Author Archive

Posted on February 21, 2012 - by JerriLynn

Confessions of a Movie Junkie

I have to admit, I’m not much on watching TV. It’s not that I have any thing against it, I just don’t have much time for it, and when I do I would usually rather read.  But TV and movies (to me) are not synonymous. Movies – and especially movie theaters – hold a special power over me. An addiction, if you will.

I think it started when I was a military brat stationed on overseas installations like Reykjavik, Iceland and Guantanamo Bay, Cuba. Television was pretty limited there, so every weekend, my friends and I headed out to the movies. I saw Star Wars in a plus movie theater – the largest I’d ever seen – in 1980 at a theater in Iceland. For weeks after, my friends and I would pretend to be characters from the movie as we played on the playground behind our house.

In Cuba, movies were an outdoor experience.  As long as there was no rain, there would be movies on weekend nights and unless it was an R-rated movie, my friends and I would be there.

That translated into my adult life as a love of the movie theater atmosphere.  I adore sitting in a theater, with a screen the size of my house playing a movie. I love the smell of popcorn and the strange-yet-familiar camaraderie of sharing laughs, tears, and terrors with strangers and friends and people who love the things I love in a movie.

Watching a movie on the television isn’t the same.  The screen is too small, and while there may be the smell of popcorn in the air, there isn’t that heart-stopping moment in the movie, punctuated by the soundtrack that literally jars your insides.

My taste in movies run to the loud side most of the time. Jurassic Park (the original, though the other two are ok) is one of my all-time favorites. I love the heart-shaking, earth-quaking moments in the movie that make you sit on the edge of your seat, even when you’ve seen it five dozen times and know exactly how it’s going to turn out.

When I’m not in the mood for something loud and explosive, then I want a story that will make me cry. Or laugh and cry. But rarely just laugh. Comedy that I appreciate is hard to find, and I’m just not into most of what is considered comedy these days. But if a movie can pull tears from me, then it’s usually something I’ll remember.

Fireproof left me in a puddle in a theater packed with people who were also mere puddles when it was over. We sat through the movie, then sat through the credits, and few people left before the screen went black.

Movies just don’t have the same effect on me at home.  And for the few that I watch that can draw some emotion from me sitting in my living room, no one shares that sentiment.

So, give me a theater full of strangers, sticky floors, and popcorn kernels. Give me loud, emotionally charged, or once in a while downright scary. And I’ll be happy. Until the next movie comes out.

Posted on February 7, 2012 - by JerriLynn

Love Is Not Easily Angered

“I’m not easily angered, it’s just that he never puts his dishes in the dishwasher.”

“I’m not easily angered, it’s just that she never does what I ask her to do the first time I ask her to do it.”

“I’m not easily angered, it’s just that he doesn’t understand how tired I am.”

“I’m not easily angered, it just that she doesn’t seem to realize I work all week long.”

 

Have you ever used one of those phrases to defend blowing your top? I’ve used all of them at one time or another. And I truly don’t consider myself to be a person who is easily angered or even irritated. But, in studying for this post, I’ve come to believe that is exactly the problem – I don’t believe I’m easily angered.  But I’ve never stopped to consider how other might see me.

How does my husband see me when I growl at him for putting his dishes in the sink instead of the dishwasher? What about when I snipe at him for over-explaining something? Or when my daughter answers a little too sharply and I zing back at her just as sharply.  How ‘not easily angered’ am I really?

The answer is that those around me likely see me as a person who is easy to anger, even if I don’t see me that way.

That gave me pause. I had to stop and think about that. I don’t want to be that person that others see as someone who is abrasive, prone to temper, and not always reasonable. And according to the bible, God doesn’t want me to be that kind of person either.

For the anger of man does not produce the righteousness of God. — James 1:20

Be not quick in your spirit to become angry, for anger lodges in the bosom of fools. — Ecclesiastes 7:9

A fool gives full vent to his spirit, but a wise man quietly holds it back. — Proverbs 29:11

Oy. Such a little thing, one would think. To flip off a cutting comment or a sharp bit of body language when things don’t happen around me as I would have for them to. But that little thing leads to bigger things.

At first, you have a bad moment because of the words or actions of another person. Then maybe you have a bad hour because of the way your child behaves. Next thing you know, you’ll be having a bad day because your spouse can’t know what it is that’s irritating you in the first place.

So, how do you get a handle on anger before it becomes a cancer that takes over your life?

Know this, my beloved brothers: let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger; for the anger of man does not produce the righteousness of God. – James 1:19-20

First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way. – 1Timothy 2: 1-2

And give no opportunity to the devil. — Ephesians 4:27

As I understand, I’m to be thoughtful of my thoughts and actions.  I’m to hold my tongue and take the time to respond in a way that is prayerful and reflective of Christ. Its’ through these things that anger can be pushed back and replaced by what Christ called the greatest commandment of all – To love one another as He loved us.

Will it be easy?  Not a chance. I’m not Christ. I’m a lowly mortal whose sins are much greater than myself. Thankfully, Christ has forgiven those sins. And He’s there to help me try (and fail and try again) to become the person he would like for me to be. A person who harbors no anger. Only love for those around me.

Posted on January 24, 2012 - by JerriLynn

Which Inspirational Writer has a Crush on Mr. Spock?

Ever read a book and wonder what the writer is like? I do. All the time. And once in a while, I get to “meet” someone whose work I admire. Colleen Coble is one of those people.

I first met Colleen through the ACFW Members List. I was so thrilled (because she was wonderful to me) that I went out and bought every one of her books I could find.  How lucky was I? Her books have all been fabulous, and I’m constantly amazed by her talent as a writer. If there’s anyone that I look to to learn what I’m doing right and wrong, it’s Colleen.

When this series came up, I had the good fortune to be the person who got to talk to Colleen a bit about a new project, about her writing life, and about her faith. So, without keeping you in suspense any longer (Colleen does a great job of that all on her own), here’s what she had to say:

JL: Colleen, I’m familiar with your work, but some of our readers may not be, so can you first, could you give us a brief bio?

Colleen Coble: I’ve been happily married forever (40+ years now) and have two grown children, Dave and Kara. My 3-year-old granddaughter is the light of our lives. God has opened so many more doors than I ever dreamed could happen, and I’ve had over forty books published now. I’ve been with Thomas Nelson for ten years this summer.

Author’s aside: If you’re not familiar with Colleen’s books, she writes Inspirational Romantic Suspense, Inspirational Romance, and Inspirational Suspense. You can learn more about her on her website (linked above) or her Facebook page.

 

JL: Colleen, rumor has it you’re about to start a new partnership with Robin Miller working on a middle grade readers series. What details can you share about that?

Colleen Coble: We’re so excited about this! Robin and I will be writing a mystery series for 8-12 year olds based on my Rock Harbor novels. The main character will be Emily, one of the children lost in the woods in Without a Trace.

 

JL: What prompted you to write middle grade fiction, since you’re usually an adult suspense author?

Colleen Coble: Tommy Nelson came to me and asked if I would consider writing a middle grade series. I have a granddaughter now and found the idea of writing books she would read in a few years very exciting. I knew I wouldn’t have the time to do it by myself. Robin was the first person I thought of partnering with. She knows Rock Harbor nearly as well as I do and I love her writing. I was thrilled when she was excited at the idea as well!

 

JL: Writing for adults must be very different than writing for middle-grade readers. Have you found the transition difficult?

Colleen Coble: Strangely enough, no. I’ve had young people in all of my books, and it seemed very natural to me.

 

JL: Ok, so you’re working on that project, but I know you have to have more going on. What other projects are you working on?

Colleen Coble: I’m working on a new contemporary series set in the Outer Banks called the Hope Beach series. I’ve been loving it! And my new historical series is launching next month. The first book in the Under Texas Stars series is Blue Moon Promise.

 

JL: Wow. You’re a busy lady! Is there a piece of scripture that guides your writing life? Why is this scripture important to you (or if there is no specific scripture, how does your faith fit into your career as a writer)?

Colleen Coble: My life verse is Romans 8:28. No matter what happens I know that God will work it out for my good.

Author’s aside: For those who are unfamiliar with it, this is the verse that Colleen lives by:

And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.

 

JL: Ok, enough about the work stuff for a moment. What’s one thing that readers probably don’t know about you?

Colleen Coble: I’m a huge Trekkie. Don’t laugh but I still have a crush on Mr. Spock! =)

 

JL: I know you’re busy, so one last question. What’s one thing that you wish you could tell other authors?

Colleen Coble: Be persistent. Keep writing. Move on to the next story and learn your craft.

Posted on January 10, 2012 - by JerriLynn

Who Has Time for a Muse?

I’ve been writing for a living for almost 20 years. That’s long enough to hear just about every piece of advice in the book. It’s also long enough to gather a few favorite pieces of advices. And I have.

Many of my favorites have been mentioned in this series already, but I have one that’s my all time favorite. This little piece of advice has served me well, and as a result, I have never found myself without something to write (even when I don’t have any desire to write).

I wish I had some cool story to go with this piece of advice, but the truth is, I don’t. It’s just something that was shared with me by a writer in about the same position I am. Her advice?

You don’t have time for a muse.

Hm. I thought writers were supposed to be the tortured types that bowed whenever the muse entered the room and wept whenever he or she left. This whole idea that there is no muse was an alternate reality for me. But you know what? Turns out my writer friend was right. At least, for me.

The muse is a person, character, or entity that provides insipiration when you sit down to write. And there are many writers (and authors) who truly believe that they must have a muse present, and sometimes larger than life, to provide the stories that they write down.

The problem with a muse is that they can be finicky. They always want to play when you want to work. And when you don’t want to work, they’re right there pushing you.

“Get up.”

“No. It’s four a.m. I’m sleeping. It can wait until morning.”

“Fine. But in the morning, I won’t have anything for you.”

“But I’m tired. And I have to get up in two hours.”

“Tough. It’s now or never.” And the muse means it.

If you don’t answer the call of this tough task master, she turns on you.

“Hey muse, I’ve had my coffee, now I’m ready to write what you have for me.”

“Nope. The sun’s up. I’m going to Hawii. I’ll be back when it’s completely inconvient for you.”

See? Cantankerous.

I have a problem with the concept of a muse, though, and I really hadn’t thought about it until I had the muse conversation with my friends. My issue is that when you depend on your muse for inspiration, you’re at the muse’s mercy.

For me, I think it should be the other way around. I am a control freak, I’ll admit, and I don’t appreciate someone trying to take the control from me.

So, after hearing that advice and having the muse conversation with my friend, I determined to go home that night and fire my muse. Instead, I developed a habit of writing even when the words were uninspired.

As a result, I have boxes full of writing that was nothing more than an exercise in storytelling gone awry. Those pages of words, however, taught me craft. They helped me develop my own voice. And they made me more comfortable with sitting down in front of a blank page.

Firing my muse also had an unexpected benefit. When she realized that I didn’t need her, she started feeding me more and more ideas. These days, the muse hovers over me while I’m writing, oblvious to her presence. And when I’m thoroughly ensconsed in a story (usually when I’m right in the middle of the book, where the work is the hardest) she’ll throw a new story idea at me.

Oh how I want to write that new story, since this one is so much work! But I don’t. I jot down the idea (thank you, Ms. Muse), and keep right on pushing through the difficult parts of the story. I’ll write the new one on my own schedule, not hers.

Posted on December 27, 2011 - by JerriLynn

We Don’t Need Snow

Here in the South, we don’t usually get snow for Christmas. In fact, some years it’s warm enough to wear shorts at Christmas time. But that doesn’t make the Christmas spirit any less evident.

The Christmas Season usually begins with parades around here. We like our parades. And every town, township, wanna-be town, and municipality has its own parade. Some are small. Others rival Mardi Gras parades with their complex floats, and parade-goers in attendance.

That parade is the signal that the season has started in earnest. It’s usually the first weekend of December, and many of the organizations that put together the parades follow them up with a round of fundraising for local or national charaties that support children in need.

This year, I road the parade float for the first time in my life. The parade was in my father-in-law’s town of Gautier, Ms. (That’s pronounced Go-Shay.) And the float I rode belonged to the Gautier Men’s Club. And their organization does funraising all year long, but they kick it up a notch this time of year.

After all of the parades are finished, then the party season kicks in. We love our parites. And they’re just as close to our hearts as our parades. Sure, there are the usual organizational parties and church parties, but there are also parties that are specifically for the children.

These parties always include a Santa handing out gifts. And often, they’re thrown for less-fortunate children. During a season in which the gift is quickly becoming the most important element, these parties manage to not only provide children who may not otherwise get Christmas gifts with some small token, but they also (and most importantly) kindle hope for children who might not otherwise have any.

That’s what Christmas in the South is about. The parades, the parties, the gifts…All of it leads up to the one element that we think is the most important of the Christmas season. Hope.

The hope of eternal life and hope for forgiveness of sins is what brought Christ to us. It’s what we celebrate at this time of year. And here in the south, we don’t need snow, or much of anything else, really, to want to bring hope and love to those around us.

Posted on December 13, 2011 - by JerriLynn

In the Quiet of the Night

In contemplating Christmas and what it means to me, I’ve found it difficult to get past the hustle and bustle of the commercial side of things. It’s easy to get pulled into all of the shopping and cooking and decorating that seem to go along with the season.

But in those quiet moments, when I take the time to think about the true meaning of Christmas, I find something deeper, something more. It’s not just about the birth of Jesus, the Christ.

If you want to get right down to it, the birth of Jesus was in the early Spring months according to historians. But even that isn’t what’s important.

The story of Christmas, the meaning of the holiday, is all about the strength of convictions. Mary, Joseph, and the people who supported them had to live during a difficult time by the strength of their convictions. They believed in a God that few trusted with a trust that surpassed rational explanation.

Late a night, when the house is quiet and the hustle and bustle of the season isn’t overwhelming, this is the message that I hold on to. I’m thankful for the birth of the Christ, but I’m warmed by the thought that a young girl would believe in her God so much that she would be willing to risk her life to trust His word.

I’m warmed by the thought that a man trusted his God so much that he would believe a story that would defy rational thought. And I’m strengthened by the thought there was a community their God enough to support these kids that were living by faith.

In today’s world, there are few examples of faith and trust that are stong enough to sustain the kind of faith and trust that these people exhibited. And in the quiet of the night, when I have time to think of all that’s happening in my own world and the world around me, the thought that Jospeh, Mary, and their community had so much more going against them…well, that’s enough to make me stop and consider what I’m facing.

It’s enough to make me forget about the prefect presents and a holiday dinner that will wow the socks off all my guests. It’s even enough for me to look at the struggles going on in my own life and around me and say “Thank you, God.”

For sending people before me to make the hard sacrifices. For sending people before me to create an example of how true faith is lived.

And in the quiet of the night, as I sit in front of a tree, decorated with lights and ornaments, I find that my faith and my trust is increased by the faith and trust that a young couple and their supporters had in a God that loved enough to trust them with the most precious gift ever given.

Posted on November 29, 2011 - by JerriLynn

If I Ever Have Time Again…

I understand Shannon’s feeling left out when this topic comes up, because for the first time since we’ve started, I don’t have a book that I’ve actually read to share with you.  I haven’t had much time for reading lately, and I can tell you, I miss it terribly.

I did try to start a book a couple of weeks ago.  I won’t give you the author’s name, but I will say it was an award winning author, and the book was so difficult to get into I finally put it down and just quit trying.  I was disappointed.  I finally carved out a couple of hours to read, and I couldn’t get into the book that I’d selected. Bummer.

I should have started with something that I knew I wanted to read.  For example, there’s this collection of books by Shiela Lowe, the Forensics Handwriting Mysteries, that I’m dying to read.  They look like super interesting books, and I want desperately to read them.  I wasn’t going to start them, though, because I don’t have time to read three books and I know I’m going to want to devour them in a stretch of “ignore-the-world-around-you” time.

The holidays are also around the corner and I usually like to read one Christmas-themed book about this time of year, too.  Last year I think it was “The Shack.” I loved that book.  But I’m not a re-reader, so this year it will have to be something else.  Yesterday, I downloaded “Remembering Christmas” by DanWalsh.  That may be my Christmas title this year.

That’s assuming I can find some time to read.  You’d think as much time as I’m spending in waiting rooms right now, I’d have plenty of time, but honestly, I spend most of the time talking to my Mom. And by the time I drop into bed at night I just don’t have time to read.  It’s terrible how much I miss it.  And I hope I’ll find some time to read soon!

Posted on November 15, 2011 - by JerriLynn

Letter to Myself: What’ll Get You to the Flipside

Dear Jerri Lynn,

There are so many things I wish that you knew, but not much that I’d tell you. After all, each and every tear you cry, mistake you make, and success you achieve will work toward making you the person that you’ll be in the future.

That person, by the way, isn’t perfect. She’s a little on the dumpy side (okay, so maybe I would say you should appreciate this time in your life when you “think” you’re fat, cause honey, in the future, you’re going to put on a few extra pounds). She can be a dork. She’s made LOTS of mistakes. And sometimes she loses her way. But you know what? She’s pretty prefect just like she is.

So, looking back what WOULD I tell you? Just this: Remember who you are and where you came from. I’m not talking familial lineage, here. I’m talking about that person that you don’t show everyone. THAT person is who you should strive to hold onto because for a little while, doll, you’re going to lose her. And you might not think that’s a big deal, but from this side of that chasm? It’s a huge, scary loss that’s going to be hard to come back from.

Hold on to who you want to be, and remember that if other people want you to change for them, then they probably only have their own interests in mind.

And where you came from? Well, you probably already realize that though they’re tough, your parents are good,loving, and supportive parents.  And you’ll always appreciate them. But I’m talking about the OTHER where you came from. The place in God’s heart where he knew you long before you were born. That one element, friend, would make such a difference for you.  Instead of spending a few years floundering around, if you remember where you came from, you’ll always know where you belong, even when you can’t seem to find that perfect place to fit in one earth.

Beyond that, younger me, keep right on doing what you’re doing. Suffer a little for me. Sing a little for everyone. And always, always, take the time to feel everything as fully as you can. It’ll hurt, it’ll feel fantastic, and at times it will be so confusing you won’t know exactly what it is you’re feeling.  But those emotions will pave the way for what’s coming. Those experiences will take you along a path that not too many people would choose to follow.  That’s okay. Less crowds, more rewards.

Just be yourself, my friend. Because it’s in being yourself that you’re the happiest, kindest, funnest person you’ll ever be.  And there’s nothing in the world wrong with that.  There’s nothing wrong with changing nothing and learning from everything.

Have fun, and I’ll see you on the flip side.
Jerri Lynn

Posted on November 1, 2011 - by JerriLynn

She Needed To, But…

I love stories that tie me in knots, create an emotional response, and make me want to (occasionally) reach into the pages and shake the hero or heroine.   These are stories that drag me along, page by page. They’re stories that are full of tension.

Notice I said “tension” not “suspense.”  There’s a difference.  You can have tension without suspense. Or you can have tension and suspense together. But a story without tension isn’t really a story.

It might be best to start this with a very brief description of what tension and suspense are.

Tension: The state of being stretched tight.

Suspense: A feeling of uncertainty or anxiety about an outcome.

“The state of being stretched tight.” Tension is sometimes also called conflict, but you could argue that even conflict is different than tension.  Conflict is the battle of the antagonist against the protagonist and/or sometimes other elements that help to create tension. Conflict is the actions and situations that help stretch your characters and your reader tight. It’s what makes them make decisions (right or wrong) and creates an emotion response in readers. It’s what builds tension.

So, what kind of conflicts help to create tension in a story?

It could be some action packed event. Take a standoff between an armed gunman and your hero. There is tension there. The hero is being stretched to him limit because he doesn’t want to shoot the gunman. He wants the situation to end without anyone getting hurt. But the gunman is getting crazier and more dangerous because his demands aren’t getting met. Then, the hero gets an opportunity to take a shot. The only problem is, there’s another person near the gunman and in order to kill the gunman, the hero has to make the perfect shot. He was a long-range sniper in a past career, so he can make the shot. He just doesn’t want to. THAT is tension.

Another example might be a critical moment in a relationship. Say your heroine is reluctantly beginning to realize that she’s interested in the hero. Then she finds out that he has a secret past that he hasn’t told her about, and it’s a past that goes against every moral she has. He’s changed, but the fact still remains that at one time he was someone with values that she despises and he wasn’t honest with her.  Still, she’s drawn to him. It’s the stretching of her character between desire and loathing that creates tension. How she works through those differences creates tension.

The tension in a story is actually THE story. It’s the whole reason a writer can put together 250+pages of story, because without tension a story would be as simple as “John met Jane. They fell in love. THE END.” Or maybe it’s “The man pulled a gun. Hero told him to put it down and kick it over. When the man did, Hero moved in and handcuffed him. THE END.” Stories without tension just aren’t stories.

Toss in a good dose of tension, though, and suddenly you have characters acting in uncharacteristic ways. They need to change their existing reality to match a new normal, and in truth, that’s an uncomfortable (and usually very messy) process. THAT is where the story is.

Posted on October 18, 2011 - by JerriLynn

Your Rod and Your Staff, They Comfort Me

I love the 23rd Psalm. It’s a promise of protection and provision, so when I come to the end of the 4th verse, I’m always confused. Here is the story of  a loving God that provides rest and restoration. He provides nourishment and guidance. And He is with me, no matter what I must go through.

And then there’s the statement Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.

I never understood that. To me, a rod and a staff are tools of punishment and correction. What I’ve learned recently is how wrong that I am.

A Shepherd has one job. To keep His flock safe. There are many facets to accomplishing that end. He must protect them. He must nurture them. He must guide them and care for them.  And to do all of these things, the Shepherd has only two tools: His rod and His staff.

To understand how these two tools do not apply to discipline in this case, it’s important to understand how the tools are used by the Shepherd. The rod was not a stick with which He beat the sheep to keep them in line. In actuality, it was a thick piece of wood used to protect the flock. Shepherds didn’t have guns or other weapons. They had sticks. And if danger threatened the flock, the Shepherd used that stick to help eliminate the danger.

The staff, on the other hand was typically a longer stick, with a curved end. The Shepherd kept the staff with Him at all times, and He used it for a number of purposes. For example, the curved end of the staff was perfect for pulling wayward sheep back into the group if they began to wander too far astray. It was also perfect for bringing the group together if they were faced with danger.

A good Shepherd could use that staff as a means of “steering” his flock, as well. He would simply lay the staff on the back of the leading sheep, and with gentle pressure he could guide them in the desired direction.

So, Shepherds were not about beating their flocks into submission. And the tools they used were not designed to that end. Instead, a Shepherd formed a bond with his flock. It is said it was such a tight bond that the sheep would recognize his voice in the midst of other flocks and other shepherds. And he used the tools of his trade to further that trusting bond. After all, the Shepherd has more to gain by creating a trusting, loyal flock, than he has to gain by beating his flock into submission.

So, “Your road and your staff, they comfort me” is not a verse about discipline and embracing the discipline that is sometimes necessary. It’s a verse about trust. It’s about believing the Shepherd will protect and guide you on your journey. And there is comfort to be had knowing that your Shepherd cares enough about you that He would have the tools needed to ensure you are safe and well cared for in His care.