A Novel Creation www.WatersWords.com

I know we are all getting excited to have a break in the weather. We’re gearing up to plant flowers in our gardens and eyeing the new summer clothes hanging on racks in our favorite stores.  Spring came early for me this year. Scribbling in the Sun At one of our ACFW (American Christian Fiction Writers) chapter meetings last fall, a member shared information about a writing conference in February. A cruise leaving out of Miami. I was all in. Most people think of Florida as one big beach. Or they only know it as the home to Disney World and orange juice. But Florida is so much more. I grew up in Florida. Florida is my home.  It was fun for me to stay in the family home once more. Before heading to Miami I enjoyed sharing a bit of “old Florida” with my ACFW friends. We picked star fruit from a tree and enjoyed its sweetness. We ate Japanese plums and walked the country roads taking pictures of the flowers and birds.  The cruise was wonderful and inf...

I have times in my life where I stop and say, “Wow, this time last year I was …” Of course Facebook nudges people along that path from time-to-time by posting memories “only you can see.” And there are major events that shape us in such a way we forever recognize the date as an anniversary.  I had one of those moments this week. You see, this time last year I was living in Kosovo. I was teaching fourth grade and this week, this very week one year ago, I went with friends to the celebration of Kosovo’s ten-year anniversary as a nation. As part of our work in social studies, my fourth graders interviewed people who lived in the region “before the war,” “during the war,” and “after the war.” They interviewed people about what it was like when Kosovo declared independence and the day they officially became a nation. They could do that. I can’t go back and interview people in 1786 about America’s birth as a nation ten years out.  My students talked with people who ...

My Sweetheart For Valentine’s Day I don’t want candy or flowers. Like most women, I really don’t need more stuff. Remember the old saying, “Actions Speak Louder Than Words.” It’s true. Tom didn’t take me out to eat for Valentine’s Day. We could do that anytime. He didn’t bring me trinkets or glittery cards. He knew me. He showed his love for me every day, not just one day a year. And he supported me in every way. He encouraged me in my education and in my work. He encouraged me in my writing.  I don’t give much thought to Valentine’s Day anymore. My sweetheart isn’t around. But when asked how I wanted to celebrate this year, I didn’t give my usual reply, “Nothing…I don’t really celebrate Valentine’s Day.” This time I decided to let my friends and readers know exactly what I want this day (or week) of hearts and flowers and sweets. I could call this: How to Show An Author You Love Her…or Him 1.  Buy a book ….No need to go to a bookstore and ponder which one...

Last week I wrote a blog about “my new romance.” If you didn’t read it, you can find it   HERE .  It turns out quite a few people   did not  read the post itself. They read the title.     “Warming Up Winter: A Sweet Romance in My Life” Responses confirm the notion that a title is powerful. I had messages from friends telling me how happy they were I had found someone. I had people wanting more details about the man and how we met. Many offered words of encouragement and at least one said she was praying for me to find happiness in this new relationship. But remember, those comments came from people who only read the title. A great number of people  DID  read the post to get the real scoop , making it one of my most popular writings on A Novel Creation . Their comments were also interesting and encouraging. Some called me a prankster and said I had fooled them, but most thought it a great introduction to my latest writing venture. Th...