Finding Time

Time. It’s an interesting thing; people think of it as a line, a continuous sequence of events from one moment to the next. But really, from God’s perspective, it’s a giant ball of wibbly-wobbly, time-y wimey…stuff. (Yes, that’s adapted from “Dr. Who”. Moving on…) And within Creation, it’s everywhere. You can’t go any-stinkin’-where without time being right there with you. And yet people these days have so much trouble finding it; it’s incredible. Don’t get me wrong, I have that problem too.

Sharpening Iron

“You’re a day late,” said the man, grumpy from a long day at the office at he sat across the world from me. “Yes I know,” I reply. “And I don’t like to make excuses—” “Then don’t,” he snaps. I pause for a moment, considering. “Okay, fine: I do like making excuses. My schedule at the bike shop changed starting this week, and I’m still acclimating.” “Get on with it, then,” he muttered with a wave of his hand.

The Low Moors

In my fantasy novel By WaysUnseen there’s a place called Frecksshire that’s dominated by the high moors in the center, and the low moors in a ring around the high moors. The low moors are so called because most of the year they are submerged in water, with bits of firmer ground like muddy walkways – think the Dead Marshes, but shallower. Haydren won’t fall in and almost drown. But in the darkness it can be tough going, especially as it continues to rain and the firmer ground becomes steadily softer. And I feel like my revisions are on the low moors in a rainstorm.

A Handy Skill

You know, I realized something the past few days: writing can be a good skill to have. After four years of college, mostly in an English major, writing a lot has helped me in one big way: writing a little is stinkin’ easy. I’ve been writing articles on bicycle-related stuff – not much, 300 to 500 words – and honestly, it’s being kind of easy. I’m not saying I’m some sort of prodigy, or even very good. But small pieces, now, don't even increase my heart-rate.

The Trust of Christ

Another interesting topic with my church small group – it’s nice to have that on Sunday so I have something (usually) to talk about today, not that I’m taking personal advantage of my small group. But we looked at John 2:24-25 – “But Jesus would not entrust himself to them, for he knew all people. ­He did not need any testimony about mankind, for he knew what was in each person.” So would He entrust Himself to us? As Christians, we said, He already has; but isn’t it true that those God foreknew he also predestined… And those he predestined, he also called; those he called, he also justified; those he justified, he also glorified?

The Library of Barnes & Noble

A few days ago, a story was tweeted from The Washington Post concerning the idea that bookstores should charge customers to browse the store. Obviously the idea was not taken very seriously by anyone who owned a bookstore. But the chilling fact remains: B&N estimates 40% of their customers browse their bookshelves, go home, and buy the book cheaper from Amazon. And anyone with any ear to the publishing world knows the rampant fear of bookstores (and publishers?) going the way of the telegraph office.

Very Inspiring Bloggers

There are days when waking up is awesome: Sunday was one, as I received a notification that Tash Berbank over at TashEdits nominated me for the Very Inspiring Blogger award! Whodathunkit? Thanks Tash! It's wonderful to know I'm not just rambling (though I still do that ~_^)

Now it's my turn. Check-list time:

·  Thank and link back to the awesome person who nominated you.

            Check

·  Share 7 things about yourself.

1.      I love casseroles. And chili. Amalgamations just do something for me.

2.      I find the Book of Revelations is equal parts terrifying and exciting.

3.      I thought I loved my Keurig until I didn’t like the non-recyclable waste and got a standard 4-cup brewer that supports a reusable filter: now I realize I just like access to coffee.

4.      Some people have a countdown to birthdays or Christmas or a concert: I’m counting down till spring, and a local six-hour mountain bike race.

5.      I have one pair of shorts that I can wear, because they actually come close to fitting: this will be a problem soon.

6.      I recently learned to make over-easy eggs. To date, 30 unborn chicks have entered the world to be fried and dusted in salt, pepper, and garlic powder or chives. Don’t worry: they were delicious.

7.      Intro to Rhetoric class changed my life. At least my writing.

·  Nominate 15 5 other bloggers and comment on their blogs to let them know.

Yeah, I really don’t keep up with 15 blogs. So here’s my top 5, in no particular order.

Courtney Rae

Joline Atkins (currently under construction, but returning in its aweseomeness soon!)

Glynn Young

K.M. Weiland

All the ladies at Daily Fast Fuel: Joline, Debbie, Sara, Katie, Angie, and my main girl, Anitra.

It's Mostly True

A mostly white picture...

I considered for a moment simply reposting my thoughts from before, but that might be cheating. It’s an inherent problem with the purpose of this blog; that is, to post on what’s uppermost on my mind at the time I sit down to write. Because themes recur, because the same things happen in life and upset me the same way each time. Well, not exactly the same way. Which is why I feel comfortable talking about truth. Again.

What Had Happened

“Show, don’t tell.” Can anyone explain this maxim better? A lot have tried, and a lot have tried to claim one secret to understanding “show, don’t tell.” Unfortunately, it’s a lot more complicated than that. Now, if you’re a passable plot-creator, and just want to make money, then it’s simple: stuff action into every possible crevice of your writing. But if you enjoy wordplay and will write whether you get published and make money or not, and are aware of subtle action (think PBS instead of NHL), then I’ve found one instance of telling that’s easy to spot.

Mountain Biking with Rushdie

This is sort of a mixed post, writing/riding – two of my favorite activities. Some of my best writing has come after an hour of riding, and some of my best riding has come after not being able to write. It’s not that one motivates the other, at all; it’s just that riding allows my mind to focus and follow a single train of thought (rather than the usual two trains), since most of the rest of my brain is screaming “AHHH IT’S A TREE!!”

The Constitution and Christian's Rights

Had a good talk last night with my church small-group contrasting the church in America and in China. General conclusions? Persecution makes saying “I’m a Christian” in China meaningful, while general societal acceptance makes saying the same thing in America a lifestyle or personality trait rather than a life-changing proclamation. Which raised the question, how can we stand out in a relatively persecution-free America? Here’s what I thought.

A New Word Order

I had a major break-through the other day. Well, the breakthrough happened much more slowly; but I recognized it a few days ago. At some point in the writing process of my novel, I had to add a character into the story. I don’t remember why, and I don’t even remember if they’re still in there, or if that was one of the several forgotten ideas now left behind in my subconscious to crop up in some later novel without my realizing. But I did it wrong. I didn’t know how then, but I realize now how I did it completely wrong.