A WORD – frangible: readily broken; breakable.

And what does a foot have to do with this word definition?

I recently learned that a foot has many small, breakable parts and is at high risk for injury. Yes, through personal experience as I like to base my posts on facts : )

I happened to take a tumble down some stairs this week and landed on my left foot, turning my ankle. I want to pause here to say “Thank you, God,” for x-rays that showed no broken bones!

But it started me thinking about the term. I think this word may also be applied to a character. Someone whose feelings are easily hurt. Broken emotions. A sensitive spirit.

What would cause a person to be like this and how would they face their world? By shying away from everything? Or perhaps the opposite: adapting a strong facade and never letting their feelings show.

How would you describe this character’s past and what would they do to overcome this weakness?

A WORD – “Genre.”

1. Literary genre – Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

   A literary genre is a category of literary composition. Genres may be determined by literary technique, tone, content, or even (as in the case of fiction) length.

I am happy to report Christian Fiction now covers a wide range of “genres.” If you check in your local library, Christian Fiction may include any of the following: Mystery, Suspense, Romance, Woman’s Fiction, Speculative, Sci-Fi, Historical, Contemporary, Biblical, Western or Amish.

What style do you prefer to read? Favorite authors? Is there another category you can think of?  I enjoy Contemporary, Woman’s Fiction, and Historicals. But often read from other genres if I like the author enough. My writing is Contemporary or WF, which is one of the hardest genres to break in to as a newbie! WIP is  a romance..what about you?

Enter a comment listing your favorites to be included in a drawing for a signed Amish novel, “The Postcard” by Beverly Lewis.

A WORD – Mother. A word that means many different things to many different people. 

Fortunately, I was blessed with a beautiful, loving Mother and have sweet, wonderful memories of her. I will never stop missing her.

I wish all the mothers reading this blog, a lovely special day today as the world centers around another “Mothers Day.”

For those of you who are single, childless, or grieving the loss of a mother, I pray that God covers you with His unending love.

Mother’s Day can be a difficult time for many, but remember it is just one day, a blip on the calendar that will be gone in a flash. I hope no one made you feel uncomfortable today or “less than” because you are not  a mother. I pray that the Lord whispers His words of comfort to you if your mother is no longer with you.

May Jesus hold you close to His heart and remind you how very dear you are to Him.  

A WORD – Chicken Soup. This phrase is often connected to feelings of comfort. Local writers from the Capital District area of NY were comforted and encouraged last week at a celebratory luncheon sponsored by Chicken Soup for the Soul. 

I was delighted to receive an invitation to this event in Albany, along with other contributors to the series of popular books. We met Amy Newmark, Publisher and also Amanda, on staff at Chicken Soup working as a graphic artist. A definite plus was meeting other writers in the area and networking for future events together. If you have never submitted a story to Chicken Soup, check out some of the new titles coming up. They are awesome to work with and obviously treat their writers very well.

Thank you, Chicken Soup for the Soul, for a lovely, writerly afternoon! 

Do you have a favorite book in the series?

Have you ever submitted a story to Chicken Soup for the Soul?

A Word: Bug – to annoy, pester

Oh no, here they come again.

You contemplate turning the corner to run and hide but too late…they’ve spotted you.

It’s the person you silently term “Buggy” because they always leave that impression whenever they come around. They ask questions persistently that you are unable to answer. They talk endlessly with no regard to your time or what work you are involved in at the moment. They take twenty minutes to explain something that could have been summed up in 3 sentences. Completely oblivious to hints that you need to get going. You don’t want to be mean but they don’t understand kindness. They turn downright rude if you try to interrupt or excuse yourself.

Bringing you to the image of picking up a fly swatter and just….SWAT! Not that you want to destroy them, just to silence the incessant buzzing.

Do you know a “Buggy?” It could be a relative, co-worker or even a church member.

How would you handle them?

WRITER QUESTION: If this was a character in your WIP, what would be in their past that brought them to this place?

A WORD – Comfort: A condition of well-being, contentment, and security. A condition or feeling of pleasurable physical ease or relief from pain or stress.

Yes, it’s a pretty winter scene. But after several weeks of single digit temps and icy roads, there comes a need for…comfort.

It can be as simple as a decorative mug of hot chocolate topped with whipped cream. 

Or a furry leopard print throw to snuggle under on the couch.

Perhaps comfort comes in the soft whir of the electric heater with faux flames flickering, creating a cozy atmosphere.

Add to that the stack of books gathered from the local library, along with the latest home decor magazines. Ah…comfort.

Leave a comment describing your “comforts of the season” to enter a book giveaway for a comfortable : ) Amish novel by Beverly Lewis .

Please add your email to the comment, thank you! Drawing will be next weekend.

A Word – Calendar:

1. A table showing the months, weeks, and days in at least one specific year.

2. A schedule of events.

My definition: A clean slate, a brand new year with no mistakes, regrets or bad choices. Wide open spaces for God to fill with His perfect plans and purpose.

Every time a New Year rolls in I can’t wait to get out there and find my wall and desk calendars and day planner. I love all those blank pages offering countless opportunities for successful projects, events and life-changing moments. I’m certain God has wonderful things planned for this brand new year.

Shopping for calendars is always a challenge. So many choices. I’m sure you would laugh at the serious consideration I make of this endeavor. 

Don’t want it too cutesy, must be somewhat business-oriented yet with an inspirational flair. I pull out several to look over, and look over again, making quite a mess of the store display. When I finally find ones that meet my criteria, I can’t wait to bring them home and start filling in those important dates.

Yes, God has amazing things for us this year. Writer friends: This could be the year you have a book published! Or connect with an agent. Which reminds me, I have to block out May 17th week for my Blue Ridge Mts. Christian Writers Conference : )

Do you go on a calendar craze in January?

Or do you keep a calendar on your laptop or digital device?

A WORD – repose: a state of rest or calmness.

Ready or not, the holidays are coming up fast. Before you dive head-long into the mad rush to the finish, take time for a break. (not like me who took the term literally and broke the wrist.)

No, a more restful place, a “repose.” If we don’t relax our pace now, the have-to’s will multiply too fast and we’ll fall (no more falling, please) into a frenzy of preparation.

Look over your schedule. There has to be something there you can cancel out.

Write in your planned time of “calm and repose.” A day, an afternoon, or even for an hour; give yourself permission to relax.

Let me know what you did to find your place of repose!  (catnap, anyone?)

Photo C.A. Lovely

A WORD – COLOR!

October is a glorious month bursting with color.

I love being an October baby. And yes, today is my birthday. I also enjoy celebrating it through Columbus Day weekend.

So…any other October babies out there? We are colorful, creative characters!

Do you love having an Autumn birthday? Please do share in the celebration : ) 

Sharon Lavy, Happy Birthday!

         A WORD – squirrelly or squirrely