The Little Things by Catherine Brakefield
The little things are what get a chuckle out of me and inspire me during a crazy day. The wet kiss plastered on my cheek by my three-year-old granddaughter. The toothless grin generated from a full tummy and dry diaper from my three-month-old granddaughter. Then there’s that spontaneous review which not only generates a smile, but truly inspires my day!
Why is a review on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, or Goodreads so inspiring? Because you, dear readers, are every writer’s employer, and a review is like an unexpected bonus check.
Writers can feel inspired to reach unfathomable heights by our fictional characters. Now don’t call in the psychiatrists just yet, first here me out.
Writers live a unique life. We spend countless hours in what we could label “solitary confinement”. Yes, in our padded world of make-believe, the only voices we hear are those in our imagination of our characters. Strange to say, a writer does not feel alone while in the company of their characters’ antics.
We tap away patiently on our keyboard and pour in the hours, days, and months of research so our fictional novel sings with realism. We want our imaginary characters to walk and talk with vitality, vividness, and validity. Then, like a mother caressing her newborn child, we eagerly await the debut of our new creation to the world.
The writer’s key desire is to make historical and modern-day romances sound like the characters live. That they are sitting in the next room, waiting to hear your questions. Check out Mr. Darcy and Elizabeth in Pride and Prejudice; Rhett Butler and Scarlett O’Hara in Gone with the Wind. After eighty plus years, people continue to speak about these awesome novels. Talk about imaginary characters coming alive!
A writer knows that they have achieved their ultimate goal in creating a superb novel, through readers communicating their emotional experience to others. Readers can either verbally communicate this to the writer or take time to write their review on Amazon and other search engines.
Would you enjoy preparing for an Easter pageant, pile on the hours in rehearsals for weeks and months, and—then play to an empty auditorium? A writer’s applause comes in the way of reviews. Readers, as I mentioned before, are the writer’s employers, and they convey to the writer if a particular novel has accomplished its goal, by giving out a bonus, telling others about your emotional experience.
Yes, it is the little things in life that inspire us to meet each day with enthusiasm. Our grandchild’s first steps, the antics of make-believe characters, or the finished product of years of work framed in a provoking cover and bound with the author’s prayer.
“And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season
we shall reap if we do not lose heart.” Galatians 6:9 NKJV
Inspiration can come in many forms, but the best is a hug, a kind word,
and for satisfied readers to take time to give out bonuses. God Bless!
Catherine says, “My readers inspire my writing!”
She is the author of three faith-based historical romances; Wilted Dandelions; a four book Destiny series, Swept into Destiny, and Destiny’s Whirlwind scheduled for April 17, 2018 release. She has written two pictorial history books: Images of America: The Lapeer Area, and Images of America: Eastern Lapeer County.
Her short stories have been published in Guidepost Books True Stories of Extraordinary Answers to Prayer, Unexpected Answers and Desires of Your Heart; Baker Books, Revell, The Dog Next Door, Horse of my Heart, and Dogs/Rescue scheduled for October, 2018 publication; CrossRiver Media Publishers, The Benefit Package and Abba’s Promise; Bethany House Publishers, Jesus Talked to me Today.
She enjoys swimming and horseback riding and lives in Addison Township with her husband and their Arabian horses. Her children now grown and married, she and Edward are the blessed recipients of two handsome grandsons and two beautiful granddaughters!
Connect with Catherine on her Website and on Facebook
Releasing April 17th: Destiny’s Whirlwind
Collina McConnell is thrust from adolescence to adulthood shortly before the Spanish-American War erupts when she promises her dying father she will manage their estate in Emerald, Kentucky. But her father dies before disclosing the mystery behind his legacy for Shushan.
Rough Rider Franklin Long offers his help till that fateful day he leaves for Cuba, then a disgruntled in-law and a vindictive lawyer places the McConnell clan in the clutches of life’s tangled web of deception and greed. The words of Esther 8:6 ring in Collina’s thoughts. “How can I endure to see the evil that will come to my people?”
Get your copy today on Amazon
A Wordsowers review by Clarissa Ruth
Destiny’s Whirlwind is a tale of heart and grit straight out of post-Civil War Kentucky. Likable characters face their challenges with faith and courage, but at times enjoy the beauty of a glittering backdrop, sometimes of natural splendor, other times of the shared luxury of wealthy friends. With frequent nods to Scripture and examples of sustaining faith, this novel is overtly Christian in a way that generally does not preach. Though romantic, unexpected twists, engaging drama and a bit of action add extra layers of interest to the tale. From the beginning, the story caught my attention, drawing me into the world through its details: from simple farm life, to the exploits of patriots. At times I struggled to follow the flow of individual conversations or events, as if part of the picture were missing. A more thorough process of writer editing with reader input would cure many a hiccup in the story’s flow. Still, the narrative is strong enough to pull a reader around these issues as the unconventional romance unfolds. Along the way, you may find yourself rooting not only for the hero and heroine, but also for the country in which they, and we, live. Patriotism flavors this book with a vibrant taste of why we can be proud to be Americans.
Disclaimer: A review copy was provided by the publisher for a fair and honest review.
About our reviewer:
Clarissa Ruth is a storyteller, adventure-loving healer, and an undeserving bride of Jesus Christ. The outdoors may find her star-gazing while whispering a prayer,or weaving a morning dance of praise barefoot on the grass. Indoors, words are her playground. When this world becomes boring, she travels, via her Scriptorium, to Cheled and all the adventures her fantasy world contains. She’s written one of these epic tales down, and more books are to follow. Though writing stories of freedom is her passion, she is lost for words without Jesus.
Connect with Clarissa on her WEBSITE.