Author Archive

Posted on May 10, 2012 - by Shari Barr

Changing Me

Keeping things simple is pretty much my motto. I will admit, though, that it’s easier said than done at times.

The older I get the more I realize that many of my stresses are of my own creation and there’s only one person who can change that. So why don’t I? Maybe sometimes I forget who is really in control of my life, or maybe I subconsciously hold on to those concerns because I wouldn’t know what to do without them. Except for unexpected tragedies, I more or less have the same worries everyday, and if I suddenly stop worrying about those things I would feel so…lost. Sad but true. Many times I’m worrying about things I can’t control anyway. I know I should turn these situations over to God, but for some selfish reason, I don’t always do that.

If I could always remember to keep Christ at the center of everything I think, say, or do I would never have worries that keep me up at night. I wouldn’t worry about burning the candle at both ends because I would know when to say “no.” The dramas of life wouldn’t overwhelm me if I let God hold my hand every step of the way.

God is always ready to listen to my problems, and when I pour my heart out to Him, my troubles never seem as traumatic anymore. Though I can’t control the stresses that come my way, I can control how I respond to them. I’ve made a lot of progress in the worry department, but I’ve got a ways to go. Praying without ceasing provides the answer to all the stresses in my life—changing me.

Posted on April 26, 2012 - by Shari Barr

Surviving the Writing Life

Surviving life as a writer is tricky at times. This was especially true back in the early days of article writing. People looked at me funny when I told them I was a writer. It seemed as though no one actually knew a writer. A few people muttered shyly under their breath that “someday” they wanted to write a book, but essentially I was alone in my little world of Writerdom.

I knew I needed to spend time with other writers but that seemed impossible when I knew no one who wrote seriously. Living on a farm has way more advantages than disadvantages, but it can be a lonely place when looking for a writing buddy to share dreams and disappointments, especially in the pre-computer era.

Years ago, I realized that frustrations were going to get the best of me unless I had fellow writers to support me. I remembered a writer’s conference in a college town I had attended several years earlier. Fortunately I had saved the materials from that conference, so I dug them out of hiding and found some information about a woman I had met—Amy Houts. By this time, internet had found its way into our home, so I Googled her name and learned she still lived in the area. I emailed her and she readily invited me to her writer’s group. Driving an hour seemed a small price to pay for basking in the companionship of other writers. Finally I was surrounded by people who “got” me.

From that day forward, I knew I was where God wanted me. Not only did Amy become my cheerleader, she is now one of my best friends. She has rooted for me from day one and continues to do so. Without her I would have given up a long time ago.

Everyone needs a support system, not just writers. Anyone who has a job outside the norm would benefit from surrounding themselves with like-minded people, at least once in awhile. Though I know I’m writing for God, I still need earthly encouragement on a regular basis. The confident words of other writers who have walked the same path help me through those times when I think I’d be better off picking up pop cans and redeeming them for a nickel.

Everyone needs an eternal cheerleader. If you don’t have one, go where they hang out—conferences, classes, or specialized online groups. You’ll find plenty to choose from, many of whom need your support every bit as much as you need theirs.

Posted on April 12, 2012 - by Shari Barr

It’s Not All Make Believe

I don’t think I’ve ever known a time when I didn’t feel like reading. I will say though that sometimes I just need to sit down and read some good nonfiction, rather than fiction. Something that makes me think a little deeper, gives me a new perspective on a given subject, or simply comforts me because the author has walked in my shoes.

I’ve listed five books, which have all made the bestseller list or were written by bestselling authors, but definitely deserve a second go round. The first two have one thing in common—they make me reflect on the things in life that really matter. The last three are inspirational writing advice books, each written in their own distinct style.

90 Minutes in Heaven by Don Piper with Cecil Murphey absolutely gave me the chills the first time I read it. Piper’s account of his horrifying car crash that resulted in his ascension into heaven is nothing short of miraculous. This inspiring story will leave you feeling secure in the warmth of God’s love.

Three Cups of Tea by Greg Mortenson and David Oliver Relin is the story of a mountaineer who erroneously drifted into a Pakistan village in 1993. In return for the kindness the residents showed him, Mortenson started a mission to encourage peace with Pakistan, as well as Afghanistan, by building fifty-five schools in countries known for harboring the Taliban.

Bird by Bird by Anne Lamott is an account of one writer’s life that will leave you chuckling with her humorous stories and witty advice. This book is also a guidebook for life in general. 

Fondling Your Muse by John Warner is the most hilarious advice book for writers I’ve ever read. This man who found “his calling—not as writer, but as a dispenser of writing advice” has definitely walked in my shoes. In fact, I think he has a hidden camera in my house (or inside my head, which is even scarier.)

Chicken Soup for the Writer’s Soul by Jack Canfield, Mark Victor Hansen, and Bud Gardner is a must-read for every writer or aspiring writer. These inspiring stories, written by some of the best writers in the business, will encourage you on the frustrating, bumpy road to success.

These are just a few of my perennial nonfiction favorites. What are some of yours?

Posted on April 3, 2012 - by Shari Barr

Jehovah-Nissi: The Lord is Our Banner

“Moses built an altar and called it The Lord is my Banner.” Exodus 17:15 (NIV)

In this scripture Moses acknowledged that the Lord was Israel’s banner when they defeated the Amalekites. During battle each nation flew their own flag high on a pole at their own front line. This provided a focal point as well as a feeling of hope for the soldiers. The Old Testament name “Jehovah-Nissi” is intended to remind us that God is our banner of encouragement and hope.

When things get tough I crave hope. I pray like I’ve never prayed before. No matter how desperate the situation, I strive to keep that spark of hope alive because sometimes that’s all I have. Hope is the one thing that gets me through life’s highest hurdles. Without it I feel lost and alone. The hope that God gives me during difficult times gives me strength and power to carry on. Even when my prayers aren’t answered the way I wished, the peace I feel gives me hope for better things to come. 

Everyone needs hope and encouragement, whether it’s for life changing trauma such as sickness, death, or divorce—or simply everyday life that pushes us to the limit. Turning to God for every struggle, inevitably leads to the One who is cheering us on, despite the uncertainty we may feel. He is waving His banner, encouraging us to focus on Him as we fight the battle He has placed before us. He is our eternal cheerleader in a race He doesn’t want us to lose.

Even when life is rolling along nice and smooth, with only a bump here and there, God’s banner is still flying, urging us to look up and take notice and acknowledge that our blessings are from Him. Our hope for a prosperous tomorrow lies with God, and He will never leave us. He is waiting for us at the finish line. 

I can’t imagine a life with no hope. Life without hope is a life without God.

Posted on March 29, 2012 - by Shari Barr

He is There

Jehovah-shammah. This Old Testament name for God is symbolic for the city of Jerusalem. It is mentioned in Ezekial 48:35 (NIV), “The distance all around will be 18,000 cubits. And the name of the city from that time on will be: THE LORD IS THERE.” 

The name alone, Jehova-shammah, sounds spiritual and reverent. The biblical name for our Lord meaning “He is there,” pretty much sums up the relationship God wants us to have with Him. 

Now if only I could keep that thought first and foremost in my mind, I could deal with my problems in ways that are more pleasing to Him. When I hear news of a serious illness, death, natural disaster, or other tragedy, my first thoughts are to turn to God in prayer, and without fail I feel more hopeful almost immediately. So why is it that when the daily grind of life in general gets me down, I often forget to pray? When that happens my pity party is soon in full swing, and that little problem has manifested itself into a major obstacle. 

God wants us to come to Him for everything—not just the big stuff. He knows and understands that small things tend to spiral out of control when we don’t hand those troubles over to Him. When that downhill slide begins, negative thoughts and actions set in and before we know it, we’re mired in a pit of frustration and anger.

God doesn’t want that scenario for us. He wants only the best for His children. He knows the plans He has for us, and there is nothing we can do to change that. Thankfully He really does know best. Worrying about the things that might happen tomorrow sets us up for unnecessary stress, and we all know the repercussions of that.   

Trusting in God for all our cares deepens the bond we have with our Savior and that leads to true inner peace.

Jehovah-shammah is with us today and tomorrow. Forever and always.

Posted on March 15, 2012 - by Shari Barr

First Impressions

Book covers play a big part in whether or not I choose a book from the shelves and carry it to the checkout counter. If the blurb on the back intrigues me, but the cover isn’t appealing, in all honesty, I probably won’t buy the book. I’m probably losing out on a lot of good books this way, but I need that visual image to entice me to get out my debit card and take the book home. Great cover art should lure me into the story and make me curious about the lives of the characters involved. It should set the tone of the story and give a sense as to time and place. Emotion should surge from that first image.

One of my favorite covers is from Icy Sparks by Gwen Hyman Rubio. The black and white photo is perfect for the 1950’s setting. The girl in the white dress walking down a country road arouses a curiosity in me. Who is she? Why is she alone? Where does the road lead? What lies beyond the hill? I like that little girl immediately, though I know nothing yet about her

Another great cover is from They Almost Always Come Home by Cynthia Ruchti. The empty rowboat on a vast lake evokes a suspenseful element to the cover. Again, questions immediately arise. Who almost always comes home? Why didn’t they? What role does that empty boat play in this drama? The story behind the cover has hooked me into wanting to know more.

From the cover of While We’re Far Apart by Lynn Austin, I immediately know the novel is World War II era, a time period I love. The young woman appears deep in thought as she walks away, her arm outstretched as her fingers trace the wrought iron fence. My heart goes out to her since I feel certain someone she cares deeply about is caught up in the horrors of war. This beautiful cover definitely makes me want to read the back cover blurb and then open the book to the first chapter.

What are some of your favorite book covers? Do they really make a difference as to whether or not you read a particular book? Take a minute and let us know.

Posted on March 1, 2012 - by Shari Barr

Procrastination Prevention Week

When it comes to writing, nothing plagues me more than procrastination. What better holiday for me than a procrastination-free week.

When I was a beginning writer and a stay-at-home mom, I thought I needed something to show for my day’s work, especially when the procrastination bug hit with full force. If I couldn’t find my lucky pencil, I would vacuum, knowing I would at least have clean carpets. I always had an excuse for not writing. To be totally honest, I still haven’t completely mastered this problem.

Some days it seems anything is more important than writing. Like when the dog sits outside the sliding glass door, staring at me with those big brown eyes, his paw swiping at the glass, begging to come in so I’ll pet him and tell him what a good dog he is. And since he’s spoiled, I give in. (Hey, I know I should be writing, but I can’t figure out how to liven up chapter five.  Besides, my son asked me to take care of his dog while he’s at college, so that’s the very least I can do. That’s my excuse anyway, and I’m sticking to it. Anyway, just look at that face. How can I not pet him?)

Of course, a procrastination-free week would need to eradicate those pesky little voices scurrying around inside my head whispering, “Your story stinks. Why don’t you go pet the dog?” In its place, I would need to hear the reassuring words, “Your story sounds beautiful, dear. Hurry up and finish it. I have a spot open at the top of the bestseller list just waiting for you.”

Now, that would be a good week. I’m pretty sure I could ignore the dog if I heard that voice.

To be truly procrastination-free, writer’s block would need to take a hike during this holiday week too. If sitting at my computer lulls me into Snoozeville, I would appreciate a sudden vision, like newspaper headlines flashing in neon lights, to jolt me back to reality and give my novel that little extra twist it desperately needs. If I need to add a vampire or drop my characters onto an Amish farm, I need to know this well in advance, preferably before I finish the first draft of 100,000 words or so.

If this Procrastination Prevention thing pans out, maybe next year a team of publishers could surround my house, cheering me on as they eagerly wait to start a frenzied bidding war the minute I type “The End” on my novel.

I kinda like this writer’s holiday thing. Just don’t wake me up, please.

Posted on February 16, 2012 - by Shari Barr

Funny, funny

I’ve got a warped sense of humor, I know. The things that make me laugh make others cringe and roll their eyes.

The same goes for my favorite comedies. The dumber the script and less brain waves required to follow the plot, the more I like it. This probably says little for my mental capabilities, but “I yam what I yam.”

High on my list of meaningless flicks is Mel Brook’s masterpiece “Spaceballs,” a spoof of “Star Wars” and “Star Trek.” You can’t possibly go wrong with Bill Pullman as Lone Starr, the clueless pilot of his flying Winnebago on a rescue mission to free Princess Vespa from the evil forces of Dark Helmet. In one of his most notable roles, John Candy gives us a stunning performance as Barf, the half man/half dog sidekick. (I’ve got you intrigued, now. Admit it.)

Now that you’ve hurried over to Netflix, check out “Coneheads,” the classic movie version of the Saturday Night Live skit, starring Dan Akroyd and Jane Curtin. Click here for one of my favorite parts of the movie—Connie’s tattoo.

Everybody needs to watch a good disaster spoof once in a while. If you haven’t seen “Airplane,” check out a copy. You’ll never look at your flight crew the same again.

As a kid, one of my all-time favorite TV shows was “The Brady Bunch,” so it’s only natural that when “The Brady Bunch Movie” came out in the 90’s, I was in Brady heaven. (I wasn’t a kid anymore, either. I know—I’m giving away my age.) I didn’t think the scene with Marcia getting smacked in the nose with a football could get any funnier, but it does—each time I watch it. And, of course, I can’t forget Jan’s incessant whine, “Marcia, Marcia, Marcia!” (I told you I was warped, so you can’t say you weren’t warned.) 

For all you writers out there, if you haven’t seen “Funny Farm” with Chevy Chase and Madolyn Smith, this is a must-see. When Andy Farmer gives up his Manhattan sports writing job to live on a farm and write his novel, his life becomes every city slicker’s worst nightmare. For the small town/rural dweller, this show’s humor hits pretty close to home at times.

Many of my favorite movies have no doubt made the “Rotten Tomatoes” list, but for me they’re down right funny, and we all need a good laugh once in awhile. Many of them, however, just bring back memories. What are your favorite comedies? Who or what makes you laugh?

Posted on February 2, 2012 - by Shari Barr

Aloha!

Aloha. When most of you read this post, my husband and I will be wrapping up our last day of vacation in paradise. After eight days on the island of Maui, we’re heading for home on a long, long flight to Phoenix, then on to Kansas City before driving home to our farm in southwest Iowa.

In lieu of a devotion–and since I’ve been away from my computer–I decided to share some of my favorite devotional blogs and authors with you. I hope you enjoy them as much as I do.

God is in the Compost Pile by Jean Fischer is a wonderful, inspirational blog filled with devotions that will warm your heart and lead you in a closer walk with Jesus. Join her at http://inthecompostpile.blogspot.com.

In Search of the Whole-Hearted Life by Bonnie Jaeckle tackles some of the deeper, more meaningful aspects of life. Bonnie’s posts are guaranteed to make you stop and think (and possibly think some more.) Check out her blog at http://whole-heartedlife.blogspot.com.

Time-Warp Wife by Darlene Schacht teaches women the biblical truths of serving their husbands and families. She encourages all Christian women to live their faith by joyfully following God’s word. Her blog can be found at http://time-warp-wife.blogspot.com.

From the Mango Tree by Anita Mellott offers hope and encouragement—no matter what problems life has dealt you. Her words will renew and strengthen your faith. Check out her blog at http://www.anitamellott.com.

Posted on January 19, 2012 - by Shari Barr

Welcome, Author Cara Putman

Today’s guest author is an ambitious young woman whose smile and charm will make you feel like you’ve known her forever. With numerous novels behind her and more on the way, she’s mastered the art of keeping her readers intrigued until the very end. If you’ve never met her, you’re in for a treat. Please welcome Cara Putman.

Cara, tell us a little about you.

I live in Indiana with my husband and four children. I’m an attorney and a teacher at my church as well as lecturer at Purdue and adjunct faculty at a local community college. I have loved reading and writing from a young age and now realize it was all training for writing books. I love bringing history and romance to life.

An honors graduate of the University of Nebraska and George Mason University School of Law, I left small town Nebraska and headed to Washington, D.C., to launch my career in public policy. God detoured me to Indiana, a state I love to call home.

I am an author chasing hard after God as I live a crazy life.

Your ambition is admirable. When did you begin writing? Did someone encourage you to write, or did you just always know?

I first started writing as a young teen. My favorite authors of the time: Gilbert Morris, Janette Oke, Sandy Dengler, Michael Phillips, etc., just didn’t write fast enough, so I thought I’d help them out. Because I was homeschooled, my mom let me write as long as I was actually writing. Then I started college, a career and family, then law school, and the desire didn’t go away, but the time wasn’t right. Then in 2005 everything changed. The desire had reappeared at the forefront of my life, and I met an author who has been one of my biggest cheerleaders: Colleen Coble.

Sounds like things were falling into place for you, even as a child. I’ve noticed that you write in several genres. Do you have a favorite?

My favorites are my books set during World War II on the homefront. There’s something about that generation and the way they pulled together that inspires me. I can’t read a book about that time without seeing story possibilities.

What is a typical writing day for you? How do you find balance with your day job and raising a family?

I don’t really have a typical day. If I’m under deadline, I may have a babysitter come once a week to give me an afternoon to slip away to Panera to write. Otherwise, my typical work time is after the kids go to bed. So you’ll often find me writing between the hours of 9 and midnight. Because we homeschool, my days are usually filled with the kids and the occasional teaching slot at Purdue or Ivy Tech.

You are one busy mom, such an inspiration for other young moms struggling with the challenges of raising a family and pursuing a career. This leads to my next question. Do you have a favorite place to go to find inspiration?

I have a corner booth in Panera which I call my writing home. Not what you meant? Because I love research, I’ll often find ideas in magazines, newspapers, when we’re on vacation, etc. When we went to the Biltmore Mansion a couple years ago, I kept stumbling on World War II story ideas. Everyone else would see Gilded Age stories, but not me!

How did you land your first contract? How much time elapsed between beginning writing that first novel and publication?

I went to the ACFW conference in 2005, only a few months after I started writing again. While there I hosted a workshop for Jim and Tracie Peterson. The ironic thing was at the time I had no thoughts of writing for Heartsong Presents. But as Jim and I started talking, an idea formed – just the outline really. Then over the next day more pieces came to me. Then a friend wanted to sit at Jim’s table so I screwed up the gumption (not too hard if you know me) to ask him if Heartsong might be interested in a story like it. He thought it sounded interesting and told me to talk to Tracie. She was open, so as soon as I got home, I fleshed out the proposal and sent it in. I ignored that rule about writing the manuscript first…shh, don’t tell anyone. When he emailed asking if the book was finished, I stayed up for three weeks until it was written. I received the contract at the 2006 ACFW conference, and the book released in the fall of 2007. In 2008 Canteen Dreams tied for first in the Carol Awards for short historical. It’s been quite a journey!

Wow! That is an amazing story. Can you tell us a little about that debut novel?

Canteen Dreams was and is a story of my heart. People always say to write what you know. I love World War II, I love my grandparents, and I love that my hometown (North Platte, Nebraska) played a unique role in the war. Those three elements came together in Canteen Dreams. A school teacher and a rancher meet at a dance the night before Pearl Harbor. The sparks fly, but with the declaration of war life gets complicated. Audrey launches into the efforts of the local canteen, and Willard does all he can to enlist. I love this story!

That sounds like a wonderful book. Are you working on anything new?

Currently, I’m working on a proposal with my friends Tricia Goyer and Sarah Sundin for a World War II novella collection set in my current hometown in Indiana. I also have two proposals for World War II trade novels (one set in Europe and the other stateside) that I’m fixing and praying over. That plus the marketing of my three spring releases is keeping me busy!

Those proposals all sound like the makings for fascinating stories. Now, Cara, who are some of your favorite authors?

Oh! Great question. For historicals I adore Julie Klassen (regency), Tamera Alexander, Tricia Goyer, Sarah Sundin, Dan Walsh, and Mary Connealy. For suspense I can’t put down Irene Hannon, Steven James, Robin Caroll, Colleen Coble or Brandilyn Collins. For straight romance I love a Jenny B. Jones book!

Wonderful choices, Cara. What is your main goal as a writer?

My goal is to tell an entertaining story that grips readers, pulls them deep into a story, and along the way shows them or reminds them about God’s character. And if it’s historical, my goal is to weave the history into the story in a way that doesn’t slow down the story – but instead makes it even more fascinating.

What is the most important thing you’ve learned as a writer?

I will never arrive. I will always have to push myself deeper and further. The moment I stop being willing to do that, I should trade in my laptop for a more lucrative career!

Great advice for every writer. Thank you so much for joining us today, Cara! It’s been fun. Readers, don’t forget to stop by Cara’s website at www.caraputman to learn more about her and her books.

Don’t forget to leave a comment the next two weeks to get your name in a drawing for a free book pack.