Isle of Swords is FINISHED!!

As of seven minutes ago, I typed out the last line of Isle of Swords. It grew into something much bigger and much more powerful than I ever imagined it would. God has a way of delivering surprises.

One Chapter Remains...

Wrote for 8 hours today. One chapter of Isle of Swords remains.

I don't know what it's like for most authors. Don't know how fast other authors write. But for me, if I write two pages in an hour, I am really flying--greased lighting flying. I've been praying and had others praying for me. Today, I averaged THREE pages an hour. This happened during The Final Storm as well. And I will always look back and remember what God did in these crunch times.

Two quick observations:

1. A.D.D. and writing don't mix. I am the worst case I've ever. What were we talking. Hey look at that cute kitten. Huh?

2. I need to get a more comfortable chair. Nuff said.

Almost there.

It's 5:20. I'm in my little writer's prison cell at the local public library. Thank God for this little room. Four walls, a table, a chair, and an electrical outlet. I've been pounding the keyboard since 10:30 this morning. I'm in the thick of the ending, not far from the climax of Isle of Swords. I can sense the moment of victory…though it still may not be until 4:00am. ;-)

How fun is this?

In my classroom (I teach middle school reading/English) I have a Snoopy poster. He is sitting at a typewriter atop his doghouse with a silly grin on his cute face. His caption, "It's exciting when you've written something that you know is good."

And you know what? Snoopy's right. Right this very minute, I left a thrilling scene of Isle of Swords to come here and post. Why? Because I was having so much fun writing it that I wanted to share it. It's not that I know it's good--my editor will no doubt let the air out of my head when she reads the first draft. But it is absolutely a BLAST to write it. I've got the mental movie rolling, I feel the fright of the characters, I intensely, insanely, desperately want to know what will happen next!

God says trust in Him, and he will give you the desires of your heart. God's promises are so true.

Isle of Swords Update: Slower writing today. Spent hours on last minute research and visualizing--necessary, but time-munching. Nonetheless, I believe I will not only finish in time, but will finish ahead of schedule. It's not my power. It's HIS power.

See you Friday.

How do you do it?

I'm sure a lot of authors get asked that question. Especially, if the author is married. Especially if the author has children. Especially if the author works another full time job because (surprise to the general public) not all authors are getting rich.

My answer: God is really, really good. We have a lot of ways of saying this: God provides, God was there for me, God gave me the inspiration. But if you are as busy as I am or even worse, a cliche just won't cut it. Let's remember the people God places in our path who enable us to do something worthwhile.

My wife is the reason I was able to write for 10+ hours today. She became Mom and Dad, put toys together, found batteries, made meals, did laundry, and 100 other things I'd never even dream of doing even if I was at home. ;-) MY wife is a gift from God.

And by the way, I finished three more scenes of Isle of Swords, today, and think I'll write a few more hours yet. Pushing toward the conclusion now. Very fun stuff.

See you tomorrow.

Power that never fails.

A brief note tonight. I have 5 days left to meet my deadline for Isle of Swords. Looking at my outline, I have 11 scenes left to write. On my strength, I cannot make it. If I do, on sheer Wayne-power, what I write will stink to high Heaven--and I'm not being facetious. But, I am declaring these next 5 days: A Guarantee based on His power. Each night, I'm going to check in and declare the praises of that day.

If you happen to be writing tonight, remember, He is able...

Merry Christmas!

It's Christmas morning. My oldest daughter just gave me a kiss on the cheek--a rare and beautiful thing. My boys are taking turns skateboarding and riding a new bike. My youngest daughter looks like a snow angel in her new dress. I am reminded of how generous our Father in Heaven is. I am grateful to have four healthy, happy children. I'm grateful to be alive to see their Christmas joy. I'm grateful that, as an author, I have a chance to serve along side God in this Great Adventure.

So, Merry Christmas to everyone and anyone who calls Jesus, Lord and Saviour. And for any who don't, who might still be kicking the tires on this "Christianity thing," and wondering if God could really be real, three questions for you, and three promises:

Questions: Answer them honestly
1. Do you really believe that the whole world in all its intricate beauty and design, ALL happened by sheer chance?
2. Do you really believe that this life, just 80 years or so (90+ if we are very fortunate), are all that there is--and nothing else?
3. When you drive to work in traffic, slam a door after an argument, or watch the first 15 minutes of news, do you ever wonder if there's something dreadfully wrong with this world?

If you answer, no to 1&2 or yes to #3, I have three promises for you. Actually, these are God's promises with my paraphrase.
1. There is someone who knows you--really knows you. He knew you before you were born. He knows every secret you've ever kept. He knows your fears, your hopes, your failures, he even knows those things that "if anyone else knew," you'd feel ashamed---and YET, He loves you anyway.
2. There is beyond this life a paradise beyond our imagination and adventures which, if we could glimpse them for just one second, would leave us breathless. This eternal world is there for the taking.
3. No amount of selfmedication (alcohol, food, sex, relationships, etc.) will ever fully take away the awful truth that this world and all the people in it, are flawed. There is only one God who can satisfy your soul. He will give you the living water that begins to quench your eternal thirst.

Merry Christmas and a thoughtful New Year.

Only One Week Left to Finish Isle of Swords!

37 Chapters of Isle of Swords down, about 10 to go...all this in 7 days, oh, and Christmas. YIPE. I'll just keep singing, "He is able, more than able...to accomplish what concerns me today."

By the way, here's the proposed cover for Isle of Swords:

A Newbie's Guide to Publishing: Peerfest

A Newbie's Guide to Publishing: Peerfest
This is a link to my friend JA Konrath's blog. He is a mystery writer in the Janet Evanovich/Robert Crais vein and a very nice guy. He, more than anyone I've ever met, studies the business side of publishing. His site (while it may contain some less that favorable language from some of the posters) is a TREASURE of insight for new authors and authors to be.