Robin Lee Hatcher's Write Thinking

2007 Wrap Up: looking forward, looking back

I let myself relax over this past Christmas week. Not that I didn't do some work, but I didn't allow myself to feel under the gun. I moved at my own pace. I must say that this was the least stressed December I've had in a decade, and I enjoyed it a great deal. Too often I've been under a tight deadline during the holidays.

Well, I do have a deadline, of course. And tomorrow I must hit the ground running. So last evening, I took down all the Christmas decorations. Everything is back in boxes and stored in the garage. It helps that I do just enough decorating to feel festive and not so much that the idea of putting things away is mind-boggling. Been there, done that.

Like many other believers, I've gotten in the habit of asking the Lord for a word for the coming year. In 2005, the word was Endurance. In 2006, the word was Victory. For 2007, I was given two words: Peace and Simplicity. I can look back and see how the Lord taught me many things as He brought those words to fruition in my life. For 2008, God has again given me two words instead of one: Intimacy and Devotion. I already have a hint of what He means to teach me in relation to those words, but I also know there is much I don't understand yet. And so I look forward with anticipation to the new year.

Since I read through the Bible twice in a row (Bible in a year in 2005 and the Bible in 90 Days in 2006), I spent 2007 doing Bible studies and focusing on specific books. But now I'm ready to return to my usual reading schedule (whole Bible in odd-numbered years, New Testament 3 x in even-numbered years). I've got my reading schedule for going through the NT three times, and I'm starting with the New Living Translation but haven't decided which translations I'll use for the other two read-throughs.

This year was a busy one for me. I sold my large home with its large yard and bought a smaller home with a small yard and no yard work. I still have way too many boxes stacked in my garage, but little by little I'm getting through them. When I moved to my last house in 1996, it took me at least a year to get fully settled. So looks like I'm running true to form.

What books did I work on in 2007? A Cloud Mountain Christmas in Hearts Evergreen, Steeple Hill, Nov 2007; The Perfect Life, Women of Faith Fiction/Thomas Nelson, Mar 2008; Wagered Heart, Zondervan, May 2008; Bundle of Joy, Steeple Hill, Nov/Dec 2008; and (just barely started) an untitled historical for Zondervan to be released the very end of 2008. I guess I wasn't lazy this year.

Favorite novels I read in 2007 (in the order I read them): Ten Thousand Charms by Allison Pittman; The Road by Cormac McCarthy; A Thousand Splendid Suns by Khaled Hosseini; The Trophy Wives Club by Kristin Billerbeck; Between, Georgia by Joshilyn Jackson; and Widow of the South by Robert Hicks. I reread some great books, too, including C.S. Lewis's Screwtape Letters. Love that book!

I don't make it to many first-run movies, mostly because it isn't much fun to go alone and fitting my schedule with the schedule of others too often doesn't work out. So I'm a DVD gal, thanks to Netflix. So here's a few of my favorite movies that I watched in 2007: Amazing Grace; We Are Marshall; Little Manhattan; and Freedom Writers. I enjoyed the new National Treasure: Book of Secrets movie that I saw on Christmas Day, although still like the first one better. And I hope to make it to see Enchanted before it's gone from the theaters.

What else should I add? Hmm. Unhappily, I'm carrying an extra 6 pounds, put on after moving out of the two-story house where I went up and down the stairs an average of 30 times a day. My official work-outs have been sporadic. I get really good for a month or so, then "fall off the wagon" and get lazy. December has been a lazy period. So one of my goals for the new year is to be consistently faithful at my exercise. I took up knitting again after a 30 year break and am really enjoying it. I've already made scarves for Daughter #1 and Granddaughter #1, as well as one for myself. Grandson #2 requested a hat, which is finished but I think it will be too large for him. I just ordered a few knitting books, plus Debbie Macomber's Knit Together, the latter purchased for both spiritual and knitting inspiration. And finally, one more goal for 2008: To be more faithful in my journaling. I was sporadic at it this year, and I feel it. I learn more from life when I write it down and can reflect on it. As the Lord says, "Remember..." It helps me remember when I have a record of events and emotions and revelations.

So there you go. My year in review. What about you? What stands out for you? Do you have a word or words for 2008? How about any goals or New Year's Resolutions? Please share if you feel so inclined.

And Happy New Year!

-rlh-

LOST 8:15 wrap up

One of these days I'm going to have to post something of substance. (I actually know what it will be.) But in the meantime, here is a little tidbit to hold over all my fellow LOST fans until January 31.

On the ABC site, they've got an 8 min 15 second catchup of all three seasons. It's a hoot. If you haven't ever watched LOST, it might still be fun to watch although you probably wouldn't understand everything.

When you follow the above link, you will see a small link that says "Catch up on LOST" beneath the video box. Click that link to view the video (815 was the flight number and the video is 8 min 15 seconds - cute, huh?).

-rlh-

Merry Christmas from Write Thinking to You

We had our Christmas family celebration on Saturday as Daughter #1 (the flight attendant) is currently working a flight to Hawaii and won't return until after Christmas. This was my first time to entertain in my new home, and all thirteen of us (including Daughter #2's MIL) fit in better than I thought possible. It was a perfect evening with plenty of good food, lots of laughter, fun with the gift exchange, and loads of love to go around. Color me happy.

In a few more hours, Mom and I will leave to attend the first of three Christmas Eve services at the Boise Vineyard. There, we will sing carols and take communion and acknowledge Jesus as the Lord of our lives, standing in the awe of a loving God who chose to come to earth to redeem us. Blessed be His name.

Merry Christmas, everyone, and may you experience the peace of Christ in your life throughout the new year.

Photos (click to enlarge) in order, left to right:
Main table before family arrives; Robin with Grandson #2 and Granddaughter #1; Granddaughter #3 enjoys a roll; Granddaughter #2 (6 years old) plays Away in a Manger for her cousins; Poppet washes dishes, "cleaned but not sanitized"; Granddaughter #1 tries on the scarf and hand warmers I knitted for her while SIL #1 checks out one of the other kid's toys; Daughter #1, Grandson #3, Granddaughter #1, and SIL #1 observe new toy in action (out of view); Poppet checks out the new snow; last two photos are of the backyard today with more snow and sunshine. (Missing on my camera are photos of Grandson #1 and Daughter & SIL #2. Must get those from daughters' cameras, I guess.)

 

What color Christmas tree?

Yeah, this one is pretty much me.

You Should Have a Blue Christmas Tree

For you, the holidays represent a time of calm, understanding, and peace. You avoid family fights, and you don't get too stressed out - even when things are crazy! You like to make Christmas about making everyone's life a little bit better. You don't get caught up in greed or commercialism. You're too sincere for that. Your blue tree would look great with: Lots of silver tinsel You should spend Christmas Eve watching: It's a Wonderful Life What you should bake for Santa: Chocolate chip cookies

What Color Christmas Tree Should You Have?

Expelled the Movie

I hadn't heard about this movie, releasing in February 2008, until today. Wow! Watch this trailer. It is a little bit long but it is worth seeing. I've heard about how scientists who dare question Darwinism or who dare suggest there may be something to Intelligent Design are fired, ostrasized, are not allowed to be published, can't get tenure or research grants.

You go, Ben Stein!!!

-rlh-

one week until Christmas

This morning I was reading A Classic Nativity Devotional, and I paused to reflect on Isaiah 9:6-7 and John 1:14:

For a child is born to us, a son is given to us. And the government will rest on his shoulders. These will be his royal titles: Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. His ever expanding, peaceful government will never end. He will rule forever with fairness and justice from the throne of his ancestor David. The passionate commitment of the LORD Almighty will guarantee this! (Isaiah 9:6-7, NLT)

And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth. (John 1:14, KJV)

Then I had to put on a song by Anointed, The Word Was Made Flesh. It's from the album Emmanuel - A Musical Celebration of the Life of Christ. I love this album. It features songs by many favorite Christian artists including Michael W. Smith, Amy Grant, Twila Paris, Sandy Patti, and Point of Grace. This particular song has a drum beat that resounds in my heart as it plays. I can play it over and over and over again.

But back to the verses above: Consider what they tells us. God came to earth as an infant for "us." For you and me and even for those who mock Him and reject Him. His government of peace has not ended for 2000 years. Imperfect believers have not managed to destroy it nor have those who hate those who believe. His government will never end. He took a bunch of imperfect men and empowered them to spread the good news. They did, and it changed the world.

When I get discouraged over the direction our nation has taken in my lifetime, when I wonder if it is possible to impact America as it slides ever deeper into immorality, when I see the atheist manifestos rise to the top of the bestseller lists, I am reminded of the godless cities of the first century world. Cities that were changed by the good news that God was made flesh and dwelt among us. Christ remains full of grace and truth. He was given to us, for us. His royal titles endure: Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

Thank You, Jesus. I am grateful for and amazed by Your arrival into this world so long ago, doing for us what we could not do for ourselves. I bow down and worship You, Mighty God and Prince of Peace. Amen.

May you, dear reader, know the wonder of the Word made flesh this Christmas season.

Robin

Heads up -- LOST returns

I've been so, so silent on this blog. In the past two weeks, I finished the rewrites on a Christmas 2008 story. I decorated the house. I did my Christmas shopping. I also had DirecTV installed and had three horrendous experiences with their customer service in a matter of five days. Love the product, not impressed at all with the folks on the other end of the phone line when there is a problem. Are they trained to be rude and unhelpful? I wanted to blog about it but was afraid I would burst a blood vessel or two.

But the purpose of this blog post is to share with my fellow LOST fans that our long wait for Season 4 is almost at an end. LOST returns on January 31 on a new night (Thursdays) and new time (9:00 pm Eastern). Here is the trailer for the new season which, typically, tells us nothing. Right now they have eight shows in the can. That may be all we get for a while if the writers' strike continues much longer.

BTW, Stephen King's column in Entertainment Weekly (Dec. 14 issue), listed LOST as the #1 television show of 2007. I don't read horror so I can't call myself a King fan, but I always enjoy his EW columns and was delighted to see where he ranked LOST in his review (top 5 TV shows of 2007 and top 10 movies of 2007).

-rlh-

Which reindeer are you?

I'm Dancer. How about you?

You Are Dancer

Carefree and fun, you always find reasons to do a happy dance. Why You're Naughty: That dark stint you had as Santa's private dancer. Why You're Nice: You're friendly. Very friendly.

Which of Santa's Reindeer Are You?

a little Christmas season cheer for you

Okay, I've done this in past years, but I'll just have to repeat because it makes me laugh.

Click here to see a little "elf" entertainment featuring me and Poppet. (Can we cut a rug or what?) LOL

Robin, who has probably had one cup too many of Peppermint flavored coffee this morning

writing the Christian romance

About Writing The Christian Romance by Gayle Gaymer Martin

Writing The Christian Romance is a comprehensive how-to book that emphasizes the differences between Christian and secular romance. While the book focuses on Christian romance, it provides excellent information for writing any Christian fiction genre and includes chapters on: creating believable characters, emotions and the sense, sexuality, spirituality, point of view,  dialogue, introspection, plotting and pacing. The final chapter focuses on selling the Christian romance novel with information about Christian writers conferences, contest, finding an agent and learning how to prepare a book proposal for submission.  The book contains excerpts and advice from well-known Christian authors as well as exercises at the end of each chapter.

Endorsements:

Writing the Christian Romance is a well-researched and detailed handbook for anyone interested in writing for this unique and growing market.  Filled with examples and excerpts from successful romance novelists, this is a resource that writers will turn to again and again.
    --Robin Lee Hatcher, RITA Award winning author of Return to Me (Zondervan) and The Perfect Life (Thomas Nelson/Women of Faith)

Although Gail Gaymer Martin's book covers all the basics for writing for the inspirational romance market, her solid lessons on plotting, character development, and dialogue makes this a valuable test for anyone writing for any genre.  The lessons are well organized, easy to follow and pragmatic.
--Dr Dennis E. Hensley, author of How To Write What you Love And Make A Living At It (Random House)

If you want to write romances for the Christian market, you need this book. Gail understands both this genre and the market and knows how to teach others to write and sell Christian romance.  This guide is practical, chock-full of examples, and loaded with worksheets and exercises to get you started or help make your story salable.
  --Lin Johnson, Managing Editor, Christian Communicator; Director of Write-To-Publish Conference

---

About Gail Gaymer Martin:

Multi-award-winning author, Gail Gaymer Martin ,writes for Steeple Hill, Barbour Publishing, and Writers Digest. Gail started writing fiction in 1997 and sold her first novel in 1998. Since then, she has signed forty fiction contracts and has over 1 million books in print. She is a member of RWA, and three chapters: Greater Detroit, Mid-Michigan and FHL. Gail is a co-founder of American Christian Fiction Writers, a keynote speaker and workshop presenter at conference across the U.S. and has been a presenter in London, England. She has a Masters degree and post-master’s classes from Wayne State University in Detroit, Michigan. Look for her book, Writing the Christian Romance from Writers Digest released in December 2007.

all unrighteousness

For the past two weeks, I've been getting only about four hours of sleep a night. Once I wake up, I'm awake for good. This is a pattern of sleep I've known before (fibromyalsia being the prime cause), and I was sorry to see its return after more than a year of seven to eight hour nights.

This morning, a few minutes before 3:00 a.m., I awoke from a dream. I don't remember any details, although I think what started the dream was watching a movie last night about three generations of women who were so dysfunctional and abused and abusive and warped by sin and their view of the world that I felt my heart break for those fictional characters. Anyway that movie brought to mind stuff from my past, stuff I regret deeply, despite the passage of two-plus decades. And that "stuff" was a direct result of the period of time when I drifted away from Jesus. When we don't get and/or stay close to God, we make very poor choices and are influenced by the world's strong pull and temptations.

But this morning, on the heels of the memories and familiar feelings of remorse, a Bible verse flooded my mind and heart:

If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. (1 John 1:9, NASB)

Not just forgiven but cleansed. Not just cleansed of a little but from all. Here is the same verse in the Amplified Bible:

If we [freely] admit that we have sinned and confess our sins, He is faithful and just (true to His own nature and promises) and will forgive our sins [dismiss our lawlessness] and [continuously] cleanse us from all unrighteousness [everything not in conformity to His will in purpose, thought, and action].

I've known this Scripture since I first gave my heart to Jesus. It's one I memorized and have quoted many, many times through the years. I haven't just known it; I've believed it. But this morning, I felt God wanting me to grasp the truth of it in a new and deeper way. I felt it wash over me, engulf me, set me free. And from there, He took me to the beauty of Psalm 139 (quotes below using the NLT):

O LORD, you have examined my heart
and know everything about me.
You know when I sit down or stand up.
You know my every thought when far away.
You chart the path ahead of me
and tell me where to stop and rest.
Every moment you know where I am.
You know what I am going to say
even before I say it, LORD.
You both precede and follow me.
You place your hand of blessing on my head.
Such knowledge is too wonderful for me,
too great for me to know! (verses 1-6)

How precious are your thoughts about me, O God!
They are innumerable!
I can’t even count them;
they outnumber the grains of sand!
And when I wake up in the morning,
you are still with me! (verse 17-18)

Search me, O God, and know my heart;
test me and know my thoughts.
Point out anything in me that offends you,
and lead me along the path of everlasting life. (verses 23-24)

Amazing. Awesome. Such knowledge is, indeed, too wonderful for me to comprehend.

Do you have regrets that still haunt you? If so, I hope you felt God at work in you as you read those words above.

In the grip of His grace,
Robin

Saturday sundries

My elderly mom has pneumonia. She started getting sick on the Monday after Thanksgiving. It appeared to be a cold that would run its course. A week ago, I asked my prayer team to please pray that I would know if/when it was time for her to see the doctor. On Monday, I felt it was time to take her to see him, but she refused. (Hey, when your 93, you've earned the right to be a bit stubborn.) She said she was getting a little better each day. Not. Finally on Thursday she agreed that she needed to see him. He only had to listen to her lungs for a second or two to know it was pneumonia. He still had an x-ray taken but it just confirmed the obvious. Two days and about 10 pills and numerous swallows of prescription strength cough syrup later, there has been some improvement. Thank God. It's so hard to see a loved one ill, but extra hard for the very young and the very old. She still has a ways to go, so I'd appreciate your prayers for her. At her age, this is no minor matter.

Nonetheless, Mom was well enough for me to get out for a few hours to attend my local RWA chapter's annual Christmas party. This has been a crazy year, and I haven't made it to many meetings so it was nice to be with my longtime writing friends. We played the take away game (open a gift and it can be stolen twice before it is safe). I came home with a lovely jewelry box. Funny thing was, I drew the #1 so got to go first. I opened that gift and no one stole it. I really liked that box and was sure I would lose it. But I didn't. Yea!

My last post about taking up knitting again brought lots of knitters out of the woodwork. Thanks for the comments and for the private emails. I even got an offer to help me with the crocheting, should I like to try it again. I love the Internet when it brings people together in a good  way.

I'm more than halfway done with my scarf. Looks like I'll finish it in about a week. And as I've been working on it, I've wondered what I will do with this new (renewed) hobby of mine. I don't wear hats very often, and even this scarf won't be used a lot. (I work at home, after all.) My younger daughter knits herself. Grandkids can be mighty fussy about what they wear. Who will I make things for? And that made me think of those who are out in the cold a lot - the homeless. So then I wondered how many hats I could knit to give to the local shelters. So I'm giving myself a challenge for 2008. The year to knit for others. It's a little scary to type that. What if I totally fizzle out? Hmm. What's the worst than can happen? I only make two hats instead of ten? It's still two the shelter wouldn't have.

I'll be working for about another week on my rewrites of my 2008 Christmas novel, Bundle of Joy. I'm so glad I got to do the rewrite during the Christmas season. I've done Christmas edits in May before, and it just doesn't feel the same. This book will be the last contemporary novel I work on for a while. I've got a number of historical stories in the pipeline which I'm really looking forward to writing.

And since December is already one-fourth over, I guess it is time for me to be asking God what my word is for 2008. For 2007, God gave me two words: Peace and Simplicity. As I look back over the year, I can see so many ways He brought those words to fruition in my life. I look forward with anticipation to what the Lord has for me next.

Have you asked God for a word for you for 2008?

In the grip of His grace,
Robin

the season

I've always been partial to the Christmas Season. I love celebrating the Lord's birth. For years I hosted a big party in my home for my local writers' group. Oh boy. The decorating I did. While I won't be giving huge parties in my new, smaller home, I took the time last weekend to bring out the decorations and put my "Christmas stamp" on the interior and exterior. (Photo is of my fireplace mantel.)

Yesterday was shopping day. This year my adult daughters made the decision that we stop buying gifts for all of the adults. As God's call to me this year was one of simplifying my life, this made huge sense to me; I don't want more things after just going through the purge where I gave away and gave away and gave away. None of us lack for things we truly need, and none of us want things we don't need. So we are going to do a "give one, get one" exchange. The younger generation (my grandkids), of course, is another matter. They still get gifts from their parents and me, and some of my grandkids are still young enough that they are easy and fun to shop for. One new experience for me yesterday was entering a Hollister Clothing store in the Boise mall on behalf of Granddaughter #1 (who is 15). Wow! Do they know how to sell to their target market or what? I can't explain other than to say it was unlike any clothing store I've been in before. (Poppet looks worn out and she didn't even go with me to the mall.)

Another "policy" I took on a number of years ago was to cease the practice of giving gifts of candy or whatever to the friends and professionals in my life. (How much chocolate does one editor need, anyway?) Instead, I give to charities in their names. Angel Tree and the Heifer Project International are my charities of choice and have been for some time. It feels so good to press that donate button and know that someone is being helped because of my Christmas giving.

Finally, I have been looking for something artistic but unrelated to writing to do for some time. Many, many years ago, I used to paint with acrylics and water colors. I was given paints one year for Christmas more than 15 years ago but never put them to much use. I played the piano as a teen. I have an upright piano, given to me by my aunt about four years ago, and I've owned a keyboard for more than ten years. A few years back, I took keyboard lessons but eventually dropped them because I didn't have the time to keep up the lessons and the practice due to a crazy schedule. I used to make lots of my own clothes. I'm not even tempted to go there again. I crocheted a baby blanket for a cousin back in the 1970's, so I gave that a try last summer. I was pathetic and obviously needed some lessons. Sigh...

Yesterday, on my way home, I stopped at the craft store and bought a knitting book, needles, and yarn. (Yes, I used to knit too.) Well, it may have been 25 or 30 years since I last had knitting needles in my hands, but it all came rushing back to me. Like any beginner, I'm starting with a scarf. So while I watched TV last night, I knitted away. I'm about a sixth done. I have a brown winter coat that I'll wear this with. (The brown tones of this yarn don't show up very good with the flash, but trust me. There is lots of brown.) Maybe a hat will be next.

Now it is back to revising my Christmas 2008 novel while Christmas music plays on iTunes and I sip my Holiday Peppermint coffee.

-rlh-

Chill Out, Josey! by Susan May Warren

Another week, another opportunity to introduce a book by a friend of mine. On deck this week is Chill Out, Josey! by Susan May Warren.

About the Book:

Russia?  Not again.  Josey's finally living the good life - she's got the man, the (almost-perfect) wedding, the two-story Cape-Cod house of her dreams. That is until her man drags her back to Moscow!  Josey knows she has the guts to follow her own dreams across the world, but she's not so sure she can play the perfect wife while her husband chases after his.  Josey's set on having the perfect life…even in a world without hot water, decent take-out and size-two leather fashion.  But can she find the courage to tell her man the secret that will change their lives forever?

You can buy the book at ChristianBook.com or Amazon.com.

Click here to read the first chapter.

Enjoy!

-rlh-

He is everything

In today's lesson of the Breaking Free study, Beth Moore asks: "Do you presently have a yearning for the presence of God? I'm not talking about guilt feelings or even conviction of sin when He's not your priority. I'm referring to a yearning for God that draws you over and over into His presence. A yearning that makes only a few days without time in prayer and His Word seem like an eternity."

A few days ago, I emailed two of my dearest friends, saying: "I want to hear [the Lord] and go through the doors God chooses for me. I want to learn again to be still before Him. So would you both pray for me in that regard?"

It's so hard in this world we live in of 24/7 news and cell phones that make us available 24/7 and email and entertainment and responsibilities and the need to nurture relationships and a host of other things to simply be still before God. Especially during this season of the year. And I know that stillness in His presence is what He is calling me to experience, His presence in the quiet, a time for loving Him. Everywhere I turn He is speaking to me about this. In Sunday's sermon. In my Bible study. In the worship songs that play in my iTunes.

This morning, I listened to this song over and over again (You Are Everything, Everything I Need by Brian Doerksen):

My soul is yearning for Your living stream
My heart is aching for You
All that I long for is found in Your heart
You are everything I need

You are the thirst
You are the stream
You are the hunger living deep inside of me
You are the food that satisfies
You are provision for the journey of our lives
You are everything You are

Simple, simple words but so profound.

Lord, You are both the thirst and the water that quenches it. You are both the hunger and the food that fills me. Cause me to love You above all else. Cause me to seek You throughout my day, throughout my life. Bring me into Your sanctuary and teach me to abide in You. I love You, Lord. Teach me to love You more. And in loving You, help me to be a reflection of the miracles You have worked in my life. Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me.  Do not cast me away from Your presence, and do not take Your Holy Spirit from me.  Restore to me the joy of Your salvation, and sustain me with a willing spirit. In Christ's magnificent name, Amen.

May you, dear reader, experience His awesome presence today.

In the grip of His grace,
Robin