Keep looking toward tomorrow -- it only gets better!

Hello everyone. I'm so sorry I didn't get my blog written and posted by the tenth of this month. April is almost over. Where did it go?

This has been a busy month for me...and some of you as well.

Of course we all know IRS is our number one concern in April. We don't want to miss the deadline for turning in our tax returns. Most of you probably jumped on it by February. I think the deadline for all the information to come to us so we can file is the end of January. Me, I put it off until the last minute. Ask Brenda, my CPA. I usually put off making my appointment until the middle or end of March, and then they have to squeeze me in. I guess they don't have to, but they do. Margie's Tax Service takes care of me every year. I am blessed.

You know what I did in January, February, and March. Not much, but what I did do, I put in my blogs. I did attend a couple of book fairs and truly enjoyed them. I have another one coming up May 2nd in Sulphur, LA from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. It's called "Authors on the Bayou" - Authors and Illustrators with their books for sale as well as workshops and readings. Sulphur Regional Library/ 1160 Cypress St/Sulphur, LA 70663/any questions call 337/721-7141. I tried to post the flyer, but couldn't do it. Authors who will be there are: Deborah Lynne, Trish Leger, Vicky Franks, Deborah Fenton, Morena Caleb, Dr. Elaine Adams, Theresa Singleton, Caroline Dixon, Dr. Tim Pennington, Arlene Hebert, Rachel Windham,  Angela Tenzeno, Malinda Falgoust, Cay Gibon, Lori Leger, Gail Parker, and Jessica Hutchings. I'll be speaking and answering any questions at 11:45. Speakers will be throughout the whole program. Also as I mentioned, there will be workshops: Organize our life in 37 minutes; Yo, ho ho and hold em:Capturing and holding your audience; AND How to enhance your child's imagination and education in 15 minutes a day. The programs are all free and open to the public.

How did I spend the rest of April? Having fun. I wanted to go on this trip, of course, but part of me didn't think I was ready. I flew off on 4/15/15 with Chris my son, Rosie my daughter-in-law and Sarah my sister-in-law. We spent a week in Cancun, Mexico. I'll toss in a couple of pictures at the end of this paragraph. This trip was during all that horrific weather in Louisiana and surrounding areas. In fact, it started as we were driving down to New Orleans to catch the plane. It was delayed an hour due to the weather, causing us to miss our flight from Dallas to Cancun. Instead of getting to our final destination on time, which I believe was around 4 p.m, we got in after 8  that night and was told our ride wouldn't be there waiting on us. But guess what--he was! What a wonderful man, actually two of them. I don't know if they waited or just returned for us, but when we were told we'd have to hire a taxi and it would be $30 per person - $120, I was ready to do cartwheels when Rosie saw a man holding up a sign saying Chris Craft. This man was pleasant and informative...and he spoke broken English very well...American English. I have to say that because my son-in-law, Molly's husband, is from England and Pete speaks proper English. We fail miserably. Well I do, with my country drawl. When we arrived at the hotel, we were ready for a shower and relaxing. The next day we started enjoying all the things the place offered: food, swimming in the pool, laying out on the beach, dipping our feet in the Caribbean and more. We did this every day but one. After two or three full days in the sun, we gave our skin some rest and took a ferry to Isle of Mujeres. I think I'm spelling it correctly. It's the Island of Women. No it wasn't filled with all women. We never found out where the name came from. It was a beautiful island where we rented a golf cart and drove around. Visited the turtle farm, saw the sights, and then walked the streets in the little town. Shop after shop of souvenirs. Of course there were 3 women and 1 man, so we went shopping. I bought some nice things to bring home to Rachael, Molly, Pete, Koby and Eli. And for my oldest grandson, Scotty (his grandfather's namesake and look alike) I found the perfect gift for him at the airport in Mexico on our flight back home. Nothing worked for what he'd said he'd like to get. He loved what I found for him. In fact, I believe everyone was happy. My oldest daughter, Rachael, won't know if she likes her gift until she flies here in May. We're going to Nashville when she comes, but I'll save that for another time. Now for 14 pictures I thought I'd share. I hope you enjoy the taste of the sea air and Mexican flavor.

Lifestyle beach

Chris & Rosie sunning?? or shading!!

We're lunching the first day

Luis, our waiter on the beach & at beach bar & grill

Sarah reading after some sunning

Chris and Rosie waiting on Ferry Ride

some of the many turtles and other sea type things at the farm

Chris, me, and Rosie with the Caribbean as the backdrop!

one of the many beaches on the Isle of Mujeres

We're about to lunch -- believe it or not we are up high looking over

the four of us at Mexican night back at resort

Reyes & Emil our waiters

view to the right from our deck

last look from the room

 I hope you enjoyed the pictures. We did so much more, but I'm not too good at taking pictures. For those of you who are connected on FB with me or Rosie Craft, there is a journal of a lot of the shots. Hers are the best.

Now for the next part of my blog. I try to finish off with a writing tip. Today I worked on the 2nd to last edits on my latest manuscript...Hidden Secrets. I noticed some words I seemed to have trouble with. In case you do to, I had looked them up and found the proper use. The notes I made for myself for future writings, I'm going to share them with you now. I'll copy and paste:

Confusing Words and Usage

1.     Allot/Alot/A Lot – Allot means to parcel out. Alot is not a word…incorrect usage. A lot (two words) is correct usage meaning plenty of or a large number of.

2.     Affect/Effect – Usually affect is a verb, meaning to influence or to change, example – The rain affected the party in a big way; Effect is usually a noun and you can put a or the in front of it. It means as a result. Example – The effect of the rain was a cancelled party.

3.     Alright/All Right – Alright is not a proper word, it is used informally. All right (two words) is used in formal writing, edited writing.

4.     Altogether/All Together - Altogether is an adverb meaning wholly, entirely, completely. All together means in a group. All can be omitted without seriously affecting the meaning.

5.     Anymore/Any More – Anymore as an adverb means “any longer” It’s used in negative constructions. Example: He doesn’t work here anymore. Any more has same meaning, but is no longer commonly used.

6.     Anytime/Any Time – Anytime is an adverb meaning at any hour, day, or time. Any time was made into one word in 1854 as the one word and is normally used today.

7.     Whatever/What Ever – Whatever is used as a pronoun (Whatever do you mean?), as an adjective meaning in any amount (Whatever merit the work has) and as an interjection, used to indicate indifference to a state of affairs. What ever (two words) was joined together and now it is the common use.

As I mentioned earlier, today I went through another edited copy of my latest MS – Hidden Secrets. My poor critique partners have to be getting so tired of me messing up on these same words. Anyway, I took time to look them up so I’d have a hard copy as to when and when not use the above words.

Words NOT to use: alot, alright, any more (two words), any time (two words), what ever (two words). You’d be amazed how many times my critique partners had to delete the space.

Words to use: allot, a lot, affect, effect, all right, altogether, all together, anymore, anytime, and whatever. (see definitions for underlined words if not sure.) I’m sure there are more words we could discuss, but these were the ones that tripped me up.

Ref:

www.Dictionary.reference.com

Grammar Girl’s 101 Misused Words You’ll never Confuse Again (ebook version on my Kindle)

I hope you enjoyed the blog for April. I'll try to send out the May blog by the middle of the month. Don't forget -- Bayou Secrets will be at your stores wherever you live, May 1...this Friday. It's 3 of my books in one paperback. Well over 900 pages...about 960-975. I'll attach a copy of the cover so you'll know what to look for in Costco, Walmart, LiveWays, and more chain stores all across America. My friends in England, you can order it from your on-line store. I even think I saw a copy of it in eBook form in my Kindle Store. The paperback makes a wonderful Christmas present for those who are shopping early, or a birthday gift. 3 books for the price of 1.

God bless you all!!

deb

Moving Forward

I'm back again. How about this, two months in a row. It's so nice to be able to chat with my friends through this blog.

Six days ago was a hard day to complete. It marked one year of Scott's passing. That doesn't seem real, but it's so. I believe I cried more that day than I did this whole past year. It was like God let me pour out all my sadness at once. It was even more than sadness. I think I let go of the things I wished I'd done different in the last 48 hours of his life...not sure they would have a made a difference at all. The great thing--and I know it--was the moment Scott took his last breath he was no longer in pain and was walking the streets of gold in joy and jubilee. I'm glad to say we who he left behind, although we are sad, we are better for knowing him, and he lives on through his kids and his grandsons. Yea!!!

I managed to be a part of one book festival and one arts & crafts fair since last we spoke. Both were fun to be a part of. The first was the 2nd Annual SWLA Family Book Festival in Lake Charles, LA. This was only their second year and already loads of people were in attendance. Fairs and festivals grow over time, so I'm sure as organized as it was it will only get better and better. The second festival I took part in was in Greenwell Springs, LA at The Greenwell Springs Baptist Church. This was their 10th year. They use all the proceeds to pay tuition to summer camp for kids who otherwise would not be able to go and enjoy. The woman who started it, felt if she could reach only one child, it would be a blessing and possibly bless his/her family around them. I don't know how many families they've blessed in these past 9 years, but by the size and crowd of it, I'm sure it is many. This was their 10th Annual Fair. They not only had a lot of arts and crafts for the families to check out, but they had fantastic rides for the kids. A huge Farris Wheel, a giant slide, and several other rides. They lit up the sky when the sun went down. This year was probably the coldest it has been, but it didn't stop the people. And did I mention the food. Oh my gosh! It was like that fair we used to wait for as a kid that only came around once a year. They had everything you could think of: funnel cakes, cotton candy, popcorn, jambalaya, gumbo, cakes, cake lollipops, and so much more. All who showed up to have fun shared in blessing these young people. I hope to see more of you next year. It was a blast.

There has been an update on my collection that's being released by Oak Tara/Barbour Publishing together...book named Bayou Secrets. It will be available May 1 in Costco, Wal-Mart, and other chain stores across America. The collection will contain Crime in The Big Easy; Be Not Afraid; & Testimony of Innocence. The paperback book can be pre ordered now on Amazon, or through Barnes & Noble's internet site...maybe even more.

I thought by now I'd be finished with my latest novel - Hidden Secrets. It's almost there. I will get back on Against Her Will, BK4 of The Samantha Cain Mysteries. Sorry for the delays, but I am working toward completion. Thanks for being patient.

God also laid on my heart to start writing a devotion. He has helped me so much over this past year as well as the three years prior while Scott was sick. Through His Word He gave me strength to keep moving forward. The devotion has begun. At some point, it will be added on my website so at your convenience you will be able to go in and download it so maybe it will help you as well through a tough time in your life. I'm sharing the Scriptures God opened up to me and how they seemed to help me. This is my way of giving back. Today I'm adding day one to my blog.

*****

     His Promises: Psalms 103:1-6 (NIV)

            Praise the Lord, my soul; all my inmost being, praise his holy name. Praise the Lord, my soul, and forget not all his benefits—who forgives all your sins and heals all your diseases, who redeems your life from the pit and crowns you with love and compassion, who satisfies your desires with good things so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s. The Lord works righteousness and justice for all the oppressed.

The Lord is so good! He gives us precious benefits throughout our lives. He forgives our sins. Praise God! He heals all our diseases. Praise God!

He redeems our lives from the pits we dig for ourselves when we make wrong choices. He won’t leave you there. He’s already defeated Satan, so trust the Lord to do what He has planned for you and all that He promises to you. Do your part by staying in His Word, living the life He wants you to live, under the blood of Jesus. In several chapters in the New Testament He tells us how.

He covers us with His love and compassion. And the good thing is, we don’t have to earn His love. He gives it to us freely…while we were still knee deep (or over our head) in sin. So just take His love. Bask in it. Love on Him by loving others through Him.

In the above Scriptures He also tells us He likes to satisfy us by giving us our desires. Isn’t that awesome. As we grow in our relationship with Him our desires will grow in line with His will. If there ever is a desire you do not receive, know that He sees the big picture and knows this desire will not bless you or it's the wrong time. Sometimes when we don’t give up asking, He gives it to us anyway, but then we realize, He was right in the beginning…this wasn’t for me. You were right, God. Why did I doubt? He loves you and me. He gives us free choice. Sometimes when we choose incorrectly or desire the wrong thing and He allows it to come to pass, we may have to walk through some repercussions. But know that God only wants the best for you. So if you ask for something, and don’t receive it right away, it’s either not the right timing or not good for you after all. Trust Him to know what’s best. God is so good!!!

*****

Today the only tip I'm going to write to writers who read my blog is this: DON'T QUIT. DON'T GIVE UP. You were given the desire to write for a reason. As we keep working on our article, novel, song, whatever it is you are writing, it will continue to improve. Also know when it is finished and ready to go out into the world so you can bless the reader. The latest author I've added to my reading is Dani Pettrey. What great reads her books are. There are 5 in a series. Check her out. I finished them all loving every minute. She blessed me with her stories as well as many, many others. Your writings will do the same.

Take care and God bless you all!

I'm back -- with a note, an update on my career, a suggestion to readers, and a writer's tip

Hello everyone.

It’s been a long time since I’ve written in my blog, but I hope you understand. When I lost Scott, I piece of my heart went with him. Those who knew him remember his light wit, how he kept everyone laughing. So a large part of laughter slipped out of my life, my kids lives, and my grandsons’ lives. The great thing is our memories keep Scott alive in our hearts, so when we’re sitting around the table playing a card game or dominoes someone will say something like Scott would have said it, and we all crack up laughing. At first memories brought tears, loads and loads of them. But now I think it’s safe to say smiles and laughter flow as memories flash through our minds. He will always be with us…in our hearts. The Lord has him now and I’m sure people around him are most likely laughing. Enough about why I stepped away for a while.

I am back. I got some wonderful news from Ramona Tucker, my publisher at Oak Tara Publishing. Remember how last year Oak Tara and Barbour were joining together in an endeavor to release some of Oak Tara’s authors in a collection of some of their novels? They have now planned my release for May 1, 2015. At this point most Wal-Mart’s and Costco’s across America, and a few other chain stores, will be carrying Bayou Secrets, a collection of Deborah Lynne novels. This book will include Crime in The Big Easy, Be Not Afraid, and Testimony of Innocence. I was so excited when I received the news that I posted the link given me, which was only a mock-up copy of the book, so I could see it. The finished copy, however, will be released through Amazon with an option to pre-order, as well as being available at the above named stores. As soon as I have my copy and the details, I’ll pass them along to you.

A few months back, I returned to writing full time and I am about finished with a manuscript to send to Oak Tara. It’s not the 4^th book in The Samantha Cain Series as was scheduled—my fault, not my publisher’s. That will be the next manuscript I’ll finish writing. It touches a tender part in my heart, for my husband was with me when I visited the country most of it will be taking place in. For my own sake, I had to set it aside a little longer than I had planned. So don’t give up on Against Her Will. It will be completed sometime this year.

I also plan to work on the young adult fiction series I’d mentioned to my publisher in 2013. My niece keeps asking about the book, the series, which helps keep me on track. It will happen this year!! I realize how important good wholesome fiction is for the young people as well as we adults. I feel when I write my manuscripts, they need to be entertaining, as well as believable, and in the end give the reader hope. My ideas come from The Lord, and then I write the story for the genre labeled inspirational fiction, where my stories are fiction but my God is real.

While I’ve been on sabbatical, I have been reading and studying ways to improve my writing. In the past I’ve shared writing tips in my blog. I’d like to do that today as well…for you writer’s who read my blog. For you readers who like what I write and are looking for another author to read, I’d like to suggest Dani Pettrey. She has a series that takes place in Alaska, wonderful entertaining fiction that comes to life in your head while reading. Great stories…stories that keep you on the edge of your seat. You will truly enjoy the read: #1 Submerged, #2 Shattered, and #3 Stranded. Book 4 is scheduled out this year. I can’t wait.

*****

I took a month of classes taught by Ane Mulligan, an inspirational author. She taught this through ACFW online courses. The title of her course was Lies & Motivation. In this class she taught how important it was to know your characters inside and out…not just their physical traits. This deepens your characters and helps them to be more believable to the reader. It also helps you write your story easier.

I don’t know about you, but my characters take over my story as I write. I’m a “by the seat of my pants” writer, however, sometimes I will make an outline. Sometimes I write this OL before I start my story, but usually if I write an OL, I write it when I’ve gotten about half way through the manuscript and start to slow down. The outline helps me keep going and lets me know the direction my book plans to take. Again, my characters still have the final say.

Back to the class Ane Mulligan taught.

After teaching the course, she cut it down to a few words. These I’d like to share with you. They should help you deepen your characters and help bring your story to life.

Ane designs her characters with 5 critical elements:

1.     Dark wound of the past

2.     The Lie he believes

3.     The greatest fear

4.     The secret desire

5.     What can they do in the end they couldn’t do in the beginning?

Once you ask yourself these things about your characters and know the answer, like her, you’ll know what your story is about and where it is going…you’ll also  know your characters inside and out.

The Dark Wound – That would be something from your character’s past that hero/heroine will deal with and be healed from in this story. (secondary character’s that also have a dark wound can be book 2 in a series, if you write series).

The lie he/she believes – The dark wound forms the lie in the head and heart. This is the lie the protagonist believes about him/herself, or God, or others. The more detailed the better. And Ane states, the more personal the better. (ex – If the protagonist’ dark wound is his/her parents traumatic divorce, then the lie he/she believes is that marriage doesn’t work, love is painful and not worth the effort.  To make it more personal, more distressing, let he/she be told that when he/she was born the family fell apart. One kid too many. He/she believes they aren’t wanted.)

The greatest fear – the lie becomes the fear. He/she fears he’ll never be wanted. Never be loved. Whatever he/she touches will be destroyed. The more specific you are about the lie the more wounding the fear will be. Our fears come from the lies we believe…same with your characters.

Your story is about overcoming the fear, replacing the lie with truth and healing the dark wound.

What makes the protagonist face these issues? What gives him the courage?

The Secret Desire  - This secret desire is always about overcoming the fear. The desire cannot be separate from the woundàlieàfear equation.

It tells the hero (still using above ex.), “I am worth knowing. I can love and be loved. I won’t destroy someone by being in their life. Maybe love is worth pursuing.”

What can your hero/heroine do in the end that they couldn’t do in the beginning?  Could be (using above ex) he/she forgives his/her parents, fall in love, trust that someone loves him/her.  The answer comes from the healing the wound, embracing the truth and conquering fear!

Ane says this becomes her story spine to which the plot and all other aspects will connect. If the plot or story lines are not ultimately about healing the protagonist and getting them to a grand epiphany, then you need to readjust where you’re story is going.

The scenes in the middle of the book are about confronting the lie, facing the fear, and eventually winning – defeating the lie…overcoming the lie.

Stories are about a slice of life where the protagonist is launched on a specific journey by external events that reach the internal fears and dreams.

*****

The above information was a summary of the class Ane taught, summary written by her as well. I found if very helpful. I hope you do as well.

It’s nice to be back to writing. I still love my life and am blessed by God to be able to pursue my career. Although I miss my husband dearly, life goes on. I am blessed to have such a supporting and loving family…and a fantastic career. Thank You Lord!!

Take care and God bless you all. I look forward to one day getting to meet you face-to-face.

Deborah Lynne

A Farewell to Scott

            Although Scott, my husband, passed on into Eternity March 2, 2014, I will see him again. I don’t know how long it will be as to when that happens. Only God knows. In the meantime, we celebrated his parting. Oh, don’t get me wrong. His friends and family (& me) were crushed, saddened, and very unhappy at his passing…for us. For Scott, we rejoiced!

            Many of his family and friends came to say a farewell. We started by singing glorious happy songs, knowing Scott was no longer suffering, knowing he was in Heaven with The Lord basking in the light. No pain. No suffering. After singing songs of joy, several stood and shared a memory or a thought about Scott. Some went back over 50 years, while others were very fresh memories. Tears touched most every eye in the church. Molly, our middle child, shared Scott’s testimony, how he came to know the Lord in 2010 and has been living joyfully even through the pain. Praise God, Scott had God as his anchor even in the midst of the turbulent waters his life had him swimming. Rachael, our oldest daughter followed with her memories and growth in their father/daughter relationship, sharing her thanks in having him as her Pop. Two of my grandsons, Koby and Scotty, had their mother share their thoughts on Pawpaw with the world. Koby attempted, but the tears strangled out his words. Hearing these shared emotions about my dear husband touched me more than I could ever say. I am grateful and blessed to know my husband was loved by so many. I assure you, he loved them as well.

            The celebration didn’t stop there. Meagan, the music leader put pictures together from Scott’s life and shared him in a visual way. Every picture showed that brilliant smile. Sometimes the face he projected was funny, making faces with his grandchildren, trying to match them, one-on-one, but he was always handsome. She even slipped in a video here and there, so his voice talking with his youngest grandson, Eli, was caught on digital disk forever, or at least for as long as it endures. Another great part of the celebration. Here is the link so you can click on it and enjoy a piece of Scott’s smile yourself. I guarantee it will brighten your day.  Richard Scott Craft memorial .

            Pastor Philip Pimlott, shared a phenomenal message which I’m sure touched everyone’s heart. The celebration ended with Pastor P’s dad, Pastor Allen Pimlott, singing a song “Learning to Lean on Jesus,” a song he sang to Scott in the hospital. The first time Scott not only enjoyed it but told me so afterwards how much it meant to him. The second time was shortly before he passed, while he lay in the bed not opening his eyes. As the song touched his ears, he opened his eyes wide for only a brief second, and then closed them again. I knew the music had reached his heart and gave him another shot of joy.

            My son Christopher held my hand through the entire celebration. He helped me make it through saying farewell to Scott for the last time. The next time we meet will be in heaven.  As heavy as my heart is, I know Scott is still smiling.

            I want to thank everyone who has been praying for him over these past few years. Know that not only had God healed him a few times and allowed him to stay down here with us, this last time God took Scott home to be in great health for eternity.

            This blog I paid tribute to my husband and I hope you all enjoyed it. We’ll get back to the writing on the next one. I have a lot of great news to share, but it will wait. God bless you all.

deb