The Harvest of Grace

Sylvia Fisher is a young Amish woman who is any thing but traditional. While other young women stick to the house work, she prefers to work along side the men out in the barn. She works with her father until she has to get away. Then she gets a job working beside Michael Blank. This book is about forgiveness, trust, and growing up.

The Harvest of Grace by Cindy Woodsmall (ch. 1 excerpt)

This book switches between Sylvia and characters from previous books in the series. I would recommend reading The Hope of Refuge and The Bridge of Peace before you begin reading The Harvest of Grace. While Sylvia’s story is clear since she is new to the series, the stories of the other two young ladies left me a bit muddled.

I found the new perspective of Amish life refreshing. There are some things about Amish life I would not have imagined true based on Amish books I’ve read from other authors. For instance, I haven’t seen an Englischer become Amish before, although I’m sure that has happened. It’s amazing that Sylvia’s grandfather left her his estate or that her father allowed her to use an iPod even during her rumschpringe. I can not imagine that with all the modern technologies the Amish won’t use that they would use a claw milker. Every order is different and I could be wrong. I don't personally know any Amish. These are just a few of the differences I had never imagined possible before.

I give this book 4 out of 5 stars. This book was quite enjoyable, but would have been clearer if I had read prior books first. I enjoyed the occasional laugh as I read.

I received a free copy of this book for an honest review through Waterbrook Multnomah Publishers through their Blogging for Books program.

Purchase your copy at Amazon today!

Setting Goals with Word Weavers

There are surprises around every corner. Last night was no exception. I attended the Word Weaver's large group meeting and was pleased with the outcome.

My New Year's resolution this year is to get serious about my writing, and I have planned four steps to get me there: create and organize my office, read 25 books and 6-12 writing how to books, write more, and  submit pieces to a minimum of 6 publishers this year.

I had not figured out how to measure "writing more" until last night, but I was planning on participating in various writing activities this year. I also expected to get the "butt in chair" award the Word Weavers hands out to the hardest working individual bi-monthly. It was my understanding that the award was only handed to members, and so it was quite surprising when one of the members spoke up last night.

"I can think of one individual who deserves recognition," she began. "This person finished 50,000 words in a very short period of time." I blushed and scooted down in my chair as I realized who she was talking about. Which only served to bring more attention to myself. The group laughed.

"That's right!" Our leader said, remembering my announcement from the previous meeting. "That was 50,000 words in how much time?"

"30 days." I said.

He handed me the award- an inspirational plaque, and some reference material to help me on the road to getting published. I was distracted for a few minutes as he continued on to other things. I was shaken by a pleasant realization; I have already met one of my goals for this year, earn the butt in chair award. And it was only the third day of the new year!

I got some other information last night too. I was able to ask a blogger a couple of questions about blogging and put together a tracking tool to use this year with magazines.

I learned last night that goals should be

Specific
Measurable
Accountable
Realistic
Timely

Be specific with goals that you make. The example given was knowing how many words you want to write a day. Goals should also be measurable. For instance, Jim has decided he wants to write 800 words every day five days a week. Tell someone your goals so you can be held accountable for them. Remember that your friend might also have goals they want to be held accountable for. It's important to be realistic when setting your goals. It was pointed out that writing 50,000 words in 30 days every month of the year is probably not realistic. I wholeheartedly agreed with that statement! Also, make sure your goals are timely. Set a deadline for when you expect to have your goals completed.

After Jim finished speaking about goals, I interjected with what my mother used to say about tea. Accomplishing a goal takes Time, Effort and Attitude. Put forth your best effort in what you do and you will be surprised with how much you can accomplish.

After that, we were given a few minutes to discuss our goals. That's when I had the chance to speak with someone at our table about this blog. I explained that I'm in need of a subject and, because it has been too long since I read on a regular basis, I'm thinking about writing about the books I read. That way I'll have subject matter and get the creative juices going again. She suggested a couple of sites I could try. This year, I intend to write once a week on Monday in this blog. There may be more to my writing goals, but I'm not yet sure what is realistic for me and am not yet ready to set another writing goal yet.

We had been given ten minutes to talk in small group discussions and our time was gone before we knew it. A couple volunteers shared what our goals for the year were before we went on to put together our folders for magazine submissions. There was a scurry of activity and confusion as members struggled to keep up with Jim's instructions. The rest of the time was devoted to the folders. He also gave us a bit of "home work", come up with three magazines we can submit to by the next group meeting and do the research!

All in all, it was a great group meeting. I learned a lot and also got some handy tools of the trade to help me on my way to being published. Thanks Word Weavers for another fabulous group meeting!

Writing Seriously

November 15, 2011

"Our writing exercise works like this," our leader, Jim, began, "I have a calender here. Each one with a different prompt. Pick a number between 1 and 30, and I'll give you the prompt."

Each one sounded off his or her different number. When it was finally my turn to choose, I went through several numbers without much success. Finally Jim just looked one up for me. He told me to write about a planet and what their world might be like.

Great. I thought. Just the kind of work I've been wanting to avoid! Is this really a Christian topic? I wasn't sure. We'd been going through dates and prompts long enough, though, that I did not voice my concerns.

Jim looked at his watch, "Start... now!" he said. Keys clicked and pens scratched and I sat back and thought a moment. What would I write about? Finally, something came to me and I began scribbling away myself.

"Stop!" Jim finally said. "Who would like to read their piece first?"

Each person read their piece and others commented before moving on to the next. Finally, it was my turn. What would they think about my work? I took a breath and began reading my piece. When I finished I held my breath and looked around the room.

"Wow!" An older woman said, just two seats down. "If you can write like that in 10 minutes, imagine what you could do if you had time!"

I wanted to answer her, but it was time for someone else to read. But I do have time! I protested. I have nothing but time since I don't work and have only my husband to care for at home.

Then what's your excuse? came the query. If you have so much time, why don't you have a solid portfolio to share? Why aren't you published yet?

*****
 Great questions! Why don't I have more to share? Because I'm a better procrastinator than a writer, that's why! So my New Year's resolution is to develop healthy writing habits. To begin with, I will

1.) Organize and utilize my office in our spare room
2.) Write daily, maintain a blog, and join my local writer's group
3.) Submit 6 pieces for publication
4.) Read 25 books and 6-12 writing how-to's

I will measure success in how much I have accomplished throughout the year. While it would be nice to be published in the coming year, 2012 will be about paving the way to a career in writing. One thing I need to figure out is my niche. What is it that God has in mind for me to write? How can I use my talent for His glory?

I will be keeping this blog updated no less than once or twice a week. I will keep you updated on my progress. Before next year begins, I hope to have an office I can work in.

Happy Holidays!