WRITING
- WHAT INSPIRES ME, RIGHT NOW
- WHAT ELSE I'VE BEEN UP TO
So let's get started.
What I'm reading:
Fighting for Infinity by Karen Amanda Hooper.
I am struggling with this one and it is turning into a slow read. Karen Amanda Hoopers, Sea monster memoirs was a hit with me from the start and I adored it, but the Kindrily series has been okay, but hasn't really gripped me in the same way. I may have to go back and re-read the whole series once she has finished the sea monster memoirs because my longing for more of those may have clouded my judgement of these. This is the big downside of an author writing two series at once. If you love one more than the other, you almost kind of resent the one you don't like as much every time it stalls the writing and release of the next book in the series you do love.
What I am writing:
Pretty much just blog posts of late. I have The first drafts for three books complete, but I am stuck in a rut and can't decide where to go from here. My instinct is to start another one but that is due to cowardice. No longer having my editor and just the grammarly software to help me has left me a nervous wreck.
What inspires me right now:
My husband, he works so hard and is always there for us. He is such a big inspiration and I am so lucky to have him in my life.
What else I've been up too:
Well we are renovating our bathroom at the moment, that's something good that is going on but mainly things have been pretty rough since my last What's up Wednesday. A friend past away and another friend ended up in the psych ward. So it's not been the easiest time, but I am starting to brighten up a bit now.
Well that's it from me
love and hugs all
Joss xx
What I am writing:
Pretty much just blog posts of late. I have The first drafts for three books complete, but I am stuck in a rut and can't decide where to go from here. My instinct is to start another one but that is due to cowardice. No longer having my editor and just the grammarly software to help me has left me a nervous wreck.
What inspires me right now:
My husband, he works so hard and is always there for us. He is such a big inspiration and I am so lucky to have him in my life.
What else I've been up too:
Well we are renovating our bathroom at the moment, that's something good that is going on but mainly things have been pretty rough since my last What's up Wednesday. A friend past away and another friend ended up in the psych ward. So it's not been the easiest time, but I am starting to brighten up a bit now.
Well that's it from me
love and hugs all
Joss xx
My dyslexia doesn't get in the way with reading because I can reason out words that don't seem right by context. My main problem is discalculia. I tend to transpose numbers. I have to triple check phone numbers and addresses, and I've always had trouble with math courses. I also have trouble with pattern recognition. I was diagnosed as borderline retarded when I was in the sixth grade, even though I was reading and writing at an eighth grade level, because I did so poorly on the Ravens test, which is an IQ test that focuses on pattern recognition. It really scarred me, being labeled that way. I went through school thinking that I was faking it and pulling the wool over teachers' eyes every time I got a good grade.
ReplyDeleteI love prompt combinations, by the way. Well played!
My blog is The Cheese Whines.
I've not heard of discalculia before. Being diagnosed as dyslexic really shook my confidence in trusting my own judgement when it comes to spelling and grammar. With spelling when I write I am constantly checking the definition of word to make sure I have the right spelling, but with grammar it is not so easy to check. I am slowly getting better in my understanding of grammar but am still not nearly good enough. To and too are the worst ones for me.
DeleteI popped over to your blog and was trying to leave a comment but I couldn't figure out how, if it is dead simple and I am just being incredibly blonde, which does happen a lot with me, I apologies.
DeleteIt doesn't sound like it's you but your publisher? I can recommend some useful books on self promoting via social media if that would help? And I think most writers wouldn't feel confident putting work out there if it hadn't been professionally edited so you aren't alone with that feeling. I really hope that helps some.
ReplyDeleteYes, I would love some books that might be able to give me some tips and advice for that. Yeah I have had big doubts about my publisher for a while now. I think his heart is in the right place and that he wishes to help new authors get a foot in the door, the problem is that he doesn't have the knowledge and skills to actually do it.
DeleteYou and I are kinda in the same boat. I have two finished books but dread the editing part. I'd much rather write. I began writing another book yesterday but I don't want to bite off more than I can chew. I know I should focus on the WIPs I have done but I stink at editing. I really need to find another CP. Focus Elsie Focus! Best of luck to you.
ReplyDeleteElsie
co-host IWSG
Maybe we could be CP's for each other and help boost each others confidence. What do you think? If nothing else we can tell each other if the story flows well and point out any area's where we feel it might need some polishing. Let me know what you think,
DeleteThat sounds like a great idea Joss. Here's my email: mock.turtle.musings @ gmail.com (spaces inserted to avoid spam)
DeleteI'll be out and about this weekend but will be back on Blogger during the week. I don't have anything published and am just starting out myself so I may not be the best person for a CP but I've learned a ton from current CP - he rocks!…just wanted to give you a heads up. Feel free to scroll through my blog to make sure you're comfortable with my writing. I also have a writing blog you can take a look at. I won't be offended if you change your mind. Promise. :)
I will pop you an email shortly :)
DeleteDo you have a writing group in your area? I've joined a group, a small group of six women who have varying success in writing and publishing and marketing. They are very supportive and each one brings talent and experience to the meeting. We meet once a month, sometimes get together for coffee to sometimes just chat, sometimes to get feedback, etc. It's a lot of fun and a great way to gain confidence.
ReplyDeleteI am pretty much house bound without my partner due to my disabilities so it would be hard for me to be a part of a writing group unless there were one in my village. Which there sadly is not. I have tried finding online ones with little success. I would love to join one if I could find one.
DeleteLooks like you're receiving sound advice, Joss. The road alone is that, lonely. Look for an online writer's group. There are so many greats ones. Ask around. The trick is to put yourself out there and wait. Slowly but surely, you'll find your writing family. The secret is to be patient and know you'll find them. It just takes time. Happy IWSG.
ReplyDeleteI will try to do that. I suffer from anxiety disorder so I can find it hard to get into new things, but I am determined to try.
DeleteIf grammar is your fear, then it might help to find some critique partners who are grammar wonders. I know Melissa Maygrove has helped me a lot, plus she has a lot of helpful Grammar Police articles on her blog.
ReplyDeleteYeah, your publisher doesn't sound like they are doing much for you. Can you get the rights back to your book?
I will have to check out her Grammar Police stuff. I definitely need some help with this and a way to boost my confidence, thank you Loni.
DeleteAs to getting the rights back on my book, I would not have a clue how to do that and the thought of trying scares me witless.
Hang in there, and I agree with Loni, find a great critique partner (or two or three). Also check out the book SELF-EDITINGFOR FICTION WRITERS by Browne & King. It has helped me a ton.
ReplyDeleteI will definitely get the book and also try and find a critique partner. Thank you for the tip and advice Margo I appreciate it.
DeleteYes, find a critique partner or two. They can help you with editing. That will boost your confidence and you'll be able to tackle the rest.
ReplyDeleteWelcome to the IWSG!
Thank you Alex, I look forward to getting to know you and everyone else better. :)
Deletelots to discuss today! love jackie and dani's express yourself and i'm glad you elaborated on the book, youre right, those sentences didnt give us a picture!
ReplyDeletehere's my thoughts on self-promotion - i believe when someone gets published, they're ready to start promoting, whether they think they are or not. it's similar to having a baby, ready or not here it comes and then youre a mom and instinct takes over... if you want to sell, you just suck it up and do it, and by the time it comes, you'll be more prepared
as for editing, i dont like it. starting new ms's is fun and exciting, but picking one you love to finish through, that's when you'll know you're serious. and it doesnt have to be yet - it's your choice, you decide when you want it =)
hope i didn't ramble too long...
and wanted to say thanks for commenting on my cover reveal!
Thank's Tara I really appreciate your comment and your very helpful advice :) and no you didn't ramble to long, I love long comments :)
DeleteI think there is some really great advice here, particularly the suggestions on crit partners. Hang in there, you've come so far. The whole self promotion thing scares me too.
ReplyDeleteThank you Suzanne
DeleteChiming in late, and everyone else took the advice I was going to give! lol! As for editing, it doesn't have to be just about grammar. It can be about making each chapter, paragraph, sentence, the best it can be. It can be about elaborating plot lines and pumping up your theme or setting. any number of things besides just grammar. :) Good luck!!
ReplyDeleteSee polishing the chapters, paragraphs and sentences I love. The Grammar part. I hate. lol
DeleteIt can be hard making publishing choices (I've had to do so as well.) But remember, you have access to an awesome writing community, so get crit partners who can help you edit and you do the same for them. :-)
ReplyDeleteThank Misha. I will work on getting more crit partners. :)
DeleteI know it's difficult, but try not to focus so much on what everyone else is doing. It's a sure fire way to increase those insecurities. We're all at different stages of our journeys, so it's only natural that some people seem to be doing better than others.
ReplyDeleteIf writing for yourself is what you enjoy, perhaps going back to that will help. Write something for you, and draft and edit until you are happy with the final product. Then maybe think about offering it to beta readers and maybe start to promote a little.
Baby steps are the key, go at your own pace and you'll enjoy it all the more.
thank's heather I will do that :)
DeleteThat book sounds very interesting. I may have to look into it. :)
ReplyDeleteYou sound so much like how I feel. Though I don't know if I'm truly dyslexic, sometimes I think I am which is why I have trouble speaking to people and sometimes getting out the right words in my stories. I also miss the days where writers didn't have to promote themselves so much. That's forcing us out of our nature as writers!
I do enjoy the support system, though. Find a good one, and it might make things easier. :) Also, have you heard of AgentQueryConnect? They're a great help with editing and critique partners.
Aww hi Debra, thank you so much for stopping by and for you great advice I will look into that. :)
Delete