Room, by Emma Donoghue

I just finished a rare treasure that I'd like to share with all of you today. This piece of literature is unique in so many ways. I watched the movie shortly after turning the last pages of the book, and as always, the book was so much better. 

Have you read anything lately worth recommending?

Jack and his Ma have been kidnapped and they are trapped in the backyard of their perpetrator. Jack, being a result of this man's abuse, is oblivious to the torment inflicted on his mother. The entire story it told through the eyes of this 5 year old little boy, and the author educates the reader through somebody who is not yet able to understand what he is seeing. It's absolutely brilliant.

This unique perspecitve provides this story with a fresh curiosity right from the start. She introduces the reader to a very limited POV, then slowly branches out, peeling away the whereabouts in small layers. This style mirrors the book's setting, another amazing literary device, and once the stakes are introduced, any reader will have a hard time putting the book down.

A new empathy sprouted inside of me from reading this piece, and I will never look at abduction the same way again. I thought the story played out realistically, and while the plot line ended up being more about the emotional and psychological ramifications, I still clung to every sensory detail.

I recommend this book for anybody who is looking to read a heartwarming story about a young mother who is determined to make everything as normal as possible for her little boy, in a not-so-normal world. 

A Devotion

Today's post is a devotion of mine that was published on CBN.com some years ago. I hope you enjoy it.

The Lunch Encounter

Top 3 Networking Tips

It was about nine years ago when I took my first step onto the grounds of a writers' conference. It was in those early moments of overcoming the butterflies and navigating through the itinerary, when the most valuable tool was given to me. I've tucked it into my writing tool belt and I pull it out as needed. And as a result, God has opened the most amazing doors.

Cheri Williams was my ambassador of networking. She taught me the beauty of blowing a few workshops off for the sake of grabbing some real one-on-one time with the industry professionals. She invited me to join her for the late-night pow-wows in the lounge, where published authors would talk shop and agents would spill some of the best industry secrets. She taught me how to mingle a little. And would you believe that this introvert had fun doing it?

Here are three tips I've learned through the process of trying this whole thing out.

Be Yourself
I realized over time that hanging out in the lounge and pursuing conversations for the duration of the conference fried me. And I learned that it's okay. By conference end, I've always needed a good block of time afterwards where I am not required to engage in any way. Good friends and family members have recognized my signals (all of which include my inability to speak). And they have been so gracious to give me the space I need in order to unwind.

Be Available
It is important for us to to put a plan in place, but if God plops somebody down in front of you, toss the agenda and see what may come of it. Some of my most career-boosting conversations were spontaneous. This has left plenty of room for God to move.

Be Bold
Have your eyes open to every opportunity and don't be afraid to try new things. Creativity is nurtured through discovery. A lot of times I don't know I will enjoy something until I try it.

And as so many of my new writing friends have taught me, make it more about what you can give, rather than what you can take. Ask God how you can add value to the other person, and get ready to see Him respond with a heap of blessing.

How has networking contributed to your success? Do you have any tools you'd like to add to my belt?

The Secret of Independence

I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do all this through him who gives me strength. ~ Philippians 4:12-13

This 4th of July, I thought it would be fun to settle on the word independence for a bit. Merriam-Webster defines it this way:

•  freedom from outside control or support
•  not requiring or relying on something else
•  showing a desire for freedom

On July 4, 1776 our country claimed independence from Britain and democracy was born. As a result, people from all over of the world ventured this way for the sake of pursuing the American Dream. From this, we find a vast variety of innovation and ethnicity among us. And every year we celebrate with family gatherings that often times include a barbecue pit and showers of fireworks. 

As our country celebrates this concept of freedom, I ponder what it means for me. The past decade and a half, I've longed for independence concerning my time. With the desire to write, I've wanted to quit my day job and step into the shoes of a full-time novelist. But due to a handful of employment opportunities and a "not yet" from God, I've learned to wait. This time of testing has carved a deep and painful groove in my heart. It is in this secret place that patience has has begun to bud. It gets watered every day by silent tears that only God can see.

Because of this season of waiting, I've discovered the kind of freedom that does not depend on my circumstances, just like Paul talks about in the book of Philippians. When I am able to see my circumstances through the eyes of faith, I can see that I already have everything I need in order to feel happy and fulfilled. 

I've got Jesus. 

Now I know this might sound like a pat answer, or something preachy that you hear in the heat of a televangelist sermon. But please don't miss this. There is so much truth to this statement. Jesus Christ, God's very own Son, has proven to be all my heart will ever need.

While I'd still very much like to give my current job notice, I've learned that my writing career and my happiness is not dependent on such. I am taking steps that will eventually lead me to a place of freedom, where I will spend most of my waking hours writing. But until then, I can rest knowing He will rescue me when the moment is right.

Is there something you long to be free from? And how would a change in perspective help you see things differently?