I have some incredibly thought provoking series going over at Portrait of Faith. So check it out and don’t forget to comment!

Tell us a little about your family and your call to write.

My husband, Claude, and I have been married 15 years and we have three boys (ages: 8, almost 5, and 3). We live in central North Carolina, my home state. My husband is a university professor and I work from home as a web designer, and I write, of course.

I started writing in 1996. Claude and I had been co-leaders of a Christian discussion group for years at that time. Our monthly dinner club meetings centered around biblical racial reconciliation. Although our discussions were good, I felt that some of the principles in the nonfiction book we read were too academic sometimes. So I was moved to weave those ideals into a story. I had dabbled at writing fiction before that, and of course, I read a lot of fiction but never did writing a story overtake me like the one I started in 1996. That God-driven story became The Making of Isaac Hunt.

How did you get your first “writing break?”

I owe my ‘big break’ to having a knowledgeable agent. For years I had tried getting a book contract by contacting the publishers directly. I had my Christian Marketing Guide and I’d go through the publishers in my genre meticulously. I’d call first to make sure the information was up to date and then I’d send in the proposal, unsolicited and agentless. And I’d get back a nice rejection letter. I don’t know about the ABA but CBA acquisitions editor have some nice form rejection letters. I’ve saved them all.

I’m very happy with my agent, Les Stobbe (he’s my second agent; the first one was too green). Les has is very experienced and very personable. After signing with him I learned that he had served on a board of an organization that heralds biblical racial reconciliation across the nation. I know it was God that brought us together.

What do you write and why this genre?

I write what can best be described as multicultural fiction. I don’t much care for the genre titles, by the way. Not sure I fit square into one. My writing centers on racial issues. I can’t not write race. At least that’s the way it is now, which might make for a hard sell as book trends swing. Don’t get me wrong I try not to beat people up with race but like one of my favorite artists, TobyMac, says ‘Well never be that shining city on a hill until we show and prove to the people what is real.’ I’m just trying to be real, John 17 real.

Do you have any recent contracts and up coming releases?

My first book, The Making of Isaac Hunt, comes out in June through Moody Publishers’ Lift Every Voice imprint.

What do you hope to accomplish through your novels?

I hope to give people a good read and I hope to start Christians thinking and being more proactive on a racial level.

And now for the tough questions…

How do you balance being a mom, wife, writer, and working?

That is a tough one. I don’t think I balance things very well. I try. Nothing wrong with trying. Right?

Although I’ve had my web design business for over five years I’ve only recently started taking myself seriously as a business owner. My thing was I’m a reluctant business owner. Now with a book coming out, I have to be more intentional about revising my business plan, marketing, etc. etc.

I’m very system oriented. (Too many years as an engineer, I guess). So if I can have a system for a thing then I feel like I have a better handle on it. My systems may not work for anybody else (might not even make sense to anybody else) but they keep me sane and somewhat productive most of the time.

I don’t do TV. That’s a good thing to let go. But unfortunately, a casualty of me trying to balance the mommy-wife-writer-business owner thing is that I don’t stay current with my friends. Email helps but it’s not the same as a real flesh-and-blood visit.

Do you think it’s possible to give yourself fully to raising children, writing, working, and keeping in shape? If not, which one for you has to take a back seat?

You used the word fully. I really don’t think it’s possible to do anything of those things to their fullest simultaneously. I wish it were.

Let me tell you about the keeping fit thing. In the world of DC Comics Linda Lee is Supergirl. Linda Lee Supergirl can do it all and boy is she ripped. Linda Leigh Hargrove is not super. I cannot do it all and I am anything but ripped. I try to stay in shape but I have to admit that regular exercise is the first thing to go.

Being a good wife and mother is extremely important to me. But the reality is most of my time is spent in front of the computer writing or making my web clients happy so I can get paid. So I have to really focus on making the time I spend with my husband and kids quality. Trying to give my ‘best’ self to so many different things is so hard. I’ve haven’t perfected the art of WAHMing but I’m not giving up yet either. God brings the balance, thankfully.

When do you find the time to write, and do you ever feel like you’re neglecting your children when you write?

I try to do most of my writing in the early morning hours. It’s easier for me to focus when I don’t have kids trying to sit in my lap or crashing toy cars underfoot. Sometimes I do have to write during the day. That’s tough to do, especially since my clients may want to call about their web site or I need to be out finding new clients. So I have to discipline myself to get up consistently at 5:30 am and rely on the Lord to multiply the effectiveness of the writing time, however small it may be.

How do you handle interruptions in your writing life?

My over-40 brain is like a sieve and it drives me crazy. So I find myself constantly writing in my head, or writing on the corners of church bulletins and backs of grocery receipts. Drives my husband crazy.

How do you get back into the flow of writing after you’ve been interrupted?

Writing in my head (and on church bulletins) when I’m not at the computer helps me to get back into the flow of things when I sit back down to write.

What do you do to encourage yourself during those stormy days every writing mom has?

I stink at encouragement. So I don’t have any words of wisdom here. Once I saw a book on encouragement by Fred Rogers (of Mister Rogers Neighborhood) in the public library. I almost leapt for joy. I checked the book out and I wrote down phrases from the book and taped them on my mirror. The ordained Presbyterian minister had crafted some real gems of encouragement in that book using simple words like ‘You are special.’ Every now and again I still have to tell myself that.

How do you position yourself to HEAR God’s voice when all the noises of life are swirling around you?

As we all know, hearing from God is hard, period. When we come to Him intent on spending time with the Almighty there are so many things jockeying for attention in our minds. It takes discipline and energy to just turn that stuff off. It’s all good stuff but it has to take a back seat during time with God.

I was raised in the African Methodist Episcopal Zion tradition. Back in the day I didn’t care much for the rituals of the denomination. There’s a lot of memorizing and things you do with your hands, especially during communion. I used to frown at it as a kid. But today, there is one ritual that helps me center in and be ready to hear God. It’s the practice of laying the right hand over the left to form a cross. We would do it as we received the cup and the bread. That ritual helps me be in the position to receive from God.

If you do feel your priorities slipping, what do you do to get back on track?

It’s really hard for me to get back on track when I feel things slipping. For instance, lately I realized that I’ve been an awful friend. I don’t visit. I don’t call. I’ve got things to get done and I’ve got a family to take care of. My plate is full, I tell myself. But in the meantime, I’m alienating friends. I feel bad. And I ask myself, ‘What can I let go so I can spend more time with friends?’ When I sense things getting out of focus, I can only pray for God’s wisdom.

Has there ever been a time God told you to set aside your writing to focus on other areas of your life? If so, how did you handle that?

No, I can’t say that God has told me to set aside my writing. He’s led me to set aside a career in engineering. My mother had a hard time understanding that (I have two degrees in Biological and Agricultural Engineering) but I’m fine with letting it go for this season. I don’t know how I’d feel if He said let writing go.

Did you ever feel like you’ve “missed” God in regards to writing, that maybe you should be doing something else?

I’ve never felt I’ve missed God concerning writing. I may have missed Him in regards to some of the extra curricular things I allow my kids to do, for instance. But I think that writing is His gift to me.

What advice would you give to writing moms who are have their hearts set on publication?

Step One: Pray about your writing; about other writers.

Step Two: Write. Read. Write. Read.

Step Three: Get Connected.*
Repeat Steps Daily.

*(Meet regularly with other like-minded writers, online and in person).

Is there anything else you’d like to share?

I’d just like to share a wish I have for all writing/working mothers. Perfection is not your goal. There is no perfect WAHM life (no perfect life, period).

Strive to know God’s purpose for you. Don’t settle on just anything until you know that you know God’s purpose for you. Know it like you know your name.

Do what you know God has put your hands to; do it in the energy and spirit He gives you; that is your goal. Be all there; wherever ‘there’ is.

Reposted From June 2004

I picked up Chris (9) from camp on Wednesday morning and I was really glad to see him. It was obvious he had fun, yet there were some tough moments which I will share later. After he was home a day or so I began to realize how peaceful the house was without him. I know that must really sound bad, but even though I worried a little about him I didn’t miss the arguing and struggles we seem to have on a daily basis. Without him to add to the chaos of our home, things actually ran smoothly.On Friday I had to take him to the doctor because his tonsils were hurting him (they hurt him all during camp). I said the doctor wouldn’t stick anything down his throat. (Last time the doctor looked at his throat and gave him an antibiotic.) Well, this time the doctor needed a swab.Now Chris is petrified when it comes to anything causing him pain, especially from the doctor. When he was 2 years old it took 3 doctors to hold him down while he got stitches in his head. Every doctor visit results in anxiety attacks from him, and me saying I’m never taking him to the doctor again. Well this time was no different. He freaked when the nurse needed to swab his throat because it makes him gag. It took about 30 minutes and many threats that the doctor would have to do it himself (the nurse is much gentler than the doctor). Chris’d say he’d let her do it, but would back down. The nurse had to leave to take care of other patients and finally after I pleaded and cried out of shear frustration, he reluctantly said she could do it.

The nurse came back in and Chris cringed and backed down and found the courage and opened his mouth a little and gaged alot and the nurse got one tonsil but needed the other. After a while she barely touched the other and the test came back negative for strep. Needless to say, my patience for him the rest of the day was non existence.

Sunday, Grace (2) was a nightmare at the restuarant durnig lunch. We should have known better than to take her out to eat in public. We went to a buffet on Mother’s Day and the only thing that made the afternoon bareable was that I didn’t have to cook. She doesn’t sit in her highchair and when she’s done eating she climbs out of the chair and runs. If we make her sit in her chair then she screams. Even swatting her hand doesn’t work (we’ve done this so often that she’s taken to swatting her own hand with her fork or spoon and saying “No, No” with a smile on her face) so we end up walking around with her. Well, the same thing happened Sunday, Mother’s Day, and I was spent when we got home and took a two hour nap.

Monday, round two with Chris. For some reason my simple request of drawing a picture and writing a few sentences about the trip we took to the Medieval Castle sent him into a tail spin. He got irate (which in turn caused me to blow up), and we yelled at each other. He informed me that he HATES to write and that he shouldn’t have to do work in the summer. Now easy going Joey (7) happily drew a picture and wrote a sentence and was even excited about showing me his finished product. I got incredibly discouraged at this battle with Chris and started imagining what homeschooling would be like. Could I make this child, who functioned obediently to the request of the teacher, see me as educator and do what I asked?

I went from extremes in a matter of minutes. I decided to require very little of him and absolutely do nothing educational this summer. I also decided that I would have to relax my standards even though I know he was capable of so much educationally. Then I went to talk with him and asked him to write (this was before I realized how much he hated writing), in his journal about his behavior. This set him off again and I “resigned” to send him to public school and let him be someone else’s problem. Then I also thought of putting him on the ADHD drugs to fix the problem and then I thought, well maybe it’s ME who needs the drugs!

Well, in the end we talked it through and I got an idea of what he hates about writing and we agreed that in his many journals next year he would only be required to draw a picture and write one sentence. I agreed to lay off the “education” this summer. Though I will present journal opportunities to him and his brother I would require nothing of him (except reading during the summer). But I made it clear that I expect him to be ready to work in the fall.

So here I am torn between my plans and agendas for their education and the de-schooling theory. My biggest fear is if I don’t have a detailed plan, nothing will get done. I know myself. I start out all fired up and then I sizzle. I’m more of a sprinter, not the marathon type. So I need a plan. I can’t just wing it.

But I also am realizing it’s okay to have that plan but I can’t expect to do it all. It’s not going to work with Chris. I also have to realize that more important than his education is our relationship, our home and the peace and family unity I want to strengthen and grow through homeschooling. It’s so easy to write down all my hopes and dreams for a happy, harmonious year, but in reality I know how short my fuse is.

We’ve come a long way, yet still have far to go! Glad I don’t have to make the journey alone!

I’m breaking the rules for this photo and supplying a story.

It was a gorgeous Sunday afternoon in Orlando and the kids wanted to go for a swim. I was dressed in fashionable Walmart pool lounging attire and it was cool enough ( 80s) I could even wear my hair down.

I wasn’t planning on swimming, but got busy spraying down the kids with sunscreen when I lost my balance on the little patio edge. (Photo is re-enactment!) I did one of those “Whoa, whoa, whoa arms flailing things and then just gave in to gravity!) The kids and I thought it was hilarious. Though I wasn’t too thrilled to have my styled hair ruined, the pool was refreshing! Oh how I miss those carefree Orlando morning BY the pool, not IN the pool!

Email addiction!

Lots of people have it. If you don’t, you’re probably in denial!

I really didn’t miss checking my email twenty bazillion times a day when I was on vacation. So what is the urgency to check it every five seconds? Okay, I’m exaggerating, but I think you get what I’m saying.

Is it need for validation? To know that someone is thinking of me?

Is it a need to solve someone else’s problems or requests? To Get R Done, so to speak?

Or is it just procrastination?

Like Michael Hyatt (and almost everyone else with email) I check my email first thing in the morning, then throughout the day and last thing before I go to bed. During the school year I resolved not to go on line BEFOR lunch. On the times I did this my day was very productive. I need to do it again!

If you want more time in your day check out this link! It just might help!

http://www.michaelhyatt.com/fromwhereisit/2007/06/breaking_email_.html

It’s 3:22 on a Sunday afternoon and my creative juices have run dry. I kind of cheated on the last 80 words trying to make my 10,000 goal. They’re not really complete sentences, but at least the scene is complete and I really have to think about what happens next.

It’s probably a good idea if I go back and read all fifteen chapters to see how many holes I left and how to fill them. Did I ever mention how hard it is to write a mystery, especially one with two different crimes going on at the same time.

I’ve been thinking about branding lately and wondering what my “brand” will be. Randy Ingermanson has several great posts over at his blog. But I’m still not sure where I fit into this branding. I just don’t know if I’m physically cut out for mysteries. Of course, there has to be an easier way to plot a mystery than how I’ve done it. But it’s all a learning process, a journey…

Experiencing Christ Within Chatper Seven:
This chapter starts out with a Native American Fable about at young brave who swiped a golden eagle egg from it’s nest and placed it with a bunch of prairie chicken eggs. The eagle egg hatched and grew up thinking he was a praire chicken. He scratched and clucked like all the other chickens and never flew more than a few feet off the ground.

One day the eagle saw a great shadow pass over him. He looked up to see a huge bird soaring with wings widespread. He marveled at the beauty of the bird. His praire chicken brother told him it was an eagle. “A golden eagle. He’s king of the air. No bird can compare with him. But don’t give it a second thought; you could never be like him.”

And the eagle didn’t give it a second thought, but went back to clucking and scratching like all the other praire chickens…

To read the rest of the post click on over to my faith blog! 

9:46 pm

By the way, never made it to the morgue. Stopped off at the coffee shop first!

Good Night!

I just wrote the strangest scene in a crematory with a weird guy that looks like Ch*rles M*nson. (* is used so people googling the guy won’t find my site!) My guy is harmless in my story, but soooo strange. Don’t know if I’ll have to cut the scene out later, but it was soooo fun to write.

Now on to the morgue! (Whoa! I just got a brainstorm for a new series…) Maybe I should call it quits!

Last night was productive and today I’ve written 4,774 words and the night is still young. It’s amazing what a little time to sit down and write can do for me. The story is coming faster than I can type, though I’m sure I’ll have to go back and iron out the details and plotting. But the scenes are flowing and I know what happens next.

One thing I didn’t know was that my protag would get saved. But it just fit and there she was praying with her best friend. Of course, just because she’s prayed doesn’t mean she’ll do everything right. Oh contrary. There’s still a lot more messes she needs to make and try to clean up.

And while I’m on the subject on unexpected things, my protag has gotten a little sassy. Right when she accepted the “call” she grew a backbone. I guess when you’re cornered you’ve got to fight. And that’s what she does. One more night and day of writing and I think I’ll be at the half way mark!

I’m giving away several books on my over crowded book shelves. To enter all you have to do is sign up for my Feedblitz email subscriptions AND leave a comment. Those already receiving emails will also be entered.

Over Her Head by Shelley Bates
Read more

Reluctant Runaway by Jill Elizabeth Nelson
Read my Review

That’s right. Even though I’m locked up in my bedroom and not a hotel room, I managed to crank out 2,800 words. I got sidetracked by research and emails and have not clue if anything I wrote makes sense, but that’s what critique partners and edits are for.

Hopefully I’ll go over 10,000 words this weekend and finish up the middle with all the complicated clues and sleuthing my character must do. I said it before, but writing a mystery is insane. Especially one that has two crimes in it. Jill E. Nelson how did you write Reluctant Runaway and keep your sanity?

I just pray most of what I’m writing will stay, though I’m fearful the plot only makes sense in my over-caffeinated mind.

It’s almost midnight. I’m calling it a night. Just hope I can get to sleep!

Boy, things are a mess right now! I was supposed to go on a writing weekend to a local Super 8 Motel. A friend of mine was going to meet me there for some “no talking just working on our computers” time. I was almost all set to go. All I needed to do was pack. Then I got an email from my girl friend’s husband.

Without going into too  much detail or history, they decided it wouldn’t be “safe” for her to go to a hotel where a shooting happened a couple of months ago and someone died. What? A shooting? In the hotel I was staying at? Hard to believe, but he supplied a link.

So I link over and lo and behold, someone went up to the window and shot in someone’s room and someone died. Okay, way to rock my world and send me into a tailspin. First, I’m prone to fear. Just mention something like this and my mind takes over. Second, my husband (when he heard) had no problem with sending me? So did my friend’s husband “cherish” her more than mine cherished me? My husband knows the hotel owners, does business with them, and we frequent a restaurant next door on Sundays. Are we putting ourselves in danger every time we go there? (Sidenote: Found out the shooter was actually pursuing the shooted. Still doesn’t make me feel any safer going to a hotel by myself!)

My logical mind says one isolated incident does not mean it’s an unsafe place. But my fear kicks in, and I do an online search for all articles on this learning as of two days ago they have two suspects in custody.

I have no discerning check in my spirit telling me not to go, but because I respect this family, this husband of my best friend, I doubt myself and my ability to hear God.

Last time I felt this way I was in Pensacola, Florida.  Traveling over the bridge out into the sea to a tiny little island where I could see the water on both sides, fear gripped me, like it has now. I let it go and trusted God a Tsunami wasn’t going to swallow up the island, though why shouldn’t it? It happened before some where else.

I gave it up to God, then that night dreamed of a Tsunami coming to the island. I wanted to leave asap. What if God was warning me in a dream? But my husband felt no concern and I “worried through” the morning, hardly enjoying the ocean as I walked on eggshells instead of the white sandy shoreline. Three hours later, nothing happened. It had been all fear, but I questioned whether it was a message from God.

Just like now. I also question whether the enemy has used my wonderful, God-fearing friend to sidetrack my weekend. I was going to write 10,000 words on my WIP. I had been planning this weekend for over a month. Me and my whole writing community was excited (albeit a little bit envious) about this opportunity. Is it shot? (didn’t realize the pun, until I proofed this paragraph:)

Hardly so. My hubby canceled the hotel room. And I’m figuring out a plan B. I’m sad about my lost hotel opportunity, but have a nother opportunity just around the corner…literally!10,000 words here I come!

Jill Nelson

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Jill Elizabeth Nelson is a member of the CFBA. Her blog, Artistic Blogger, addresses issues about art, art theft, antiquities preservation, and the art of fiction writing. She takes art seriously – when she’s not having fun with it, that is. The To Catch a Thief Series combines her love of the written word with her love of other art forms.

The first in the series was Reluctant Burglar , second is Reluctant Runaway. In January 2008, she will reveal the third book, Reluctant Smuggler. Jill is thrilled if the adventures that spill from her imagination can raise awareness about art theft – deemed “a looming criminal enterprise” by the FBI. Jill and her husband, Doug, have four children and live in Minnesota.

ABOUT THE BOOK:

Stolen Indian artifacts…A murdered museum guard…

A missing woman…A baby in danger…

Only Desiree can unearth the horrifying secret that links them all.

Museum security expert Desiree Jacobs doesn’t mean to get in danger’s path. Really she doesn’t. But when a friend is in trouble you don’t just walk away. No matter what your overprotective FBI agent boyfriend says! So when Desi and Tony’s date at a presidential ball is interrupted by a frantic Maxine Webb, Desi doesn’t hesitate to jump in.

Soon Desi is neck-deep in a confusing array of villains. Did Max’s niece run away or was she taken? Is she still alive or the victim of a perverse ritual? And who wants her infant son–and why?

Then Tony’s organized crime case collides with Desi’s investigation, throwing them both into the path of something dark and sinister. Something that craves blood…

From the streets of Desi’s beloved Boston to the mountain desert of New Mexico, Desi and Tony must rely on God to thwart unseen forces–and save a young woman and her baby from a villain more evil than any of them can imagine.

“A fresh voice, strong heroine, and unique plot make Reluctant Runaway a can’t-put-down read. Jill Elizabeth Nelson is an author to watch in the realm of romantic suspense!”

—-SUSAN MAY WARREN award-winning author of In Sheep’s Clothing

REVIEW:

Reluctant Runaway was my first Jill Elizabeth Nelson read, but won’t be my last. Filled with likable and memorable characters, Nelson delivers a satisfying mystery. Having not read the first book in the series, it took me a while to get attached to the characters. The plot moved a bit slow at the beginning for my suspense loving taste, but when the story picked up, it kept me turning pages well past midnight.

The subplots are woven together well in this intricate tale of theft, deception and spirituality. Even the romance adds to the story and leaves you with a message of God being in control of life and love.

If you’re looking for a good clean mystery, with a spunky heroine look no further! And drop back by on tomorrow for details on how you can win this book!!

This was featured in our local magazine…
MOUNT PLEASANT, S.C. — Joey Conroy, 10, has won the Sylvan Dell Publishing Picture Book Writing Competition for Homeschooled Students for his imaginative manuscript, “Jumping Bugs.”

Editor Donna German describes Conroy’s submission as “a clever, rhythmic way to introduce basic math skills such as addition, subtraction, multiplication and division.”

“Joey’s writing style flows with a maturity beyond his years and is really an impressive work. We receive and review about 30 manuscripts per day here at Sylvan Dell — submitted by authors from all over the world — and I can tell you that young Joey has a writing future ahead,” German said.

Conroy will receive a $200 prize, and his manuscript is being considered for publication in the company’s 2008 catalog.

While “Jumping Bugs” took top honors in the competition for students working on the high school level, Sylvan Dell also recognized two runners-up who will receive $75 each. Second place went to Michigan student Michaela Gneco for his manuscript, “Our Walk in the Forest.” Third place was awarded to Daniel Morin of Connecticut for his rhyming periodic table tale, “Albert’s Elements.”

Sylvan Dell launched the competition in February to encourage writing among homeschoolers and to promote their mission of bringing science and math to children through literature.

As this year of homeschooling comes to an end, I thought it would be fun and interesting to take a trip down memory lane. So I’ll be posting a series of homeschool posts from my past (old dead blog) every Thursday and reflecting on what I’ve written and if things have really changed. It should be an educating journey.

Reposted from May 2004

I seem to find the best books on the discount tables at book stores. My latest God send is a book entitled Raising Your Spirited Child Workbook. I actually found it at a FREE book benevolence for homeschooling moms and since my kids are out of school I guess it’s official. I’m a homeschooler!

So far this book has helped me determine (through tests in the book) that I am a spirited mom raising FOUR very spirited children. Though they all have their areas in which they are more intense and spirited, they all are a handful. (Did I mention I was homeshooling in the fall!! Help!)

Next I’m determining whether they are introverts or extroverts which will help me help them “recharge.” I’m definitely and introvert who needs space, time and QUIET!!! My two most spirited kids Chris (9) and Grace (2), I believe are extroverts and the two in the middle Joey (7) and Timmy (4) are introverts who really enjoy spending hours alone. Joey loves crafts and would forsake a family event to recharge with his crafts while Timmy can regularly have meltdowns if he doesn’t have quiet time to play. Last night while I was reading to Joey in my bed, Timmy chose to play by himself in his room. No coaxing could get him away from his play.

So needless to say I’m excited and learning alot.

I need to revisit this book. But as far as I can tell, my observations were right on. Though I haven’t been encouraging my introverts to have quiet times like I know they need and I’m not totally sure Timmy is an introvert. Though Joey and I determined from the book The Treasure Tree, that all four of my kids have the four different personalities.

Chris (12) and first born is the Lion of the group. The Choleric, taking charge even when others don’t want him to.

Joey (10), the creative one, is the Melancholy or Beaver. Though he has alot of Sanguine in him as well (Otter.) I know the personality experts swear you cannot be a Melancholy AND Sanguine, so we’ll see if his personality traits strengthen and develop into one area over the other. He’s very creative but NOT organized. If he wasn’t such a hands on person, I’d say he leans toward a Sanguine. When he was younger I would have pegged him for a Melancholy Phlegmatic. Maybe birth order has something to do with it as well.

Timmy (7) is the Golden Retriever. Steady Eddy Phlegmatic. He’s loyal and faithful and willing to please. But don’t cross him. He’s got a ferocious bite!

Grace (5) is Sanguine party girl! The Otter who only wants to have fun and doesn’t care if she bugs the heck out of her brothers. It’s funny to her! She’s got more personality in her little finger than most kids have in their own body. I often tell people, “God had to make her cute because if she wasn’t she’d be in BIG trouble!”

1. Go back to first or early post. How would you describe your voice back in those early days?Who were you writing to? What was your sense of audience (if any) back then?
My voice was somber! I had just given up writing for a season, trying to obey God in the process and seek His will to put me back on the straight and narrow. My posts were filled with longing and pain for what I couldn’t have and longing and desire for more of God. If you don’t believe me. Check out my sidebar and find my Debut Post!

I miss the old vulnerable tone of Portrait, but I have so  much peace about my writing and where God is taking it. I have no idea, but know that He’s in control and I’m no longer in a rush!The posts now-a-days seem somewhat shallow at times and focused on life as usual and the business side of trying to get published. I hope to get back to a place of vulnerability and longing in my posts!

2. Do you remember when you received your first comment?

I remember my very FIRST blogging comment on a previous blog. It was from a friend who first introduced me to blogging. The didn’t remember the first comment on this blog, but I did remember what they were about. Friends encouraging me in my journey of balancing writing and family. I am blessed to have so many great supportive friends, especially in cyber space!

3. Can you point to a stage where you began to feel that your blog might be part of a conversation? Where you might be part of a larger community of interacting writers?

Not yet! Though I know there’s a small group out there. I long to bring people together into community. That’s why I started Writer…Interrupted and I did find some wonderful like minded friends there. But here at Portrait, there’s not a recurring dialogue going on. Though I have several faithful friends and readers!
I’ve tried with my own strength to make it happen. To be a Beck, Shannon, Katherine or Jennifer, but it’s not meant to be, and that’s okay. I’m more of a small group kind of person anyway! I’m happy to share my heart with one or ten. Though I do wish more people would comment if they’re reading. I won’t bite, I promise!

4. Do you think that this sense of audience or community might have affected the way you began to write?

Before I began blogging I labored over what type of blog to have. I just didn’t want to be another voice in a sea of hundreds. I wanted my blog to have purpose. And I know I found it. I wouldn’t classify my blog as just a mommy blog, or Christian blog, though I do share those aspects of my life. But it does have a definite purpose, speaking to those in this same season of life, trying to use my gifts and talents to glorify God and do what I know He has called me to do and at the same time raise a family.

So I think I’ve never really written to my readers, but my readers come because of what I write!

And here’s one question for you who are still reading. When did you start reading Portrait and why do you keep coming back?

Things didn’t go according to plan. Grace pulled a “cling on” and wouldn’t go to her morning class. She wanted to be with her brother Timmy, but his class was for first grade boys. Well, that didn’t compute because she cried and screamed all the way home. “I want to be in Timmy’s class. (Side note: She just moved up to his class at OUR church)

At home she preceded to have a monster fit, throwing all the books from her shelf all over the floor. I managed to get in 35 minutes on the tread mill, but that’s about it. Soon after my shower it was time to pick up the boys. Some FREE morning and the rest of the day was spent homeschooling Timmy in phonics (we have over 30 lessons to go). Grace was allowed to do “homework” but couldn’t play until she cleaned up her room. Of course the huge mess overwhelmed her and little by little her brothers helped her. Right now hubby is finishing helping her clean.

I did get to spend some time on the computer, though no quality WIP time. I worked on my Faith blog and had a mini devotion and blog post session all in one. I’ll probably do that the rest of the week. Tonight I plan on getting to bed before 1 am (Stayed up reading way too late) so I can get up early and exercise before VBS! Hopefully that will help jump start my day.

So how did your day go? Did you stray from the plan?