Writing - the ups and downs

I'm trying to do research on the difference between an inspirational and a Christian novel? I'm coming up empty handed in defining the difference. I can define them apart but not one versus the other. I have some scripture references in the novel, HUNGRY FOR CHOCOLATE, and I'm trying to determine if it would fit into the category of the inspirational novel but thinking it might be too lighthearted for the Christian market. In a quandary here! I'm excited to go shopping soon and  look at the categories at book stores to see what I can find. I thought I'd buy a few books to read to see if I can find the differences. I've read inspirational romances and I know that category well. I like to read them but don't want to write one. My book is women's mainstream and I'm willing to do a total rewrite - after I decide which way to go. Any comments, suggestions, or advice will be much appreciated. Any recommendations for reading in those categorie

I  requested my novel submission, HUNGRY FOR CHOCOLATE, back from Woodland Press in WV. After emails back and forth the editor finally said he didn't have time to read it. I feel as though I don't have time to waste. And wanted to move forward with the novel. I've given this some thought and am thinking of  rewriting the story as an inspirational. That means I have research to do. I believe the book would fit in the genre well. I'll need to tweak the novel and do some  additional writing. I have to study the market and  read several recent inspirationals. It's been awhile since I've read one.  I'm excited about this new venture and a little scared. I just need to get back to writing fiction. I've missed it. I wonder if it's missed me? Any comments on writing inspirationals or on new titles to read? Thanks! Blessings! B

I'm learning that there are lessons in losing and winning writing contests. Today I'm mourning not winning something, even honorable mention,  in the West Virginia writing contest, winners announced last night. Four stories. Four stories, my babies, not cuddled or swaddled, or rocked. I decided to give myself 15 minutes to be sad for myself and for them. Then I'd get to work again! AND work harder. The lesson in winning is that you have a few seconds of a  high and it's over. You walk around feeling great about yourself and you don't have to get back to writing right away because after all you are a winner. Someone thinks your writing is good. The lesson in losing is that you have a few minutes of mourning and you get busy getting better at your craft. Affirmation is good but getting better at your craft is even better. I have many reasons - excuses - for losing and none for winning. Winning is the epitome, the proof that I can write. Often when I lose I

I'm unsure exactly what a poem is. I've never had formal training in poetry writing but with me the words come out and seem to know the order in which they wish to appear. I've been writing with notebook and pen and discovering a creativity that has been lacking when I compose on the computer. It's been fun to experience some of the same feelings I had when I first started to write. Pure bliss. Plus, I'm in the process of renewing my commitment to my work. It's a good solid honest feeling. It feels as though I've been on a sabbatical without leaving home. The four youngest grand kids I have here this week keep reminding my grand mothering duties come first. We are now on our tenth good night hug. But they're adjusting to the fact that mom is going on a week's vacation without them. A first and a real adjustment. So far they've handled it well. Thanks for continuing to read my posts and commenting. Blogging really is a give and take re

I have to find A new way to live. I have to forget. Not some. All. The pain of the past That rules my days. I have to let it go. Let it float away like a balloon. The control. The fear. Yes, the peacemaker. She, too, must go. Untethering myself I fly like a bird. Soaring!

On the day of affliction Pain Unseen Untouched Unrecognized Inside - Where only The heart Knows, feels Acknowledges - Beyond anything Understood. Wanting, longing,  Needing it ALL to be Felt by the one  Who afflicted... Yet only the heart knows - And the soul cries. Beautiful Bird - Don't cry for me.

Myself... Today - I made a promise To myself. To forget old things; To put on a new coat - Of honor, respect, And acceptance. From now on, I will be who I truly am Who I deserve to be. Myself. May 1, 2011 From my journal

The new profile picture is of my granddaughter, Samantha, who graduated from H.S. with honors on Sunday. We're so proud of her. I represented our family at my brother in law's funeral that same afternoon. It's hard to believe  Paul is gone. Quickly and painlessly. Lately I've had  lots of time to think. Suddenly, I'm faced with wanting to make some changes in my life and this poem prompted some serious thought. I read it at the Military service at the cemetery in WV on Tuesday. PRAYER FOR TODAY... Lord, make me an instrument of Thy peace. Where there is hatred, let me sow love; where there is injury, pardon; where there is doubt, faith; where there is despair, hope; where there is darkness, light, and where there is sadness, joy. O, Divine Master, grant that I may not so much seek to be consoled, as to console; to be understood as to understand; to be loved, as to love; for it is in giving that we receive, it is in pardoning that we are pardoned, and i