We had the presents. We had the meals. We had the company. And we had the good news–2 new babies coming in 09.

Some unusual visitors came through our yard on Christmas Day. I managed to grab my camera and get one picture before the camera announced my memory card was full. That’s what happens when I don’t erase any pictures all summer and autumn. Here’s our visitors leaving.

We had a great time over the holidays. We made a big jig saw puzzle and enjoyed visiting the kids and grandkids. We had 22 here yesterday for the family dinner. Fun.

But I am ready to get back to work.

On Christmas Eve day I finally accepted that the story I was working on wasn’t working. It wasn’t simply a matter of pushing through resistance because the resistance wouldn’t go away. I expect my ‘muse’ tried yelling and when I wouldn’t listen, started yawning. Eventually, I stopped and went back to square one. I’m happy I did because the story I came up with is so much better. I’d tell you about it but it might take a few unexpected turns before it actually is finished (and published).

Which makes me think of things that make me unique as  a writer. (I suspect every writer has similiar traits)

•  I talk to voices inside my head.
• Some of the letters on my keyboard are worn off.
• There are food crumbs in my keyboard. (And coffee stains on the keys)
• I have favorite pens that no one is allowed to touch (especially the one from Harrod’s)
• I would rather stay home and write than go out (even for dinner)
• My idea of a perfect holiday is just me and my computer.
• I love the smell of books.
• A bookstore is one of my favorite places.
• I know several good on-line sites for used books. (In fact, I get special shipping rates).
• When I’m working I’m happy.

With that, I will confess that I am looking forward to Monday morning and getting back to work.

‘Tis the season to remember Christamses past. Christmas was always so busy when the kids were little. There were programs and parties, gifts to buy friends, teachers, etc. Then I supervised them shopping for each other. Our shopping trip was an ALL day event. We lived several hours from the nearest city so rose early and were on the road by about six a.m. We spent about twelve hours shopping and then drove home, usually arriving in the early morning hours–exhausted by satisfied that the job had been done.

With shopping, parties, programs, baking, and company consuming so many of our days and hours it was sometimes difficult to remember what the season was really about so we began a tradition. We celebrated Jesus’ birthday Christmas Eve.

One of the older children read the Christmas story while the others acted it out. They created their own costumes and props.

We then brought in a birthday cake and with no light but that of the candles on the cake, we sang songs about the season then blew out the candles.

Before we had cake and icecream we all gave Jesus a birthday present. Each of us had our own envelope that we used year after year. At this stage of the party we would open the envelope, read what we’d written previously, add something for the present time and reseal it. I have not to this day opened and read what anyone wrote. I know each year I said, with God’s help I would strive to be more patient. Sigh. I’m still hoping to become more patient.

I have  lots of good memories of Christmases past and anticipate making news ones in a few days with my children and grandchildren. May we all enjoy the season and remember Jesus is the reason for the season.

“Tis the season to remember the gift of the savior born in a manger, to think of all his birth meant. I especially like the words of ‘God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen.’

God rest ye merry, gentlemen, let nothing you dismay,
Remember Christ our Savior was born on Christmas Day;
To save us all from Satan’s power when we were gone astray.

Refrain

O tidings of comfort and joy, comfort and joy;
O tidings of comfort and joy.

You can listen to the music and read the whole song here:

http://www.cyberhymnal.org/htm/g/o/godrest.htm

This is a wonderful gift and certainly the cause of comfort and joy.

But I too often overlook the small things that bring comfort and joy. So for my own reminder I am going to list some of them.

1. The smell of soup simmering on the stove.

2. The smell of freshly baked bread.

3. A ‘window’ view of winter. (The rubber on the road reality of snow and ice and cold are not at all comforting.)

4. Good health.

5. Warm houses.

6. Good friends.

7. Family, especially grandchildren.

8. Flowers which seem to speak both comfort and joy to one’s soul.

9. A happy marriage.

10. Satisfying work. My writing is at times frustrating but if I view it from a dispassionate distance, it is a source of joy.

To turn the list back to the real meaning of the season, I am including a picture of one of my favorite creches. I bought this in Mexico one year while my sister and I were visiting my brother.

Enjoy the comfort and joy of the season.

(I’d love to hear what things bring you comfort and joy.)

I am working on a new story idea which means I need new characters. One would think it would become easier the more books I write but it doesn’t. My demands for my characters grow more stringent. They must be likeable, motivated and strong even if they don’t know it. Double that because I need a hero and a heroine and throw in some solid problems they must overcome on their way to love and the whole process becomes complicated.

Let me walk you quickly through my process.

First, I need a picture. Sometimes I use real people, like actors but my favorite way to find pictures of historical characters is from old family photo albums. The old black and white photos are beautiful. Here is one. I think these characters will feature in book #3 of the series I’m currently working on.

At the same time, I need names. When you consider it took me nine months to name my babies but now I have to name 2 characters within a matter of hours, you maybe understand how I struggle with this. Plus I have to bear in mind the name will eventually have to meet approval from my editor. I’ve had to change a couple of names. Sigh.

My next step is to do a character interview. For anyone interested, I use the questionnaire in Alice Orr’s book, No More Rejections.

http://www.amazon.com/No-More-Rejections-Secrets-Manuscript/dp/1582972850/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1228151416&sr=1-1

That leads me to examining their character more…considering an archetype for them. I often use the ennegram website to aid me.

http://www.enneagraminstitute.com/descript.asp

That leads me to developing a character diamond. And discovering a journey for each. Something like from isolation to community. Or from anger to forgiveness.

Which leads to plot. Or maybe it is fair to say they are knitting together in my mind at the same time. So I’m not following a straight line. I’m going back and forth, up and down and round and round. No wonder I get dizzy. Sometimes I get it right. More times I don’t and have to start over.

  So if I seem a little confused at times…