The Power of Words

Words are not just words. This might sound kind of nerdy, but do you ever wonder how many words you've spoken in one day...or one week? And what about the unspoken words that have gone through your head?

I've never really thought of that. Until I started keeping a weekly word count of my writing projects. I remember back in the summer when I was working on a story and the creative juices were oozing out. At the end of the week, I realized I typed over seventeen thousand words just on that project.

And I thought, "Whoa, that's a lot." Then it made me think of all the words that I speak, think, and read everyday. And though it must be quite a lot, I was reminded of the power only one word, one sentence, one comment can have.

A sentence like, "I love you," can cause so many different emotions and feelings. The single word, "Goodbye" can break a heart. It can also fill a person with the anticipation to be reunited again.

The words grace, mercy, and hope fill us with the beautiful reminder of our Savior who gave up everything for us. The words, Redeemer, Prince of Peace, and Son of God are titles that represent who He truly is and always will be.

And this is why I LOVE writing. I love words. (I know I'm sounding nerdy again! You probably imagine me sitting with my nose in a dictionary all day!) As writers we have the power to use words to reach out...to make an impact. We have the power to use words to touch hearts in a very powerful way.

A tale whether it's true or fiction reveals the characters' feelings through words and the meanings and expressions of those words. They can draw a person into that tale; so that the reader will experience what that character goes through. The readers will feel pain when the character is hurting, joy when the character is smiling, anxiousness when the character is in great danger.

So just think...if one word can make a powerful impact on someone's life...what can those thousands of other words do for them?

As a writer, you have the ability to magically reach out and touch people in ways they've never been touched. All through the words you write.

This isn't a post telling you how to write, what words to use and what words not to use. I'm merely describing the gift of writing from a view you may have never quite thought of or really reflected on before. And maybe you have, but sometimes it's nice to be reminded of the encouraging impact you are making as a writer!

Whether one or thousands of people have been touched by your story...your touching someone. And that's why God gave you the gift and desire to write.

So next time you write over a thousand words, think of all the emotions you've just put your reader through. Think of what you've just created...and smile. With those thousand words, you've just made a character come alive. You've just poured out your heart. All through the power of words.

Why You Should Know Your Characters Inside and Out

I'm writing this post to all you  fiction writers out there who are well aware that creating characters and making them come alive on paper (or the computer screen) is not as easy as it would seem. I decided to list some do's and don'ts I've been learning and some of my thoughts on character development.

First of all...as you may have already learned...creating a character is not just picking out a name and outward appearance (although both are obviously essential). Your character just like real people must have a personality. They must have likes, dislikes, fears, weaknesses, strengths.  In order for your readers to feel drawn to your story, they must be drawn to your characters. 

And that doesn't sound too hard, right? Well...it's not really. So, let's say you choose your main character and name her Emily. You make her tall with honey blonde hair and deep blue eyes. You decide you want her to be a girl who is extremely shy and quiet and likes to read alone in her room. So you start writing your story. But soon, in chapter three, Emily who was supposed to be shy and introverted is losing her temper at some social gathering by shouting at a guy who offended her by calling her a boring bookworm.

But that doesn't exactly fit the person you first portrayed her as in the beginning and will confuse your audience. Sadly...it's a mistake easily done, and I have most definitely learned that the hard way! Maybe having Emily get angry at this guy would add some action and conflict in the book, BUT, by having her lose her temper out loud in front of a crowd is probably not what someone extremely timid would do.

So...unless you want your character, whether it's your protagonist, antagonist, or even secondary character to have a split personality (I've accidentally done this and it isn't pretty!), you must know your characters inside and out! Just as it is vitally important to outline your story before you write it, it's just as important to know who your characters are, what they will be like, and how they will grow. And once you know their personality, you must stick to it. If Emily is shy, maybe eventually she'll come out of her shell, but by having her have an outburst in chapter three, is going to be out of character.

How do you get to know your characters? Last year I read one of William Bernhardt's Red Sneaker book's on writing, called Story Structure, The Key to Successful Fiction. In this book he stresses the essential of knowing your characters as well as yourself. And some of his ways of doing this, I found very creative and helpful! I thought I'd go ahead and share some with you.

Character Bio: Write an 'About Me' page for your character. Write as many details about your character as you can think of. Where they were born, what their favorite sports are, their passions and dreams, weaknesses and strengths. Favorite food, favorite color, allergies, family, pets, etc. 

A job application: Fill out a job application with questions that every job application asks. Answer

every question from your character's point of view. Why are they applying for this job? What do they have to offer? What is their experience and education?

A Facebook page: We all know how much one can find out about a person on Facebook! Create an account for you character and fill in all their info. Creating a Pinterest account or board for your character would be a great way to make them more real as well! This is a wonderful way of not only deciding but discovering your character for yourself, so you know them inside and out.

Now, I'm not saying, make a job application and Facebook account for every single character in your book. That would take forever. The most important thing is once you have shown your character a certain way in your book, stay true to their character. 

I know there are more professional details and circumstances about character development, but I'd thought I would just share what I've been learning and what's helped me in this area.

If you have advice and ideas about developing and getting to know your fiction characters, please share in the comments! I'd love to hear! 

One last little piece of advice. While creating characters, have fun! Don't think of it as another stressful priority. This is one of the most creative parts of writing a book. Use your imagination and enjoy this process! 

2015

It is 2015 and I have made a decision to commit to blogging this year! That's right, no matter how busy I am, or when I'd rather be cuddling up next to the fire devouring a good book, I WILL BLOG! The determination has set in, and there is no stopping me! (Yes, I know I've said that before.)
  But this year, I really want to use blogging to exercise my writing skills in a fun and relaxing way. I am looking forward to being back on here, sharing my thoughts, ideas, and anything I feel like God is pressing on my heart to write to my readers.

For this post, I'd like to share some highlights of my 2014 year, and what I'm looking forward to in 2015.

Writing

I feel like last year was when I truly became serious about my writing. Jotting stories for fun turned into writing a publishable novel. My hobby turned into a passion that God is using to help me grow and serve Him. Having my book read by a professional editor was a very good decision and helped me see what I need to work on to make my novel the best it can possibly be.

(At Goodrich Memorial Library in Newport. This plays a significant role in my book.)

One of the biggest highlight's of last year, was being able to go to Newport,Vermont, where my book takes place and finally seeing it for myself. I always knew it would be a wise idea to actually go to the location I'm writing about. (You know how they ALWAYS say, "Write what you know!"). And it finally worked for me to go, thanks to my amazingly supportive parents! It was a special experience, and the setting is suddenly a whole lot easier to describe. (:

(Hanging out at the boardwalk at Lake Memphremegog. Another significant part of the story.)

This year, as I work on my rewrite, I am hoping my skills will continue to grow, and my book will finally be ready for the publishers!

Running

I also ran my fourth marathon last year with my dad in Little Rock Arkansas. It was VERY unusually cold and rainy and just plain YUCKY. But, it was an experience I will never forget, and we got our super ginormous medals. So it was worth it.

(The only picture of me with my medal is in my pjs after my teeth stopped chattering.)

Running is special to me. It's a time I get to spend with just my dad. Marathon training is much easier when he is at my side. Whether we're discussing our day, aspirations, 80's movies, or not even talking at all, having him as a running partner definitely makes the hard long miles worth it! This year, I'd like to run one or maybe two marathons. The one we have our eye on right now is the Grandma's Marathon in Duluth Minnesota.

Career

Since I discovered my huge passion for writing, I've decided it would be nice to one day be a full time writer. So when I received an email through Writer's Digest with the heading, "How to Make a Living as a Writer." I became, quite curious. The email led me to AWAI (American Writers and Artists Inc.), and that's where I read about copywriting and decided it would definitely be something I'd be interested in. I won't make this paragraph longer than it should be by explaining all the elements of copywriting, but what I will explain, is that copywriting is persuasive writing and marketing, and something that has been a part of my life for about three months now!

I just finished training in AWAI's Accelerated Copywriting Program, and am excited to start launching my business as I go into the Christian Industry and specialize in webwriting. (Okay now I am sounding all businessy!)

Fun

I am glad to say, I still have time for fun! A big part of fun for me is reading. Yes, I am a major book worm and proud of it. Last year, my friend Michaela and I read a lot of the same books and spent many text messages either discussing them or how wonderful the fiction heroes were. I reached my goal I set on Goodreads to read 40 books. I know that sounds like a lot but I've seen people who have read at least a hundred a year! 

This year, I'm raising my goal just up to fifty, so we'll see what happens. What I love about reading is that there are so many genres and categories. I love the classics of course. Jane Eyre has been my favorite book since I was fourteen. But lately I've gotten into fantasy and Christian fiction. This year, I think I'll even go a little out of my comfort zone and read some sci-fi. (I've heard Marissa Meyer is really good.) What I'm really, really excited about is I've started a book club with a few friends of mine. Yes, I do believe it's going to be a good year!

So now that I feel like I just wrote a Christmas letter, I will close this post by saying that 2014 was great. It was challenging in a good way, and God made His goodness and mercy known to me over and over. I'm so thankful for the people He's placed in my life, and the desires He's placed in my heart. Probably the most important thing I learned this year, was that no matter what I'm doing and in what situation, to do my very best and all for His glory.

I would love to hear what some of your own highlights of 2014 and goals for 2015! Please share in the comments! 

God Bless!

~Allissa~

Alissa and Allissa

A little over twenty three years ago, and only a few months apart, one of my closest friend's Alissa and I were born. Her dad and my dad went to high school together and it didn't take long for our moms to become close friends as well. So when my parents liked the name Allissa, but our friends also liked the name, it made things a bit confusing. Since Alissa was born first, and my parents knew another family who had recently named their daughter Alyssa, I was briefly named Leah when I was born to avoid confusion since our families are so close. But because I didn't look like a 'Leah', and much more like an 'Allissa', my parents called our friends and asked if they minded if they also named their daughter Allissa (True story!).
  So! Alissa and I have become very close since little girls, and though it can be confusing at times when our families get together and both our heads turn when we hear our name, I can say proudly that I am honored to share names with this special person God has placed in my life.
  Last weekend, I went out to Des Moines to visit Alissa and her husband, Josh. On Friday evening, when Josh was working, Alissa and I went shopping, then made a Starbucks trip on our way back to her house. It was rather ironic that we happened to be wearing similar outfits, and we ended up buying (then wearing) the same exact bracelet at The Loft. So that only made it funnier when the coffee barista asked for our names for our cups. She looked at us as if we were pulling a prank! So yes, it can be confusing when we're together, but much more fun and adventurous!

I hope I haven't confused everyone reading this post! ;)

Be Still My Soul

I love music. Anyone who knows me well, is aware that I always have some tune in my head, and it is almost impossible for me to go a minute without humming, whistling, or singing. And if the tune stays in my head and becomes the song of my day, I often find myself drawn to the piano where my fingers find satisfaction as they play the melody on the keys.
  A few days ago, this song happened to be, Be Still My Soul, one of my favorite traditional hymns. Nancy Lee Demoss's 'Be Still Meditations' sheet music is my favorite arrangement of the song. It's powerful yet soothing at the same time and as the dynamics change throughout and crescendo up to the chorus, I can sense the peace and stillness of the Creator's constant presence.
  But what's even more soothing than the melody, are the lyrics:

Be still, my soul; the Lord is on thy side;
Bear patiently the cross of grief or pain;
Leave to thy God to order and provide;
In every change He faithful will remain.
Be still, my soul; thy best, thy heavenly, Friend
Through thorny ways leads to a joyful end.

I've sung these words many times, but for some reason, when I read these words the other day, I felt as if I had been reading them for the first time. The lyrics reminded me of how busy, how worrisome, how stormy life is at times. Yet, through it all God with never leave our side. In the second verse, the lyrics tell, 'To guide the future as He has the past.Thy hope, thy confidence, let nothing shake--.' 
  How wonderful to simply be still amidst all unpleasant surprises or trials we face, not letting them shake our confidence in knowing that we have a heavenly Father who cares so deeply. Be still, my soul; thy best, thy heavenly, Friend, Through thorny ways leads to a joyful end!

Why isn't she writing?!

Admit it. It made you laugh. If you'd like to see some other hilarious writing quotes and pins, check out my Writer Funnies Pinterest board, http://www.pinterest.com/classylissa/writer-funnies/

Learn. Grow. Inspire.

"You need to update your blog, ma'am." Last night's text was not the first reminder from Michaela, my writing buddy. Yes, I am sorry to say it's been a while since I've by blogged. (Which is rather sad since I only just created this blog.)
  Due to a rather crazy summer and the overwhelming stage of my writing life right now, I admit I've been putting off blogging and at times not even sure what exactly to post. But here I am at last with a brand new post! So what's this blog post exactly about? Well I've been wondering the same thing since I sat down at my computer. How about something encouraging? Since I have developed the dream to become a novelist, I've come to the conclusion that every writer NEEDS encouragement from fellow writers.
  When I ran the Pikes Peak marathon last year, I found myself not just rooted on by the amazing spectators but even more so by my fellow runners. As I was slowly and very painfully making my way up the mountain, the runners on their way down were the ones that kept me going. They encouraged me by letting my know that I was getting closer and once I got to the top, the run down was much easier. So I pushed...and pushed...and cried...and then at last made it to the top. And guess what? The way down was much easier! It actually felt good to run for once after at times practically crawling over rocks to reach the turnaround point. Those runners were right because they knew exactly what I was going through. And they knew that if I kept it up eventually things would get easier.
  As a writer I have also found it comforting to know that all writers go through the same process of writing and rewriting their first novel. And every novelist faces the same thorough and very blunt critique of an editor. After sending in my book to a project editor this summer I have recently finished going through the evaluation and all the commentary throughout the manuscript. Several things are now clear to me. One, is that God truly has been gracious and blessed me with the gift to write. These last couple of years I've wondered at times if I was wasting time by pursuing a dream that I wasn't meant to live. I asked God constantly to give me wisdom and peace if this was His path for me. Now I am certain that He has intended me to use this gift to serve Him. Another thing I've learned is that my book still needs quite a bit of work to become publishable. Reading through my editor's comments, my expressions were often, "Oh wow...I didn't think of that." Or, "Oh dear, how stupid of me!" And lots of times, "I'm a horrible writer." BUT because my editor time and again reminded me I do have talent, I had to hold on to those words as I painfully trudged through the manuscript. The last couple of weeks have been as I mentioned before very overwhelming and I realize this process of writing a novel is not so fun. But this is also an extremely important part of developing my talent and bringing my writing skills to the next level. I feel as if after all the time and effort I put into my novel, God is handing it back to me saying, "You can do better." I want my book to be honoring to Him and the very best as He intended it to be.
  Running the Pikes Peak marathon was the hardest thing I've ever done in my life. Both physically and mentally. It was more painful than words can say. But I have a medal that proves what God helped me accomplish.
  To all you writers who are in that challenging process of crafting that first novel; if you keep pushing, no matter how far away the finish line seems now, someday you will have that beautiful completed project on your bookshelf.You will look back and realize it was all worth it.
  I believe from every dream God gives us, we are to learn, grow, and inspire, always giving Him the glory.

Philippians 1:6 "Being confident of this very thing; that He who has begun a good work in you, will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ."