Psalm 3:3

 

"But You, O LORD, are a shield for me, my glory and the One who lifts up my head."

Psalm 3:3 (NKJ)

In Their Element

    Today's writing topic: the character's "element."
    You know, like the phrase "he's in his element"? The place where they thrive, so to speak. Where the character feels most comfortable and does what they do best. For an athlete, that would be the playing field during a game. As for a pianist, they would be in their element seated at the piano, playing the melodious keys to their heart's content. A fighter's element is in the battle, a sailor's is at sea. A dancer's element is when they're dancing, whether that be in private or in front of a large audience.
    People--real and fictional--can be different when they're in their element. They can be far more focused, more confident, and they show more of who they really are. A character in their element shows him/herself at their best, and also shows what makes them come alive.
    What is your character's "element"? What are they like when they're in it? What are they like when they're not in their element?

Psalm 145:8

 

"The LORD is gracious and full of compassion, slow to anger and great in mercy."

Psalm 145:8 (NKJ)

 

 

    This is a comfort verse. Short and sweet, it can put you at ease when doubts and fears are swarming. It silences lies and gives you something true you can cling to.

    God's grace is vaster than our mistakes, His compassion and mercy abounding, and He doesn't instantly become furious with us when we slip up. God loves us, and He's incredibly patient, caring, and forgiving.

Talking With Your Characters

    Do you ever talk to your characters?
    Maybe not out loud, but what about on paper? Do you ever just take out a sheet of paper, write down a question, and imagine how your main protagonist or antagonist or supporting character would respond? Or maybe not ask questions, but just talk with them. Write up what they would say about certain subjects, how they would react in certain situations.
    It's a great writing exercise to flesh out your characters and to get used to writing about them. Seeing how they'd respond to certain questions that the other characters in the story wouldn't ask, finding out what makes them tick. Talking with your characters brings you closer to them, helps you understand them better, which can improve the way you write about them.
    Do you ever talk with your characters? What kind of questions do you ask?

Psalm 143:5

Hey, blogging world. :) I won't be around tomorrow, so I'm posting the Sunday Bible Verse today.

 

 

"I remember the days of old; I meditate on all Your works; I muse on the work of Your hands."

Psalm 143:5 (NKJ)

    I was re-reading my old diaries earlier today, and I was amazed by some of the things I suddenly remembered. Funny moments that I laughed at, hard times that I thought about solemnly, good times at which I smiled on, occasions where God did things so incredible that I just had to read the passage again. Remembering all those old times was really awesome.
    And it strengthened me. Looking back, I saw how God was always with me, planning things with care, strengthening me, and bringing wonderful blessings from things that initially sent me into Panic Mode. What looked like a mess then looks like a masterpiece now, and by re-reading my thoughts from then, I remembered valuable lessons I'd learned.
    Now I'm not suggesting we think about the past all of the time--but every now and then, it's good to remember the days of old. To remember how God has always worked things out. Don't you agree? :)

Andy Griffith On God's Grace

"I firmly believe that in every situation, no matter how difficult, God extends grace greater than the hardship, and strength and peace of mind that can lead us to a place higher than where we were before."

~Andy Griffith

It's What You (What They) See

 

"It's not what you look at that matters, it's what you see."

~Henry David Thoreau

    Not only is this quote great for application in life, but I think it can also be used in writing.
    Even when writing in third person narration, you could improve descriptions by describing the thing/person/place as the main character would see it. For example, maybe when the main character sees one kid in a park tease another, they would be reminded of being bullied themselves long ago and get angry. Or if they saw a tree with thousands of bright green leaves, they might become sad because they're reminded of a long-gone friend who loved to climb such trees. Or if they saw a rabbit, the main character could become happy and laugh at the memory of something funny that happened the month before involving a rabbit.
    Such observations and how they react to it can show readers the character's personality, their past, and what makes them tick.
    What would your main character see in an old, dusty book? Dark rainclouds? A cat? An old record player?

Proverbs 16:24

 

"Pleasant words are like a honeycomb, sweetness to the soul and health to the bones."

Proverbs 16:24 (NKJ)

    It's true! A depressing, frustrating day can be brightened up a bit when somebody says something really nice. Like good news, a compliment, even a really funny joke. They put a smile on someone's face and make them feel glad, which can make the rest of the day better.
    Pleasant words really are like a cold glass of tropical punch in the middle of a hot, simmering summer day. They're refreshing and sweet.
    Have you ever had a bad day brightened up by someone's kind words? What were they?