Author, Wife, Busy Mom, A Woman after God's Heart.

Tag: drama in books

Splintered Wood

deckpic

“I am more broken than a piece of splintered wood.”

This is a line from one of my characters, Harvey Huckfinn, in my upcoming novel, Make it Right; Make it Matter. I thought of that line today as I stared at my cedar deck from the kitchen window. It made me realize that wood could be pretty fragile and as it ages it gets worn down and dry—easily splintered.

Day in and day out, I look out to my backyard at the deck. Every year the darn thing needs to be power washed and stained before summer comes. Like me, it’s aging under the climate of our Midwestern weather. It seems sturdy and at times it is, but it is still fragile and desires the love and care for its upkeep and well-being. Harsh words, lack of sleep, bad food, and seductive advertisements all contaminate a body that’s meant to withstand the worldly views in which we live.

Like Harvey, a part-time pastor, he dedicates his life to serving others. He once said, “I often forget I’m human too, and have my share of failures. His shoes are hard to fill, but one must try every day.”

When it is our time to go, we will be just as weathered as the cedar deck. But, if we take the time to power wash our minds and pour good stain on our hearts, it don’t matter what kind of elements are out there. We will be preserved and protected by the Spirit.

 

 

To Drama or Not to Drama?

 

To Drama, or not to Drama?

writer

I just finished reading the book, The Giver, by Lois Lowry. I don’t usually read YA books, but this story caught my attention when I recently saw the movie trailer.

It’s an interesting story about a boy who lives in a community where “sameness” is a way of life. There is no color, no inequity, no wars, no differences, and no feelings or memories. Life is the same, each and every day until the boy is assigned a job as a receiver and holder of memories past. As the story unfolds, he begins to question life in his community, desiring and appreciating the memories and feelings he’s receiving. Love being the most important of all.

I truly enjoyed the story. It’s not action-packed, or gruesome, but rather introspective. As Lowry said, “quiet.” There is tension, but it’s internal, and there is no accelerated drama.

It got me thinking about writing as a whole. There are those that claim each story needs to have a story or narrative arc, climax, anti-climax, plot, structure, subplots, and on and on, it goes.

Life can definitely mimic books. Imagination is a powerful tool. When tapped into, fruitful stories abound. Ever wonder what life would be like without imagination or memory for that matter. It would be boring, without drama.

Life should dramatic. As country artist, Keith Urban sings, “I just want a little bit of everything….”

I guess when it comes to books, readers just want that too. Something to get lost in. And that, should be enough for a writer to write.

Until next time…

Be well. Be safe. Be happy.

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