Guest Blogger: Author and Editor Fay Lamb

The Inkwell is pleased to welcome author and editor Fay Lamb.  Fay's newest release is Stalking Willow, an inspirational romantic suspense novel. 

The cover alone makes me want to read this book.

Patience

by Fay Lamb

Patience is a virtue, especially when it comes to the life of an author. Yes, there are some overnight successes in the business, people who seemingly decide to take up writing and receive a contract, but that is not the norm. In truth, what often looks like an overnight success to someone on the outside, has been a long journey for the author.

You’ve heard it before. “I write, therefore, I am a writer.” I began to take writing seriously at a very early age, therefore, I have been a writer for thirty-seven years.

Looking back with that 20/20 hindsight, I realize that God had a plan, and if I’d been published when I was so much younger, I wouldn’t have learned a variety of lessons, which I’d like to share with you:

Humility: God has always been faithful to chasten me for my pride. To get my attention once, God took my writing away from me for three painful years until I learned a valuable lesson: when God gives a talent, He expects it to be used to the utmost. Talents aren’t often handed to an individual ready to be displayed. To present the very best to God from what He provides, authors need to practice their skills. Pride says I have nothing to learn. Humility bows before the Master and asks what is to be done with the gift so that it is returned ten-fold to Him.

Family: Yes, immediate family is important, but Christian fiction is a unique industry. It allows writers the opportunity to meet, to befriend, and to work with their brothers and sisters in Christ. A writer may not know every one of his peers, but they are still spiritual kin. For that reason, I have learned to take time to come alongside members of my writing family not only to encourage and to direct but to be encouraged and to receive direction.

Happiness: When an author rushes to publication, there is a tendency to forget the joy of doing what God has called him to do. I revel in my fantasy worlds. Bringing them to life for a reader and infusing them with a message that can draw someone closer to Christ is one of my greatest joys in the world. Time is a gift from God. Rushing to publication before I am ready wastes the time God has given to me to enjoy what He has asked me to do.

Reality: Sometimes authors feel that their story just needs to be read. The message is ripe for the world, and the author has to make sure it gets out there. The reality is that God is in control. He knows how, when, where, and even if He wants the message delivered. Remembering Who is the director of my path, keeps me from tripping and falling on my face every time I am tempted to run ahead of God.

Continuity: Authors often focus on their first book to the extent that they do not see the overall picture. Like the king who was told by the prophet to shoot his arrows, and he shoots so few that he doesn’t realize the full blessing God meant for him, a writer losses the opportunity to place several more stories in his quiver because he gets too busy pressing that one fantastic book and never writing any others. In my thirty-seven years, I have written a number of books. I have twenty other books started and in various forms of completion. I didn’t just write one book to rush to publication. I actually used one book to practice all of the elements of storytelling, and I’ve applied it to everyone I’ve completed, and I continue to grow and to apply what I have learned to the unfinished work as well. When God opened the doors wide for me, I had several books and many ideas to offer my publisher. All of my ideas or stories may never get published, but I have a quiver to draw from, and I plan to keep shooting those arrows until God calls me home.

Patience is a great virtue for a writer. Our time is best spent waiting for God to show us the paths to our writing career. That time isn’t wasted when, while we’re waiting, we’re studying the craft of storytelling, building our library of books to offer to publishers, taking the time to enjoy the gifts God has bestowed, and fellowshipping with other authors to encourage and be encouraged.

Fay Lamb is an acquisition editor for Pelican Book Group. She also provides freelance fiction edits.

Her emotionally charged stories remind the reader that God is always in the details. Fay has recently contracted with Write Integrity Press for two four-book series. Stalking Willow, the first in the Amazing Grace romantic suspense series is currently available for purchase, and Charisse, the first release in her The Ties That Bind contemporary romance series will be available in July, 2013. The second story in the Amazing Grace series, Better than Revenge, is set for release in September 2013.

Fay is a past-secretary for American Christian Fiction Writers. She served for four years as the moderator for ACFW’s critique group, Scribes. For her volunteer efforts for ACFW, she received the Service Members Award in 2010. She was also a semi-finalist that year in the ACFW Genesis Contest.

Fay and her husband, Marc, reside in Titusville, Florida, where multi-generations of their families have lived. The legacy continues with their two married sons and five grandchildren (with the sixth on the way).

Links for the book:

http://www.writeintegrity.blogspot.com/ (Publisher)

Amazon for print book: http://amzn.to/ZIzpFo

Links for Fay:

www.faylamb.com (Fay’s website and blog: On the Ledge)

www.facebook.com/fay.lamb (personal FB page)

www.facebook.com/AuthorFay (Fay’s fan page)

www.facebook.com/TacticalEd (Fay is the Tactical Editor, sharing self-editing tips)

www.twitter.com/FayLamb (Fay’s Twitter address) 

Pirate Queen

By Lisa Karon Richardson

One of the most successful and feared pirate lords of all time wasn’t a lord at all, but a lady. Ching Shih, has been known by many different names, including, Zhèng Shì; Jihng Sih, and Cheng I Sao and believe me, compared to her, Blackbeard, Bluebeard, and all the other beards were small potatoes.

Little is known about her early life, but it is believed that Ching Shih was born around 1775. We also know she spent much of her early life as a prostitute in a small brothel in Canton until she was captured by pirates. Her lifestyle changed dramatically in 1801 when she married Zheng Yi, a famous pirate captain with a pirate pedigree that went back well over a century.

By 1804 Zheng Yi, with Ching Shih at his side, managed a fantastic coup. Through cunning, force, and diplomacy he managed to form a coalition among the competing Chinese pirates. This new armada was called the Red Flag Fleet.

Near the end of 1807, Zheng Yi died in Vietnam and Ching Shih demonstrated that she had learned much from her husband. With consummate cunning and foresight she moved quickly to consolidate power and preserve the fleet. In an effort to instill unity she instituted a pirate code.

The first provision of the pirate code provided that anyone giving orders that did not come from Ching Shih, or disobeying the orders of a superior, was beheaded on the spot. The second rule was that no one was to steal from the public fund (This was the big, collective pot that their loot went into) or any villagers that supplied the pirates. All booty had to be presented for group inspection. The loot was registered by a purser and then distributed by the fleet leader. The penalty for holding back treasure was death.

Ching Shih’s code also had special rules for female captives. She directed that such women should be released. But in practice the pirates made their most beautiful captives into concubines or wives. If a pirate took a wife he had to be faithful to her. Pirates that raped female captives were put to death.

Other violations of the code also carried punishments as severe as any in the Royal Navy; flogging, clapping in irons, or quartering. Deserters’ ears were chopped off, and then they were paraded around their squadron.

At the height of her powers it is estimated that she commanded more than 1800 ships and 80,000 pirates. This amount of muscle allowed her to direct raids of every town and ship between Macao and Canton. They grew to such strength that they actually levied taxes on some coastal towns.

She became a serious threat to some of the great imperial powers of the day, but despite concerted effort, neither the British, Portuguese, or Chinese were able to put a halt to her reign.

In 1810, Qing dynasty officials made an incredibly smart move. Rather than trying to break the pirates they offered them amnesty if they gave up their piratey ways. Ching Shih took them up on the offer, negotiating a pardon for herself and the majority of her fleet, that allowed her to retain her wealth. I did say she was cunning, didn’t I?

With her ill-gotten gain she opened a gambling house, which she operated right up to her death in 1844. Since then she has continued to color the popular imagination. Most recently, the third installment of the Pirates of the Caribbean featured a powerful female pirate lord named Mistress Ching. I think we all know where that particular inspiration came from.

Not that I admire her methods, but I do find Ching Shih’s story to be fascinating and surprising. I wonder how she managed to navigate such violent waters and come out the other side unscathed. I mean, we’re talking about a society that purposely crippled their daughters as a sign of their “high” status. Where there’s a will there’s a way, I guess. But it had to be a remarkably formidable will, and a brilliant tactician’s mind to go with it in order to both overcome prejudice and gain the allegiance of her men.

Maybe next Talk Like a Pirate Day (that’d be September 19^th to the uninitiated) you’ll consider a Chinese accent in her honor?

What is your favorite surprising story of unprecedented success?

Influenced by books like The Secret Garden and The Little Princess, LISA KARON RICHARDSON’S early stories were heavy on boarding schools and creepy houses. Now, even though she’s (mostly) grown-up she still loves a healthy dash of adventure in any story she creates, even her real-life story. She’s been a missionary to the Seychelles and Gabon and now that she and her husband are back in America, they are tackling a brand new adventure, starting a daughter-work church in a new city. Her published works include “Impressed by Love,” in the Colonial Courtships anthology. The Magistrate’s Folly was published by Heartsong Presents in February of 2013. Diamond in the Rough, (May, 2013) was co-authored with Jennifer AlLee, and is the first in the Charm and Deceit, series from Whitaker House. Finally she has another novella coming out September, 2013 from Barbour entitled “Midnight Clear,” part of the Mistletoe Memories collection.

Coronation Day 1911

by Anita Mae Draper

Today it's Victoria Day in Canada and since we're celebrating royalty, I thought I'd talk about the 1911 Coronation of King George V and Queen Mary. I covered the Coronation itself on my Author Memories blogpost 1911 Courtship: June 21 Dear Ethel, but I thought I'd show you some extra coverage of the big event.




His Majesty King George V, Real Photograph on a Tuck Postcard #1459, first used 1906, sold in Great Britain and Canada.

Her Majesty Queen Mary,

 Real Photograph on a Tuck Postcard #1460, first used 1906, sold in Great Britain and Canada.

The above images are the same ones published on the first page of the June 23, 1911 edition of The Newmarket Era except those images are so dark, you can barely make anything out. From what I did see however, I was able to find the matching images on a huge database website called TuckDB Postcards which states: TuckDB is a free on-line database listing antique postcards published by Raphael Tuck & Sons. Thank you to creators and maintainers of this wonderful look at history portrayed in postcards.

Royalty and important politicians from around the globe made their way to London for the spectacular event, but the one that caught my eye was Her Highness the Nawale Begum of Bhopal who traveled with 9 tons of baggage. The snippet is taken from the OurOntario.ca Community Newspapers Collection which is an excellent resource for those researching Ontario from it's earliest days to the present. The website can only digitize the newspaper itself so if the original is illegible, that's the way you see it. However, I've transcribed the original for ease of reading.

The Newmarket Era. May 19, 1911 - Page: 2

Lady Had 9 Tons of Baggage.

   Great interest is being shown in Paris, in the visit of the Begum Bhopal, who is staying there for three weeks on her way to the coronation.
   The Bergum, who is believed to be about sixty years of age, is visiting Europe for the second time. When she arrived in Marseilles on Saturday with her suite of twenty-four people and nine tons of luggage, the Hindus of Marseilles , who are numerous, gathered in force to welcome her. 
   The Begum and the ladies of her suite are not allowed to show their faces, and they disembarked covered in heavy veils which extended from their heads to well below their waists. The Hindus of Marseilles had covered the road from the boat to the Begum's carriage with rich carpets, and when she appeared they prostrated themselves on the quay, remaining in this position until she had passed.

------------------------

One of the things I enjoy about The Newmarket Era is the little bits of personality inputted by the editor where space allows. During the weeks leading up to the coronation though, the editor seemed to be fixed on the idea of too many holidays.

The Newmarket Era. June 9, 1911 - Page: 5

 The Newmarket Era. June 16, 1911 - Page: 8

The Newmarket Era. June 16, 1911 - Page: 3 

 The Coronation Ceremony of His Most Gracious Majesty King George V
 in Westminster Abbey, 22nd June 1911,
 by John Henry Frederick Bacon, Courtesy of Wikipedia

Gorgeous Scene

   London, June 20 - The most regal banquet palace of king or emporer ever witnessed and a gorgeous Shakespeare ball under the auspices of noted sociey leaders stand forth as shining features of the second day of coronation week. The banquet in Buckingham Palace tonight was a scene of imperial grandeur, so far as the assembly of royal and eminent personages, the setting of costly magnificence and beautiful decorations would combine to make it. 
   The King and Queen entertained the visiting and English royalties, all the special foreign delegations, the foreign ambassadors and ministers, the officers of state and the household, the members of the cabinet and former cabinet ministers, the heads of the church and judiciary and of the army and navy.
   The two largest apartments in the palace, the ball room and the picture gallery which adjoin, were utilized as a banquet ball. On the tables was displayed the royal gold plate, used only on historic occasions, the cost of which is estimated at $15,000,000 and its weight eight tons. This plate for the most part was collected in the reigns of the four Georges, and the principal place is a massive peacock captured in one of the Indian wars, whose tail is studded with diamonds. Cut glass worth a fortune, Ivory decanters, hundreds of years old, and old wines dating back more than a century were on the board. 
   The gallery holds more than 500 pictures.The decorations of both rooms are largely gilt, and this background was embellished with banks of palms and giant lilies, white orchids, roses and ferns were stacked on the tables. Yeomen of the guard ranged about the walls, and all diners wore their richest uniforms, decorations, gowns and jewels.

------------------------------

If found this YouTube video entitled Street Parade for coronation of King George V and Queen Mary in 1911 however, I believe the footage is actually the coronation of King George VI and Elizabeth (the current queen's parents). Why? If you listen to the start, the narrator talks about remembering back to 1911 when a glittering escort came along the same street in the same royal coach bearing the newly crowned King George and Queen Mary.

However, The Era gave a detailed post-coronation report called THE CROWING OF OUR KING, Most Gorgeous Spectacle of Modern Times where he mentions the open carriages and ends with this as the final paragraph:

A landau is an open vehicle. Now look at this video and listen to the words carefully:

The video looks old enough to be 1911, but I surmise that it's 1936, especially when the narrator ends by talking about King George VI and Queen Elizabeth and says, "Long may they reign."

What do you think?

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Anita Mae Draper is retired from the Canadian Armed Forces and lives on the prairie of southeast Saskatchewan, Canada with her hubby of 30 plus years and 2 of their 4 kids. She writes stories set on the prairies of Saskatchewan, North Dakota, Montana and Wyoming. Anita Mae has semi-finaled in the Historical Romance category of the ACFW's 2011 Genesis contest and finaled in the Inspirational category of the 2011 Daphne du Maurier, the 2011 Fool for Love, the 2011 Duel on the Delta and 2009 Linda Howard Award of Excellence contests. Anita Mae is represented by Mary Keeley of Books and Such Literary Agency. You can find Anita at http://www.anitamaedraper.com/

Weekend Scripture Psalm 34:8

Image courtesy of graur razvan ionu / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

IN HONOR BOUND by DeAnna Julie Dodson

by Anita Mae Draper

Have you noticed the book widget labelled OUR BOOKS! to the immediate right of this sentence? I haven't read all the books flashing through, but one of them draws me in like eye candy. Or shall I say three of them since they are a series...

It could be the ornately detailed covers. Or it could be because I enjoy historicals in all periods. Or it could be the hint of a marriage-of-convenience story in the 1st title - admittedly one of my favorite themes. Whatever the reason, I was drawn to DeAnna Julie Dodson's medieval series, The Chastelayne Trilogy.

Admittedly I downloaded Book 1 In Honor Bound as a free download. When Book 2 in the series By Love Redeemed was offered as a free download last month I snapped it up right quick too. And I can honestly say that when I flip through my to-be-read carousel on my tablet, the rich covers of this series stand out from the rest of the ordinary book covers spinning past.

Before I go any farther, I have to say unlike the innocent-looking books on DeAnna's website book page, The Chastelayne Trilogy is not for the faint-hearted. Yes, I know she appears... passive when you look at her Fun Page but don't be mislead by her pages on cats, quilting, cross stitch and barn swallows. After all . . . cats and barn swallows on the same page? Right. And if you click on The Greatest Sport Ever link, you won't see swimming or tennis or some other non-contact sport. Oh no . . . you see Hockey - a full body-contact sport. If you check way down on her hockey page, you find this delicious quote of DeAnna's:

...he was always a delight to watch on defense - especially when putting Peter Forsberg in his place (his place, of course, being on his backside on the ice). 

See what I mean. She may look like a sweet Texan who wouldn't crack a peanut, but don't let that fool you. Her skirmish and battle scenes are some of the best I've read and she doesn't hide the fact that human blood runs red. It's a wonder she can keep her vivid imagination between the covers of a book. (She does, doesn't she? I mean, what do we really know about this woman?)

I say that as a reader because In Honor Bound is a gripping tale of love won and lost in the bedroom as well as the battlefield. Tastefully and artistically written in 1997 (paperback editions displayed below), In Honor Bound is a timeless tale where events unfold in frightening detail without paying lip service to modern trends in writing. I generally don't like head-hopping but the way DeAnna writes ... coherent thoughts from different characters slip into the scene as easily as a warm spoon in ice cream.

In Honor Bound leaves the bedroom door open to the most heart-wrenching scenes that left me bawling hopelessly. Sweet scenes with soft words that caressed and soothed me with tenderness. Then without warning, curt hurting words, uttered in guilt. I cried for the person receiving it as well as the person giving it because I cared so much for both of them. That's the essence of DeAnna's three-dimensional characters - they never came out of character by jarring gesture or word or deed. They became real.

DeAnna excels at portraying deep emotions that thrum with realism. Although the situations were medieval, the relationships could and do happen every single day - then and now.

Several times I highlighted lines (on my Kindle app) which seemed particularly unforgettable:

- And every moment of closeness, every embrace, every caress was purchased at the cost of his coolness towards her the next day or, worse, his absence from her altogether.

- I did what pleased me to get the crown, thinking I could get forgiveness later. Now I've gone too far to even ask. 

- Tom took the piece of black bread he offered and wolfed it down, wincing as it scratched its way down his raw throat.

- I could have loved you.

Oh, that last one did me in and I wept for several minutes - not the first nor last time while reading this wonderful book.

Here's the back cover blurb:

His father will stop at nothing to keep the royal bloodline "pure" --even murder. But his sins have nearly destroyed Prince Philip and the future of his reign.

Forced into a political marriage, Philip tells his bride, "I will not lie to you, I will not be unfaithful to you, and I will not love you. My heart is pledged to another and I am not a man to break an oath."

His one true love is a lowly serving girl. When Philip refuses to set her aside in order to form a politically beneficial marriage, his father has the girl tried on false charges and executed. He then forces Philip to marry the beautiful and nobly born Lady Rosalynde. Devastated and embittered by his loss and his father's betrayal, Philip is determined to never love again . . . not his father, not his wife, not his God. Although Rosalynde adores him, he withholds his heart from her, refusing to let even death end his devotion to the love he lost. Despite his coldness towards her, Rosalynde is determined to love him and teach him to love her -- as determined as the God he has turned his back on. As civil war rages throughout the realm, Philip faces a greater struggle within himself. Will he open his heart to love again or let his pride destroy him and his kingdom?

You can find an excerpt of the Prologue and Chapter 1 on DeAnna's website. Check it out and see if it interests you.

Question: What was the last book that had you crying so much you had to set it down and find a tissue?

As an added bonus, the host of the Novel Characters blog is an artist and animator named Monica who draws the main characters of books as she imagines them while reading. And surprise! Today of all days, her post is Rosalynde & Philip from In Honor Bound by DeAnna Julie Dodson. In my opinion, Monica's portrayal of the two main characters from In Honor Bound are worthy of any Disney movie.

And you've probably seen this before at the bottom of DeAnna's posts but due to the nature of this post, I think it belongs here instead of my bio today:

DeAnna Julie Dodson has always been an avid reader and a lover of storytelling, whether on the page, the screen or the stage. This, along with her keen interest in history and her Christian faith, shows in her tales of love, forgiveness and triumph over adversity. A fifth-generation Texan, she makes her home north of Dallas with three spoiled cats and, when not writing, spends her free time quilting, cross stitching and watching NHL hockey. Her first books, In Honor Bound, By Love Redeemed andTo Grace Surrendered, are a trilogy of medieval romances and have just been redesigned and freshly edited for Kindle and Nook. She is also the author of the contemporary mysteries, Letters in the Attic and The Key in the Attic, and has recently signed on to write two more Annie's Attic Mystery: The Diary in the Attic, due out in Spring 2013, and The Legacy in the Attic, due that summer. Her newest books, written as Julianna Deering, are 1930s English cozies, The Drew Farthering Mysteries.  Rules of Murderand two sequels are due out from Bethany House starting Summer 2013. You can find out more about DeAnna and her books, including sample chapters, at her website:http://www.deannajuliedodson.com/

Note from DeAnna:  I was stupidly messing with another post and accidentally erased this one.  Fortunately, it was still "up" on another screen, so I could restore it.  Thank you, Anita, for the wonderful review.  Please forgive my idiocy.   @--}-----

No problem, DeAnna. And might I point out that your signature line proves the point of this review ... passive my eye. *snicker
Anita.

Love Your (Muslim) Neighbor

by Dina Sleiman

 You have heard that it was said, "Love your neighbor and hate your enemy." But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you. Matthew 5:43-45 

My church has been on a 40 day prayer vigil leading up to Pentecost Sunday. Each day, my pastor has assigned us something to pray for. Saturday is pray for your enemies day. My first thought was, I really don't have many enemies. But the truth is, the recent bombings in Boston served to remind us that our country is facing a rabid enemy called Islamic terrorism. At the same time, many of us have friends, co-workers, and neighbors who are Muslims. How do we even tell difference between these two groups? It can be quite confusing, but in light of the scripture above, it seems like love and prayer are a safe way to approach either one.

No doubt many people are wondering about their Muslim neighbors these days. Being married to a Lebanese man, and having many Muslim and former Muslim friends, I have a lot to say on this issue. And yet it can be hard to express my feelings without engaging in an argument, which is the last thing I want to do. 

I have much love and respect for the Muslim people, especially the women. But I also have serious concerns about the fundamental teachings of the religion. There are many beautiful parts of Muslim culture, and there are many troubling aspects as well. Not to mention that, of course, there are as many different types of Muslims as there are different types of Christians, and there is no easy way to compartmentalize them and put them in a box.

So for me, art is the best way to explore this subject. This October, my novel Dance from Deep Within will release with WhiteFire Publishing. The book takes a three dimensional look at the Islamic belief system and culture, while also exploring Christianity and typical non-Christian American beliefs. This is not a rah, rah, Christians are great and everyone else is bad book. Rather, the three young women from varying backgrounds learn from each other's strengths. My Muslim, Layla, is a fictional character, but she is also a conglomerate of the many former Muslim women I have met who have turned to Christ, and her decision reflects their searching and reasoning. 

I think this book will be a great starting place for many Christians to learn how to better love and pray for their Muslim neighbors, and I can't wait for it to release!

In the meantime, I was also the primary writer on a CD project with songs and prayers about the Islamic people. These songs provide another great way to learn about Muslim culture, and if you don't know how to pray, you can just pray along. This one is available right now. Click here to order.  You can also learn more about the album, including lyrics and videos, here.

Over the next few months I'll be back to share more about this subject.

Do you have any Muslims in your life? What have you found is the best way to show love to them? Who are your enemies, and how do you feel God wants you to respond to them?

Sent to the Pottery Wheel for a Writing Lesson

I took one pottery class 23 years ago. This was about the same time "Ghost" came out in theaters, and Demi Moore's character made pot-throwing look so easy I expected to sit down and turn an ugly lump of clay into a stunning creation on my first try. We spent weeks making kindergarten-esque coil pots and slab boxes before we were allowed to even touch the wheels.

http://thebestpictureproject.wordpress.com

A more experienced fellow student formed what I thought was a beautiful creation. To my horror, our instructor sliced it in half with his clay-cutting wire (it's basically a garotte, but for clay), and proceeded to point out all the internal errors and imperfections—the base was too thick, the walls were too thin, there were air pockets in the clay, and so forth.

When my turn came, I wanted to hover over my little misshapen pot like a broody hen, guarding it from the teacher's scrutiny. No such luck. Slice. I cried on my way home. But my next attempt was better. And by the end of the semester, I'd managed to create this:

OK, I'll be honest. It didn't start out as a toothpick holder. For a few brief seconds on the wheel, it was a lovely vase with an hourglass shape. Then the top half detached under excessive pressure from my unskilled hands. I didn't care. I just wanted to finish SOMETHING. The end of that class was the end of my pottery play, well, except for Play-Doh creations with my kids.

The last year or so has been a creative battle for me. Major life changes and the stress they bring seemed to blow the breaker on my creativity. I haven't been able to finish any of my writing projects to my satisfaction. I've started multiple manuscripts, then abandoned them in various stages. I've gone weeks at a time without adding, editing, or revising a single story. As most creative types know, this type of blockage is not conducive to mental, emotional, relational, or spiritual health, and when you feel like God has called you write, it causes major guilt and shame issues. 

Frustrated, I found myself crying out to God almost daily, "Lord, please help me write something today." A month or so ago, he sent me to the greenhouse (my version of the woodshed?) and said, "order clay." Huh?

Let me explain. One of the changes my parents made to this house while we were away planting and pastoring a church was the addition of a greenhouse on the back of the garage, and this... 

Purchased or adopted, I'm not sure which. Or why. Neither of my parents are into pottery. And so this relic (from the very college I attended) has sat silent and still for the last decade or so, covered in a tarp and home to a number of creepy-looking spiders.

 

I hate this part.

I ordered clay, and my very own little garotte; looked up some YouTube instructions to refresh my memory; plugged in the behemoth and sat down at the wheel. The process, I realized immediately, is remarkably similar to the work of writing. 

1. Lump of clay = story idea.

No, I don't know what I'm doing.

2. Idea/lump must be massaged and kneaded and "wedged" until it's smooth and pliable and free of empty air pockets and holes. This process seems to take FOREVER, but it's essential for the future success of the project. 

But it seemed so smooth and even!

3. Throw the ball of clay onto the center of the wheel. The clay/idea must be centered if it's going to have the right shape and attain any height. Again, this part seems to take an eternity, and this is where things get messy. Water reduces the friction between your hands and clay, smoothing out the lumps and forming an image. Water, in my mind, is like the addition of characters and settings to the idea, fleshing out the story idea so it can take shape. Add too much water and you have the equivalent of "purple prose" — everything within a six-foot radius will be splattered with the excess.  

4. Once the lump/idea is successfully centered (which takes me several attempts) you can start pulling and drawing the clay up and out into the desired shape and size. This, I think, may be where plotters and pantsers differ, I think. Plotters know what they're making when they start. Pantsers just turn on the wheel and go from there. Both are valid, both have their problems and weaknesses.

5. If you get off on a tangent and don't pay attention to the foundation (e.g. plot), bad things happen. The story/idea falls apart, occasionally flinging itself right off the wheel and into the dirt, or flattening back out into a lumpy, useless disk. Think "sagging middles" and "flat stories."

Oops.

6. Everything looks really good when the wheel is turning. But when it stops all the imperfections become painfully obvious. This, I think, is where the editing/critiquing/revising process kicks in. Be aware, it's still possible for the entire thing to fall completely apart at this point, so be careful. 

7. Once it's as close as it can be to where you want it, you're supposed to let your creation sit and dry for a few days before it is ready for the kiln and glazing, which are, perhaps, akin to the process of publication and the fires of public scrutiny? I haven't gotten that far yet, but I'll let you know how that part of the analogy holds up when I do. (Note that little statement of faith, there!)

I'm spending a little time with the clay every day now. I have no ambition to create a set of dishes or anything, it's just a kind of therapy, time for me to mull over the creative process. It's helping me to realize that those beginning steps and phases are just as — if not more important — than throwing an idea on the wheel with no preparation, no planning, and no purpose. Interestingly, the parts of the pot-throwing process I dislike the most correlate directly to the parts of the writing process I dislike the most. Hmm. Food for thought.

It's also a reminder for us all in our walks with God, wherever we may be in the process of "working out our salvation," of this:  

"The word which came to Jeremiah from the Lord:
Arise and go down to the potter's house, and there I will cause you to hear My words.
Then I went down to the potter's house, and behold, he was working at the wheel.
And the vessel that he was making from clay was spoiled in the hand of the potter; so he made it over, reworking it into another vessel as it seemed good to the potter to make it.
Then the word of the Lord came to me:
O house of Israel, can I not do with you as this potter does? says the Lord. Behold, as the clay is in the potter's hand, so are you in My hand, O house of Israel."

Jeremiah 18:1-6 Amplified

You might feel spoiled, ruined, or wiped out, but take heart! God can make you over, rework you into a new vessel for His purpose, His place, His desire. He won't give up on you, don't give up on yourself. Just as the potter with the clay, or the writer with the story idea, there is power in every step of the process. Don't get discouraged, just keep at it. 

By the way, I've made more writing progress in the last month than I have in the last year, so if you've been struggling creatively and have a notion to go buy clay, or yarn, or a box of watercolor paints, tune in your spiritual ears and see what the Creator wants to show you about YOUR creative process! 

 Niki Turner is a writer, former pastor's wife, mother of four, and grandmother of two. She has thus far been unsuccessful at coming up with catchy taglines for her writing, her purpose in life, or what she hopes to achieve in the future. Suggestions are welcome.